Mental Health Issues Female Veterans Health And Social Care Essay

Approximately 10 % of military personnels presently stationed in Afghanistan, Operation Enduring Freedom ( OEF ) and Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom ( OIF ) are adult females ( Murdoch et al. 2006 ) . Additionally, adult females account for every bit many as one in five enlisted military personnels in assorted service subdivisions. These adult females protect the United States of America through dedication and courage. Nonetheless, military service is associated with increased odds of holding a assortment of life changing conditions and mental unwellnesss. Therefore, it is indispensable for counsellors to go cognizant of the alone jobs that arise in female veterans. The acknowledgment of wellness related challenges female veterans face is long delinquent. Simply inquiring adult females about their military service may open up treatment that provides of import information associating to the intervention being received. As clinicians, we must hold accurate cognition in order to supply qu ality services for female veterans. In this paper, I will discourse the alone mental and physical wellness issues female veterans encounter and interventions deemed effectual for this population. Keywords: Female veterans, OEF/OIF, adult females veterans, combat Womans have been contending for our state for since the War for Independence, but yet they are invariably overlooked by male veterans. In recent old ages, the continued importance of adult females to the United States military has increased. Women history for about one-seventh ( 14 % ) of the active constituent and about 10 % of all U.S. military soldiers to Afghanistan and Iraq ( Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2009 ) . Surveies have indicated that the figure of returning Operation Enduring Freedom ( OEF ) and Operation Iraqi Freedom ( OIF ) veterans in demand of mental wellness services is on the rise ( Chen, 2007 ) . The research sing combat related unwellness has chiefly revolved around male veterans. Half a million female veterans get wellness attention through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and the figure is expected to turn by 30 per centum in the following five old ages ( Chen, 2007 ) . Although most service members will ab initio be treated in military intervention installations, many may happen themselves returning to have psychological intervention in Veteran Affairs or public intervention centres. Therefore, it is of import for all wellness attention professionals to hold cognition of female issues relevant to these returning soldiers. There are important menaces to the wellness of all participants in military operations during wartime such as conflict hurts, station traumatic emphasis upset ( PTSD ) , traumatic encephalon hurt ( TBI ) , endemic infective diseases and military equipment related accidents ( Active Component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2009 ) . In add-on, there can be alone menaces to the wellness of adult females in combat environments. These alone menaces must be examined to guarantee quality intervention for female veterans.Womans in the MilitaryHistorically, adult females ‘s integrating into the Armed Forces has followed a series of progresss an d reverses, with progresss closely tied to deficits of qualified males, normally during war times ( Murdoch et al. , 2006 ) . Female veterans have been portion of every struggle the United States of America has been involved in. Their parts have been tremendous, yet they have been overshadowed by male veterans. Many female veterans have been killed during combat and many today live with life changing hurts. Additionally, female soldiers have been captured and taken as Prisoners of War ( POW ) . Brave nurses pioneered the belief that adult females are able to hold a big impact during war clip. For illustration, at considerable hazard to themselves, nurses pioneered the scheme of conveying intervention to hurt soldiers on the battleground alternatively of evacuating them foremost ( Murdoch et al. 2006 ) . Merely as female nurses function in the armed forces are recognized as indispensable, the other places females hold in the armed forces have become progressively recognized through combat decorations and assorted distinguished awards. However, while adult females have ma de big paces in being accepted by the armed forces, they still encounter mental and physical troubles that are alone to being a female veteran.Posttraumatic stress disorderPTSD is an anxiousness upset that manifests feelings of intense fright, weakness, and panic. Exposure to a â€Å" terrific event or series of eventsaˆÂ ¦in which grave physical injury occurred or was threatened † is the cause of PTSD ( Collie, Backos, Malchiodi, & A ; Spiegel, 2006, p. 157 ) . The research sing PTSD has chiefly revolved around male veterans, and there is a dearth of research sing female veterans that are diagnosed with PTSD. Female veterans have multiple forecasters that could take to a diagnosing of PTSD after functioning clip in war.Pre-military injuryFemale veterans report high rates of posttraumatic emphasis upset due to an association with hapless psychiatric maps, substance maltreatment, and physical wellness jobs. Emotional maltreatment is associated with poorer role-physical op eration, increased bodily hurting and greater odd of utilizing pain medicine in the past six months with physical maltreatment being associated with poorer general wellness ( Lang et al. , 2006 ) . Recent surveies indicate about all female veterans experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives ( Zinzow et al. , 2007 ) . Some of the important injury histories that female veterans have been exposed to include sexual assault, child sexual maltreatment, adult sexual maltreatment, physical assault, child physical maltreatment and domestic force. Womans with histories of childhood ill-treatment have higher rates of physical wellness jobs and greater medical use compared to adult females without maltreatment histories ( Zinzow et al. , 2007 ) . The fact that female veterans have a high sum of trauma histories may be related to the research that a big sum of adult females enlist in the armed forces to get away unhealthy environments such as domestic maltreatment and drug maltrea tment ( Sadler, Booth, Mengeling & A ; Doebbeling, 2004 ) . Surveies suggest that more than half ( 52 % -54 % ) of female veterans experience pre-military physical or sexual maltreatment and that they are more likely than work forces to describe pre-military injury ( Sadler et al. , 2004 ) ) . . Furthermore, physical and sexual force among female veterans during wartime has been indicated to hold higher rates when compared to peace clip military samples and female civilians ( Wolf et al. , 1998 ) . All in all, adult females may come in the armed forces with symptoms of important injury histories, be exposed to extra hazard factors during combat exposure and brush sexual assault while functioning in the armed forces.Military Sexual TraumaFemale veterans non merely see pre-military injury, but they besides have an addition of force exposure within the military environment that includes tolerance of sexual torment by higher-ups and unwanted sexual progresss. When a female veteran experiences these traumatic events, it is referred to as Military Sexual Assault ( MST ) . MST testing at infirmaries around the state have been labeled as inconsistent. There tends to be a deficit of female physicians, and medical staff has non received proper preparation to assistance veterans enduring from MST. All of these insufficiencies contribute to a deficiency of understanding about how to handle female veterans who live with the symptoms of MST. The estimated prevalence of military-related sexual assault ranges from 30 % in a survey done by ( Sadler et al. , 2004 ) to 71 % in a PTSD disability-seeking sample completed by ( Murdoch Pounsny, Hodges, & A ; O'Brien, 2004 ) . Harmonizing to a big survey of former military militias, more than half of sexual assaults that took topographic point during military service occurred at a military work site and during responsibility hours ( Zinzow et al. , 2007 ) . A bulk of the wrongdoers are fellow soldiers and creates a nerve-racking environment for adult females populating on military evidences. T his state of affairs has the female veteran life at the same military site that the culprit resides, therefore, seeing them on a day-to-day footing. Military sexual injury besides effects their military calling due to a big sum of veterans seeking to reassign or go forth the service as a consequence of the traumatic events they encountered ( Sadler, Booth, Cook & A ; Doebbeling, 2003 ) .Gender DifferencesThe research associated with female veterans shows the difference between what female veterans experience with PTSD compared to male veterans. By and large, interpersonal factors, depression, household, interpersonal factors and fright are more of import to PTSD among adult females and female veterans report more revenant symptoms and are more likely to run into the standards for PTSD even though they are undiagnosed ( Benda and House, 2003 ) . Women look to be more socially invested and more flexible in interpersonal sharing and support so work forces. It makes sense to see that fo nd regards, societal support and jobs with household and friends are more relevant to PTSD among adult females than work forces ( Benda and House, 2003 ) . Additionally, female veterans appear to be more unfastened sing their PTSD diagnosing, and are by and large more active in having the aid that they deserve.Virtual Reality ExposureA new intervention supplying consequences to our current veterans is Virtual Reality Exposure ( VRE ) therapy. The construct of ( VRE ) involves plunging the veteran in a computer-generated universe utilizing a assortment of engineerings, such as show systems, three dimensional stimulations, simulated odors, and realistic pilotage devices ( Reger & A ; Gregory, 2008 ) . During the therapy, the veteran is exposed to battle stimulations in controlled mode.The end of VRE is to go desensitized to the stimulation that the traumatic memories evoke. VRE gives the clinician a tool to modulate emotional battle. Effective intervention requires triping the patholo gical fright construction and integrating new, disconfirming information ( Reger, & A ; Gregory, 2008 ) . Additionally, VRE provides an option to speak therapy for veterans who are concerned with the stigma attached to traditional therapy. VRE intervention increases the likeliness of female veterans making out to seek intervention for a job that can greatly impact their lives.Art TherapyAnother lifting signifier of intervention for PTSD with female veterans is art therapy. Art therapy uses art as an look that helps persons callback, re-enact, and incorporate traumatic experiences and retrieve from emotional upsets associated with psychological injury ( Brett & A ; Ostroff, 1985 ) . Art therapy has been applied to a broad scope of injury, such as domestic force and maltreatment which gives recognition to its effectivity with female veterans. As a consequence, the modern-day pattern of art therapy in the intervention of injury, and more late PTSD, emphasizes the utility of art look in the Reconstruction of the injury narrative and besides in the direction of emphasis, physical symptoms, and psychological upsets ensuing in ague or chronic injury ( Ballou, 1995, pp. 68 ) . One of import facet of art therapy is the creative activity of a safe infinite for the female veteran where these traumatic feelings can be processed. Sometimes the verbal accomplishment to depict traumatic experiences is missing, and by making art, the individual can experience more confident. Persons with PTSD may hold troubles building a coherent injury narrative with words entirely, so art doing provides a non-verbal signifier of communicating that may be more suited to consolidating and incorporating traumatic memories ( Collie et al. , 2006 ) . An of import curative tool of art therapy is the thought of containment, holding traumatic stuff within an object or image. This provides the veteran a sense of control over terrifying and intrusive memories and promotes emotional self-efficacy ( Collie et al. , 2006 ) . Based on the theory behind this tool, art therapy shows a promise as a intervention for combat-related PTSD. Art therapy has the ability to cut down immediate symptoms, overcome turning away, emotional numbing, and ease the organisation and integrating of traumatic memories in ways that traditional talk therapy can non supply ( Collie et al. , 2006 ) . Therefore, art therapy is going popular in handling female combat veterans with PTSD returning from OEF and OIF.Cognitive-behavioral Conjoint TherapyAs the newest coevalss of veterans return place, many persons face duty-related traumatic experiences that create PTSD and relationship hurt. Compared with old wars, possibly one of the biggest differences with the current war is that OEF/OIF service work forces and adult females are older and more likely to be married/partnered and to hold kids ( Monson, Fredman, & A ; Adair, 2008 ) . The consequence of traumatization on intimate relationships has been an country of concern for returning veterans. Female veterans enduring from PTSD have more terrible relationship jobs, a higher likeliness of disassociating and to disassociate multiple times, higher rate s of verbal and physical aggression against spouses and kids, more sexual disfunction, and higher significant damages in emotional expressiveness ( Milliken, Auchterlonie, & A ; Hoge, 2007 ) . In add-on to high and increasing prevalence of mental wellness jobs among OEF/OIF service members, one of the most noteworthy countries of lifting jobs is in interpersonal relationships ( Milliken et al. , 2007 ) . Due to these recent finds, cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD has been used to handle OEF/OIF combat veterans. Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD assumes that the association between PTSD and adumbrate relationship hurt is complex and mutual ; PTSD symptoms are considered to lend to straiten, which, in bend exacerbates and reinforces PTSD symptomology ( Monson et al. , 2008 ) . This type of therapy is suited for a assortment of twosomes showing for intervention because it keeps twosomes unified against PTSD and its effects on the relationship. The twosomes are encouraged to analyze how to shrivel the function PTSD plays in their relationship. With the addition Numberss of service members and their households enduring the aftereffects of combat related traumatic experiences, healer must endeavor to develop the best possible intervention. Although the strong association between PTSD and adumbrate relationship jobs is unfortunate, this connexion besides presents an chance to capitalise on the mending power of intimate relationships to better the wellness of the persons and their relationship ( Monson et al. , 2008 ) . All things considered, Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD has the coincident ends of bettering PTSD in one or both persons of the twosome and bettering their confidant relationship.Body-oriented TherapyA recent manner of therapy that is effectual for handling female veterans is Body-oriented therapy intercessions. In a survey done by ( Prince, 2007 ) the research workers found the intercession provided new accomplishments for hurting decrease and self-care, facilitation of emotional consciousness, trust, and control, and for many penetration into the function of body-mind consciousness and connexion in healing and trauma recovery. Body-oriented therapy is focused on easing centripetal and emot ional consciousness utilizing a combination of hand-on and verbal therapy. The end is to go cognizant of your organic structure and head. This manner of therapy is designed to be antiphonal to single comfort and safety demands, and therefore there is flexibleness to go to to emotional or physical uncomfortableness, should it originate ( Prince, 2007 ) . At the terminal of the intervention, a reappraisal of the session experience is discussed and a development of a take-home organic structure awareness exercising is given to the veteran. This gives the female veteran the ability to go on to use what they have learned on a day-to-day bases. The long-run consequences may give a female veteran to hold greater consciousness of how their head and organic structure work are integrated.DecisionWomans veterans are courageous, dedicated persons who are motivated to function this state and do forfeits for our freedom. Therefore, it is of import for us to acknowledge their parts. Female veteran s will go on to supply a critical function in the military alongside their male opposite numbers. Recognition of the physical and mental wellness challenges is long delinquent. Female veterans are seeking guidance services for combat related unwellnesss at a rapid gait. Therefore, it is imperative that counsellors have accurate cognition and research the alone troubles female veterans face. By holding a better apprehension of these troubles, counsellors can supply consequence intervention that female veterans desire and deserve.

