High Crime Rate Essay

Also, some movies watched by individuals can play a role in some crimes being committed. Some individuals think it is ok to perform these acts of crime. This information is an eye opener to me. I would have never known this information if it was not for doing this research paper. I have come to the conclusion that I will never find the answers that I am looking for. There is no way that anyone in the wild could have an answer to why crime and violence is high in America. My opinion on why crime and violence is high is because people don’t seem to have a heart or respect others. This opinion has changed because the person committing crimes may get pleasure from it who knows. In my research the book Reducing Gun Violence (2012), I got a clear understanding of violent crime that relates to guns. This book talked about how gun crimes can be cut down, and what people in authority can do to make these changes. I feel that my research is inspiring because it demonstrates how crime and violent have impacted many communities here in America. I put a lot of time and energy in finding information on my why question and formatting my paper correctly. In my research I have come to a new point. Is there a thing as good crime?

Cost Accounting Question Paper

1. Human resource is an example of (an): (Points : 2) Unit-level activity. Batch-level activity. Product-level activity. Organization-sustaining activity. 2. Which of the following is not a limitation of activity-based costing? (Points : 2) Maintaining an activity-based costing system is more costly than maintaining a traditional direct labor-based costing system. Changing from a traditional direct labor-based costing system to an activity-based costing system changes product margins and other key performance indicators used by managers.Such changes are often resisted by managers. In practice, most managers insist on fully allocating all costs to products, customers, and other costing objects in an activity-based costing system. This results in overstated costs. More accurate product costs may result in increasing the selling prices of some products. 3. Matt Company uses activity-based costing. The company has two products: A and B. The annual production and sales of Product A is 8,0 00 units and of Product B is 6,000 units.There are three activity cost pools, with total cost and total activity as follows: Activity cost poolTotal costActivity for Product AActivity for Product BTotal Activity Activity 1$20,000100400500 Activity 2$37,0008002001,000 Activity 3$91,2008003,0003,800 The activity-based costing cost per unit of Product A is closest to: (Points : 4) $2. 40 $3. 90 $10. 59 $6. 60 4. Which of the following activities would be classified as a batch-level activity? (Points : 2) Setting up equipment. Designing a new product. Training employees. Milling a part required for the final product. . The purchasing agent of the Clampett Company ordered materials of lower quality in an effort to economize on price and in response to the demands of the production manager due to a mistake in production scheduling. The materials were shipped by airfreight at a rate higher than that ordinarily charged for shipment by truck, resulting in an unfavorable materials price varia nce. The lower quality material proved to be unsuitable on the production line and resulted in excessive waste. In this situation, who should be held responsible for the materials price and quantity variances? Points : 2) Materials price variance: Purchasing Agent Materials quantity variance: Purchasing Agent Materials price variance: Production Manager Materials quantity variance: Production Manager Materials price variance: Production Manager Materials quantity variance: Purchasing Agent Materials price variance: Purchasing Agent Materials quantity variance: Production Manager 6. Todco planned to produce 3,000 units of its single product, Teragram, during November. The standard specifications for one unit of Teragram include six pounds of material at $0. 30 per pound.Actual production in November was 3,100 units of Teragram. The accountant computed a favorable materials purchase price variance of $380 and an unfavorable materials quantity variance of $120. Based on these variances , one could conclude that: (Points : 2) more materials were purchased than were used. more materials were used than were purchased. the actual cost of materials was less than the standard cost. the actual usage of materials was less than the standard allowed. 7. The materials quantity variance should be computed: (Points : 2) when materials are purchased. ased upon the amount of materials used in production. based upon the difference between the actual and standard prices per unit times the actual quantity used. only when there is a difference between standard and actual cost per unit for the materials. 8. The following materials standards have been established for a particular product: Standard quantity per unit of output = 7. 3 pounds Standard price = $14. 45 per pound The following data pertain to operations concerning the product for the last month: Actual materials purchased = 6,600 pounds Actual cost of materials purchased = $91,740Actual materials used in production = 5,900 p ounds Actual output = 1,000 units What is the materials quantity variance for the month? (Points : 4) $19,460 F $9,730 U $10,115 U $20,230 F 9. The following materials standards have been established for a particular product: Standard quantity per unit of output = 4. 6 feet Standard price = $19. 25 per feet The following data pertain to operations concerning the product for the last month: Actual materials purchased = 3,200 feet Actual cost of materials purchased = $63,200 Actual materials used in production = 2,900 feetActual output = 800 units What is the materials price variance for the month? (Points : 4) $15,405 F $5,775 U $5,925 U $1,600 U 10. The following labor standards have been established for a particular product: Standard labor hours per unit of output = 1. 5 hours Standard labor rate = $17. 55 per hour The following data pertain to operations concerning the product for the last month: Actual hours worked = 5,300 hours Actual total labor cost = $94,340 Actual output = 3 ,600 units What is the labor rate variance for the month? (Points : 4) $1,325 U $1,780 F $430 F $430 U

Aesthetic Attitude Is A Myth Philosophy Essay

Aesthetic Attitude Is A Myth Philosophy Essay In ‘The Myth of the Aesthetic Attitude’, George Dickie argues that the notion of the aesthetic attitude is a myth and attempts to argue against all forms of the idea. Whilst there are other compelling theories concerning the existence of the aesthetic attitude, he presents a strong case against it, arguing that all attempts to precisely describe such an attitude fail. His argument focuses on the notions of the aesthetic attitude proposed by Bullough and Stolnitz, which I will outline in this essay. Initially, Dickie considers Edward Bullough’s theory of psychical distance. Bullough suggests that in order to obtain an aesthetic attitude and judge an object aesthetically, the subject must distance themselves from that object and separate â€Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the object and its appeal from one’s own self, by putting it out of gear with practical needs and ends.†Ã‚   [ 1 ]   In doing so, Bullough says that â€Å"contemplation of the object becomes al one possible†Ã‚   [ 2 ]   and you are no longer directly involved with the object. Bullough illustrates his idea using his fog at sea example, where he describes how unpleasant and dangerous the fog might seem to a person, but also how beautiful the fog is. Bullough thinks that it is the aesthetic attitude which enables one’s view of the fog to change through a â€Å"transformation by distance†Ã‚   [ 3 ]   as the fog is allowed to â€Å"stand outside the context of our personal needs and ends† and one can look at it objectively. For Bullough, only the right amount of distance enables the aesthetic attitude to be employed and he discusses â€Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦cases in which people are unable to bring off an act of distancing or are incapable of being induced into a state of being distanced.†Ã‚   [ 4 ]   Bullough’s example of â€Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the jealous husband at a performance of Othello†Ã‚   [ 5 ]   unable to concentrate a s he is thinking of his own wife’s suspicious behaviour demonstrates being under-distanced as the subject is too emotionally involved with the play. Similarly, a light technician working on the play might be over-distanced as he is preoccupied with the lights and missing any emotional involvement with the play itself. Dickie may undermine Bullough’s concept of distance here as he questions whether one can deliberately distance oneself or whether one can be induced into a â€Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦consciousness denoted by being distanced.†Ã‚   [ 6 ]   Dickie undermines the concept of distance here – suggesting that there is no such experience as being distanced – and so undermines Bullough’s theory. Furthermore, Dickie criticises Bullough’s use of new terms referring to distance, as he thinks to introduce these terms â€Å"does nothing but send us chasing after phantom acts and states of consciousness.†Ã‚   [ 7 ]   Dickie infers that â€Å"there is no identifiable psychological experience of being distanced†Ã‚   [ 8 ]   and so no value in Bullough’s idea of distance. Furthermore he suggests that being under or over-distanced is simply being more or less focused on something and just â€Å"two different cases of inattention.†Ã‚   [ 9 ]   Therefore, being distanced means just focusing one’s attention on something and is not a new â€Å"kind of act†Ã‚   [ 10 ]   or special â€Å"state of consciousness†Ã‚   [ 11 ]   .

The US Air Force in World War II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The US Air Force in World War II - Essay Example Thus the direct premise that followed from this catechism was that victory beyond doubt will go to that power that will manage to exhibit and retain decisive air superiority throughout the conflict. Still such findings and predictions failed to muster a commensurate support and budgetary allocations from the US authorities. It was only in the thick of the World War II that the validity of such forecasts became crystal clear and self evident and the US realized that the stature and scope of its Air Force needs to be unavoidably expanded and broadened. In fact such provisions became necessary after the Japanese air attack on the Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 (Lord 4). This unexpected attack revealed the extent to which the Japanese intended to rely on their air power to have an upper edge in the war. This attack also revealed the potential and capabilities of the Japanese Air Force, its ability to plan and execute debilitating air operations and its skill for withholding and camouflaging the information and intelligence pertaining to its air preparedness. Pearl Harbor was a painful eye opener that was as much the result of the Japanese air preparedness as the lack of prompt US initiative in response to the ensuing developments in Europe and Japan. This attack also made the US cognizant of the vulnerability of its Air Force and its air defense systems. Luckily, the Pearl Harbor attack unleashed a sea change in the US foreign policy and its defense preparations (Cate). It was decided that from now onwards, the US Air Force ought to play an aggressive and proactive role in the future conflicts. President Roosevelt decided in favor of an unprecedented expansion and refurbishing of the US Air Corps and substantial and impressive allocations were made to procure fighter aircraft for the army (Cate). In the mean time, the US Air Force was already anticipating such salubrious developments and hence it took no time in gearing up and responding to such alleviated expectations and bold plans. The strategic stress was also laid down on the upgrading of aerial infrastructure and the development of new airfields and air bases to enhance the tactical potential of the US Air Force (Cate). There is no doubt that such developments were to chan ge the face of the US Air Force not only in the II World War, but their reverberations were audible in the much later US missions like the Operation Desert Storm.Though the US Air Force fighters and bombers were soon carpeting the Pacific skies, still the US Air Force some what reluctantly entered the European horizons in July 1942 (Wolf 156). The scope of the US Air Force was extended to the European territories only at the repeated request and encouragement of the British army, which was continually suggesting a scheme for the collaboration and cooperation between the Air Forces of the two nations embroiled in this conflict. As American strategic interests in Europe started to become clearer, concise and concrete, the entry of the American Air Force in the European theater of war became a tactical and political necessity. Considering the fact the allied forces operating in Europe were

