Methamphetamine Information

Crystal Meth/Methamphetamine Information There are several different types of amphetamines, which are stimulants. Crystal methamphetamine or simply crystal meth is an illegal form of the drug. Heres what you need to know. What Is Crystal Meth? The chemical n-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine is called methamphetamine, methylamphetamine, or desoxyephedrine. The shortened name is simply meth. When it is in its crystalline form, the drug is called crystal meth, ice, Tina, or glass. See the table below for other street names of the drug. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant. How Is Crystal Meth Used? Usually, crystal meth is smoked in glass pipes, similar to how crack cocaine is used. It may be injected (either dry or dissolved in water), snorted, swallowed, or inserted into the anus or urethra. Why Is Crystal Meth Used? Females often take crystal meth because it can cause extremely rapid weight loss. However, the effects are short term. The body builds up a tolerance to the drug so weight loss tapers off and stops around six weeks after taking the drug. Also, the weight that is lost is regained once a person stops taking methamphetamine. For these reasons, combined with how addictive the drug is, methamphetamine tends not to be prescribed by doctors for weight loss. Some people take meth because of the long-lasting high that it gives. Methamphetamine causes numerous neurotransmitters to be released in the brain, producing a sense of euphoria that may last as long as 12 hours, depending on how the drug was taken. Methamphetamine is popular as a stimulant. As a stimulant, methamphetamine improves concentration, energy, and alertness while decreasing appetite and fatigue. Methamphetamines are also taken by people who are feeling depressed. They may be taken for their side effect of increasing libido and sexual pleasure. What Are the Effects of Methamphetamine Use? This is a list of effects associated with pure methamphetamine use. Because of how its made, crystal meth is never pure, so the dangers associated with taking the street drug extend beyond these effects. Common Immediate Effects EuphoriaIncreased energy and alertnessDiarrhea and nauseaExcessive sweatingLoss of appetite, insomnia, tremors, jaw-clenchingAgitation, irritability, talkativeness, panic, compulsive fascination with repetitive tasks, violence, confusionIncreased libidoIncreased blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, blood sugar levels, bronchodilationConstriction of the walls of the arteriesIn pregnant and nursing women, methamphetamine crosses the placenta and is secreted in breast milk Effects Associated With Chronic Use Tolerance (needing more of the drug to get the same effect)Drug cravingTemporary weight lossWithdrawal symptoms including depression and anhedoniaMeth Mouth where teeth rapidly decay and fall outDrug-related psychosis (may last for months or years after drug use is discontinued) Effects of Overdose Brain damageSensation of flesh crawling (formication)Paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, tension headacheMuscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) which can lead to kidney damage or failureDeath due to stroke, cardiac arrest or elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) Physical and Chemical Properties of Crystal Meth Crystal meth may be distinguished from other drugs and compounds by its properties. The compound forms two enantiomers (compounds which are mirror images of each other), dextromethamphetamine and levomethamphetamine.Methamphetamine hydrochloride salt is a white crystal or crystalline powder at room temperature that is bitter-tasting and odorless, with a melting point  between 170 to 175  Ã‚ °C (338 to 347  Ã‚ °F). It readily dissolves in water and ethanol.The free base of methamphetamine is a clear liquid that smells like geranium leaves. It dissolves in ethanol or diethyl ether and mixes with chloroform.Although crystal meth is a persistent pollutant in soils, it is degraded by bleach or within 30 days in wastewater that is exposed to light. Where Does Crystal Meth Come From? Methamphetamine is available with a prescription for obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and narcolepsy, but crystal meth is a street drug, made in illegal labs by chemically altering over-the-counter drugs. Making crystal meth usually involves reducing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, found in cold and allergy medicine. In the US, a typical meth lab employs something called the Red, White, and Blue Process, which entails hydrogenation of the hydroxyl group on the ephedrine or pseudoephedrine molecule. The red is red phosphorus, white is the ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, and blue is iodine, used to make hydroiodic acid. Making crystal meth is dangerous to the people making it and dangerous to the neighborhood where its being made. White phosphorus with sodium hydroxide can produce poisonous phosphine gas, usually as a result of overheating red phosphorus, plus white phosphorus can auto ignite and blow up the meth lab. In addition to phosphine and phosphorus, various hazar dous vapors may be associated with a meth lab, such as chloroform, ether, acetone, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, methylamine, iodine, hydroiodic acid, lithium or sodium, mercury, and hydrogen gas. Street Names for Crystal Meth Crystal meth goes by a number of names: BatuBikers CoffeeBlack BeautiesBladeChalkChicken FeedCrankCristyCrystalCrystal GlassCrystal MethGlassGo-FastHanyakHiroponHot IceIceKaksonjaeL.A. GlassL.A. IceMethMethlies QuickPoor Mans CocaineQuartzShabuShardsSpeedStove TopSuper IceTinaTrashTweakUppersVentanaVidrioYabaYellow Bam

