The Struggles And Needs Elderly Lgbt Individuals Face And...

Introduction Elderly lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LBGT) individuals face many issues that others do not. Not only do they face discrimination due to their sexuality, but also due to their age and/or gender. The intersectionality of sexuality, age, and/or gender can cause many physical, mental, and emotional health issues which require social work intervention. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the struggles and needs elderly LGBT individuals face and its effect on their aging process. This can be achieved by applying theoretical frameworks such as Erickson’s Stages of Development, Intersectionality, and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to the issue being presented. Elderly LGBT As of 2013, over an estimated two million elderly adults identify as either lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). LGBT elderly individuals have most likely experienced discrimination from different structures throughout their life. Before 1973, homosexuality was considered â€Å"a mental disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association† (DSM) (Jablonski, Vance, and Beattie, 2013, p. 1-2). Being that it was considered a mental disorder, many LGBT individuals during the time may not have revealed their sexuality in fear of stigma, discrimination, and attacks. Elderly LGBT individuals over the age of 50 would have been the generations who lived during the time homosexuality was considered a mental disorder. This means thatShow MoreRelatedAssignment 11368 Words   |  6 PagesANALYSIS 4 addition, the policy indirectly supports the families of the elderly. It does so by offering services to caregivers that prevent or shorten costly nursing home placements, relieving financial strain, and providing educational programs to give a better understanding of aging. However, due to insufficient funding OAA services have restricted access and cannot reach all the elderly in need. Statistical demographics reveal that 27% of seniors that are receiving services are below

Horrific Affect of Pestcides in A Fable for Tomorrow from...

Everyday people all over the world try to improve the qualities of their lives. Nonetheless, they forget that what they do can have severe harms and damages on the environment and other organisms. In the excerpt â€Å"A Fable for Tomorrow† from the book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson describes the disastrous and horrific effects of pesticides on the environment and animals of the town. In the essay â€Å"Our Animal Rites† by Anna Quindlen, she shows the inhumanity of animal hunting by human. Furthermore, she argues how human migration is destroying the natural habitats that belong to the animals. In the excerpt â€Å"Reading the River† from the autobiographical book Life on Mississippi, Mark Twain describes how he loses the ability to perceive the†¦show more content†¦This suggests that the roadsides was once beautiful and bloomed with healthy and lively vegetation; however, they are now destroyed due to the use of pesticides. From these examples, it can b e shown that even though pesticide is beneficial, its deadly effects outweigh its benefits; in addition, it is a dangerous substances to the environment, organisms, and even human. Animal hunting is not only inhumane but can also lead to the extinction of many species. In the essay â€Å"Our Animal Rites†, Quindlen asserts that it is â€Å"pathetic to consider the firepower† the hunters use in order to â€Å"bring down one fair-sized deer† (33). In this quote, she explains that the use of firepower by human to kill innocent animals is unfair and heartrending. Furthermore, Quindlen describes that even though the bears are killed by the â€Å"smiling† and triumphant hunters after the â€Å"three bear days in the autumn,† the bears look â€Å"more dignified than they do† (33). This suggests that hunting animals is not entertaining but rather unacceptable and disgraceful. Furthermore, many species can become extinct due to excessive hunting. In an ecology class, I learned that the extinction rate of species each year is approximately two hundred to two thousand each year. This is an extremely high and alerting rate since there is only around two million species that has been scientifically identified on the planet. In these examples, it can be concluded that the hunting of innocent animals is atrocious and

Scientific Experiments Organs

Question: what are the barriers to re-creating organs in vitro for scientific experiments? Use a specific organ we have studied as an example system. Answer: 1. Introduction The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a significant, internal, stabiliser of the joint of the knee, restraining hyperextension. The knee joints bone structure is made up of the tibia, the femur and the patella. One out of the four important ligaments found in the knee is the ACL present between the the tibia and the femur and connecting them. The knee is held along together by the medical collateral ligament (MCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The ACL is found in the middle of the knee, and it prevents the tibia from coming out in front of the femur. It is also responsible for giving rotational stability in addition. The knees surface that is weight bearing has a covering of the layer of articular cartilage (Oiestad et al. 2009). The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a frquently injured ligament of the knee. In many patients, the knee injury to the knee means that the ACL is injured to a great exte nt. The prevalence of ACL injury is thought to be at roughly 200,000 annually. Around hundred thousand ACL reconstructions undertaken every year. When spoken on a general basis, the occurrence of ACL injury is found to be more in people who take part in sports that have high risk, like football, basketball, soccer and skiing. On an average, around fifty percent of the ACL injuries take place along with damage done to articular cartilage, meniscus, and other ligaments. In addition, patients can have bruises of the bone below the surface of the cartilage. This scan is diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. It may determine injury done to the articular cartilage that is overlying (Kiapour and Murray, 2014). 2. Causes 2.1 An estimation is done that around seventy percent of the occurring ACL injuries take place by mechanisms that do not associate with contacts with other substances and thirty percent take place when direct contact occurs with some other object. Suchprocesses of the injury occurring to the ACL is associated with deceleration along with awkward landings, pivoting, cutting and sidestepping maneuvers, or play that is out of control (Oiestad et al. 2009). 2.2 Many studies have indicated that female athletes may be having more chances of having an ACL injury during sports when compared to male athletes. It is proposed that the reason is the difference in muscular strength, physical conditioning and neuromuscular control. Another hypothesis is that the difference in injury in ACL is pelvis and the lower extremity alignment of the leg, influence the hormone estrogen has on the properties of the ligament and the ligamentous laxity. Moreover, women have a wider pelvis that requires the femur to make an angle towards the knee. This angle is known as the Q angle. The average Q angle for women is 17 degrees and for men it is 14 degrees. The enhanced risk of ACL injury taking place among females is predicted by their undertaken motion and the laoding as observed in the knee during particular situations (Hewett, Torg and Boden, 2009). 2.3 The ligament dominance theory states that females undertake athletic movements with valgus angles of the knee that is greater. A large amount of the stress is put on the ACL. This is due to the high activation of the quadriceps muscles in spite of the fact that the knee flexion is limited as well as hip flexion is limited, hip adduction is greater and the knee adductor moment is large. Ligament dominance is seen when cases are with more movement in the frontal plane for accommodating limited movement n the saggital plane. This is due to weak hamstring muscles (Myer et al. 2009). 2.4 The quadriceps dominance theory is able to identify when the hamstring muscles are weaker than the quadriceps muscle. After the injury takes place, patients have much pain and the area of the injury gets a swelling and the area of the injury feels unstable. In the next hours of the ACL injury, patients have more swelling of the knee, and there is a considerable loss of motion to the full range. There are tenderness and pain along the line of the joint, and the person feels distress while walking. The natural past of an injury occurring to the ACL without surgical intervention is found to be varying from one patient to another, and it depends on activity level shown by the patient, the limit of the injury and the symptoms of instability. Complete ruptures of the ACL has an outcome that is less favourable. After an ACL tear, some patients are not able to take part in physical activity (Wilk et al. 2012). 3. Current treatment The treatment for such tear and rupture of the ACL has been advanced in the medical field. Treatments include a non surgical method and surgical process (Kiapour and Murray, 2014). 3.1 In the non-surgical method of treatment, physical therapy and rehabilitation are the best options for restoring the knee to particular suitable condition like the pre-injury condition. It is very much needed to educate the patients on the methods of preventing instability. A hinged knee brace can be used as a supplement. Surgical treatment is needed in cases where combined injuries take place. The choice between surgical and non-surgical treatment varies from patient to patient (Ardern et al. 2011). 3.2 Tears in the ACL is not repaired by using suture for sewing it together. Thus, the torn and ruptured ACL is replaced by the use of a substitute graft that is made up of a tendon. Such grafts usually used for replacing the ACL include Quadriceps tendon autograft, Patellar tendon autograft, Allograft patellar tendon, Hamstring tendon autograft, Achilles tendon, gracilis, semitendinosus, or posterior tibialis tendon. Patients who undergo surgical reconstruction achieve success, and the rate is around ninety percent. The main aim of the ACL reconstruction is the prevention of the instability and restoration of the function of the ligament that is already torn. The result is that a stable knee is created. The patient can therefore take up sports again. Some complications are associated with the surgical procedure. These include infection, viral transmission, numbness and bleeding, blood clot, stiffness, instability, pain in the knee cap and injury in the growth plate. All these depend on the health condition of the patient (Meisterling, Schoderbek and Andrews, 2009). 3.2.1 In Patellar tendon autograft, the middle section of the patients patellar tendon together with a bone plug from the kneecap and the shin is used. This procedure is used for patients whose activities does not require a great amount of kneeling. The semitendinosus hamstring tendon is under use for creating the hamstring tendon autograft forreconstructing the ACL. Such grafts have few problems related to the graft harvesting when compared to the patellar tendon autograft., including fast recovery, a smaller incision and fewer problems of stiffness. Uses of quadriceps tendon autograft are in cases where patientspreviously have experienced let-down with a reconstruction of ACL. The middle third of the patient's quadriceps tendon together with a bone plug originating from the upper end of the knee cap are considered (Kline et al. 2015). 3.2.2 Allografts are those grafts that are taken from cadavers. This method of grafting is under development. This therapy is being researched into to a great extent and is becoming popular in an increasing manner. These grafts are used for those patients who have not achieved success with ACL reconstruction in the past. Such procedure is used in those surgeries also where the need is to repair and undertake reconstruction of more than one ligament of the knee. The advantages of the allograft are that pain is eliminated by taking the graft from the patient, smaller incision and decreased the time for surgery. The allograft allows proper bony fixation to occur in the femoral and tibial bone tunnels with the help of screws (Kline et al. 2015). 4. Therapies under development Advancements in the knowledge of kinematics, anatomy and physiology promise to improve future treatment processes for anterior cruciate ligament tear and rupture. The ultimate objective of complete restoration of ACL injury to the status before an injury is possible in future by genetic manipulation inducing tissue regeneration. In future, resorbabale stents with bioactive growth factors incorporated in them have immense prospective of inducing normal anatomy of anterior cruciate ligament. This process would not need detrimental harvesting of the tissues of the patient. The risk of microbial transmission is also less with the use of such allograft (Hu et al. 2013). In the future, the advancement of benign allografts and autografts may be possible with resorbable fixation of the graft with the bone. Future advancement of robotic surgical techniques may be of great help in the process of treatment of ACL tear and rupture. It holds potential for improvement in a placement of the graft. Advancements in non-surgical procedures may also take place. These would include control of muscle atrophy, better techniques for bracing, enhanced cerebellar- proprioceptive rehabilitation. The fundamental principle of such therapies would be to maximise the transference capacity and load acceptance with reduced degree of potential risks for the patient (Dunn et al. 2015). My personal opinion is that these techniques would be realy useful in different situations and patients would be highly benefitted from them. In clinical situations, they would be realistic and beneficial. The non-surgical procedures would be of more prominence. This is in particular to situations where the repairing of the torn ligament does not work properly. Processes that are costly and challenging from the recovery standpoint can be resolved by such methods. 5. References Ardern, C.L., Webster, K.E., Taylor, N.F. and Feller, J.A., 2011. Return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the state of play.British journal of sports medicine, p.bjsports76364. Dunn, W.R., Wolf, B.R., Harrell, F.E., Reinke, E.K., Huston, L.J. and Spindler, K.P., 2015. Baseline Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.The Journal of Bone Joint Surgery,97(7), pp.551-557. Eorthopod.com,. (2016).Hamstring Tendon Graft Reconstruction of the ACL | eOrthopod.com. Retrieved 7 January 2016, from https://www.eorthopod.com/hamstring-tendon-graft-reconstruction-of-the-acl/topic/166 Hewett, T.E., Torg, J.S. and Boden, B.P., 2009. Video analysis of trunk and knee motion during non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury in female athletes: lateral trunk and knee abduction motion are combined components of the injury mechanism.British journal of sports medicine,43(6), pp.417-422. Hu, J., Qu, J., Xu, D., Zhou, J. and Lu, H., 2013. Allograft versus autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an up-to-date meta-analysis of prospective studies.International orthopaedics,37(2), pp.311-320. Kiapour, A. and Murray, M. (2014). Basic science of anterior cruciate ligament injury and repair.Bone and Joint Research, 3(2), pp.20-31. Kline, P.W., Morgan, K.D., Johnson, D.L., Ireland, M.L. and Noehren, B., 2015. Impaired quadriceps rate of torque development and knee mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft.The American journal of sports medicine,43(10), pp.2553-2558. Meisterling, S.W., Schoderbek, R.J. and Andrews, J.R., 2009. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Operative techniques in sports medicine,17(1), pp.2-10. Myer, G.D., Ford, K.R., Foss, K.D.B., Liu, C., Nick, T.G. and Hewett, T.E., 2009. The relationship of hamstrings and quadriceps strength to anterior cruciate ligament injury in female athletes.Clinical journal of sport medicine,19(1), pp.3-8. iestad, B. E., Engebretsen, L., Storheim, K., Risberg, M. A. (2009). Knee osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury a systematic review.The American journal of sports medicine,37(7), 1434-1443. Orthoinfo.aaos.org,. (2016).Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries-OrthoInfo - AAOS. Retrieved 7 January 2016, from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00549 Wilk, K.E., Macrina, L.C., Cain, E.L., Dugas, J.R. and Andrews, J.R., 2012. Recent advances in the rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament injuries.journal of orthopaedic sports physical therapy,42(3), pp.153-171.