Find a research based article in a business journalsand appraise the Essay

Find a research based article in a business journalsand appraise the methodology employed and the - Essay Example Primarily analyzing the business information through a set of processes can be termed as market research. It involves the use of technology for obtaining the desired information from these processes. Basic purpose of acquiring information by any organization is to assess the business environment, carry out marketing research, make sales forecasting and conduct competitor analysis. Various technologies and methodologies are used for collecting and saving the information in easily accessible format. This data is frequently used for making correct and timely decisions for enhancing the profitability. (â€Å"Business Planning,† 2005). The article under review is â€Å"Managing the development of technology-based courses success factors from eight government training courses† written by Rowley, Kurt published in Acquisition Review Quarterly; January 2003. In this article primary research techniques are employed to â€Å"determine success factors identified in traditional higher education distance learning research literature were important to technology-based course development† (Kurt, 2003) The researcher started the article by giving brief background of the subject and then reviewed the literature with accredited and authentic citations. Primary research methods of data collection were used by adopting qualitative methodology. Various formats of guided interviews were designed for primary data collection. The interview were designed in such way so that exploration process may become easier, the interview question were prepared in the light of literature review and objectives of the research.. The interviews were conducted directly for gathering more reliable data. The interview methodology was properly ratified by involving two researchers at initial stage afterwards one researcher conducted interviews. (Kurt, 2003) After collecting primary data and reviewing literature the data was analyzed systematically in the light of prior knowledge

Leadership Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Leadership - Research Paper Example It may be adopted in the form of a democratic leader (Zastrow, 2009, p 186). A leader may be an authoritative leader. A leader on the other hand may be a laissez faire kind of leader. Other broader domains and types of leadership skills include participative and coordinating form of leadership. A leader is an individual who through his actions, words, policies and thoughts make a difference and guide his sub ordinates. The role of leadership in response is a set of instructions, commands, duty, post and designation which requires certain set of instructions, commands and obligations to be fulfilled in a definite set of circumstances that are set forth against them and their tasks and their duties (Malloch & Porter-OGrady, 2009, p. 231). Leadership is important because it provides the team, the organization, the home, the country and town a representative and guiding individual who through his skills, actions and steps guides his subordinates and the circumstances. Without the presence of the leader the entire unit would collapse. He serves as the foundation pillar and support against which the ideas, morale and the direction of the individuals is aligned and administered. The absence of leaders lead to a state of disarray where there is little harmony and the subsequent toll shows up on the overall project and the final outcome (Elsner & Farrands, 2012, p 38). Leaders are most effective when they are participative and when they are appointed through the will of the subordinates. The leaders are most effective when they know the pulse of the people the environment and the circumstances surrounding them. The leaders are further more effective when they embrace themselves to the challenges and face them with confidence and dedication. Further, the leaders are effective if they work under the spirit of professionalism by reducing any bias and dedicating all the sources and energies towards the final outcomes of the organizations. The functions of

You Tube Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

You Tube - Essay Example For instance, it creates a homogenous community among people living in diverse states globally whereby they can share same platform while enjoying similar videos. People have different intentions when posting their videos in Youube. Some post them for entertainment, advertisement whereas others they are merely for discussion or debate besides many other reasons. Portable gadgets characterizing the current technology have in a way helping share much through Youtube. This contributes to its cheapness because one does not need to be in front of a TV or seated in a house so that he or she can watch and listen to a video played by a stationary machine. Hence, it provides an alternative and great way of reaching numerous and different people globally. To shun its misuse, there are set regulations that safeguard the content meant to control what users normally upload in terms of videos and comments such that people do not end up using inappropriate language. Apart from socializing, Youtube has couple of educational channels that fit or benefit all age groups. These channels provide varied learning contents required in each level of education, which is from K-12 to college level besides used as informing tool concerning other none academic sources (Study Mode 2013). Moreover, other channels such as the animal planet provide people with new information that they may need to get. Youtube is changing the way people consume media. For instance, unlike the other forms of media when an advert is made in the Youtube, it remains there forever in which an interested person can get the information he or she needs. This is contrally to the other forms such as the Televisions and Radios, which only broadcast certain information in a given time, besides which even other media forms post their advertisements in the YouTube. Uploading videos in this platform is free, hence changing the ideas of paying for the advertisements by some media consumers such as musicians, companies, schools

Sterling Financial Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sterling Financial Study - Essay Example Bill Border's managerial experience has gotten off to a rocky start. Having only three months previous work as an area manager for Sterling was not really enough experience to the thrust in a position without time for adjustment, and with his closest help, Mary Gross-district manager, being 100 kilometers away. Bill has also come into the position at a time when a depressed economy was limiting productivity. Bill is focused on employee performance than job satisfaction, but given the circumstances of the economy's effect, and not researching previous performance levels, he cannot formulate an accurate perception of the work environment. Bill's lack of networking time, communication, and misconceptions on employee performance, led to the firing of a potentially valuable employee, and has led to other, larger problems such as higher anxiety, lack of positive motivating forces, and even less communication than before. The most pressing problem in Bill's situation is the lack of communication on his part. When Bill Border arrived to the position, he held an introductory meeting and individual reviews to discuss employee goals and the firm's expectations. Although the meeting and reviews were good ideas as ways to get acquainted with the staff, Bill's method failed because it was too generalized. Bill offered the employees the opportunity to discuss concerns with him, but he never did anything to address and resolve the issues presented. Harper (2006) stated, "Managers often believe that lack of employee ability and motivation are reaons for declining performance but other factors directly within the manager's influence may, in fact, be the real reaon for the decline (pag. 68). A lack of knowledge regarding his subordinates gave Bill a false perception about the real issues, and effected his decision making skills. Aside from effective communication, it is important for managers to have an accurate perception of the issues at hand. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (n.d.) defined perception as, "A capacity for comprehension" (perception, n. pag.). Bill lacked this because he did not consider any external forces that were affecting worker productivity, believing they were just not motivated enough. Bill did not see the bigger picture of how the economy was stunting business, or any external problems that were affecting his subordinates. This distorted perception led Bill a decision that would hinder his progress as a manager further when he dismissed Keith Taylor, a 23-year-old management trainee. Keith had been with the Sterling Financial Company for 18 months and was considered by peers to be a well-liked, intelligent employee that gave satisfactory performance. Bill was concerned with Keith's increased absenteeism, but never considered the external factors affecting Keith's attendance. Bill did not communicate these concerns directly to Keith, but made a general and vague reference to the attendance issue during a meeting. Although Keith deserved a reprimand for his act of no call/no show, termination of his employment was unnecessary. When Bill tacked on the announcement of Keith's departure to the end of an office meeting without giving explanation, job stress skyrocketed with employees. His lack of effectively communicating the reasons

Outsourcing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Outsourcing - Essay Example se of two dramatically different effects – while some claim that it will result in layoffs and dislocation for many US workers, most economists believe that it will ultimately strengthen the US economy (Otterman, 2004). Outsourcing should not be restricted as it will be good for the US economy in the long run. With the US economy still recovering from recession, some economists feel that this is not the right time to send jobs overseas. High technology companies have been contracting out many of their software development projects to overseas software companies, particularly to India. Outsourcing has always been a part of the American economic regime. Gradually outsourcing is being done in more and more sectors. It is fueled by a combination of quality services at affordable prices both by the service providers and the consumers. The developed countries could venture into outsourcing as the developing countries have demonstrated the required skills and upgraded the technology in communications (Sourirajan, 2004). Despite claims of job losses no one really knows how many service jobs have been outsourced overseas as companies are not required to maintain such statistics. According to a Forrester Report, US will export 3.3 million US jobs by 2010 and most will be in the IT software development sector (Sourirajan, 2004). By 2015, Forrester predicts, roughly 3.3 million service jobs will have moved offshore, including 1.7 million "back office" jobs such as payroll processing and accounting, and 473,000 jobs in the information technology industry (Otterman). This according to economists is a very low figure as the United States employs some 130 million non-farm workers. Despite the recent economic downturn, according to a McKinsey Analysis, the U. S. economy created an average of 3.5 million new jobs in the private sector per year (Otterman). Outsourcing helps to stimulate the economy, argue some economists. The loss of jobs can be attributed to other factors like

Operational Difference †Major company stake is owned by franchises Essay Example for Free

