B.F. Skinner

Skinner's theories suggest that all human behaviors result from the conditioning stimuli that operate upon them. As such, human nature has little to do with matters spiritual or moral and more to do with what aspects of character are reinforced by positive stimuli and extinguished by negative stimuli.For example, ‘good' people who have lived with ‘high moral fibre' are those who have been reinforced to do so, and ‘bad' people who have lived with little moral or spiritual regard for others are those who have been reinforced to do so (or conversely, have been negatively reinforced to be concerned with others).(Boeree, 1998) Skinner's view of human nature is considered problematic by most rationalists for the simple fact that it reduces it to a series of conditioned behaviors — an empirically sequenced string of if-then actions — that coldly implies the irrelevance of higher reasoning to explain them. (Boeree, 1998) As such, any moral rationalization of h uman behavior is merely post hoc reasoning. Nonetheless, it is difficult to reconcile Skinner's model of human behavior with determinism. While determinism holds that every event creates a fixed result , Skinner holds that every event (i.  e. human behavior) is maintained only by the properties of a reinforcer (Newall, 2005; Boeree, 2006).This creates a small but significant contradiction because the question of how a reinforcer shapes human behavior becomes moot when said reinforcer is also pre-determined. References Boeree, C. George (1998). B. F. Skinner. Retrieved February 29, 2008, from http://webspace. ship. edu/cgboear/skinner. html Newall, P. (2005) Free Will and Determinism. Retrieved February 29, 2008, from http://www. galilean-library. org/int13. html

Coffee Speech Essay

General Purpose: Informal Specific Purpose: is on the topic of caffeine†¦ its beneficial effects AND its negative effects. Statement: also to inform coffee users about coffee. Introduction IOpen with impact: before you go to Starbucks store buy take and take a sip of your favorite coffee†¦ AWouldn’t you want to know a better about what you benefit and don’t out of your coffee? B I drink a lot of coffee, so I was wondering how that might affect my health CThis inspired me to do some research on the subject II Thesis: This knowledge better informs the user on what they are investing their money in. Connect: What you whant to know about caffeine is, A. Why do most humans use it. BWhat products have it CWhat are the advantages and disadvantages Preview: How many of you here consider yourself caffeine addicts? How much coffee do you drink in a day? One cup? Two cups? More? How about caffeinated sodas? Body I. Main point: Caffeine is pervasive in our society these days and every few months we hear about how a study has shown that it is bad for us or good for us. What are we to believe? A. Benefits B. Disadvantages C. Safe levels of caffeine consumption D. Effects on the body II. Main point: Today, I’d like to give you some of the facts about caffeine and its effects on your body. I may not cause you to change your coffee consumption, but at least you’ll be better informed about what you are putting into your body. III. (Transitional sentence: I’m going to talk about the beneficial effects of caffeine, the negative effects and discuss what are considered to be ‘safe’ levels of caffeine consumption Main point: Let’s start with the good news. Caffeine, which comes from the leaves, seeds and fruits of about 63 different plants, is well known as a stimulant. That’s why people drink it, right? A. Caffeine does help you wake up and feel more alert and it has been shown to increase attention spans. 1. This is a beneficial effect for people who are driving long distances and for people who are doing tedious work. 2. Calling this a health benefit may be stretching it, though staying awake while you are driving a car definitely contributes to your well-being! 3. Caffeine also contains antioxidants, which have been shown to have cancer prevention qualities 4. When consumed in small quantities – for example, when you have one cup of coffee or one soda – caffeine can increase your heart rate, cause you to urinate more (which can cause dehydration) and prompt your digestive system to produce more acid. B. When larger amounts of caffeine (over 600 mg per day) are ingested over long periods of time, they can cause sleep problems, depression and digestion issues, and headaches when not used. 1. Transition: According to a Medline article on the National Institutes of Health website, having caffeine in your diet is not of any benefit to your health, but by the same token moderate consumption is not considered harmful. 2. They say that having up to 3 eight ounce cups of coffee a day – or 250 mg of caffeine – is considered (quote) â€Å"average or moderate†. 10 cups of coffee a day is considered excessive. Also, remember that the amount of caffeine per cup can vary greatly depending on the type of beans that are used and the strength of the brew. Conclusion Summarize: As you can see, caffeine can have both positive and negative effects on our health and well-being. Nevertheless, the bottom line is that if you drink your coffee or sodas in moderation, you don’t have to worry too much. Close with impact: So, the next time you are wondering whether or not you should have that second cup of coffee to perk you up, relax. At least now you know what it will – and won’t – do for you! References before you go to Starbucks or any other coffee selling store or brands, buy and take and take a sip of your favorite coffee, Wouldn’t you want to know better about what you benefit and don’t out of your coffee? I drink a lot of coffee, so I was wondering how that might affect my health, this inspired me to do some research on the subject. This knowledge better informs the user on what they are investing their money in, Why do most humans use it, what products have it, what are the advantages and disadvantages. How many of you here consider yourself caffeine addicts? How much coffee do you drink in a day? One cup? Two cups? More? How about caffeinated sodas? : Caffeine is pervasive in our society these days and every few months we hear about how a study has shown that it is bad for us or good for us. What are we to believe? But Today, I’d like to give you some of the facts about caffeine and its effects on your body. I may not cause you to change your coffee consumption, but at least you’ll be better informed about what you are putting into your body, I’m going to talk about the beneficial effects of caffeine, the negative effects and discuss what are considered to be ‘safe’ levels of caffeine consumption. Let’s start with the good news. Caffeine, which comes from the leaves, seeds and fruits of about 63 different plants, Caffeine does help you wake up and feel more alert and it has been shown to increase attention spans. It’s well known as a stimulant. That’s why people drink it, right? This is a beneficial effect for people who are driving long distances and for people who are doing tedious work, calling this a health benefit may be stretching it, though staying awake while you are driving a car definitely contributes to your well-being! Caffeine also contains antioxidants, which have been shown to have cancer prevention qualities, When consumed in small quantities – for example, when you have one cup of coffee or one soda – caffeine can increase your heart rate, cause you to urinate more which can cause dehydration but it can prompt your digestive system to produce more acid. When larger amounts of caffeine over 600 mg per day are ingested over long periods of time, they can cause sleep problems, depression and digestion issues, and headaches when it’s not used. According to a Medline article on the National Institutes of Health website, having caffeine in your diet is not of any benefit to your health, but by the same token moderate consumption is not considered harmful. They say that having up to 3 eight ounce cups of coffee a day or 250 mg of caffeine is considered â€Å"average or moderate† now 10 cups of coffee a day is considered excessive. Also, remember that the amount of caffeine per cup can vary greatly depending on the type of beans that are used and the strength of the brew. As you can see, caffeine can have both positive and negative effects on our health and well-being. Nevertheless, the bottom line is that if you drink your coffee or sodas in moderation, you don’t have to worry too much. So, the next time you are wondering whether or not you should have that second cup of coffee to perk you up, relax. At least now you know what it will – and won’t – do for you!

Finding Freedom: What it is and what it’s not Essay

Abstract Human freedom could very well be the most controversial topic in our society. To some, human freedom is the freedom to be educated, to work and provide financially for yourself and your family. The freedom to drive a motor vehicle. To vote for the president you truly believe in. To move about freely from one city, state, country or continent to another. In this report, I will investigate the perceived legitimacy of these freedoms, amongst others, and expose the variations in the definition of this word â€Å"freedom.† Finding freedom Many aspects of life come to mind when one is brought the question, â€Å"are you free?† The average person would say yes, they are. But, what does free actually mean? Most would say the ability to choose from any option dictating their personal future. But, there is a contingency to every decision we make and every freedom or option we have. We all want to make our own choices and decide which direction we want our life to go in, but that comes with a price. That price could very likely be one that we may not be willing to pay. Is that actually freedom? In order to take advantage of the freedom to drive an automobile, you must first pass a written test. Following the written test, you are required to pass a road test and pay the fees to become a licensed driver. Not to mention that you must have current insurance to even drive a vehicle after you’ve done all these things. With that said, you have the freedom to operate a motor vehicle, but you don’t have the fre edom to do so without first successfully completing the aforementioned steps. The United States boasts the fact that all of its citizens have the freedom to travel freely, both within and outside of its borders. Of course there is a contingency. They must know where you are going and for how long as well as other information one probably wouldn’t offer it that were not required to exercise their â€Å"freedom.† Describing human freedom is problematic at best as most see simply as the ability to do what you want. Jerry A. Coyne (2012) Stated that while people do have the ability to do what they want, what they want is predetermined by laws just like the laws of physics. In that sense, our so-called freedom is already within certain boundaries. Not realizing this, it’s even harder to understand that we already exercise our freedom within boundaries of the natural boundaries that have already existed. Finding freedom The idea of human freedom fits into the field of sociology though the fact that ones personal idea of being free directly results in the decisions that person makes. The collective decisions of a society shape a society. The degree of freedom one feels varies from person to person, but however free they feel actually indirectly shapes their society. Understanding this concept can grant invaluable insight on the dynamics of a society and their patterns of behavior. James M. Buchanan (1975) suggested that social stability requires an agreement on and enforcement of a structure of individual rights, meaning that in a society there is a general consensus that they all have the freedom to act in tolerable ways and make certain decisions. This also promotes the idea that there are still boundaries to the freedom we perceive and fight to keep. It’s fairly obvious at this point that freedom is not exactly what most would think it is and that the term is often confused with free will. John Locke (1997) believed that free will was the ability to override instinct. For instance, if one is hungry and they chooses not to eat to do something else, they have exercised their free will. But with true freedom, one would be able to choose not to eat at all. We know that we have freedom of speech and press and all of the other amendment, but they were given to us. True freedom has no proposal and enactment date. You either have it or you don’t. The fact is that the conundrum called freedom is actually not freedom at all. In James M. Buchanan’s (1975) study of commonality and non-economic interaction, he stated that freedom as a norm or rule for social intercourse has little or no meaning until or unless individuals are first identified in terms of acknowledged limits of behavior. With that said, if we all carried on with no interaction and did what ever we wanted to, that would be as close as we could ever get to freedom. Within a society, culture or family setting, there will always be a behavioral boundary. While we have the free will to make decisions within those boundaries, we do not have the freedom to make our own boundaries as long as we are a part of a society. Finding freedom Further research into the concept of human freedom, I believe, would offer a great deal of value to the field of sociology. One’s own sense of freedom plays a huge part in their day to day actions and what path they choose in their own life. Sociology, by definition, is the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society. The development of society is based on decisions made by those who lead the way of development and the citizens who decided elect them based on their own sense and concept of freedom. It is my understanding that the very foundation of a society is the peoples’ sense of freedom, collectively, and they make choices based on that sense of freedom. This could give insight into the research of crime, poverty and suicide rates as well as chronic depression and people who are withdrawn from society. Finding Freedom Discussion Though it may not be easy to grasp immediately, that our sense of freedom is what drives us, at this point it would be hard to object. Dr. Mark Cooray (1997) explained freedom is the liberty of the individual coupled with concern by the liberated individual for the liberties of others. In other words what we call freedom is merely a box that we are allowed to move about freely within. Only because our actions affect others and their sense of freedom do we have to operate within the confines of freedom. That leads me to believe that true freedom can only be achieved by on outside of a society or one happens to be an exception to the rule. It has been found that no one can truly be free without encroaching the freedom of another within their society. According the John Locke (1997) freedom is merely a better word for free will, when thought of literally, as there is no tangible concept of actually freedom. With that said, I can still conclude that people still do not feel as free as they actually are although still confined to the boundaries of freedom. This inference, I believe, could help with the research of several of societies ailments and perhaps empower some of those who may feel helpless and resort to deviant means. Finding Freedom References James M. Buchanan (1975). The Paradox of â€Å"Being Governed† – James M. Buchanan, The Collected Works of James M. Buchanan, vol. 7 (The Limits of Liberty: Between Anarchy and Leviathan) Jerry A. Coyne (2012). Why you really don’t have free will. USA Today John Locke (1997). What is human freedom?