King Lear Assignment Essays - King Lear, Literature, Fiction, Arts

King lear Assignment Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear is a detailed description of the consequences of one man's decisions. This fictitious man is Lear, King of England, who's decisions greatly alter his life and the lives of those around him. As Lear bears the status of King he is, as one expects, a man of great power but sinfully he surrenders all of this power to his daughters as a reward for their demonstration of love towards him. This untimely abdication of his throne results in a chain reaction of events that send him through a journey of hell. King Lear is a metaphorical description of one man's journey through hell in order to expiate his sin. As the play opens one can almost immediately see that Lear begins to make mistakes that will eventually result in his downfall. The very first words that he speaks in the play are :- "...Give me the map there. Know that we have divided In three our kingdom, and 'tis our fast intent To shake all cares and business from our age, Conferring them on younger strengths while we Unburdened crawl to death..." (Act I, Sc i, Ln 38-41) This gives the reader the first indication of Lear's intent to abdicate his throne. He goes on further to offer pieces of his kingdom to his daughters as a form of reward to his test of love. "Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love, Long in our court have made their amorous sojourn, And here are to be answered. Tell me, my daughters (Since now we will divest us both of rule, Interest of territory, cares of state), Which of you shall we say doth love us most? That we our largest bounty may extend where nature doth with merit challenge." (Act I, Sc i, Ln 47-53) This is the first and most significant of the many sins that he makes in this play. By abdicating his throne to fuel his ego he is disrupts the great chain of being which states that the King must not challenge the position that God has given him. This undermining of God's authority results in chaos that tears apart Lear's world. Leaving him, in the end, with nothing. Following this Lear begins to banish those around him that genuinely care for him as at this stage he cannot see beyond the mask that the evil wear. He banishes Kent, a loyal servant to Lear, and his youngest and previously most loved daughter Cordelia. This results in Lear surrounding himself with people who only wish to use him which leaves him very vulnerable attack. This is precisely what happens and it is through this that he discovers his wrongs and amends them. Following the committing of his sins, Lear becomes abandoned and estranged from his kingdom which causes him to loose insanity. While lost in his grief and self-pity the fool is introduced to guide Lear back to the sane world and to help find the lear that was ounce lost behind a hundred Knights but now is out in the open and scared like a little child. The fact that Lear has now been pushed out from behind his Knights is dramatically represented by him actually being out on the lawns of his castle. The terrified little child that is now unsheltered is dramatically portrayed by Lear's sudden insanity and his rage and anger is seen through the thunderous weather that is being experienced. All of this contributes to the suffering of Lear due to the gross sins that he has committed. The pinnacle of this hell that is experienced be Lear in order to repay his sins is at the end of the play when Cordelia is killed. Lear says this before he himself dies as he cannot live without his daughte r. "Howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones. Had I your tongues and eyes, I'd use them so That heaven's vault should crack. She's gone for ever! I know when one is dead, and when one lives. She's dead as earth. Lend me a looking glass. If that her breath will mist or stain the stone, Why, then she lives." (Act V, Sc iii, Ln 306-312) All of this pain that Lear suffered is traced back to the single most important error that he made. The choice to give up his throne. This one sin has proven

Roberto Clemente Essays - Roberto Clemente, Carolina, Puerto Rico

Roberto Clemente Essays - Roberto Clemente, Carolina, Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente Roberto Clemente played in an era dominated by the likes of Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente was usually overlooked by fans discussing great baseball players. Not until late in his 18-year career did the public appreciate the talents of the 12-time All-Star of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Even though he was arguably the best baseball player at that time he was also a devote humanitarian which ultimately led to his death. Roberto Clemente Walker was born in Barrio San Anton in Carolina, Puerto Rico, August 18, 1934. Growing up he helped his father, who worked as a foreman on a sugar plantation and manager of a grocery store, load and unload trucks. The youngest of four children, Roberto excelled in track and field, winning medals in the javelin throw and short distance races. Despite his great success in the other sports his real love was baseball. He took advantage of the weather in Puerto Rico to play baseball year-round. He became consumed with the game. He squeezed a rubber ball to build up his throwing arm. While in high school, he signed a $60-a-month contract and he also received a $5,000 bonus and a new glove to play for Santurce, a professional team in the Puerto Rican league. He was 18 then and hit .356 in the winter of 1952-53. The next season, Brooklyn Dodgers scout Al Campanis held a baseball tryout clinic. He impressed Campanis enough that he offered him a $10,000 bonus. The 18 yr old had to wait until he graduated from high school before he could sign with a major league team. So he gave his word to Campanis that he would sign with the Dodgers. Later other teams were ready to offer him more money. The Milwaukee Braves were willing to give him a $30,000 bonus. But being a man of his word he stuck to his agreement and signed with The Brooklyn Dodgers. The talent-laden Dodger organization of the mid-1950s knew it would be difficult for the teenager to break into the majors with the Dodgers, therefor they tried to hide him in the minors. They were afraid that another team would draft him after the 1954 season. (There was a rule stating that any player who received a bonus of at least $4,000 had to be placed on the major league roster within a year or he could be drafted for $4,000.) Though he batted only 148 times for the Montreal Royals. There fears came true the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him that November. Though only 20 and still learning the English language, He became a starter for the Pirates in 1955. He was rightfully Pittsburgh's pride and joy. The fans laugh at his antics, ooh- and-ah at his spectacular plays, roar in anticipation of his performance, and in general love the man. The Pirates, who were awful in his first three seasons, gradually built a strong club. In 1960 they won the National League pennant, with him hitting .314 with 16 homers and a team-high 94 RBI and making his first All-Star team. He continued his awesome play in the World Series, hitting .310 as the Pirates defeated the New York Yankees on Bill Mazeroski's famous ninth-inning homer in Game 7. But He never wore his 1960 championship ring. Feeling snubbed by the writers because he only finished eighth in MVP balloting, he wore an All-Star ring instead. His performance in 1960 was just the beginning of his All-Star, Hall of Fame career. In 1961 he was in the best shape of his life, finally getting over the chronic back problems that had bothered him since his rookie season. With his improved health, He hit .351 to win his first batting title, producing 201 hits. On November 14, 1964, he married Vera Cristina Zabala in Carolina, Puerto Rico. They had three sons. Roberto Jr., Luis Roberto and Roberto Enrique. Proud of his heritage Roberto insisted that Vera give birth to all three sons in Puerto Rico. From 1964 through 1967, He won three more batting titles. And in the year he didn't win one, he was voted the National League's MVP. He had a career best .371 batting average in 1967. The year he won the MVP, he finished fifth in batting at .317 but had career-highs with 29 homers and 119 RBI (second best in the league). The Pirates came in third, three games behind the first-place Dodgers. In 1971, Clemente (.341) led the Pirates to another pennant. Though one of the game's