Fatty Arbuckle Scandal and Trials

Fatty Arbuckle Scandal and Trials At a raucous, three-day party in September 1921, a young starlet became severely ill and died four days later. Newspapers went wild with the story: popular silent-screen comedian Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle had killed Virginia Rappe with his weight while savagely raping her. Though the newspapers of the day reveled in the gory, rumored details, juries found little evidence that Arbuckle was in any way connected with her death. What happened at that party and why was the public so ready to believe Fatty was guilty? Fatty Arbuckle Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle had long been a performer. When he was a teenager, Arbuckle traveled the West Coast on the vaudeville circuit. In 1913, at the age of 26, Arbuckle hit the big time when he signed with Mack Sennetts Keystone Film Company and became one of the Keystone Kops. Arbuckle was heavy- he weighed somewhere between 250 and 300 pounds- and that was part of his comedy. He moved gracefully, threw pies, and humorously tumbled. In 1921, Arbuckle signed a three-year contract with Paramount for $1 million- an unheard-of amount at the time, even in Hollywood. To celebrate just having finished three pictures at the same time and to celebrate his new contract with Paramount, Arbuckle and a couple of friends drove up from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Saturday, September 3, 1921, for some Labor Day weekend revelry. The Party Arbuckle and friends checked into the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. They were on the twelfth floor in a suite that contained rooms 1219, 1220, and 1221 (room 1220 was the sitting room). On Monday, September 5, the party started early. Arbuckle greeted visitors in his pajamas and though this was during Prohibition, large quantities of liquor were  being drunk. Around 3 oclock, Arbuckle retired from the party in order to get dressed to go sight-seeing with a friend. What happened in the following ten minutes is disputed. Delmonts version:Bambina Maude Delmont, who frequently set-up famous people in order to blackmail them, claims that Arbuckle herded 26-year-old Virginia Rappe into his bedroom and said, Ive waited for this a long time, Delmont says that a few minutes later party-goers could hear screams from Rappe coming from the bedroom. Delmont claims she tried to open the door, even kick it in, but couldnt get it open. When Arbuckle opened the door, supposedly Rappe was found naked and bleeding behind him.Arbuckles version:Arbuckle says that when he retired to his room to change clothes, he found Rappe vomiting in his bathroom. He then helped clean her up and led her to a nearby bed to rest. Thinking she was just overly intoxicated, he left her to rejoin the party. When he returned to the room just a few minutes later, he found Rappe on the floor. After putting her back on the bed, he left the room to get help. When others then entered the room, they found Rappe tearing at her clothes (something that has been claimed she did often when she was drunk). Party guests tried a number of strange treatments, including covering Rappe with ice, but she still wasnt getting any better. Eventually, the hotel staff was contacted and Rappe was taken to another room to rest. With others looking after Rappe, Arbuckle left for the sight-seeing tour and then drove back to Los Angeles. Rappe Dies Rappe was not taken to the hospital on that day. And though she didnt improve, she wasnt taken to the hospital for three days because most people who visited her considered her condition to be caused by liquor. On Thursday, Rappe was taken to the Wakefield Sanitorium, a maternity hospital known for giving abortions. Virginia Rappe died the following day from peritonitis, caused by a ruptured bladder. Arbuckle was soon arrested and charged with the murder of Virginia Rappe. Yellow Journalism The papers went wild with the  story. Some articles stated Arbuckle had crushed Rappe with his weight, while others said he had raped her with a foreign object (the papers went into graphic details). In the newspapers, Arbuckle was assumed guilty and Virginia Rappe was an innocent, young girl. The papers excluded reporting that Rappe had a history of numerous abortions, with some evidence stating she might have had another a short time before the party. William Randolph Hearst, the symbol of yellow journalism, had his  San Francisco Examiner  cover the story. According to Buster Keaton, Hearst boasted that Arbuckles story sold more papers than the  sinking of the Lusitania. The public reaction to Arbuckle was fierce. Perhaps even more than the specific charges of rape and murder, Arbuckle became a symbol of Hollywoods immorality. Movie houses across the country almost immediately stopped showing Arbuckles movies. The public was angry and they were using Arbuckle as a target. The Trials With the scandal as front-page news on almost every newspaper, it was difficult to get an unbiased jury. The first Arbuckle trial began on November 1921 and charged Arbuckle with manslaughter. The trial was thorough and Arbuckle took the stand to share his side of the story. The jury was hung with a 10 to 2 vote for acquittal. Because the first trial ended with a hung jury, Arbuckle was tried again. In the second Arbuckle trial, the defense did not present a very thorough case and Arbuckle did not take the stand. The jury saw this as an admission of guilt and deadlocked in a 10 to 2 vote for conviction. In the third trial, which began on March 1922, the defense again became pro-active. Arbuckle testified, repeating his side of the story. The main prosecution witness, Zey Prevon, had escaped house arrest and left the country. For this trial, the jury deliberated for only a couple of minutes and came back with a verdict of not guilty. Additionally, the jury wrote an apology to Arbuckle: Acquittal is not enough for Roscoe Arbuckle. We feel that a great injustice has been done him. We feel also that it was our only plain duty to give him this exoneration. There was not the slightest proof adduced to connect him in any way with the commission of a crime.He was manly throughout the case and told a straightforward story on the witness stand, which we all believed.The happening at the hotel was an unfortunate affair for which Arbuckle, so the evidence shows, was in no way responsible.We wish him success and hope that the American people will take the judgment of fourteen men and women who have sat listening for thirty-one days to the evidence that  Roscoe Arbuckle  is entirely innocent and free from all blame. Fatty Blacklisted Being acquitted was not the end to Roscoe Fatty Arbuckles problems. In response to the Arbuckle scandal, Hollywood established a self-policing organization that was to be known as the Hays Office. On April 18, 1922, Will Hays, the president of the new organization, banned Arbuckle from filmmaking. Though Hays lifted the ban in December of the same year, the damage was done Arbuckles career had been destroyed. A Short Come-Back For years, Arbuckle had trouble finding work. He eventually began directing under the name William B. Goodrich (similar to the name his friend Buster Keaton suggested Will B. Good). Though Arbuckle had begun a come-back and had signed with Warner Brothers in 1933 to act in some comedy shorts, he was never to see his popularity regained. After a small one-year anniversary party with his new wife on June 29, 1933, Arbuckle went to bed and suffered a fatal heart attack in his sleep. He was 46.