Summary of the reading material Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Summary of the reading material - Article Example The stakeholders are now experiencing the shape of the new regulations and the resultant changes, which are about to influence the strategic imperative driving the strategy of leading hedge fund organizations (Citi Investor Services, 2014). Notably, this marks a shift of the factors driving change in the hedge fund industry. A shift in the investor base had been driving major industry evolution since the GFC until recently. Indeed, the article reckons that the emergence of large institutional investors seeking to allocate capital to hedge fund managers have been driving changes in the industry for the past five years (Citi Investor Services, 2014). These changes adopted diverse strategic imperatives as institutional investors emerged as the industry’s main source of capital (Citi Investor Services, 2014). The investors’ demands changed key structural aspects of the market. Ideally, by financing the industry with huge sums of capital within a concentrated period, institutional investors determined the behaviors of the investment managers and fostered structural changes in the industry (Citi Investor Services, 2014). However, response to regulatory changes is now the main driver of change in the industry where it creates different opportunities and challenges for the hedge fund industry. The survey establishes the reality and eminent approach of major implementation deadlines upon the industry players. The formulation and implementation of a broad and significant set of global regulations is now the dominant force of industry change. These regulations include the Volcker Rule, Dodd-Frank, EMIR, OTC derivative rules, Liikanen Proposal among other rules (Citi Investor Services, 2014). The new regulatory changes are offering new opportunities to hedge funds where they can optimize their business approach. The Volcker Rule and Liikanen Proposal has eliminated the proprietary trading talent from sell side organizations that allowed hedge funds and other

Management, Work and Organisation ( Managing diversity) Essay

Management, Work and Organisation ( Managing diversity) - Essay Example Because of several political and socio-economic factors, it is often not possible for companies to recruit employees that are diverse in every respect. This may happen when a company produces religion specific products. It requires great consideration by an statue making company to resolve whether or not to hire Muslim employees, as the idea goes against the Islamic teachings that forbid Muslims from making idols. Likewise, managers may not be able to employ candidates that belong to countries which have long been in conflict with each other. For example, if a company hires an employee from Israel and another from Palestine, the two may never be able to develop the kind of rapport that is conducive for speedy work, and organizational success in the long run. Instead, the two may develop personal grudge against each other on the cost of organizational work, which can in turn be very detrimental for the organization as a whole. Moreover, there are companies whose products are not usabl e for every member of the society. For example, pork producing companies have no market value among the Muslim nationals just like the beef producing companies have no market value among the Hindu nationals.

Research Report on Competing with Information Technology Paper

Report on Competing with Information Technology - Research Paper Example The issues addressed include; various ways that Spotify music service uses IT to compete with iTunes music service and the technologies leveraged by the two corporations to enable competitive advantage. Most customers are mindful about the music delivery business and the effectiveness of each one of them. Because the music industry will exist into the foreseeable future, most music companies are developing strategies that will help them capture a larger share of the market among its rivals (Kusek et al. 82; Latham 4). This competition, however, has streamed down to only two main competitors existing in the market. These music services include the Apple iTunes and Spotify. These two music services experience large economies of scale and have a huge demand on a global scale. Both Apple iTunes and Spotify have pressed on with sweeping overhauls of their digital music services that allow fair competition. Apple iTunes has about 800 million customer accounts out of which 200 million customers are active buyers. Spotify, on the other hand began in Sweden and move into the United States in 2011. Spotify currently has about 15 million customers that subscribe through payments and 45 millio n customers that listen free, with advertising (Lester 49). There, however, exist various uncertainties as to how Spotify music service will match up to Apple iTunes. Michael Porter’s value chain is applied in iTunes service in order to get an insight of the chain of activities involved before a valuable service is provided to the consumers. Apple iTunes is a service that comes in form of an online platform providing music distribution structures(O’Grady 112). The Value-chain model of iTunes’ primary activities is as follows 1. Content creation- the content is regulated by licensing agreement partnerships with various music labels.In this partnership, iTunes offer artists’ music to customers and for each download Apple is entitled a share in revenues. 2.

PR Strategy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PR Strategy - Case Study Example Continued advertising after a purchase gives the customer public acknowledgment of his wise choice, and tends to eliminate or reduce cognitive dissonance. The customer is reassured and resold. Repeat business is the avenue to continued success, and post sale financial services often the course to repeat business. The objective of PR is to guide consumption decisions in an objective manner, aggregate mass demand so that financial services can be stabilized and supported. It can foster interfirm coordination and linkages of investors and clients. The objective of PR is to perform the necessary functions of informing and persuading, which are both complementary and conflicting. The former includes media, appeal, advertiser, copy, theme, and layout. The latter, containing the individual differences of people and their psychological, social, and economic situations, intervenes between the sender and the receiver of marketing information. The organizations publics are diverse involving potential target clients and economists, financial institutions and banks. Thus, the PR campaign will concentrate on the professionals willing to buy primary and secondary residence. For this target audience, social learning also includes a well-structured set of interpersonal communication strategies that operate almost in tandem with mass media to give target audience members support for trying the recommended behavior and further reinforcement for maintaining the behavior. The second market segment will involve retirees purchasing a primary or secondary residence. This more focused emphasis on behavior change requires utilizing the mass media up to and including the modellng of recommended new behavior, whereas mass media were utilized in the persuasion/learning effects model to generate awareness and interest. The third group will involve families and individuals purchasing recreational properties. Also, the PR audience will involve financial professionals and brokers, investors and other financial institutions interested in this type of services. The aim is to attract international attention to the brand and inform the public about services and opportunities proposed by McBride. PR communications have meaning to the extent that an individual's predisposition or experience permits him to see, hear, or read them. The main geographical are of the activity are Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota states. The main attention will be paid to communications process concerned with the dissemination of stimuli and their perception, impact, use, and effectiveness (Hollensen, 2007). Media Release McBride Financial Advisors, LLC is one of the leading financial services providers proposing unique solutions and services to diver target audience. Out strength is low cost mortgage services based on the state-of-the-art technology. We treat every client as a friend and a part of out company helping to fulfill their dreams and life expectations. Recent years, international investment in financial assets is especially sensitive to changes in investors' expectations, including expected exchange rate devaluations that can spark massive outflows of funds. Indeed, during financial crises,

