Beowulf An Epic Hero - 986 Words

Waking up out of bed in the morning, going to school, work, or sports practice, or attending an event you otherwise wouldn’t be present at. The question isn’t where are you and where did you go, but the reason your body is moving in that general direction. Many people in the world tend to not have a purpose in their movements anymore, having little to no motivation to accomplish anything in their life. In the stories throughout history there are always multiple reasons why the characters, whether they’re good or bad, do what they do. Dating back all the way to ancient stories one of these studied people is the man known as Beowulf from old English epic poetry. He is an epic hero known for protecting people all around Europe from terrifying, unbeaten, undamaged beasts. He was also part of the period where the anglosaxton culture was built, and he was their main mold for what it meant to be a man and warrior of the culture. Being their spokesperson he had many reas ons why he did what he did, and some were seen a little more clearly than others, The motivations of Beowulf are linked to the values in the anglosaxton code, and shown in his three monstrous battles in the epic, being glory, duty, and generosity. In his fight with Grendel, Beowulf s motivations that are from the anglosaxton code are that of glory as a young, strong, successful warrior. Now Grendel is the first beast in the story and is terrorizing, not Beowulf and the Geats, but king Hrothgar and the land of theShow MoreRelatedThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero1519 Words   |  7 Pagesaway following a journey, you have most likely read an epic. An epic by definition is â€Å"a long poem, typically one derived from ancient oral tradition, narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation†. Every epic has a main character that undergoes the same archetypal journey as all other heroes, an epic hero. There are specific qualities one must have to be considered an epic hero. Each epic hero possesses superhuman strength, displays a strong sense ofRead MoreThe Epic Of Beowulf As An Epic Hero711 Words   |  3 Pagesthan the writer. These â€Å"epic heros† are protagonists that fulfill their potential of greatness through using their bravery, strength and humility for good. The near ancient tale of Beowulf is a classic example of an epic story that contains an epic hero. In this tale Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, has been terrorized by a beast known as Grendel. This beast has been murdering the king’s people and no one has come close to stopping this killer. A Geat warrior named Beowulf hears of the King’s predicamentRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero930 Words   |  4 Pages The story of Beowulf shows its reader many characteristics of why this Anglo-Saxon poem is an epic. First of all, Beowulf is a warrior of epic renown by the time he formally introduces himself in the poem. Next, Beowulf is the warrior that many strive to be in life. In addition, Beowulf finds himself tackling many quests that involve dangerous beasts, or as he might call them, demons. The next quality shown by Beowulf is his bravery and honor. The reader is able to easily identify this characteristicRead MoreBeowulf, The Epic Hero1373 Words   |  6 Pages 2015 Beowulf, The Epic Hero In Anglo Saxon times, Beowulf is considered a well known epic hero. â€Å"Epic heroes are literary characters from ancient mythology and other stories, which were written down in the form of long, narrative epic poems. The hero is the main character, or protagonist of the poem†(Epic Hero: Definition, Characteristics Examples.). The epic hero usually battles for accomplishments to a set of tasks to complete important goals. Beowulf is described as an epic hero becauseRead MoreThe Epic Hero Of Beowulf866 Words   |  4 PagesAn epic hero is someone who is of great importance, they have supernatural abilities, have some form of connection with the Gods, and accomplish great deeds. In Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney, Beowulf is the epic hero in his tale and he is considered great by those who know of his life. There are two versions of his story which portrays him in a certain way. The video version does not do its best to portray him as an epic hero but instead show that he is a liar, a womanizer, and a coward. TheRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero894 Words   |  4 Pages The character of Beowulf demonstrates several characteristics that make a great epic hero. Throughout his lifetime he displayed several characteristics such as honor, bravery, physical superiority, leadership, and glory. These characteristics all formed how the Anglo-Saxons believed one should live their life. Along with the valorous deeds that Beowulf accomplished he is considered to be a prime example of an epic hero. Beowulf would have even been considered a model human to the Anglo-SaxonsRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero978 Words   |  4 Pages Beowulf is a character that exudes the qualities of an epic hero. Throughout this epic, Beowulf is seen as a hero to many and a major threat to the evils he encounters. The values of the Anglo-Saxons, who would have read and admired this poem, included loyalty, bravery, and honor. Beowulf’s character exemplifies all of these qualities to the highest degree. The values and traditions of the original composers of this story cause Beowulf’s character to be the perfect example of an Anglo-SaxonRead MoreBeowulf: an Epic Hero983 Words   |  4 PagesGauvain British Literature Beowulf Essay 9/22/04 Beowulf: An Epic Hero According to Abrams, the heroic poem is a long verse narrative on a serious subject, told in an elevated style, and centered on a heroic or quasi-divine figure on whose actions depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race. Beowulf fits Abrams description of an epic, exhibiting all of the characteristics listed throughout the book, thus defining Beowulf as a hero and making the book an epic through its elevatedRead MoreBeowulf, the Epic Hero1431 Words   |  6 PagesBeowulf, the Epic Hero There have been many grand stories about great warriors, and champions; those about epic heroes however, are the truly exceptional tales. One such tale, over a thousand years old, stands out from all the rest: Beowulf, the tale of a great warrior, on his quest to achieve eternal glory, defeating great opponents. Throughout the whole story, Beowulf demonstrates most –if not all- of the qualities that an archetypal hero possesses. He embodies the highest ideals of his cultureRead MoreBeowulf : The Epic Hero960 Words   |  4 PagesPotter, and Beowulf all have in common? They all demonstrate the qualities of epic heroes. Beowulf represents several characteristics of an epic hero and demonstrates the values of the Anglo-Saxons. He is the main character of his story, he has a main goal, he travels and fights with a group of people, and he accomplishes many valorous deeds; the values of the Anglo-Saxons are also shown through the actions of Beowulf, such as courage, loyalty, an d fame. For example, when Beowulf heard a cry

Nuclear Physics Of The Society Development - 1374 Words

Nuclear physics in the society development Nuclear physics is the field of physics that studies atomic nuclei and their constituents and interactions. The most commonly known application of nuclear physics is nuclear power generation, but the research has led to applications in many fields, including nuclear medicine and magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear weapons, ion implantation in materials engineering, and radiocarbon dating in geology and archaeology. Nuclear physics has a lot of importance in general society development. Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937): Known as the father of nuclear physics, the New Zealand-born scientist was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 for his investigations into the disintegration of the elements, and the chemistry of radioactive substances . Nuclear Physics as we know it today is almost a hundred years old. In 2009, we celebrate the centenary of the publication of the results of the Geiger-Marsden (or gold-foil) experiment performed at the University of Manchester. Nuclear Physics p ositively influences our daily lives. There are many benefits to nuclear physics, these benefits take many forms. When done properly it can encourage interest, develop support for the research. From fighting cancer to assuring safety of food, to protecting our borders, nuclear physics impacts the lives of everyone around the world every day. These applications include devices and technologies for medical diagnostics and therapy, energy productionShow MoreRelatedSoviet Nuclear Scientist, Dissident and Human Rights Activist1047 Words   |  5 PagesSoviet Nuclear Scientist, Dissident and Human Rights Activist Dr. Andrei Sakharov was a leading developer of Soviet nuclear weapons. As he progressed through life he began working towards international peace and basic human freedoms for the people of the Soviet Union. In recognition of this work, Dr. Sakharov was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. Dr. Sakharov’s contributions to the Soviet weapons program and his public communications of the dangers of nuclear weapons helped to prevent nuclear warRead MoreHow Has Nuclear Medicine Propagated Science And Society?922 Words   |  4 PagesHow has nuclear medicine innovated science and society? Within the last century, science faced several discoveries that caused the scientific community and society to change one another. When evaluating the scientific discoveries during the twentieth century, the decisive advancements took place in the study of nuclear physics. Affecting both science and society inquires formed around medical uses for nuclear materials. Advanced research in nuclear science with radioisotopes allowed doctors to treatRead MoreBiography Of Julius Robert Oppenheimer, An Artist And Julius Oppenheimer1114 Words   |  5 PagesLater that year he enrolled at Cambridge University in England to study physics thus beginning his atomic research in the Cavendish Laboratory under J.J. Thomson. Then at the age of 22 he was invited to team up with Max Born at Gottingen University in Germany. There he developed the Born-Oppenheimer Method. This method was an important addition to the Quantum Molecular Theory. Quantum theory is the origin of modern physics that explains the behavior and nature of matter and energy on the atomicRead MoreScience : The Quest For Knowledge Essay1216 Words   |  5 Pagesinto mice that has a disease to conclude that the drug does work on mice but not on humans. As animal research and organ transplantation continues, the research behind the next big development should be limited by using alternative methods, interdisciplinary research, or the combination of two or more disciplines like physics and chemistry, and â€Å"micro testing† to advance scientific knowledge. The quest for scientific understanding should have ethical bounds in the sense that when a bomb is tested, forRead MoreThe Pursuit of a Theory of Everything1489 Words   |  6 P agesexplain several principles according to one definition or equation. This process occurs in all areas of science, from biology to cosmology, and often reduces the complexity of calculations and leads to new predictions regarding related phenomena. In physics, the unification of seemingly unrelated concepts has led to a number of pivotal discoveries. Several physicists even posit that one ultimate Theory of Everything exists to explain the nature and behavior of all matter and energy in existence (HawkingRead MoreRole of Chemistry in Human Welfare1394 Words   |  6 PagesChemistry  is the  science  of  matter  and the changes it undergoes. The science of matter is also addressed by  physics, but while physics takes a more general and fundamental approach, chemistry is more specialized, being concerned with the composition, behavior (or reaction), structure, and properties of  matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during  chemical reactions.  It is a  ph ysical science  which studies various  substances,  atoms,  molecules,  crystals  and other aggregates of matter whether inRead MoreNuclear Physics : A Scientist989 Words   |  4 PagesA scientist suspects that if he or she continues to research nuclear physics, his or her country will use the findings to produce a weapon capable of annihilating thousands or even millions of innocent civilians. The scientist, however, strongly believes that a weapon of this magnitude should remain nonexistent. Should he or she continue with this research even though it could be used to create a weapon of mass destruction? The scientist absolutely should. A scientist has no moral obligations inRead MoreNuclear Energy Is The Most Suitable Option For Australia1150 Words   |  5 PagesNuclear energy has a potential for replacing fossil fuel in Australia which will be limited in the future. According to Graaff (2015), in 2013, 6350 tonnes of uranium were mined from three uranium mines in Australia, making Australia as a third rank after Canada and Kazakhstan. Therefore, Australia should use Uranium to generate nuclear energy as an alternative energy of fossil fuel. It is important to consider the benefits of nuclear energy in order to prevent global warming implications, suchRead MoreEssay about The Atomic Bomb in World War Two1311 Words   |  6 Pagesof modern physics. Around 1803 John Dalton, an English chemist developed the first useful atomic theory of matter. Amedeo Avogadro, the Italian chemist in 1811 published an article drawing the distinction between the atom and the molecule, which now is known as â€Å"Avogadro’s Principle†. The French team of Pierre and Marie Curie who are known as the parents of nuclear physics came to the realization that the atom has a core, or nucleus. It became apparent that different laws of physics govern theRead MorePlank, Einstein and Black Body Radiation1400 Words   |  6 PagesBlack Body Radiation. Part 1. Trace the development of the understanding of â€Å"black body radiation† and assess Einstein’s contribution to quantum theory with particular reference to it. Some recent scientific discoveries have been developed during periods of war and have not necessarily been of an altruistic nature. Discuss Einstein and Plank’s differing views of the role society and politics played in scientific research. Towards the end of the 19th century physics was mostly thought to be at an apex

