Succubus Revealed Chapter 3

The crisp paper with its laser printing was a lot different from scrawling script on vellum, but I knew an official transfer letter when I saw one. I'd received dozens in the last millennia, in various forms, pointing me on to new assignments and locations. The last one had come to me while I was in London fifteen years ago. From there, I'd moved here to Seattle. And now this one was telling me it was time to move on yet again. To leave Seattle. â€Å"No,† I breathed, far too soft for Seth to hear. â€Å"No.† I knew this letter was legitimate. It wasn't a forgery. It wasn't a joke sent on Hell's stationery. What I was praying for was that this official transfer order had just been sent to me in error. The letter had no information about my next assignment because, per protocol, employees were usually briefed by their archdemons before a transfer. The letter then came afterward, to make the termination of the old job and start of the new one official. I'd seen my archdemon less than twelve hours ago. Surely, surely, if this was real, Jerome could have brought himself to at least mention it. The transfer of a succubus would be a big deal for him. He'd have to juggle both the fallout of losing me and gaining someone else. But, no. Jerome hadn't behaved as though he had a major personnel change coming. He'd said nothing to even hint about it. One would think this would have trumped his bowling league just a little. I realized I was holding my breath and forced myself to start breathing again. A mistake. Whoever had sent this had clearly made a mistake. Lifting my eyes from the paper, I focused on Seth's sleeping form. He was sprawled in his usual way, with his limbs all over the bed. Light and shadow played across his face, and I felt tears spring to my eyes as I studied those beloved features. Leaving Seattle. Leaving Seth. No, no, no. I wouldn't cry. I wouldn't cry because there was nothing to cry about. This was a mistake. It had to be because there was no way the universe could be this cruel to me. I had already gone through too much. I was happy now. Seth and I had fought our battles to be together. We'd finally achieved our dream. That couldn't be taken away from me, not now. Can't it? A nasty voice in my head pointed out the obvious. You sold your soul. You're damned. Why should the universe owe you anything? You don't deserve happiness. You should have this taken away from you. Jerome. I had to talk to Jerome. He would sort this out. I folded the letter four times and stuffed it into my purse. Grabbing my cell phone, I headed for the door and shape-shifted on a robe. I managed to slip out of the room without a sound, but my victory was short-lived. I'd hoped to be able to sneak outside, past Ian in the living room, and call Jerome in privacy. Unfortunately, I never made it that far. Both Ian and Margaret were up and awake, forcing me to stop middial. Margaret stood in the kitchen cooking something on the stove while he sat at the kitchen table. â€Å"Mom,† he was saying, â€Å"it doesn't matter what the water-to-coffee ratio is. You can't make an Americano out of drip. Especially with that Starbucks crap Seth buys.† â€Å"Actually,† I said, slipping the phone regretfully into my robe's pocket, â€Å"I bought that coffee. It's not that bad. It's a Seattle institution, you know.† Ian didn't look as though he'd hit the shower yet, but at least he was dressed. He regarded me critically. â€Å"Starbucks? They might have been okay before they became mainstream, but now they're just another corporate monstrosity that all the sheep flock to.† He swirled his coffee mug around. â€Å"Back in Chicago, I go to this really great hole-in-the-wall cafe that's run by this guy who used to be a bass player in an indie rock band you've probably never heard off. The espresso he serves is so authentic, it's mind-blowing. Of course, most people have no clue because it's not the kind of place mainstream people tend to frequent.† â€Å"So,† I said, suspecting one could make a drinking game out of how many times Ian used â€Å"mainstream† in a conversation, â€Å"I guess that means there's plenty of Starbucks here for me.† Margaret nodded briefly toward Seth's coffeemaker. â€Å"Have a cup with us.† She turned around and continued cooking. The phone was burning in my pocket. I wanted to sprint toward the door and had to force myself to behave normally in front of Seth's family. I poured myself a cup of delicious corporate coffee and tried not to act like they were keeping me from a phone call that could change the rest of my life. Soon, I told myself. I'd have answers soon. Jerome probably wasn't even up. I could delay here briefly for the sake of politeness and then get my answers. â€Å"You're up early,† I said, taking my coffee over to a corner that gave me a good view of both Mortensens. And the door. â€Å"Hardly,† said Margaret. â€Å"It's nearly eight. Ten, where we come from.† â€Å"I suppose so,† I murmured, sipping from my mug. Since signing up for Team North Pole, I hardly ever saw this side of noon anymore. Children didn't usually hit Santa up for Christmas requests so early, not even the ones at the mall I worked at. â€Å"Are you a writer too?† asked Margaret, flipping over something with a flourish. â€Å"Is that why you pull such crazy hours?† â€Å"Er, no. But I do usually work later in the day. I work, um, retail, so I'm on mall hours.† â€Å"The mall,† scoffed Ian. Margaret turned from the stove and glared at her son. â€Å"Don't act like you never go there. Half your wardrobe's from Fox Valley.† Ian actually turned pink. â€Å"That's not true!† â€Å"Didn't you get your coat at Abernathy & Finch?† she prodded. â€Å"It's Abercrombie & Fitch! And, no, of course I didn't.† Margaret's expression spoke legions. She took down two plates from the cupboard and stacked them high with pancakes. She delivered one to Ian and the other to me. I started to hand it back. â€Å"Wait. Is this your breakfast? I can't eat this.† She fixed with me with a steely gaze and then looked me up and down. It gave me a good view of the quilted teddy bears on her sweatshirt. â€Å"Oh? Are you one of those girls who doesn't eat real food? Is your usual breakfast coffee and grapefruit?† She gave a calculated pause. â€Å"Or do you not trust my cooking?† â€Å"What? No!† I hastily put my plate on the table and took a chair across from Ian. â€Å"This looks great.† â€Å"Usually I'm vegan,† said Ian, pouring syrup on the pancakes. â€Å"But I make exceptions for Mom.† I really, really should have let it go but couldn't help saying, â€Å"I didn't think ‘usually' and ‘vegan' go together. You either are or you aren't. If you're making exceptions some of the time, then I don't think you get the title. I mean, sometimes I put cream in my coffee and sometimes I don't. I don't call myself vegan on black days.† He sighed in disgust. â€Å"I'm vegan ironically.† I returned to my pancakes. Margaret was back to cooking again, presumably her own breakfast now, but still continued the conversation. â€Å"How long have you and Seth been seeing each other?† â€Å"Well . . .† I used chewing as an excuse to formulate my thoughts. â€Å"That's kind of hard to answer. We've, um, dated off and on for the last year.† Ian frowned. â€Å"Wasn't Seth engaged for part of the last year?† I was on the verge of saying, â€Å"He was engaged ironically,† when Seth himself emerged from the bedroom. I was grateful for the distraction from explaining our relationship but not pleased to see Seth up. â€Å"Hey!† I said. â€Å"Go back to bed. You need more sleep.† â€Å"Good morning to you too,† he said. He brushed a kiss against his mother's cheek and the joined us at the table. â€Å"I mean it,† I said. â€Å"This is your chance to sleep in.† â€Å"I got all the sleep I need,† he countered, stifling a yawn. â€Å"Besides, I promised to make cupcakes for the twins. Their class is having a holiday party today.† † ‘Holiday,' † muttered Margaret. â€Å"Whatever happened to Christmas?† â€Å"I can help you,† I told Seth. â€Å"Well . . . that is, after I take care of a couple of things.† â€Å"I can make them.† Margaret was already going through the cupboards, seeking ingredients. â€Å"I've been making cupcakes before any of you were born.† Seth and I exchanged glances at that. â€Å"Actually,† he said, â€Å"I can make them on my own. What would help the most, Mom, is if you could go to Kayla's school today. She's got a half day, and Andrea will need babysitting.† He nodded at me. â€Å"You work tonight, right? Come help me with the twins. I know they can use more volunteers. Elf costume optional. And you . . .† He turned to Ian and trailed off, at a loss for how Ian could actually be helpful. Ian straightened up importantly. â€Å"I'll go find an organic bakery and pick up some stuff for the kids who want to eat baked goods that are made with free-range ingredients and don't contain animal products.† â€Å"What, like free-range flour?† I asked incredulously. â€Å"Ian, they're seven,† said Seth. â€Å"What's your point?† asked Ian. â€Å"This is my way of helping out.† Seth sighed. â€Å"Fine. Go for it.† â€Å"Cool,† said Ian. He paused eloquently. â€Å"Can I borrow some money?† Margaret soon insisted that Seth have breakfast before attempting anything else, and I took advantage of his becoming the center of attention. I quickly put on casual clothes and made a polite exit, thanking her for breakfast and telling him that I would meet up with him at the twins' school for cupcake distribution. As soon as I'd cleared the condo, I began dialing the phone again. Unsurprisingly, I got Jerome's voice mail. I left him a message and made no attempt to hide my urgency . . . or irritation. That kind of attitude wasn't going to endear me to him, but I was too pissed off to care. This transfer was a big deal. If there was any chance of its legitimacy, he really should have given me a greater heads-up. Back at my place, my cats Aubrey and Godiva were happy to see me. Actually, I think they were just happy to see anyone who could feed them. They were lying in front of Roman's closed bedroom door when I walked in and immediately jumped up. They pranced over to me, snaking around my ankles and bombarding me with piteous meows until I refilled their food dishes. After that, I was old news. I toyed with the idea of waking up Roman. I really, really wanted to talk out this transfer news with someone, and Seth hadn't been an option this morning. Roman, unfortunately, shared his father's â€Å"fondness† for mornings, and I wasn't entirely sure I'd have the most productive conversation if I woke him against his will. So, instead, I took my time showering and getting ready for the day, hoping that Roman would get up on his own. No such luck. When ten rolled around, I left another voice mail message for Jerome and finally gave up on Roman. A new idea had hit me, and I went to go check it out first, setting the mental condition that if Roman wasn't up when I returned, I'd wake him then. The Cellar was a favorite bar for immortals, especially Jerome and Carter. It was an old dive of a place down in historic Pioneer Square. The bar didn't generally do a lot of business this time of day, but angels and demons were hardly the types to care about propriety. Jerome might not be answering his phone, but there was a very good chance he was out and about for a morning drink. And, as I came down the steps that led into the establishment, I did indeed feel the wash of a greater immortal signature over me. Only, it wasn't Jerome's. It wasn't even demonic. Carter was sitting alone at the bar, nursing a glass of whiskey while the bartender punched in 1970s songs on the jukebox. Carter would've sensed me too, so there was no point in trying to sneak off. I sat on a stool beside him. â€Å"Daughter of Lilith,† he said, waving the bartender back. â€Å"Didn't expect to see you out and about so early.† â€Å"I've had kind of a weird morning,† I told him. â€Å"Coffee, please.† The bartender nodded and poured me a mug from a pot that had probably been sitting there since yesterday. I grimaced, recalling the espresso shops I'd passed on the way here. Of course, Ian would probably love this stuff for its â€Å"authenticity.† â€Å"Do you have any idea where Jerome's at?† I asked, once Carter and I were in relative privacy again. â€Å"Probably in bed.† Carter's gray gaze was focused on the glass as he spoke, carefully studying the play of light off of the amber liquid. â€Å"I don't suppose you'd take me there?† I asked. Carter had teleported me once before in a crisis, but otherwise, I had no clue where my boss hung his boots. Carter gave me a small smile. â€Å"I may be immortal, but there are still some things I fear. Showing up at Jerome's this early in the morning with you in tow is one of them. What's so important? Did you come up with a name for the bowling team?† I held out the memo I'd received. Even before he looked at it closely, Carter's smile fell. I didn't doubt that the paper had some type of Hellish residue that my senses couldn't pick up. When he didn't take the note, I simply set it down in front of him to read. â€Å"A transfer, huh?† His tone was odd, almost like he wasn't surprised. â€Å"Allegedly. But I have to assume there's some kind of mistake. Jerome is supposed to meet with me first, you know? And you saw him last night. There was no indication that anything weird was going. Well. Weirder than usual.† I tapped the paper angrily. â€Å"Someone in HR messed up and sent this on accident.† â€Å"You think so?† asked Carter sadly. â€Å"Well, I certainly don't think Hell's infallible. And I don't see any reason why I would be transferred.† Carter didn't answer, and I studied him carefully. â€Å"Why? Do you know of some reason?† Carter still didn't reply right away and instead downed his drink. â€Å"I know Hell well enough to know they don't need a reason.† A strange feeling settled over me. â€Å"But you do know of one, don't you? You aren't that shocked by this.† â€Å"Hell doesn't really surprise me anymore either.† â€Å"Damn it, Carter!† I exclaimed. â€Å"You're not answering my questions. You're doing that stupid half-truth thing angels do.† â€Å"We can't lie, Georgina. But we can't always tell you everything either. There are rules in the universe that even we can't break. Can I have another?† he called to the bartender. â€Å"A double this time.† The bartender strolled over, arching an eyebrow at Carter's request. â€Å"Kind of early for that, don't you think?† â€Å"It's turning into one of those days,† said Carter. The bartender nodded sagely and liberally refilled the glass before leaving us alone again. â€Å"Carter,† I hissed. â€Å"What do you know? Is this transfer real? Do you know why I got it?† Carter pretended to be intrigued by the light sparkling on his whiskey again. But when he suddenly turned the full force of his gaze on me, I gasped. It was this thing he did sometimes, like he was peering into my soul. Only, there was more to it this time. It was as though for a brief moment, his eyes held all the sadness in the world. â€Å"I don't know if it was a mistake,† he said. â€Å"Maybe it is. Your people certainly get their wires crossed often enough. If it's legitimate . . . if it is, then no, I'm not surprised. I can think of a million reasons, some better than others, for why they would want to move you out of Seattle. None of which I can tell you,† he added sharply, seeing me start to interrogate him. â€Å"Like I said, there are rules to this game, and I have to obey them.† â€Å"It's not a game!† I exclaimed. â€Å"It's my life.† A rueful smile played over the angel's lips. â€Å"Same difference, as far as Hell's concerned.† Within me, I began to feel an echo of that terrible sadness I'd briefly seen in his eyes. â€Å"What do I do?† I asked quietly. That seemed to catch Carter off guard. I demanded answers from him all the time, clues to figuring out the many puzzles that seemed to follow me around. I was pretty sure, however, that this was the first time I'd simply asked for such open-ended life advice. â€Å"Let me guess,† I said, seeing him gape. â€Å"You can't tell me.† His expression softened. â€Å"Not in specifics, no. First, you need to find out if this was an error. If it was, then that'll make everyone's life easier.† â€Å"I need Jerome for that,† I said. â€Å"Maybe Hugh or Mei would know.† â€Å"Maybe,† said Carter, though it didn't sound like he believed it. â€Å"Eventually, Jerome will pick up his phone. Then you'll know.† â€Å"And if it is real?† I asked. â€Å"Then what?† â€Å"Then, you may have to start packing.† â€Å"That's it? That's all I can do?† Even as I said the words, I knew they were true. You couldn't refuse something like this. I'd had dozens of transfers to prove it. â€Å"Yes,† said Carter. â€Å"We both know you don't have a choice there. The question is, how are you going to let this affect your future?† I frowned, starting to get lost in angel logic. â€Å"What do you mean?† He hesitated, as though reconsidering what he was about to say. At last, he rushed forward with it, leaning close to me. â€Å"Here's what I can tell you. If this is real, then there's a reason for it, absolutely. Not some random re-org. And if there's a reason, it's because you've been doing something Hell doesn't want you to do. So, the question becomes, Georgina, are you going to keep doing whatever it is they don't want you to do?†