Software Engneering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Software Engneering - Essay Example It also takes into account the external elements that interact with the system. 3. Use Case Diagram: It is an object oriented paradigm where the entire scenario is described as actors who interact with the system and scenarios that form processes of the system. It is largely used in object oriented systems as a model to map the requirements of a system. 4. Sequence diagram: It is a depiction of the various objects of a system and the sequence of interactions among them with respect to time and sequence so that one gets a clear notification of what takes place before a specified process. The aspects that are modelled by this diagram are the very sequence of operations in the system. It takes into account time factors for judgement and enables one to understand the sequence that one desires to follow for achievement of the objectives. (c) Using one or more of the ways of describing operation logic from your answer to question 1(a), discuss how you might specify how a potential buyer will review/amend the list of properties of

Business Law Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Law - Term Paper Example Yes, the surveys of the Coca Cola consumer experts can be admitted to court. According to the Federal Rule of Evidence Rule 702, expert testimonies that will assist the trier of fact based on sufficient facts or data are admissible to court. The survey must be a product of reliable principles and methods applied reliably to the facts of the case. Statement of Facts This office is considering whether to prosecute the Pepsi company for false advertising. Coca Cola company discovered that months ago, Pepsi company distributed a mailer directly to consumers as part of their campaign. The mailer focused on Coca Cola causing obesity and compared it to their own product. The mailer stated how Coca Cola products can make the consumers fat due to excessive sugar content. The mailer was distributed across the country to more than 1 million consumers between January 2011 to March 2011. ... Discussion It is very clear that Pepsi committed false advertising by distributing mailer that claimed Coca Cola’s products can cause obesity. In order to prosecute Pepsi for violating the Lanham Act, the company should be able to prove that the defendant made a false or misleading description in a commercial advertisement. This advertisement actually deceives and should likely influence the purchasing decision which injures the plaintiff as a result. Scotts Co. v. United Industries, 315 F.3d 264, 272 (4th Cir.2002). The challenge in this case is to prove that the advertisement or the mailer is intended to mislead or confuse the consumers upon a claim of implied falsehood. In short, a court may find the mailer statements literally false but absent a literal falsehood, statements can only be said impliedly misleading if presented with evidence of actual consumer deception. PBM Products LLC PBM LLC v. Mead Johnson Company, No. 10–1421 (4th Cir. 2011). In your case, since Pepsi did not literally and expressly stated that Coca Cola is harmful and can cause obesity, the company needs to supply evidence that the misleading statements made through the mailer confused and deceived the consumers. The court must determine if claims are made unambiguous and false. There are times that a literally false message may either be explicit or conveyed by necessary implication only. If advertisement is considered in its entirety, the consumers will know that the claim is clear and unambiguous. In the case of the mailer statements made by Pepsi, there is no express statement that Coca Cola is harmful and can cause obesity. But the relationship of the statements made shows

Phobias Definition Essay Example for Free

Phobias Definition Essay When people see the words one and direction together, they either have a mini heart attack due to extreme excitement or they simply disregard the subject. I am the mini heart attack type; therefore, I have done my research on the infamous band. While doing this, I found an interesting fun fact. Liam Payne, the One Direction middleman, is petrified of spoons, yes the eating utensils. He claims to not have a reason as to why, but according to psychology and logic, there has to be some kind of an origin, some kind of association made to spoons. So whether you are the mini heart attack type or the disregarder, strike up your psychoanalytical minds with the explanations I have theorized. Here is what I have come up with: * When Liam Payne was a child, he had an unfortunate event involving a spoon. When I was a kid, I was washing the dishes and there was a massive knife in the sink. I couldn’t see the dishes because the water was bubbly, so I had no perception as to where the knife was. When I put my hands in to grab a dish, I just happened to slice my hand open with the huge knife. Ever since then, whenever I see a knife or my mom wants me to cut something with one, I subconsciously associate whatever knife she is displaying for me to cut to that incident so long ago; therefore, I do not use them, at all. (It’s a really good way to get out of washing dishes, by the way.) Anyways, I believe that Liam had one of these scary situations with a spoon and now has a phobia. * Genetics. Yes, there are genetic factors associated with phobias. A good amount of people with phobias have relatives with similar phobias or symptoms such as fears and a tendency to avoid certain circumstances. My sister-in-law, Edith, is afraid of cockroaches, just like her mother and now, her younger sister. Perhaps, one of Liam Payne’s relatives has a similar phobia. * Everybody uses spoons in Britain. Daring to be different? Liam Payne isn’t incredibly different from other people but maybe, in this situation, he wanted to go against the current. Liam is British. A very stereotypical assumption about British people is that they drink a lot of tea; therefore, they use spoons a lot. It is also stereotypical to say that they tend to eat scones; scones are also eaten with a spoon. Some people just like to rebel against their culture! Although the word phobia literally means â€Å"irrational fear†, I believe one of these theories is correct. I don’t have the materials to prove this but one day, the truth will set me free and I will know the rational reason of Liam Payne’s silly terror of spoons. Louis Tomlinson, the oldest member of One Direction apparently likes ladies that eat carrots. Maybe it’s just an odd, irrational band.