European Business Environment Free Essays

string(90) " over 4 million km\?, with France as the largest country with a population of 62 million\." Introduction This paper discusses the validity of the statement: The European Union does not represent a true union between its members. There are six levels of economic integration: preferential trading area, free trade area, customs union, common market, economic and monetary union, and complete economic/political integration (Alva and Behar, 2008). These categorisations imply that increased trade leads to an increased economic integration and that, as nations become more intertwined economically, they will necessitate the need for some level of political integration (Alva and Behar, 2008). We will write a custom essay sample on European Business Environment or any similar topic only for you Order Now The European Community (EC) was founded in 1957 with six member states by the signing of the Treaty of Rome under the name of European Economic Community (EEC). It became the EC in 1992 under the Maastricht Treaty and is the first of the three pillars of the European Union (EU). Today, the EC is the principal component of the EU. In this paper, this term ‘the EU’ is used to refer to this union, including those periods when it was known as the European Economic Community (EEC) and then later known as the European Communities. Over the last twenty years the European financial landscape has been radically transformed, with the establishment of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) having a large role in accelerating the pace of this transformation. A significant change has been the continued process by which the European financial markets have integrated, which has been a basic component of the wider process of economic and political integration in Europe. Financial integration has been one of the items at the top of the European political agenda, with the eventual objective (set at the Lisbon European Council in March 2000) of transforming the EU into the most competitive and dynamic economy globally by 2010 (Gjersem, 2003). The extent of progress in EU financial integration is undeniable. With the introduction of the euro, several EU financial sectors have become very integrated. But this integration has not spread to all areas and is largely the outcome of monetary integration (Frangakis, 2004), suggesting t he persistence of significant gaps in the integration process (Walken and Raes, 2005). Indeed, the extent of the capital market integration between EU countries lies somewhere between the international capital markets and national ones, indicating that liberalisation is still not complete and that deep integration of financial markets is still not a reality in some aspects of the financial markets (Gjersem, 2003). Therefore, even though there is no single measuring stick that allows us to judge exactly the extent of integration, there seems to be clear indication that financial markets within the EU still have a distance to go before national demarcation lines will actually disappear and financial market integration is acceptable (Gjersem, 2003). The EU has periodically added new members expanding the number of member states several times throughout its history and promising of continuing this trend in the future. Indeed, when Romania and Bulgaria joined the Union in 2007 the EU expanded toward South-Eastern Europe and naturally other countries in this area hope to become members of the EU. Three countries currently have candidate status (Croatia, Macedonia, and Turkey) and other four countries are participating to varying degrees in the Stabilisation and Association Process (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro).[1] The EU is now a 27-member state with the biggest single market in the world. As the EU continues to enlarge, there has been discussion as to whether the EU should prioritise ‘widening,’ which would mean expanding the Union to the east, or ‘deepening,’ which means that the focus would be on greater economic and political integration building on the accomplishments of th e Maastricht Treaty (Kubicek, 2005). This paper argues that, in the early days of the EEC, internal cohesion of the member states, based on fundamental cultural, economic, ideological, and political similarities, took precedence over any pressure to enlarge. However, it might be said now that enlargement may have taken precedence over internal cohesion. In explaining the reasons for this change, this paper is organised as follows. The first main section provides an overview of the Union’s history from the EEC to the current EU. The second main section discusses the initial reasons for integration followed by the reasons for subsequent enlargement. The third main section explains the reasons for this change in focus from economic, ideological, and political integration to enlargement and discuses whether they are mutually exclusive. The paper concludes with a brief summary. Background to the EEC/EU The EEC evolved from the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1958 and was established between Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and West Germany, often called the ‘Common Market.’ Under the EEC, attempts were made to achieve harmonisation and the EEC had as its ultimate objective the economic union of its member nations, eventually culminating in a political union. According to Haas (1961), the process of attaining the terminal condition of a political community among nation states is called integration. Integration is thus the process in which political actors in different nation states transfer their political activities to a new, expanded centre, whose institutions have authority over the original national states (Haas, 1961). In 1956, the United Kingdom (UK) proposed a Europe-wide free-trade area that would incorporate the Common Market, and again attempted to become a member of the EEC in 1963 and 1967, but these proposals was vetoed by France (Baldwin, 1994). Thereafter, the UK and Sweden formed in 1960 the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and other European countries that did not belong to the Common Market (see Figure 1) eventually joined. Later the EFTA and the EEC made arrangements to ensure uniformity between the two groupings and by 1995 all of the EFTA members had become members of the EU except four (see Figure 2). The EU has continued to expand. In 2004, ten additional states joined the Union, the largest expansion in its history – Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Bulgaria and Romania are the latest additions, joining the Union in 2007. Currently, the EU covers over 4 million km?, with France as the largest country with a population of 62 million. You read "European Business Environment" in category "Essay examples" And while the EU is less than half as big as the United States, its population of 491 million is more than 50% as large as the American population. Since the accession of the new member states in 2004, the EU’s GDP is now slightly larger than that of the US, with its GDP estimated in 2009 at US$14.5 trillion. Figure 3 (below) shows the relative size of the various economies making up the EU-27. The German economy is largest, with 19.4 % of EU’s GDP in 2008, followed by France (15.2%), the UK (14.1%), Italy (12.3%), and Spain (8.5%). Figure 3: Percentage of GDP accounted for by each country in the EU The Rationale for Integration According to Leonard (2005), France’s foreign minister, Aristide Briand, was the first leading politician to suggest a European Union and this took place at the end of the 1920s. However, real European integration was driven by (1) geopolitical factors affecting Europe after the second World War, (2) unrelenting pressure from the USA during the Cold War, and then (3) European policymakers’ mercantilistic aspirations in the 1960s and 1980s (Evenett, 2004). According to Baldwin (2003, p. 6), â€Å"[t]he key question in the mid-1940s was, ‘How can Europe avoid another war?’† As a solution, the Europeans chose to â€Å"eliminate destructive nationalism by binding European nation-states into an economic and political union† (Baldwin, 2003, p. 6). This is exemplified by the Schuman Declaration (9th May, 1950): The coming together of the nations of Europe requires the elimination of the age-old opposition of France and Germany†¦ The solidarity in production thus established will make it plain that any war between France and Germany becomes not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible†¦ European integration was thus the foundation of the post-WWII architecture in Western Europe. Thus, in the first instance, Europe’s motives were peace and stability and, secondly, a safeguard against communist Russia. According to Baldwin (2003, p. 7), †¦it is clear that EFTA and the EU especially have indeed promoted peace and understanding in Europe. With their economies so thoroughly entwined, a war among Western European nations has been unthinkable for decades. In Bilefsky (2006), Jules Deelders, described as one of the Netherland’s leading poets, argues that a shared attitude and culture are important. And it apparent that the initial formation of the EEC (and the EFTA and then the EU) was done among nation-states that were very well aligned in cultural, economic, ideological, and political terms. The initial grouping, the Six, were close geographically, as well as economically, ideologically, and politically and this was very important and was the main reason that the UK’s petition to join this group was rebuffed twice, since it was not very close to these nations in the terms that they (particularly France) thought was important. However, the EEC eventually took other Western, and eventually Eastern, European nation-states onboard and, according to Baldwin et al. (1997, p. 128), â€Å"Eastern enlargement of the EU is a central pillar in Europe’s post-Cold War architecture.† It is key to understand that each enlargement is different from earlier enlargements and the last enlargement of the EU into Eastern Europe is an unprecedented case. These countries were qualitatively different from the previous member states, with primary mention being generally made of the economic differences – the most recent member countries are much poorer than the previous member countries (Kubicek, 2005; Lejour et al., 2007). Additionally, these countries are politically and ideologically different, being mostly former Soviet States or otherwise proponents of Socialism/Communism, unlike the democracies of Western Europe. A number of other countries are seeking to join the EU, including Albania, Croatia, Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, Turkey, and Ukraine and some argue that these countries are even further from being ‘European’ (Choudhury and Naidu, 2009). For example, Kubicek (2005) argues that â€Å"[m]any of Turkey’s supposed shortcomings are well-known: it is too big, too poor, too agricultural, too authoritarian, and, perhaps above all, too Muslim† (p. 1). Kubicek (2005, p. 1-2) further notes that â€Å"Turkish membership, unlike membership for the Poles, Czechs, Latvians, etc., will compel Europeans to ask a fundamental question: what is Europe?† Overall, Turkey’s entry into the EU would transform the Union in fundamental ways (Kubicek, 2005, p. 2): geographically – â€Å"its inclusion in the EU would mean that the EU would now border Iran [and] Syria;† culturally – â€Å"expansion to Turkey would be the first time the EU would cr oss the traditional border of ‘Christendom;’† and politically – â€Å"what does inclusion of Turkey say about Europe’s identity and values and how would Turkish membership jive with the goal of fostering an ‘ever closer union?’† The Rationale for Enlargement There are four explanations put forward for European enlargement (Evernson, 2004). The first is called ‘technocratic entrepreneurship.’ Moravcsik (1998, p. 4) explains this explanation thus: [2] [European] integration has been driven primarily†¦by a technocratic process that reflects the imperatives of modern economic planning, the unintended consequences of previous decisions, and the entrepreneurship of disinterested supranational experts. The second explanation is put forward by many proponents supporting EU expansion – trade expansion. Additionally, the rapid rates of growth achieved by the member countries of the EEC and EFTA in the 1960s created a belief that economic integration is a key factor in terms of the level and growth of economic activity (Brada and Mendez, 1988). Almost from its start as the EEC, the EU has led to the hope, if not the expectation, that it would lead to dynamic gains from trade, possibly including a sustained rise in the growth rates of the member states (Dearoff and Stern, 2002). Overall, Moravcsik (1998) argues that the leading (Western) states have for fifty years behaved logically in using the EU to promote their economic interests. However, according to Baldwin et al. (1997, p. 128) intra-regional and extra-regional â€Å"geopolitical considerations constitute the engine driving enlargement.† For example, the 2004 expansion of the EU assures good neighbourly relations a nd security in a region that has been a source of volatility and an area of constant aggression for a long time the past and this type external stability is decisive in states such that Slovakia that have many internal issues (Abraham, 2003). The third explanation is the most developed economic theory as to why regional agreements enlarge over time and that is the explanation called ‘domino regionalism,’ which was originally presented by Baldwin (1994, 2003). Baldwin (1994, 2003) argues that the achievement of the Single Market programme of reforms in Europe, supported by the fall of the Soviet Union, was the trigger for negotiations about enlargement with the outstanding members of the EFTA agreement and the previously communist states of Eastern Europe. Overall, the latest entrants to the EU expect increased political stability and the Union expects enlargement to contribute to a more stable Europe. Plus, regional integration may stimulate growth in the region as the foundation of the EEC and the former enlargements have proven. According to Baldwin et al. (1997, p. 125) â€Å"[t]he bottom line is unambiguous and strongly positive: enlargement is a very good deal for both the EU incumbents and the new memb ers.† Discussion The initial rationale for European integration is still the rationale for current expansion: geopolitical and economic considerations – in general, a move towards a political community and complete economic integration. However, while in the beginning, internal cohesion took precedence over the pressure to enlarge (as evidenced by earlier rebuffs to interested countries); this is no longer the case. After the recent addition of 12 countries to the Union, many Europeans are protesting that the EU is growing too far and too fast. And at a time when people seem to be increasingly dubious about European identity, the EU may be suffering from ‘enlargement fatigue’ (Kubicek, 2005, p. 1). Indeed, the enlargement has become a priority for the Union for several reasons, three of which are highlighted here. First, as mentioned several times, European stability has been a driving factor for integration and with the recent upheavals in Eastern Europe, their integration into the rest of Europe seems the only way forward in terms of European stability. The majority of Europeans seem to have embraced the EU’s growth eastward in 2004 for a range of reasons, but maybe primarily reasons because it reinforced the idea of the fall of the Soviet communist regime. The EU commissioner in charge of expansion, Olli Rehn, is quoted by Bilefsky (2006) as saying â€Å"It would be utterly irresponsible to wobble in our commitments and disrupt a valuable process which is helping to build stable and effective partners in the most unstable parts of Europe.† Second, as previously outlined, regional economic integration is hard for individual countries to resist because countries find that they have to react to increasing liberalisation by becoming a member of the existing group or by creating a counterbalancing group (Baldwin, 2003). The third reason is related to the second and has to do with the stability of multiple arrangements within a single area. That is, it is not likely that each country in Europe will be able to choose its own type of regionalism. Therefore, it is most likely that, ultimately, ‘gravitational forces’ will draw all of the main countries in the region into a single agreement (Baldwin, 2003). However, this does not mean that everything will go as planned. For example, member-states’ implementation of the EU directives to implement the EU financial services regulatory framework has tended to take a long time and it was argued that â€Å"the harmonisation of regulation, while substantial on paper , was not as effective in practice† (Danthine et al., 1999, p. 45). More significantly, several legislative areas ended unresolved in political deadlock (Hertig and Lee, 2003). Therefore, even though internationalisation, disintermediation, and globalisation of financial services continued, financial markets in the EU remained very much fragmented at the end of the 20th century (Frangakis, 2004). Has enlargement taken precedence over internal cohesionThis is an important question if we think that a ‘true union’ between EU members rests on cohesiveness. Kubicek (2005) argues that such a question assumes that cohesion and enlargement are mutually exclusive. European integration was meant to be â€Å"open to all countries willing to take part† (Schuman Declaration, 9th May, 1950) and Kubicek (2005, p. 1) is firm in his belief that the EU has done both. In addition to the addition of 12 new members, the EU †¦adopted a draft European Constitution, which promises to forge a tighter political union among its members as well as a stronger European identity. Geographically, politically, and culturally, one can thus speak of a ‘New Europe,’ one with a broader mission that covers over twice the number of countries that originally signed the Maastricht Treaty just over a decade ago. Conclusion What is now known as the EU came from integration efforts that start in the 1950s with the hopes of great economic and politic benefits being gained by those involved (Haas, 1961). This was initially shared among countries that were very similar culturally, ideologically, politically, and economically. But The EU, however, looks nothing like the EEC and contains many diverse countries. And thus the EU’s goal is now to â€Å"form an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe† (Baldwin, 2003, p. 7). According to Baldwin (2003, p.7), â€Å"the intensity of regional trade has produced a continuous exchange of ideas and exposure to cultures †¦ has fostered mutual understanding.† It can be concluded that, for economic and geopolitical reasons, enlargement is now a priority and may have even taken precedence over internal cohesion of the member states, based on fundamental economic, ideological, and political similarities. It may thus be concluded that the EU do es not represent a true union between its members. However, ‘widening’ and ‘deepening’ are not mutually exclusive and seem to be necessary to really strengthen the EU as an economic and political power. Word count: 2997 words References Abraham, S. (2003). The EU expansion: Hopes and worries. Eurozine, 28 November. Available at http://www.eurozine.com/articles/2003-11-28-abraham-en.html [accessed 24 January 2011]. Aitken, N. (1973). The effect of the EEC and EFTA on European trade: A temporal cross-section analysis. The American Economic Review, 63, (5): 881-92. Alva, M. and Behar, A. (2008). Factors that contribute to (or detract from) successful outcomes in African Regional Agreements. Background paper, World Development Report 2009: Reshaping Economic Geography. Available at: http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTWDR2009/Resources/4231006-1204741572978/alvabehar.pdf [accessed 28 January 2011]. Baldwin, R. (1994.) A domino theory of regionalism. Mimeo. November. Available at http://heiwww.unige.ch/~baldwin/AcademicPapers/AcademicPaper Files/dom_old.pdf [accessed 24 January 2011]. Baldwin, R. (2003). East Asian regionalism: A comparison with Europe. Presentation to the Japanese Ministry of Finance’s Study Group on China. February. Available at http://www.mof.go.jp/jouhou/soken/kouryu/h14/ chu14_05f.pdf [accessed 24 January 2011]. Baldwin, R., Francois, J., and Portes, R. (1997). The costs and benefits of eastern enlargement: The impact on the EU and Central Europe. Economic Policy, 12 (24): 125-76. Bilefsky, D. (2006). For many, EU ‘is big enough.’ International Herald Tribune, May 10. Brada, J. C., and Mendez, J. A. (1988). An estimate of the dynamic effects of economic integration. The Review of Economics and Statistics, 70, (1): 163-68. Choudhury, A. and Naidu, G. (2009). Turkey’s economic integration with the EU: An evaluation of current status and future prognosis. Journal of International Business Research, 8 (1): 29-44. Danthine, J., Giavazzi, G., Vives, X., and Von Thadden, E. (1999). The future of European banking. Monitoring European Integration 9, CEPR. Deardorff, A. and Stern, R. (2002). EU expansion and EU growth. Discussion Paper No. 487, University of Michigan October 29. Available at http://www.spp.umich.edu/rsie/workingpapers/wp.html [accessed 24 January 2011]. Evenett, S. J. (2004). The sequencing of regional integration. Available at www.evenett.com [accessed 26 January 2011]. Frangakis, M. (2004). Financial integration policy in the EU: Perspectives and challenges. EPOC Conference on â€Å"A New All-European Development Model in an Enlarged EU Social and Economic Aspects,† Poznan, 7-9 May. Available at http://www.epoc.uni-bremen.de/publications/pup2004/files/Poznan_Frangakis_ Abstract.PDF [accessed 24 January 2011]. Gjersem, C. (2003). Financial market integration in the euro area. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Economics Department Working Paper no. 368. Available at http://www.oecd.org/eco [accessed 24 January 2011]. Haas, E. (1961). International integration: The European and the universal process. International Organisation, 15 (3): 366-92. Hertig, G. and Lee, R. (2003). Four predictions about the future of EU securities regulation. Journal of Corporate Law Studies, 3 (2): 359-77. Kubicek, P. (2005). Turkish accession to the European Union: Challenges and opportunities for the ‘New Europe.’ Prepared for Workshop, ‘The New Europe II,’ Centre for European Studies, University of Florida, in Paris, France, February. Available at http://www.ces.ufl.edu/files/pdf/outreach/symposia_conferences/ TurkishAccessionToTheEU_021805.pdf [accessed 24 January 2011]. Lejour, A., Mervar, A., and Verweij, G. (2007). The economic effects of Croatia’s accession to the EU. EIZ Working Papers No. 0705, The Institute of Economics, Zagreb. Leonard, D. (2005). The Economist Guide to the European Union: Definitive Guide to All Aspects of the EU. London: Economists Books. McCauley, R. and White, W. (1997). The euro and European financial markets. Bank for International Settlements Working Paper no. 41. Available at http://www.bis.org [accessed 28 January 2011]. Moravcsik, A. (1998). The Choice for Europe: Social Purpose and State Power from Messina to Maastricht. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. Schuman Declaration, The. 9 May 1950. Available at http://www.library.pitt.edu/ subject_guides/westeuropean/wwwes/teu.mspr-fr-sd.html [accessed 28 January 2011]. Tumpel-Gugerell, G. (2006). Concluding remarks: Financial integration and stability in Europe. Speech by Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank Conference on â€Å"Financial Integration and Stability in Europe† organised by the Banco de Espana, the Centre for Financial Studies and the European Central Bank Madrid, 1 December. Available at http://www.ecb.int/press/key/date/2006/html/ sp061201.en.html [accessed 28 January 2011]. Walkner, C. and Raes, J-P. (2005). Integration and consolidation in EU banking: An unfinished business. European Commission, Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, Economic Paper no. 226. Available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/ economy_finance [accessed 28 January 2011]. [1] This is a legal framework for the relations between the EU and potential members in the period before possible accession (Lejour et al., 2007). [2] This is not the explanation that Moravcsik (1998) proposes; he argues that integration was spurred by the core economic interests of Britain, France, and Germany. How to cite European Business Environment, Essay examples