Operational Difference – Major company stake is owned by franchises Essay As I went through the historical span of Burger King History, the franchises of Burger King played a major part in expansion of the parent company from the early 1960’s till date. The relation of franchises and management has always been influential and significant in success and failures of Burger King History. Primarily, the company operated with major investment from franchises and minimal from the company, so the decisions and relationship with franchises was crucial. Flame broiler a unique device that improved with decades in Burger King history The company was set-up on the basis of the oven called ‘Insta-broiler’ for cooking burgers. The purpose had been inspired from McDonald’s speedy service. It was further mechanised into a gas grill without changing patties and self functional by means of a conveyor belt. Further, the device was also customised and technologically advanced to produce Chicken sandwich, Chicken Whopper, Veggie burger, etc. Drive –thru service The company though was working hard on franchises and unique device to meet operational needs; it was mainly oriented to meet demand of production at ‘Drive-thru’ restaurants. This was because the company had major part of its sales revenue i.e. 70 % from ‘Drive-thru’ operations. Later this competence was adapted by McDonald and other competitors as well. However the effectiveness and efficiency of Burger King’s ‘Drive-thru’ was easily highlighted. Competitive methods of Burger King The purpose of its competitive strategy is to build a sustainable competitive advantage over the organization’s rivals. It defines the fundamental decisions that guide the organization’s marketing, financial management and operating strategies. As there were many significant changes in the history of Burger King, eventually there were different competitive methods used in different span in history. Some of the significant competitive methods are listed as follows: 1} Initial decade in Burger king’s history, ‘Insta-broiler’ a device competitive in making burgers and technological advancements in the same gave it a competitive advantage. 2} High amount of franchises worldwide executed major ownership stake and customised operations in the outlets. This was tightened and a new company structure was formed, followed by a new competitive aptitude. [Year 1963 -1967] 3} Push sale approach led increase in competitive breakfast market and thus improve in position in market. Burger King moved to second position in US fast food market after McDonald. [Year 1982-1985] 4} Launched a Burger King Kids Club program that help the company to increase sales and successful entry into a new market segment. [Year 1990-1995] 5} Introduction of a TURNAROUND PLAN named ‘Go Forward Plan’, which was significant to attain objectives like increasing profit, create a customer image, teamwork, etc.[Year 2000]. One more advantage Burger King introduced was ‘Revamped Chicken Whopper’, helpful to compete with other competitors. Burger King McDonald’s (BK is simply not as big as McD) Some of the basic company facts and objectives of both the companies, help us understand how Burger King is not as big as McDonald’s in global terms. Facts Burger King McDonald Founder 1941 by Richard and Maurice McDonald 1953 by Keith J.Cramer Present chain 12,150 outlets in 50 states and US territories and 74 countries More than 31,000 outlets in 119 countries Revenue $2.5 Billion Number of employees 360,000 employees 1,500,000 employees (1.5 million) Customers 11.8 million customers daily worldwide 58 million customers across the globe Products offered Flame-broiled burgers including the Whopper, Burger King also offers chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, French fries, onion rings, salads, chicken fries and Croissanwiches for breakfast. McDonald’s predominantly sells hamburgers, various types of chicken sandwiches and products, French fries, soft drinks, breakfast items, and desserts. In most markets, McDonald’s offers salads and vegetarian items, wraps Calorie content A Burger King Double Whopper has around 920 calories A McDonalds Big Mac consists of 540 calories Objectives Burger King McDonalds Market share 21.9 % in US fast food industry 44% in US fast food industry Value for money More bigger product for reasonable price Product size is smaller with inexpensive price Franchising More than 90 % of the outlets are franchised A little less than 30 % Suppliers The suppliers vary with various franchise in different locations worldwide. McDonald chooses best suppliers and type and quality of meat varies with country culture. Advertising The BK adverts were quite confusing and sending wrong messages in potential market which affected cultural values and also brand image at times. McDonalds often had appropriate ways of advertising and were supportive to increase sales and popularity of the brand. Issues relating to Burger King The case study is very critical in understanding the issues related with Burger King’s history. Some of the prominent issues from past to present can be listed as follows: Franchise management – The company found it difficult to manage more than 90% franchise in the business of Burger King products and services. Crucial reason was also the percentage of stake ownership , which was initially 38% and was improved to 42% by Donald Smith, former McDonald executive. Changes in leadership – The history of Burger King marked approximately 20 changes in management. The changes in short term span affected oragnisation focus over goals and objectives, affected brand image adversely and lacked consistency in operation. Unhealthy food – The Company came prominently in highlight during the era from 2003 as potential customers had responded to be health conscious. The period marked spread of mad-cow disease and obesity levels among children was a rising concern. Market recession – The US economy faced economic recession from 2006 and needs brand to take effective measures to sustain and avoid losing loyal customers to competitors. Recommendations for future development in UK The Burger King opened its first branch/outlet in UK in 1977 on Coventry Street in London. Since then till date Burger King has 654 restaurants in UK ( out of which 73 are owned) whereas it has 139 ‘drive-through’ restaurants. Considering the present fast food environment in UK, following recommendations come in lime-light: HEALTHY FOOD – Burger King UK has currently many problems within the environment in company and surrounding, however one of the prime concern is healthy food. The company needs to produce fast food with less saturated fats and salt content. The problem of obesity in UK is high as well and addressing to this concern is the need of demand to survive over the competitors. PRIME LOCATIONS and EVENTS – Burger King needs to increase its influence and market share in UK, by serving at prime hot spots as well as at travel destinations. The presence of Burger King on high streets and at various national rail stations and airport is reasonable, however it needs to be accessible at hot tourist spots and business oriented commercial areas. SPEED – Burger King needs to increase its speed of delivering products and services to customers, as it has been competing with McDonalds over more than 50 years and still lacks speed during peak periods. Speed in operations helps to generate revenue in coping zone. Schools of strategy – Burger King’s evolution (analyse critically) Strategy formation is judgmental designing, intuitive visioning, and emergent learning; it is about transformation as well as perpetuation; it has to include analyzing before and programming after as well as negotiating during †¦Ã¢â‚¬  – Henry Mintzberg However there is a difference in perspective leading to strategy arguments. Mintzberg identified this and tried to debate and answer different perspectives through his 10 Schools of Strategy/Thinking. The burger King History prominently highlights two of them, explained as follows: 1] The Power School – Strategy Systems as Processes of Negotiation According to the power school, strategy systems are described to be mainly shaped by power and politics, whether as a process inside the enterprise itself or as the behaviour of the enterprise as a whole within its external environment. Strategies that may result from such processes tend to be emergent in nature, and take the forms of positions and actions more than perspectives. On the one hand parts of the power school (‘micro power’) see strategy making as the interplay, through persuasion, bargaining, and sometimes through direct confrontation, among narrow scope interests and shifting coalitions, with none dominant for any significant period. On the  other hand other parts of power school (‘macro power’) see the enterprise as promoting its own welfare by controlling or cooperating with other enterprise (such as Franchises), through the use of strategic manipulation as well as collective strategies in various kinds of networks and alliances. EXAMPLE – Burger King at different period in history, tried to take control over franchises by executing greater control over their operations and direct confrontation with various industry giants/ suppliers. These various processes implemented to achieve power through strategy highlights ‘THE POWER SCHOOL’. 2] The Configuration School – Strategy Systems as Process of Transformation The school follows a formation approach wherein the organisation is transforming into one type of decision making structure into another. The school interrupts the period of stability by some process of transformation. It has configuration of strategy formation from other nine schools which are – Design school – Strategy formation as an architecture process Planning school – Strategy formation as a formal process Positioning school Strategy formation as an analytical process Entrepreneurial school – Strategy formation as a visionary process Cognitive school – Strategy formation as a mental process Learning (or Emergent) school – Strategy formation as an emergent process Power school – Strategy formation as a process of negotiation Cultural school – Strategy formation as a collective process Environmental school – Strategy formation as a reactive process The school recognises a appropriate combination of any one or more of them taking into context a particular type. EXAMPLE – Burger King history marks use of Positioning school in year 1980 -1983 to create a brand image and achieve second position in US fast food market. Click here to Continue Reading this Article Rate This Article Tags: burger king, free essay Category: Business, Free Essays Similar Articles Kicl students’ perceptions on the consumption of McDonalds, KFC and Burger Kings Analysis of Marks Spencer’s International Strategy Role of Advertisement and Sales Promotion in ELP: Subscribe If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it. Including student tips and advice. Subscribe via RSS Feed Connect on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Connect on YouTube Click here to ask a question about this article.  « Management Function: Critical Analysis of the role of a modern industrial manager Shareholder-Wealth Maximization model (SWM): a Financial Report on Luton Brickworks Plc.  » Similar Articles Kicl students’ perceptions on the consumption of McDonalds, KFC and Burger Kings Analysis of Marks Spencer’s International Strategy Role of Advertisement and Sales Promotion in ELP: Analysis of Marks and Spencer’s Past Failures and Present Developments Strategic Analysis of Marks and Spencers Plc (MS) Looking for Something Similar? Get Student Advice We send regular advice and updates for students. We promise not to spam. Subscribe via RSS Feed Connect on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Connect on LinkedIn Connect on YouTube