Differences between Spearman and Gardner Essay

Edward Spearman’s name is almost synonymous with general intelligence, or â€Å"g† for short. He invented the first form of factor analysis, and proposed a two-factor theory of intelligence. He had sort of a math formula that said every activity involves a general factor plus a specific factor. (G + S). From these theories, he said that people who do well on intelligence tests also do well on a variety of intellectual tasks. â€Å"Vocabulary and mathematical and spatial abilities†. (Wilderdom, 2003). So for example of â€Å"g†, Spearman would theorize that people who score well on a verbal test have a lot of intelligence, but they are affected by their abilities to perform verbal tasks. In laments terms, if you scored well on a verbal test, you studied and have the brain capacity to understand and comprehend the material. Howard Gardner on the other hand has a different point of view on intelligence. Instead of one main intelligence to focus on, he has seven. â€Å"Verbal, Mathematical, Musical, Spatial, Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, and intrapersonal functioning’s† (Wilderdom, 2003). While these are all forms of intelligence, they function separately he argues. Gardner goes a different route than Spearman basing he theories on biological facts. â€Å"Premise 1: If it can be found that certain brain parts can distinctively map with certain cognitive functioning, then that cognitive functioning can be isolated as one candidate of multiple intelligences. Premise 2: Now it has been found that certain brain parts do distinctively map with certain cognitive functioning, as evidenced by certain brain damage leading to loss of certain cognitive function† (Washington U, 2002). These theories give a basis for multiple intelligences. Biologically, Gardner determines that the brain is the major player in the equation. For example; if a person was physically  handicapped, he determined that the particular part of the person brain that controlled motor functions was damaged. The differences between the two psychologist’s theories are basically the same, but explained differently. Spearman’s theories are narrow focusing on one general type of intelligence, G and reaction time. Gardner’s theories are essentially the same but broader focusing on multiple intelligences. Point here is that Gardner doesn’t believe that one intelligence can be sufficient to determine intelligence. As for overall use of these theories, Spearman’s theory has more evidence that it works compared to Gardner’s theory. The proof conquers that there is a connection between someone’s IQ and simple everyday tasks. The only place where Spearman’s theory is suspect is that it doesn’t account for all people. Example; if you gave a poor child an intelligence test, they would probably score poorly thus be deemed to have a below average intelligence. However, the child probably knows how to do basic math to survive and get by, consequently, it can’t take into account different talents that certain individuals have. Gardner also has the same critiques with his theory. A lot of people don’t prefer this method because it is too excessive and has too many components to gauge and measure. His theory has a very casual explanation, but due to the variety of different components to the theory, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact cause and effect of a situation, and since no one has accurately figured out the complexities and diagramed an accurate depiction of the brain, I would have to call the theory hypothetical. References Spearman â€Å"g†, (2003). Retrieved on June 26th 2004, from, http://www.wilderdom.com/personality/L1-5KeyPlayers.html. Han S. Palik, One intelligence or many? (2002). Retrieved on June 25th 2004, from http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/paik.html.