Treating People Nicely

Treating People Nicely Introduction Nice treatment is a back to back practice between individual or among groups of people. Human beings are termed as social beings naturally. Interactions occur in various ways. That can be formally or informally. Of course the formal way would entail treatment in job places, meetings and so forth. Informal interactions could include the interaction that exists among people who are related or could be by default in the societal requirements.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Treating People Nicely specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Characteristics of Nice Treatment Treating people nicely is more of a behavioral aspect. That is to say that, when one does not exhibit good behavior, it is evident that the expectations too will be wanting. The attitude exhibited during interaction can also describe ones character. This shows whether you are a nice person or a bad person in terms of socializing. It is always good t o treat people nicely. his mostly applies in every aspect of life. That is at home, in work place, in church and in various places that involves the aspect of interaction by people. It is very important to treat people well because that is what you also expect from them. Their attitude to you is reciprocated from what you do to them. Treating people well entails, being loyal, patient, thoughtful, kind and respectful about others. This is the same as being considerate on others. Human beings are unique. Every person has got a different character. Although there are standards by which people interact, one should realize that every person has strength and a weakness even if one is not right try out and be positive as to cheer him or her up and at the same time you explain the correction. Always wear a smile on your face during conversations. When someone smiles at you, it is important to smile back. One should always be courteous when addressing people. This is by saying, please, thank you and welcome. One should avoid high ego. Always remember that you are not better than anyone. This helps in practicing humility hence other people will take it positively. One key thing is to listen to your colleagues or other people carefully. Good listening is one of the key ways in implementing effective communication. Benefits of Treating People Nicely One benefit of treating people nicely is exhibited in the â€Å"ethic of reciprocity†. This shows that when one treats others nicely, he or she will also be treated nicely. People remain the most appreciable resource in business matters. Employees too need to be treated well. These two measures would result in the business doing well, while on the employees’ part, production and profitability would increase tremendously. Treating people well also contributes to a mutual relationship between individuals. This relationship is aided by the fact that one appreciates what the other party has done and reciprocates the same to that partner. It does not mean that the service has to be the same. One can appreciate one party through a different mode. The only effect that should be felt by the other person is a sense of dignity.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More I believe in â€Å"Karma† Concept This is a belief that originated from the Asian countries specifically India. This was way back in the past. It is a concept that has been thought to be similar to fate which is not the case. It is imagined that human beings act out of free will hence fate cannot be related to Karma’s concept. Karma is described as an act or a deed. This principle is accepted worldwide and it exhibits cause and effect. It can also be described as reactions and actions that direct life. Some people would say â€Å"what goes around comes around†. This is true in determining how individuals treat one another in work place or in the society at large. Conclusion When you are treated well definitely you will do the same. This also applies to awful treatments. Those who treat people badly are also treated badly. This is majorly defines by character. At time, people’s character influences their actions. Their actions would bring them required reaction or effects. Therefore, it is true to say that, what goes around comes around

Financial Advisor Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Financial Advisor - Assignment Example I intend to achieve this by offering financial advice on issues related to college funding, retirement plans, buying or selling a house, running a business, insurance, marriage or career plans, defining savings goals, creating an investment portfolio, tax preparation, estate planning, and dealing with a financial crisis, among others. I am a keen learner and do believe that knowledge is the biggest power to bring about a change in the world. Additionally, equipped with strong marketing and networking skills, I consider myself apposite to work as a financial advisor and proactively contribute to the society. Testaments to this are my memberships in different relevant committees such as National Association of Realtors, Colin County Association of Realtors, National Association of Professional Women, Professional Standards Committee and a graduation from Texas Realtor Leadership Program, to name a few. I enjoy networking with and learning about people. Having attended over ten conventions and seminars, I intend to foray into the domain of a financial advisor, with a bundle of new ideas and commendable people skills. Having established myself as a finance professional with superior problem-solving ability, exemplary research skills, and considerable experience in analysis of large sets of data in asset/wealth management roles to expedite and maximize investment gains, I deem myself a good fit as a financial advisor. I have expertly handled complex negotiations to close deals, influence change and drive parties towards desired outcome. Besides being highly motivated and organized, I excel in communication skills, computer skills, reports and presentations and possess expertise in Microsoft Office and over twenty transaction platforms/sources. My key technical skills and abilities include real estate asset management, auction and bankruptcy, property valuations, foreclosures and short sales, broker price options

Write a 2-page analysis of a possibe psychological analysis of the Essay

Write a 2-page analysis of a possibe psychological analysis of the Boston Marathon bomber recently charged with multiple counts of murder - Essay Example Testimony by a social worker indicated that the two boys before the police shot the older brother had been attending meetings and relying on a supportive network of friends that were immigrants to do away with the loneliness that they felt for lack of a family themselves. The fact that they were doing so while they had each other is indication enough that the boy is not a criminal mastermind but was clearly undergoing psychological problems at the time. The criminal mind would have been instigate by his brother who was into criminal activities and hence may have influenced him into engaging in the activities as a way to act out his anger and frustration at all the happy people while deep down he suffered from being alone and the loss of a dear brother whom had been looking up for him and at him since the parents left without a backwards glance towards their children or even reaching out to them (Cullen 98). The combination of the loss and grief from the death of the brother who was his guardian and best friend, the frustration by the parents divorcing and leaving to go to another country without their children, the loneliness and the fact that no one seemed to care about him or his situation not even the government drove him towards the edge of the behavior. The only way the brother had taught him to release his anger and frustration was by engaging in crime and this is what he did when he bombed the Boston Marathon. The fact that the bombing was carried out by pressure cooker that was released is a clear indication that the boy was not a terrorist as he lacked the sophisticated bombings or even a clearly made and elaborate escape plan. He was simply just acting out of the moment. I am sure that he had not even thought about committing the heinous act before and it was purely a spur of the moment probably triggered by the happy faces of people all around without a care in the world about

