North vs South Essay

The United States before the civil war was basically split into two regions, the North and the South. These two regions had very different cultures, economics, and climates which led to different life styles and perspectives. Problems caused by the differences between the North and the South eventually led the nation into a great civil war- the bloodiest war in American history. The North and South had diverse climates and natural features. The North had mainly rocky and infertile lands with humid summers and snowy winters, so farming was difficult. Fast moving rivers and waterfalls were common in the North because of the many mountains. As a result, Northerners started to use waterpower to run factories. Meanwhile, in the South, the weather was usually hot and sunny, with lots of rainfall, making the growing seasons longer. The South’s lands were flatter than the North’s, making it a more ideal place for farming. The Northern and Southern population was very different. The Northern population between the years 1800 and 1860 increased massively. Because of the large amounts of immigrates from Europe, the North’s population increased from five million to thirty-one million. The South’s population, on the other hand, was made up mostly of enslaved Africans. By 1860, one third, out of twelve million people in the South, was slaves. The surroundings in the North and South led its citizens to live in contrasting places. In the North, the crowded and dirty cities along the Atlantic coast served as centers of trade and drew laborers to work in towns. When streets were improved and police forces were created, cities became the center of art, culture, and education. In the South, however, their economy was based on agriculture. As a result, towns were developed slower and trading centers were rarer than in the North. Because of the climates and geography in these two regions, they developed different economies. Economy in the North was based on many different industries such as shipping, textile, and mining. Because of coal and waterpower, manufacturing in the North developed quickly. Unlike the North’s, the South’s economy was based on agriculture. Crops such as cotton and tobacco made huge profits. Southern farmers had to use large amounts of slave labor for their plantations, so slavery was necessary to the prosperity of the Southern economy. Northerners and Southerners developed individual cultures. Cities had an important role in determining the North’s culture. New businesses brought new ideas to the North. The Northern emphasis on public education led to many schools and churches. The life in the South was really different than the North’s. The South’s agricultural system was controlled by wealthy planters who lived like the country gentlemen of England. The South had few schools or churches. Rich planters would usually hire private tutors to teach their children until they were sent to private schools. One of the few similarities of the North and South are that they both have thousands of roads, steamships, and canals. In 1850, thirty thousand miles of tracks connected far-away parts of the United States. By 1860, there were over eighty-eight thousand miles of surface roads in the North and South combined. The biggest difference between the North and the South is that the South had slavery, while the North did not. Eventually, the issue of slavery and the other differences of these two regions led to the American Civil War, which lasted for four years. However, after the civil war, the North and South, like a family, unite together and became one of the most powerful nations in the world.