MIDTERM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MIDTERM - Essay Example Since the parents are suffering from the overwhelming stress, they do not interact with the children and as a result the children are lagging way behind the other children of their age with regards to language speaking. Moreover the children are shy and timid and are not at ease when expressing their feelings and ideas. The condition of the children is understandable because the type of environment they are having at their home is not suitable for developing their language, communication and expressive skills. Solution The solution to the problem; slow growth of language and communication in the children, is by improving the way their parents interact with them. The frequency of reading to them needs to be increased however the way that reading is done is more important. Dialogic Reading is the solution to the problem faced by this family. This method of reading is good for these children for two reasons: 1. Since the children are shy and timid, they need to interact more. Dialogic r eading is better than common method of reading because in dialogic reading the interaction level between the storyteller i.e. the parents in this case and the listener i.e. the child, is very high as compared to common reading in which the child only listens. Dialogic Reading ultimately turns the child into the story teller. 2. In Dialogic Reading the child not only just listens, but also starts questioning, reasoning and becomes more expressive. Since the children in this family do not interact frequently and lack the confidence to speak, Dialogic Reading can substantially increase their confidence level. Importance of Dialogic Reading The parents need to know the importance and usefulness of the dialogic reading. I would explain to them the importance of dialogic reading by convincing them to first analyze the state of their children. I would tell them that the children are shy and timid and have language delays because they are not getting the sufficient time to interact. The par ents can understand the importance of dialogic reading by considering the fact that reading with the children is certainly more effective than reading at them. While conducting Dialogic Reading the parents make the children to ask them questions about the story and make them tell the story. This allows children to develop better observational and verbal skills. Parents should know that dialogic reading expands the knowledge of the children as they share the parents share the knowledge with the children about what the child is looking at. The most convincing thing that I can tell the parents is the fact that Dialogic Reading is having a conversation about a story with the child as opposed to just telling a story. Practicing Dialogic Reading The parents need to know a proper way of practicing Dialogic Reading for getting the desired results. I would tell the parents to base their practice of dialogic reading on three basic principles: 1. Encouraging child to become an active learner d uring book reading. 2. Providing feedback that models more sophisticated language 3. Challenging the child’s knowledge and skill by raising the complexity of the conversation gradually Moreover parents can use the techniques of CROWD and PEER for practicing dialogic reading. These two acronyms explain the methodology for correct execution of Dialogic Readin

Describe the relationship between treaties and customary international Essay

Describe the relationship between treaties and customary international law - Essay Example On the other hand, treaties are deliberate agreements that create clear rights and/or obligations for the parties. Treaties are also referred to as convention, charter, protocol, covenant, pact, statute and concordat2. As far as customary international laws are concerned, peremptory norm (jus cogens) originate from principles of international/natural Law and surpasses all laws. Examples include those that govern international crimes such as slavery, mass evictions, torture, mass murders, aggression wars and criminal activities against humans. Peremptory norms and international customary laws cannot be interchanged. All peremptory norms become international customary laws after states adopt them. However, not all international customary laws are considered as class of jus cogens. States can move away from international customary law by creating treaties and laws, but peremptory norms are not derogable3. There are two elements that are crucial for formation of the CIL. These are the ge neral state practice behavior patterns and opinion juris, which is simply a legal expectation that certain point is appropriate. It is always a requirement that both elements coincide, as much as element two is the one that matters in practice. Opinio juris is gathered from the general legal expectations that are shared by humankind, and not some groups. It is worth noting that none of the two elements are subject to universal acceptance, yet CIL has a universal obligation for people and nations. Additional, no consents from nations is necessary but it seeks to align the international community. These features are reflected in various cases. In UK V. Norway Fishing case, UK suit Norway over its claims over exclusive fishing rights and control over expansive waters. The ICJ ruled that the claims by Norway were never in line with the international laws regarding water resources. In the Colombia v. Peru Assylum Case, ICJ made recognition of the Article 38 of the international court of justice statute comprising of general customs and local customs. Further stipulating that for customs to be proven they ought to have been uniformly and continuously executed. Countries that have an objection to international customary law may not submit to the laws unless deemed by peremptory norms. The ICJ statute recognizes the existence of international customary law enshrined in article 38(1)(b), which was incorporated by Article 92 of the UN charter4. Treaty and customary international law combine together for the benefit of general international law. Customary international law directly reflects state behavior and so it evolves naturally to meet the needs of the global society. Customary international law is flexible and it can be dynamic in nature. Customary international law rules may be unclear and they cannot be developed quickly. Treaties can clarify Customary International Law; for instance, the provisions of the VCLT codified CIL in this are of law. Treaties can develo p Customary International Law, for example, the provisions of the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982) developed CIL rules relating to the Exclusive Economic Zone. Lastly, treaties can inspire new Customary International Law5. Although treaty and international customary law are regarded as different law sources, separating these two entities is not

Discussed from Paperco, Inc. Essay Example for Free

Discussed from Paperco, Inc. Essay This case study is discussed from Paperco, Inc. point of view of whether they should avail the tax benefits and cost savings in replacing the mechanical drying equipment. Recommendation Based on the analysis below in this memo, Paperco should purchase new mechanical drying equipment now in advance in anticipation of the passage of new tax legislation. Purchasing the equipment now maintains a positive Net Present Value for the capital project if the legislation is not enacted, or if the new legislation is enacted and the capital project is contracted early enough so that it is grandfathered in. With tax legislation grandfathered, the project gets the benefit of the new lower corporate tax rate and the old ACRS depreciation method. Although when presented with this project one year ago in 1984, Paperco was able to be postponed this capital project since it was merely â€Å"moderately attractive†. The prospect of new tax legislation being enacted as rumored makes the Net Present Value of the project comparatively more positive if the tax law changes are enacted, so Paperco should act now before tax law changes make this project infeasible. Background In November 1985, Jane Rogers a marketing representative of Pressco, Inc. approached Paperco, Inc. to sell its mechanical drying equipment at a price of $2.9 million. This new equipment would replace less efficient facilities that had been placed in service late in December 1979. According to Roger, the total cost saving (exclusive of depreciation charges) from the proposed installation of new equipment amounted to $560,000 per year. Of this amount, $360,000 in savings was expected to come from more efficient fuel utilization. One year earlier, Rogers had been unsuccessful in interesting Paperco’s management in purchase of new equipment. Paperco felt that the investment in  new equipment as moderately attractive at that time. However, beginning 1986, new tax legislation had been rumored to: (1) eliminate the investment tax credit for new equipment; (2) extend depreciation lives for new equipment, and (3) reduce the corporate tax rate from 46% to 34%. Paperco’s senior management was concerned that the basic thrust in the firm’s sales of mechanical drying equipment. Paperco’s management suddenly expressed significant interest in moving forward with the purchase of new equipment and seemed anxious to sign a binding contract. Discussion and Analysis We need to analyze when is the best situation for Paperco, Inc. to replace the old facilities with new drying equipment that will enable the Company to avail greater tax benefits and cost savings. There are three alternative courses of action available to Paperco, Inc. to decide whether to buy the new drying equipment or not. I. Buy the new equipment yet no legislation is enacted Advantages Continue to use a 5 years ACRS depreciation model with higher depreciation expense Efficiency in operations due to new equipment Disadvantages Retain all tax credits due to using 5 year ACRS depreciation model in equipment with useful life of 7 years Tax rate continued at 46% II. Buy the new equipment when the new tax proposal is enacted and bind the contract soon enough to be grandfathered or before the enactment of the law Advantages Continue to use a 5 years ACRS depreciation model with higher depreciation expense Efficiency in operations due to new equipment Investment tax credit that will reduce Paperco’s taxes Tax rate reduced to 34% from 46% Disadvantages Depreciation life of the equipment will not be extended III. Buy the new equipment when the new proposed tax is enacted but do not bind the contract in time to be grandfathered or after the enactment of the law Advantages Efficiency in operations due to new equipment Tax rate reduced to 34% from 46% Depreciation life of the equipment will be extended by 2 years Disadvantages MACRS depreciation model will generate lower depreciation expenses than the ACRS depreciation model No investment tax credit due to binding the contract after the law was enacted Option I in which the rumored tax proposal is not enacted and that the new equipment replaces the old equipment in December 1986. Paperco would retain all tax credits due to the fact the machine has been in service for 84 months, and use a 5-year ACRS depreciation model for the new equipment. This option has a positive NPV of $2,619,745. Option II in which the new tax proposal is enacted. The new equipment is installed in December 1986. Paperco signs a binding contract soon enough to be â€Å"grandfathered†, this allows Paperco to receive the 8% tax credit and use ACRS depreciation. At the same time, their tax rate would fall to 34%. Paperco would benefit from this more favorable â€Å"grandfathered† tax approach. Option II has a positive NPV of $3,414,104. Option III in which the new tax proposal is enacted and Paperco installs the new equipment in December 1986, but they do not sign a binding contract in time to be â€Å"grandfathered† and receive the 8% invest ment tax credit and use ACRS depreciation. The company will use MACRS and a depreciation period of 7 years. The NPV of the project with this timing and structure is $3,228,044. Without the â€Å"grandfathered† tax allowance, the new tax legislation makes the project unattractive based on lower Net Present Value. Calculations Re-affirmation There are three options available to Paperco, Inc. with respect to this capital investment: Option I: New legislation is passed and Paperco qualifies for â€Å"grandfathering,† Option II: New legislation is passed and Paperco does not qualify for â€Å"grandfathering,† Option III: Buy the new equipment when the new proposed tax is enacted but do not bind the contract in time to be grandfathered or after the enactment of the law Last year (1984) investment in new drying equipment pursuant to Option I was not pursued despite its attractiveness as a viable capital project, perhaps because it was possible that a better alternative might arise. However, given the impending tax legislation, the possible alternatives are now known, and they are not good. Under the new tax legislation without grandfathering, the project is not viable. Paperco should invest in the new equipment (with binding contract) because not doing so soon enough, the project will not a viable alternative, while investing in the equipment is a viable alternative (i.e., the Net Present Value of the project in Option II is higher than other alternatives).