Financial services Essay Example for Free

Financial services Essay HSBC wants to be known as the world’s local bank and this tagline reflects HSBC positioning as a globe spanning financial institution with a unique focus on serving local markets. The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd (HSBC) was established in 1865 to finance the growing trade between China and the United Kingdom and currently, it is the second largest bank in the world. In spite of serving more than 100 million customers through 9500 branches in 79 countries, the bank works hard to maintain local presence and local knowledge each area. Its fundamental operating strategy is remaining close to its customers. As chairman Sir John Bond said â€Å"our position as the World’s local bank enables us to approach each country uniquely, blending local knowledge with a worldwide operating platform. † Ads for the HSBC campaign depict two different ways of culture Profile of company and the description of the market where HSBC operates HSBC has got over 7. 500 offices in 87 countries. It is very widespread and has around 220. 000 shareholders in 124 countries and territories. It provides a full range of financial services being Personal Financial Services, Commercial Banking, Corporate Investment Banking and Markets Private Banking. HSBC mainly operates in Europe, Hong Kong, Asia-pacific region, Australia and America. It is interested in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific region and is continuously heavily investing in these regions. The major top UK competitors of HSBC are Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland and Those are the corporations operation where HSBC carefully investigates and tracks at all times. However HSBC is not a bank that follows the ideas and the management manners of its competitors. HSBC Holdings PLC has shown steady growth in share price over the last five years and clearly indicates that a company is worth investing in. HSBC Group also demonstrates constant growth and is a very reliable corporation. These enable us to recommend investing in HSBC because of its growth opportunities and bright profitable prospects. The HSBC banking corporation is on third position in the world in regard to assets ownership. Almost 22% of HSBC’s profits have been derived from Hong Kong, which is a well known operational centre. Known as the world’s local bank, HSBC has a history of helping millions of customers globally in order to achieve their financial aspirations. They understand the importance and functioning of different markets through their experience in international trade. As a result, HSBC has grown into a company or banking institution that has the deepest respect for different cultures and people connected to these cultures. Their motto is to look at their customers as individuals and strive towards providing them with a personalised service and credit card products that will fit each of their specific needs. Simultaneously, HSBC Group has been trying to build up a good reputation in the US and conquer the markets of HSBC – North America, proudly stands one of the top 10 financial services companies in the United States. Its combined team reached more than 53,000 employees works with the common goal of meeting the needs for about 100 million customers. After achieving the goals in US, the company focused on developing countries and is more interested in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific region and is continuously heavily investing in these regions. Furthermore HSBC is considering moving its head office from London to Hong Kong. Britains greatest bank, warned key shareholders that this was unsatisfying full-year results have made arguments for shifting HSBCs domicile to Hong Kong unsatisfying†. The investors have been shocked by the swift gear-change in HSBCs review of its domicile but some others have already told the HSBC that they would sponsor the move. Some other investors said that they understood the move and that the bank had been a change of tone as HSBC reviews its domicile. UKs capital terms for the main banks, now is one of the greatest in the world and according to the Basel terms, is expected to go even higher. Although HSBC refine to the investors that if the terms in Hong Kong is more relaxed requirements, that can cost less and develop more profit by making it the best use of its balance sheet. The loss of HSBCs head office in London, despite the fact that abused for months because of the raise in financial arrangements, would be a severe blow to the Coalition which, admitting some of its banker criticism is relying on a private-sector-led recovery. However, HSBC supported that it elects to stay in UK and told that an approaching change in its position was entirely hypothetical. Marketing environment of HSBC The most important intention of the report is to investigate the business environment of HSBC Holdings PLC. HSBC Holdings also is one of the market leaders in today’s banking world. HSBC head office it can be found at London’s Canary Wharf on the HSBC tower. HSBC stands for Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, which was established by a man from Scotland, named Thomas Sutherland, in 1865. The report presents information about the company’s activities, financial performance and market environment. Going through few major topics will provide investors with reasonable overview. The first part of the main body will primarily focus on the Company’s Profile and Activities, afterwards the analysis of macro-environment and the micro-environment of the company, evidence of an audit of key competences within the company followed with the recommendations and conclusion. Macro-Environment Analysis PEST ANALYSIS POLITICAL Government is responsible for protecting the public interest. Political stability affects business decision. Consumer protection. Regulations of business activities. ECONOMIC Competitor activity. Competition for resources. Savings. Unemployment numbers. SOCIAL Work life balance. Trends in consumer behaviours. Leisure. Lifestyle. TECHNOLOGY Technological arrange is speeding up. Technology develops now products (internet). Improved communication. Internet business. POLITICAL ANALYSIS HSBC banking has been sheltered by the regulations and policies made by different governments in the countries where they are working. The company has been able to remain to the policies agreed by each government to make sure that the company will be able to accomplish business operation successfully and effectively. HSBC Company also formulates their own defence strategies besides any governmental restrictions and limitations. ECONOMIC ANALYSIS Being one of the world’s leading and completive businesses in conditions of banking and finance HSBC said to have a secure and successful economic strength. In spite of lots of dangers that they meet in many parts of the world, the management of HSBC make what they need to be able to go beyond such struggles and to have a better economic condition and create a shield against unemployment. SOCIAL ANALYSIS HSBC is being affected by the circumstances of the society in which they are in use. By the side of this HSBC tries harder to make sure that each society is given the same chances to take the benefit of the resources given by the organization. The company adhere to having good name and relations in the society that belong to secure that everything will be customary and under control. TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS The urgent situation of information technology, internet and generally the improvement of technology effects how HSBC has been working in the past years. The company search for different systems and used internet to get to their costumer all over the world and also help them know the latest trends in the global business. Except from these, the company also uses special facilities which help then to advance their productions and operations and also make them to achieve their goal. Technological breakthroughs can create new industries which might prove a danger to presented organizations. To summarise PEST analysis looks at the business strategies to understand the environment that the company is working and also to take the advantages and benefits to minimize the threats and the dangers for the business. Micro-Environmental Analysis -Porter’s Five Forces Potential entrants HSBC has many threats from Tesco, Sainsbury’s and a large number of other markets consider to enter into banking industry as a result of high profits that the specific kind of industry offers. Large super-markets in UK seek to enter without considering that those threats sometimes breakdown organisations such as HSBC. Although, HSBC received several threats from the market, they were still able to create high standards for the competition. Strong branding images are used from HSBC, so the company will not result in loss of customers. Bargaining power of customers An organisation created a value which has affected the occupation from one of the two important forces customers’ power. The role of this force contains the customers concentration along with the size. In other words, HSBC managed their customers as a result of allowing the company to gain customer loyalty. The strategy that was used by HSBC allows them to have a chance becoming a world leader in banking industry. Threat of substitutes: Another significant threat that HSBC faces is that competitors provide new products and services. This threat gives the opportunity to the company to work hard as a result of being sustain to its position. HSBC’s strategy focuses on the four different customers’ sections. Bargaining power of suppliers: Customer power mirrors to supplier power. This force focus on two important points. The first one is the significant size and concentration of suppliers and the second one the differentiation in the materials being supplied. HSBC use the strategy of charging markets with different prices according to differences of the price of each buyer. Rivalry among current competitors: There have many rivals in the banking and financial sectors. HSBC used efficient strategies to ensure its leadership position in the market among rivalries. Moreover, due to the capabilities of other rival companies, HSBC develops strategic plans to confirm that they are permanently being the first choice of their customers in banking industries. Nowadays, as we cross the mountain of financial crisis, a number of banks went to liquidation . SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS International Finance. Record Profits. Listed in London. China. WEAKNESSES Poor Performance. Brand Name. OPPORTUNITIES Growth on emerging economies. Biggest Bank in Middle East. Low mortgages interest rates. THREATS Moving back to China. New Regulations. Fewer Revenues from the integration of financial markets. STRENGTHS International Finance Since HSBC is a global company itself is well qualified to advise other companies on aspects of international business. With offices around the world, for the international client HSBC often cannot be defeated in this area. HSBC knows how to succeed in Mergers and Acquisitions (M E) and the organic and the effective development. Record Profits Last year, HSBC experienced the most profits ever for a UK high street bank. HSBC have revealed their profits more than doubled in 2010 to ? 10 billion with every region in the black for the first time since 2006. Listed in London HSBC is listed primarily in London and Hong Kong stock exchanges, which saves the company a lot of grief in complying with new U. S. legislation Sarbanes-Oxley law. Many companies have chosen to list on foreign stock exchanges, except America, because of expensive new regulations. China HSBC has 140 years of experience in China. Since China is the place to be today for companies and banks, HSBC benefits for being so old Chinese company and accepted by the Chinese people. The best news for HSBC is that, like other companies grow in China, it does too. The reason this happens is that it wins new customers and new global opportunities with each passing day. The HSBC has the largest network of any foreign bank in China and deeply understands the Chinese market and the customer. In a world that is increasingly going the way of China, this is quite a boon to HSBC. WEAKNESSES Poor Performance There is a poor performance in the section of personal finance services. HSBC try to fix these problem years ago. But the problem is there every year. Brand Name While it is certainly a global company, HSBC came late in the game to decide to execute a comprehensive marketing strategy and take advantage of the global brand. Because he had created so many different banks in different countries at different times over a period of one hundred years, which set them up with different names Hong Kong Bank of Canada, the British Bank of the Middle East, etc. Not even all of these banks prior to 1998, bore the logo of HSBC. In 1998, they were all branded together, but the previous lack of branding and name changes can damage the HSBC brand recognition. Customers may have thought that HSBC was responsible local bank and did not realize that HSBC had already serving for decades. OPPORTUNITIES Growth on emerging economies Apart from the growing Chinese middle class Brazilians and Indians have begun to appear as consumer culture, and thus increases wasteful consumers. Some residents of those countries in the past does not even own a bank account, but companies such as HSBC is ready to move in and benefit from the growing middle class in these areas. In places like Argentina and Turkey, HSBC experienced pre-tax profits by 50% in the past years. This is where it grows more. Biggest Bank in the Middle East The other banks are removed from the Middle East. However, HSBC has been running regional activities at the local level and have been rewarded for his efforts with numerous awards and honours for the Middle East market. HSBC is a trusted name there, and the company benefited from new democracy in Iraq by establishing a presence in the country. HSBC is the largest international bank in the Middle East. Low Mortgages Interest Rates The low mortgage interest rate increases the revenues and market’s shares. HSBC has made some records on this. THREATS Moving Back to China The banking colossal HSBC has been most explicit threat yet that it might move its headquarters from London because of the narrowing regulatory noose. New Regulations The investors of HSBC have been warned that future profitability will be affected by the new global policies designed to make the sector of financial more secure, but smoothed the blow with the promise of increasing dividends. Marketing Mix Of HSBC Marketing: HSBC was known as one of the biggest banking and financial services organization in the global. It has more than 9,800 offices worldwide and employs over 253, 000 people in 85 countries in the world and nowadays, the competition of banking company is very demanding and challenging. Therefore, many different organizations should be used strategic management so that compete effectively and successfully in theirs. In order to competing with other organization successfully, HSBC was able to use many strategies such as Marketing Mix, SWOT Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, and Porters Five Forces Analysis. These strategies focus on four customer groups include Private Banking, Personal Financial Services, Commercial Banking, and Corporate Investment Banking and Markets, and these will help HSBC reach their organization goal. In Marketing Mix once the company is ready to choose business strategy, it has to begin planning the details of marketing mix or 4Ps (Kotler at el. 2008). The main aspect of Marketing Mix is product, price, place and promotion that the firm combine to produce the response it wants in the target of market segmentation. Product HSBC uses hexagon symbol which means one of the world leading brands for customer experience, corporate social responsibility and represents brand recognition. HSBC provide a full range of service, such as personal finance, commercial banking, corporate investment banking and markets, private banking, insurance, mortgage, credit cards and so on. Price In Price and Service Strategies, normally a low price will attract more customers, but HSBC did not focus on pricing strategy. They decided to use service strategy. For example, employee in HSBC serve customer with the best service. Place HSBC comprises around 9,800 offices in 85 countries especially Hong Kong, China, and UK. HSBC group moved its headquarters from Hong Kong to London. Also, HSBC provide the facility of â€Å"Internet Banking† where customers can access their account 24 hours per day and 7 days per week without going bank. Promotion Advertising is the best way to do promotion. HSBC also used many kind of advertising for their promotion, such as billboard, TVC, print ad, newspapers, spot radio and also website. In addition, HSBC sponsored with many company and exhibition, such as Jaguar, HSBC Women’s Champions. Segmenting, Target Markets and the behaviour of customers in segmenting of HSBC Marketing: The market segmentation can help the marketing manager to determine the best marketing mix for organizing and serving the unique segment. This process is dividing the markets into the segments for the potential customers and has the objective for improving the competitive position of the company which can serve its customer better customer service. Market Segmentation is a subgroup of people or organizations sharing one or more characteristics that cause them to have similar product needs. Generally, the segmentation strategy is the division of the defined market in the smaller groups for the potential users of the products and can exhibit significant and meaningful variables which can represent the increased and measurable opportunity for the products positioning or investing the resources within the organization and can raised the forecasted marketing achievement objectives in the entire organizational goals of the business. The information technology is considered to be one of the major tools for the functionality scale worldwide of the company. It has its own website and it also has the e-business for internet, interactive, PC internet, and the telephone banking. In order to achieve the company’s marketing objectives, the organization needs to develop its marketing strategy or the marketing program that is centre to the detailed specification of marketing mix and it also includes the internal control as well as the procedures for assuring of effectively implemented and part of this is the market segmentation whereas if this is properly controlled or implemented, then it will greatly contribute to the achievement of the overall goals and the marketing objectives of HSBC. Many of the analyst believed that most of the financial institutions rely mainly on the generic marketing strategies. For the past years, HSBC is known as having the strong brand which can maintain the string perception for the minds of the customers. This can take the time for establishing much resource in keeping be remembering by the other customers as the local banks as well as managing in transferring the brand equities to the corporate brands. The Market Segmentation is the centre for the strong development of marketing strategy which involves the identification of the customers’ perception, needs, expectation, and the buying behaviour in order for them to group homogeneously for the customers who can be satisfied as well as marketed to the similar manner. Therefore, there had been expectation that the one segment can differ from the another activity to the customers profile and to the buying behaviour which has the connection to the sales and marketing activity in establishing these customers which is an ample factor for having these knowledge. The market segmentation is not only to group the customers but to shrewd the certain segment for the development of the clear brands position which as part of the integral process of market segmentation. The company now can launch the marketing strategies which use the marketing segmentation for managing its growth for strategic outlook. This can be done by the deliberation of the revenue generation culture and maintaining the prudent risk or the market risk while investing further to the people. The company has focused on the customers’ needs as a main issue for their development and had been done by dividing the customers in their location and with respect to their culture. In this regard, the company had recognized that most of the customers want to have the long term relationship to the company, ambitious and confident, and has the high productivity and focused to the marketing. In the detailed telephone interview, the respondent noted that the market segmentation of the company for the products and services for the groups of different location worldwide are effective and most of the generated profits had been use in overseas subsidiaries. In this regard, the company can manage to capitalize the presence overseas as well as the local knowledge and the expertise so that they can bring the new customers for opening the new accounts as well as looking at the other services and products that offered by HSBC. The company also had been optimistic that most of the customers prefer HSBC for the long term experience and having the well trained staff added to the lower charges and to the broad range of the products. Lastly, this market segmentation is considered to be generic wherein it greatly depends on the region for the several subsidiaries of the location of HSBC and some of the strategies are put to good. In 2003, HSBC had invested huge amount for proprietary relationship to the customers and to their management system so that the customers are managed efficiently. Therefore, they handled greater customer care and process of financial requirements in order to generate the customers’ satisfaction. For example, In UK HSBC generated much customers contacts for more than one million and led to the expansion of the existing relationship while the internet goes to the heart of every customers and their convenience which is important channel to the customers. In this manner, the e banking of HSBC can be available for the 17 territories and countries worldwide. The commercial banking is one of the strengths of the company which includes the incorporated business as the partnership, sole traders, trading entities, and associations. In this area of business, the company main contacts to the customers are the network managers’ relationship which managed and established to the local branch level or the expansion of the commercial banking centres so that they can meet their future and existing customers into their international reach while the corporate and investment banking can prove that the company can give the competitive advantage which can provide services for 25,000 subsidiaries and 1,200 customers for more than 50 countries. Because product managers can understand customers needs, then the group is supporting the teams through investing into the increase automation for the software and to the risk management, to the intranet site, to the central support of relationship management and having the geographical knowledge. In line with the private banking, the relationship to the managers can operate on the cross border basis in order to serve requirements which specialize for the clients for the different sectors which are all in line to the differentiated approach of the group into the international private banking. Because of increasing the customer base for the company, it build services centre for every particular transactions. In order for the company to remain competitive, it had invested that it can introduce the company in the introduction of the supporting and functionality expansion. The company had compelled to the metric of high level which can provide the actionable data. In line with this, HSBC had surveyed 27,000 customers all over the 24 countries which consist of customers’ experience. The findings that presented by are higher cost-t-serve goes across the entire aspect of HSBC in the professional or personal experience. Upon the movement of the company in its segmentation to the other regions, its product and services had been aligned to the needs of the market segments as the needs to banking through information technology. Through this service, the design for the right distribution channel in reaching the every distinct group so that they can stay contact. This segmentation had been essential to every single business detail that runs the bank in recognizing its long term growth. Conclusion and Recommendation for improvements of HSBC: In conclusion we would like to state that HSBC Group is in constant search of further development and its key data of latest year’s financial performance proved that they are succeeding in their aims, as the company is showing increase in almost all aspects of its business. It has shown steady growth in total profits in all most important regions of operation. It has also achieved large earnings per share increase over the last five years. The company has recently made a successful growth in the Middle-East region and expects continuous growth in profits from that region. In Asia all business segments exceeded and also contributed to overall function of the HSBC Group. From our point of view, in a company that has reached such huge size and success, there is not much that can be improved, considering their financial performance. It is worth mentioning, that HSBC Group should give more attention to the rapidly developing internet banking system. The information presented in this report is enough to make the final decision and as far as we are concerned it is good and reliable company to invest in. It is a perfect long-term investment. HSBC Group has around 220. 000 shareholders in over 124 countries and this only adds to its reputation and proves its trustworthiness.