Chocolate is Good for You! Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Chocolate is Good for You! Did you know that getting a daily dose of dark chocolate may be beneficial to your health? Not only is chocolate the perfect gift for your sweetie on Valentine’s Day, it also may benefit your heart. The ingredients in chocolate are not only delicious, but dark chocolate and cocoa powders also contain disease-fighting antioxidants. The key to gaining the most benefits from dark chocolate is to enjoy it in moderation. According to cnn.com (2000), in addition to antioxidants, one of the fats found in chocolate, called stearic acid, may increase healthy cholesterol (HDL), and make bad cholesterol levels (LDL) less susceptible for oxidation, which leads to clogged arteries. This is the opposite effect one might expect, considering the amount of fat in chocolate. Dark chocolate may also improve blood flow, according to webmd.com (2004). In a study of 27 healthy adults given a cocoa drink with high levels of flavonoids, it was shown that adults over the age of 50 benefited the most. Flavonoids provide protection for plants, and when we consume them, we benefit from their antioxidant power. Antioxidants help the body’s cells resist damage from free radicals (Cleveland Clinic, 2004). The reason for the benefits of cocoa is that it controls the activation of nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme, that keeps blood vessels open allowing the blood to flow. Flavonoids may also lessen stiffening of the blood vessels, which is a common side-effect of aging (WebMD, 2004). It is to be noted that white and milk chocolate do not have the same effect on the body as dark chocolate. These are unfortunately more likely to expand your waistline than improve health. â€Å"Chocoholics† are still at risk for obesity, whic... ...ust 27). Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate. WebMD. Retrieved January 30, 2005 from http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/ 73/81921.htm?printing=true. Peck, Peggy. (2004, May 20). The Right Kind of Chocolate is Heart Healthy. WebMD. Retrieved January 31, 2005 from http://my.webmd.com/content/article/ 87/99509.htm. Rauch, Catherine Ann. (2000, February 2). Chocolate: A Heart-Healthy Confection? CNN. Retrieved on January 29, 2005 from http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ HEALTH/diet.fitness/02/02/chocolate.wmd/. Somer, Elizabeth. (2001, July 16). Crazy for Chocolate. WebMD. Retrieved January 29, 2005 from http://my.webmd.com/content/article/41/1671_52404. The Heart Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 30, 2005 from http://www.clevelandclinic.org/heartcenter/pub/guide/prevention/ nutrition/chocolate.htm.

Aloe Vera Barbadensis

The Aloe Vera Barbadensis plant has been used for thousands of years to heal a variety of conditions, including wounds, skin irritations, and constipation. Originally Aloe Vera is native to arid regions of north-eastern and southern parts of Africa and Madagascar. Aloe is a member of the Lily family often referred to as â€Å"the desert Lilly†. The plant stores the limited rainwater it gets in its leaves and forms a gel. The Gel is used both internally and externally on humans, and is claimed to have some medicinal effects. For that reason it is grown commercially in the United States, the Caribbean, and Mexico. There are around two hundred and forty species growing in other dry regions around the world, but only a few are recognized as being of value to humans and animals. Aloe barbadensis is significantly at the top of the aloe species. The earliest reference to its use can be found in the famous Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, which dates back to 1500 BC and is widely regarded as one of the earliest documents, the western Materia Medica. The Egyptians referred to it as â€Å"the plant of immortality†. However, it is more than likely its been commonly used for centuries before it was recorded. There is reference made to it in the New Testament, when Nicodemus comes by night and brings a mixture of Myrrh and Aloe to embalm the body of Jesus. If you believe in Christianity this is the first documented use of Aloe vera. Galen was a physician to a Roman emperor (AD 131-201), he used Aloe vera as a healing agent and authored over 100 books on conventional and herbal medicine. He gained his knowledge from doctoring the Roman gladiators. Galen was a follower of the works of Hippocrates and Aristotle. Also Christopher Colombus had documented the medical use and value of the plant on his ship logs, many believe he introduced it to the â€Å"New World†. World War II military manuals suggested that servicemen could use it as a remedy for burns, insect bites, or other skin ailments. Aloe would lose potency when transported due to oxidation. The pulp was most effective when fresh. Aloes Vera’s reputation as a miracle plant declined in places were the plant could not be grown, until the mid 1900’s. In 1950’s America, many processing techniques were attempted, but they ended in failure. Over heating the Aloe can cause it to loose its medicinal value. By the 1970’s there was a breakthrough in the processing techniques leading to the successful stabilization of the leaf gel. This success was found by using natural ingredients and cold pressing. They also found a way to separate the aloin form the rind. The aloin is a compound found in Aloe that is used internally for digestive health. It worked as a laxative and was found as a main ingredient in most OTC laxative medications until the millennium. These new found processing techniques created a new market for Aloe vera. In modern day America Aloe vera is used for the same reasons it was thousands of years ago in ancient civilizations. Externally used for the treatment of burns, cuts, insect bites, and rashes and it is still rarely internally used as a natural dietary supplement that regulates digestion. Today it can be found in many different forms such as dried powders, capsules, extracts, juices, gels, and lotions. When looking for quality Aloe products to use on your skin you must read labels to ensure that Aloe is the first or second ingredient listed. A lot of the gels and lotions can be extremely diluted with other ingredients. If you are looking for the soothing effects of pure aloe on the shelves of your local drugstore you must see that the product is free of artificial colors and stabilizing ingredients. When looking for a quality Aloe product to apply to your skin, look for a gel that is 98-100% Aloe. There is much debate to whether benefits exist from ingesting the aloin compound. In 2002, the FDA required that all OTC aloe laxative products be removed from the U. S. market or reformulated because the companies that manufactured them did not provide the necessary safety data. Externally Aloe is still a treasured remedy used for osteoarthritis, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis. Because Aloe Vera plants are very succulent and consist of 95% water, they are tender to frost. If they are grown outdoors in warm climates, they should be planted in full sun, or light shade. Aloe vera’s roots like to be crowded so they must be planted clustered or potted. In a temperate American climate they thrive as potted houseplants. Due to their vulnerability to frost most of the year they must be kept inside next to a south or westward facing window to receive sunlight but regulate temperature. They thrive in pots and make great indoor plants. Aloe Vera is a succulent meaning it stores a large quantity of water within its leaves and root system. The plant will become dormant-like in the winter season utilizing very little moisture, watering at this time should be minimal. During the summer months the plant needs to be saturated with water. After watering the plant allow the soil to dry before re-watering. The soil needs to have a sandy base in a way to emulate an arid climates soil. A quality commercial potting mix with extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand added will work perfectly. The plant has a very wide root base so a deep pot is not necessary however the width of the pot is very important. When it is time to repot an aloe vera plant look for a wider pot than before, focus on width rather than depth. Aloe Vera plants are propogated by removing the offsets, which are produced around the base of mature plants, it can also be planted by seed. The Aloe Vera plants scientific relevance is debated widely for its different remedies. I believe it is obviously a miracle plant and the human race is blessed to have it for burns, cuts, and infection. It appears people have been using aloe vera since the dawn of humanity and do not appear to be stopping anytime soon.