An Astrologer’s Day Essay

An Astrologer’s Day is a story of an astrologer who conducts his business near a court. He starts his work almost at midday . He spreads his professional equipment, which consist of a dozen cowrie shells , a square piece of cloth with obscure mystic charts on it, a notebook and a bundle of Palmyra writing . He’s a fine get-up of an astrologer, with his forehead shinning with sacred ash and vermilion. He has dark whiskers and sparkling eyes. To crown the effect, he wears a saffron-colored turban around his head. He sits at a place which’s frequented by all sorts-of people. Many hawkers cry loudly near him. And when its dark he gets light from a neighboring hawker. The astrologer was devoid of any professional training. During his youth he used to drink, gamble and quarrel. Once he hit a fellow villager hard on his head and assuming the person dead, he pushed him into a well. To hide himself from the police he ran away and settled as an astrologer in a town. Even though he lacked training, he had all the shrewdness and understanding of human mind and the causes of human worries. Thats why he could answer convincing questions to his clients. Once he had an encounter with a person before winding up his day’s work. The man wanted to get satisfactory answer to the question â€Å"Whether he’ll be able to find his enemy or not. The astrologer recognized him as his enemy in that dim light. He was the person whom he pushed into a well thinking he was dead. The astrologer struck a bargain with him. He gave such convincing answers to his questions that the man was fully satisfied. The astrologer told him that his enemy was crushed under a lorry and now he show never travel southward to avoid anymore trouble in his life. In this way he bade him good bye and got rid of his enemy. Reaching home the astrologer told his wife that a great burden was off his head as the person whom he thought to be dead was alive. He narrated the past incident to her. After this, he yawned and stretched himself on the pyol.

Evaluation on the Validity of the Claim That American Public Education Essay

Evaluation on the Validity of the Claim That American Public Education Has Been Consistently Lowering Its Standards and Expectations - Essay Example According to the survey conducted by ‘The National Assessment of Educational Progress’ (NAEP), the result known as â€Å"Nation’s Report Card,† depicted the positive outcomes of the students belonging to 4th, 8th and 12th grade standard on an international basis. Whereas, in contrast to the reports that presented by NAEP, it can be viewed that the scores of the US were much of lower standard in the worldwide context (Gropman, â€Å"Waning Education Standards Threaten U.S. Competitiveness†; Alexander and Leticia 325-327). It has been further argued that the aspect of ‘Downward Mobility’ is haunting the education system of America. The students in the US are avoiding in attending schools and colleges with a fear that their juniors possessing greater education background will be much more educated as compared to them. Further details on the argument for the stand i.e. ‘American Public Education’ is getting consistently lowered in terms of its standards along with expectations have been cited with certain valued observations. For instance, Andreas Schleicher, who is regarded as a special advisor related to education at ‘Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’ (OECD) proclaims that "It's something of great significance because much of today's economic power of the United States rests on a very high degree of adult skills - and that is now at risk," (Coughlan â€Å"Downward mobility haunts US education†). This reflects a clear picture about the prevailing education system of America. In support of the argument, the survey report of OECD revealed that the young adults are being more educated than their parents based on the ratio of 1:5. According to the viewpoints of Miles... This paper stresses that it will be a fallacy to judge the failure of American Public education system due to the persistence of various dissimilar viewpoints about the concerned subject matter. It is the result of the series of activities and the political interferences that eventually deprived the public education system of America from being flourished. In the study, it has been argued that racial discrimination, depriving the middle-class families, inequality and rise in the education expenditures are few of the reasons that contributed in consistent failure of American public education system in terms of lowering its standards along with expectations. The author of the paper talks his own oppinion on the problem of American public education which based system have not declined in recent days. There are several governmental policies levied upon the education sector, proving the effectiveness of the American public education system. It is the teachers who play an effective role in determining the development of education system of any nation. This report makes a conclusion that on contrary to the failure of the American public education system, the government is taking initiatives to implement changed rules and policies for improving the same. Furthermore, it has been viewed from the study that public education system of the US greatly affects five vital security fronts that comprise economic growth along with competitiveness, physical safety of the nation, US global awareness and US unity along with cohesion. Thus, it is necessary for the US government to formulate policies on immediate basis to develop the existing public education system of America.

Implementation of Online Contract Regulations in Turkey Dissertation

Implementation of Online Contract Regulations in Turkey - Dissertation Example 28 2.2 Why does EU require such Distance Selling Directive and EC Regulations? 30 2.3 Are these Regulations up to date? 30 2.4 Are there any international conventions or Cases regarding Online Contracts and Terms & Conditions? 2.5 Are the articles of regulations protective enough for consumers and Tradesmen? 30 3 Conclusion 32 4 Bibliography 33 List of Case Laws Appliance Zone LLC v. Nextag, Inc Baillie Estates Ltd v DuPont (UK) Ltd C R Smith Ltd v Toolcom Supplies Ltd and F Hines v. Overstock.com, Inc Dailymotion v Nord Quest Production Dailymotion v Ronald Magdane, eBay v L’Oreal Fisher v Bell Frank Peterson v YouTube, Google France v Louis Vuitton Malletier SA Hadley v Baxendale Hines v. Overstock.com, Inc Mackenzie Patten & Co v. British Olivetti Ltd, PDC Laboratories, Inc v. Hach Co Pharmaceutical Society v Boots Photo Production Ltd v. Securicor Transport Ltd Salvage Association Salvage Association v. Cap Financial Services Ltd Saphena Computing Ltd v. Allied Collection Agencies Ltd Scherillo v. Dun & Bradstreet St. Albans City St.Albans City v. International Computers Ltd Telecom Italia v Dargaud Lombard Thorton v. Shoe Lane Parking Ltd Youtube v Telecinco List of Statutes International Laws The United Nations Conventions on Contracts for International [Sale of Goods (CISG) UN Convention on the Use of Electronic Communication in International Contracts, 2005 UNICITRAL (United Nations Commision on International Trade Law ) UNIDROIT Principles of International Commercial Contract Vienna Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (UNCITRAL, 1980) UK Laws Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulation 2000 Consumer Protection Act 1987 Contracts (Applicable Law) Act 1990 Sale of Goods Act, 1979 The Data Protection Act 1998 Regulations Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 EU Directives and Laws Consumer Rights Directive (EU Directive 2011/83/EU) EU Council Directive on Unfair terms in contracts EU directive 2000/31/EC EU Directive of Electronic Commerce 2000 2000 EU Services Directive, 2010 EU’s Unfair Commercial Practices Directive The Consumer Protection ( Distance Selling) The Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 The European Directive on Distance Selling (Directive 97/7/EC) 1. Rules relating to incorporation of Terms & Conditions for Online Contracts in the UK 1.1. â€Å"What is Online Contract?† In this era of e-commerce and the internet, online contract has become very common. Now, people from any part of the world can buy a product or service from the supplier from another part of the world like Amazon.com or e-bay. Online contracts are those that are being entered through a technological medium or through the internet. The terms and conditions of online contracts are almost analogues to that of offline contracts. Online contracts are also referred as e-contracts or electronic contracts. Online cont racts must cater the same fundamental needs of a valid contract like offer, acceptance, valid agreement, price or consideration, capacity to contract and legality. The same obligations have to be

To What Extent Does Corporate Social Responsibility Increase Research Paper

To What Extent Does Corporate Social Responsibility Increase Profitability - Research Paper Example As the research topic suggests the primary aim and objective of this research study would be to find out various means through which CSR activities followed by business organizations can help to increase its revenue generation and thereby increasing its profits as well. The main objective of any organization is to maximize the wealth of its stakeholders. However, it has been observed that most of the firms are mostly concerned about their shareholders and undertakes different activities which lead to the increasing value of its shareholders. CSR has had a renewed attention in recent times mainly because of the facts that apart from shareholders different other stakeholders of the company like its creditors, customers and the external environment of the firm as a whole are having a significant impact caused by the various activities carried on by the business firms. CSR has become a means of sustainability for most of the organizations which can lead to its growth and development in f uture. Hence this research study would try to find out the relationship between CSR and profitability of a company and how CSR activities can lead to the increase in its profitability.2. Literature ReviewThe literature review section of this research study would try to find out the existing literature in the field of corporate social responsibility. Moreover, it would also try to find out what the researchers have to say regarding the relationship of CSR and profitability of a company.

Crisis Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Crisis Management - Essay Example This leads us to the fourth important characteristic of a crisis, which is need of initiating a change. If there is no need of a change, it is possible to describe the event under consideration as an incident, or a failure, and not a crisis (Crandall, Parnell and Spillan, 2010). Crisis management differs from risk management. Risk management involves analyzing the potential threats, and finding out the best method of avoiding these threats. Crisis management involves analyzing the threats before their emergence, and also after they have emerged. Crisis management is a discipline, within a wider perspective of management (Blyth, 2009). It consists of techniques and skills that an individual needs to identify, understand, assess and cope up with serious managerial and organizational situations. The skills of crisis management should be put into use, from the time in which the crisis begins, to the time in which the recovery process ends. Identifying those threats is an essential process of crisis management (Crandall, Parnell and Spillan, 2010). It is the occurrence of these threats that the management of an organization will develop a series of plans and strategies to protect the business organization from collapsing or falling. For purposes of reducing uncertainties in the event of an occurrence of a cri sis, organizations normally develop a crisis management plan. A crisis management plan identifies the process which an organization will initiate for purposes of solving the problem under consideration. Crisis management has a direct relation with business. Most business organizations normally undergo a crisis in one form or another. A good example is in 1993 when Pepsi faced a crisis in its operations (Gilpin and Murphy, 2008). This is when syringes were found in the cans belonging to Pepsi. The organization advised the stores where these syringes were found to retain the cans, until an investigation was completed. It