How Space Affects Function

How Space Affects Function Abstract The essay aims to discuss the relationship between the space and function. It also explores how function is being represented or symbolized in space through case studies. The ideas of design of function are common for such spaces. Crowded with anger as you could not find a place to put your play station in your room; mothers keep nagging about the kitchen is not enough space for her stuff those types of complaints could be solved easily by spatial design. Function is always first consideration of reference to building and space. If there is no proper design plan and design concepts, the final products may be a functionless structure. How to let the functionalism lead the design concepts? As the limited space for growing population this moment in Singapore, designing with multifunction for living well in limited space is the hottest topic now. The essay will compare the points of father of functionalism Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons who advocated the established institutions in society was in its own purpose and function. As well as Robert K. Merton who dismissed Durkheim and Parsons ideas and believed in that shared values were central in explaining how societies and institutions work, to support multifunction of the space is one of the main purposes of design now days. The essay also discusses the ideas from Azby Brown who promotes small space with bigger usages. The case studies will try to find the linkages between the function and the design elements that are used to make the space in its maximum usages. With multifunction and spaces purposes could make limited space become unlimited space for people, and therefore achieving better quality of their life style. People always take place within a space in their daily life; this is the reason people design the spatial environment according to their needs, whether a landscape, a city, a house, a room. El Lissitzky mentioned Space: that which is not looked at through a keyhole, not through an open door. Space does not exist for the eye only; one wants to live in it. [1] The purpose of a space is the main consideration for designers before they start the plan. It is a complicated factor which affects the final layout of the space. A site is influenced by many complex and diverse factors. There are different architectural contexts and each determines the type of building design. The scale between spane and architecture, especially the most standard occurring sizes, is determined primarily by the structural usage, and is always perceived in relation to human scale and the adjacent spaces. People are affected by the relative perception of spatial scale effects. Architects and planners have developed some systems over the course of the architectural history, all which refer to human scale. One of the most recent is Le Corbusiers Modulor. Hence, an increasing pressure on interior designers to provide functional facilities that maximize the usages of interior space and serve more than one limited programmatic requirement. For example, in conference centers, classroom buildings, and banquet facilities the ability to change room size is essential. However, if there is only single function of the space, the consequences will be using other places to set with another functions. For a limited area, multifunction as the major design concept is the better solution. The space planner should know the conventionally available building products and techniques to open and close spaces, including their approximate installed cost, their approximate sound transmission qualities, and the relative ease with which they can be opened and closed. Singapore is a small island city-state of about 700 sq km with a cosmopolitan population of 4.6 million people. With a small land size and practically no natural resources, Singapore faces a challenging of transformation occurring. It is important to focus on designing with multifunction to improving of living quality. This help to make Singapore to become an economically powerful city that is as well as one of the most livable cities in Asia. II. FUNCTIONALISM Functionalism is explained in many areas: architecture, philosophy of mind, psychology, etc. Functionalists argue society is a system made up of inter-related parts like a body is made up of organs that work together. Like organs in the body each part, sub-system or institution work with each other to keep society functioning well. If change happens in one part of society, the change will happen in other parts as well. Some part of society may start to work less well, like a failing organ and lead to dysfunction. The meaning of functionalism in architecture is the principle of architects should design the buildings or the projects that are based on the purposes of work. According to mathematics, space is the objects and events happening in a boundless, three-dimensional extent and it have relative position and direction. Between the link of the evolution of architectural drawing and concepts of space in environmental design overtures can be traced back via a continuous, chain of evidence to the higher cultures of the Near and Far East and early Egyptian dynasties when the ideas of a ground plan and spatial concepts were organized against simple linear grids. The earliest known architectural design drawing is a landscape layout plan for a tamarisk grove which fronted the Egyptian temple at El-Dier el-Bahari near Memphis. It is drawn in ink on sandstone and dated circa 2100 BC. The design plans were not used in the design of western European architecture until the rediscovery of Euclidean geometry in 1100 AD. David Émile Durkhiem (1858 1917) was the founder of modern sociology and also the father of functionalism. Durkhiem proposed that lacks the strong centralized institution according to associations such company primitive the society. The society structure of functionalism also argued on that the basic building block of society is the central part of family therefore an outgrowth of families, not vice versa. Talcott Parsons was heavily influenced by Durkhiem, synthesizing much of their work into his theory. Parsons developed an action-theory based-theoretical concept and on the methodological principle of voluntary action. He stated that the social system is made up of action of individuals and he was advocated the established institutions in society were in its own purpose and function. As well as Robert K. Merton who dismissed Durkheim and Parsons ideas and believed in that shared values were central in explaining how societies and institutions work, to support multifunction of the space is one of the main purposes of design now days. Space is a site for human interaction, dealings, rituals, games and spectacles. These actions determine the spatial design to a great extent and the spatial features influence the user and the functions. People focus on the functions of the target space now. Building and design of a space considers the relationship between space and functions. Design with functions is a key point to transform a space to be brand new place. The parameters of spatial design are important elements. The function always affects the final spatial form. Spatial types can be identified and distinguished by how clearly its specific function can be recognized in the structural design. Specific architectural requirements and the purpose can strongly influence a spatial design and the functions. Bruno Zevi briefed All the techniques of representation and all the paths to architecture which do not include direct experience are pedagogically fruitful; but their function is no more than allusive and preparatory to that moment in which we, with everything in us enter and experience the spaces we have been studying. That is the moment of architecture. [2] This statement showed the importance of function in a space. Besides of function and use, a space possesses other distinctive features that are significant to spatial design and can be emphasized as specific spatial qualities. Space is perceived physically by all the feelings and cognitively with mind. Every site has its own specific, spatial environment, linking the design of building changes the form of its surrounding space that determines a structures possible design options. In the period of 1930s, the discussion of functionalism was about the esthetic method not regarding of design qulaity. The main idea of functionalism was a totally different matter as it was lacked of ornamentations. It became a contemptuous opinons associated with the brutal ways to cover space where like cheap commercial buildings. For 1970s, American architect Philip Johnson maintained the profession has no responsibility of functions and the concept is still happened in many buildings. The three classic goals of architecture are commodity, beauty and firmness. Vituvius is the author of The Books on Architecture; it is about Latin and Greek on Architecture. The famous for asserting is firmitas, utilitas, venustas that are commodity, beauty and firmness. As birds and bees build their nets, human build their own home. The functional place of buildings may trace back to Vitruvian triad, Vitruvius is sometimes refer as the first architect. During the early years of twenty century, the architect Louis Sullivan popularized that from a buildings size, mass of the spatial grammar and other buildings characteristics as his belief of the functions. The implication is satisfied of functional aspect and the beauty of architecture is naturally necessarily followed. In viewing architectural works each section in concrete works should clearly indicate its function; the role-played by each part within the structure. Functionalist principle in architecture area is focused on the benefits from the design of structure, material and systemic usage. Sullivan is the creator of the modern skyscraper, is a Chicago School influential architect and the critic and is the mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright. This same concept happens in architecture design, if the architect focuses on the design of the structure without considering the result of survey and analysis how he could build a Pyramid along the mountainside. The function is sacrificed in order to make the design or the building meaningful. The intuitive form of space, which surrounds us wherever we may be and which we then always erect around ourselves and consider more necessary than the form of our own body, consists of the residues of sensory experience to which the muscular sensations of our body, the sensitivity of our skin, and the structure of our body all contribute. The experience of ourselves is the center of this space whose co-ordinates interest us on which architectural creation is based. A building is attractive and outstanding in a zone, however, if the building is lack of functions it becomes as obstacle on the street. However, a well-designed building makes difference for the society, for people as well as the environment. All natural organisms have the mechanical energy to carry out certain functions. In the way of expressing in their own forms as a whole or in their crystallization to convey to the mind an expression o f these functions. The architect matter of natural situation is imitation, so models of his form that they also play their own functions; and these functions are always strength, luxury and repose in as mechanical situation, in these products with various quantity of combination. The fundamental principle of the modeling of architectural forms is therefore mechanical. Function was without question an important concept in modern architecture, but it has above all been in the critique of modernism that it has come into its own. A function describes the result of the action of one quantity upon another; relative to architecture, function is a term primarily relating to the tectonics of building. There is a book already mentioned; Adolf Behnes Der moderne Zweeckbau (The Modern Functional Building) published in 1926, in particular elaborated the significance of function term. The books aim to discuss the whole range of points of view that could broadly speak is considered sachlich usually translated into English as function. Behnes book is the extensiveness off the range of work that Behne considered sachlich, and his criteria for distinguishing between its different manifestations. The architect can only grap and carry out his truly artistic work, that is, the creative works, when he addresses questions of his clients attitude of life, way of living, business methodsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦For this reason being a client is not just buying a piece of land, some bricks, and an architect. The client must be an activity, whose taking possession of the acquired space is so definite, clears, rich, and organic that it can be transformed into the relationships of masonry wallsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (120) Building a new structure is not only the elements required only but the spirit and functions as well, not an architect desires to design a building without meaning. Behne was critical of the German architects whom he characterized as romantic functionalists, because their work would be not easily adapt to future changes of use, and so lacked the generality necessary to the social, as opposed to the individual condition. If builds a structure for five years and demolishes it in next five years, this is wasting of time and materials as well of money. With a small land size and practically no natural resources in Singapore, it is not worth for societal economy. Therefore, planning for many land uses within the small island are important. In addition to uses like housing, commerce and industry, given these limitations, the city planers have to formulate an own brand of sustainable development in Singapore. If every building is part of a built whole, then it recognizes from its aesthetic and formal requirements certain universally valid rules, rules that do not arise from its individual functional character [Zweckcharakter] but from the requirements of this whole. For here, in the social sphere after all, must lay the primeval elements of the aesthetic. [137] Behnes idea was that true functionalism was the making visible not of the buildings individual purpose, but its purpose considered in relation to the general, collective purpose of society. For example building a chalet village in a busy, high rental financial region is an unusual idea and it is against the usage of the urban planning. The pioneer of modern architecture is the German architect Mies van der Rohe and Franco Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Both of them are the functionalists who at least to a certain extent of their building were the previous style of basic simplification. In 1923, Mies van der Rohe worked in Germany and started his production radically the enterprise that simplified to achieve Sullivans goal of inherent buildings beauty. Le Corbusiers famous quotation is that a house is a machine for living, and how creates the machine is influenced factor in design the path. The Villa Savoye in Poissy was completed in 1929 is considered the seminal work of Le Corbusier. It is a one of the most recognizable architectural presentations of international style. The house has been designed to be a weekend country house and is situated just outside of the city of Piossy in a meadow, which was originally surrounded by nature and trees. Unlike the confined urban locations of most of Le Corbusiers earlier houses, the openness of the Poissy site permitted a freestanding building and the full realization of his five-point program. Essentially the house comprises two contrasting, sharply defined, yet interpenetrating external aspects. The dominant element is the square single-storied box, a pure, sleek, geometric envelope lifted buoyantly above slender pilotis, its taut skin slit for