Virgin Mobile Usa Analysis

Virgin Mobile USA Analysis [pic] August 08, 2009 Table of Contents Table of Contents2 Introduction3 Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE Matrix)4 External Factor Evaluation (EFE Matrix)5 Porter’s Five Forces6 Porters Generic Forces6 Financial Analysis7 Competitive Profile Matrix8 The Marketing Mix-The 5 P's9 Key Issues10 Boston Consulting Group (BCG Matrix)11 GE / McKinsey Matrix12 Space Matrix14 Recommendations16 Introduction Virgin Mobile is a great company that has been successful based in the U. K. The company is well known for its brand extension and was the first company to introduce the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in the U. K. , where they leased network space form another firm instead of running a network in-house and as a result avoiding infrastructure and large fixed cost. The company was well known for its hip and trendy position in the U. K. , and catered to the youth market. Although they have had a couple failures in the past including launching the MVNO in Singapore, the company decided to venture into the U. S. Virgin Mobile positions itself to come up with an appealing offer and ensure a run rate of one million subscribers in the first year and three million by the fourth year. Keeping with the brand strategy and philosophy of making a difference, it enters areas, which are not well served which in this case is the age group of 15-29 due to their low frequency of usage and poor credit rating. While targeting this segment lifestyle and psychographics factors are important as usage is inconsistent, and based on school and, vacation periods. Virgin customers are attracted to the products and services because of the flexible monthly terms, easy to understand pricing structures, stylish handsets offered at affordable prices and relevant mobile data and entertainment content. Virgin offers products and services on a flat per-minute basis and on a monthly basis for specified quantities, or â€Å"buckets†, of minutes purchased in advance in each case, without requiring customers to enter into long-term contracts or commitments (Virgin Mobile USA). Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE Matrix) Internal Factor Evaluation | |Matrix (IFE Matrix) | |CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS |Weight |Rating |Weighted Score | |What are those factors in the internal environment which are critical to the future success of the |Relative |How well has the firm, | ; 2. 50 = the firm and | |organization? Importance of that|or its strategies, |its strategies are not | |Does management have control over them? (The answer should be yes) |factor in the |res ponded to the |capitalizing on | | |firm's industry |factor? |opportunities or avoiding| | |0=Not Important; |1 = poor response |threats. | | |1=Very Important |2 = average response |> 2. 0 = the firm, and/or| | |or Critical |3 = above average |its strategies, is/are | | | |response |responding well to | | | |4 = superior response |threats and opportunities| | | | |in its industry. |STRENGTHS |   |   |   | |Virgin brand name [Globally recognized brand name] |0. 25 |4 |1 | |Competitive Price of Phone Package |0. 03 |2 |0. 06 | |On-line Store 24/7 |0. 2 |2 |0. 04 | |Excellent Sales Promotions |0. 1 |3 |0. 3 | |Pro-active and quick to act |0. 12 |3 |0. 36 | |Friendly staff – Good at understanding and meeting customer needs |0. 04 |3 |0. 2 | |Targeting a narrow target market [less advertising costs] |0. 02 |4 |0. 08 | |50-50 joint venture with Sprint no worry for fixed costs or physical structure |0. 1 |4 |0. 4 | |An exclusive multiyear content and marketing agreement with MTV networks to deliver music, games and|0. 05 |4 |0. | |other MTV-, VH1-, and Nickelodeon based content to Virgin Mobile subscribers | | | | |Unique mobile features and extras |0. 02 |3 |0. 06 | |Channel strategy that is more closely aligned to its target market selection. |0. 02 |3 |0. 06 | |Unique image youth oriented other providers focus on business people. 0. 02 |3 |0. 06 | |Unique advertising strategy |0. 02 |4 |0. 08 | |WEAKNESSES |   |   |   | |Limited [Low] advertising budget |0. 3 |4 |0. 52 | |No contract option means that there is a chance of having higher churn rates. |0. 01 |3 |0. 03 | |New Foreign Brand associated with Music/Travel |0. 01 |2 |0. 02 | |CBD Location is busy/inconvenient for Suburb Customers |0. 02 |1 |0. 2 | |Mobile Coverage |0. 01 |1 |0. 01 | |Separate Billing/Account information (More Direct Mail) |0. 01 |2 |0. 02 | |Total |1 |   |3. 44 | |   |   |   |3. 4 > 2. 5 | Virgin Mobile exhibited internal weaknesses and strengths wit hin its environment rated above weighted score of 3. 44 on a scale of 1 to 4. This can be attributed to the good leadership that includes friendly staff, the market niche that is image youth oriented, unique advertising strategy, channel strategy on the other hand limited advertising budget, potential higher churn rates and poor mobile coverage expose Virgin Mobile’s weaknesses that must be addressed. External Factor Evaluation (EFE Matrix) |External Factor Evaluation |Matrix (EFE Matrix) | |CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS |Weight |Rating |Weighted Score | |What are those factors in the internal environment which are critical to the future success of|Relative Importance of|How well has the firm, or| < 2. 50 = the firm and its| |the organization? |that factor in the |its strategies, responded|strategies are not | |Does management have control over them? The answer should be no) |firm's industry |to the factor? |capitalizing on | | |0=Not Important; |1 = poor response |opportunities or avoiding | | |1=Very Important or |2 = average response |threats. | | |Critical |3 = above average |; 2. 0 = the firm, and/or | | | |response |its strategies, is/are | | | |4 = superior response |responding well to threats| | | | |and opportunities in its | | | | |industry. |OPPORTUNITIES |   |   |   | |Penetration among consumers 15-29 is significantly lower and the growth rate among this |0. 12 |4 |0. 8 | |demographic is projected to be robust in the next 5 years [this segment hasn’t been targeted | | | | |yet] | | | | |Revenue for mobile entertainment projected to increase steadily over the next few years. |0. 1 |4 |0. | |Open more Virgin Mobile Stores across Capital Cities/Regional Markets |0. 05 |3 |0. 15 | |Integrate into Music/Travel packages |0. 25 |4 |1 | |Wider Mobile Phone Coverage-National & International |0. 1 |3 |0. | |THREATS |   |   |   | |Market seems to have reached maturity |0. 14 |3 |0. 42 | |Market is overcrowded |0. 15 |2 |0. 3 | |Customers ages 15-29 are low value subscribers [don’t use their cell phone regularly] |0. 3 |2 |0. 06 | |Limited National Coverage |0. 01 |2 |0. 02 | |The age group targeted tends to have poor credit quality |0. 03 |3 |0. 09 | |Competition from A T & T, T-Mobile USA, Cellco and Verizon etc |0. 02 |2 |0. 4 | |Total |1 |   |3. 26 | |   |   |   |3. 26 ; 2. 5 | Virgin Mobile’s response to external opportunities and threats within its environment is rated above weighted score of 3. 26 on a scale of 1 to 4. There are wide opportunities for Virgin Mobile to open more Virgin Mobile Stores across Capital Cities/Regional Markets. Make the offers more attractive by Integrating Music/Travel packages. Provide wider Mobile Phone coverage-National & International. On the other hand there are threats that are looming due to the market that seems to have reached maturity and overcrowded. There is limited National coverage which needs to be expanded. There is also Competition from A T & T, T-Mobile USA, Cellco and Verizon etc. These threats must be countered effectively. Porter’s Five Forces Supplier power (Weak) – Lots of cell phone providers, therefore companies like Kyocera lower prices to contract with service providers. Buyer power (Strong) Current cell phone service providers are numerous, which allows for many options for buyers. Barriers to Entry (Weak) – There is nothing that will prevent Virgin from competing to an untapped market. The threat of substitutes (Weak) – There are very few substitutes available that offer mobile and immediate communication. Alternative like pagers are outdated & this target market cannot afford sophisticated PDA service. Degree of Rivalry (Strong) – Competitors have brand recognition in the US and have the majority of the market share. Porters Generic Forces Virgin Mobile applies the three generic strategies. Cost leadership strategy that seeks to minimize costs and maximize profits. For example the company had entered into distribution agreements with Target and Best Buy, both of which charged lower commissions than traditional industry channels $30 per phone, versus an industry average of $100. 6. They also sought to hire talented staff that is friendly and good at understanding and meeting customer needs. In terms of differentiation, the team decided that a key part of the Virgin Mobile service would involve the delivery of content, features, and entertainment, which they called â€Å"VirginXtras. To this end, the company signed an exclusive, multiyear content and marketing agreement with MTV networks to deliver music, games, and other MTV-, VH1-, and Nickelodeon based content to Virgin Mobile subscribers. Therefore Virgin Mobile focuses on unique image that is youth oriented while other providers focus on business people. Virgin Mobile also differentiated it’s service by good customer care. There are advantages and risks exhibited with each strategic option. Virgin Mobile’s opportunities in this market were based on determining the unmet needs and creating new ways or means for satisfying these unmet needs. And it had to be based on buyer types, buyers’ needs and the technological means of satisfying those needs. Virgin Mobile used a more concentrated approached; they identified buyers’ needs by focusing on the age group 15 to 29 with specifically those with no credit and may not have usage or a lot of minutes; The Company put an emphasis on usage of minutes, style, fashion, fun, honesty and great value for money. This segment represented a possible opportunities for market penetration. It identified two attitudinal and lifestyle markets in their chosen segment; those that had no credit and wanted a phone with no contracts but can indulge in text messaging, downloading information into the cell phone and they were more likely to use ring tones, faceplates and graphic and those that wanted a phone as a fashion statement. Even people with similar usage needs, often have differing lifestyles representing various value sets. For example some people have an active lifestyle in which sports and fitness play an important role, while for others, art, fashion and trends may be very important. Financial Analysis Virgin Mobile USA, Inc. Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2008: Sales: $1,323. 5M One year growth: 0. 8% Net income: $7. 9M Income growth: 88. 4% AT Mobility Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2008: Sales: $124,028. 0M One year growth: 4. 3% Net income: $12,867. 0M Income growth: 7. 7% Cellco Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2007: Sales: $43,900. 0M One year growth: 15. 5% T-Mobile USA Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2008: Sales: $1,323. 5M One year growth: 0. 8% Net income: $7. 9M Income growth: 88. 4% Verizon Key numbers for fiscal year ending December, 2008: Sales: $97,354. M One year growth: 4. 2% Net income: $6,428. 0M Income growth: 13. 7% Reference: http://www. hoovers. com/virgin-mobile-usa/–ID__156760–/free-co-competitors. xhtml The main competitors are AT&T, Cello, T-Mobile USA and Verizon. Initially, Virgin may have no great profits since they are trying to be the low cost provider. Although they were profitable i n the UK, they have no brand recognition in the US to fall back on. Based data, Virgin Mobile is able to compete effectively with their major competitors as far as sales are concerned. They are also able to do this will less employees, meaning low operating cost. The company’s ability to compete effectively gives a good indication on their ability to keep their current market share and expand operations into new target markets. Competitive Profile Matrix |Competitive Profile Analysis | |Competitive Profile Matrix | | |Virgin Mobile |AT & T |Cingular |Verizon |Sprint | |Critical Success factors |Weight |Rating |W. T. Score | |Overall Market Size |0. 20 |5 |1 | |Annual Market Growth Rate |0. 20 |5 |1 | |Sector Profitability |0. 12 |4 |0. 48 | |Competitive Intensity |0. 14 |1 |0. 4 | |Global Opportunities |0. 12 |4 |0. 48 | |Regulatory Regime |0. 05 |3 |0. 15 | |Opportunity to Differentiate |0. 04 |5 |0. 2 | |Technological Requirements |0. 5 |1 |0. 05 | |Entry Barriers |0. 02 |1 |0. 02 | |Distribution Structure |0. 06 |5 |0. 3 | |Total |1 |   |3. 82 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Business Unit Strength Factors |Factor Weighting |Business Unit Rating |Value | |Market Share |0. 2 |1 |0. 2 | |Share Growth |0. 2 |4 |0. | |Product Quality |0. 05 |2 |0. 1 | |Brand Reputation |0. 1 |1 |0. 1 | |Distribution Network |0. 31 |5 |1. 55 | |Promotional Effectiveness |0. 05 |5 |0. 25 | |Production Capacity |0. 2 |4 |0. 08 | |Cost Management |0. 01 |5 |0. 05 | |R Performance |0. 02 |5 |0. 1 | |Management |0. 04 |4 |0. 16 | |Total |1 |   |3. 39 | [pic] McKinsey model above shows us strong business attractiveness and that the business strength for Virgin Mobile is fairly low. The fact of the matter is that competition in the cellular phone business is strong with many competitors. Currently the top providers operate to benefit themselves and not the consumer with high prices and limited features for the money. Consumers have various choices as far as provider is concerned, but no company has differentiated themselves to benefit the consumer’s pocket. Virgin Mobile must strive to excel. Space Matrix Strategic Position & Action Evaluation [pic]    |   |   |   |   |   | |   |Internal Strategic Position |External Strategic Position | |   |Competitive Advantage |Industry Attractiveness | |   |Ratings |   |   |Ratings |   | | |(-6 worst, -1 Best) | | |(+1 worst, +6 Best) | | |   |-5 |Market share |   |5 |Market Growth potential | |   |-4 |Product quality |   |2 |Profit potential | |   |-3 |Produc t life cycle |   |4 |Financial stability | |   |-5 |Brand & Image |   |5 |Resource utilization | |   |-3 |Customer loyalty |   |2 |Capital intensity | |   |-3 |Technological know-how |   |2 |Barriers to entry | |  Total |-23 |   |  Ã‚  Total |20 |   | |Avg |   |AVG 3. 33|   | |-3. 83 | | | | |   |   |Total axis X score: |-0. 0 |   |   | |Financial Strength |Environmental Stability | |   |Ratings |   |   |Ratings |   | | |(+1 worst, +6 Best) | | |(-6 worst, -1 Best) | | |   |4 |ROI |   |-3 |Technological changes | |   |2 |Leverage |   |-5 |Demand Elasticity | |   |3 |Liquidity |   |-3 |Price range of competition | |   |3 |Capital required/available |   |-6 |Barriers to entry | |   |3 |Ease of market exit |   |-6 |Competitive pressure | |   |2 |Risk involved in business |   |-5 |Price elasticity | |  Ã‚  Total |16 |   |  Ã‚  Total |-28 |   | |Avg |   |Avg |   | |2. 67 | |-4. 67 | | |   |   |Total axi s Y score: |-2. 00 |   |   | With the given the Space Matrix data we realize that the company should pursue a defensive strategy. The implication is that the firm is operating within a market that is experiencing negative to stable growth and that Virgin Mobile is experiencing severe financial constraints. Virgin Mobile knows that the market is saturated and very competitive they went ahead and positioned themselves to pursue their niche in the market share. I recommend applying a combination of retrenchment, divestiture, liquidation and concentric diversification. Recommendations Virgin Mobile wants to compete within a new market and not have the competition beat them in this game. Several options as far as pricing were developed by the company. They can either clone existing prices, price below the competition, or create their own unique pricing strategy. Cloning the industry, will not allow them to differentiate themselves in order to stand out from the competition, although, it would be easy to promote. Pricing below the competition would still be copying the competitor’s strategy, but just offering a lower price. Their only differentiating factor would be that they were cheaper. I recommend a different strategy. Creating the new plan would bring about the changes that consumers want such as eliminating contracts, offering pre-paid services, lower priced phones, and eliminating hidden fees. Although this strategy could be risky, they will ultimately do what they set out do which was to gain the market share of the under-30 crowd. With the options that MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon networks will offer, I believe consumers will see the added value in the product as opposed

Spread of English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Spread of English - Essay Example For this reason, the explosion of English as lingua franca of globalization is considered a triumph for America. It amounts to a global conquest for American culture and way of life, considering that language serves not only as medium of communication but also as repository of national identity, culture and even body politic. In that sense, the American English that is sweeping the planet in lockstep with globalization also poses a threat to the competitiveness and cultures of UK, not to mention France, Germany, Spain and other European Union member-countries. It will destroy or at least marginalize much of local cultures (The Economist, 2001). That this inexorable spread of English in its present form is a triumph benefiting no one else but the US is demonstrated by the increasing interest around the world in things American. Everyone has heard of the worldwide phenomenon called "McDonaldization," in which consumers swear by the same tastes for food and service. McDonald's is of course synonymous with America and as McDonald's stores saturate the planet and find enthusiastic acceptance everywhere, it promotes American values and culture and fortifies its position as a world power. This global homogenization of consumer culture is only one indication of the growing predominance of America put on track by the spread of its brand of English. In 2004, a study called Research International Observer (RIO) was mounted to determine the extent by which US-made consumer goods have homogenized consumer tastes and needs around the world. The survey was held at a time when anti-American sentiment was especially strong because of perceived US intervention in the internal affairs of other sovereign nations. It was found that consumer goods that mirror American cultural values are in fact held in high esteem around the world although some may fault American politics and policy (Tait, 2004). A group of respondents in Panama, for example, agreed that however ugly America and its politics are, "all we care about are their brands." The Turkey respondents echoed the same view, saying "our political view has nothing to do with our behavior as consumers." At the rate this language- driven Americanization process is going on, Cohen (2006) and Graddol (2006) indicate that it is only a matter of time before American politics, warts and all, gains the same level of blind acceptance as all made-in-the-USA products. Globalization There is no doubt that such spread of English has political underpinnings, the same way globalization was politically oriented when the rich and powerful nations first embarked on it over 100 years ago. At the start, globalization was called by another name, which was colonization (Thurow & Lessard, 2002). In the poorer countries, the colonizers sought gold mines, oil fields and raw materials that would enhance their wealth. Among the more active colonizing powers in the early days were England, America, France, and Spain. They occupied the poorer countries and effectively enlisted these colonies in the community of nations. In the process, the colonizing powers introduced their colonies to their respective languages to facilitate communication