Blooms Taxonomy Within a Planning Pyramid Coursework

Blooms Taxonomy Within a Planning Pyramid - Coursework Example The affective domain includes sis categories, namely receiving phenomena, responding to phenomena, valuing, organization, and internalizing values. Finally, the psychomotor domain contains seven categories, namely perception, set, guided response, mechanism, complex overt response, adaptation, and origination (Rosenberg, Westling, & McLeskey, 2007). Each of the three domains of learning contains verbs that trainers find to be significant in setting goals, which learners must achieve by the end of a lesson. Some goals in the Unit Planning Form contain verbs from Bloom’s Taxonomy. Among the goals in the planning form is to compare and contrast weathering and erosion after the learning process. Compare and contrast are the two verbs from Bloom’s Taxonomy. These verbs belong to analysis and evaluation, which are among the categories of the cognitive domain. In the original cognitive domain, analysis and evaluation are the equivalents of creating and evaluating respectively in the new cognitive domain. Students should distinguish between inferences and facts as well as make judgments regarding the values of materials or ideas. Compare and contrast also belong to organization, which is a category of the affective domain. Students should organize values into various statuses by contrasting the values, solving conflicts between the values, and creating unique value systems. Organization emphasizes relating, comparing, as well as synthesizing values. Therefore, compare and contra st the only verbs in the Unit Planning Form (Rosenberg, Westling, & McLeskey, 2007). Teachers choose significant instructional adaptations in order to facilitate the participation of students in an educational curriculum. Instructional grouping, progress monitoring, and content presentation relate to some of adaptation in the planning form. Such adaptations include audiotape of chapters, concept maps, cooperative learning groups, and study friends to prepare for questions

Glio Tumors Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Glio Tumors - Essay Example However, spinal cord, optic nerves, etc. are often affected by Glio tumors in the human body. (Markert, pp. 11-12) Humans have always classified things according to its specifications for a better understanding, and therefore, gliomas have been categorized according to different types of cells, as well as, grading. In terms of types of cells, Ependymomas, Astrocytomas, Oligodendrogliomas, and Oligoastrocytomas are some of the names of Gliomas. On the other hand, World Health Organizations has classified gliomas according to its pathological evaluation. In this regard, pilocytic astrocytoma, low-grade astrocytoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, and glioblastoma multiforme are the different classified gliomas according to the WHO grading system in the ascending order. (Barnett, pp. 23-25) It has been observed that worst prognosis is usually confronted in last grade of gliomas, which results in the maximum human survival of a year. Briefly, nausea, headache, cranial nerve disorder, and vomiting are some of the usual symptoms of brain gliomas. Patients of Glio tumors often complain of visual loss, which is caused due to the affected optic nerve in the human brain. Numbness in the extremities can also be caused by the gliomas in the spinal cord of human body. In cases of high-graded gliomas, progressive memory is one of the most widespread symptoms of Glio tumors. (Barnett, pp. 29-31) In terms of prognosis of Glio tumors, most of the experts and neurosurgeons have accepted that it is incurable. Poor results have been observed during the diagnosis of patients with worse gliomas. In specific, worst results during prognosis have been shown by Glioblastoma multiforme. In such cases, three months is the maximum survival time for the patients in times of no treatment. (Markert, pp. 41-44) Symptomatic therapy, palliative therapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are some of the common treatments of Glio tumors. However, one of the

Language & Cross-cultural Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Language & Cross-cultural Communication - Essay Example As defined by Schà ¼tz (1972), this essay proceeds from an understanding of intercultural communication as embedded in all forms of cultural discourse, and advances a hybrid structural and sociolinguistic analytic framework, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative methodology in analyzing intercultural communication within social networking sites, with particular emphasis on Facebook, Chinese, and French versions. The quantitative analysis contained herein requires comment. Over a course of a week participants were monitored and the newsfeed and wall-postings from a sample Facebook account were recorded. A series of five participants were also interviewed regarding their forms of communication on Facebook. Further elements of intercultural communication were analyzed on an individual basis and qualitative analyses were conducted and compared with contemporary research on the issues of language, identity and social capital. While such an approach allows for a level of sample bias, it does allow for a micro-level sociolinguistic analysis where past studies have opted for macro discussions. The nature of Facebook also allows a uniquely convenient means for sociological analyses that in non-electronic subcultures requires extensive means and human organization. Further research was conducted in the realm of morphology to determine the extent to which linguistic shifts have occurred as a result of the recent emergence of Facebook as a major means of social communication. With the fast technological development of web 2.0, social networking sites have gained worldwide popularity at a fast speed. Most SNSs allow individuals to present themselves through profiles, articulate their social networks by participating in group activities, and establish or maintain connections with strangers based on common interests, shared views, or interactive activities (Scale,

WGS 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

WGS 2 - Assignment Example It is quite pivotal to understand that American political movements were key catalyst to channel social reform as well1. In the modern day, women are independent and have the liberty to work in corporate American. Additionally, the website discusses the intricacies of social issues that plague women. Equal pay is one of the major focal points that was heavily discussed. One of the key things that worries me is domestic violence is another issue that is depicted as a challenge for women who are seeking to have a better life. The website discusses many challenges that women face of domestic violence in their respective home, which does draw a paradigm. The idea of gender disparity in school, government and overall progression of women is clearly hindered in these cultures. . Cultures adhere to gender roles because they assign responsibilities to each gender based on family needs. For example, women in eastern cultures have to follow the cult of domesticity. I think this is a major issue as assimilation of women migration is an interesting point to

Wine War Essay Example for Free

Wine War Essay What changes in global industry and competitive dynamics led france and traditional producers to lose market share to challengers from Autrala, United States, and other New World countries in the late twentieth century? All over the ages, European countries were alone on the world wine market. They have a great heritage in production and are known and appreciated in all countries. They tried to exportat their products but they had faced problems ( like transportation which is extremely expensive and wine that don’t travel well). Also, producers tried to find solutions like new packages (glass bottles in the 18th century and early the 19th) but this was done outside a competition point of view. Unfortunately, the solutions found was not very elaborated and did not allow French wine to be largely spread in the foreign countries. They did not though that this non-satisfied demand in international countries would lead them in a â€Å"wine war†. Complex national and European Community legislations (taxes on exportations, little possibility to transform the wine and to create new excisting products around it, high cost of roduction ) added to the transportation problems did not allow French producers to satisfy the needs allover the world. Therefore, some countries began producing their own wine and also developed new processus and new technologies to produce, transport and market their product. Until today, United States, Australia, Chile and other countries manage to reach good ranking in sales and good reputation of their products. Their creativity, innovations and lower prices permit these â€Å"New world† producers to follow the demand and understand the new young generations’ and new wine-drinker-countries’ demand. During this time, countries such are France was struggling with legislation and continued to think people prefer French wine because of it’s quality and it’s long tradition. They just looked at the decreasing consumption of â€Å"classic†, â€Å"everyday wine†, without changing anything in their methods until few years ago. Where French producters never did anything to sell their wine, the new producers developed very good marketing strategies, and effective distribution systems. In the same time they also increased the quality of their wine and reached good opinion in wine drinker mind. The brand power that has been developed around these alcohol products allows international wine companies to defeat the French very high quality wine.