narrow ribbon windows that run unbroken from corner to corner (but not over them, thus preserving the integrity of the sides of the square). [530] Architects design not only the structure but also buildings that areas functions and purposes. Le Corbusiers statement that A work can only affect us emotionally and touch our sensibility if its form has been dicated by a genuine purpose In the five points he addressed, the ideas consist to make the space become flexible and simple to provide other functions in different situations. However, in his designs of Villa Savoye there are also some weak points involved as the space in second floor is lacking of connection with outside environment and surrounding. The Villa Tugendhat is intended a masterpiece of the architect Mies van der Rohe. This is a classic example of functionalism. Mies used the progressive iron framework to enable him for dispensing the supporting walls as well as to arrange the interior design such the feeling of space by the lighting. The costs of building villa were high as the unusual construction method, the exclusive building materials and the high technology of heating and ventilation etc. Because it is a big layout of a family house that may escape large group of visitors from the superior simplicity of the rooms usages by various hovel extremely big spatial compensation. The plan is the generator, without plan, the project has lack of order, willfulness. The plan of the rooms included many ideas as different functions but how to make the space fully utilized without wasting space and the usages of multifunction the topic is a proper challenge now. Layout is the most important factor to a successful small space. Layout basically involves defining areas and connecting them. In general, one would like to separate living functions to give privacy and focus where needed, but not so solidly that the space ends up being chopped into hard cubicles. Thinking more definitively, the use of partitions, extending from the floor to waist or chest height, can provide an ample sense of separation, especially while is seated, without losing the sense of openness. Azby Brown is an architect who promotes small space with bigger usages. He uses Japanese ideas to discuss how to make the actual floor spaces range from 540 to 1,730 square feet. This range of space is good examples for anyone trying to maximize the space and light of a small residence. Some space is design by imaginative and practical solutions with multifunction to the problems of limited interior space. The function of a building, a place even a space is also more important. To prevent of wastage of any place, design with functionalism is a major concept. Designers think about the creative ideas to improve human daily life as well as the quality without increasing the costs. The function is designed in order to make the design or the building meaningful. A building is attractive and outstanding in a zone, however, if the building is lack of functions it becomes as an obstacle on the street. When the parts of a building are arranged according to a sense of their use, when aesthetic space becomes living space and this is the kind of order called dynamic. In viewing architectural works each section in concrete works should clearly indicate its function; the role-played by each part within the structure. As Singapore is an outstanding country with limited land area in the world, the urban plan is always planed to map out the vision for further Singapore in the next 50 years to achieve sustainable urban development. Urban Redevelopment Authority is Singapores national land usage planning authority. Urban Redevelopment Authority prepares long term strategic plans to make Singapore become a greater city for living, playing in and working. There are two ways to create new land: one is by reclamation off the seashore with sea sands; the other way is to make the most usage of the land that already have currently based on the concept of multifunction for the highlight land use by locating various facilities with instead of separately. The future development balances in the way of economic growth with environmental stewardship as well as social progress. Based on the functionalism principle in architecture area is focused on the benefits from the design of structure, material and systemic usage. Multifunction enhances the negative space allowing it become alive and fully utilization. Redesign the space with multifunction, focusing on the context to maize the function in limited space that helps the city growth as well as the improvement of life quality. In the other hand, if government plans the current land without of further usage, money, time and materials are all wasted. Multifunction is good, multifunction helps in a different way such as technology, design and opens another page of quality of live. Functionalism principle in architecture area is focused on the benefits from the design of structure, material and systemic usage. People can get the wonderful living quality if their house buildings or limited space design with multifunction. Small case as a condominium project which consist swimming pools, gyms and open terrace for the residences; using the surrounding space of HDB buildings to create playing yards for children, install some simple exercise equipments for older people, etc. those examples is based on the design concept of multifunction with various factors to improve the life quality and environment. An outstanding multifunction project in architecture is Singapores Integrated Resort (IR) at Marinia Bay; IR is small part of Singapore but it has museum, theaters, casino, convention centre, hotel and shops. Visitors could find their needs in one place. Space with multifunction helps Singapore to open another chapter of tourism and the growth of nations economy. If designing without function inside, the works will be invalid. Multifunction is the main design solution for the limited space today not only for Singapore but also for the earth village currently. III. CASES STUDIES A. Hot Desk Hot desk is a sharing model of workstation space. In early 1990s, the hot desk model was deployed in some workplaces. In such some environments, the workstation has computer, some personal items and some workers have own notebook computers to bring to work with them or keep in personal lockers. However, the technology makes the hot desk model practicable was not fully developed during that period; the system was not widely accepted by public. After renewing the hot desk model factors included improved communications, collaboration and virtualization technologies in conjunction with increasing mobile workforce and financially stressed enterprise. From the perspective of management, hot desk model is altercative as it can save the costs significantly. Therefore, the concert will not operate in environments where employees are working at offices during their duty time. Furthermore, some employers the benefits of saving the costs but also lack of ability to observe employee activities during the office hours. For employees views, the hot desk model has advantages and disadvantages that they are happy to have more flexibility but many of them may be reluctant to give up the personal space. At hot desk system, the work surface is just a terminal link or an actual desk that the employer furnishes a permanent work surface where is available for any other workers when they need the space. There are no personal items and physical facilities and the place with hot desk system is sometimes called a mobility centre. Hot desk is used regular in places where the employees are not in their office most of time or at the same time and the office is consuming valuable space and resources. In the current technology era, hot desk system also includes different types of message services and the routing of voice to different locations. The users are able to log in their personal accounts with secure corporate network to reply or send their emails and get the information for management departments. It is convenience and saving cost idea for current time. The hot desk idea is a good example of multifunction as the concept helps the employers saving for their offices rental fees. In the view of economic and company improvement, the hot desk idea is a bonus benefit. As the limited space of offices and workstations currently, people may choose to work at home or spending less time at offices, for this type of situation, hot desk is the powerful idea to save the cost and as well as the space. In some cases, companies designated a certain area as hot desking location for their agents, sales or who works outside most of the time to have a place to update own reports and replies emails. B. Gardiner Museum Renewal / KPMB Architects Gardinear Museum is the worlds per-eminent institution devotes to the only ceramic art in Canada. It also one of the major new projects in Torontos cultural renaissance which renews with the Royal Ontario Museum across the street. It is located between the neoclassical the Queen Anne-style Margaret Addison Hall to the south and Lillian Massey building to the north. The borders of the renewal are more welcoming urban presence for the Gardinear. Inside of the museum, the interior design is transformed to prioritize the display of the collections completely in the museum and to build a memorable, inviting people experience. The museum existing plan is also completed re-configured to encourage the journey through the galleries to as well as raise the foreword encouragement journey through the decorated corridor to launch, from ground to new third level. After completed the gallery tour in the new third level exhibition space, the visitors can feel the column-free area is with a clerestor y ceiling that creates a monumental space for large-scale artwork or traveling exhibits. The third level is Jamie Kennedy restaurant where locates the new multipurpose event hall and outdoor terrace. The renewal project enhances the Gardiners place in the city. The windows are placed to provide other visual breaks from the public spaces of the museum and the attention of the surrounding context at different scales. The views are from close of the historic facades and the close to Lillian Massey and Margaret Addison buildings to become sequences of the ROMs heritage building with the new Crystal expansion across the street. In the third level, the multi-purpose space and the outdoor terrace is created a new elegant look that opens on expansive vistas of Queens Park, the University of Toronto as well as the downtown skyline. Inside of the museum, the design is transformed completely to give the visitors a memorable experience. This transformation of Gardiner Museum provides a series of new platforms to display their collections and other activities will also flourish to ensure the long-term relevance of the museum to the cultural life of the city. Redesign the urban landscape with multifunction, to enhance more activities during day and night. The Gardiner Museum is transferred by the original structure and extending its space planning to every directions from the inside out. Redesign the layout with functions to existing museum with long-term relevance of the cultural life of city. Form this case design concept is multifunction. Without demolishing the existing building, add in new design elements and new layouts to cooperate with government policy cultural city. The project is not only focus on the function of the museum where display the art works, but also adds in different functions that the event areas, rooms for lectures and talks, the souvenir shops etc. Based on multifunction, Gardiner Museum is not just a museum to enhance the cultural life of the city as well as a place for family gathering and friends studying together. C. Stadtlounge Red Carpet In spring 2005, with the new construction in Schreinerstrasse 6, it has been completed the last stage of the edifications of the complex Raiffeisen and the building activity of Raiffeisen Switzerland in the center of Saint Gallo has been concluded therefore also. To the term of the jobs that have given life to a harmonious entirety from the urbanization point of view, the external space was wanted to be restructured also. For this purpose it has been assigned a mandate of specific study with the objective to develop innovative ideas that organize in optimal way the external spaces. The strengthening of the identity of the new center with perfect on the whole city integration was a point centers them of the plan. The plan stadtlounge has been born from the collaboration between Pipilotti Rist and Carlos Martinez, convinced opportunely the decisional Raiffeisen Switzerland and the city administration of Saint Gallo. Drafting of a job that offers to a contribution much innovative one and originates them, which new identity with the characteristics of a meeting place creates with its radicalism one and break. In stadtlounge, the spaces in the open air have been covered with a red carpet that serves to distinguish an atmosphere otherwise lacking in an own identity. The authors of the plan have intentional to create a zone in which it is possible to meet themselves and to pass pleasant moments, on the background of a largamente ironical atmosphere. Lounge, realized just like a opened drawing-room the public, it is equipped of spaces dedicates to you to various thematic: there is the coffee, the angle relax and it knows it it business. This innovative character extends also to the lighting system with fluctuating elements to variable brightness to second of the moments of the day. According to the responsible, stadtlounge it is without a doubt in a position to conferring to the place, Raiffeisen Switzerland and the city of Saint Gallo a prestigious image in a position to valuing the main center of the Bank, to the standard of a fruibile qualitative standard to perceptive level and moves them. International acknowledgment for the plan of lighting system of stadtlounge the city of Saint Gallo has adjudicated the third party place to the international competition City-People-Light-Award 2008, after Seul and Riga. The prize comes assigned sin from 2003 to the cities that inside accommodate permanent plans of lighting system of spaces publics. Saint Gallo is rewarded for luminous clouds, or bubbles, of the artists Pipilotti Rist and Carlos Martinez installed in stadtlounge (the Raiffeisenplatz), like 13 official notice November 2008 from the communal administration. A red carpet guides passing creating a pleasant atmosphere and contributing in fundamental way to make to perceive the city in a completely new way, thanks to the combination of a public and private space. The effect turns out amplified from the particular lights that they render the quarter residential an only great drawing-room, law in the official notice is printed in German. Using multifunction as foundation makes the target area becoming another famous shopping zone, there is benefit for the shops among the place and attracts more visitors as well. The win-win situation is based of multifunction. D. Korea Center / SAMOO Some Engineers are from Seoul Korea and SAMOO Architects from New York studio work together to win the international competition in New York. The project is about New York South Korea center, a new familys design building for the South Korean cultural service. The construction estimated starts in the end of 2010. The building has eight storeys that in total area of 3,065 square meters will provide spaces for more exhibitions, virous of performances, lectures and administration. The Korea House is planed to locate on East 32nd Street in New York City, to extend the vibrancy of Manhattans Korea Town in the Murray Hill neighborhood. Places in the central space, the multi-layered glass faà §ade as the main scheme that creates a big screen wall that illuminates three sculptural figures made of polished ceramic that is representing humanity ear