Female Genital Mutilation Essay -- essays research papers

For one minute I just want you to think you were born a female in an African country. Did you no you are 90% more likely to have had gone through some form of female genital mutilation. Every day, thousands of girls are targeted for mutilation. Like torture, female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the deliberate infliction of severe pain and suffering. Its effects can be life-threatening. Most survivors have to cope with the physical and mental scars for the rest of their lives. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or complete removal of the external female genitals for cultural rather than medical reasons. Other names for FGM include female circumcision or ritual female surgery. It is performed in some African, South American, Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Mutilation is a cultural rather than a religious practice, and its origins are unknown. Usually, it is performed from a few days after birth to puberty, but in some regions, the torture can be put off until just before marriage or the seventh month of pregnancy Globally, approximately 5 girls are mutilated every minute." If we do the math, we discover that equates to 300 per hour, or 7,200 per day, or 50,400 per week, or 2,620,800 per year. Considering that women make up 49% of the world, form 35% of its paid labor force, head 33% of its households, make up 95% of its nurses, perform 62% of its work hours, yet receive 10% of the world's income, own 1% of its property, make up 70% of its poor, 66% of the illiterate, 80% of the refugees, 75% of the sick, it seems to me that women--in these country’s live in a male dominated world and are there for convenience not happiness. The different types of FGM are classified by the extent of the surgery involved, and include: †¢ Type I -. The hood of skin that sits over the clitoris is removed. †¢ Type II - The entire clitoris is removed. †¢ Type III - The external genitals are partly or totally removed and the wound stitched together, leaving a small gap to allow the passage of menstrual fluid and urine †¢ Type IV - other practices including piercing, cauterizing, scraping or using corrosive substances designed to scar and narrow the vagina. In most cases only a small opening the size of the tip of a matchstick is left for th... ...fertility †¢ Painful sexual intercourse †¢ Reduced sexual enjoyment †¢ Childbirth difficulties, such as severe tearing and hemorrhage †¢ Posttraumatic stress syndrome, including nightmares and flashbacks. If this pain in known to all of the communities taking part in this practice, why is it still legal to perform? This violence has been inflicted systematically on millions of women and girls for centuries. Governments in the countries concerned have done little or nothing effective to prevent the practice. "FGM is an issue that concerns women and men who believe in equality, dignity and fairness to all human beings, regardless of gender, race, religion or ethnic identity. It must not be seen as the problem of any one group or culture, whether African, Muslim or Christian. FGM is practiced by many cultures. It represents a human tragedy and must not be used to set one person against the next, one religious group against the other, or even women against men." But just think, is it really necessary? Has anyone even bothered to ask What do these women truly want?