Indigenous People and the Right to Self Determination Essay

Indigenous People and the Right to Self Determination - Essay Example The descendants of these indigenous people live in different parts of the world especially in the arctic and southern part of the pacific. This is according to those individuals that came to reside in countries earlier during which time people encompassing diversified cultures or even diversified ethnic origins arrived. Indigenous people include some Americans, the Aleutians and Inuit who reside in circumpolar region, northern Europe’s Saami, Australia’s Torres Strait Islanders and Aborigines as well as New Zealand’s Maori. As such, they have a history of unique characteristics retention and as such, these characteristics are by far differentiated when compared to those of other population segments (Ivison, Patton, & Sanders 2000). The U.N once asserted that, it is the identification of the indigenous people that can be regarded fruitful but not concentrating on trying to establish their definition. As such, the U.N based this on the criterion of self identificat ion, which is the most fundamental approach underlain in the documents that spell out the rights of a human (Shaw 2003). The fact that the indigenous people show distinct characteristics should be taken as a positive thing and as such, they must be protected by the international law. Therefore, there are several rights which are stipulated to protect them (Shaw 2003). Such a right is the right to self determination. Self determination can be described as a principle entailed in the law applying internationally whereby, it spell out the right to choose the political status of the entire world as well as the sovereignty. During the making of the choice, there should be no any form of manipulation in the form of external compulsions and interference (Suseno, Tri & Komnas HAM (Indonesia) 2006). The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of the indigenous people and thereby establishing ways in which these individuals can enforce their self determination rights. To understand the right to self determination of the indigenous people, it is better to look at the case between the Lubicon Lake Band and Canada whereby the communication which was submitted by Bernard Ominayak, who at that time was the chief of Lubicon Lake Band resulted to a decision being made by the committee handling the case (Suseno., Tri & Komnas HAM (Indonesia) 2006). As such, in that decision, a judgement was passed out that article 27 had a quotation of rights and as such, it spelled out the persons rights who reside in a community together with other people ought to give a hand in matters concerning the economic as well as social activities (Dersso 2010). The article made a clarity emphasis that these activities should be part and parcel of the culture of the society in which they reside in. At that time, the Lubicon Lake Band had its way of life put under threat and this indeed violated article 27 (Dyson, Hendriks & Grant 2007). Claiming capacity for the self determination right by the i ndigenous people is the most important focus point. If indeed these individuals were given a green light to exercise the underlying capacity, then they would in a consistent push for rights associated to autonomy, which encompasses the danger related to succession (Dyson. Hendriks & Grant 2007). The indigenous persons are entitled to a standard set in regard to protection and of which puts the basis on the combination of customary law applying internationally as well as legal instruments. In order to ensure that

COFFEE TRENDS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

COFFEE TRENDS - Essay Example Due to the high caffeine content and other chemical substances in coffee, it is believed that coffee is addictive, and in addition, health activists claim that to some extent it contributes to weight gain. Nevertheless, since its introduction, coffee has played an imperative role in human lives in various ways such as cultural, social, political, globalization, economical, and medicinal aspects. Coffee is popular in all occasions and is a customary gesture in many societies. For example, it is presented and consumed in many societies whereby it plays various roles with regard to a particular culture. For instance it acts as ethnic or religious representative of many groups, matrimonial or funeral essential commodity, irreplaceable element for individuals and professionals at all times. In addition, coffee is a symbol of hospitability, whereby social hospitable norms of many ethnic and religious groups require them to offer at least â€Å"a cup of coffee to their guests† as their standard etiquette (Topik 86). This is commonly seen in various religious societies, in which guests are often presented with a cup of coffee. For example, Muslims either in Ramadan or in their traditional weddings, keep coffee as a mandatory item for their guests. Similarly, Catholic, Jews and orthodox also keep this social beverage at important events such as funerals, marriage ceremonies, political and social meetings, and most importantly at professional work places (Croegaert 468). Throughout history, coffee houses have been social places for political and revolutionary movements across many nations. Companies such as Starbucks, Nestle, Proctor and gamble among others are popular for promoting a coffee culture where people can go relax in their coffee outlets and lounges, and consequently catch up or discuss political and social issues. Starbucks even went as far as providing Wi-Fi in their coffee lounges in Australia so that customers can

The Concepts of Moral Development Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Concepts of Moral Development - Assignment Example The concept of Kohlberg’s moral development is explained in 3 levels and each level is classified into two stages. STAGE 1: â€Å"Wrong or immoral actions are determined by punishments†.   Example: Punctuality is considered an important aspect of the performance evaluation of an employee. The employee that comes late to the office is considered as wrong action and employee gets punishment on such actions. Generally, salary deduction is the punishment for late timings. Here the salary deduction is indicating that coming late is considered as an immoral action in the company.      STAGE 2: â€Å"Right actions are determined by rewards†. Example: According to Kohlberg’s view, rewards are the justification of the employee’s good performance in the company. Sales employee in the company is rewarded with extra benefits when he or she makes more than a sales target. In this case, extra benefits are rewards for efficient performance.      STAGE 3: â€Å"Good behavior is the reflection of good intentions† Example: Employee realizes that drinking alcohol in the office during the lunch timings is an immoral action because it decreases the efficiency and productivity at the workplace. Employee’s positive concerned behavior towards work efficiency is the justification of his/her good intentions for the company.      STAGE 4: Compliance to authority, Significance of â€Å"doing one’s duty†. Example: Human resource employee is against the firing of production labor but he/she decided not to protest in the company without the permission of management. The sense of obedience to the authority of HR employee is justifying that he/she is maintaining social order. STAGE 5: â€Å"Recognizing that rules can be changed in order to adapt differences in moral and legal rights†. Example: Sometimes it can be seen that organizations perform activities like tax evasion, so the employee realizes that this should be change and organization should pay taxes to the government to encourage the application of equal distribution of wealth in the country.      STAGE 6: â€Å"Considering every Individual’s view based on conscience regarding any moral decision†. Example: A person refuses to obey the law of the society which treats a major portion of the population as second-class citizens.

The Analysis of Boeing Corporation Implementing PCMM Essay

The Analysis of Boeing Corporation Implementing PCMM - Essay Example Critical issues can easily be recognized through the implementation of PCMM; it is the foundation of best practices. Organizations use PCMM for cost reduction, waste and employee’s turnover reduction. Boeing Company’s turnover was 7% in 1998, and it came down by 5% in 1999 due to the implementation of PCMM (Curtis, Hefley, & Miller, 2003). Since 1991, Boeing Company was using the SW-CMM framework for the improvement of software processes and more than eleven thousand people were trained with SW-CMM. Boeing company always attempt to increase its activities, and the business goal of Boeing Company is to improve the quality and reduce cost and for this purpose Boeing conducted the first joint evaluation for PCMM in 1996. The company started the usage of PCMM in 1997 as a framework for the improvement of practices related to workforce, after twelve joint assessments PCMM level 2 was achieved by four organizations (Curtis, Hefley, & Miller, 2003). Boeing improved its software processes, retained skill workers, attracted newly trained workers and attained its business goals. The level of extremely satisfied employees got the increase. The industry benchmark for employees’ turnover was 16% in 1998, and Boeing’s turnover was 10 to 12 percent. Boeing increased it employees’ satisfaction up to 15%; Boeing reduced its defects related post-release, variation in schedules reduced by 38% and efforts variations that occur in labor work got reduce by 35% (Curtis, Hefley, & Miller, 2003). After having the analysis of PCMM, it has been clear that this model should be used as an improvement strategy for all organizational activities. According to human resource department PCMM should not be used only for HRM, rather the utilization of this program should be for the improvement of operational management’s capabilities (Curtis, Hefley, & Miller, 2003). Meaningful early meetings should be fixed with sponsors.

Capitalism Subverts Democracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Capitalism Subverts Democracy - Essay Example As the discussion explores capitalism encourages inequality in the pursuit of wealth and property and undermines Democracy and its pursuit of equality and a voice for all people. Voters allow the government to hear their voice by voting on the issues and the candidate that best represents their view on the issues. However, a voter discouraged by the economy and the government has a tendency not to vote and their voice is not heard. Is the government really listening to the people anyway? Political Parties take money to finance campaigns from wealthy businesses with the promise to provide something for that wealthy constituent. Capitalism creates an inequality in the distribution of wealth and a class system forms. Capitalism’s inequality subverts Democracy. This paper declares that capitalism creates competition in society to obtain property and wealth, however, only a small percentage of citizens obtain wealth and prosperity. The uneven distribution of wealth and property created by capitalism causes the formation of a class system. The middle class is the majority of the democratic voice and the middle class voice should be the predominating voice in the democratic system. The wealthy finance the campaigns of the political parties or bribe them to gain a stronger voice in the government. This undermines democracies desire for equality and a voice for all citizens. The many decisions of the government effects what happens in the economy causing the free market to â€Å"imprison policymaking†.