Heteronormartive Notions of Gender Essay -- Gender Studies

Heteronormartive notions of gender create challenges and issues that require a complex process of resolving gender inequalities. In particular, one of the challenges is resolving the inequalities that are reinforced by male and female gender norms. The notion of gender creates a dichotomy in male and female roles. Through socialization processes, we learn to identify specific behaviours as 'masculine' or 'feminine', and boys and girls are taught to perform and display these traits, which become a dominant part of their identities. Western society has constructed gender roles that promote and maintain notions of suitable behaviours and expectations. For instance, males and females are required to act a certain way according to their situational and contextual location. Moreover, gendered behaviour can be seen in the context of families because parents continue gender roles into families, preserving the idea of â€Å"doing gender† (West & Zimmerman, 2011). â€Å"Doing genderâ⠂¬  refers to the process of socially guided perceptions, which make us believe that male and female behaviours are â€Å"natural.† Further, these perceptions are routinely embedded within our everyday interactions that claim a specific gender (West & Zimmerman, 2011). Although parents in Western society continue to hold onto traditional roles of parenting, they are slowly recognizing methods that have no gender boundaries. Ideas of masculinity and femininity are reinforced in families to form practices and customs that create an imbalance among genders (Coltrane, 2011). Within heterosexual families, gender role inequalities are reinforced through household labour and domestic work. Furthermore, it is important to analyze this topic in order to understand the problematic notions ... ...rison, D. and Albanese, P. (2011, in press) Parental Military Deployments and adolescent's housework. Studies in Political Economy, 88 (1).   Margolis, M.L. (2009). Putting mothers on the pedestal. Ontario: Oxford University Press. Shaw, S.M. (1988). Gender Differences in the Definition and Perception of Household Labour. Family Relations 37(3), 333-337. Silverman E.L. (2011). The Last Best West: Women on the Alberta’s Frontier, 1880-1930. In M. Kimmel (Ed.), A. Aronson (Ed.), A. Kaler (Ed.), The Gendered Society Reader. (pp. 186-197). Ontario: Oxford University Smith, D. (1993). The standard north American family. Journal of Family Issues. 14(1), 50-65. West, C, & Zimmerman, D.H. (2011). Doing Gender. In M. Kimmel (Ed.), A. Aronson (Ed.), A. Kaler (Ed.), The Gendered Society Reader (pp. 28-42). Ontario: Oxford University Ontario: Oxford University Press.

Future of the Internet in Education Essay -- Internet

How often does one find himself checking the Internet for directions? How easy has the ability to find answers to questions become? How hard is the opportunity to check one’s Internet to pass up? Why has the Internet become an every day, every hour part of life? With the capabilities of the Internet and what one can spend his time doing on the Internet, the questions about the future of the Internet’s affects on its users continues to grow rapidly. The use of computer technology in the classroom is growing to be a major concern for parents and educators all over. How much time should children be allowed to browse on the Internet? Is the Internet affecting the children’s, the future of society, ability to focus? Should parents and educators trust the websites that students get their information from? Although the Internet has done an absolutely fabulous job at making what may have seemed impossible possible, with live video chatting, music streaming, and online bo oks, the Internet is definitely responsible reading and intellectual engagement problems in students. The Internet moves at very fast speeds and can access an enormous amount of information in less than a few seconds with a few typed letters and the click of a button. Search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo!, and Ask have mastered the ability to provide a person at search for just about any answer with what seems to look like an endless amount of links leading to what that individual could possibly be inquiring about. Then there are websites including GoogleMaps and Mapquest that help finding a destination and/or direction to such destination a â€Å"piece of cake†. Such websites are without a doubt handy in providing a driver with step by step directions to where he coul... ...ary†. Education Digest 67-1 (2001): 46-49. Academic Search Elite. Web. 13 March 2012. Keen, Andrew. â€Å"The Cult of the Amateur†. Perspectives on Argument. Ed. Nancy V. Wood. Boston. Pearson, 2012. 503-504. Print. Kirshenbaum, Matthew. â€Å"How Reading is Being Reimagined†. Perspectives on Argument. Ed. Nancy V. Wood. Boston. Pearson, 2012. 508-510. Print. O'Hear, Steve. "The Internet Can Increase Learning." Has Technology Increased Learning? Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2009. At Issue. Rpt. from "E-learning 2.0—\ How Web Technologies Are Shaping Education." www.readwriteweb.com/archives/e- learning_20.php. 2006. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2012. Wells, Melissa. â€Å"Internet-Related Problems Coming to The Attention of School Social Workers†. Children & Schools 28.4 (2006): 237-242. Academic Search Elite. Web. 13 March 2012.

Ernest Hemingway: Allegorical Figures In The Sun Also Rises Essay

Ernest Hemingway: Allegorical Figures in The Sun Also Rises Thesis: Hemingway deliberately shaped the protagonists in The Sun Also Rises as allegorical figures. OUTLINE I. The Sun Also Rises A. Hemingway's novel. B. Hemingway's protagonists are deliberately shaped as allegorical figures. C. Novel symbolizing the impotence after W.W.I. II. Jake Barnes. A. Wound. 1. Damaged genitalia. 2. Can't make love. 3. Feels desire. B. Wound is symbol of life in years after W.W.I. C. Wound from accident. 1. Accidents always happen. 2. Can't prevent accidents. 3. â€Å"It was like certain dinners that I remember from the war. There was much wine and ignored tension, and a feeling of things coming that you could not prevent.† D. Condition represents a peculiar form of impotence. E. Restrained romantic. F. Private grief with Cohn's public suffering. G. Strongly attracted to Pedro Romero. H. Later, when Barnes says that he hates â€Å"homos† and wants to hit them. III. Lady Brett Ashley. A. First appears with a group of homosexuals. B. Wears man's hat on short hair. C. Refers to men as fellow â€Å"chaps†. D. All complete distortion of sexual roles. E. The war has turned Brett into the equality of a man. F. This is like Jakes demasculation. G. All releases her from her womanly nature. H. â€Å"Steps off of the romantic pedestal to stand beside her equals. IV. Robert Cohn. A. Women dominate him. B. Old fashioned romantic. C. Lives by what he reads. D. To feel like a man. 1. Boxes. a. Helps him to compensate for bad treatment from classmates. b. Turns him into an armed romantic. 2. Likes authority of editing and honor of writing, but is a bad editor and a poor novelist. E. Looks for internal strength in outward signs and sources. F. Willing to suffer publicly and to absorb insults for sake of true love. G. He is ready to fight for his lady and knocks down his opponent like a knight. 1. When he goes against Pedro for Brett. a. Brett tells him off. b. Pedro won't fall. c. Brett stays with Pedro. d. Cohn is left alone. 2. Romantic hero met his match. 3. Shows difference between physical and moral victory. a. Pedro fights for dignity and his spirit is untouched by Cohn. b. Cohn's spirit is crushed. H. Cohn based his manhood on skill at boxing or on a woman's love, not on internal strength. V. Pedro Romero. A. Manhood stands without women. B. Reason Barnes is attracted to him. C. â€Å"Cohn and Pedro are... ...eration are weighed. From this point, Pedro can   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  be seen as the real hero, man whose code gives meaning to a   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  world where love and religion are defuncts, where the proofs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  of manhood are difficult and scarce, and where every man   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  must learn to define his own moral condition and then live   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  up to them (Bloom, 1985, p. 118).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hemingway purposely shaped the main characters in The Sun Also Rises as allegorical figures. Jake Barnes and Brett Ashley were two lovers desexed by the war. Robert Cohn was the false knight who challenged their despair. Pedro Romero personified the good life which will survive their failure. References Baron's Educational Series, Inc. (1984). The Sun Also Rises- The   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Story. [WWW]. URL http://www.kidzone.com:/ecc/sunalso3.htm Bloom, H. (ED.). (1985). Modern Critical Views: Ernest   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hemingway. New York: Chelsea House Publishers Hemingway, E. (1926). The Sun Also Rises. New York: Charles   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Scribners' Sons