The Concept of Cognitive Behavior Theory-Free-Samples for Students

Question: What's the Patient Psychological Mechanisms? Answer: Introduction The report focuses on the analysis, diagnosis and recommendation of treatment of a patient. The report focuses on the use of the Cognitive Behavior Theory (CBT) for the case study and recommendations of treatment of the given patient. The CBT is based on the concept of working together of cognition (the thoughts), emotions (the feelings) and behavior (the actions) (Kendall Hollon, 2013). In the given case how these three determinants and their study shows the mental health of the patient. In the study, the past of the subject along with the social environment and the emotional balance help in the diagnosis. The resulting treatment method helps in treating his issues using the therapies of CBT. Analysis The analysis of the patients history shows many impressionable events, which must have a great impact on the psyche of the patient. The constant imagination of the death of his father and the marriage of his mother to another man must have greatly affected him. The imagination of beaten up by his stepfather, the inability of his mother to protect him affected him negatively and affected his behavior of self-preservation and it further aggravates his negative thoughts. The constant failing of his own marriage is because of the imaginary troubles he has faced, he over dramatizes the situations he has faced. The effect of the medicine on his sexual prowess has further aggravated his depression making him more upset about his condition and harming his relation with his wife. The failure of his marriages he has faced is affected by the constant fear ingrained in him. The subject has the habit of blaming the situation he is facing as the divine wrath. This ideology makes him powerless to f ace situations and find a solution to them. The idea of the divine wrath can be related to the patients strict religious beliefs and a habit of self-blaming (Park Slattery, 2013). This habit can be related to his imagination of being powerless in the hands of his father and therefore blaming himself for whatever issues he was facing. Diagnosis Based on the history and the current emotional status of the patient, there may be different results of the analysis of the patient. The patients constant overflow of emotion and imagining scenarios can be a result of depression (Alpert Fava, 2014). Depression makes him think he is incapable of taking actions and have conclusive decision-making capabilities. The patient evidently also suffers from depression because of the traumatic and negative impact of the life he imagines he has faced resulting in feeling unimportant (Gilbert, 2016). The depression can be the reason of all the negative thoughts and his emotional reasoning of feeling unimportant in the social circle stemming out of the failed relationships and the emotional misbalance arising out of them. All the effects of human faults and his own drawbacks are put on divine justice to avoid taking any action about them. The issues faced by him are a complex of emotion and behavior which is a resultant of a number experiences he has faced through his life. Treatment There are different types of treatments in the Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for the various issues faced by the patient. Aaron T. Beck initially developed the CBT for treatment of eating disorders (Boland, Tansey Brooks, 2015). There should be mix of individual and social approach to treat the issues of this patient. Cognitive reconstructing can treat the depression faced by the patient. The cognitive reconstructing of the emotions helps in the treatment of depression. The self-help technique is used in this type of treatment (Cuijpers, et al., 2013). To treat the depression of this patient the process of automatic thought record can be used (Neimeyer Feixas, 2016). In this technique, the patient has to write or record his taught along with the chain of reactions and their results. The context of thought, the chain of the thought and the result of the thought is recorded for the self-evaluation of importance and validity of the thought. This helps the patient in constructing his behavior to focus on constructive thought processes thus helping in depression. It also helps the psychiatrist in analyzing and understanding the thinking mechanism of the patient. The constant record of the patients thought process would help in counseling the patient for the various emotional fluctuations he is facing. A plan can be made for the patient for doing his regular tasks so that he finds pleasure in them and it helps in his depression. The process can be done in different parts by the patient Cause: The patient records the cause of the unpleasant emotion felt by the patient, the reason that initiated the thought process. Automatic thoughts: The causal thoughts gave birth to which automatic thoughts and how real the automatic thoughts seem. Emotions: The emotions felt as the effect of the automatic thoughts are recorded. The intensity of the emotions is also recorded so the patient can see it later. Adaptive Response: this analyses the thought processes that led to the complex behavior. A set of questions to be answered to reason the thought process and the percentage of each response. Outcome: This evaluates in percentage the belief of the patient on the adaptive response he gave. It also records the present emotions and their intensities. It helps in the evaluation of the success or failure of the process by the psychiatric help he is taking. The process of Pleasant Activity Scheduling can also be used, which a process to schedule a series of activities which the patient can look forward to (Orgeta, Brede Livingston, 2017). These can include simple activities, which help the patient feel pleasure like watching movies, or going on a trip. The pleasures felt by the patent will help them neutralize depressing emotions. Conclusion Therefore, in this report the case of the patient has shown a number of psychological issues arising out of his life experiences. The detailed analysis of his past and his present symptoms show a number of different issues including depression. The traditional treatments of the issues according to CBT have been recommended. The use of these methods will help in the patients psychological development References Alpert, J. E., Fava, M. (2014). Handbook of chronic depression: Diagnosis and therapeutic management (Vol. 25). CRC Press. Boland, E. A., Tansey, T. N., Brooks, J. (2015). Cognitive behavioral therapy. Counseling theories and techniques for rehabilitation and mental health professionals, 90. Cuijpers, P., Berking, M., Andersson, G., Quigley, L., Kleiboer, A., Dobson, K. S. (2013). A meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioural therapy for adult depression, alone and in comparison with other treatments. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 58(7), 376-385. Gilbert, P. (2016). Depression: The evolution of powerlessness. Routledge. Kendall, P. C., Hollon, S. D. (Eds.). (2013). Cognitive-behavioral interventions: Theory, research, and procedures (Vol. 21). Academic Press. Neimeyer, R. A., Feixas, G. (2016). The Role of Homework and Skill Acquisition in the Outcome of Group Cognitive Therapy for DepressionRepublished Article. Behavior therapy, 47(5), 747-754. Orgeta, V., Brede, J., Livingston, G. (2017). Behavioural activation for depression in older people: systematic review and meta-analysis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, bjp-bp. Park, C. L., Slattery, J. M. (2013). Religion, spirituality, and mental health.