Secure Vehicular Traffic Re-routing System using SCMS

Secure Vehicular Traffic Re-routing System using SCMS Secure Vehicular Traffic Re-routing System using SCMS in connected cars ABSTRACT The centralized system encounters two vital issues, the centralized server needs to accomplish genuine calculation and communication with the other vehicles continuously, which can make such architecture infeasible for extensive zones with various vehicles; and driver security is not guaranteed since the drivers need to share their area furthermore the beginning stages and goal of their excursion with the server, which may keep the acknowledgment of such courses of action. To address these issues, a half and half vehicular rerouting structure is enlivened. The structure off-weights a tremendous part of the rerouting figuring at the vehicles, and therefore, the re-coordinating system gets the opportunity to be useful persistently. To settle on group rerouting decisions, the vehicles exchange messages over vehicular extraordinarily delegated frameworks. The system is hybrid since notwithstanding it uses a server to choose an exact overall point of view of the development more than 2G/3 G affiliation. Likewise imperative is that the customer security is balanced with the rerouting ampleness. SCMS issues advanced endorsements to taking an interest vehicles for setting up trust among other vehicle, which is imperative for prosperity applications in perspective of vehicle-to-vehicle correspondences. It underpins four principal use cases, to be particular, bootstrapping, endorsement provisioning, bad conduct reporting and renouncement. The principle outline aim is to give both security and insurance to the greatest degree sensible and possible. To fulfill the last specified, vehicles are provided pseudonym certificates, and the provisioning of those supports is partitioned among different affiliations. The essential challenges is to energize capable renouncement while giving insurance against various attacks from insiders. Keywords Intelligent vehicles, VANET, SCMS, IOT, P2P Communication, Traffic Re-Routing. Traffic congestion has changed into a continually developing issue the world over. Blockage diminishes ampleness of transportation foundation and expands travel time, air pollution, and fuel utilize. Traffic blockage acknowledged urban Americans to travel 4.8 billion hours more than should be required and to buy an additional 1.9 billion gallons of fuel, for a stop up cost of $101 billion in 2010. It is normal that by 2015, this cost will scale to $133 billion (i.e., more than $900 for each expert). The measure of abused fuel will hop to 2.5 billion gallons (i.e., enough to all more than 275,000 gas tanker trucks) [1]. While blockage is, figuratively speaking, considered as a significant city issue, delays are winding up being consistently normal in negligible urban areas and some commonplace zones also. Starting now and into the foreseeable future, finding reasonable reactions for clog adjust at sensible expenses is changing into a stringent issue. The considering is that all the more convincing vehicle re-directing can be proactively given to individual drivers accommodatingly, in light of the communitarian information amassed from shrewd mobile phones or structures presented in vehicles, to encourage the impacts of blockage in the city. The advances of the rising distinguishing and get ready pushes empowers unavoidable change of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). ITS arrangements to update the voyager encounter by melding advancement and data into the present transportation structure. Vehicle re-coordinating framework (VRS) progression is a subset of ITS. In the previous 30 years, assorted VRS advancements have been considered and made the world over using unmistakable courses of action to accomplish chop down travel time for drivers. At present static passed on street side sensors (e.g., acknowledgment circles, camcorders) and vehicles going about as versatile sensors (i.e., utilizing implanted vehicular frameworks or pushed cells) can collect steady information to screen the activity at fine granularity. For instance, the Mobile Millennium widen [2] demonstrated that specific a low rate of drivers need to offer information to satisfy a right activity see. The centralized system gathers reliable development information from vehicles and conceivably street side sensors, and it completes a couple re-routing methods to delegate another course to every re-routed vehicle in light of real travel time in the street deal with. Rather than utilizing basic most short way figurings, the re-guiding strategies utilize stack changing heuristics to figure the new course for an offered vehicle to relieve the potential blockage and to chop down the common travelling time for all vehicles. This specialized way is pushed to a vehicle driver when indications of blockage are seen on his stream way. Regardless, paying little personality to completing a tremendous decreasing in the travel time experienced by drivers, united strategies, for example, our own specific experience the malevolent effects of two trademark issues. In the first place, the central server needs to perform honest to goodness estimation (re-route vehicles to new ways) and correspondence with the vehicles (to send the course and to get territory redesigns) incessantly continuously. It would make centralized system infeasible for boundless districts with different vehicles. In a centralized Vehicle Re-routing framework, the server requires the steady area and moreover the starting point and goal of the vehicles to survey the activity conditions and give productive individual re-steering course. This prompts to significant security stresses toward the drivers and may keep the appointment of such blueprints in perspective of Big Brother fears. For whatever time span that vehiclesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ takes after are completely unveiled, clients character can without a lot of a broaden be comprehended paying little personality to the probability that monikers utilized [3]. This is an immediate consequence of the way that territory can contain individuals character data [4]. Besides, a movement of area tests will as time goes on reveal the vehicles personality [5]. In this way, it is significant to make the structure work without uncovering the customers Origin and destin ation (OD) sets and with inconsequential number of area overhauls along a client travel. In any case, a totally decentralized outline is not sensible for a proactive re-routing system. For example, by making vehicular specially appointed systems (VANETs), the vehicles can trade information using multi-jump correspondence, and in this manner can perceive signs of blockage in little correspondence while sparing their security. In any case, VANETs dont permit vehicles to get an exact worldwide activity perspective of the road arrange, achieving incorrectly or if nothing else minimum imperfect re-routing. In like manner, in a totally circulated plan, as a result of the nonattendance of a facilitator, the vehicles cant take synchronized exercises meanwhile, which makes it infeasible to settle on group arranged decisions persistently. To handle each one of these issues, this article proposes DIVERT, a dispersed vehicular re-routing system for blockage evading, which impacts both cell Internet and VANET correspondence. Possess is a crossbreed system since in spite of all that i t uses a server, reachable over the Internet, to choose an exact overall point of view of the movement. The consolidated server goes about as a coordinator that accumulates zone reports, recognizes movement blockage and scatters re-routing notices (i.e. overhauled travel times in the road framework) to the vehicles. In any case, the system offloads an unlimited part of the re-routing figuring at the vehicles and consequently the re-steering process gets the opportunity to be particularly helpful dynamically. To take synergistic re-routing decisions, the vehicles orchestrated in a comparable area trade messages over VANETs. Furthermore, DIVERT executes a security change tradition to guarantee the usersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ assurance, where each vehicle recognizes the road thickness locally using VANET and furtively reports data with a particular probability just from high activity thickness lanes. Right when signs of blockage are perceived, the server sends the action framework to the vehicles that sent the latest upgrades. Thusly, these vehicles scatter the action data got from the server in their locale. Customer security is uncommonly upgraded since this convention decreases radically the amount of vehicle area overhauls to the server and, thusly, the driver presentation and distinguishing proof dangers. Also, in this half and half plan, the server does not know the OD sets of the customers. Along these lines, the standard duty of this article is the scattered system for re-coordinating. Involve, has four crucial components: (1) a versatile structure building for appropriated re-routing, (2) dispersed re-routing estimations that use VANETs to vehicle accommodatingly enlist an individual alternative route for each vehicle that considers the incorporating vehiclesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ future ways. (3) security careful re-routing that on a very basic level decreases fragile area data presentation of the vehicles, and (4) upgrades to diminish the VANET overhead and henceforth improve vehicle-to-vehicle correspondence idleness. Re-Routing in VANET to keep away from congestion in the versatile environment by preserving security of client. Centralized System is not adaptable for expanding vehicles. Centralized System causes danger to the client protection No V2V security Emergence of Smart City programs in India Building In-App versatile minimal effort navigation Assigning separate course to every vehicle if there should be an occurrence of re-routing when congestion happens.. Protecting users privacy from server. Implementing security and credential management system among V2V communication Implementing hybrid model while communicating with server i.e. direct Vehicle- to-Server or Vehicle to RSU to Server communication. 