Essay on Possible Development on Contemporary Arts Organization

Organizations all over the world are not without problems and difficulties as they face change on a daily basis while trying to keep their traditions and ideals intact. This is most true with organizations that focus on the traditional market/services while having to unite those services with modern innovations. When we say innovations these does not only pertain to certain technological tangible equipments but it can also mean new processes, means and even situations that can only be created by today’s advancing times.Because of this, it is imperative for organizations to have some plan or strategy that would help them stay afloat without sacrificing what they regard as their purpose. An example would be how the traditional art scene have rapidly decreased in activity because of the more â€Å"cool† contemporary arts or worse, because there are other places people can go to like malls and bars instead of being patrons of artistic ventures or exhibits.Going back, these so called problems that organizations face would be the tremendous growth in diversified clients, members and patrons that tends to create a cultural gap between the members and even the leaders who are handling the organizations. This is most true in many forms and types of organizations but for specificities’ sake, this discussion will focus on the contemporary art organizations that cater to very diverse tastes, attitudes and philosophies.Art, after all, can be regarded as a means of freedom of expression and this is most especially true in today’s art scene wherein freedom of expression is not only an option, it is a necessity. Because of the varied and eclectic people that compose the different art organizations around the world, problems arise on the context that too much diversity can cause confusion among the members which is evidently caused by the wide cultural gap not just between one or two persons but even among everyone who are part of said organization.T his diversity and wide cultural gap is of course caused by how tremendous globalization has been that in one art scene or organization, people from different parts of the state, country and even the world would collate to form that single group. Thus, it is essential that organizations keep in mind certain things if they want to survive such a fast-paced world and if they want to even expand in population and improve in terms of their products, projects and provisions.Of the many discussions and articles that other people have written on different important aspects of organizations, there are some which are enlightening and which are sensible and yet people, mostly leaders and management teams, forget or altogether ignore such aspects. These aspects are mostly centred on the following: lack of purpose of the organization, failure to properly pinpoint the cause of the problem and finally, need for effective strategies that would solve the problem.Lack of Purpose of the Organization I n the article of Wheatley (2008), she describes why terrorists groups are one of the finest examples of organizations in the world as they have a single unifying purpose in their agenda. This metaphor for the best organization is rather unusual and even uncomfortable as terrorists groups create horror around the world with their vendettas but Wheatley (2008) does have a point when she says that they are â€Å"among the most effective and powerful organizations in the world today†.What she presents is an analysis on why terrorist networks have no means to â€Å"formal power, advanced technology, large budgets, or great numbers of followers† and yet, they manage to cause such a strong impact that they are â€Å"changing the course of history† (Wheatley, 2008). This is where one of the most fundamental aspects of any organization should have is presented and it lies in the presence of an â€Å"ideal or purpose that gives them a group identity which compels them to act† (Wheatley, 2008).What Wheatley insists on is true, most especially if it is applied in contemporary arts organizations wherein much passion and ideals are present but sometimes misplaced or even divided. The problem with arts organizations all over is that they have too diversified output for their passions that there is no commonality or unity among what they want, what they want done and what they would like to do in the future.Because terrorist groups have such commonality in their purpose, whatever action or â€Å"project† they undertake, it is almost always successful that the world is compelled to watch or prod on their â€Å"projects†. In the arts scene, passion for the art itself can be their common cause and identifying what do they want to achieve with their organization can make their group more efficient and active; as what Wheatley (2008) wrote, â€Å"As networks mature, they are fuelled more by passion than by information.† Failure to P roperly Pinpoint the REAL Cause of the Problem The advice that Wheatley gave on how to have such a successful organization is to have a unified purpose from such diversified members of the group. This is tremendously connected to another possible means in which to have an efficient and effective organization and that is to acknowledge that a problem exists in the group and that the problem is most likely the persistence of misunderstanding caused by cultural gap.According to Hofstede (2005), problems in art organizations usually arise from the fact that there is too much diversity among cultures and that management groups of the organization are remiss in admitting that that is indeed the problem: â€Å"Many leaders do not wish to acknowledge the possibility of a cross-cultural communication problem in international dealings. If negotiations go wrong they blame others or†¦themselves, never the culture gap. † (Hofstede, 2005) The picture than Hofstede painted is common bu t not unsolvable.What leaders of such organizations should do is admit that that is the problem and that they should think up of strategies that would effectively solve those problems—but that will be discussed later on the essay. With all these difficulties that diversity of culture presents, would it not be better to just have a common art organizations among people who have the same culture? This is not entirely the case for culture does not just mean belonging to the same ethnic background of certain group of people, the culture here encompasses a commonality among a certain group of people.Thus, the people who are into the arts have their own culture but then again, there is also a different culture that separates the visual from the performance arts and even that of the traditional from the contemporary forms of art. This means that there is a diversity of culture within a culture within a culture. This scene is inevitable as how Halbreich (2001) puts it, â€Å"We†™ve just crossed into a new century in which the rate and dimension of change promises to test all our powers of invention†.This new century is the modern times; these powers of invention are the possible ventures that we may undertake to support such cultural diversity. However, it is important to note that cultural diversity is not bad; it is the cultural gap that it creates which is the unpleasant and unfortunate factor. Thus, how do we solve this cultural gap among members of organizations? This is discussed in how management groups should have effective strategies that address the problem and this strategy usually starts in something very simple: admit that there is a problem. The Need for Effective Strategies That Would Solve the ProblemWhen Hofstede (2005) claimed that leaders do not acknowledge the presence of cultural gap, Halbriech (2001) provided the answer to how to solve this: â€Å"We must adapt to become a filter, through which some of these competing worldvi ews can be debated and new communities established. † Organizations becoming a â€Å"filter† mean that it is through them that people would be able to identify where they would want to go and belong to (in terms of patronizing an arts organization) and then zeroing on those identified aspects that leaders would be able to establish a permanent community or organization for them.Thus, what leaders should do is recognize the needs (and sometimes, even wants) of the members, build around those needs and cater to them. For example, Ritzer et al. (2008), isolates a particular problem with the diverse culture in arts organizations wherein the problem is that local colour or culture fails to be reflected in the organization. This just means that they focus too much on a global standard without thinking that the organization should also reflect the â€Å"character of the geographic locales† (Ritzer et al. , 2008).If what Ritzer et al. say is true, then it means that the needs and wants of the immediate members of the organizations are ignored which creates a gap or misunderstanding among the group. A great example in trying to come up with strategies in solving gaps in arts organizations can be seen in the illustration of Halbreich (2001): â€Å"We aim to magnify the ways in which visitors†¦can become more active participants in a series of memorable experiences based on discovering links between art and life, as well as among artistic disciplines.† This illustration demonstrates how the art organization presented by Halbreich is very ideal in the sense that they manage to have a standard or purpose in mind (which is for the visitors to become participants in viewing the art) while thinking about the condition of the other end as well (by considering the real life situation of the audience) and linking the two together. ConclusionIn conclusion, difficulties in arts organizations are inevitable since the members and patrons are varied an d diverse in culture and attitude. Difficulties of such organizations are usually caused by cultural gaps in the group but they can be solved and remedied by admitting that there is a problem caused by the gap, and proving necessary strategies that addresses the issue while maintain true to the ideals of the group.However, one cannot help but think that Wheatley is most correct in her suggestion of addressing the overall issue in arts organizations—development and growth of the group, maintain diversity in the organization, and staying on track with the ideals of the organization—which is having a firm passion in the purpose of the organization since everything else would naturally follow suit. References Cummings, S. (2008). Strategy: past, present and future. The Sage Handbook of New Approaches in Management and Organization. SAGE: Singapore. pp. 184-216 Halbreich, K. (2001). Inventing new models for the museum and its audiences. Curating Now: Imaginative Practice/Public Responsibility. Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative: Philadelphia. pp. 67-79. Hofstede, G.J. (2005).   A bridge requires a gap. Introduction to Business Communication. Peter Lang Publishing Group: Frankfurt. pp. 163-170. Lustig, M.W. et al. (2005). Introduction to cultural patterns and intercultural communication. Introduction to Business Communication. Peter Lang Publishing Group: Frankfurt.   pp. 171-182. Ritzer, G. et al. (2008). Empty organizations. The Sage Handbook of New Approaches in Management and Organization. SAGE: Singapore. pp. 215-216. Wheatley, M. (2008). Learning about networks from terrorists. The Sage Handbook of New Approaches in Management and Organization. SAGE: Singapore. pp. 178-179.