WorldCom, Inc Corporate Bond Issuance

This case raises many interesting questions concerning the record setting issuance of corporate debt by WorldCom, Inc. (â€Å"WorldCom†). Both the surprisingly voluminous structure of the proposed issuance and the foreboding macro-economic climate in which it was slated spark concerns over the risk and cost of the move. One of the first questions that must be addressed is whether WorldCom’s timing was appropriate. Next, the company’s choice of structure for the bond issuance must be analyzed. Finally, the cost of issuing each tranche of debt must be estimated in order to determine how much WorldCom is actually giving up to achieve the $6 billion in funds. Timing of the Bond Issuance – Advantages In determining whether the first week of August 1998 was the most opportune time for WorldCom to market such a large bond issuance, the advantages of this time must be weighed against the disadvantages. First, we will cover the advantages. The announcement of WorldCom’s monumental merger with MCI had recently boosted awareness and interest in the firm in a positive way (as evidenced by the surge in stock-price). This was especially important since the merger was set to be financed by the issue, thus incentivizing investors to partake. WorldCom would not have had sufficient funds to complete the merger without the issue, and a WorldCom and MCI merger would be extremely advantageous for all parties involves. Post merger, WorldCom’s credit rating was expected elevate, which would enable the company to borrow at a lower rate. Finally, the macro-economic crisis in Asia had recently shifted investors’ interest away from equities to corporate bonds and treasuries, thus drawing even more interest in the WorldCom opportunity. Timing of the Bond Issue – Disadvantages Although the advantages are numerous, the disadvantages of WorldCom’s timing are seemingly more persuasive. WorldCom had chosen to market the issuance in a time when corporate yield spreads over treasuries had increased, thus granting investors the ability to demand more return. In addition, WorldCom was not the only company issuing a large supply of bonds at that time. In fact, there were many issues set to hit the market around the same time. The sudden influx of corporate debt into the market would apply pressure on the price of the bonds while granting investors a wide range of opportunity and control. In addition, the economic turmoil in Asia at the time had caused a great deal of uncertainty about the future of the fixed-income market and the overall economy, thus pushing investors towards default-free treasury securities and away from corporate debt. Structure of the Issuance WorldCom has the option to extend its bank loan credit facility or to issue this large $6 billion in debt. It plans to use the rolling commercial paper program to pay British Telecommunications for MCI’s share purchases, and then use bond proceeds to pay off the commercial paper program. This signals that WorldCom does not need the money immediately for a single corporate purpose, and does not need the money immediately. Therefore, perhaps it makes sense for World Com to issue the bonds in smaller installments rather than flooding the market with $6 billion in debt all at once. The first reason for this is that, if an underwriter must first purchase the bonds before selling to investors, an underwriter may demand greater spread in order to justify taking down an entire $6 billion in debt using the bank’s capital assets. The second reason is that, regardless of underwriting structure, market demand might not match market supply. If WorldCom is planning to issue $6 billion on top of other issuance this week, traders might not have sufficient inquiry to justify purchasing large amounts of bonds. Choosing a Bond Issue Instead of a Direct Bank Loan WorldCom could also choose to increase its bank loan use. However, use of a direct bank loan has associated with it several drawbacks for an issuer. First, WorldCom (or any corporate issuer) is often required to post collateral. Second, banks often require restrictive covenants which can be either positive or negative; for example, requiring a company to maintain a certain rate-setting procedure (positive), or preventing a company from engaging in a leveraged buyout transaction (negative). Estimated Cost of the Issuance From the covenants contained we can see that there are no embedded options in WorldCom’s proposed bonds. Thus, we can use the conventional 3-step approach to price the bonds. The first step is to estimate the cash flow that WorldCom could expect to receive over the life of the bonds. If the coupon rate is equivalent to the yield required by the market, then the bond will sell at par value. Thus, we set the coupon rate equivalent to the yield required by the market because we believe the bonds would sell at par. The next step is to determine the appropriate interest rate. Investors will require a yield premium over the U. S. Treasury security (Exhibit 1). This yield premium reflects the additional risks that investors will accept. For WorldCom, who was currently rated Baa2 by Moody’s Investors Service and BBB+ by Standard & Poor’s, the 3-years, 5-years, 7-years, and 30years bond spread over Treasury security should be 66BP, 75BP, 82BP, 107BP respectively (see Exhibit 2). Accordingly, the interest rate would be 6. 14%, 6. 26%, 6. 38%, and 6. 80% respectively. The final step is to determine the present value of the expected cash flow calculated in the first step, using the interest rate computed in the second step. Since we have used the yield that the market required as our coupon rate, the bond will be issued at par. So, using the information gathered, analysts may come up with a yield of 6. 14%, 6. 26%, 6. 38%, and 6. 80% for the 3-years, 5-years, 7-years, and 30years bond respectively (Exhibit 3). The deal was marketed to investors and the book was built. Compared with the data on the recent prices of the bonds of telecommunications and media firms (Exhibit 4), this cost of financing was not so high. However, it was the beginning of financial crises. In times of recessions, investors may concern that issuers will face a decline in cash flow that would be used to service its bond obligations. As a result, the credit spread tends to widen and the price of all such issues throughout the economy will decline. Conclusion Overall, it appears that the cost of financing will be reasonable. However, there are individual market factors that occur on the date of issuance that will still be determined. Underwriter preference, market demand, unexpected market dislocation, Federal Reserve action or announcements and other factors could suddenly uproot WorldCom’s plans for a smooth issuance process.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorders are among the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide and rank high as a cause of disability burden in most regions of the world. (Grant et al. , 2006)The following paper discusses the recent research findings and essential features based on the content of diagnosis, assessment and treatment. Diagnosis The DSM-IV-TR classifies drug disorders into substance use disorders (substance dependence and abuse) and substance-induced disorders (substance intoxication, substance withdrawal, induced delirium, anxiety, depression, psychosis and mood disorders). Sometimes it is difficult assessing patient’s psychiatric complaints because heavy drinking is associated with alcoholism can co-exist with, contribute to or result from several different psychiatric syndromes. (Shivani, Goldsmith & Anthenelli, 2002) In order to improve diagnostic accuracy, distinguishes among alcohol-related psychiatric symptoms and signs, alcohol-induced psychiatric syndromes and independent psychiatric disorders that are commonly associated with alcoholism emerges to be essential. Patients’ gender, family history, and course of illness over time also should be taken into account. Alcohol-related psychiatric symptoms and signs Heavy alcohol consumption directly affects brain function and brain chemical and hormonal systems known to be involved in many common mental disorders thus can manifest itself in a broad range of psychiatric symptoms and signs. (Koob, 2000) And this usually the first problem which brings the patients seek help. The symptoms vary depending on the amount of alcohol used, how long it is used and how