What is the Origin of Christianity Identification and Discussion of Essay

What is the Origin of Christianity Identification and Discussion of Issues - Essay Example . . the most powerful moral lever that has ever been applied to the affairs of men† (pp. 28–29). There is no denying that Christianity has wide-ranging effects on the history of man. It has been an important force that shaped culture and society. This paper aims to look at the history of Christianity, in order to determine how it changed society and culture at its period of establishment. Through the use of the Bible and historical documents, the researcher hopes to create a picture of society of the period covered by the period covered by the Holy Book, in order to understand the context of Christianity’s introduction. This research hopes to identify why and how Christianity became a source of development in the Western world. Moreover, through the use of biblical and historical text, the researcher can determine why Christianity was instituted in the first place. By gaining an insight as to the purpose of Christianity, this research can pose some recommendations on how the thousands of Christian denominations found in the world today can work together and bring about lasting change. This research aims to rediscover the Christian legacy and help Christian denominations fine their common heritage in order for them to face the challenges of the future.This research also hopes to understand why the Western world is now in the process of abandoning its Judeo-Christian tradition and determine whether such a move is beneficial or harmful for development. Significance of the Study/Significance to Reader As has been mentioned in the previous section, Christianity has been a major force of change in history. While a study of history shows that the effects of Christianity has not always been positive, it is also true that many values such as freedom and equality would not be present today. In R.R. Palmer’s words: It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of the coming of Christianity. It brought with it, for one thing, an altogether new se nse of human life. For the Greeks had shown man his mind; but the Christians showed him his soul. They taught that in the sight of God, all souls were equal, that every human life was sacrosanct and inviolate. Where the Greeks had identified the beautiful and the good, had thought ugliness to be bad, had shrunk from disease and imperfection and from everything misshapen, horrible, and repulsive, the Christian sought out the diseased, the crippled, the mutilated, to give them help. Love, for the ancient Greek, was never quite distinguished from Venus. For the Christians held that God was love, it took on deep overtones of sacrifice and compassion. (as quoted in Williams, 2012) As the world forges its way to modernity, the value of religion and Christianity is slowly being degraded. The West, the very recipient of the change and development brought about by the introduction of Christianity is abandoning its Christian legacy as horrors made in the name of religion (i.e. the Crusades, I nquision, black slavery, etc.) come into light. It is true that the formal church is (as represented by the Papacy) has not always been a positive influence for social change. As more and more people reject the value of God and the divine, it is important for believers to merge what they know about Christianity and the facts of history in order to fortify their belief. It is no longer possible for believers to disregard the crimes made in the name of Christ. The study is important because it provides a scientific understanding of Christianity and its context. It also tries to determine the purpose that Christianity served in human history, provides and insight into the future role of

Good cancer pain management can help patients feel better Essay Example for Free

Good cancer pain management can help patients feel better Essay Most cancer patients suffer from pain in varying degrees during their illness. The management of this pain and its relationship in improving the wellbeing of the patient is the primary focus of this study. This paper approached the study by researching articles that dealt with pain management from different angles. After critical analysis of these articles this paper will arrive at a conclusion that addresses the research question.   The topics reviewed included: 1. The use of a clinical instruction module (CLIM) for hospice nurses to upgrade their skills (Plymale, M. et al, 2001) 2. The role of cognition in promoting the psychological well being of the patient (Chen, Mei-Ling. 2002) 3. The use of pain management autobiographies to discover how best to deal with pain management (Schumacher, K. et al. 2001) 4. Overcoming patient related barriers to pain management by educating them (Chang, Ming-Chuan. 2002) 5. Providing a description of advanced cancer pain in home hospice subjects to enable the caregivers to alleviate their suffering (Dobratz, M. 2001) The material for this study was searched from the University of Wollongong database of Medline. The key words in the search for journal articles were nursing, research and cancer pain.   Articles were chosen for their relevance to the research question and the findings they came up with. Information that was obtained from these studies enabled the writer to draw important conclusions as concerns pain management in cancer patients with pain. The research is of extreme importance to the writer. I lost my husband to cancer. The trauma we all went through watching him in pain gave me a new impetus to do all in my power to ensure that no other patient will need to go through the same suffering as he did. As I continue to practice, I would like to contribute to breaking new ground in pain management in cancer patients; especially as concerns alleviating their pain and improving their quality of life. Article 1 In an article entitled ‘Cancer Pain Education: A Structured Clinical Instruction Module For Hospice Nurses’, appearing in the journal ‘Cancer Nursing ‘,Plymale M. et al (2001) studied the effect of pain education on the quality of service by caregivers. The research aimed to determine whether educating nurses on pain management will improve their ability to assess and manage pain in cancer patients. A clinical instruction module (CLIM) based on cancer pain management and assessment skills was administered to 25 hospice nurses whose average field practice was 4.1 years (Plymale M. et al. 2001, p. 424).The course involved the nurses going round 8 stations focussing on   different aspects of cancer pain, assessing 5 cancer survivors and one actor. They carried out tests on various aspects of pain management. Prior to and after the exercise the nurses self assessed their skills in pain management using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1(not competent) to 5(v ery competent). They also evaluated the CLIM on a similar scale. (1= strongly disagree; 5= strongly agree) All participants agreed that the course helped improve their competence in the teaching items that were being addressed. The use of patients with cancer was considered more beneficial as opposed to having actors. Nurses that felt competent enough before the course did not perceive any noticeable improvement in their abilities in the post exercise self assessment. This finding is consistent with the view that hospice nurses are more competent in dealing with cancer pain management than those nurses working in hospitals. Those who assessed themselves as not competent indicated a higher assessment of themselves after the course. In a further study conducted among post instruction medical students, those trained using a CLIM on pain management did better than those schooled it traditional methods. (Sloan P.A. et al., 2001, 112)     Ã‚  There is an urgent need to introduce CLIM’s addressing pain assessment and management in the teaching courses for all nurses and caregivers in a bid to improve their skills and service delivery. The more competent the nurses the better will be the treatment of patients in prolonging their lives and alleviating the pain they go through. A significant observation of this study is the competence level of hospice nurses was higher than that of their counterparts. It is advisable to seek their input in developing manuals and modules of this nature as they have first hand knowledge that is invaluable to this area of study. Article 2 ‘Pain And Hope in Patients with Cancer’, an article written by Chen, Mei-Ling and appearing in the journal ‘Cancer Nursing’ (2003) examines the relationship between pain and hope in cancer patients. Hope is a therapeutic factor in the treatment of any disease including cancer. Patients with high levels of hope coped better with the disease than did those who dwelt on the hopelessness of their situation. The hopeful patients on average tended to live longer and had extended periods of remission. This study had three main purposes; i. Examine the effect of disease status on hope levels among patients with cancer who have pain ii. Compare the level of hope between patients with cancer that have pain and those who do not iii. Determine which dimensions of pain are associated with hope (Chen, Mei-Ling. 2002, p.62) The conceptual framework for the study was based on the ‘self- regulation model of coping with health threats’. (Chen, Mei-Ling. 2002, p.62) The main emphasis is on how people cope with their health problems in their own unique ways. Personal beliefs, religious orientation, cultural practises and previous experiences all work to determine a patient’s attitude towards his illness.(Donavan, H.S., Ward, S., 2001, pp. 211 – 216) Any one of the factors mentioned will have a bearing on the hope levels of the individual. The study employed the use of the Herth Hope Index (HHI) to assess the level of hope. It sampled 274 inpatients with cancer at two medical centres in Taiwan. 226 of them finalised the survey and the analysis was based on their responses. The study used Perceived Meaning of Cancer Pain Inventory (PMCPI) to measure the meanings that patients ascribed to their pain. Four subscales were used and these were challenge, threat, spiritual awareness and loss. The findings showed that in cancer patients with pain and those without pain, the hope levels did not differ. However, sensory dimensions of pain showed a link between the bearable pain intensity and level of hope (Chen, Mei-Ling. 2002, p. 65) The findings supported the view that the hope levels in patients were higher in those who were able to tolerate more pain. Perception of one’s pain played an important role in the way one held on to hope. Those who viewed the pain as a challenge were more hopeful than those who took it from a negative perspective. In assessing one’s reaction to treatment, it is notable that the findings showed no difference in hope levels for those patients who were unsure of the effect of treatment and those who affirmed that the treatment was working positively.