Information System Essays

Information System Essays Information System Essay Information System Essay Information System is corner stone when it comes to developing a successful of businesses today. It is becoming a core support function which increases company’s productivity and efficiency. It eliminates isolated data handling systems in each department or function within an organization and replaces them with singular system across all functions, i.e. human resource, finance, marketing, sales departments of the organization. Data and information is still managed at their originating departments but information system makes it’s sharing much simpler. Organizations also use management information systems to build core competencies in their businesses. Information systems makes it possible to use personalized customer relationships and reduced inventory levels helping organization in increasing profit and lowering their costs (Laudon, 2006). MIS is a actually an organization wide network. It is linked through a database, resource planning software and network devices. It enables organization to plan strategically and understand requirements as well as performance of a company. Selecting Information System: When selecting an information system, an organization’s Information Systems experts start by identifying information requirement of organization, studying current systems, explore available options, conduct a cost/benefit analysis and planning to implement it (Galvan, 1998). Analysts need to find planning software that best fits with the organizational workflow and flow of information. Once such software is discovered, its features can be effectively used by selecting an information system that consolidates procedures and information at all levels on one platform. Varying from organization to organization; it is crucial to consider that what will be employee resistance level and how much training would be required once a new system is in place. Furthermore, businesses need to study their existence systems and analyze degree of change a newer system will bring into organization. It is also important for organizations to select such information system that would easily be upgrade-able and any future modifications are easy to implement. Small Businesses and Information System Information system is an organizational strength even in small businesses. Its web spread from supplier relations, tracking marketing activities, recording accurate inventory levels of materials as well as human resources to effective customer relations. Information Systems are more beneficial for small businesses because it simplifies record keeping tasks, makes data manageable and lets organization work with smaller number of employee rather then having a large force working on data consolidation and report formatting. In small and medium sized business, MIS continue to serve the strategic planning tools and benefits that it offers to large organizations. Simulations for business plans can be made. Projections regarding future demand and sales enable to raise production levels to optimal mark. Existing strategies can be tracked and tested for effectiveness whereas future strategies can be checked for any loopholes and sensitivity (Lederer, Sethi, 2001). Selection of Information System in Small Businesses In small businesses unavailability of firms Information Systems experts becomes a hindrance in selecting and implementing an information system. Lack of expertise in this area can lead to selection of a system that does not entirely match the organizational requirements or is too sophisticated for current business model. However, several consulting services have come up in recent years that act as a facilitator for selecting an apt information system for an organization. They conduct all strategic analysis that an in-house IS expert would do and arranges for an IS implementing company that can lead the organization from there. Advantages of Selecting Information System through consultants Selection of information system through consultants provides small business with expertise that is not available to them in-house. It keeps them from making any un-informed decisions. The cost incurred due to consultancy is fairly low then recruiting an in-house expert for a small business. The consultants assist the organization in finding the vendor who can provide them with most feasible solutions. Since consultancy firms are expert in their area, any threat of selecting an incompatible vendor is minimized. Moreover, they also negotiate with the vendor on behalf of firm regarding any cost, pricing and implementation issues. Finally, consultants can again be called back to assist on the project when any up-gradation is needed. As they have previously worked on the project and understand organizations needs, an effective conclusion can be easily reached (Eductech International, 2004). Disadvantages of Selecting Information System through consultant Sole disadvantage that a firm can face incase of a vendor is that when conducting information audit, their estimate of organization’s information needs can be off the mark as they do not know the organization inside out like an in-house expert would. If this initial step has any erroneous findings, it could lead to a flawed information system that would not only cost to firm but would not reap any of the benefits that a company expects to receive. Also, consultants charge additional fee for their consultancy services even if they work on the cost aspect with the vendor for information system implementation.