recently it was used as well as patient’s vulnerability to experiencing psychiatric symptoms in the setting of consumption. For example, during intoxication, smaller amount alcohol may produce euphoria whereas larger amount may produce more dramatic changes in mood. Alcohol also impairs judgment and aggressive, antisocial behaviours that may mimic certain externalizing disorders such as ASPD. Alcohol-induced psychiatric syndromes The essential feature of alcohol-induced psychiatric syndromes is the presence of prominent and persistent symptoms, which are judged- based on their onset and course as well as on the patient’s history, physical exam, and laboratory findings to be the result of the direct physiological effects of alcohol. Given the broad range of effects of heavy drinking may have on psychological functioning, these alcohol-induced disorders span several categories of mental disorders, including mood, anxiety, psychotic, sleep, sexual, delirious, amnestic and dementia disorders. Alcoholism with comorbid, independent psychiatric disorders Alcoholism is also associated with several psychiatric disorders that develop independently of the alcoholism and may precede alcohol use and abuse. One of the most common of these comorbid conditions is ASPD, and axis II personality disorder marked by a longstanding pattern of irresponsibility and violating the rights of others with alcohol. (Stinson et al. , 2006) Assessment The three major purposes for a comprehensive assessment are to determine a diagnosis, devise a treatment plan and to make appropriate referrals. The assessment should provide a clinical picture of the client’s personal level of functioning, history, presenting problems, family and social context in the client’s life. It is very important that the assessment process requires the gathering of comprehensive, accurate information, for a valid diagnosis and appropriate treatment. – It is vital that the counsellor needs to collect valid and reliable information. Both formal diagnosis, as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (APA, 1994) and informal diagnosis, if the client has had therapy in the past can be made. – Comprehensive assessment is essential in designing a treatment plan. The more information provided concerning the etiology, functioning level and prognosis of the problem, the better the treatment plan. – Comprehensive assessment also provides information in order to made appropriate referral. The counsellor may decide to provide treatment solely or in conjunction with some other drug treatment specialists. Generally there are three categories of assessment measures: subjective data and physiological data. -Subjective data To collect information of demographics, family and living situations, mployment, education, drinking history (including development of the drinking problem and current drinking) and the effects on the subject’s cognitive, psychosocial, behavioural and physiological functioning. (Aalto & Seppa, 2005) For example, some questionnaires focus on problems caused by alcohol consumption, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) (Saunders, Aasland, Babor, de le Fuente, & Grant, 1993) There are ones with diaries focussing on the quantification of alcohol consumption, such as quantity-frequency, time-period or time-line follow-back methods. Webb et al. , 1990) More recently, a low level of response (LR) to alcohol (the need for higher amounts to have an effect) is a genetically influenced characteristic that is both found in populations at high risk for future alcoholism and that predicts alcohol related life problems in future. This Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE) questionnaire asks for estimate of number of drinks required to produce each of four effects at different times in their lives. Miller, Thomas, & Mallin, 2006) In addition, the survey included the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-C (AUDIT-C), a three-question alcohol screening test adapted from the original AUDIT developed by the World Health Organization for use in primary health care. The AUDIT-C is a simple, reliable screening tool that focuses on the frequency of drinking, quantify consumed on the typical occasion and the frequency of heavy episode drinking. (Bush, Kivlahan, McDonnell, & al. , 1998) Again, there is no such perfect measure that SRE was found to be biased and not able to identify high functioning middle-age women. Schuckit, Smith, Danko, & Isacescu, 2003) The difficulty with these specific questionnaires is that people who drink alcohol in general tend to neglect or underestimate their alcohol consumption. (Koch et al. , 2004) The accuracy of these measures is based on the patient's awareness of and willingness to acknowledge his or her pattern and level of alcohol use as well as negative effects of drinking. At least some individuals who drink excessively will fail to do this. (Allen & Litten, 2001) – Physiological data Comparing to subjective data, physiological data can overcome the subjectivity, underestimation in particular thus provides more precise and objective information about the drinking issue. It includes general medical and psychiatric history and examination. This is conducted through screening of blood, breath or urine for alcohol used, further on laboratory tests for abnormalities that may be accompanied acute or chronic alcohol use such as gamma-glutamy-transferase (GGT) or mean corpuscular volume (MCV), a measure of the average size of red blood cells. These may also be used during treatment for potential relapse. GGT is the most commonly used biochemical measure of drinking. However, it is not clear how much drinking is actually needed to cause GGT levels to elevate. And MCV tends to miss more alcoholics than GGT as MCV may be elevated by a variety of conditions other than heavy drinking such as non-alcoholic liver disease, smoking, advanced age or use of anticonvulsants etc. Thus applying the usual cut-off points for these tests, GGT turns out to have a low specificity whereas MCV shows a low sensitivity. This may lead to a gross misunderstanding with the patient and unnecessary further testing. Carbohydrate deficient transferring (CDT) has been recently approved as a marker for identification of individuals with alcohol problems as well as an aid in recognizing if alcoholic patients in treatment have relapsed. CDT and GGT appear to validly detect somewhat different groups of people with alcohol problems. GGT may best pick up those with liver damage due to drinking, whereas CDT seems to be related to level of consumption with or without liver damage. It should be kept in mind that biomarkers do not identify women or adolescents with alcohol problems as they do for male or adults in general. (Similarly, self-report screening tests are also generally less able to detect alcohol problems) (Allen & Litten, 2001) Previous studies showed that over 80% of internists and family clinicians report that they usually or always ask new outpatients whether they drink alcohol. Less than 20% of primary care physicians routinely use validated self-report alcohol screening instruments (e. g. CAGE questions or AUDIT) Fewer than half ask about maximum alcohol consumption on one occasion. Alcohol biomarker laboratory tests are rarely used. Reasons given by clinicians for not following recommended alcohol screening guidelines range from lack of time, to insufficient knowledge and skills, to pessimistic attitudes about the ultimate benefits of screening. A current study conducted by Miller, et al. , (2004), they found that approximately 60% of clinicians surveyed frequently screen patients for alcohol use with quantity/frequency and CAGE questions. This is comparable to the incidence of screening found in previous studies. (Miller, Ornstein, Nietert, & Anton, 2004)Miller, et al. 2006) further found that over 90% of patients were in favour of screening and guidance about alcohol use and very positive about the use of biological alcohol markers. These findings suggest that physicians and clinicians may be convinced that patients are open to alcohol screening and would not be offended by it. Heavy drinkers may have more of a tendency to be embarrassed by such questions but there is no evidence they would be object to screening. The majority of patients would also be willing to receive alcohol biomarker blood tests, if their physicians and clinicians deemed such tests necessary.