Reviews And Summary Of The Kite Runner English Literature Essay

Reviews And Summary Of The Kite Runner English Literature Essay THIS powerful first novel, by an Afghan physician now living in California, tells a story of fierce cruelty and fierce yet redeeming love. Both transform the life of Amir, Khaled Hosseinis privileged young narrator, who comes of age during the last peaceful days of the monarchy, just before his countrys revolution and its invasion by Russian forces. But political events, even as dramatic as the ones that are presented in The Kite Runner, are only a part of this story. A more personal plot, arising from Amirs close friendship with Hassan, the son of his fathers servant, turns out to be the thread that ties the book together. The fragility of this relationship, symbolized by the kites the boys fly together, is tested as they watch their old way of life disappear. Amir is served breakfast every morning by Hassan; then he is driven to school in the gleaming family Mustang while his friend stays home to clean the house. Yet Hassan bears Amir no resentment and is, in fact, a loyal companion to the lonely boy, whose mother is dead and whose father, a rich businessman, is often preoccupied. Hassan protects the sensitive Amir from sadistic neighborhood bullies; in turn, Amir fascinates Hassan by reading him heroic Afghan folk tales. Then, during a kite-flying tournament that should be the triumph of Amirs young life, Hassan is brutalized by some upper-class teenagers. Amirs failure to defend his friend will haunt him for the rest of his life. Hosseinis depiction of pre-revolutionary Afghanistan is rich in warmth and humor but also tense with the friction between the nations different ethnic groups. Amirs father, or Baba, personifies all that is reckless, courageous and arrogant in his dominant Pashtun tribe. He loves nothing better than watching the Afghan national pastime, buzkashi, in which galloping horsemen bloody one another as they compete to spear the carcass of a goat. Yet he is generous and tolerant enough to respect his sons artistic yearnings and to treat the lowly Hassan with great kindness, even arranging for an operation to mend the childs harelip. As civil war begins to ravage the country, the teenage Amir and his father must flee for their lives. In California, Baba works at a gas station to put his son through school; on weekends he sells secondhand goods at swap meets. Here too Hosseini provides lively descriptions, showing former professors and doctors socializing as they haggle with their customers over black velvet portraits of Elvis. Despite their poverty, these exiled Afghans manage to keep alive their ancient standards of honor and pride. And even as Amir grows to manhood, settling comfortably into America and a happy marriage, his past shame continues to haunt him. He worries about Hassan and wonders what has happened to him back in Afghanistan. The novels canvas turns dark when Hosseini describes the suffering of his country under the tyranny of the Taliban, whom Amir encounters when he finally returns home, hoping to help Hassan and his family. The final third of the book is full of haunting images: a man, desperate to feed his children, trying to sell his artificial leg in the market; an adulterous couple stoned to death in a stadium during the halftime of a football match; a rouged young boy forced into prostitution, dancing the sort of steps once performed by an organ grinders monkey. When Amir meets his old nemesis, now a powerful Taliban official, the book descends into some plot twists better suited to a folk tale than a modern novel. But in the end were won over by Amirs compassion and his determination to atone for his youthful cowardice. In The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini gives us a vivid and engaging story that reminds us how long his people have been struggling to triumph over the forces of violence forces that continue to threaten them even today. Edward Howers latest novel is A Garden of Demons. A former Fulbright lecturer in India, he teaches in the writing department of Ithaca College. Opinion 1: We agree with this review, its sort of a short summary. The reviewer thinks its a beautiful story and so do we. There arent any negative things about the book in this review. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504E0DF123FF930A3575BC0A9659C8B63 Review 2: An Afghan hounded by his past. Khaled Hosseinis shattering debut work, The Kite Runner, is the first novel to fictionalise the Afghan culture for a Western readership The Kite Runner In this, apparently the first Afghan novel to be written in English, two motherless boys who learn to crawl and walk side by side, are destined to destroy each other across the gulf of their tribal difference in a country of dried mulberries, sour oranges, rich pomegranates and honey. Its a Shakespearean beginning to an epic tale that spans lives lived across two continents amid political upheavals, where dreams wilt before they bud and where a search for a child finally makes a coward into a man. The Kite Runner is the shattering first novel by Khaled Hosseini, an Afghan doctor who received political asylum in 1980 as civil conflict devastated his homeland. Whatever the truth of the claim to be the first English-language Afghan novel, Hosseini is certainly the first Afghan novelist to fictionalise his culture for a Western readership, melding the personal struggle of ordinary people into the terrible historical sweep of a devastated country in a rich and soul-searching narrative. Over the last three decades, Afghanistan has been ceaselessly battered by Communist rule, Soviet occupation, the Mujahideen and a democracy that became a rule of terror. It is a history that can intimidate and exhaust an outsiders attempts to understand, but Hosseini extrudes it simply and quietly into an intimate account of love, honour, guilt, fear and redemption that needs no dry history book or atlas to grip and absorb. Amir is a privileged member of the dominant Pashtun tribe growing up in affluent Kabul in the Seventies. Hassan is his devoted servant and a member of the oppressed Hazara tribe whose first word was the name of his boy-master. The book focuses on the friendship between the two children and the cruel and shameful sacrifice the rich boy makes of his humble, adoring alter ego to buy the love of his own distant father. I ran because I was a coward, Amir realises, as he bolts from the scene that severs his friendship with Hassan, shatters his childhood and haunts him for the rest of his life. I actually aspired to cowardice. The book charts Amirs attempts to flee culpability for this act of betrayal, seeking asylum from his hellish homeland in California and a new life buried deep in black velvet portraits of Elvis. Amirs story is simultaneously devastating and inspiring. His world is a patchwork of the beautiful and horrific, and the book a sharp, unforgettable taste of the trauma and tumult experienced by Afghanis as their country buckled. The Kite Runner is about the price of peace, both personal and political, and what we knowingly destroy in our hope of achieving that, be it friends, democracy or ourselves. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2003/sep/07/fiction.features1 Opinion 2: In this review the opinion of the reviewer was more clear than in the first one. The reviewer describes the themes of the book and he picked out he important things of the book. We agree with this reviewer,  we also got a lot of respect for Khaled Hosseini and his story about his youth. Review 3: Pulled by the past An immigrant returns to Kabul in Bay Area authors first novel San Francisco ChronicleJune 8, 2003 04:00 AM Copyright San Francisco Chronicle. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Behind the title of first novelist Khaled Hosseinis The Kite Runner lurks a metaphor so apt and evocative that even the author never fully exploits its power. For the benefit of readers who didnt grow up in Afghanistan as Hosseini and his alter ego Amir did a kite runner is a sort of spotter in the ancient sport of kite fighting. In a kite fight, competitors coat their kite strings in glue and ground glass, the better to cut their rivals moorings. While the fighters kite is swooping and feinting in an effort to rule the skies, his kite-running partner is racing to own the streets, chasing down all their opponents unmoored, sinking trophies. Its a fresh, arresting, immediately visual image, and Hosseini uses it well enough as a symbol for Amirs privileged Afghan childhood in the 1970s, when he and his faithful servant, Hassan, had the run of Kabuls streets. Near the novels end, when the adult Amir returns in secret to Taliban-controlled, sniper-infested Kabul in search of Hassans lost son, the contrast with his cosseted, kite-flying youth could scarcely be more pronounced, or more effective. But Hosseini could have deepened the symbolism even further if he hadnt ignored what, in essence, a kite fight really is: a proxy war. Heres Afghanistan, jerked around like a kite for most of its 20th century history by the British, the Soviets, the Taliban and us, played off against its neighbors by distant forces pulling all the strings, and Hosseini never once makes the connection. Its just too tempting a trick to leave on the table. Of course, its Hosseinis metaphor and he can do with it or not do with it as he pleases. Considering how traditionally and transparently he tells the rest of Amirs story, though, Hosseini wouldnt seem the type to go burying half-concealed ideas for readers to tease out. More likely, he instinctively hooked a great image but, alas, doesnt yet have the technique to bring it in for a landing. Its a small failing, symptomatic of this middlebrow but proficient, timely novel from an undeniably talented new San Francisco writer. Hosseinis antihero Amir narrates the book from the Bernal Heights home he shares with his wife, Soraya. Like Hosseini, Amirs a writer, modestly celebrated for literary novels with such pretentious-sounding titles as A Season of Ashes. But Amirs childhood in Kabul still haunts him, specifically his mysterious inability to earn the love of his philanthropically generous but emotionally withholding father, and his guilt about failing to protect his angelic half- caste old kite runner, Hassan, from a savage assault. When Amir receives a deathbed summons from his fathers business partner in Pakistan, he sees a chance to redeem himself from the secrets that have left him psychically stranded between Afghanistan and the United States. Unfortunately, we know all this because Amir tells us, and not just once. Listen to him here, on the verge of his rescue mission over the Khyber Pass: I was afraid the appeal of my life in America would draw me back, that I would wade back into that great, big river and let myself forget, let the things I had learned these last few days sink to the bottom. I was afraid that Id let the waters carry me away from what I had to do. From Hassan. From the past that had come calling. And from this one last chance at redemption. One might excuse all this melodramatic breathlessness as the reflexive self- examination of a character who, after all, writes novels with titles like A Season of Ashes. But Amirs not the only one given to overly explicit musings. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/chronicle/archive/2003/06/08/RV24780.DTL Opinion 3: We dont agree with the  opinion of this reviewer, he is way more negative then the first two. He thinks Hosseini could have deepened the symbolism of the book even further. But we think the book is okay like it is now. Setting Place: The story takes place for most part in Afghanistan, in and around Kabul. Later on the setting moves to the United States/ America, in San Francisco, California. Then Amir goes back to Pakistan and Taliban ruled Afghanistan. The story ends in the United States. The place is important for the story because you can imagine how it was in Afghanistan before the occupation. Many people fled to America to build a new life. Time: The time is not that important. Only the cold war. Amir en Baba need to run to Pakistan and then to America. Character Amir: Amir is in his childhood 12 years old and lives in Kabul,Afghanistan. He is a Pashtun, that are the better and richer people in Afghanistan. Later he is 38 years old and lives in America. Amir is the half-brother of Hassan, but he doesnt know that yet. He finds out much later in the book. Amir is a writer he loves to tell stories and when he is a grown up he writes a book. He wants his father to love him for who he is. Because his father rather wanted to see other qualities like Hassan has in Amir. Hassan: Hassan is the best friend of Amir in his childhood. Amir never told him that but Hassan knew they were. Hassan is a Hazzara which means he is almost worth nothing in the believe in Kabul. He has a china doll face and green eyes. Hassan has a father called Ali, who later turned out to be not his father but Baba was his father, he never knew that. Hassan always fights for Amir. Hassan would do anything that Amir asks him to do. He is the slave of Amir. Later he gets married and have a son called Sohrab. He and his wife get murdered by the Taliban and Sohrab goes to a orphanage. Assef: Assef is the bully of the neighbourhood. He has blond hair and blue eyes so he is very beautiful. He is the one that rapes Hassan. Later in the orphanage he also rapes Sohrab, the son of Hassan. But Amir and Sohrab fight to him and they could escape. Assef becomes part of the Taliban. And is very extreme he believes in the ideas of Hitler. Baba: Baba is the father of Amir and Hassan. Baba has a good running business which no one thought he could do that. His best friend is Rahim Khan. He stands for the rights of human and does not discriminate. He says that the only sin you can make is theft. When you kill someone