Behaviors Associated With Giftedness

To some extent, students differ significantly from each other. Some of them are fast in learning while others are slow. There are two broad categories of students. These include gifted students on one side and those who are not gifted on the other.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Behaviors Associated With Giftedness specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In general, all gifted students demonstrate some unique abilities in various grounds. This can be through academic performance, reasoning and constructions, leadership or through music (Johnsen 2006). They show capabilities which is far above other students. However, gifted students do not necessarily require the normal services provided by the school order in order to acquire these capabilities. In other words, gifted students demonstrate an extremely high level of performance. According to Johnsen (2006), gifted students can be viewed as any student who shows abilit y to perform or one who performs at a remarkably high level of performance compared to their colleagues under the same age, environment, and experience. Gifted students display a high level of creativity in intellectual ability and cognitive ability. For instance, they display a high level of creativity in artistic, or leadership fields. Gifted students are therefore capable of solving various problems through their creativity. In most cases, the gifted students rarely take anything for granted (The Rhode Island State Advisory Committee on Gifted and Talented Education, 1997). For instance, they seek to ask many questions on why and how certain things or situations appear as they are. This is unlike with the case of non-gifted students who tend to take everything naively. Unlike non-gifted students, gifted students are usually diverse and are usually intensively focused (The Rhode Island State Advisory Committee on Gifted and Talented Education, 1997). This has a significant impact on their general performance. Gifted students also reveal a high capacity for motivation. They have self-motivation in their activities. This triggers their performance in various fields. This group of students has a strong inner desire to learn more and does not require intensive attention in training compared to other students.Advertising Looking for report on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Gifted students are also associated with good performance in class (Johnsen 2006). However, this is not just enough for a gifted student. In most cases, the number of gifted students varies from one place to another. The gifted students are found everywhere in all geographical regions, racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups (Barbara, 2002). Comparison and Contrast between Gifted and Non-Gifted Child Gifted Child Non-gifted child Does not require services or activities provided by the school in order to acquire various capabilities. Rarely take anything for granted High level of creativity Strong desire to learn Unusually high capacity of leadership Extremely high level of performance in creative and artistic areas. High level of academic excellence Take less for granted. Require services and activities provided in school in order to acquire various capabilities. Mostly takes things for granted Relatively lower level of creativity In most cases have lower desire to learn Relatively lower capacity of leadership. Average or below average performance in creative and artistic ideas. Relatively lower level of academic performance. In most cases takes things naively In conclusion, this analysis has clearly shown that there is a significant difference between a gifted and a non-gifted child. Both categories of students have significant variations in terms of cognitive and affective behaviors. In general, gifted students tend to display a relatively higher level of performance compared w ith the students who are not gifted. Reference List Barbara, C. (2002). Growing up Gifted. U.S.A: Merrill Prentice Hall. Johnsen, S. (2006). Definitions, Models, and Characteristics of Gifted Students. Web. The Rhode Island State Advisory Committee on Gifted and Talented Education. (1997). Characteristics and Behaviors of the Gifted. The Rhode Island State Advisory Committee. This report on Behaviors Associated With Giftedness was written and submitted by user Nakia to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

An Analysis of The Ministers Black Veil

An Analysis of The Ministers Black Veil Introduction Reverend Hooper was the chief protagonist in the story, The Ministers Black veil. His sudden change from a normal clergy man to wearing a black veil on his face scared his audience.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on An Analysis of â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More All along the reverend had never acted crazily before. He was a respected young clergyman. Wearing the veil was the main cause of alienation from the villagers, congregation and his bride to be Elizabeth. The veil symbolized sin which caused many ironic actions amongst the people (Smith 1). Alienation While reverend Hooper wore a veil on his way to church, the congregation was attentive to his teachings as he taught about secret sins. The veil seemed to work miracles. It created a good platform for separation between him and his congregation. It built up fear in them that no one was wishing to approac h him after the sermon (Smith 1). Elizabeth, who was engaged to the reverend, was alienated from her loved one because of the mysterious veil he wore. She was the only person who was not afraid of him. She tried to convince him to get rid of the veil. After enquiring why he was wearing the veil he revealed it to her that, â€Å"It is but a mortal veil-it is not for eternity† (Bloom 26). The fact that reverend Hooper did not have people to talk or socialize with, could lead to his insanity. At first people thought he was insane but with consistent wearing of the veil, they accepted and tolerated his behavior (Smith 1). Hooper had served in a funeral before proceeding to a wedding. During the funeral, his veil almost fell and he got it back speedily. This action troubled many people. One superstitious woman of age said that at that moment when the veil was falling from his face, she saw the corpse shake and it was like the Reverend was communicating with the corpse. This create d more fear to the people (Smith 1). Irony and Symbolism Reverend Hooper used the black veil as a symbol of his message to his church: â€Å"Secret sin and those sad mysteries which we hide from our own consciousness† (Bloom 29). This meant that people were separated from facing themselves because of the sins they committed. The irony was that in spite of people getting away from him, he did not change his mind. He promised to wear the veil for the rest of his life. He was also ready to give up on Elizabeth, who was his wife to be.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It was ironical that Reverend Hooper continued to serve in the church while he never used to speak to the people he served. His veil helped him to work through his mission effectively. Dying sinners were looking desperately for him (Bloom 29). Despite the relative acceptance of Reverend Hooperâ€⠄¢s veil, he remains a frightening creature within the town. Children free from him, the townsfolk avoid him, and Hooper himself cannot stand to gaze in a mirror as he finds his own Image terrifying. (Bloom 26) In one of the schools, one boy wore a handkerchief imitating Reverend Hooper’s black veil. Some of the people in the parish decided to confront the reverend about the mysterious veil. Ironically, they were scared of facing him even as a group. Conclusion Reverend Hooper’s sudden wearing of the black veil was symbolic. It was ironical that a piece of cloth could scare a multitude of people. The increased efficiency in his work was also a result of his veil. Bloom, Harold. Nathaniel Hawthorne. New York. NY: Infobase Publishing, 2001.Print. Smith, Nicole. The Ministers Black Veil. Article Myriad, 2010. Web. articlemyriad.com/.

Marketing Saturn Corporation in 1998 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Saturn Corporation in 1998 - Essay Example The Saturn Corporation had to be in complete contact with the GM, since the GM planned to launch the big cars and decided to have a shift from small to mid-size cars, Saturn Corporation should have planned the similar and should have quit the idea of manufacturing the same old small cars. The reason that the strategy was not hard to implement is that the Saturn Corporation had previously been spotted number one in manufacturing small cars and because of that it had made some reputation and capital to cope well with the GM and this is exactly what GM had thought about the company. But it was not the part of the company's mission statement and therefore the immediate job of the Saturn Corporation was to convince the GM that further launching of any such cars can make the market more competitive and already there are big leaders like Toyota and Honda performing well in the market, the scheme can be a flop. Whereas if the GM keeps on manufacturing such small sized cars which are having l esser costs and are already competing Toyota and Honda, the GM and Saturn could both be in greater profitability. Further, the Saturn Corporation could have stated to GM that the target audience should be the younger generation who is not capable of buying expensive cars and therefore would buy smaller cars already being manufactured, further more the traffic is increasing day by day and therefore the demand of small cars would be even higher in the future and thus the company should keep on manufacturing such cars perhaps with greater innovation to attract all the classes of society. Since Saturn is losing its quality despite of a tough competition, Saturn should concentrate on quality, which would ultimately yield experience particularly in the situation where there are other competitors in the market. Only this way the Saturn can provide the parent company with a useful knowledge and technology. As mentioned earlier, Saturn Corporation should not get distracted with what is being offered to them by GM as they are here for gaining experience with perfection and they should consistently keep on trying providing the up to date information on past sales to the CEO and President or even the upper management at GM, this could really make the GM feel to keep on making small cars without hassles. We all know about the outcome, the GM made the mid-sized cars incorporation with Saturn which provided the fair business but due to some rivalry with Japanese firms, the company had to get back to manufacture small cars and this time turning their mid-sized cars into small cars again, such as Sedan, a coupe and station wagon. This situation would have been a lot better if GM had just eliminated the plants and downsized the organization yet not eliminated the manufacturing of small cars. The disturbance was created in this part of 1990s where they thought of making mid-sized cars.

Nicholas II Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Nicholas II - Coursework Example Additionally, Nicholas not only relied on individuals who supported his ideas, but also enhanced autocracy. This incompetence in leadership catalyzed the problems Russians were going through. During the reign of Nicholas II, Russians experienced many problems as a result of Nicholas II incompetency. Russia lagged behind in terms of agriculture, commerce and industrialization (Hosking, 1993). Famine as well as high level of illiteracy also posed great challenge to the Russians whose population was increasing exponentially; people were allowed to cultivate and grow crops in traces of lands. Additionally, majority of the peasants were also very poor; they did not afford fertilizers leading to unproductive forms of agriculture. In addition, majority of the peasants were also unhealthy. In running Russia, Nicholas employed autocratic policies (Hosking, 1993). He believed in himself and wanted everything to be done according to his will. He also advocated foreign policies; he influenced the International Peace Conference that met at The Hague to promote universal peace. Additionally, Nicholas enhanced tsarist policies that that began in 1533 in leading Russians. In his reign as a czar, Nicholas rejected some policies that he considered threats to his leadership (Pipes, 2011). For instance, he highly rejected Russification policy. According to him, this policy was aimed at weakening his autocracy as well as the empire’s political

Hip Hop Genre Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hip Hop Genre - Essay Example He ventured into other business sectors, primarily in the fashion and media industries and has reaped huge dividends. His efforts o take the music from the streets to the airwaves was a resounding success. His contribution is still felt to date and has caused the immense wealth being displayed by the musicians. His business investment methods have been copied by heavyweights such as Jay Z, P Diddy and 50 Cent (vh1, 2007). Unfortunately, the freedom of expression promoted by hip-hop gave way to a negative expression channel, the use and glorification of violence, sex and drugs in lyrics. The demeaning use of women as sexual objects whose aim is to get pecuniary advantage from the rappers is a main concern. Ayanna (2008) states that: "images are shown to go along with a lot of the explicit lyrics that commonly contain name calling to suggest that women are not worth anything more than money, if that. Women are described as being only good for sexual relations by rappers who describe their life as being that of a pimp." This disrespect of women has had feminists on the rampage for years. Another vice promoted is the violence culture. The prolific growth of popularity of this culture is due to the exploitative use by record labels to make more bucks from their popularity. This phenomenon occurred during the 1990's when hip-hop became a cash cow and "gangsta rap" started. Real life "beef" was used to emotionally attach the listeners to the lyrical content. This was in contrast to the original message of hip hop, to distract youth from rowdy gang like behavior. One of the most famous incidents of violent exchange was the Biggy-Tupac feud, which resulted in both their deaths.... According to the essay "Hip Hop Genre" findings, the freedom of expression promoted by hip-hop gave way to a negative expression channel, the use and glorification of violence, sex and drugs in lyrics. The demeaning use of women as sexual objects whose aim is to get pecuniary advantage from the rappers is the main concern. Ayanna (2008) states that: â€Å"†¦images are shown to go along with a lot of the explicit lyrics that commonly contain name calling to suggest that women are not worth anything more than money if that. Women are described as being only good for sexual relations by rappers who describe their life as being that of a pimp.† This disrespect of women has had feminists on the rampage for years. Another vice promoted is the violence culture. The prolific growth of popularity of this culture is due to the exploitative use by record labels to make more bucks from their popularity. This phenomenon occurred during the 1990’s when hip-hop became a cash cow and â€Å"gangsta rap† started. Real life â€Å"beef† was used to emotionally attach the listeners to the lyrical content. This was in contrast to the original message of hip hop, to distract youth from rowdy gang like behavior. One of the most famous incidents of violent exchange was the Biggy-Tupac feud, which resulted in both their deaths. This lyric sample was taken from Tupac’s song â€Å"We Hit ‘Em Up† shows the extent of the hate that characterized their relationship. In this respect, I think these two; Biggie and Tupac were the most damaging influences in hip-hop.