Leonardo Da Vinci Research Paper

Once there lived a man who was gifted with the power of looking at the same object in many different fashions sometimes as a painter would look at it, sometimes as a naturalist, sometimes as a physicist, at other times as a poet and not one of those fashions was superficial (Valley. 1958). With all the technical advances from today, most artist and inventors are inspired by this man. Leonardo exemplified the resurgence, living, view, and producing art and technology that still characterizes that age of discovery.When people think of Leonardo dad Vinci, usually the first thing that comes to mind is The Dad Vinci Code with Tom Hanks. But in reality people would say he was one of the finest artistic and scientific men of the Italian Renaissance Age. â€Å"The Last Supper† and the â€Å"Mona Lisa† are among one of his finest works of art. These art pieces were way ahead of Dad Vine's time. Leonardo was not Just a painter or artist but he was an inventor responsible for prod ucing designs ranging from early tanks and submarines to the revolutionary â€Å"flying machine. His study and mastery of a wide range of disciplines, including sculpture, philosophy, and engineering, made Leonardo a humbly of the spirit of his age, and the personification of the term â€Å"Renaissance man. â€Å"(Ryan & Adagio, 2005) We could start back when Dad Vinci first was born to see the intellect of a brilliant mind. April 15th, 1452 Leonardo was born in Vinci, Italy. Who knew on that day an infant would grow up to be known as the universal genius. He was raised by his father Piper dad Vinci, a notary in Florence.At an early age Leonardo exhibited a considerable artistic talent so when he was fifteen Leonardo moved to Florence, Italy, this is when is life started to blossom, he was Andrea del Veronica's apprentice. Overarching was a well-known artist for his time and began to show and develop Leonardo in painting and completing sculptures (Goldman. 1997). Leonardo stayed working with Veronica's until he turned 25. He then moved on and spent the next five years painting many different paintings with many different artists. When he reached the age of 30, he moved to Milan, Italy and became a court artist for Duke Alluding Oxfords.Becoming a court artist made Leonardo a Jack-of-all-trades. Not Just known or an artist, Leonardo also was an inventor; there are three tiny little notebooks that house a collection of his works also called the Codex Forester, which are now kept in the Victoria and Alberta Museum in London, England. They are believed to have been written between 1495 and 1497 (Mills, 2008). First let me talk about one of his most famous paintings, â€Å"Last Supper† he began to paint this piece in 1495 and this piece was commissioned by the Duke for the convent of Santa Maria dell Gracie.He tried to complete this painting as a mural on the wall using oil-based paint, but unfortunately the paint did not adhere to the wall and was a comp lete failure. However this brings me to the fabulous painting â€Å"The Mona Lisa†, this painting represents elegance and pure beauty. Leonardo worked on this painting for four years until 1506. In 1506 Dad Vinci abandoned work on the â€Å"Mona Lisa† to be the artistic advisor to the city's French governor â€Å"Charles demise's† at the request of King Louis XII of France . (Ryan & Adagio, 2005) In 1513 Leonardo left Milan and traveled to Rome, Italy at the request of Pope Leo X.Once he arrived he was presented with a spacious art studio to complete more of his work. Dad Vinci remained in Rome for four years, while there he completed only one major piece and that was a series of drawings which were titled â€Å"The Deluge†. Later on in 1517, King Francis I asked Leonardo to France and was going to make him the royal painter, architect, and mechanic to the king. He accepted and was given a salary and a place to live in the palace at Cloud. While he was th ere he became a teacher to a number of young inspiring artists to help them move on into their career.It was a very sad day on the 2nd of May 1 519, this is the day that Leonardo Dad Vinci left this earth to return to our heavenly father in the sky. He was surrounded by the kings court in Cloud when he passed away. Leonardo will always be known for the great artist he was and teacher he has instilled on many of us. I think everyone has a little of Leonardo in them whether it be painting or from inventing to woodworking. When people write they write with their hearts, I know when Leonardo painted it was from his heart.People knew Leonardo dad Vinci as a great painter, but my research also discovered the many different talents this great man had. Being one of the top inventors in the world he was responsible for many of the innovations that had transpired during the renaissance period. He was as much an inventor as an artist. Though he never built many of the inventions he designed, s ome of the things he envisioned in the late sass are in use today, including helicopters and parachutes. Dad Vinci was obsessed with war, and he sketched an armored vehicle that could carry eight men inside and allow them to fire weapons through holes in its walls.He drew ND wrote about what we today call tanks more than 400 years before they were first used in combat during World War l. (Grant, 2010) Leonardo Dad Vinci is the key personality that enlightened the Renaissance with its outstanding talent. Other major figures, such as Francesco Did Giorgio, have left a rich legacy, especially in architecture and machinery design. Now when you close your eyes and picture an airplane or even a bird you could envision yourself in a way that Leonardo Dad Vinci did when he thought out his inventions.