Meaning of Justice in Islam Essay

Meaning of justice in islam In the Islamic worldview, justice denotes placing things in their rightful place. It also means giving others equal treatment. In Islam, justice is also a moral virtue and an attribute of human personality, as it is in the Western tradition. Justice is close to equality in the sense that it creates a state of equilibrium in the distribution of rights and duties, but they are not identical. Sometimes, justice is achieved through inequality, like in unequal distribution of wealth. The Prophet of Islam declared: â€Å"There are seven categories of people whom God will shelter under His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His. [One is] the just leader. †(Saheeh Muslim) God spoke to His Messenger in this manner: â€Å"O My slaves, I have forbidden injustice for Myself and forbade it also for you. So avoid being unjust to one another. † (Saheeh Muslim) Thus, justice represents moral rectitude and fairness, since it means things should be where they belong. The importance of justice The Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam, considers justice to be a supreme virtue. It is a basic objective of Islam to the degree that it stands next in order of priority to belief in God’s exclusive right to worship (Tawheed) and the truth of Muhammad’s prophethood. God declares in the Quran: â€Å"God commands justice and fair dealing†¦ † (Quran 16:90) And in another passage: â€Å"O you who believe, be upright for God, and (be) bearers of witness with justice!†¦ † (Quran 5:8) Therefore, one may conclude that justice is an obligation of Islam and injustice is forbidden. The centrality of justice to the Quranic value system is displayed by the following verse: â€Å"We sent Our Messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Measure in order to establish justice among the people†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Quran 57:25) The phrase ‘Our Messengers’ shows that justice has been the goal of all revelation and scriptures sent to humanity. The verse also shows that justice must be measured and implemented by the standards and guidelines set by revelation. Islam’s approach to justice is comprehensive and all-embracing. Any path that leads to justice is deemed to be in harmony with Islamic Law. God has demanded justice and, although He has not prescribed a specific route, has provided general guidelines, on how to achieve it. He has neither prescribed a fixed means by which it can be obtained, nor has He declared invalid any particular means or methods that can lead to justice. Therefore, all means, procedures, and methods that facilitate, refine, and advance the cause of justice, and do not violate the Islamic Law are valid. Equality in justice The Quranic standards of justice transcend considerations of race, religion, color, and creed, as Muslims are commanded to be just to their friends and foes alike, and to be just at all levels, as the Quran puts it: â€Å"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor†¦ † (Quran 4:135) According to another Quranic passage: â€Å"Let not the hatred of a people swerve you away from justice. Be just, for this is closest to righteousness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Quran 5:8) With regards to relations with non-Muslims, the Quran further states: â€Å"God does not forbid you from doing good and being just to those who have neither fought you over your faith nor evicted you from your homes†¦ † (Quran 60:8) The scholars of the Quran have concluded that these rulings apply to all nations, followers of all faiths, as a matter of fact to all humanity. In the view of the Quran, justice is an obligation. That is why the Prophet was told: â€Å"†¦If you judge, judge between them with justice†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Quran 5:42) â€Å"We have revealed to you the scripture with the truth that you may judge between people by what God has taught you. † (Quran 4:105) Furthermore, the Prophet was sent as a judge between peoples, and told: â€Å"†¦Say: I believe in the Scripture, which God has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you†¦ † (Quran 42:15) The Quran views itself as a scripture devoted mainly to laying down the principles of faith and justice. The Quran demands that justice be met for all, and that it is an inherent right of all human beings under Islamic Law. The timeless commitment of the Quran to the basic standards of justice is found in its declaration: â€Å"And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. † (Quran 6:115) To render justice is a trust that God has conferred on the human being and, like all other trusts, its fulfillment must be guided by a sense of responsibility beyond mere conformity to set rules. Thus, the Quran states: â€Å"God commands you to render trusts to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, judge with justice†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Quran 4:58) The reference to justice which immediately follows a reference to fulfillment of trusts indicates that it is one of the most important of all trusts. Justice and the Self The Quranic concept of justice also extends justice to being a personal virtue, and one of the standards of moral excellence that a believer is encouraged to attain as part of his God-consciousness.

General Appliance Corporation Essay

Executive Summary The General Appliance Corporation (GAC), specializing on manufacturing various kinds of home appliances. The GAC was decentralized and it divided into 4 main product divisions, 4 manufacturing divisions as well as 6 staff offices. GAC manufactured few component parts and usually bought them from outside vendors. Transfer prices of the parts were negotiated between departments based on outside suppliers’ price. While the purchasing staff had the power to settle disputes when there was a disagreement. This management style and method created various problems within the company because the lack of communication, coordination, and motivation. Besides, departments have less power and authority on resources allocation and there was extensive measurement in the company. As a result, GAC has to refine its transfer rules, setting guidelines to avoid disputes between divisions and outside vendors. Issues and Analysis Issue #1 â€Å"Stove top Problem†: When the chrome products division sold a chrome plated unit that fitted on the top of the stove. Due to various complaints from customers, chrome products division to refine products leading an increase the cost of the stove top ($10) by a dollar. 90 cents less than outside supplier (manufacturing costs are deemed to have increased by 80 cents). (Quality; communication; transfer prices Resolution: Engineer department said the costs were reasonable and quality control said the quality improved and better than previously supplied. Issue #2 â€Å"thermostatic control problem† Refrigeration Division initially used 25% of their Thermostatic Control Unit produced from Electric Motor Division internally. All remaining unites are purchased from Monsoon Controls Corp in 1985. It increased to 100% produced internally by 1988. After Monsoon Controls proposed a price of $2.15/unit, electric motor division refuses to drop its price lower than $2.40 to all products divisions. Resolution: Refrigeration Division could purchase all at $2.15 but the price is lower because of excess capacity. If purchase all, the price would go up to around $2.40 too. Issue #3 â€Å"transmission problem† The Laundry Division produces automatic washers and bought its parts from two sources : internally in the Gear and Transmission Division and externally form the Thorndike Machining Corp. GAC would like to expand and wanted to produce all the manufacturing parts, therefore, not renewing contract with Thorndike. Thorndike proposed a new price with reductions because they had specially built machines for the transmission and expected to increase productivity. Gear division also develop a lower cost and better performance transmission. Laundry Division refused to accept the price of $12 and proposed $11.21 instead. Resolution: The Finance department thought the costs of the Thorndike unit was 11.25 and found out the price of the Gear and transmission price was in error and could be reduce by 50 cents. The purchasing staff stated that laundry division can obtain from outsource at the quoted price for a better future. Recommendation GAC should refine its transfer pricing policies and methods to reduce disputes between divisions within company. First, they can focus more on short term profit maximization because signing long term contracts with either divisions will causes higher cost prices. As a good company, its product quality should be in their main consideration, customer will buy better quality rather than its price. Third, the management should give power to the product division to select which manufacturers they wanted. However, they have to bear the consequences if the results gone bad (e.g. bad quality for cheaper price). Forth, A committee should set up to investigate the pros and cons to the divisions for a better decisions and judgments for product division to made before ordering parts.

Cost Accounting 14th Edition Problem 15-35

COST ACCOUNTING P 15-35 Required: 1. Using selling prices, allocate the $1,000 gateway-package revenue to the three divisions using: a. The stand-alone revenue-allocation method | Selling Price| Rev. Allocation| Precio por cuarto para dos personas 2 noches| $800| $581. 82| Dos â€Å"rounds† de golf con precio de | 375| 272. 73| Una cena para dos| 200| 145. 45| | $1,375| $1,000| b. The incremental revenue-allocation method | Selling Price| Rev. Allocation| Dos â€Å"rounds† de golf con precio de | $375| $375| Precio por cuarto para dos personas 2 noches| 800| 625| Una cena para dos| 200| 0| $1,375| $1,000| 2. What are the pros and cons of the two methods in requirement 1? Pros sobre el â€Å"stand alone†: 1. Cada elemento en el â€Å"bundle† recibe una porcion del ingreso. 2. Es un metodo simple para implementar. Contras sobre el â€Å"stand-alone† 1. Este metodo puede ignorar la importancia que le da el cliente a cada elemento del â€Å"bundle†. Por ejemplo, algunos clientes pueden estar interesados en el golf y no en la cena y viceversa. Pros sobre el metodo incremental: 1. Una vez se determina que secuencia utilizar para asignar, la implementacion es automatica.Contras sobre el metodo incremental: 1. Algunos productos no van a recibir asignacion de ingresos. Aun cuando se incurran los costos, no recibe asignacion de ingresos. 3. Because the recreation division is able to book the golf course at 100% capacity, the company CEO has decided to revise the Gateway package to only include the lodging and food offerings shown previously. The new package will sell for $900. Allocate the revenue to the lodging and food divisions using the following: 1. The Shapely value method.Incremental-Revenue Allocation Method|   | Weighted Shapely Value| Primary Product 1st| Unit SP| Allocation| W| Lodging| Food| Lodging|   |   | $800 | $800 | 1| $800 |   | Food|   |   |   | 200 | 100 | 1|   | $100 | | | | | | $1,000 | $900 | |   |   | | | | | | | | |   |   | Primary Product 1st| Unit SP| Allocation| |   |   | Food|   |   |   | $200 | $200 | 1|   | 200 | Lodging|   |   | 800 | 700 | 1| 700 |   | | | | | | $1,000 | $900 | |   |   | | | | | | | | | $750 | $150 | | | | | | | | | | | 2. The weighted Shapely value method, assuming that lodging is three times as likely to sell as the food.Incremental-Revenue Allocation Method|   | Weighted Shapely Value| Primary Product 1st (1)| Unit SP| Allocation| W| Lodging| Food| Lodging|   |   | $800 | $800 | 3| $2,400 |   | Food|   |   |   | 200 | 100 | 3|   | $300 | | | | | | $1,000 | $900 | |   |   | | | | | | | | |   |   | Primary Product 1st (2)| Unit SP| Allocation| |   |   | Food|   |   |   | $200 | $200 | 1|   | 200 | Lodging|   |   | 800 | 700 | 1| 700 |   | | | | | | $1,000 | $900 | |   |   | | | | | | | | | $775 | $125 | | | | | | | | | (1) Lo mas probable sucedera 3 de 4 veces. (2) Lo mas probable sucedera 1 de 4 veces.