5.1 Existing Vehicle Routing Services Projects, for instance, Mobile Millennium [14], CarTel , JamBayes , Nericell ,and surface street estimation [4] vehicle test data accumulated from vehicle on-board GPS devices to change the state of development and gage most constrained travel time. The proposed investigate moves past this idea: instead of investigating the achievability and precision of using PDAs as action sensors, this wander focuses on using that information to recommend courses more splendidly, in this way, fulfilling better adequacy to the extent keeping up a key separation from blockage and diminishing travel time. Organizations, for instance, INRIX [3] give continuous development information at a particular passing precision, which licenses drivers to pick elective courses if they are showing lower travel times. According to Wardrops first action concordance standard [6], this could incite to a customer perfect development adjust. It is known, in any case, that no real adjust can be found under stop up. A cou ple of exercises have been take in the headings of envisioning whole deal discontinuous and transient non-tedious blockages [4]. In any case, the handiness of these applications is in like manner confined: (i) they have exact information generally about interstates and along these lines are not particularly important for city development, and (ii) they cant keep up a key separation from stops up and, meanwhile, it is understood that no certified concordance can be found under blockage [3]. Non-repetitive blockages which address the greater part of all obstructs [8], are especially unsafe as drivers cant use their expert travel times to oversee them. 5.2 Location Privacy Protection There is reliably an trade-off among security and information sharing or disclosure. On the one side, the measure of the information collected particularly impacts the sufficiency of the system. Of course, information disclosure dismisses the all inclusive communitys security (e.g., region, heading). The request is the methods by which to evaluate the assurance and minimize the security spillage. Regarding the estimation, the work in explores the information spills in the question instruments of sorted out shared (P2P) obscure correspondence systems and how these breaks can be used to exchange off mystery. In the meantime, paper [14] described Self Exposure Risk Index (SERI) and External Exposure Risk Index (XERI) to assess the insurance spillage. Concerning region assurance, an unlimited variety of work spotlights on spatial covering to give k-namelessness, which guarantees a customer to be indistinct from at any rate k-1 others. The work in battles that both spatial and common estimations should be considered in the figuring to achieve better k-mystery, where a structure is proposed to engages each versatile client to show the base level of lack of definition that it needs and the most extraordinary transient and spatial strengths that it will recognize. Distinctive techniques can be used to fulfill impelled k-anonymity, for example, registers zone entropy while uses the prefix of the territory hash regard. To keep the zone taking after, achieves k-secrecy by implanting k-1 fake zone takes after. On an extremely essential level, k-obscurity reduces the way of the customers confinement, which is not material for steady region based organizations, for instance, persistent vehicle re-coordinating. The strategy in shows way perplexity approach which uses convenience desire to make a web of meeting ways, staying away from un-trusted zone based organizations from taking after customers while giving uncommonly corr ect constant region overhauls. A weakness careful way covering figuring is proposed in for sparing insurance in GPS takes after that can guarantee a level of security despite for customers driving in low-thickness domains. SCMS Manager: Ensures productive and reasonable operation of the SCMS, sets rules for checking on rowdiness and repudiation solicitations to guarantee that they are right as indicated by techniques. Certification Services: Provides data on which sorts of gadgets are guaranteed to get computerized testaments and indicates the affirmation procedure. CRL Store (CRLS): Stores and circulates CRLs. This is a basic go through capacity since CRLs are marked by the CRL Generator. CRL Broadcast (CRLB): Broadcasts the current CRL, might be done through Road Side Equipment (RSEs) or satellite radio framework, and so on. This is a go through capacity Device: An end-element gadget that sends BSMs, for instance On-Board Equipment (OBE) or After-market Safety Device (ASD). Device Configuration Manager (DCM): Provides confirmed data about SCMS part arrangement changes to gadgets, which may incorporate a segment changing its system address or testament, or handing-off approach choices issued by the SCMS Manager. It is likewise used to confirm the Enrollment CA that a gadget is qualified to get enlistment authentications. Enrollment CA (ECA): Issues enlistment endorsements, which go about as an international ID for the gadget and can be utilized to demand pen name. Diverse ECAs may issue enlistment declarations for various geographic areas, makers, or gadget sorts. Linkage Authority (LA): Generates linkage values, which are utilized as a part of the endorsements and bolster effective repudiation. There are two LAs in the SCMS, alluded to as LAl and LA2. The part keeps the administrator of a LA from connecting endorsements having a place with a specific gadget. Location Obscurer Proxy (LOP): Hides the area of the asking for gadget by changing source locations, and in this manner forestalls connecting of system locations to areas. Furthermore, when sending data to the Misbehavior Authority (MA), the LOP rearranges the reports to keep the MA from deciding the journalists courses. Misbehavior Authority (MA): Processes rowdiness reports to recognize potential bad conduct by gadgets, and if essential disavows and adds gadgets to the CRL. It likewise starts the way toward connecting a testament identifier to the relating enlistment endorsements, and adding-the enlistment authentication to an interior boycott. The MA contains three subcomponents: Internal Blacklist Manager (IBLM), which sends data required for upgrading the inner boycott to the RA; Global Detection (GD), which figures out which gadgets are making trouble; and CRL Generator (CRLG), which issues endorsement disavowal records to the outside world. Pseudonym CA (PCA): Issues here and now (nom de plume) to gadgets. Individual PCAs may, for instance, be constrained to a specific geographic area, a specific producer, or a kind of gadgets. Registration Authority (RA): Validates, procedures, and advances demands for nom de plume to PCA. Request Coordination (RC): Ensures that a gadget does not ask for more than one arrangement of endorsements for a given era. It facilitates exercises between various RAs, and is just required if a gadget could ask for authentications from different RAs Fig. 1. System Architecture A hybrid configuration is proposed to execute DIVERT as showed up in Figure 4.1. The building is made out of a central server and an item stack running on an on-board contraption (e.g., a propelled cell phone) in every taking an intrigue vehicle. This structure uses two sorts of correspondence. The vehicles talk with the server over a 3/4G framework to report adjacent movement thickness data and to get the overall action thickness in the road orchestrate. The vehicles report data as showed by a security careful estimation . In like manner, the vehicles that are firmly found speak with each other over VANETs to choose the area development thickness, to scatter the movement data got from the server, and to execute a spread re-coordinating method. The server uses the vehicle action reports to gather a correct and overall point of view of the road sort out development. The framework is addressed as an organized graph where each edge looks at to a road divide. In addition, each edge has related a dynamic weight addressing the constant action thickness on the edge. A road segment is considered to show signs of stop up when the action thickness is more conspicuous than an edge regard. Each time new road pieces give blockage suggestions, the server uploads a partly weighted diagram (i.e., simply the edges having a travel time not the same as the free stream travel time) to the cars that reported starting at late and are close to the obstruct parcels. The exhorted vehicles dissipate the information (i.e., development graph and vehicle course) in their territories with a set number of ricochets to keep up a key separation from over the top flooding. The dispersal furthermore has a timeout, which is an unfaltering parameter in the system. Exactly when the time is up, in perspective of the movement graph and course information shared by various vehicles, each vehicle, whose present way crosses the stop up spot, locally forms another course to its objective. While speaking with vehicles the vehicles affirm the mechanized verification of the get-togeth er then simply its starts granting. Vehicles in like manner report getting acting up vehicle in structure if found, with the objective that system can affirm it and can discard its statement. Each vehicle sends underwriting when talking with the server as this can disentangle the issue of non-disavowal of message. Fig.2. SCMS Architecture Due traffic re-routing, vehicle travel time and fuel consumption gets lowered. As vehicle are connected it enables other Location based service Traffic is controlled and managed in more efficient manner. It helps in traffic monitoring VANET-based Emergency Vehicle Warning System Traffic light preemption for Emergency Vehicle Vehicle break down notification leads to avoiding accidents Car Upper/Dipper alerts while turning. Crash avoidance 360 vehicle awareness. Intersection movement assistance. Do not pass warning. Emergency Electronic brake light warning A feasible, cost-effective, and effective movement re-routing framework can be executed and deployed in real-time settings. This Approach is versatile as it offload the re-routing calculation on vehicle. References [1] D. Schrank, T. Lomax, and S. Turner. TTIs Urban Mobility Report. Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A M University, 2011. [2] B. Hoh, M. Gruteser, R. Herring, J. Ban, D. Work, J.C. Herrera, A.M. Bayen, M. Annavaram, and Q. Jacobson. Virtual trip lines for distributed privacy preserving traffic monitoring. In Proceedings of the 6th international conference on Mobile systems, applications, and services, pages 15-28. ACM, 2008. [3] Y.C. Chiu, J. Bottom, M. Mahut, A. Paz, R. Balakrishna, T. Waller, and J. Hicks. Dynamic traffic assignment: A primer. Transportation Research E-Circular, (E-C153), 2011. [4] M. Haklay and P.Weber. Openstreetmap: User-generated street maps. IEEE Pervasive Computing, 7(4):12-18, 2008. [5] D. Jiang and L. Delgrossi. Ieee 802.11 p: Towards an international standard for wireless access in vehicular environments. In IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, pages 2036-2040, 2008. [6] J.G. Wardrop. Some theoretical aspects of road traffic research. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Part II, 1(36):252-378, 1952. [7] J. Kleinberg and E. Tardos. Algorithm design. Pearson Education India: Delhi, 2006 [8] Car-to-car communication.[Online; accessed on 14-Dec-2013]. [9] T. Nadeem, S. Dashtinezhad, C. Liao, and L. Iftode. Traffic view: traffic data dissemination using car-to-car communication. ACM SIGMOBILE Mobile Computing and Communications Review, 8(3):6-19, 2004. [10] S. Dornbush and A. Joshi. Streetsmart traffic: Discovering and disseminating automobile congestion using vanets. In Vehicular Technology Conference, IEEE 65th, pages 11-15, 2007. [11] V. Gradinescu, C. Gorgorin, R. Diaconescu, V. Cristea, and L. Iftode. Adaptive traffic lights using car-to-car communication. In Vehicular Technology Conference, IEEE 65th, pages 21-25, 2007. [12] T. Hunter, R. Herring, P. Abbeel, and A. Bayen. Path and travel time inference from gps probe vehicle data. NIPS Workshop on Analyzing Networks and Learning with Graphs, 2009. [13] D. Schultes. Route planning in road networks. Karlsruhe: Universitat Karlsruhe (TH) Fakultat fur Informatik. Institut fur Theoretische Informatik, Algorithmik II, 2008. [14] N. Malviya, S. Madden, and A. Bhattacharya. A continuous query system for dynamic route planning. In Proceedings of 27th IEEE International Conference on Data Engineering (ICDE 2011), pages 792-803, 2011. [15] N.B Taylor. CONTRAM 5, an enhanced traffic assignment model. TRRL research report. Transport and Road Research Laboratory, Crowthorne, United Kingdom, 1990 [16] J. Nzouonta, N. Rajgure, G. Wang, and C. Borcea. VANET routing on city roads using real-time vehicular traffic information. Vehicular Technology, IEEE Transactions on, 58(7):3609-3626, 2009. [17] Juan (Susan) Pan, Iulian Sandu Popa, and Cristian Borcea DIVERT: A Distributed Vehicular Traffic Re-routing System for Congestion Avoidance. IEEE transaction in mobile computing ,2016 [18] W. Whyte, A. Weimerskirch, V. Kumar, and T. Hehn. A Security Credential Management System for V2V Communications. In Proceedings of the 2013 IEEE Vehicular Networking Conference, pages 1-8, 2013