Illiberal Practices of Liberal Regimes

Illiberal Practices of Liberal Regimes Should liberal societies tolerate illiberal practices? Discuss with reference to Kukathas. Most liberal democracies would claim to be liberal societies with hardly any or no restriction on liberal practices such as freedom of speech, freedom of religious belief, or freedom of information. However, not all of the liberal societies have the same levels of illiberal practices potentially restricting the freedom of their citizens. Liberal societies need to consider whether they should tolerate illiberal practices for various pragmatic and theoretical reasons. Not all of the liberal societies are the same and therefore tolerate different levels of illiberal practices. The level of illiberal practices that liberal societies will tolerate can depend, as will be discussed, on whether there are threats to those societies than can justify illiberal practices being used to safeguard those liberal societies from greater damage. Alternatively, toleration of illiberal practices depends on whether any particular liberal society sees a need to intervene when other liberal societies would not. The following discussion, as to whether liberal societies should tolerate illiberal practices, is with reference to the arguments of Chandran Kukathas in the ‘Liberal Archipelago’ and his other works. Kukathas and his work have aroused controversy especially with regard to whether minority groups should receive extra protection or special treatment in liberal societies, for instance being able to educate their children in separated schools. Discussions of liberal societies have shifted in emphasis to pluralism and whether it should be promoted or not. That change of emphasis from past debates occurred due to a greater recognition of the increased diversity in multicultural societies and the increased social conflicts or disagreement that can entail. No liberal society is free to operate without restraints, whether those are legal restraints or illiberal practices that have evolved over time or have been applied upon an ad hoc basis. Liberal societies have to find a balance between the greatest amount of freedom for every individual within those societies with the need to maintain stability plus law and order. Liberal democracies are regarded as the best form of state that allows liberal societies to flourish with the least number of illiberal practices (Comfort, 1993 p. 345). Kukathas himself contends that although not perfect in practice that ‘democratic states have been kinder and gentler rulers’ (Kukathas, 2003 p. 195). A problem with the toleration of illiberal practices is that people’s definitions of illiberal practices differs widely and is entirely subjective. The illiberal practices of some people are the necessary and common sense measures advocated by others to maintain law and order. Liberalist me asures do not even have to be introduced by liberal societies, for instance Russia, France, and Prussia in the 18th century or present day China have adopted economic liberalism without lessening the authoritarian grip of the state (Held, 1996 p. 70). The acceptable level of illiberal practices tolerated in liberal societies is dependent on how much interference from the state in the political, economic and social spheres of societies is considered justified. Liberalism as a political, economic and social concept had evolved and changed over the centuries. Liberalism has been subject to changes and trends just like the other ideologies such as socialism and conservatism. In its original guise liberalism called for the minimum amount of state interference as possible in social and economic affairs. Liberalism contends that states were only needed to ensure that people had basic legal rights and that the property of the wealthy or businesses was protected. This classical liberalism wa s linked to the political ideas of John Locke and the economic liberalism of Adam Smith amongst others. Kukathas finds Locke’s views appealing, as Locke was a strong supporter of religious toleration and freedom of conscience (Held, 1996 p. 70). Classical liberalism stresses the freedom of individuals to do what they like, when they like and be free to use their money and their property as they like. New liberalism, which developed towards the end of the 19th century, stresses the importance of society and the role that the state has in providing welfare as well as promoting equality. Adherents of both types of liberalism claim that their form of liberalism is the true form, making the other redundant. Classical liberalism gives a greater scope for the acceptance of illiberal practices as it stresses minimum state intervention. On the other hand, new liberalism is more likely not to tolerate illiberal practices, particularly if those practices prevent welfare provision and social equality (Schumpeter, 1954 p.394). Aside from maintaining law and order plus preventing the poorest starving to death, no illiberal, or for that matter well-intentioned liberal practices, were to be tolerated, that was the belief at the centre of classical liberalism. Liberal societies emerged at different times and at different rates. Economic liberalism often emerged before political and social liberalism. This would explain how illiberal societies could embrace economic liberalism without embracing political and social liberalism. From the 19th century a more proactive form of liberalism termed new liberalism emerged that intervened in societies to tackle social and economic problems such as basic levels of welfare provision. As the 20th century progressed liberal societies embraced further interventions to ensure full employment and to counter social issues such as race and gender discrimination. The issues of diversity and multiculturalism have changed the debates over the illiberal practices that liberal societi es should tolerate. These issues have added complexity as to how illiberal is defined and whether some groups should have their illiberal practices tolerated to further diversity or whether no illiberal practices should be tolerated from any group (Bellamy in Eatwell Wright 2003 p.33). The post –war consensus on high spending liberal democracies with ever expanding social and welfare provisions, with an increasing emphasis on the pluralist nature of liberal societies was challenged by neo-liberals such as Fredrich von Hayek and John Rawls. It was such views that had a strong influence upon Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan (Bellamy in Eatwell Wright, 2003 p.39). Hayek and Rawls have also proved influential on Kukathas’ ideas concerning liberal societies tolerating illiberal practices. Rawls believes that economic liberalism needs to be combined with social justice. It is Rawls later works that interested Kukathas the most as Rawls displays libertarian views that he shares with Kukathas. Rawls thought that distinct ethnic or religious groups should receive differing levels of toleration depending â€Å"on the extent to which they can be allowed an equal place within a just system of liberty† (Rawls, 1993). Kukathas himself is an advocate of classical liberalism where state intervention is kept to the lowest possible minimum rather than later versions of liberalism in which the state intervenes more frequently to achieve set economic, social, and political aims. Kukathas has provoked debate by stating in his works that the states of liberal societies should not even intervene to promote the interests of minority ethnic or religious groups, liberal societies should only permit the toleration of these groups. Kukathas believes that the toleration accorded to such groups should not be dependent on how liberal the internal practices of such groups are. Once groups have received toleration then they can run themselves as they please as long as they are not breaking any laws. If any individual members of these groups are unhappy then they should not look to liberal societies to help them, all they need to do is leave their particular group. Liberal societies should not promote the interests o f any groups ahead of all the groups, or any particular sector within society no matter how well intended its motives are, also they should not make such treatment conditional. Toleration is beneficial to the whole of society; special treatment for individuals and groups is not. Discrimination in favour of certain groups does not benefit them in the long term and is harmful to society (Kukathas, 2003 p. 5). Kukathas regards all groups that form voluntarily to be enhancing liberal society, which includes those with illiberal practices. States are the main actors that threaten liberal society when they restrict such groups. The illiberal practices of these groups might not be illegal activities and whilst they remain within the law, no action should be taken against such groups. The motivations for such groups to form can be due to a sense of being different from the rest of society. If liberal societies are truly open and democratic, then they should accept that some people are oppos ed to the majority of the populations’ beliefs and behaviours. For people that wish to safeguard their diversity forming separate groups is a means to live how they want to live. To such groups illiberal practices are a way of maintaining their distinctiveness from the rest of their society. Groups may also believe that their illiberal practices are not illiberal at all and can be justified as part of their culture and beliefs (Kukathas, 2003 p. 36). There is one freedom that Kukathas believes that liberal societies should promote above all other freedoms and rights, which is freedom of conscience. Freedom of conscience is so important for the proper functioning of liberal societies that these societies should be prepared to tolerate illiberal practices to ensure that freedom of conscience is maintained for the maximum number of people and groups within each liberal society. Allowing freedom of conscience is perhaps the best way of achieving and maintaining a diverse and multicultural liberal society. Governments should not intervene in the internal matters of illiberal groups to remove their illiberal practices. If illiberal practices are based upon the freedom of conscience of individuals or groups then liberal societies should tolerate such practices. If individual members of such groups change their opinions and no longer accept the group’s ideological or religious viewpoints then they can leave the group. As long as i ndividual members are free to leave, then there are no reasons to end the illiberal practices of such groups (Kukathas, 2003 p.36). Kukathas does admit that some members of these groups may find it more difficult to leave than others could, for instance women and children. Women in such groups may face disadvantages such as being unable to support themselves outside of their groups through lack of education and skills. Groups may also be difficult to leave because they use propaganda to persuade doubters to remain or intimidate members into staying within the group. Kukathas again argues that liberal societies should tolerate those illiberal practices if groups ultimately allow members to leave them. As soon as illiberal practices become life threatening to members that wish to leave then it is appropriate for liberal societies to stop tolerating illiberal practices. Therefore, state intrusion into the illiberal practices of groups should be a last resort rather than undertaken lightly or with little respect for their freedom of conscience and association (Kukathas, 2003 p. 107). Kukathas contends that there are two main types of religious or social groups. There are those groups that are a ‘Union of Liberty’ and those groups that are a ‘Federation of Liberty’. States are less likely to intervene in the affairs of the Union of Liberty groups than they are to intervene with a Federation of Liberty group. Groups that are a Union of Liberty type are less likely to have illiberal practices, whilst members are more likely to be able to leave these groups without any obstructions. In contrast the groups which are Federation of Liberty type are more likely to have illiberal practices and are more likely to prevent members leaving their fold. The Union of Liberty groups are more likely to have a strategy over shared property rights and the rights of children to leave their membership, as the parents chose to join and the children did not (Kukathas, 2001 p. 43). When liberal societies opt to tolerate social and political freedoms such as freedom of religion and conscience they are voluntarily restricting their rights to intervene in the internal affairs of political or religious groups. However, the rights of states to intervene to restrict such freedoms still remain. The rights to intervene and therefore no longer tolerate illiberal practices can be used if or when groups abuse their freedoms to abuse others. Such views are put forward by those that disagree with Kukathas willingness to tolerate more illiberal practices rather than less. Kukathas’ views on pluralism and multiculturalism plus whether illiberal practices should be tolerated have been criticised by many contemporary liberal writers and academics. Those that argue against Kukathas’ views on tolerating illiberal practices most notably include Will Kymlicka. Kymlicka contends contrary to Kukathas that liberal societies are justified in denying toleration to ethnic or religious groups that have an illiberal or authoritarian hold over their members. Kymlicka sees that the majority of liberal societies tolerate illiberal practices not through choice but because of their benign negligence. Kymlicka views the tolerance of illiberal practices in liberal societies as being undesirable, especially when that the freedoms of individuals are subordinated to the freedoms of the illiberal groups that they belong to (Kymlicka, 1995 p. 239). Liberal societies should not have to tolerate illiberal practices especially when these societies have the ability to stop such illiberal practices at any point they wish to. Liberal societies should certainly end illiberal practices before the freedom and the safety of group members is at risk. Freedom of conscience should not be given priority over freedom of association or speech. At no point should liberal societies decide to place freedom of conscience above the personal safety of any of its citizens. Whilst the state in liberal societies should not have to decide on whether groups should allow their members to leave, the state does have a duty to uphold law and order or public safety or if they are under actual or potential threat. Kymlicka argues that illiberal practices are easily recognisable. Illiberal practices occur when groups â€Å"simply assign particular roles and duties to people, and prevent people from questioning or revising them† (Kymlicka, 1995 p.94). Brian Barry is another critic of the concept that liberal societies should accept or tolerate illiberal practices. Barry is arguing from a different viewpoint than Kymlicka when he criticises Kukathas for proposing that liberal societies should tolerate illiberal practices. Unlike Kymlicka, Barry is not a strong advocate of multiculturalism. In fact he argues that multiculturalism can introduce illiberal practices in to liberal societies that should not be tolerated. The basis of his arguments against the illiberal practices linked to multiculturalism are that minority ethnic and religious groups should not be allowed to exclusively educate their own children. For if these groups educate such children then they may not learn about equality and political moderation. If not monitored groups educating their own children can pass on religious and political extremism on to them. The governments of liberal societies have shown most concern over Islamic schools and the perception that they will increase illiberal practices. Muslims argue that their children are not catered for in non-Islamic schools. For instance, Britain has not provided public funding for Islamic schools, although it does for Christian and Jewish schools. In Northern Ireland, separate Roman Catholic and Protestant schools have arguably helped to maintain the sectarian divisions. By contrast, the French have kept their schools strictly secular since the revolution and will not tolerate Muslims (or any other religious group) trying to bring religious elements into schools. Education is a vital area to consider when it comes to deciding if liberal societies should tolerate illiberal practices. Therefore, deciding what should or should not be permitted and taught in schools is a highly contentious area. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks there has been a closer scrutiny of the education that Muslims receive in schools and mosques and whether tolerating illiberal practices is good or bad for the security of liberal societies (Barry, 2001). Therefore, to some extent liberal societies should tolerate illiberal practices with certain limitations to operate. Liberal societies have to maintain a balance between all the individuals and groups within them. A Liberal society usually attempts to give individuals and groups as much freedom as possible, which is what distinguishes liberal societies from illiberal societies. It should be remembered that illiberal practices are not necessarily illegal and that the state will not intervene if groups with illiberal practices keep their activities legal. Liberal societies tend to tolerate as much as they can. Toleration though has limits. Liberal societies will not tolerate illiberal practices that threaten the safety of individuals or that risk breaking down law and order or inciting violence between groups on racial, ethnic or religious grounds. There are political, social and philosophical arguments as to why illiberal practices should or should not be tolerated. Kukathas’ s trongest arguments in favour of tolerating illiberal practices is that allowing individuals or groups freedom of conscience is more important than the liberal or illiberal nature of their practices. For Kukathas toleration is the key to achieving a well- balanced diverse multicultural liberal society. Toleration is more important than making special provisions for minority groups, which are discriminatory and counter-productive. Critics of Kukathas counter his arguments by stating that liberal societies should not tolerate any illiberal practices that restrict the freedom of individuals, especially if such illiberal practices place people in danger. Much of the debate between Kukathas and his critics hinges around the rights of individuals to leave groups with illiberal practices. The thorniest issue regarding individuals leaving groups is whether children have to remain in these groups even when they did not chose to join in the first place. Kukathas contends that groups should be tolerated as long as members are free to leave. Critics of Kukathas believe that groups with illiberal practices should change those illiberal practices or at least guarantee that members can leave whenever they want to before they are tolerated within liberal societies. Critics of groups with illiberal practices point to the problems that members of these groups can face, such as not been educated, being educated with extremist views, being physically and mentally abused or simply forced to stay in these groups. Governments should not stand by and let those things happen if they can be prevented. The arguments over the toleration of illiberal practices in liberal societies have been brought in to greater focus in relation to issues concerning religious and political extremism, particularly in relation to Islam. The dividing lines between promoting diversity and multiculturalism on the one hand or appeasing to illiberal and possibly illegal practices can be blurred. Bibliography Barry B, (2001) Culture and Equality: An egalitarian critique of multiculturalism, Polity Press, Cambridge Bellamy R ‘Liberalism’ in Eatwell Wright (2003) Contemporary Political Ideologies 2nd Edition, Continuum, London Comfort N (1993) Brewer’s Politics, a phrase and fable dictionary, Cassell, London Held D, (1996) Models of Democracy 2nd edition, Polity Press, Oxford Kukathas, (2001) Can a Liberal Society Tolerate Illiberal elements? Policy 17, No. 2 Kukathas (2003) the Liberal Archipelago: A theory of Diversity and Freedom, Oxford University Press, Oxford Kymlicka W, (1995) Multicultural Citizenship, Oxford University Press