How Psychological Theories Have Been Used in Beer

When they see a person carrying a bottle of beer and the soft toy, they will Immediately apprehend IM without any questions asked. Back In the police station, the policemen would be enjoying the beer, which they had confiscated, while the Innocent customers would be miserably locked up In the cell. Similarly, this commercial Is supposedly targeted at adults, those who are above 8 years of age, since they are allowed to drink. However, everyone is again allowed to view the commercial for humor purposes.Our group will also be doing comparisons of the two beer commercials in terms of the psychological theories used and other dissimilarities worth mentioning. 2) Theory Reviews 2. ) Learning Theory There are basically three theories to learning, I) Classical conditioning II) Operant conditioning Ill) Observational learning Classical controlling Is the type of controlling that makes use of a stimulus that, before controlling, does not naturally bring about the response of Interest and a st imulus that brings about interest without having being learned.A good example loving it† makes it a top choice fast-food outlet that most people will patronize. The slogan in this case plays the role of a natural stimulus whereas Macdonald fast-food outlet is the unconditioned stimulus. Upon hearing the â€Å"I'm loving it† slogan, the sign of Macdonald fast-food outlet will appear unknowingly to our mind. Operant conditioning is a type of conditioning, which a voluntary response is strengthened or weakened, depending on its favorable or unfavorable consequences. An example will be that of a Wall's ice-cream advertisement.With attractive offers like, buy 3 for the price of 2 or even free gifts being given away for each tub of ice- cream brought. Observational learning is learning through observing the behavior of another person called a model. A good example will be that of a coca cola drink advertisement. In most of the coca cola drink advertisement, there will be peop le drinking the coca cola drink itself and they will reveal a very refreshing and cooling expression when they finish drinking a drink and by seeing that after drinking that can of coca cola drink, it will bring about a refreshing and cooling sensation to a person.Out of these three learning theories, only the classical conditioning and the observational learning are being applied to the beer commercials. This commercial uses the Classical Conditioning theory. Most people would not normally associate beer with singing. But after being exposed to the commercial for mom time, a person would actually remembers the Heinlein beer commercial, and hopefully proceed to buy the beer. When a person watches the commercial for the first time, he/she will acquire the impression that the singing has nothing to do with the beer.However, the tastiness, â€Å"It seems some people didn't take the last Heinlein commercial seriously. † And â€Å"Remember, buy Heinlein or we'll keep running thes e commercials,† actually reveals the whole intention of the commercial. So eventually, they will associate the beer with the horrible singing. Scrabbles This commercial uses the Observational Learning. Firstly, when the customer buy the beer and gets a free toy, a person may also follow suit. The idea of an incentive or free-gift' appeals very much to us Singapore who are very ‘kiss' or have the â€Å"don't want to lose out â€Å"attitude.So, when the customer is being apprehended by the police, gets locked up in a cell, and even having his beer confiscated, the observational learning still comes into play. This occurs when the policemen themselves drink the confiscated beer, giving them the impression that beers are better than diamonds. Therefore, giving viewers the notion that they should also buy Comparison The use of observational learning is more effective compared to classical conditioning. This is because the influences of an authoritative figure I. E. The poli cemen are brought into the picture. Therefore, it reinforces the observational learning.Like mentioned earlier, policemen are people of authority, therefore, if they were to do something that is generally not proper, which is in this case, drinking the confiscated beer, their actions would actually be socially accepted since they are people who are of higher authority than a normal civilian would be. The use of classical conditioning as a comparatively weaker impact to the audience in contrast to the use of observational learning. Since the stimulus of classical conditioning does not naturally bring about the response or interest to the beer, it can easily be forgotten if it is not reinforced.One-way for Heinlein to resolve this problem is to keep on playing the commercial. However, they would have to bear the costs incurred, and not forgetting, the contempt from irritated viewers who are forced to view the annoying commercial over and over again. 3. 2 Memory theory For this commerc ial, under the psychological theory of Memory, it â€Å"attacks† the ewer's sensory memory, specifically the Echoic Memory. Thus, it makes the viewer able to react to the annoying singing by remembering the commercial better since it is using the audio element to etch the product into the viewer's minds.The audio element is supposedly the most prominent sensory element of the commercial. Hence, the commercial will be played over and over again in the viewers' mind. The point is, the viewer does not even have to view the commercial visually to have the desired impact of the commercial on the viewer. As mentioned before, the audio element is the strongest agenda of the whole commercial. For this commercial, using the same psychological theory of Memory, the commercial is appealing to the viewer's sensory memory, especially the Iconic Memory to remember the product.As can be seen, we can work out with an example from the commercial that, the when the man buys the bottle of Scrab bles beer, and the cashier hands the buyer a soft toy, saying that it is a gift from buying the beer. â€Å"diamonds†, and the beer was confiscated along with him. Also, the makers of the commercial â€Å"attacks† the viewer's minds in which that they ill remember that the buying the Scrabbles beer is so good that, the police officers are enjoying themselves so much.Since the policemen, as mentioned, are people with authority, drinking the Scrabbles beers that they confiscated are seemingly more significant. This also portrays a powerful signal that the beer can even tempt the authorities under work obligations. Hence, such actions are being socially accepted, therefore, the viewer's implicit memory would subconsciously steer the viewer to buy Scrabbles beer. Both uses the same sensory theory and the only different is one, echoic and another, conic.Most commercial uses the echoic memory to remember, which in the Heinlein commercial you do not even need to use your eyes to watch and Just hear the songs they are singing is enough to serve the purpose. 3. 3) Motivation Theory Motivation is the factor that directs and invigorates the behavior of humans. Often, human motivation is driven by the intention, or arousal of achieving a goal. Primary drive are related to the biological needs that often helps to fulfill our basic needs, whereas secondary drive are prior to experience and learning that has no direct impact on our biological needs.In the two commercial that we have chosen, we can say that both commercials applies the secondary drive as both brings out the needs of a person to drink beer brought about by previous experience or learning. The main aim of the commercials that we have chosen was to motivate and attract the viewers to drink the respective brand of beer. Suggests that motivation stems from the desire to obtain valued external goals. The commercial started off with a seemly strange tagging – at least it is not common in most co mmercials that we see nowadays. It says, â€Å"It seems some people didn't take the last Heinlein commercial seriously.Although viewers might first think the commercial is trying to reprimand them, but it is actually indirectly motivating viewers to direct their attention on the commercial, simply because they do not want to be wrongly accused of â€Å"not taking commercial or anything seriously' and end off with a message when they got the attention by saying, â€Å"Remember, buy Heinlein, or we'll keep on running these commercials. † This suggests the determination shown by the commercial in motivating viewers to at least try the product, and that reignites the desire of consumers to obtain the beer – external goals.Furthermore, it also intends to serve as a constant reminder to consumers to realize their highest potential through drinking Heinlein instead of other brand of beer. Scrabbles In the second commercial, more than one approach can be applied to the adver tisement. Arousal Approach explains the increase of the stimulation and activity where people are willing to take the risk of getting caught by the police when purchasing the Scrabbles beer. Incentive Approach motivates people to buy Scrabbles beer, even the police whom are seen as protectors of the local people themselves are drinking Scrabbles.Hence, the impact and motivation, the local people receive when they revere to the police gives them the desire to obtain the same beer as their ‘protectors'. For Cognitive Approaches, the intrinsic motivation shows that the people are willing to buy the Scrabbles beer as it stimulates excitement for their own enjoyment whereas the extrinsic motivation, recognize the effort and give the soft toy as a reward. The need for affiliation was also applied on this commercial, the people who have seen the commercial will tend to follow what the police officers do because as the law enforcer, they themselves are drinking the confiscated Scrabbl es.Therefore, drinking Scrabbles would be seen as a gateway in establishing bilateral ties and maintaining relationship with the police. This commercial also motivates the viewers to realize their sense of self-actualization, the state of self-fulfillment, which is the highest level of Mascots Hierarchy, in which people realize their highest potentials, as the Scrabbles beer is now within their reach. Both commercials in this case use different styles and strategies in motivating consumers to purchase their products.In the Heinlein commercial, it uses the reverse psychological principles whereby it is indirectly motivating consumers to buy the Heinlein beer and it consists of symbol captions, which enable the viewers to establish inner thoughts to achieve constant memory of the product as well as incur the desire to try or even have the product. As for the Scrabbles commercial, it uses a more direct style and hence is clearer to understand. It motivates consumers as it consists of v arious theories of motivation, which gives several different perspectives on motivation.Furthermore, it adds a lot of humbly into the commercial that requires consumers to reflect on the purpose of the commercial and what it signifies. For example, firstly the diamonds are hidden in the soft toy, and the police confiscate the toy containing the ‘stolen diamonds' together with the Scrabbles beer. One scene where the innocent customers are trapped within a cell gives the impression of being ‘locked'. However, at the same time, the policemen are having a great time enjoying the confiscated beer.Hence, the Juxtaposition of the two agendas is basically trying to reinforce the point hat, without the beer, you would be miserable as signified by the customers being locked up and feeling miserable, yet at the same time, when you have the beer, you would be at the top of the mountain as portrayed by the policemen merrily drinking away. These metaphors and symbols are worth looking into as they indirectly motivate viewers to buy the beer and act as an unconscious motivation tool. 3. 4) Social Psychology Theory This commercial uses the Persuasion Theory. It is a process of changing attitude.

Shinto Religious Practices Essay Example

Shinto Religious Practices Essay Example Shinto Religious Practices Paper Shinto Religious Practices Paper Shinto is a Japanese religious practice characterized by rites and based on the polytheistic idea of Kami. Jinja Shinto is the institutional form while the Jinja Honcho in Tokyo is the administering office for over eight thousand shrines in Japan. The Ise Jingu in Ise which is believed to enshrine the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, is considered to be the most sacred of the Shinto shrines. The Emperor is considered the highest Shinto priest and the divine descendant of Amaterasu Omikami. It is widely practiced religion in Japan besides Buddhism and as a religion, Shinto concerns with prosperity and happiness in this world (Ozawa-de Silva, 2014). The grounds of Shinto shrines are most commonly marked by a grove of evergreen trees that surrounds a gateway, the torii. The main building enshrines the spirit of a particular kami. Most people will go to Shinto shrines on certain occasions especially on the New Year’s Day which is normally done to pray for Kami’s blessings. During the New Year, the home is thoroughly cleaned to make it very attractive to the spirits and the main gate is decorated with a kadomofsu. The family gathers to celebrate by eating a special soup called ozone which is believed to promote health. The tradition dictates that those performing the prayer first wash their mouth and hands at the fountain usually located at the gateway. They should then proceed to the front of the main building, cast some coins into the offertory box, ring the bells, bow twice, clap their hands twice, and then bow one more time (Bernstein, 2009). There are also several rites and a major festival that are held each year at each of the Shinto shrines. During the festival, the priest will solemnly offer prayers and food to the Kami as thanksgiving and as a way of seeking blessings. Dances and music are also performed for the Kami while the people enjoy together. The prime of the festival happens when portable shrines are energetically paraded through the parish. Also, a very special ritual known as jichinsai is always performed by the Shinto priests before commencing construction on a new building (Ozawa-de Silva, 2014). This is based on the belief that lack of such a ritual would lead to accidents because deities that dwell on that construction site become angry. Shinto marks some seasons with special practices such as planting and harvesting rice. Respect for nature is a key aspect of Shinto and is characterised by reverential objects placed in the midst of fields, forests, or mountains. Respect for spirits is practices by pouring water over gravestones and leaving offerings of flowers and food. Another notable practice involves the purification of water. There is also the climbing of the sacred mountain to gain favour and union with the spirit of the mountain (Bernstein, 2009). Climbing Mount Fuji is particularly one thing that most Japanese wish to accomplish during their lifetime. Other practices involve daily worship and the maintenance of a small shrine called kamidana done in the home. Shinto worships for beauty and its tradition on figurative art are also fundamental. The defining features of the Shinto art are openness, deliberate simplicity, and the use of natural elements. Shinto places little emphasis on ethical demands and doctrines (Bernstein, 2009). It focuses on beauty of ritual, an aspect that gives it an important affiliation with the arts. Shinto’s high regard for art is also believed to have inspired today’s Japanese art and architecture. References Bernstein, A. (2009).Shinto Beliefs and Traditions. Sage Publications, Inc. Ozawa-de Silva, C. (2014).HatsumÃ… de, the Visitation of Shinto Shrines: Religion and Culture in the Japanese Context. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199362202.003.0008