Idealism in F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Last Tycoon Essay examples -- La

Idealism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Last Tycoon Idealism is undoubtably present in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Last Tycoon. Infatuation may be a better word, for that was exactly what possessed the main character, Monroe Stahr. He was totally engorged with one Kathleen Moore. He idealized Miss Moore as the second coming of his deceased wife Minna Davis. Stahr was a true man of men that had little to do with women since the tragic passing of his wife. He would rather put his feet up with a cigar and shoot the breeze with the boys. Yet once he laid eyes on Kathleen for the first time, all of that changed. It was love at first sight. Kathleen and Stahr meet after an earthquake rocked Los Angles. Stahr was surveying the damage done to the studio, when a prop came floating by with two "dames" clinging to it for their lives. A stage hand rescued and presented them to Stahr for judgement. That was the moment that would change everything. The following excerpt is a narration of what was going through Stahr's mind when he was struck blind by Cupid's golden arrow. "Smiling faintly at him from not four feet away was the face of his dead wife, identical even to the expression. Across the four feet of moonlight, the eyes he knew looked back at him, a curl blew a little on a familiar forehead; the smile lingered, changed a little according to pattern; the lips parted--the same." (Chp II, p.26) She was Minna, but she wasn't. All her features were Minna's, except her voice. "--and then he heard another voice speak that was not Minna's voice." (Chp II, p.26) She was obviously British and not glamorous American, as Minna's had been. Nevertheless, she was a replica of his life long love. Stahr determined right then that she would be the next. Before he could get himself together, Kathleen was whisked away by the police for trespassing. Stahr spent the next few days trying to track her down. By this time he had fully succumbed to her rapture. On their third meeting, they happened to stumble upon each other at a posh Hollywood party. Her beauty brought back all the sensations that had trapped him initially. The scene was as follows: "...the white table lengthened and became an altar where the priestess sat alone. Vitality welled up in him, and he could have stood a long time across the table from her, looking and smiling...(while dancing) she was momentarily u... ...es me feel as if life is just one big joke. I soon come to my senses and re-release that life will go on. Stahr on the other hand cannot get past the facts that love has left his life twice. It is just too much for him to deal with. I too idealized the woman in my life as the "wind beneath my wings." The sad fact is that just is not true. The only wind under my wings is the mountain valley breeze that is ever present on this university campus. I am reason for my survival, not a woman. Stahr saw Kathleen as the only thing missing from his life, and quite possibly that being a true statement. He could have lived without her, but he just didn't see it that way. Overall idealism is an interesting idea. We all do it, but why? Why do we idealize people and ideas? Are we trying to make them seem better than they really are? I believe that we do it, because it is instinctive. Whether we idealize a person or an abstract idea, we all do it. The Last Tycoon is an idealistic novel. Even during the time in which Fitzgerald was writing this novel, he idealized the novel itself as his best work. Tragically, just like Stahr, his dream was not realized due to death, that death being his own. Idealism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Last Tycoon Essay examples -- La Idealism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Last Tycoon Idealism is undoubtably present in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Last Tycoon. Infatuation may be a better word, for that was exactly what possessed the main character, Monroe Stahr. He was totally engorged with one Kathleen Moore. He idealized Miss Moore as the second coming of his deceased wife Minna Davis. Stahr was a true man of men that had little to do with women since the tragic passing of his wife. He would rather put his feet up with a cigar and shoot the breeze with the boys. Yet once he laid eyes on Kathleen for the first time, all of that changed. It was love at first sight. Kathleen and Stahr meet after an earthquake rocked Los Angles. Stahr was surveying the damage done to the studio, when a prop came floating by with two "dames" clinging to it for their lives. A stage hand rescued and presented them to Stahr for judgement. That was the moment that would change everything. The following excerpt is a narration of what was going through Stahr's mind when he was struck blind by Cupid's golden arrow. "Smiling faintly at him from not four feet away was the face of his dead wife, identical even to the expression. Across the four feet of moonlight, the eyes he knew looked back at him, a curl blew a little on a familiar forehead; the smile lingered, changed a little according to pattern; the lips parted--the same." (Chp II, p.26) She was Minna, but she wasn't. All her features were Minna's, except her voice. "--and then he heard another voice speak that was not Minna's voice." (Chp II, p.26) She was obviously British and not glamorous American, as Minna's had been. Nevertheless, she was a replica of his life long love. Stahr determined right then that she would be the next. Before he could get himself together, Kathleen was whisked away by the police for trespassing. Stahr spent the next few days trying to track her down. By this time he had fully succumbed to her rapture. On their third meeting, they happened to stumble upon each other at a posh Hollywood party. Her beauty brought back all the sensations that had trapped him initially. The scene was as follows: "...the white table lengthened and became an altar where the priestess sat alone. Vitality welled up in him, and he could have stood a long time across the table from her, looking and smiling...(while dancing) she was momentarily u... ...es me feel as if life is just one big joke. I soon come to my senses and re-release that life will go on. Stahr on the other hand cannot get past the facts that love has left his life twice. It is just too much for him to deal with. I too idealized the woman in my life as the "wind beneath my wings." The sad fact is that just is not true. The only wind under my wings is the mountain valley breeze that is ever present on this university campus. I am reason for my survival, not a woman. Stahr saw Kathleen as the only thing missing from his life, and quite possibly that being a true statement. He could have lived without her, but he just didn't see it that way. Overall idealism is an interesting idea. We all do it, but why? Why do we idealize people and ideas? Are we trying to make them seem better than they really are? I believe that we do it, because it is instinctive. Whether we idealize a person or an abstract idea, we all do it. The Last Tycoon is an idealistic novel. Even during the time in which Fitzgerald was writing this novel, he idealized the novel itself as his best work. Tragically, just like Stahr, his dream was not realized due to death, that death being his own.

Graduation Speech: Stand Tall, Set Your Goals High :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

As I look out on this crowd tonight, I see a diversity of people. I see grandparents who have raised their families, lived through many crises and have accomplished many goals. I see mothers and fathers who have fulfilled some of their dreams, but still may be struggling with challenges and goals to meet. Some families are here tonight to watch their oldest child graduate. For other parents, they’re here to celebrate with their youngest child. Yet all parents wish the best for their children and hope to see them succeed in their endeavors. And last, I see our graduating class. We are excited about what lies ahead, yet some of us are filled with uncertainty about our futures. But we all have one thing in common: We have just begun to search for our hopes and dreams. As we start out on our journey some of us will find the golden path right away. This will take us straight to our destination with few obstacles along the way. Others will take a path that will lead them to more obstacles and hardships. And some will hit a dead-end. But remember, most dead-ends do have room for a turn-around, and each new day can be a fresh start. Without a doubt, the biggest challenge I have faced in my life is adapting to life without my father. Watching my family start a new life after his death has made a big impact on me. This tragedy has encouraged me not to take life for granted, and to grab every opportunity that life has to offer. It has taught me to take a chance in life. It has shown me how suddenly life can change and how fragile it really is. Life is precious, be thankful for what you have, and try and make the most of it. Each of you should take a moment to reflect on your past, to remember those who have helped you get here tonight: your parents, your teachers and your friends. Hold on to these memories that are precious to you. As we leave Warren, our paths will lead us to a world full of opportunities and career choices. Using our technical, manual or personal skills, going to college or developing our creative and artistic talents are all possibilities. As children, we dreamed of becoming teachers, nurses, policemen or astronauts. But as we reached our teen years, our true interests and abilities began to materialize.

Facts On Cocaine Essay -- essays research papers

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that heightens alertness, inhibits appetite and the need for sleep, and provides intense feelings of pleasure. It is prepared from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush, which grows primarily in Peru and Bolivia. Street dealers dilute it with inert (non-psychoactive) but similar-looking substances such as cornstarch, talcum powder, and sugar, or with active drugs such as procaine and benzocaine (used as local anesthetics), or other CNS stimulants such as amphetamines. Nevertheless, illicit cocaine has actually become purer over the years; according to RCMP figures, in 1988 its purity averaged about 75%. With repeated administration over time, users experience the drug's long-term effects. Euphoria is gradually displaced by restlessness, extreme excitability, insomnia, and paranoia - and eventually hallucinations and delusions. These conditions, clinically identical to amphetamine psychosis and very similar to paranoid schizophrenia, disappear rapidly in most cases after cocaine use is ended. Tolerance to any drug exists when higher doses are necessary to achieve the same effects once reached with lower doses. But scientists have not observed tolerance to cocaine's stimulant effect: users may keep taking the original amount over extended periods and still experience the same euphoria. Physical effects of cocaine use include constricted peripheral blood vessels, dilated pupils, and increased temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. The duration of cocaine's immediate euphoric effects, which include hyperstimulation, reduced fatigue, and mental clarity, depends on the route of administration. The faster the absorption, the more intense the high. On the other hand, the faster the absorption, the shorter the duration of action. The high from snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes, while that from smoking may last 5 to 10 minutes. Increased use can reduce the period of stimulation. When people mix cocaine and alcohol consumption, they are compounding the danger each drug poses and unknowingly forming a complex chemical experiment within their bodies. NIDA-funded researchers have found that the human liver combines cocaine and alcohol and manufactures a third substance, cocaethylene, that intensifies cocaine's euphoric effects, while possibly increasing the risk of sudden death. Yes. Cocaine is of... ... the "Brompton cocktail". This was a judiciously-blended mixture of cocaine, heroin and alcohol. The results were gratifying not just to the recipient. Relatives of the stricken patient were pleased, too, at the new-found look of spiritual peace and happiness suffusing the features of a loved one as (s)he prepared to meet his or her Maker. Drawing life to a close with a transcendentally orgasmic bang, and not a pathetic and god-forsaken whimper, can turn dying into the culmination of one's existence rather than its present messy and protracted anti-climax. There is another good reason to finish life on a high note. In a predominantly secular society, adopting a hedonistic death-style is much more responsible from an ethical utilitarian perspective. For it promises to spare friends and relations the miseries of vicarious suffering and distress they are liable to undergo at present as they witness one's decline. A few generations hence, the elimination of primitive evolutionary holdovers such as the ageing process and suffering will make the hedonistic death advocated here redundant. In the meanwhile, one is conceived in pleasure and may reasonably hope to die in it.

It Was Sheer Good Fortune That the Conservative Party in May 1955

â€Å"It was sheer good fortune that the Conservative Party were returned to office in May 1955. † Discuss. In the May 1955 General Election, the Conservatives won 344 seats, winning with an overall majority of 58; with Labour winning 277 and 3. 9% of votes were for Liberal and Others. It can be argued that the Conservatives were returned to office in 1955 due sheer good fortune. However, we must explore the other options as to why the Tory party won, particularly how the Conservative party looked against the opposition. In 1951, the economy was in turmoil.There was a balance of payments crisis which leads to a ? 700 million deficit. Also, countries started to buy imports from other countries outside of the UK, so Britain’s export market was damaged. However, by 1952, the government had recovered, and by 1954, Great Britain was flourishing; rationing was abolished, unemployment was reduced and it was the end of austerity and the start of the era of affluence. This is an example of good fortune because coincidently, Britain’s economy had fully recovered not long before the election.Also, due to the condition of the opposition, the Conservatives seemed like a stable government. There was a right-left split in Labour, between Gaitskell and Bevan. This showed that the Labour party was unorganised and could never lead the country properly as they wouldn’t be able to agree on important decisions. This is another example of how the Conservatives won through good fortune, as British citizens wanted consistency and efficiency, which was best displayed by the Tories. One month before the election, Churchill resigned. He was replaced by Mr.Eden, a popular replacement. He was the Foreign Secretary and a statesman; this had earned him a good reputation. This is an example of good fortune because the public liked Eden, and for him to become Prime Minister a month before the election due to Churchill’s resignation was good for Conservative p opularity. Other factors as to why the Conservatives were returned to office include the events that took place during the time when Churchill was Prime Minister. During Churchill’s time as Prime Minister, the Korean War ended – in 1953 to be exact.The public were happy about this because Britain couldn’t afford to be paying for a war. Therefore, this would leave Britons in the Conservatives favour, which would result in them being voted in again. Also, between 1951 and 1954, Arthur Macmillan, the Minister of Housing, was able to fulfil the ‘300,000’ houses a year pledge in 1953, a year early. This showed that the party was organised and were serious about their policies, which would have helped their popularity in the election because people would know that the Tory party were committed and would mean what they promised.The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953 was also significant because it lifted the mood of the electorate and brought about a fe eling of optimism. This would have raised Conservative support because the Coronation was during the time of a Conservative government. It can be argued that the reason the Conservatives were voted in again was that they worked hard on their campaign to attract the voters that were undecided on which party to vote for.They focused on their electoral appeal, and they were united and working together, where as Labour was not due to the split between the Bevians and the Gaitskillites. The Conservatives’ policies were also favourable. Butler’s 1955 Budget was appealing because it cut taxes considerably. The cuts included a 6d reduction in income tax plus higher personal allowances. Voters liked this because it means they do not have to pay as much money back to the government, and as humans we like to keep our money.Overall, when we take all the factors into consideration, the most important reason for the Conservatives returning to office in 1955 is that when compared to the Labour party, which was disunited due to the split between the right and the left wing members, the Conservatives seemed to be a reliable and consistent party. Their policies were good and the Housing pledge was proof that they are trustworthy. Above all, they were a well organised party that were able to focus on appealing to the electorate while Labour was held back by the state of the party.