you steel his life, you steel someones son, father or husband. Baba wants Amir to be more like Hassan. Because Amir reads poetry just like his mother but Hassan can fight and do boys stuff. At the end of the book Baba dies because of lung cancer. Ali: Ali is a childhood friend of Baba, he is also the servant of Baba. He has a son Hassan, who later turned out to be not his son. He had Polio so he is cripple. The children in town laugh at him and call him names. He was killed by a landmine. Rahim Khan: Rahim Khan is the best friend of Baba and also his business partner. Rahim Kahn supports Amir in Writing because Baba doesns, he buys a book where he can writes his stories in for Amir. Rahim Khan is the one who calls Amir and also the one who tells Amir that Hassan was his half-brother. He tells him to come and get the son of Hassan. At the end of the story he disappears and leaves a letter for Amir. Soraya: Soraya is an Afghan woman who lives in America with Amir. She is the wife of Amir. She has a father who is a general. But in there culture she is not clean. When they lived in Afghanistan she ran away with here boyfriend and had sex before marriage. Her father brought here back, but after that nobody wanted her anymore, except for Amir offcourse. She cannot have children but later they adopt Sohrab. Sohrab: Sohrab is the son of Hassan he is just like hes father in many ways. They look quite the same and Sohrab can also shoot very good with a sling-shot. He is also raped By Assef and was traumatized. He tried to kill himself by cutting his wrists. He is adopted by Amir and Soraya. Plot Introduction: The story begins in America when Amir is called bij Rahim Khan. That is the moment that there is action in the story. Amir tells about his history, his childhood with Hassan. Initial incident: Hassan gets raped by Assef. Amir sees it but wont do a thing. Amir wants Hassan to go away. And hides the watch he had on his birthday. Hassan and Ali move away. The war starts and Baba and Amir run to Pakistan, later to America Rising action: Rahim Khan calls Amir and tells him to go to Pakistan to get his redemption from the past. The son of Hassan needs to be safed. Climax: Amir is in Kabul and saves Sohrab the son of Ali. He fights with Assef. Sohrab shot in the eye of Assef. Falling action: Amir and Sohrab are back in Pakistan and they need to get back to America, but Sohrab has no visa. Soraya the wife of Amir she has here connections and she can adopt Sohrab. Summary On a sunny day in 2001 Amir calls from Rahim Khan, the best friend of his father. The book is about a boy named Amir. He lives with his father, Baba and their servants Ali and Hassan. Saunaubar, Amirs mother was deceased when he was born. Amir is a Pashtun, a Soenni muslim. Hassans mother, Sanaubar, has run off with another man. Hassan is a Hazara, a Shia muslim. Mahmood is also a good friend of Baba. Mahmood is a pilot and has a German woman and a son named Assef. One day Hassan and Amir are on their way to the pomegranate tree. Under this tree Amir reads stories to Hassan. Later closed Assef, and his friends Kamal and Wali their in. Assef says that Hitler was a good man and that he also had to do with the Hazaras what he did to the Jews also. Hassan tied Assef and his friends with a slingshot. One day in 1974, just after Ramadan, Hassans birthday. He does not get gifts like toys, but an operation on his cleft lip. Dr Baba. Kumar surgeon invited to come and make an appointment for the surgery. Amir loves the winter in Kabul. Every year, Kite and Amir did run tournaments held each year. He wanted to be the first to fall more into the eyes of his father. Amir and Hassan went to the bazaar to buy material to make a kite. Baba saw that they were making a kite and said it might not be good enough for the competition. He took along to Saifo, the best kite maker in Kabul, Baba bought a kite for Amir and Hassan. The next day its snowing outside and Amir doubt for kiting. As Hassan says there is no monster, its a beautiful day Amir decides to go kiting. During kiting . his hands bleeding completely. After a while he is still in the final with a boy. Amir manages to keep the kite to cut and he wants the match. Amir still wanted the blue kite in the air. Hassan ran after the kite because he knows where the kites fall. Everyone congratulated Amir. Amir went searching for Hassan. He asked the people on the street if they had seen him. Omar, a son of one of the friends of his father, Ha ssan said that in the direction of the market went. At the bazaar Amir asked a man if he had seen Hassan. The man had seen him and told that he said: For you a thousand time over. Amir suddenly heard voices and noises. He recognized the voice of Hassan. He saw the three boys, Assef, Wali and Kamal with Hassan. The boys like the kite but Hassan would not given it. He said that Amir won the game fair. Assef said that nothing in the world is fair. Wali and Kamal pushing Hassan to the ground and Assef raped him. Amir continues to see and do or say nothing at all. Eventually he runs away to the bazaar. He let Hassan down. Later Hassan runs in a hard way to Amir with the kite in his hand. His father is very proud of him. Hassan feeling pretty good and not so he would only sleep. Ali thinks that something is and asks Hassan to Amir. Amir would have been possible with his father and do things. They go to Jalalabad, the cousin live there, his wife and two daughters (twins) and Karima Fazila. Amir is carsick and throws up on Fazila back in the car. When they come home, Hassan and Amir didnt talk to each other. A few days later Hassan asks Amir if hes coming to the bakery. Amir says he doesnt want it so Hassan asks what he has done wrong. Amir asks his father if they start taking new servants, Baba is angry, saying: Hassans not going anywhere. He is staying right here with us, where he belongs. This is his home and were his family. Amir get for his birthday a stingray and wrist watch from his father. Rahim Khan gives him a notebook to write his stories. Amir write a story about the life of Hassan. Hassan loved it and later said that Amir would be a great writer. Amir could not live with his guilt that he had done nothing when Hassan was raped, but also because he felt that Hassan get sometimes more attention than him. When Ali and Hassan went to the bazaar Amir put his new watch and some money under the mattress of Hassan. He told Baba that his watch was missing. eventually they find it under the mattress of Hassan. Amir hopes that Baba accused Hassan of theft from their home and move. But that is not the case. Baba forgives Hassan. From self-esteem Ali and Hassan go away. Baba does everything to let them stay, but nothing can stop them. They go to Hazarajat to Alis cousin. After the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, early 1980, flights Amir and his father to Peshwar, Pakistan. On the way into the tank theyre all acquaintances, including Kamal and his father. The mother was shot dead by Kamal and Kamal has a trauma left over so he can not talk. Kamal is dead the next morning. His father can not take it anymore and shoots himself with a bullet in his mouth. Amir and Baba flight from Pakistan to the United States in 1980. Amir builds a new life, but he fails to mention Hassan. Amir goes to school to become a writer and Baba find work at a gas station. Amir gets a Ford from his father. Baba is very ill. The doctors discovered that he has lung cancer. Baba does not want chemotherapy, only painkillers. Amir and Baba go in their spare time to the market for selling used products. Amir get to learn Soraya and fall in love with her. Her father is General Mr. Sahib. Iqbal. He worked for ministery of Defense. Baba buy a VW from an old acquaintance. Amir and Soraya talk. Soraya want them to read stories written by Amir. Sorayas mother, Jamila finds Amir is a nice guy. When it is New year Amir and Baba are walking a bit outside. Baba falls on the ground and theres blood from his mouth. Hes just unconscious. Baba is taken to hospital. Baba told Amir that he likes Soraya and Baba agree with it, so Amir and Soraya are goint to marry. Soraya wants to talk to him on the phone. She said that she is impure. And she has had some problems with her ex boyfriend. Soraya thought Amir would not want her after she said that. The day after the wedding the aunt and uncle from Soraya came to visite. They played a game with Amir. That night Baba Soraya wanted to give his medication but he did not. He said he had no pain. From that evening Baba never woke up. Amir writes books about father and son. His book is crowned. Amir and Soraya learn that they cant have children. Soraya doesnt want a child addoption she wants to feel how its like to be pregnant. . When Sorayas father learned that she had gone to bed before her marriage, she was imprisoned and had all her hair cut off. She wished that her father died. 2001, Amir gets a call from Rahim Khan. He said that he is very ill and that he wants to see Amir before his deat. He lives in Pakistan. They talk about Baba and the occupation of Afghanistan by the Taliban. The Taliban has expelled the Russians from Afghanistan. People thought they were saved. But that was wrong. Rahim said could care no longer for the house of Amir and Baba. He decided to go to Hassan and Ali and with difficulty he could persuade Hassan. Rahim did not sell the house because of the great memories. Hassan was married and had one son, Sohrab. His wife was pregnant with a daughter. Amir reads the letter that Hassan had written for him. Hassan and his wife were shot by the Taliban. Sohrab was arrested and placed in an orphanage. Amir Rahim wish now that he is going to save Sohrab because all the children in that orphanage are in the hands of the Taliban. Rahim also said that Ali is not the real father of Hassan, because he could get no children. Baba is the father of Ha ssan only he has a different mother. If Amir hears this hes very angry, because they had concealed for them the fact that they are step brothers. Amir thinks about the past and now know why Baba never forget Hassans birthday. When Amir Baba asked if she would take new servants said Baba yet,Hassans not going anywhere, hed barked. He is staying right here with us, where he belongs. This is his home and were his family.Amir feels guilty. He decides to go to Kabul to rescue Sohrab. Farid, the taxi driver and friend of Rahim, takes him to Kabul. Along the way, they stayed with the brother of Farid. Amir sees for the first time in his life a Taliban soldier. He also meets an old classmate of his mother. The man told a few things, but a lot has forgotten. Eventually they go to a orphange. The location of the orphanage where Sohrab would sit, is lent to a ruler of the Taliban, monthly boys or girls from the orphanage will get to satisfy his sexual needs. Zaman is the boss. Farid will fight with Zaman. Amir should go with Farid to the stadium, to look at the man who has a black sunglasses. Amir goes to the home of the Taliban fighter. Amir recognized the man, it is Assef. Assef says Amir can take the child if he wins. Amir gets a slap in the face with brass knuckles. He gets a tear in his lip. Sohrad shoot a stone in the eye from Assef with his slingshot. Assef concern Sohrab and Amir and this will give the opportunity to flee. Amir has to go to the hospital. In the taxi they fled to Pakistan. Rahim Khan is gone and left money for Amir he can use to return to America. It was a trick of Rahim Khan to get Amir that far he would take care of Sohrab. He knew of the betrayal of Amir and he realizes that this is the only way to give back to Hassan. Amir ask Soraya if she want to adopt Sohrab, she scared a bit. Amir hears how difficult it will be to get away Sohrab. He is advised to let Sohrab stay in Pakistan in an orphanage for a while, but Sohrab will no longer be in an orphanage and that Amir had pledged him. During a telephone call from Soraya she informs that she thinks she can adopt him in America, Sohrab cut his wrists. Fortunately, he saved time and then he recovers. Sohrab needs a visa to be allowed into the United States what takes a long time. Soraya finally able to arrange dates could take Sohrab to the United States. Amir adopted Sohrab and he buys a kite for Sohrab. The two of them kite fight together and win. For the first time Sohrab smiles for Amir. Then Amir use the phrase that Hassan always said to him: For you a thousend time over and run to fetch the kite. Theme There are a lot of themes in this book and mostly apply to all the characters. Father and son relationship: Baba has two sons but you think only Amir is the son of him. For Amir is Baba the smartest and strongest men in the whole entire world. Amir wants his father to be proud of him but Baba doesnt like the qualities of Amir. He wants Amir to be more like Hassan. Also the relation of Hassan and Sohrab they are a lot a like. They can both use the sling shot very well. Betrayal: Amir betrays Hassan by framing him for theft. Loyalty: The loyalty of Hassan to Amir because they are best friends but Hassan is also the servent of Amir. Also Ali to Baba when the watch is stolen from Amir. Ali wants to go away because of honor and loyalty. At the end of the book its the other way around now is Amir loyal to the son of Hassan, you can read that when Sohrab en Amir go kiting in the park Amir is running after the kite of Sohrab. Redemption: Amir tries to make it up to Hassan by adopting Sohrab, many other characters try to find redemption like Baba. Title The title is: The kite runner. Kite fighting is a traditional sport in Afghanistan. Hassan is a kite runner for Amir. He runs to fetch kites Amir has deafeated by cutting their strings. He knows where such a kite will land without even seeing it. One day, Amir wins the local tournament, and finally Babas praise. Hassan goes to run the last kite for Amir, saying for you, a thousand times over.