Ethical Issues in Advertising to Children

Ethical Issues in Advertising to Children Executive Summary The purpose of this research is to distinguish the ethical issues that have in advertising targeted to children. Such unethical conducts and advertising implications had inherently becoming a controversial issue that raise to an alarming rate among nations. In which, those ethical issues that had causes health problems to children is widely discuss. In addition, the ways of developing an advertisement is further questioned for its credibility and deceptive tactics that is made for children. Furthermore, this paper also identifies how conflict of interest and misleading had significantly affected the children interest. And, as well identified how one-on-one marketing manipulate children and occupy their minds in a subliminal way are also discussed. In light with all the issues, the possible consequences that jeopardizing to both advertisers and consumers as well as the moral intensity of the situation is highlighted. It comes with recommendation that works side by side with the 7Ps of marketing and extended marketing mix which embedded throughout the entire research paper. Nonetheless, an additional discussion for the potential issues that may happen to children in future is discussed and determined for its possible consequence. Introduction Marketing ethics are dimensions that portray marketers morality attitude behind marketing or advertising. Additionally, it is also subjected to the way of marketers conducting advertisements that determine whether it will bring positive or negative values to the targeted consumers. However, it is known that advertising is often done in a framework that has inclined the value of true marketing. For instance, if an advertisement targeted to children violates its credibility, transparency, integrity or privacy of the children, it is recognized as unethical conducts. In this ethicals viewpoint, it raises unique issues. So often, these issues cluster with inseparable arguments as identified in (Winston 2004, 11), whether or not, children understood certain marketing principles? Concurrently, if political, policy makers and regulatory controls should cease advertising for children? In (Alcohol Consumption in Australia 2006) pointed, whether children could identify the negative aspects of the products that promoted to them? Lastly, do marketers actually get parents consent for children in deciding the final purchase authority? As to say, these questions had shown that children markets are so fragmented and in this rapid changing world, marketers tend to make use of this fragmented market as their sole target to scavenge for more profits (Faith 2002, 1001). On top of that, advertising to children are about manipulating the mindset of their customers (Paul 2000, 25). In other words, (Winston 2004, 11) pointed that children market are known as No other market simultaneously involves advertising to users who are rarely purchaser; and purchasers who are rarely users. Without a doubt, it reflects the reality of the marketplace. Thus, we can no longer assume that the truth of conventional marketing and advertising is merely to transmit information and generate acceptable profits for the company. For keeping up with the ever changing trend, conventional marketing has been redefined by (Debra and Michael 2008, 910) to persuade and remind their public of their wares into ability to inform and offend. Due to these ethical issues, marketers are facing great challenges from various authorities bodies during advertising their products into the children marketplace. However, in (in what) (Henry and Frank 2000, 482) by Ambler (1996); Boddewyn (1994); Madden and Grube (1994) had question about the effectiveness for having all the advertisement bans and whether such practice is ethical to demonstrate positive effects to marketers and as well consumers. Therefore, in order to produce good advertisement, marketers are to consider unethical strategies that could assist them to reach their objectives at all costs. To tackle these unethical issues, this research paper will further depicting the intrinsic values of relevant 7Ps come separately from Marketing Mix (Product, Price, Place, Promotion) and Extended Marketing Mix (People, Process, Physical Evidence), which impacted by the highlight ethical issues towards Children industries in later discussions. Childrens Health Abuse Issues: Obesity Numerous health related issues has been identified in advertising to children. Among them, the one that causes greatest problems is shamefully crowned by obesity. It has been defined as overwhelming fat accumulation that may impair ones health (Obesity and overweight 2006). In todays world, the situation in several countries and especially US are so severe where children prefer to spend their evening with TV and snacks than to outdoor activities. According to (Carolyn 2010), children is naà ¯ve and equipped with least ability to justify what and which is actually good for them, what they have is the desire of obtaining foods from the ads that pitched them. Ironically, according to (Bette and Jackie 2001, 75) {Bette and Jackie (2001, 75)} childrens segments are on top of the important business opportunities which merchants cant afford to miss it. In addition, (Aysen and Scott 2000, 299) {Aysen and Scott (2000, 299)}also supported the aforementioned facts, and further by McKay (2005) pointing US is spending $10 12 Billions to advertisements that targeted to children for foods. It is ascertained in (Elizabeth 2004, 161),{Elizabeth (2004, 161)} pointed that Children account for approximately $24 Billions in direct spending each year. Here, regardless of the return they can make, in (Aysen and Scott 2000, 299) {is this a secondary source reference bro?} quoted by Kotz (2007) learn that the Kaiser Family Foundation had found out Children are exposed to more than 7,600 commercials on candy, cereal, and fast food in any given year. Hence, it is because of all this vulnerability that making marketers so actively and cleverly penetrating childr en with vague information. A study of WHO had defined Overweight as BMI more than 25 and Obese as BMI more than 30, WHO also projected in 2005 to have approximately 1.6 Billion (age 15+) were overweight and at least 400 millions were obese (Obesity and overweight 2006). In a recent statistics survey, it had shown that 50% of elementary-school children and 80% of teenagers will battle obesity throughout their lifetime (Aysen and Scott 2000, 299). These staggering figures are so devastating that it is in high chances to invite premature death and disability in adulthood. Namely, some of the harmful chronic disease such as Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes and Heart Disease which thanks to the intensive and unethical marketers that promotes junk foods without concerning childrens health. For an instance, an advertisement from McDonald of its Supersized French-Fries and Soft drinks by just topping up with 39 Cents had received critics for encouragement of overeating. In marketing mix viewpoint, McDonald cleverly uses its products, prices and promotions tactics to invites people to dine in by having greater portion with merely 39 cents added. They constantly setting a mindset for Children that food are fun, as physical evidence shown that McDonald had packages made specifically for just children that comes with toys and collectibles. Furthermore, it depicts for rather just selling for fast food but is a family adventure for having meal together at McDonald fast food centre. In addition, McDonald uses prints calorie count sheet in trays and claiming that their food will not caused obesity if consume accordingly. The impacts that brought by such ads is unforgiving. The aftermath for such unethical advertisement contributes more health issues and shifting not just the diets of consumers but it fact, it lead to Supersized consumers from their products by every topping of 39 Cents (William n.d.). Hence, actions have to be taken to effectively deal with these unethical conduct that leads to obesity and other health issues. Credibility and Deceptive Conducts to Advertisements In addition to health concerns, other ethical issues are involved with advertising to children. As though a lot of studies filled in with interesting details by stating that advertising had unprecedented ease of access to an array of innocent children. Despite in some countries like Sweden, Norway, and Netherlands had give in a lot of efforts in reducing and banned the advertisement targeted to children (Tammo, Wilma and Britta 1998, 172). Somehow, the marketers will keep on finding ways within this regulated market-space to produce inadvertent adverse outcome that compromise the credibility of the advertisement in a deceptive ways. In (William 2002, 73),{the article name/title or maybe you want redo it:- As William (2002, 73) mentioned, Peggy Chan as the founder and president of the watchdog group Action for Childrens Television, pointed that TV is a media that taught children by tendering for unnecessary products instead of to save for the instance. It is informed that children are less than able to fully understand and to comprehend the real intention that marketers deceptively made for them. Thus, in a real life example of Campbell Soup back in the late 60s. In order for all the vegetable and the alphabetical wordings visible during the shot, the ads are found to be placing clear marbles in the bottoms of the bowl. However, it is complaints for untruthful display as though the vegetable and alphabetical wordings arent as visible as in the ads (William n.d.). For this reason, these deceptive practices and degrees of credibility is proved to be questionable. In the end, the potential impact will make consumers losing faith towards its products and ways they promote it. Campbell resulted in considerable negative publicity for the company and it is no longer a prices concern than to ethics concern for vast consumers. Another ethical issue that draws the attention of researches is when marketers involve childrens psychologists in their market research. The reason is clear that these psychologists are at its best from their profession. They were hired to launch attack to the childrens mind. As said by the advertising president (Special Issues for Young Children n.d.), Nancy Shalek, Advertising at its best is making people feel that without their product, youre a loser. Kids are very sensitive to that. {Move it to here (Special Issues for Young Children n.d.)}, From the 3Ps of extended marketing mix perspective, the people and process that get involve is unethical, and the physical evidence is the advertising itself. The fact had shown that marketers are viewing children as a cash machine that constantly generates profit for them. Hence, it is in need of setting stricter rules from the government and policymakers to iron out the unhealthy advertising that aims to children. Thus, it equally means tha t by enhancing the credibility and reducing the deceptive adverse could dramatically infuse promising outcomes. Conflict of Interest Misleading Approach in Advertisements At the root of a success trade comes from an interest of a purchaser. Whereas, research had shown that such interest often germinate by marketers and advertisers in an unethical approaches. They cultivate children desire by continuously enriching children horizon to an extent of homogenizing them to be part of the market segment. And legitimately, children turn out to be a good target, a target that unable to makes accurate decision due to the information that captured by them are misleading and of conflicting their real interest. Hence, in short, marketers and advertisers are at their best in limiting children alternatives to only their merchandise (Paul 2000, 27). Separately, in (Elizabeth 2004, 162){suggest u slot in the article name if u structure yr sentence this way then follow by (Elizabeth 2004, 162)} it is said to be by constantly misleading children from intricate advertisement content in their young ages, it could lead to some undesirable social values such as materialism and materialistic. The effect is so prominent, as young children are unable to resist the attraction of purchasing the products that promoted to them from ads that starring by kids celebrities, famous cartoon icons as they believe it could provide exaggerated qualities when they have it. Thus, children will crave for all these sort of unnecessary products by all means and not to mention the amount of wasteful money parent need to spend. For this reason, a lot of countries had prohibited famous icons to go on air and recently in early 2010, Childrens Television Standards (CTS) in Australia was established and had set rules that promotion through popular characters are ceased to be used as an endorsement in commercial products (Jamie and Andrew 2010, 1). Such practices are accredited for tackling the outrageous marketing attitudes that deploy by unethical marketers and advertisers. There was evidence in {in what bro?}(Debra and Michael 2008, 911) being identified by Jardine and Wentz (2004) saying that Ireland restricted celebrities to appear in foods advertisement that aimed to children. It is due to policymakers and researches view a childs capacity to recognize advertisings persuasive intent as a developmental milestone (Elizabeth 2004, 162). As to say, it is the marketers themselves who provide opportune for the authorities to minimize their advertisement boundaries. Another example of McDonald, according to {to what?} (Paul 2005, 9) collectibles and toys are so often comes with meal. These collectibles are a series of characters that could not be missed by children. For this reason, children would need to buy many of those meals to have entire set to be collected. As defended by the merchants, their goal is to provide fun for children while having meals. However, such advertisement measuring the same thing differently when goes to children. This is when misleading and conflict of interest happen as children are craving for the toys and collectibles than to the foods (Paul 2005, 10). It is certain that such ads are unethical, they had ignored the consequences that compromise children health, parents spending and as well forgone the fact that fast food is junk food. Most notably, in order to get these collectibles for their child, parent are force to purchase specific kids package in a designated price and dont have alternatives for the food withi n the package. In long term, when consumer realize that such unethical conducts are made for lure them to purchase unwanted toys for their children, in return, the company might in face with sales shrinking and end up with fewer profits. Thus, it is this misleading and conflict of interest that leads to a failure which impacts to marketers marketing mix in term of product, price, promotion and placement concern. (Paul 2000, 27){Paul (2000, 27)} suggested that it is better for each and every company jointly helps in diminishing intricate junk food advertisements content and portraying better message to promote healthier lifestyle that enabling judgments towards the integrity of the advertisements message when targeting to children. One-on-One Marketing: Minor as a Target Issue Clearly, when comes to marketing, it is about timing and precision when the message that intended by advertisers being delivered precisely to their target. It is important for advertisers that those children receive an impact towards their products when advertisement was viewed. In another term, it is known as S{s}ubliminal. It is a visual stimulus that so quickly masked into the mind before one could actually process it and having no consent that it had actually take place (Johan, Wolfgang and Jasper 2006, 793). Thus, for such advertisement to be effectively done, the degree of distraction during the advertisement have to be minimal and it is best when children are alone and vulnerable. It is an undeniable fact that such exploitation of childrens mind was said to be unethical. For instance, given in{in what?