Cross-Border Strategic Alliances and Foreign Market Entry Essay

Introduction It is indisputable that as the world gets globalized, virtually all companies are compelled to expand their market to the international or foreign nations. Expansion into the foreign countries is perceived to be associated with many positive impacts. However, it has been shown that some entry modes are detrimental to the performance of the company or the firm. This implies that before any firm decides to expand, it has to weigh different international entry modes and determine the best mode to use.   This paper discusses one of the modern entry modes, called cross-border strategic alliance. The paper will achieve this by reviewing one of the detailed article cross-border strategic alliances. Analysis The article entitled â€Å"Cross-Border Strategic Alliances and Foreign Market Entry† by Larry Qiu analyzes how firms are motivated to form cross-border strategic alliances when entering into new markets. The goal of the article trying to answer the question as to why most firms are forming cross-border strategic alliances and also identifying the economic factors that facilitate the formation of such alliances. Utilizing a two-country, multi-firm and three-stage economic model, the author reveals astonishing findings on the manner in which companies enter into international market (Qiu, 2006). The article reveals that the company can enter into an international market in different ways. Some of the ways include export and foreign direct investments. Cross-border mergers and acquisition, according to the article is the modern way in which a country can penetrate other countries. There are other traditional forms such as export and green-field foreign direct investment (FDI). The article analyzes based on the thesis statement that multinationals are shifting from the traditional forms such as FDI to modern forms such as cross-border mergers and acquisitions and cross-border strategic alliances. The factors that are considered to influence the choice of the entry mode include such aspects as variable costs such as trade and transport costs and fixed costs. The author argues that a company may set up just one plant in its own country and uses it to serve both the domestic and foreign markets. According to the article, search firm will be entering into foreign and international countries through export. Alternatively the same firm may opt to set up two plants, one plant in the domestic country and the other in the foreign country. In such a case, the firm will be entering into foreign country through foreign direct investment. The invention of cross-border strategic alliances, according to the article, has compelled most countries to switch from export to FDI. This is because the cross-border strategic alliance is associated with numerous benefits compared with the export strategies (Qiu, 2006). For example it creates different synergies in the domestic and foreign markets. In addition, it promotes production alliances, which help each of the allied firms to reduce production costs both in their domestic plants as well as their foreign plants. As far as distribution costs is concerned, the article argues that the cross-border marketing, which is a product of the cross-border strategic alliance, reduces the allied firms’ distribution costs in their foreign market (Qiu, 2006). Conclusion The foregoing analysis has shown why cross-border strategic alliance is becoming the most preferred mode of entry as far as international trade is concerned. Compared to other entry mode methods, cross-border strategic alliances create different synergies in the domestic and foreign markets (Qiu, 2006). Some of the synergies include production cost synergies and distribution costs synergies. These synergies helps the company reduce the production and distribution costs and hence get profits. References Qiu, L. D. (2006). Cross-Border Strategic   Alliances and Foreign Market Entry. Hong Kong   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   University of Science and Technology. Retrieved from:   Ã‚   http://www.etsg.org/ETSG2006/papers/Qiu.pdf   