A Famous South Indian Restaurant In The Uk Marketing Essay

A Famous South Indian Restaurant In The Uk Marketing Essay Mirch Masala, a famous south Indian restaurant in the UK started in the year 1995 in Norbury, establishing branches in Tooting in the year 2001, Southall branch in April 2004, Croydon and East London branch in 2005 and Ilford branch being the latest in February 2009, under the watchful gaze of its owner and founder, Mr. Riaz Hassan Sabir, 49. It bears the name of most basic ingredient of Indian cuisine. The specialties are karahi and barbecue dishes. All food is prepared fresh on the premises, which may explain the massive popularity, as it tastes so fantastic. Mirch Masala has a string of awards to its credit. The Norbury branch won a highly commended in the Croydon Guardians Restaurant of the Year awards and the Tooting branch won its region in the Tiffin Cup and has gone on to the national finals. Mirch Masala has been the winner of a number of UK restaurant awards, the latest being TOP 100 RESTAURANTS OF UK voted by EVENING STANDARD (AUG 2003). Business portfolio The entire business is build upon a horizontal integration, dealing only with restaurant business. Expanding its wings in the South London with a total of 6 branches, all branches approved by Halal Monitoring committee, UK. Having the same menu and same style of preparing the food in all branches is unique in Mirch Masala. Mission Statement To provide customers the authentic taste of Indian cuisine and be the best in the Industry on a consistent level Overview of Business Mirch masala started with the first branch in Norbury and succeeded over a period of time, developing further with 5 more branches to its profile. Having over six branches, Mr. Riaz Hassan Sabir enjoys reaping a good profit and delivers excellent services with good quality of food equally over all branches even though the branches are decentralized. Employees come from the same Asian background that has enough idea about Indian cuisine. The business comprises of over 60 employees in all the branches with seating capacity of 170 in Croydon branch, 320 in Ilford, 130 in Tooting, 160 in Norbury, 140 in Southall and 120 in East Croydon. Branches Norbury Restaurant 1416 London Road, Norbury London SW16 4BZ Tel: 0208 679 1828, 0200 765 1070 Email: [emailprotected] Tooting Restaurant 213 Upper Tooting Road London SW17 7TG Tel: 0208 672 7500, 0208 767 8638 Email: [emailprotected] Southall Restaurant 171-173 The Broadway Southall, Middlesex UB1 1LX Tel: 0208 867 9222 Email: [emailprotected] East London Restaurant 111-113 Commercial Road London E1 1RD Tel: 0207 377 0155 Email: [emailprotected] Croydon Restaurant 40-42 Southend Road Croydon CR0 1DP Tel: 0208 680 3322, 0208-6809898 Email: [emailprotected] Ilford Restaurant 7-13 Goodmayes Road, Goodmayes Ilford, IG3 9UH Email: [emailprotected] SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify internal factors such as strengths, weakness of a business and external factors such as opportunities and threats which should be addressed on the right time in order to be successful over a period of time. SWOT analysis of Mirch Masala Restaurant is identified and specified as follows. Strengths The exterior and interior of the restaurant is clean and tidy The quality and service of the restaurant has created a good brand image over a period of time Gaining of awards covers more customers and provides confidence to the business The restaurant has take away options and also provide outdoor catering service They provide buffet services which creates attention in the minds of the customer, a chance for more people to get the taste Customers of Mirch masala enjoy the bring-your-own liquor policy without any extra cost Dishes are freshly prepared on the premises and the quality is good Higher level of transparency makes the customers feel comfortable about the food they order and about the service they get The restaurant is Halal Meat certified, which covers religious aspects as well Having a own meat shop reduces the expense of purchasing meat which are Halal Free home delivery up to 2 Mile radius for orders over  £15.00 Weaknesses Dishes not being highly priced is a disadvantage, as the quality provided deserves to be priced a bit higher compared to other restaurants Employees from Asian background may affect the kind of service the native people of UK expect Not enough advertisement of the restaurant is given as Marketing plays a vital role The restaurant does not have kebab dishes as people expect a restaurant like this to have kebab dishes since the quality they provide is good and up to the standards Opportunities Expand their business by opening new branches outside London and also in Central London Include kebabs and grill dishes in the menu to attract more customers Main competitors are running slow due to recession, this is a good time to develop with good marketing Threats The competitors are lowering their prices as succeed over Mirch Masala as they offer dishes with low price Recession has affected their business enormously as the business is running slow due to this reason New competitors are opening up businesses in their region which affects business Competitor Analysis Competitor analysis is another important tool in management planning process. In order to succeed in a business, one must keenly watch his competitors. Competitor analysis has several important roles in management planning. To help management understand their competitive advantages and disadvantages, generate understanding of competitors past, present, and future strategies and develop strategies to achieve competitive advantage in future. Mirch masala as a restaurant serving authentic Indian food has many competitors in market as there is a huge pool of Asian population available in the area. The main strategy of Mirch masala is to run business where there is an availability of Asian population, but they need to change their way of thinking and apply some new strategies as competitors are spreading everywhere across. Mirch masala have less competition in the areas where they have established. When they expand their business they need to address geographic issues. Their main competitors are Lahore Kebab, Masala World and other local restaurants. Masala Zone Masala World Group A quick glance at the business Masala zone restaurants display the passion to give real Indian cuisines, friendly service, good value and strong design. The creators are Ranjit Mathrani, his wife Namita Panjabi, and Camellia Panjabi Namitas sister, after success with the acclaimed Indian restaurants Chutney Mary and Veeraswamy. They are ground-breaking, casually stylish and fun Indian restaurants. They combine contemporary design with Indian popular art. The first masala zone restaurant in Soho opened in 2001 and rapidly became one of the most popular Indian restaurants in the UK. The food has the traditional Indian emphasis on healthy eating, balanced meals, fresh food and exciting dashes of spice Strengths: Quick and friendly customer service Clean and tidy environment Exotic Indian ambience in different branches to enlighten customers with the traditional Indian art Quality food, good service and value for money A bit highly priced, targeting niche market Specialties from many diverse regional cuisines of India Chefs are recruited directly from different regions of India, saving cost of training and who are best in their field creating their own specialties Different techniques of cooking to get that unique taste according to the dish Weaknesses: Different branches with different kind of environment may put customers in dilemma about their expectations of the restaurants environment Lower line of transparency Absent of Buffet service Different branches under different name Target Customers: Masala Zone is with no doubt providing exquisite and traditional Indian food focusing mainly to spread its essence to every person in London. This particular restaurant is for all who envy Indian food. Customer base is not filtered, as they concentrate much on the quality, taste of the food and service which is their core strength. Geographic spread: Having branches in Bayswater, Camden town, Covent Garden, Earls court, Fulham, Islington and Soho, their motive is to keep show cast their restaurant according to different locations. They are not widely spread as they have a established their business in London. Lahore Kebab A quick glance at the business Lahore Kebab House is one of the very few restaurants in London which offer real authentic Pakistani cuisine. The sensational aroma of our sultry meals is guaranteed to entice your taste buds. Our visibly open kitchen allows you to witness the high standards of hygiene and quality that we are committed on maintain. The spacious premises of the Lahore Kebab house provided a relaxed environment for you to comfortably enjoy our food. With a history of serving excellence for over 40 years, the Lahore Kebab House can confidently claim to be one of the best Asian restaurants in London. The level of spices can be maintained according to the desire of our customers upon request. Strengths: Strong brand image over a period of time attracts more customers Providing hygienic and good quality food Higher line of transparency Highly priced Weaknesses: Not in attractive place Unavailability of drinks such as Wines and beers Lack of promotional activities No proper marketing strategy is used, as in poor website is maintained Marketing Strategies Every marketing strategy is unique, but if we abstract from the individualizing details, each can be reduced into a generic marketing strategy. There are a number of ways of categorizing these generic strategies. But when comparing Mirch Masala with its competitors we suggest the following strategies on a timely basis to cover the market and become more successful. Growth strategies: Product development The restaurant needs to include various dishes like kebabs and other Indian varieties, so they can cover the existing market and build their own brand in order to defend themselves from new entrants. The restaurants can start selling drinks and spirits on their own premises as to increase profit and lessen the burden of customers to bring their own liquor. Market penetration Mirch masala needs to penetrate the existing market by implementing promotional activities such as advertising, door to door distribution of leaflets. Market development The business is despite of being successful, still faces a fierce competition with its local players. The restaurant needs to open up new branches in other areas of London and few branches in Central London as they are financially strong. Market differentiation After development of their market, Mirch Masala needs to target on Niche market by increasing the price a bit higher as Masala Zone. The reason behind this is the quality and taste of the food they provide, which needs to be addressed strongly. People tend to think that the cheaper the price the worse the quality. Gant Chart Figure 1: Illustration of Time bound recommended strategies for Mirch Masala Recommendation Despite of being successful in the market, Mirch Masala needs to implement the recommended strategies in order to enter new markets with product development and making it target the niche market. To increase the customer base, build a stronger brand image and be successful. References