Battle of Savages Station in the Civil War

Battle of Savage's Station in the Civil War The Battle of Savages Station was fought June 29, 1862, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The fourth of the Seven Days Battles outside Richmond, VA, Savages Station saw  General Robert E. Lees Army of Northern Virginia pursuing Major General George B. McClellans retreating Army of the Potomac. Striking the Union rear guard, centered on Major General Edwin V. Sumners II Corps, Confederate forces proved unable to dislodge the enemy. Fighting continued into the evening until a strong thunderstorm ended the engagement. Union troops continued their retreat that night. Background Having begun the Peninsula Campaign earlier in the spring, Major General George McClellans Army of the Potomac stalled before the gates of Richmond in late May 1862 after a stalemate at the Battle of Seven Pines. This was mostly due to the Union commanders overly-cautious approach and the inaccurate belief that General Robert E. Lees Army of Northern Virginia badly outnumbered him. While McClellan remained inactive for much of June, Lee tirelessly worked to improve Richmonds defenses and plan a counterattack. Though outnumbered himself, Lee understood his army could not hope to win an extended siege in the Richmond defenses. On June 25, McClellan finally moved and he ordered the divisions of Brigadier Generals Joseph Hooker and Philip Kearny to push up the Williamsburg Road. The resulting Battle of Oak Grove saw the Union attack halted by Major General Benjamin Hugers division. Lee Attacks This proved fortunate for Lee as he had moved the bulk of his army north of the Chickahominy River with the goal of crushing Brigadier General Fitz John Porters isolated V Corps. Striking on June 26, Lees forces were bloodily repulsed by Porters men at the Battle of Beaver Dam Creek (Mechanicsville). That night, McClellan, concerned about the presence of Major General Thomas Stonewall Jacksons command to the north, directed Porter to retreat and shifted the armys supply line from the Richmond and York River Railroad south to the James River. In doing so, McClellan effectively ended his own campaign as the abandonment of the railroad meant that heavy guns could not be carried to Richmond for the planned siege. Taking a strong position behind Boatswains Swamp, V Corps came under heavy attack on June 27. In the resulting Battle of Gaines Mill, Porters men turned back several enemy assaults through the day until being compelled to retreat near sunset. As Porters men shifted to the south bank of the Chickahominy, a badly shaken McClellan ended the campaign and began moving the army towards the safety of the James River. With McClellan providing little guidance to his men, the Army of the Potomac fought off Confederate forces at Garnetts and Goldings Farms on June 27-28. Remaining away from the fighting, McClellan made the situation worse by failing to name a second in command. This was largely due to his dislike and distrust of his senior corps commander, Major General Edwin V. Sumner. Lees Plan Despite McClellans personal feelings, Sumner effectively led the 26,600-man Union rear guard which had concentrated near Savages Station. This force comprised elements of his own II Corps, Brigadier General Samuel P. Heintzelmans III Corps, and a division of Brigadier General William B. Franklins VI Corps. Pursuing McClellan, Lee sought to engage and defeat the Union forces at Savages Station. To due so, Lee ordered Brigadier General John B. Magruder to push his division down the Williamsburg Road and York River Railroad while Jacksons division was to rebuild the bridges across the Chickahominy and attack south. These forces were to converge and overwhelm the Union defenders. Moving out early on June 29, Magruders men began encountering Union troops around 9:00 AM. Armies Commanders Union Major General George B. McClellanMajor General Edwin V. Sumner26,600 men Confederate General Robert E. LeeBrigadier General John B. Magruder14,000 The Fighting Begins Pressing forward, two regiments from Brigadier General George T. Andersons brigade engaged two Union regiments from Sumners command. Skirmishing through the morning, the Confederates were able to push the enemy back, but Magruder became increasingly concerned about the size of Sumners command. Seeking reinforcements from Lee, he received two brigades from Hugers division on the stipulation that if they were not engaged by 2:00 PM they would be withdrawn. As Magruder contemplated his next move, Jackson received a confusing message from Lee that suggested that his men were to remain north of the Chickahominy. Due to this, he did not cross the river to attack from the north. At Savages Station, Heintzelman decided that his corps was not necessary to the Union defense and began withdrawing without first informing Sumner. The Battle Renewed At 2:00 PM, having not advanced, Magruder returned Hugers men. Waiting another three hours, he finally resumed his advance with the brigades of Brigadier Generals Joseph B. Kershaw and Paul J. Semmes. These troops were aided on the right by part of a brigade led by Colonel William Barksdale. Supporting the attack was a 32-pounder Brooke naval rifle mounted on a rail car and protected by an iron casemate. Dubbed the Land Merrimack, this weapon was slowly pushed down the railroad. Despite being outnumbered, Magruder elected to attack with only part of his command. The Confederate movement was first noticed by Franklin and Brigadier General John Sedgwick who were scouting west of Savages Station. After initially thinking the approaching troops belonged to Heintzelman, they recognized their mistake and informed Sumner. It was at this time that an irate Sumner discovered that III Corps had departed. Advancing, Magruder encountered Brigadier General William W. Burns Philadelphia Brigade just south of the railroad. Mounting a tenacious defense, Burns men soon faced envelopment by the larger Confederate force. To stabilize the line, Sumner randomly began feeding regiments from other brigades into the battle. Coming up on Burns left, the 1st Minnesota Infantry joined the fight followed by two regiments from Brigadier General Israel Richardsons division. As the forces engaged were largely equal in size, a stalemate developed as darkness and foul weather approached. Operating on Burns left and south of the Williamsburg Road, Brigadier General William T.H. Brooks Vermont Brigade sought to protect the Union flank and charged forward. Attacking into a stand of woods, they met intense Confederate fire and were repulsed with heavy losses. The two sides remained engaged, with neither making any progress, until a storm ended the battle around 9:00 PM. Aftermath In the fighting at Savages Station, Sumner suffered 1,083 killed, wounded, and missing while Magruder sustained 473. The bulk of the Union losses were incurred during the Vermont Brigades ill-fated charge. With the end of the fighting, Union troops continued withdrawing across White Oak Swamp but were forced to abandon a field hospital and 2,500 wounded. In the wake of the battle, Lee reprimanded Magruder for not attacking more forcefully stating that the pursuit should be most vigorous. By noon the following day, Union troops had crossed the swamp. Later in the day, Lee resumed his offensive by attacking McClellans army at the Battles of Glendale (Fraysers Farm) and White Oak Swamp.