} (William 2002, 74) of a real business environment, cartoon characters are widely recognized by children that, They are created just for them, hence, the ethical issues that arise, is where such advertisement are usually broadcasted in the afternoon childrens television programming. At this timeframe, it turns out to be the weakest parental supervisions period, as to say, such isolation in the afternoon perfected the intention of marketers. Undoubted, it is to have children viewed the advertisement at all costs. As a result, in children mindset parent is the only channels that can potentially purchases what is made specifically for them. Thus, it is well aware that such violation is unethical, in addition to spoiled childrens attitude, it would literally put parent in face with financial hardship as well. Advertising targeted to children alone often exceeded the limitations and resulted with various ethical issues. There is ample estimate that had shown children influential in family purchase itself are about $500 Billions a year (Elizabeth 2004, 161). Furthermore, another study in{?} (Christine and Nancy 2001, 21) mentioned that the children spending alone had account for another $14 Billion from their pocket money in country like US. Concurrently, a UK survey also uncovered that children possess a lot more liberty in spending and as well influence over their parents (Lionel 2000, 326). Hence, when the advertisement is targeted to children, and so often, advertisers are intended for an outcome that favor to them. For this reason, it is believe that sooner or later, two of their marketing mix elements which are the ways of promoting and placement will further intervene by authorities bodies and invite new regulations to minimize attention that can be drawn towards children. In a study, the author pointed that it is a controversy for saying that with least cumulative exposure of advertisement to children which in turn could compromise childrens understanding of advertising intent (Alcohol Consumption in Australia 2006). However, according to{to what?} (Tammo, Wilma and Britta 1998, 176), there is evidence to say that by having healthier content in the advertisement is much more effective than by having parents controlling or restricting children on their TV times. It can be conclude that the negative impacts which happen is neither benefiting consumers nor to the advertisers. For example, advertisers can always give a warning sign saying that Parental supervision is required during the advertisement is on air. Therefore, it would be better off to embark advertisement onto children in an appropriate manner, in a way that do not appear to be aiming to just children but with the consent of their parent (Jeffrey 1999, 114). {will it be conflicting of what u hv presented earlier as u mentioned that advertising aim at children on the weakest parental supervision timing, so if there is a warning sign the parent will not notice it also right? It just my opinion bro} Recommendations: Responsible Advertising with 7Ps Advertisers Responsible in advertising is not about restricting or banning the advertisement. It is apparent that advertising brings in ethical issues for children. Children are a vulnerable segment and due to the advancement of technologies, it further enhances the transmission of message instantly to children. However, the responsibility of protecting children is still on the advertisers hand. Advertisers have to appreciate and abide to the rules and regulations that set by ethics initiatives representative, taken up these code-of-conduct as an important guideline and to be best, inputted into respective companys rules during advertisement. For an example, if the advertisement projecting a message for a product that deemed as a must-have item for children and it is known that such exclusivity is unethical. Clearly, it is vital to come up with a solution towards the issues by conducting advertising in a way that neither tipped to consumers nor favor to advertisers. (Paul 2005, 9-11). Advertisers would need to constantly market their products but in a way that promoting further space for children in future rather than rigorously conquering all they have. This can be best achieved by treating children as an informed consumer by teaching them what {and} how to foresee marketing is all about. Consequently, it will further enlighten them about what is market segment and in return, for children to germinate a priceless asset decision making. Such realization of the intricacies advertising tactics at an early age can ensure children be aware to the fundamental of the marketing environment. (Paul 2000, 28-29). Due to the fast moving pace in todays business, children had becomes a promising spending group. Thus, if children have the ability to make decision, they can decide whether or not such products is a necessity or unnecessary. Accepting the facts that parents are unable to fully shielded their children away from advertisement, thus, the best practice is makes children to cope and gain experiences with what is about to fall upon to them. (Paul 2000, 26). It literally means that children will no longer being viewed as a vulnerable group that advertisers can take advantage on. Children can develop themselves with the knowledge to make comparisons between products, prices and promotions. Hence, by not undermining the message behind advertisement, children could turn their weaknesses to strength and the concerned ethical issues of childrens naivety will further be diminishing in a healthier way. (Elizabeth 2004, 163). Parents and Authorities Bodies Furthermore, parents should play as an important role in tackling the advertising ethical issues. According to{?} (Lionel 2000, 327) parent should educate their children and make known for children about the marketing strategy that draw by advertisers. This can be achieved by setting it as a learning milestone since they are young. This will drastically develop children to be aware of advertisers marketing processes by identifying the content and terminology used by them. Moreover, given that authorities bodies are already in place, but there is always a need to further emphasis when pursuing for unethical conducts. For instance, it is suggest having government intervene in setting rules and regulations in the TV advertising industries for the reason of minimize advertisement that make directly to children. In term of products promotions and placement, according to Dibb (1996) in{?}(Tammo, Wilma and Britta 1998, 172) identified that countries like Norway, Sweden and Netherlands was found aired less than 5 advertisements in one hour of television programming for children. In addition, informed advertisers to collaborate parents and family members for advertisement that be put on air or by reducing advertisement during childrens programming period. Some country like France are in face with choosing between attach with a health message in their advertisements or to paid 1.5% tax based on their advertisement budget to foot the healthy related message (Aysen and Scott 2000, 301). Separately, even the fast food typhoon{tychoon or typhoon?}, identified by Jardine and Wentz (2005) saying that McDonald is adhere with the strict rules and providing differing strategies in each country based on how to advertise their products. For these reasons, in order to success, changes have to be made with an immediate effect as evidence shown that the existing practice had flawed into a devastating phase. It is clear that with the cooperation from advertisers, it could propel to have healthier products sales, widely accepted promotions strategies and with reasonable pricings for the general consumers. Conclusion Overall, the aim of this comprehensive research was to scrutinize that ethical issues in advertising exist and will gives impacts towards children through various channels. A channel that remit for obtaining nothing else but profits from their targeted segments and therefore, as said in{?}(Aysen and Scott 2000, 300) The judgments and behavioral intentions are important constructs to gain insights regarding advertising directed at children. It is clear that when advertisers properly fill up the gap by regulating their content which adheres to the rules, it helps in realizing and educating their targeted audiences that overindulge for their products in a better way. So as to say, advertisers have to know that the boundaries of reasonable practice have been severely breached and they should not dismiss the attention that has been given in respect for a cleaner outcome of their advertisements. Thus, those outrageous advertising claim that previously roamed the media have to be virtually impossible in the current situation. As a result, if all these groups take their responsibility into account, the accomplishment of advertising towards children will be more ethical and approachable in future. Discussion: Other Ethical Issue in Future This paper examined the ethical issues have in advertising towards children and as well recommendation directed to 7Ps has been identified accordingly from conventional marketing medias. The disguise advertisement that makes children vulnerable via the internet is yet to be scrutinized in this topic. This study is in an attempts to fill up the gap from another medium of communication; The Cyberspaces. A disguise Advertisement is better be known as a breakthrough from typical advertising technique that being put in TV ad, magazine and etc. It had further exploited into the internet world where advertising is at the ease of fingertip. They can transmit the message at a lower cost and with better influence. It was a cover-up in a way that people are unaware that the advertisement had moved in to their mind. (Austin and Reed 1999, 590-591). For an example, nowadays children are quick in learning and blogging had turn out to be a typical ways of projecting ones stories and endeavors. Thus, some food industries has been found to hiring famous Blogger to make disguise news for promoting their brands, products, products price and place to find their product as though the blogger himself are telling his daily endeavors. Hence, the digital age had further facilitated children and adolescent to view on their beloved blogger flawed statement and pursue for what is recommended by them. (William n.d.). Such disclosure is unethical, unethical in a way that they need not to hold any responsibility about the content that being uploaded into blogs and ignoring the harm that possibly brings to consumers, notably, children and youngsters. Thus, supervision that needed is crucial, as if these advertisements will intrude even to an adult and not to mention the vulnerable children. (Austin and Reed 1999, 590-591). Reference Austin, M. J., and M. L. Reed. 1999. Targeting children online: Internet advertising ethics issues. Journal of Consumer Marketing {16 (6): 16, no.6: 590 602. http://www.emeraldinsight.com (accessed March 3, 2010). Australian Bureau of Statistics: Alcohol Consumption in Australia. 2006. http://abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[emailprotected]/mf/4832.0.55.001/ (accessed February 24, 2010). Aysen, B., and V. J. Scott. 2010. The Ethics of Food Advertising Targeted Toward Children: Parental Viewpoint. 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Elizabeth, S. M. 2004. Children and the changing world of advertising. Journal of Business Ethics {52 (2):}52, no.2: 161-167. http://www.springerlink.com (accessed March 3, 2010). Faith, M. 2002. Marketing and advertising: Harmful to childrens health. The Lancet 360, no. 9338, (September 28): 1001{}. http://www.proquest.com (accessed February 11, 2010). Henry, S., and C., Frank. 2000. The effect of tobacco advertising bans on tobacco consumption. Journal of Health Economics {19 (6):}19, no.6: 1117 1137. http://sciencedirect.com (accessed February 27, 2010). Jamie, N., and D. Andrew. 2010. Australia: Revised Childrens Television Standards for Commercial Television. http://www.mondaq.com/australia/article.asp?articleid=93136 (accessed March 11, 2010). Jeffrey, G. 1999. Children and Advertising The Research. Young Consumers: Insight and Ideas for Responsible Marketers {1 (2):} 1, no.2: 113-118. http://www.emeraldinsight.com (accessed March 7, 2010). Johan, C. K., S. Wolfgang. And C. Jasper. 2006. Beyond vicarys fantasies: The impact of subliminal proming and brand choice. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology {42 (6): 792-798.}42, no.6: 792 798. http://www.sciencedirect.com (accessed March 12, 2010). Lionel, S. 2000. Marketing to kids in the 21st century? Policy and Legislation Affecting Advertising to Children. Young Consumers: Insight and Ideas for Responsible Marketers{1 (4): 325-332.} 1, no.4: 325 332. http://www.emeraldinsight.com (accessed March 10, 2010). Obesity and overweight. 2006. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/index.html (accessed February 28, 2010). Paul, C. 2000. Advertising and Marketing to Children: Exploitation or Socialisation?. Young Consumers: Insight and Ideas for Responsible Marketers {2 (1): 25-30.}2, no.1: 25 30. http://www.emeraldinsight.com (accessed February 23, 2010). Paul, K. 2005. Responsible marketing to children in the US. 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Catch A Yawn :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Catch A Yawn A trick in every girl's handbook: If you want to know if someone is checking you out, yawn and check to see who, if anyone, yawns back. While we may be using the contagious phenomenon of yawning to our advantage, the age-old question still lingers on - why, in fact, is yawning contagious? Plausible explanations range from historic origins to muscular requirements. However, one answer that encompasses all other questions about the cause and traits of yawning has yet to be found. First, let's tackle the question of why we yawn. An evolutional/psychological theory has claimed that yawning was once used as a non-verbal form of communication to synchronize group behavior among animals (9). For example, the leader of a pack of wolves would yawn to set a certain mood or signal a change of activity. Humans also being group-oriented animals may have assimilated to this form of agreement. In the same way that one pumped up team member can influence the level of aggression and team-spirit of an entire team, one yawning client can also affect the mood of sales-pitch meeting. Another good example of synchronization among humans is if a group is sitting around a campfire and the leader yawns, it most likely will act as a signal to the others that it may be time to call it a night. Yawning is commonly perceived to be a sign of boredom or tiredness. Dr. Robert Provine, known as the yawn-expert from the University of Maryland, performed a study on 17-19 year old students to test this perception. In comparison to a group of students who watched music videos for 30 minutes, a group who watched an uninteresting color test bar pattern for 30 minutes yawned more (10). Dr. Provine also suggested that yawning is like stretching (5). Much like stretching, blood pressure and heart rate can be increased just by yawning. Perhaps animals yawn instinctively when bored or tired to get their blood pumping so that they may be physically stimulated to move or seek a new activity. But then why is it that we yawn after waking up? If we yawn after waking as a physical prompt to become active that's one thing. But yawning as a sign of tiredness can be ruled out if we yawn after waking from a restful sleep. Maybe a study could be done in which a comparison could be made between the ho urs of sleep and the occurrence of yawning when waking.