Dream Of A Long Fur Coat; Judg :: essays research papers

Judgment on a Past Time In reading the selection Dream of a Long Fur Coat, by Barbra Drews, I noticed that not all people view the world the same way. In this selection the author feels that animals that are trapped or raised in pins are being wrongly killed for the use of their fur. She justifies her reasons for feeling this way by over exaggerating the events that lead to the processing of fur. Barbra Drews clearly explains how iron traps, the most common traps used by trappers, do their part in killing the animal. The author shows this by explaning that live animals caught in traps suffer greatly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The author draws support to her case by using quotations from famous people such as Cleveland Amory. Amory is quoted in the selection to say “until the leghold trap is outlawed, any woman who wears a fur has on her back 150 hours of torture.'; This is an opinion that has no factual evidence to back it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Drews also feels that it is immoral to raise fur bearing animals because they are prevented from carrying on their life as the would in nature. However, she fails to mention that common animals such as cattle, goats, pigs, ducks, geese, and sheep have been domesticated to live in pins the same ways that animals being used for fur are being domesticated. She also forgets to tell her audience that these animals were once wild animals captured and bred for food and clothing in the same way the fur bearing animal are.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Drew also states “as high as 95% of all animals trapped are non-target animals.'; Trapping is like playing a hand of blackjack. The intent when playing blackjack is to get a blackjack every time. This is unrealistic because many times a person can win with something other than that. The same goes for trapping. Just because the trap was set for a certain type of animal, it does not mean that the animal that it catches will be discarded. Often the animal caught in the trap is just as valuable as the intended animal.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In my opinion, I feel that trapping has been a way of life for people of the past and should continue to be part of the lives of people today. Many trappers are 3rd and 4th generation trappers who’s trades were passed down from one generation to the next.

NFL Concussions

On the other hand, the nature football is very aggressive ND hazardous. There are many fans think there should be little to no regulations or changes because football is meant to be an aggressive sport. Football is considered to be a holy sport for most people in America. Thousands of fans watch each game and revolve their schedule around the NFG. The NFG has started trying to prevent concussions; in 2010 the NFG made a new rule that a player cannot tackle another player in head to head contact. As the fans and players started rioting against this rule, it helped in preventing concussions.There are often many injuries involved in the sport of oddball, but most injuries consist of concussions and other head traumas. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that shakes the brain inside the skull. Although there may be cuts or bruises on the head or face, there may be no other visible signs of a brain injury . The NFG needs to start implementing strict rules and harder punishments for people who play dirty or try to hurt others. Many players have been hit so hard to the extent that the injuries end their careers.Players often have long term effects from most injuries involved n football. These players being injured with a concussion is a serious matter because there is no physical signs of the injury. Although it is obvious that the NFG needs to protect its players better, many people still believe otherwise. Those people believe that football is football, it is meant for being aggressive and hitting hard. They also say that players are being penalized for something that happened accidental. Although this may be true sometimes, without the rules players can take advantage and play dirty. (WV.NFG. Com) The NFG data shows an average of one reported concussion every other game. About 120 to 130 concussions occur per regular season. Every year that NFG rules get stricter, the number of conc ussions decreases. These rules need to become more strict because concussions are a serious thing to have and most people usually don't know when they one. A reporter from USA Today explains how coaches should approach this matter. He said, â€Å"Signs and symptoms of concussions may be delayed, and therefore it may be prudent to remove an athlete from play, but when in doubt, take a timeout† (Bell).NFG isn't really doing much in dealing with the concussions. In the past year more than 160 players went down with a head injury. In response, the NFG fines players for their bad judgment on the field, which means nothing to them. Steve Inspire reported a New England defensive back stating, â€Å"Fines never mattered to me, being suspend for hitting a player helmet to helmet caught my attention. Because fines don't matter to a millionaire. † Also, people might say these rules about players not being able to tackle the way they want will cause them to not play as well and so ften them up.Sports reporter Tom Goldman said â€Å"its football, big hits are and always will be a part of the sport. † (Goldman). However, as professionals they should know how to change their name and adapt to the newer and safer rules of the NFG. They are allowed to hit as hard as they want but it's where they are hitting that is the problem. In the NFG if a defensive player hits a quarter back helmet to helmet he is penalized. Also, if a defensive player hits a quarter back after the play he is penalized. NFG has to try harder in protecting their players.In the past there where barely any rules, players didn't even wear metal helmets. They wore leather Ones which didn't protect them at all. Players in the past were twice more likely to get a concussion then players are now. The NFG rules on incursions are now stricter, but the amount of concussions this year is still too high. In the future, players should wear better helmets and have more gear on. There should be a medi cal staff on the sidelines in case of emergencies. Also, they should have operating rooms if injuries are too severe.After a big hit the player shouldn't come back to game unless a doctor agrees. Reporter says â€Å"If a certified athletic trainer were to see the hit again slow motion from a replay, he might say wait a minute we need to check him out. (McCann) Reporter Garret Bell explains â€Å"Quarterback Colt McCoy was allowed to continue playing after suffering a concussion, Macy's hand was checked out, but was never tested for a concussion because the medical staff didn't see the replay and missed the head get hit. † After all the rules NFG has changed this year it still didn't fix the problem.This year three major quarterbacks where injured from concussions which is an example of how the NFG still hasn't done enough to protect its players. Jay Cutler from the Chicago Bears, Alex Smith from the San Francisco errs, and Michael Vicki from the Philadelphia Eagles has been injured this year with concussions. Jay Cutler and the Bears didn't make it to the playoffs because of his injury. They started their season 7-1 , and when Jay Cutler got injured they finished the season 9-6. Michael Vicki missed the football season. Alex Smith lost his starting possession after he was injured.All these players and their teams were affected because one person wasn't careful enough to control himself. NFG hasn't done enough as shown by each of those Quarterbacks. Because the NFG has started to make a lot Of changes towards injuries this year retired football players feel that they should have gotten this treatment when they were playing. That's why many football veterans are suing the NFG today. A reporter from USA TODAY says ‘The NFG is a target of federal lawsuits by more than 3,700 former players who allege that for decades the league failed to protect from concussions and their long-term effects.Today Boston will release a report that includes the cases of 33 former NFG players diagnosed after their deaths with brain damage linked to repeated concussions. † (Misses) Another reporter states â€Å"There is a disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy which is often associated with concussions. Studies show that this can be incipient in people as young as 18. (Bell) Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease that results in behaviors similar to Alchemist's disease. However, according to researchers, it has a clear environmental cause of repeated brain trauma rather than a genetic cause.This disease is most often known from ex-boxers, so it as if players are being punched in the head. Though this disease doesn't show up right away it often shows up later in their life. So players are not only being affected during their time playing football, but even after 20, 30, or even 40 years after they retire. â€Å"With all the steps the NFG has to improve layer safety, against all the backdrops of the hundreds o f ex- players suing the NFG for not revealing more knowledge about head injuries† said reporter Garret Bell.There are hundreds of parents that don't allow their children to play football from how easily things can wrong, even after knowing youth football players do drills aimed at reducing their risks of concussions. Football is a beautiful sport and a great exercise. If the NFG doesn't start making changes soon to improve their players' safety it may be stopped as a professional sport in America, especially if players keep receiving concussions ND diseases from the sport. Players, teams, and cities have been affected by these concussions.The NFG ended up realizing this problem 3 years ago in 201 0 and still hasn't fixed it. It is reported â€Å"In 201 0 through 6 weeks of the season it was reported that 35 players have been on injury lists, unable to play because of head injuries. (Goldman) If everyone were to watch football they would see what players go through every game. Players that are hurt the most are the ones that don't see it coming. They are most often hit on their blind side. Many people know the NFG-L needs to change, but very few people are trying to change it.Journalist Gary Misses explains, â€Å"The NFG is stressing a change in culture when it comes to a head injury. † (USA TODAY) In the NFG, football players should learn drills on how to tackle properly to reduce concussions. They should also, be put in simulations and scrimmages to learn how to avoid this harmful injury. Furthermore, players should be tested before football season to see how fragile their bodies are. That way teams can determine the amount of padding a player needs. All in all, it is obvious that the NFG needs to change its rules and regulations for the sake of the players and for the sake of the game. NFL Concussions On the other hand, the nature football is very aggressive ND hazardous. There are many fans think there should be little to no regulations or changes because football is meant to be an aggressive sport. Football is considered to be a holy sport for most people in America. Thousands of fans watch each game and revolve their schedule around the NFG. The NFG has started trying to prevent concussions; in 2010 the NFG made a new rule that a player cannot tackle another player in head to head contact. As the fans and players started rioting against this rule, it helped in preventing concussions.There are often many injuries involved in the sport of oddball, but most injuries consist of concussions and other head traumas. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that shakes the brain inside the skull. Although there may be cuts or bruises on the head or face, there may be no other visible signs of a brain injury . The NFG needs to start implementing strict rules and harder punishments for people who play dirty or try to hurt others. Many players have been hit so hard to the extent that the injuries end their careers.Players often have long term effects from most injuries involved n football. These players being injured with a concussion is a serious matter because there is no physical signs of the injury. Although it is obvious that the NFG needs to protect its players better, many people still believe otherwise. Those people believe that football is football, it is meant for being aggressive and hitting hard. They also say that players are being penalized for something that happened accidental. Although this may be true sometimes, without the rules players can take advantage and play dirty. (WV.NFG. Com) The NFG data shows an average of one reported concussion every other game. About 120 to 130 concussions occur per regular season. Every year that NFG rules get stricter, the number of conc ussions decreases. These rules need to become more strict because concussions are a serious thing to have and most people usually don't know when they one. A reporter from USA Today explains how coaches should approach this matter. He said, â€Å"Signs and symptoms of concussions may be delayed, and therefore it may be prudent to remove an athlete from play, but when in doubt, take a timeout† (Bell).NFG isn't really doing much in dealing with the concussions. In the past year more than 160 players went down with a head injury. In response, the NFG fines players for their bad judgment on the field, which means nothing to them. Steve Inspire reported a New England defensive back stating, â€Å"Fines never mattered to me, being suspend for hitting a player helmet to helmet caught my attention. Because fines don't matter to a millionaire. † Also, people might say these rules about players not being able to tackle the way they want will cause them to not play as well and so ften them up.Sports reporter Tom Goldman said â€Å"its football, big hits are and always will be a part of the sport. † (Goldman). However, as professionals they should know how to change their name and adapt to the newer and safer rules of the NFG. They are allowed to hit as hard as they want but it's where they are hitting that is the problem. In the NFG if a defensive player hits a quarter back helmet to helmet he is penalized. Also, if a defensive player hits a quarter back after the play he is penalized. NFG has to try harder in protecting their players.In the past there where barely any rules, players didn't even wear metal helmets. They wore leather Ones which didn't protect them at all. Players in the past were twice more likely to get a concussion then players are now. The NFG rules on incursions are now stricter, but the amount of concussions this year is still too high. In the future, players should wear better helmets and have more gear on. There should be a medi cal staff on the sidelines in case of emergencies. Also, they should have operating rooms if injuries are too severe.After a big hit the player shouldn't come back to game unless a doctor agrees. Reporter says â€Å"If a certified athletic trainer were to see the hit again slow motion from a replay, he might say wait a minute we need to check him out. (McCann) Reporter Garret Bell explains â€Å"Quarterback Colt McCoy was allowed to continue playing after suffering a concussion, Macy's hand was checked out, but was never tested for a concussion because the medical staff didn't see the replay and missed the head get hit. † After all the rules NFG has changed this year it still didn't fix the problem.This year three major quarterbacks where injured from concussions which is an example of how the NFG still hasn't done enough to protect its players. Jay Cutler from the Chicago Bears, Alex Smith from the San Francisco errs, and Michael Vicki from the Philadelphia Eagles has been injured this year with concussions. Jay Cutler and the Bears didn't make it to the playoffs because of his injury. They started their season 7-1 , and when Jay Cutler got injured they finished the season 9-6. Michael Vicki missed the football season. Alex Smith lost his starting possession after he was injured.All these players and their teams were affected because one person wasn't careful enough to control himself. NFG hasn't done enough as shown by each of those Quarterbacks. Because the NFG has started to make a lot Of changes towards injuries this year retired football players feel that they should have gotten this treatment when they were playing. That's why many football veterans are suing the NFG today. A reporter from USA TODAY says ‘The NFG is a target of federal lawsuits by more than 3,700 former players who allege that for decades the league failed to protect from concussions and their long-term effects.Today Boston will release a report that includes the cases of 33 former NFG players diagnosed after their deaths with brain damage linked to repeated concussions. † (Misses) Another reporter states â€Å"There is a disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy which is often associated with concussions. Studies show that this can be incipient in people as young as 18. (Bell) Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease that results in behaviors similar to Alchemist's disease. However, according to researchers, it has a clear environmental cause of repeated brain trauma rather than a genetic cause.This disease is most often known from ex-boxers, so it as if players are being punched in the head. Though this disease doesn't show up right away it often shows up later in their life. So players are not only being affected during their time playing football, but even after 20, 30, or even 40 years after they retire. â€Å"With all the steps the NFG has to improve layer safety, against all the backdrops of the hundreds o f ex- players suing the NFG for not revealing more knowledge about head injuries† said reporter Garret Bell.There are hundreds of parents that don't allow their children to play football from how easily things can wrong, even after knowing youth football players do drills aimed at reducing their risks of concussions. Football is a beautiful sport and a great exercise. If the NFG doesn't start making changes soon to improve their players' safety it may be stopped as a professional sport in America, especially if players keep receiving concussions ND diseases from the sport. Players, teams, and cities have been affected by these concussions.The NFG ended up realizing this problem 3 years ago in 201 0 and still hasn't fixed it. It is reported â€Å"In 201 0 through 6 weeks of the season it was reported that 35 players have been on injury lists, unable to play because of head injuries. (Goldman) If everyone were to watch football they would see what players go through every game. Players that are hurt the most are the ones that don't see it coming. They are most often hit on their blind side. Many people know the NFG-L needs to change, but very few people are trying to change it.Journalist Gary Misses explains, â€Å"The NFG is stressing a change in culture when it comes to a head injury. † (USA TODAY) In the NFG, football players should learn drills on how to tackle properly to reduce concussions. They should also, be put in simulations and scrimmages to learn how to avoid this harmful injury. Furthermore, players should be tested before football season to see how fragile their bodies are. That way teams can determine the amount of padding a player needs. All in all, it is obvious that the NFG needs to change its rules and regulations for the sake of the players and for the sake of the game.