Compare/Contrast of Two and a Half Men

The popular television show, Two and a Half Men, has been on the air for just under a solid ten years. Even after ten years, and a complete main character change, it is still one of the most watched and beloved shows on television today. Most would argue, including myself, that the original version starring Charlie Sheen was much better than the current version, starring Ashton Kutcher.Both are very funny and have attempted to keep to the same â€Å"womanizing† main character, though the original pulled it off with much more success. The show was originally about a â€Å"pleasure-seeking† jingle writer, Charlie Harper, his uptight brother, Alan, and Alan's growing son, Jake. Charlie's laid back life becomes complicated when his brother gets divorced and moves in, along with Jake, to Charlie's beach-front Malibu house.The Harper brothers Charlie and Alan are almost opposites but form a great team for comedy. They have little in common except their dislike for their dull, emotionless, and dominant mother, Evelyn. Alan, a compulsively neat chiropractor and control-freak, is thrown out by his manipulative wife Judith who nevertheless gets him to pay for everything and do most jobs in the house. Charlie is a freelance jingle composer and irresistible bachelor who lives in a luxurious beach-house and rarely gets up before noon.Charlie â€Å"temporarily† allows Alan and his son Jake, a food-obsessed, lazy school kid who constantly moves between his parents, to move in with them after Alan's separation/divorce. The sitcom revolves around their conflicting lifestyles, raising Jake (who has the competent, caring dad while having a ball with his fun-loving uncle who teaches him the fun way to live), and bantering with Evelyn and various other friends and family.Other fairly regular characters include Charlie's cleaning lady Berta, who is the sarcastic and sharp-tongued character who merely does nothing more than insult almost every other character unf ortunate enough to cross her path (while completely ignoring her actual job), and his rich, self-confessed stalker neighbor Rose who often sneaks in to spy on Charlie and induce havoc into his already screwy life. Charlie's love life is a recurring theme in his character. He is an alcoholic womanizer who has engaged in decades of frequent one-night stands, prostitutes, casual sex, and â€Å"relationships† of short duration, in stark contrast to his rother Alan's inability to bring in much female attention. Even though Charlie usually never calls any of his partners again after he had sex with them, there are a few relationships on the show that lasted longer than one night, notably his neighbor Rose, who continues to stalk him after they spent one night together, and Jake's ballet teacher Mia, whom Charlie was actually in love with, and almost married in Las Vegas. He usually dated much younger women. Alan is almost the complete opposite of Charlie. He had been divorced twice over the series, and is notably seen as socially awkward with any woman he comes into contact with.Alan is essentially a leech on Charlie’s life, as he was only supposed to stay with Charlie for a short amount of time, that was ten seasons ago. Recently, though, Alan has managed to keep one person tied down and hold a steady, healthy relationship with. This person is Lyndsey MacElroy, who is actually a mother of one of Jake’s stoner friends. At the end of season eight, Charlie leaves in pursuit of Rose, who he admits he loves, to Paris. At the beginning of season nine, it is revealed that Charlie died in Paris, because he â€Å"fell† in front of a train (it is widely believed that Rose murdered him because he cheated on her, a lot).Enter: Walden Schmidt. Now begins the more recent version of the series. Charlie Harper is dead, and Alan and Berta must now move out of the fabulous beach-house and have no idea where to go. Schmidt is introduced to the series as a billionaire internet entrepreneur who has recently been divorced and is now suicidal. After unsuccessfully attempting suicide, he turns up at Charlie Harper's beach house and decides to buy it from Charlie's brother, Alan, to whom Charlie has left the house in his will, after dying in France. Alan has to put the house up for sale as he is unable to afford the mortgage payments and property tax.While Alan is speaking with Charlie's ashes and trying to decide where to spread them, Walden suddenly appears on the house's back deck, scaring Alan and causing him to drop the ashes on the living room floor. When Alan lets Walden in so he can use the telephone, Walden reveals he has just tried to commit suicide by drowning in the ocean. He tells Alan that he is worth $1. 3 billion, but would give it all up to reconcile with his wife Bridget, from whom he had recently separated. Walden and Alan then proceed to bond at the local bar, where Walden tells Alan that e made his money when Microsoft purchased his website. At the end of the episode Walden tells Alan that he is going to buy the house. This is fantastic news for Alan, as he now no longer has to move, Berta can be rehired, and a surrogate family has now been formed. Walden is a hopeless romantic and has had many failed relationships, ranging from divorce and breakups to rejection of marriage proposals. Walden's ex-wife describes him as â€Å"having the emotional maturity of a 12-year-old†, and she, his housekeeper Berta and his girlfriend Zoey have all described him as needy.However, he drives a Fisker Karma as he cares about the environment, and does not believe in lending money, as it is never repaid and leads to resentment of the person to whom the money is lent; instead he prefers to just give it away. He does not like the taste of alcohol and so does not drink much. When Walden met Alan Harper, the two almost instantly formed a friendship. Walden is very generous, which Alan uses to his advantage, such as when Alan's ex-wife Judith drops off their son Jake, and Alan convinces Walden to allow Jake to stay. Despite events such as this, Alan does demonstrate genuine concern for Walden.When Walden discovers that his imaginary childhood gorilla friend, â€Å"Magilla†, was real, and was part of an experiment being conducted by his mother, he becomes very upset, as he thought of Magilla as a brother. Alan climbs a roof to console him, telling him that he knows what it's like to lose a brother. Walden knows that Alan is poor and has offered him money, but Alan refuses because he wants Walden to see him as a friend, rather than a freeloader. From this point on Alan and Jake have fully moved in and Walden considers them family, refusing to kick Alan out of the beach-house, though knowing that he is quite the leech.While there has been much change to the popular television show over the years, it has managed to sustain a fresh comedy to most viewers and appears as if it could continu e airing for the next ten years also. The show is now very different, since the introduction of Ashton Kutcher replacing Charlie Sheen as the main character. But it continues to maintain the viewers, ratings, and new ideas that make a good show great. Comparatively, the older seasons are better than the newer, but the newer are certainly getting the job done.

Ethics and Financial Crisis of 2008 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ethics and Financial Crisis of 2008 - Essay Example The instruments used to create debt in the economy were subprime mortgages. These mortgages were given to people who do not have collateral for their borrowing and were given without banks assessing their sources of income. They were given on the basis of credit score. Hence, in case these people go bankrupt, banks had no avenue to recover their investments. Since, the Financial System in the USA is not independent this created a â€Å"domino effect† situation. When the largest investment bank in the universe Lehmann Brothers collapsed, many other institutions in the US started feeling the pressure. Many had to write off their investments in Lehmann Brothers and they started to crumble. In order to assess why this happened, a study of risky and unethical instruments that were prevalent in the US Financial System at that time is needed. (NY, 2009) Credit Default Swaps are one of the most risky instruments that were common in the United States of America’s financial syste m prior to the 2008 financial crises. This instrument was used by lending companies to hedge their investment against credit risk. If one party need loan, the lender usually asked an insurance company to hedge their loan in the case of credit event against a periodic fee. This looked really bright and it was considered that it was going to increase the level of investments in the economy. For example, if A needs a loan and have a credit rating of B+. B lends loans and lends only to companies with a credit rating of AAA. The third party C with a credit rating of AAA will tell B that it will insure A against a periodic payment. Suppose A agrees and lend $2 Billion to A. It is also important to assume that insurance companies have limited assets. Suppose C has assets worth $3 Billion. It can be assumed that in case of bankruptcy of A, B can recover his investment through C. This looked fine, but what started happening was that companies like started insuring the loans that were as big as 10 times of their assets. Now in case credit event occurs, then they were unable to repay the lender. That was only a speculation that borrowers won’t default on loans. However, if loans that were more than the assets held by C default, then there is no way C can pay A. This would lead to a collapse. Not only A and C will collapse, but A will also go down due to high level of non-performing loans. Similarly, all the debtors of A will also lose their money and domino effect will be created. This is what happened prior to the crises started. The instruments were so risky, that they lead to the fall of the whole Financial System of the United States of America. The reason of failure of these instruments was the high systematic risk that was present in this type of securities. Since, it is impossible to diversify this risk, there was no way that the insurance companies could predict which companies would do well and which would fall down. Since, these instruments could not be diversified it lead a collapse of the whole financial system of the United States of America. (Money Monitoring, 2011). MBS or Mortgage Backed Securities were another fancy term used in the era prior to the 2008 financial crises. Mortgages were given on the premise that the property prices have been rising in the economy. So even if the