Environmentalism Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Environmentalism Religion - Essay Example The answers to it, however, are difficult, complex, and complicated by a host of cultural, environmental, and religious variables. Lynn Whites argues that those Biblical precepts made Christianity, â€Å"especially in its Western form, â€Å"the most anthropocentric religion the world has seen, â€Å" In contrast to paganisms, Christianity posited â€Å"a dualism of man and nature† and â€Å"insisted that it is God’s will that man exploit nature for his proper ends.† Whereas ancient pagans’ creeds gave a cyclical account of time, Christianity assumes a teleogical way to history and with it the possibility of progress. The belief in progress was adopted in modern science, which, amounted to technology, and the results was the industrial revolution. Thus the power to control nature was achieved by a civilization that inherited the license to exploit it. According to White this was not a positive historical development, therefore, he believes that science technology could be the best ecological problems they had created. In my opinion science and religion may have a connection at some point, since civilization was inherited at some point from the belief of exploiting God’s creation. However, this connection is not clear because science and religion are at loggerheads and none accepts the theories brought forth by the other. In summary religion and environment maybe related in one way or another, but there is need for an extensive research to justify that. Researchers have indicated that environmentalism is close to religion. However, people argue that the two are different and science and technology is not only an advantage but an artificial problem. Finally, the subject is prone to further and extensive research that would come to a common ground regarding the