Materialism In Hong Kong :: essays papers

Materialism In Hong Kong Is the Materialism serious in Hong Kong? Do people in Hong Kong dream of wealth and bodily comfort rather than spiritual and intellect things? Absolutely. Living in a thriving, busy and booming city which dreams for wealth and treat the luxuries as a sign of success through the effect of media and the attitude of enjoy-the-life-the-most, misery and impoverished characteristics are dishonoured, however, it makes the whole society in Hong Kong falls into an unlimited cliff, people would never remember what the reality and the value of their life. The most obvious way of proving materialism in Hong Kong is the flooding of advertisement and quick develop of luxuries, brand-named goods companies. The idea of become "rich" is hot around Hong Kong. There was a survey states that almost 70% of the undergraduate student looking for the goal of a better job, high salary and higher living standard after they graduate rather than study for their interest or fulfilment of their unlimited field. Theory of success has been distorted by the over loaded mass media in Hong Kong. It is easy to know where you can buy the brand-named and expensive clothes and usually they strongly mention about which successful person or movie stars have them. People then agreed with the message comes from the mass media and make themselves "look like" a successful person rather than being a "real" successful person. The dreams of wealth has the first position in Hong Kong atmosphere. Most of the children who are raised in a high living standard family and bathing in the pool of parents' adore has been receiving over loaded information from television and advertisements. Before a child enters first grade class, and before entering in any real way into our religious ceremonies, a child will have soaked in a large amount of advertisements. The time Hong Kong teenagers adsorbing advertisements more than their total stay in high school. Especially in the small area residence environment in Hong Kong. Most of the small sized families have their corresponding small sized flats since the price of real estate in the market was in hyper inflation few years ago and never fall down its price. Children spend their time in watching TV instead of going outside, doing sports or reading books compared to the other countries. They have been raised and built up their mind mostly by the commercial TV programmes such as advertisements where children receive their ethnic value, their basic grasp of worlds' meaning and therefore create the habit of buying luxury