Mixer and Nozzle Process Description :: essays research papers

Mixer   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The hot air that is forced out of the combustor and through the turbine continues to exit the engine at the rearward. Before exiting however, this air must be mixed with the cooler bypass air that did not go through the compressor and combustor. These two airstreams are mixed in order to quiet the engine.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To understand how air can create noise, first consider the way water splashes and makes noise when a wave crashes. In the same way, when two different air streams traveling at extremely high speeds and at different temperatures collide with one another, noise is produced. In addition to the air streams colliding, the air also collides with the components of the engine and nacelle. Another example of air making noise is when wind hits a house. Even in a wind storm with small wind speeds, wind makes rushing and a grumbling noise against the outside walls of a house.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order to mix the two air streams, the mixer directs the air escaping from the combustor and turbine blades outward towards the stream of bypass air. This is accomplished by stators, or channels that direct the air flow. There are stators in several other places in the engine, but their function is to stop the rotational momentum of the air and force it to fly straighter. After having turned the turbine blades, the air is given a spiraling motion which decreases its velocity. The stators correct this by channeling the air towards the nozzle so that it can be expelled as exhaust.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The mixer must withstand temperatures of more than 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. It is made of nickel alloys which are engineered to withstand heat. Without this heat resistance, the mixer would either melt or suffer distortions and permanent damage. Although the mixer helps to reduce jet engine noise, it does not eliminate it entirely. The low grumbling sound of a jet is the result of the air mixing inside the engine and being expelled toward the rear of the aircraft. The air streams coming out of the rear of the engine also slap against the air outside the aircraft and even against parts of the aircraft itself. Nozzle   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main function of the nozzle is to create thrust. As the hot gases are expelled out the nozzle, they exert a force on the plane and propel it forward. Gas turbine engines operate according to Newton’s Third Law of Physics which states that for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction.

History repeats itself :: essays research papers

History Repeats Itself   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story begins in 1927 When Babe Ruth hits 60 homeruns in a single season. This number at the time was an amazing number, one that they said would never be broken. This wasn’t just a record setting moment, it was a moment that brought attention and focus on baseball â€Å"Americas’ favorite pastime.† This number stood for thirty three years and was never to be beat, this was until a young New York Yankee from Fargo named Roger Maris came into the picture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1961 after battling with Teammate Mickey Mantle put on a show battling for Ruth’s record. Mantle fell short due to injury but Roger went on to beat this record by hitting an amazing 61 homeruns. Baseball fans everywhere were shocked and could only wonder, will this be broke too, who will do it, and when? Baseball fans around the world would have to wait another 37 years to find this out; but non the less they do!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The year is now 1998 and I’m 13 years old sitting in front of my television watching a man named Marc McQwire try to beat a record that at the time I did not know much about. On September 8th 1998 Marc beat Maris’ 37 year old record by hitting 62 homeruns, then on his way to a 70 homerun season. This was a sad day for the Maris family to see the late Roger Maris’ record shattered, but for baseball this brought about a second coming. Baseball had been struggling after the strike so this brought people back to the game, just to get a glimpse at history.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Today McQwires record isn’t even standing it was beating 3 years after he had set it.

Terrorism - Where is the Glory of War? :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Where is the Glory of War? Â   I cannot find the glory in the war against terrorism. I remember when I picked up the newspaper last year and saw "America Strikes Back!" blazed boastfully across it in letters 10 inches tall--my heart sank. We've answered one terrorist act with another, raining death on the most war-scarred, terrified populace that ever crept to a doorway and looked out. The small plastic boxes of food we also dropped are a travesty. It is reported that these are untouched, of course--Afghanis have spent their lives learning terror of anything hurled at them from the sky. Meanwhile, the genuine food aid on which so many depended for survival has been halted by the war. We've killed whoever was too poor or crippled to flee, plus four humanitarian aid workers who coordinated the removal of land mines from the beleaguered Afghan soil. That office is now rubble, and so is my heart. Â   I am going to have to keep pleading against this madness. I'll get scolded for it, I know. I've already been called every name in the Rush Limbaugh handbook: traitor, sinner, naive, liberal, peacenik, whiner. I'm told I am dangerous because I might get in the way of this holy project we've undertaken to keep dropping heavy objects from the sky until we've wiped out every last person who could potentially hate us. Some people are praying for my immortal soul, and some have offered to buy me a one-way ticket out of the country, to anywhere. I accept these gifts with a gratitude equal in measure to the spirit of generosity in which they were offered. People threaten vaguely, "She wouldn't feel this way if her child had died in the war!" (I feel this way precisely because I can imagine that horror.) More subtle adversaries simply say I am r I fight that, I fight it as if I'm drowning. When I get to feeling I am an army of one standing out on the plain waving my ridiculous little flag of hope, I call up a friend or two. We remind ourselves in plain English that the last time we got to elect somebody, the majority of us, by a straight popular-vote count, did not ask for the guy who is currently telling us we will win this war and not be "misunderestimated." We aren't standing apart from the crowd, we are the crowd.

How does Hare convey the changes in Gerard McKinnon ‘s state of mind during the course of the play?

Gerard McKinnon is the protagonist of Hare’s play. He is at the principal point of the action. He is the character, which draws together various strands of the action in the plot, for example, the barrister, the police, the prison officers and the prisoners. Ultimately, he is the victim of the policing system, which â€Å"fitted him up†, the unwilling legal representatives who let him down, the bench, which sentenced him, and the prison service, which fails to protect him. Hare’s exposition starts dramatically with stage directions. â€Å" Then suddenly from nowhere they’re all there- the judge, the jury, the battery of lawyers. Hare’s powerfully dramatic opening is used to emphasise the visual impact of the â€Å"power† of the court. Gerard is juxtaposed with the legal system. Hare portrays him as being vulnerable as he is set apart from the other suspect’s Travis and Fielding through the use of lighting. â€Å" But the emphasis is on McKinnon. † The whole company is lit to show the power of the law, and then changing it to concentrate on Gerard in the midst of it all, is delicately done by Hare to represent him as the victim. Hare uses the dramatic device of a stream of conciseness in order for the audience to gauge his innermost thoughts. The repetition of the phrase â€Å" Its coming, It’s coming†, shows Gerard’s anticipation for outcome. The long sentences with many caesuras and hyphens breaking them up suggest that his fear is overwhelming him; it also indicates his panic stricken mind. Thus, encouraging the audience to view the bar in a less favourable light. The word â€Å"slowly† indicates that Gerard is experiencing disbelief that the verdict is imminent. He contrasts this feeling with the slowness of the court case building up to his moment. When Gerard’s soliloquy resumes and he is found to be guilty. He tries to not take responsibility for his actions. Hare illustrates Gerard’s detachment from his crime, with the line, â€Å"part of me thought, this is really stupid, I mean I’m not really doing this†. He remarks of the clear distinctiveness of the lawyers and the judiciary, who after the sentencing will go â€Å"home to their wives, to wine in fine glasses and the gossip of the bar†¦Ã¢â‚¬  while he, who is â€Å"the stuff of their profession† will be locked away in gaol. There is a finality and submissiveness in Gerard ending his stream of conciseness using the word â€Å"gaol†, indicating that Gerard feels hopeless and trapped. Here, Hare through the use of juxtaposition, illustrates Gerard’s discontent towards the judiciary. Moreover, Hare draws a divided society comparison of â€Å"us versus them†. The lawyers and the judiciary represent the wealth and elite, whilst Gerard represents the lowest of the social heap. Hare, uses the character Irina to give the audiences glimpses of Gerard in jail, the audience witness Gerard’s decline and despair. When Irina first visits him, Gerard, is wary of receiving a lawyers help, given that he has been let down by the legal profession before, as Sir Peter his solicitor never came back to visit him. He bluntly states that he wishes he gave him a pen for his help with, â€Å" Don’t jerk me off I’ve already come,† written on it. The crude lexical choice of the word Gerard uses, shows his complete lack of faith of lawyers and the judiciary system. However, as the conversation progresses, Gerard begins to trust Irina. He starts to view her as a friend, as there is an unconscious solidarity between them, as the are both potential victims of marginalisation. She’s a black female lawyer working in a man’s world and he faces discrimination on the basis that he is Irish. They both identify with each other’s victim status. Gerard opens up to Irina, and expresses intense fear â€Å"cos im scared. Scared, so I have to use the lavatory. † Hare uses the repetition of the word â€Å"scared† to further point out Gerard’s vulnerability in the fact that he has no one to depend on. Their conversation becomes more private with a sudden intimacy between them, which Gerard enjoys. In the last part of the scene, Gerard believes he has a friend who he can dependent upon to help him in appealing his verdict. He becomes more optimistic when Irina says that she’ll come back to see him. Yes. Yes, I’d like that. † The repetition of the word â€Å"yes† indicates that Gerard suddenly realises how much he would like to see Irina again. In Act two scene one, Hare again uses the literary device of Stream of conciseness to revel Gerard’s innermost thoughts. The audience realise that Gerard is losing hope very rapid ly and the thought of winning the appeal looks very bleak. This is illustrated when Gerard says, â€Å"Calm down, Gerard. Don’t get excited. † This shows that Gerard does not want to give into false hope. His glimmer of hope that he had with Irina seems to have faded. When Irina Visits Gerard for the last time, the audience see the decline of Gerard’s character. This scene is after the violent assault that Gerard has just experienced. Irina states that his sentence has been reduced, however, Gerard seems indifferent to the news she brings him, this reduction is not enough to save him from the brutality and crime that happens in jail. Their conversation lacks the intimacy of their earlier encounter; Gerard uses abrupt short dismissive sentences, â€Å"Thank you then. Thank very much. † To indicate that there is no need to carry on with the conversation, as all hope is gone. Towards the later part of the scene, Gerard expresses interest in read Irish books now. â€Å"When I was brought up, it was always a background. But I laughed it off†¦I’m not laughing now. † Hare leaves us with an impression that Gerard’s newly aroused interest in Irish history indicates a spark of defiance, an increased awareness that in this world it is a case of â€Å"them and us. † There is finality to the words â€Å"Goodbye, Irina. † Which Gerard uses to end the scene ,he acknowledges that Irina will probably not see him again as the court case is adjourned and that he must face his life in isolation as a victim of marginalisation.