Infosys in China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Infosys in China - Essay Example These centers would look after new projects on software, IT and ITES (ICMR, 2006, p.9). The report deals with some of the issues faced by Infosys in China on its way to expansion and also the role of Global Delivery Model. It suggests measures for a better development in China and also other emerging countries. Background Infosys was started by a group of seven members in the year 1981. It incorporated with the name Infosys Consultant Private Ltd. From the very beginning Infosys was depended on the overseas business. The founder of Infosys, Narayana Murthy operated its business in India while the other seven went to US and started working for their corporate clients. Reebok was Infosys first US based client. The company earned revenue of Rs 1.2 million in 1981. 1981 was a period when India did not experience the growth of computers, so licensing of computers would take a longer period. Infosys did not have the space needed to install a computer, thus it hired a premise of a customer where the new employees would be provided training. It also concentrated in the fields like retailing, distribution, finance and telecommunications. Infosys has entered into a joint venture with Kurt Salmon Associate (ICMR, 2006, p.2). Infosys being the first company to get listed on NASDAQ stock exchange. It accounted a net profit of $US 152.1 million at the end of the quarterly result. USA is its main source of revenue; it is planning to expand in Europe and Asia. Infosys in china is merely focusing on its local clients. It has been recognized as one of the fastest growing company (IBEF, n.d., p.1). In the year 2000, 78% of revenue came from North America, 14.8% from Europe and only 1.4% from India. By 2005, Infosys mode of operation was proximity development, which consisted of 9 and off shore software development about 17, mainly operating in India. Infosys is also facing a tough competition from other It giants because of the liberalization that has effected India and its econo my (ICMR, 2006, p.3). An important achievement for the company came its way when it pioneered the Global Delivery Model. With the help of this model work can be done at places where it suited the most, its economical and least risk of acceptance. The company is using level 5 of CMM and PCMM. It has been awarded Asia’s Most Admirable Knowledge Enterprise in the year 2002. Infosys operates mostly in Bangalore, being the head quarter in India (Kochikar & Suresh, 2004, p.3). Issue Statement Factors that led to enter the Chinese Market In the year 2006, Infosys reported that it has achieved a milestone of US $ 2billion. Thus its revenue increased at a high rate by 33.5% in the financial year 2005-2006. But the subsidiary in China had suffered a loss of 83.9 million. The projected employee rate in China was in between 800-1000 but the China office had only 500 employees. Thus Infosys decided to enter the china market. In the year 2004, Infosys entered China as a part of its global extension plan. The reason behind Infosys entering China was the high demand of the employees due to globalization. Since the demand is rising there prevails a shortage of manpower. NASSCOM estimated that there would be a shortage of 250000 employees in the IT sector. Thus china was the option for Infosys as it’s comparable with India in terms of salary and quality of

Science Standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Science Standards - Essay Example This is the relationship that is also seen between social studies and English, where students can implement English into global essays and so on. However, it is important for them to be able to cross link their studies in math and science because they are so interwoven into each other curriculums. One of the first methods from the math standards that I would immediately adopt is the use of technology to help student learn. Science is another technical learning area, and be incorporating as much technology as possible teachers can allow students to work hands on certain areas that they may not otherwise be able to understand completely. One of these pieces of technology would be the scientific calculator, which is used quite a bit during math curriculum. Using this tool in science class helps students take the calculator technology they already know from math class and much more easily implement it into science class. The other technological part of the math curriculum that I believe would also help students in science class would be the use of computers. The math standards have students starting in computer as low as the elementary grades, which are shown to greatly benefit student achievement.