Virtual War Video Games

Video games are the most popular forms of entertainment among children, adolescents, and young adults. Many video games are extremely violent and expose the Young to violence on a constant basis. In particular, young men are a preferred target of advertisement from game manufacturers for war theme games. These games are either first person shooters or third person play. In a first person shooter game, the player is holding the gun whereas in third person games, the player is represented by a character within the game play.These games, especially first person shooters, are designed to give a rush to the players by stimulating their primal reactions and with more reasonable games, a need to prove their ‘manhood’. In addition, extreme exposure to video game and TV violence has a tendency to desensitize people, especially immature minds who may not be able to connect to what is really happening in front of them on the TV screen and, at the same time, clearly distinguish virt ual fiction from reality.  (King, Krzywinska, 124)The scope of this paper is to explore the idea that young men may join the Army for other reasons than to go to college. In essence, they join the Army with the idea that they will ‘kick butts’, just like in their favorite war video games without realizing that they have signed up to be in the middle of the nightmarish realities of war: suffering and death. Since the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, the news media have been showing images of war: explosions, soldiers running down what used to be streets while dodging bullets, showing these images to saturation.The saturation seems to come from a fascination with death and how cameras can immortalize the image. (Sontag, 59) The audience is curious to know what it is like to be there, perhaps, there is a clear morbidity in the obsession of watching violence and ‘how war works. ’ Besides, the Iraq war is ambivalent because most soldiers who are sent do not und erstand why they are really there. Back during the Vietnam War, young soldiers seemed to have been better conscious, in the sense of understanding, of the cause they were fighting for.After listening to Vietnam veterans, people may somewhat realize how traumatic their experience was but until people are in the nightmare of war, they will not fully grasp the horror because if you were in it once, you never forget for the rest of your life. Still, people get the idea that war is gruesome but they do not live it. Besides, wars are never simple even though it is portrayed that way by politicians whose primary interests may have nothing to do with the interests of the people and the soldiers, dying for their cause!Einstein his 1932 letter to Freud states: â€Å"Political leaders or governments owe their power either to the use of force or to their election by the masses. They cannot be regarded as representative of the superior moral or intellectual elements in a nation. In our time, th e intellectual elite do not exercise any direct influence on the history of the world. † Vietnam veterans will tell you the pain and the level of panic, stress, disgust, and dread there was to be there, in the middle of insanity!Grossman in his book On Killing, talks about the psychological impact of combat and how devastating it is because the soldier is forced to be in an unnatural situation in which he or she must kill the enemy and survive at the same time. (Grossman, 36) Yet, war is still portrayed as glorious and as a beautiful sacrifice of life for one’s country. This picture is probably true for a well-informed mature person who can sign up with the Army, making a conscious decision that he or she will be severely tested and that he or she may very well kill others and be killed themselves.However, nowadays with the Iraq war dragging as well as many soldiers dying, recruitment efforts have increased, particularly in poor neighborhoods. After speaking with a tota l of 15 African-American young men from different areas, it is obvious that all of them they felt especially targeted by Army recruiters. Five of them actually said that the recruiters claimed that as recruits, they could do whatever they wanted like joining their corps music band if they were inclined to play music.Two particular African-American men confirmed these statements and said that in their case, the recruiters told them how famous Black basket ball players had joined the Army. Another young man â€Å"Mike† described how two Marine recruiters tried to get him by using the fact that he was good at playing video games: â€Å"No problem, man. It’s like in the video games†¦Hey, you played ‘Call of Duty’, ‘SOCOM 3’? †¦ How about ‘Doom’? Awesome†¦ Hey, you’d be right there with the rest of us. † The remainder of the group said that they had at least one family member in the Army and that they did n ot want to join because they knew what the Army was all about.In order to enlist young men, the reality of war has been more and more hidden from the recruits to get them to sign up to go fighting in Iraq. Moreover, the Army has made a significant effort to blend reality with fiction to get young men to sign up using TV advertisements that are aired: it is a brilliant use of the psychological impact of TV and advertising; the reality is completely absent and replaced with proud looking and competent looking young people in charge of complicated ‘stuff’ coupled with computer animation worthy of â€Å"Apocalypse Now† and strangely resembling the look, style, and feel of war video games.In addition, it is not a coincidence that these ads air at the same time than popular TV action shows. For example, the Air Force has made use of the science-fiction show â€Å"Stargate-SG-1† to promote joining their corps. The main characters of the series are Air Force offic ers who have wonderful, exciting adventures on exotic planets, far, far away on the other side of the galaxy. Obviously, the basic goal is to offer young men an opportunity for 30 seconds to imagine themselves as proud competent young people playing with ‘stuff’, looking good, being well-educated and well-paid.Little do they realize what they are in for once they sign up because they just cannot walk away and say ‘I don’t want to do this anymore’ whereas in a video game, they push the off button and everything goes away. So, the psychological appeal is double. The message from these televised ads says: ‘you will be successful in the Army (‘Be All That You Can Be in the Army’) and you will if you join. Plus, the Army is about adventure and action just like the video games you like to play. ’ Video games have a very tight grip on young people, especially teenagers and young adults: you can see that clearly when you visit video games arcades.Many video games particularly target young men, especially the violent ones. Young women who play video games may prefer pure adventure or funny games. Violent games are prevalent and popular. The more violent and gory, the better is the motto. King & Krzywinska mention that the extent of obstacles to which a player is confronted to save his character from dying is correlated to the extent of violence to do so. (King, Krzywinska, 162) The resulting intensity is addictive while the violence seems to be connected to the idea of prompt retaliation for actions perceived as threatening by the character/player.Prompt retaliation is often displayed by people who have not attained an emotional maturity such as adolescents and young males. The action intensity of some games is so high that the players surrender to â€Å"frenetic paroxysm elements. †(King, Krzywinska, 162) Interestingly, assaults in the real world tend to result in a total state of primitive adrenaline-d riven fight or flight in the violent offenders, bypassing the cerebral rationality area of the brain. Grossman specifies that in a combat situation, the soldier will display â€Å"tunnel vision† meaning that the enemy soldier looks closer and more dangerous.(Grossman, 97) In addition, killing may cause an exulting effect on the combatant. The reason is that killing in war is the initiation of the power of sparing lives and killing others weaker than him. In fact, certain veterans confided that holding a gun or a machine gun was â€Å"a magic sword or even Excalibur. † (Bourke, 4) Bourke quotes the part of a letter from a soldier telling his family how he enjoys fighting exercises (Bourke, 58): â€Å"Today we had our first bayonet class – it is quite a weapon – we all left the field thirstier than hell – all of us had the same idea, likea child with a new toy, to try it. That is the way we were all growing to feel about combat in general – w e want a taste of it. † It is disturbing to realize after reading these words that the man in question is so excited by the idea of using a weapon, like a new toy. In a strange way, it parallels what war video games have become for adolescents and young men today. They can play war safely at home, enjoying the excitement that seems to exist in combat. In addition, video games can transform the player into a ‘real’ hero just like on TV or in a film.One real hero of the Vietnam War was Sgt. Benavidez who had distinguished himself jumping from a helicopter running quickly, dodging bullets until he got hit in his right leg, face, and head. Despite his injuries, he continued his mission, which was to rescue a few other comrades of arms. He carried  ½ of the team on his back to the aircraft while again dodging bullets. Since the team was involved in a secret mission, the documents had to be retrieved. Benavidez rushed back, still gravely injured, to pick up the dead b ody of the team leader and retrieve the classified documents.As he reached the body, he got hit again, this time by a bullet in his abdomen and shrapnel from a grenade in the back. Unfortunately, the pilot of the helicopter had been hit and died on the spot as the helicopter crashed to the ground. Benavidez took the documents, went crawling back to the aircraft, helped the wounded out of the wreckage, and organized them into a defense perimeter. Then, he proceeded to distribute rations and water, still under enemy fire while injured! As if that was not enough, he called and directed air strikes to dampen enemy fire and call for another rescue.Incredibly, he received another bullet in the thigh while he was administering first aid to a wounded member of his team. A second helicopter landed and Sgt. Benavidez again transported his wounded team members to the aircraft. During a second trip, an enemy soldier ran after him and clubbed him on the head. Hand to hand combat ensued with Bena videz killing the enemy after having received more wounds to the head and arms. That was not the end. Two enemy soldiers ran, approaching the aircraft from an angle that the gunner could not reach.Benavidez killed these two men as well, subsequently returning to the perimeter to make sure all the documents had been taken and to get the last wounded men out. After the war, Sgt. Benavidez received numerous medals for his bravery, which was qualified as being of the highest traditions of the military service. (Leonard, 67-69) This account is truly extraordinary and is worthy of the greatest war legends passed down in many cultures, including our own. This is the story of all the heroes in Hollywood movies that make young men dream that they could be like that, not only admired for their bravery but famous and legendary as well.In effect, Sgt. Benavidez is a bona fide model of courage and altruism. Still, are these concepts familiar to these young men involved in their video game world? Bernard et al. mentions the idea of human motivation; the motivation of sacrifice for an ideal. (Bernard, Mills, Swenson, Walsh, 40) Sacrifice for an ideal belongs to the real world, not video games; many of these young players would never be able to do what Benavidez did in the real world because of their lack of understanding of what sacrifice and altruism are.Still, they can pretend to be sacrificing and altruistic in any war video game; not only do they get a high score for their bravery in the virtual world that looks so real but they get to live another day without worrying about their health or the effects of these virtual bullets on their body. At the end of the challenge, they just swallow a few ‘magic pills’ and they are good as new! They can either continue the carnage or turn the game off and watch TV some more. Did they really experiment the reality of war?The video game only gives the player the enjoyment and excitement that soldiers may feel, the proverb ial rush that soldiers tell about when going to combat. Yet, war is more than that. For example, can they really kill another man if they were fighting as soldiers? Can they empathize with the plight of the victims, innocent men, women, and children? Could these young men stand killing innocent women and children or sustain their looks of misery? How about peer pressure about torturing and killing prisoners?How about hand-to-hand combat with someone they do not know, realizing that this is the part when the enemy is killed right there by their own hands, not by a machine gun far away? Where is the video game for that part of the war? Young men are being enlisted not knowing what is in store for them. All they know is that it will be awesome, exciting and fun to go to war and kill people. These tendencies have been especially exemplified by the Iraq war. This war comes at a time when virtual reality is so prevalent among adolescents and young men and women.The Washington Post publish ed a story back in February 2006 about video games and how they are used by the military to train soldiers. The military uses these training techniques all the time according to the article. It even has helped design video games: â€Å"Full Spectrum Warrior is one of them. The weapons used in video games are exact replicas of existing weapons. One of the interviewed soldiers in the article relates that when he had to kill a human enemy for the first time, â€Å"it did not even faze me† he said. â€Å"It felt like I was in a big video game† he added. Playstations and Xboxes were found everywhere in the soldiers’ barracks.The comments of the Pentagon computer simulation officer in charge were that video games have revolutionized the way soldiers are trained. Adding on the experience of the soldier who was mentioned above, he stated that when it came time to fire his weapon, he was ready for it, he did not hesitate in fact because he had done it so many times befo re in the video games. In addition, a high ranking officer confirmed that the soldiers are not as inhibited to kill as previous generations who did not have video games. The officer asserted that video games provide â€Å"a better foundation to work with† in order to teach killing other human beings.In fact, the U. S. Army set up a game online â€Å"America’s Army† that is used as a recruiting tool. (Vargas, 1) The young men who were interviewed in the Washington Post did not seem psychologically affected by what they did. In fact, they gave the impression that they are completely detached from the situations they encountered when they had to kill. Still, some soldiers cannot live with the fact that they killed a human being. The realization or the enormity of the act may come quickly or later, depending on the person. In previous wars, it had a tendency to come quickly.Siegried Sasson in Pat Barker’s Regeneration, was a well-known decorated war hero in B ritain. In 1917, he decided to refuse returning to the battlefield because he felt strongly that the war was a useless slaughter. His conscience was strongly affected by the war and the cruelty displayed while defending the trenches. As a result, he was so misunderstood that he was thought to be mentally ill. His ‘diagnosis’ was determined to be shell shock. The reasoning was that everyone should want to go to war and kill enemies. So, if someone did not want to, there had to be something wrong with them.Consequently, he was sent to a mental hospital where he was taken care of by Dr. Rivers whose goal was to send him back to combat. Siegfried was a poet, not a soldier. He was not ‘equipped’ emotionally to deal with killing human beings. Yet, there was so much peer pressure to conform that it took strength and resolve to stand up and refuse to go back to the field. Tragically, he was looked upon as a threat to the morale of the troops. (Barker, 4) In fact, t his is what happens to conscientious objectors who are jailed for refusing to fight.Shell shock was a very serious psychological problem for soldiers coming back from the trenches during WWI. The psychological traumatic experiences gave these men hallucinations and nightmares while causing several physical symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. Other symptoms were materialized as muteness, inability to walk, and other strange effects. Trauma in war is also seen today and it is as shocking as before. The situation, however, is different. Before the age of the video games, soldiers had to acclimate without having ever been in the situation of killing another man.Ironically, today this is no longer the case. As admitted in the Washington Post article, the games teach to kill. Curiously, there are still young men who cannot kill, even after having done it hundreds of time in the virtual world. This was particularly evident when the young soldiers in Iraq commented on the h orror they saw: people dead, children dead, and blood everywhere. These men realized that they were forced to kill innocent men, women, children that were not mere characters of videogames. Grossman commented in his book On Killing that the Army teaches killing but does not teach their soldiers to deal with killing a man.(Grossman, 97) Killing is real and the trauma resulting from this act will haunt many soldiers after they return to their homes. Shell shock is equivalent to what is called PTSD today (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). In July 2004, it was reported that the number of suicides had clearly gone up among soldiers in Iraq as well as severe psychiatric disorders. The Army had not addressed this problem early enough and discovered it then. Back in 2004, seventeen percent of soldiers were assessed to be suffering traumatic stress, depression or anxiety and were deemed to be â€Å"functionally impaired.† Of that group, about three-quarters said they had received no he lp at any time in Iraq from a mental health professional, a doctor or a chaplain. (Holloway, 36) Iraq has been the latest examples of prisoner abuses and indiscriminate attacks during bombardments. Unfortunately, soldiers assaulted men and women while their houses were searched for traces of insurgents. These events clearly violated the Geneva Conventions on Human Rights during conflicts. (Protocol I, Art. 77, sec. 1; Protocol I, Art. 75; Protocol I, Art. 51, sec. 5a & 5 b; Protocol I, Art.48) It is foolish to think that soldiers in combat, with their brain stuck in primal instinct modes and having no rationality capacities left, can reflect on the fact that they should follow the Geneva Protocols of Human Rights. Only after they are done with fighting can they reflect on what they have done: there is no video game in the world that will be able to erase the committed deeds of the soldier who is ordered to kill. In the end, one can ponder over the U. S. Army and the morality of its commanders that allows the comfortable idea to use video games and entertainment as ways to teach killing.The disillusion of the soldiers after combat is that they must kill others, they must see suffering, and they cannot turn it off. The virtual reality used to portray war is false; the only grounds of these games are the weapons, uniforms, and environments as replicas of reality. However, this is just superficial whereas pain is real. Conclusion The reality of war is death and suffering. The role of video games has been hijacked to promote war, violence, and easy killing ‘skills’ promoted by the U. S. Army’s use of these games and clever ad campaigns to get recruits.Even though there may always be the ‘tough guys’ who are not bothered by killing, it is still disturbing to see that many young men are not bothered by killing based on the fact that they seem unable to make the difference between the real world and virtual reality. However, the Ã¢â‚¬Ë œsensitive types’ will always exist too. They are the ones who suffer the most since their world of illusion created by the video games is destroyed when they realize the reality of war, which is killing and destroying while causing pain and misery to innocent people. Their illusions of patriotic glory and excitement are shattered forever.