Video Gambling †Confessions of an Addict

Video Gambling – Confessions of an Addict Free Online Research Papers Video Gambling Confessions of an Addict Some people associate gambling as a means of enjoyment or social interaction. But at one point in my life it became an addiction. The fun stopped and the problems began, but oddly enough while it was happening I didnt know the moment the switch occurred. I was introduced to gambling at the age of 23 while working at a small restaurant on the northwest part of town. It was a slow time of day and there were three video lottery machines in a small room in the corner of the restaurant. The entire staff would play the machines during the slow times throughout the day and I never thought much about it. They would spend their tip money in hopes that they would win it big with nothing more than a spare change left behind by patrons. One day I decided to drop a quarter into the machine myself and take a run with my luck. The game Keno looked pretty interesting to me so I picked ten numbers and hit start. Before I knew it I was racking up credits, 500 to be exact. I couldn’t believe it, I had just won $125.00 and it was my first time playing any kind of game of this kind. I was on top of the world and experiencing what I would later understand to be a gamblers high. On my way home from work I passed a couple of casinos, they had always been there but I never really noticed them before. With gamblers high still pumping in my veins I decided to stop and try my luck again. My line of thinking was that if I only took in $20.00, I could only lose $20.00. However, if there such a thing as beginners luck, I am sure had it. By the time I left the casino that night I was another $350.00 richer and laughing to myself about how I could quit my job to play professionally. As a result of my â€Å"beginners luck† I became a gambler full and true. First only taking in $20.00 or $40.00 at a time, but before long it was $100.00 or $150.00 in sad attempts to gain back what I lost the night before. I was having some personal problems at the time and going to the casino was a good way for me to keep my mind off all the problems at home. Perhaps I was trying to find an escape, or maybe that is just the excuse that all addicts use. Now a few years later, I was about to have a baby. My gambling came to a halt during this period. I had other things to keep my mind busy, so I didn’t need it at the time. There was about a two year period where I didnt gamble at all, in fact, I didnt really think much about it. However, once things on the home front began to worsen again, I immediately started looking for something else to consume my thoughts. I was on the verge of hitting bottom and I didnt have a clue. With a new born baby at home and never knowing where my boyfriend was, I felt lonely and depressed. I sought comfort in the casinos and began to hit the machines again. It was just like old times. I can remember going into the casino with $100.00 and my ATM card in hand. It was warm and inviting, like an old friend welcoming me back with a big hug. I never needed my ATM card that day as I had hit the big one with my last $20.00. One thousand dollars, I couldn’t believe it. That was more money then I would make working at the restaurant in two weeks and here I won it while having free drinks handed to me. Being the gambler I had turned into it was not enough to just win $1000.00. I immediately took $300.00 to another machine and began feeding in my winnings one quarter at a time. However, I guess I had the touch that day for sure; I won another $1000.00 almost immediately. I was hooked and everything in me was telling me that what I was doing was right. If I hadnt of won I dont know that my gambling would have gotten so out of control. I began gambling daily, sometimes all day long and far into the night. I would skip work to go to the casino. Gambling became a big part of my life. I would pass on sleep to gamble, I didn’t eat as the high of gambling kept me from thinking about food. My relationships suffered as suddenly I didn’t have the time to talk with old friends on the phone or participate in the lives of my family. I would be very irritable with my young son after a loss. The only thing I thought about was sitting at those machines with a beer in one hand and money in the other. Pay days were the worst; I would drop $600.00 in one day. This only led me to lie to my family and friends so I could borrow money from them to feed my son, or even worse, to just gamble it away. My family life was fading away from me and the people around me knew there was a problem. It was only about two months ago when I lost it big. I received my income tax refund, and with in a week it was gone. I lost nearly $2500.00 to video lottery. It was at this moment that I realized that I desperately needed help. I was very scared to tell everyone what was going, especially my boyfriend. How could I explain what I was doing and where all the money was going? After many long conversations and much heart ache my boyfriend decided to forgive me. He told me that he would be there for me and that we would get through it together. This is exactly what I think was missing in my life to begin with. Someone to open up to and talk to about my problem, and thankfully he was there for me when I needed him the most. It has been only two months since I came clean and I have vowed not to have video lottery in my life. Each day still comes with its own challenges but I have enrolled in school, and spend much of my time playing with my kids. Ever since video lottery took over my life 5 years ago, I have not had a lot of time for my family. To see the difference in my family life is what is keeping me going. The smiles on the faces of my children and to have them know that everyday there will be a good supper on the table is so magical. Research Papers on Video Gambling - Confessions of an AddictThe Hockey GamePersonal Experience with Teen Pregnancy19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraThe Spring and AutumnNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionCapital PunishmentThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationWhere Wild and West Meet