Ideas on Completing a Proposal Essay

Ideas on Completing a Proposal Essay Ideas on Completing a Proposal Essay A proposal essay is quite an interesting assignment, which often causes lots of troubles and misunderstandings. However, it is quite simple and aims to propose a certain idea, which needs to be backed with arguments. The main goal is to persuade the reader that this idea is good or bad, depending on the task you have. To get a better understanding of the assignment, you can consider yourself a seller: you need to convince a person to buy an item even it is not so necessary. If you don’t think that you have a persuasive talent or don’t possess proper writing skills, just go on reading and we assure you that you will be able to complete a proposal essay without any difficulties. Content of a proposal essay Any proposal essay has the same structure, so you only need to remember it and stick to the outline, when completing another essay: This section gives basic information on the subject and provides important issues to catch the reader’s interest. It should make the audience want to go on reading, so introduction is one of the most important parts of your essay. The last sentence needs to contain a thesis statement; This section should be very brief and clear. All you need to do is to give the reader information on the idea you want to describe. Avoid providing any details on the research itself; Action plans. This section can be considered the key one, as it aims to persuade the reader that your ideas are good. Create a separate paragraph for every evidence or action plan and write how you are going to achieve your proposal; As always, this section aims to provide readers with the summary of your proposal ideas. This section should paraphrase all you have mentioned before and encourage the reader for more research if possible. Useful tips Always pay attention to the research. Collecting valid information is crucial in persuading the reader; Use only credible sources, when backing your ideas. If you use internet forums or doubtful websites, be ready that your tutor will ask you to redo the essay; Always do a proper citing and never plagiarize someone else’s works. It is quite easy to check whether you have completed the essay on your own; Work on your writing skills. Your lexis should be full and professional, without slang or shortenings; Always try to be specific. Develop a few ideas thoroughly instead of covering a wide range of topics and subjects. When you already know how a proposal essay looks like and what tips you need to follow to create an outstanding paper, you need to think on a winning topic. If your tutor doesn’t give you any recommendations, you may feel a bit stressed, as choosing a proper topic can make up to 50% of your success. Don’t panic! We can provide you with a great solution. Proposal essay topics Can euthanasia be considered an assisted suicide? Should it be allowed or prohibited? What makes up traditional family values? Main rules you need to teach your children before it is too late; How same-sex marriages can affect birth rates? Does free speech have any limits and restrictions? What should the government do to reduce drug usage among teenagers? Reasons of violence among high school students; Can parents’ divorce influence future love life of a child? Bullying: effective measures to eliminate it; Will online games eventually replace physical activity and social interactions? How can parents help their children in choosing a career? How can parents help their children resist pressure? What one needs to know about a healthy lifestyle; Reducing dependence on fast-food: main tools; Should sex education be compulsory at schools? How the world will benefit if all countries unite? International terrorism: who is the grey cardinal? Can internet usage be safe? How to minimize the number of smoking adults? How to protect small enterprises? Can childhood obesity influence the rate of heart attacks among adults? What are the measures to prevent racism and fascistic approach? How can we become a tolerate society? Sexual abuse online: modern trend or an alarming situation? Is the modern grading system effective? How US veterans should be treated? Is it right to give all prisoners a voting right or should it be a privilege for a good behavior? Can veganism protect rights of animals? What are the ways to reduce animal abuse? Morality in media: myth or reality? What a regular citizen can do to reduce the development of global warming? How can we save ecology on daily basis? Should a foreign language be compulsory at schools? Conclusions The main goal of a proposal essay is to propose your own ideas on a certain matter, issue or event, along with convincing the reader to accept your point of view. The best way to perform such a task is to imagine yourself a salesperson, who needs to sell something. The ideas, which were mentioned above, can be a great way to choose a proper topic for your proposal essay.

Week 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Week 3 - Essay Example It also involves three important elements which include availability, accessibility and food utilization (Food & Culture Encyclopedia). When food security is threatened or not met, it can alarm not only the nutritionists, but the country or the nation affected, in general. This is because if there will be inadequate supply of food and related goods, it will directly affect the health and nutrition of the people. Thus, food insecurity can cause individuals, families, communities and to some extent, the world, to suffer in varying degrees. The Dictionary of Medical Terms defined malnutrition as a state or condition wherein a person is deemed as having a poor nutrition that resulted from either an insufficient, excessive, or unbalanced diet or in disorders in which there is an impaired ability to absorb and assimilate foods (Rothenberg and Chapman 269). Meanwhile, obesity is a malnourished condition of having an excessive weight and an increased amount of fat in subcutaneous tissues of the body. Obviously, obesity is the effect of overeating, but in some cases, it may be precipitated by disorders that involve organs such as thyroid, pituitary and endocrine glands where there is a disturbance of the body’s metabolism (Rothenberg and Chapman 318). Today, an alarming statistics states that approximately 60 million Americans are obese, while 9 million are extremely obese (ObesityinAmerica.org). Hence, according to Mokdad, et al, obesity has been regarded as the second cause of preventable death in the US (qtd. in Ob esityinAmerica.org). Suppose that you were engaged in biotechnology, or genetic engineering; what environmental safeguards would you impose on your own research? Are there experiments that would be ethically off-limits for you? If I were to engage in genetic engineering projects, or related experiments, conscientiousness on my part would be necessary, so as to

Reading response 7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reading response 7 - Essay Example Punk rock has grown among the Korean youth giving them a day-to-day chance to expresses their energy and relieve stress as they dance wildly. He recognizes the consequent emergence of the Korean punk movement that expresses local resistance within an internationally recognizable form. Epstein acknowledges this growth to the relaxation of authoritarian control in Korea, depression caused by American suburban alienation, Korean exposure to the west and Western music, Internet use among Korean teens, and globalization I find the style of dancing to Korean punk, the energy, and enthusiasm with the artists and the audience, and dancehall mood very interesting. I think that this genre of music should be encouraged to Koreans of all ages as it promotes the Korean identity. I hence conclude that although punk Rock may never get full assimilation to the Korean pop music, the steps taken are increasingly resisting the oppositional

Ee Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ee - Essay Example about the formation and positioning of the continents that changed through time through the continuous sliding or colliding of the continental and oceanic crusts onto one another (Van Dyke 3). It is also able to explain the presence of fault lines and mountain formations. 4. What caused the Himalayas? – The movement of the Indian subcontinent and its impact to the Asian continent formed the Himalayas, through a slow process of head-on collision or crustal collision (Van Dyke 4). 10. Which type of rock is most likely to contain petroleum? – Sedimentary rocks are mostly found near coastal lines due to mineral deposition through time. Thus sedimentary rocks most likely contain petroleum, as exemplified by large oil deposits along seacoasts like the Persian Gulf (Van Dyke 12). 11. Explain the inorganic origin of oil, which origin do you think is most likely, organic or inorganic? – The inorganic theory of the origin of oil states that oil deposits were formed during the creation of the planets or during the formation of the solar system (Van Dyke 14). This theory explains why petroleum from a large deposit are similar even though the rocks where they were found were different in structure. However, petroleum is made up of hydrocarbons, which come from the decomposition of living things (Van Dyke 13). Thus the organic theory is much more plausible than the inorganic theory of oil formation. 12. Which has more permeability, a box of popcorn or a similar box of sand? – An object is said to be permeable if its pores are interconnected, and water can flow through it through these pores (Van Dyke 15). Therefore, a box of sand has more permeability than a box of popcorn, mainly because the sand has more interconnecting pores than the popcorn. 15. Name and define three types of traps. – Three types of traps are: structural traps, formed during folding or faulting of rocks (e.g. anticlinal traps); stratigraphic traps, formed by a nonporous formation that sealed

Apache Corporation Essay Example for Free

Apache Corporation Essay Apache Corporation was formed in 1954, based on the idea of becoming significant and prosperous in the oil industry. The company took $250,000 of investor capital, paired it with fierce determination and now Apache Corporation is considered one of the top independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in the world (Apachecorp.com, 2012). Apache Corporation operates in both domestic and international markets exploring for, developing, and producing natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids (Apachecorp.com, 2012). On December 31, 2011, the Company had production in the United States, Canada, Egypt, and Australia. Offshore production exists in the United Kingdom, the North Sea, and Argentina. Looking into the future Apache plans to continue to explore other countries for new discoveries and development opportunities (Apachecorp.com, 2012). Environment The success of any business depends on the ability to adapt to the environment it operates in. As part of the oil and gas industry Apache Corporation operates in a global business environment known for its competitiveness. The company has shown growth in production thirty one of the last thirty three years and throughout those years change has been a constant companion. Wide swings in oil prices have become commonplace in the world today, the price of a barrel of oil changes almost daily. Operating in other countries means that political unrest and changes in government policies must be addressed, as well as oil industry regulations that are constantly evolving. Apache Corporation has withstood the changes in business environment for 57 years and remains committed to successfully embracing the changes yet to come. Technology Over the last 10 years the most significant technological advance for the industry has been the coupling of horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing techniques. This new method allows the development of resources that are trapped in shale and other areas that have been nearly impossible to mine in the past. Apache Corporation now applies this technology worldwide (Apachecorp.com, 2012). This method is also used by nearly all other companies in the industry including the comparison companies Devon and Anadarko. Financial Health According to the 2011 Apache Corporation Annual Report the company showed a profit for the year and the debt ratio is 0.22. One top competitor Anadarko Petroleum located in San Antonio Texas has a debt ratio of .65 and showed a loss for the 2011 year (Hoovers, 2012). A second top competitor Devon Energy located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma had a better year in 2011, this company did show a profit and their debt ratio is 0.48 (â€Å"Hoovers†, 2012). Within the gas and oil industry the overall financial status of Apache Corporation is sound. Working in a high risk industry the production risks are balanced by both geographic diversification and a mix of high and low risk properties in the portfolio (Hoovers, 2012). With approximately 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent in reserve Apache Corporation is positioned to maintain their current momentum. The natural gas product is sold most often at current market prices while the crude oil is marketed directly to integrated marketers and refineries. Contract terms are generally 30 days with automatic renewal until canceler at current market prices which change almost daily (Apachecorp.com, 2012). Apache Corporation has been exploring for and producing oil and gas products for over 50 years. The company has been successful and appears to be a sound investment. In this analysis we have reviewed the business environment, financial health and use of technology for Apache Corporation for the purpose of deciding whether or not to invest in the company. References http://www.apachecorp.com/Resources/Upload/file/investors/Apache_AR_2011.pdf Hoovers. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.hoovers.com/company/Apache_Corporation/rfrtif-1-1njea3.html Hoovers. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.hoovers.com/company/Devon_Energy_Corporation/rrxkxi-1-1njea5.html