Embezzlement in the Workplace Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Embezzlement in the Workplace - Assignment Example The accounting method that the manager used was a complex deception web where he set up fake companies, made fake invoices, and delivered fake expense reports for payments supposedly made to certain companies on Quest’s behalf. This resulted in the impact on the company’s balance sheets as erroneous calculations had been made due to the fraud. This fraud led to several accounts being impacted that include account receivable as well as sales revenues. The main reason behind this impact is the fact that the erroneous calculations affected both the calculations that had been made during the fraud and that requires being re-calculated. This affected the company’s balance sheet. The other fraud case in the recent times involves Block Communications Inc. that was deceived by a thief who was hired by the company as a thief prevention specialist. The accounting method used in this fraud was computer exploits (Bilski, 2009). In this instance, instead of the ‘specialist’ protecting the interest of the entire company he wrote himself checks and then destroyed the cancelled checks, which were returned to the company. The culprit made false entries to the company’s books affecting accounts such as account receivable and sales revenues. This is mostly because the company incurred losses emanating from the fraudulent sales. This cost the company funds amounting to $1.1 million. In addition, the culprit also made false entries in the organization’s books in order to cover the tracks. This fraud affected the company’s cash flow statement. Another case of fraud incorporated missing company assets. In this particular case, a former employee in the Directory Plus company stashed away at least 100,000 directories belonging to the company assets over a period of approximately four years. The directories were hidden in there different storage units that were found to be under her name. The employee also stashed away several phone books so as to cover the tracks of the fraud activity. This amounted to over $500,000 (Bilski, 2009).  

21st Century America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

21st Century America - Essay Example The events, although completely grievous, have shown how peoples can untie and fight terrorism. As the world watched the deaths of hundreds of people during the terrorist attacks and as people were horrified especially with the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, â€Å"a wave of patriotism spread throughout the United States† (hkluoi, 19--). People were wondering who this Osama Bin Laden was and they were wondering what kind of philosophies he might have held for him to do such terrible acts. As people grieved and others have shown heroic acts in the events, some expressed their anger toward the terrorists and the mastermind, Bin Laden. The events somehow caused people to see what could be done in a world crisis such as terrorism. As a result, this challenge will perhaps have the greatest impact on the future of America and the world because it somehow bound people together regardless of age, gender, religion, philosophies or political affilia tion at such a crucial time. People now know that even if evil rises, good will always win over it because people naturally join hands together to fight for the freedom and peace their ancestors have fought

This research can focus on any historical topic related to the Paper

This can focus on any historical topic related to the course.that is, on any topic covered in class or in your dossie - Research Paper Example The third section will examine the role of women in 1930s film and theorise that some women, notably Norma Shearer, transcended stereotypes. It will explore how women’s roles in the cinema evolved from the beginning to the end of the Great Depression (1929–1939). The fourth section will examine criticisms of women in 1930s film while the fifth section will present a conclusion. Annotated Bibliography Berry, S. (2000). Screen style: Consumer fashion and femininity in 1930s Hollywood, Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. This book will be useful in assessing the influence of 1930s films because it details how Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Marlene Dietrich influenced women filmgoers as role models of self-determination, and shows why the public is fascinated with these strong-willed women. Davies, C. (1988). New women, new culture: The Women’s Weekly and Hollywood in Australia in the early 1930s. Brisbane: Griffith University. This study is very important to this research because it explores how the new woman (from the period after the censorship policy was implemented) came to exist, and how she affected culture, including how women were portrayed in films and it examines how the Hollywood portrayal of women in the 1930s affected women in Australia. Dawson, J.E. (1995). Hollywood’s image of the workingwoman, Las Vegas: University of Nevada. This dissertation enables exploration of the roles that women have taken in films, how women are portrayed in films, and the psychological aspects and influence of films on women. Feuer, J. (1993). The Hollywood musical, Bloomington: Indiana University Press. This book will assist in understanding the origins and evolution of the Hollywood musical, as well as how it has affected society over the years, particularly in the chapter ‘Dream worlds and dream stages’, which details how Hollywood musicals provided audiences with escapist entertainment during the difficulties of the war and Great Depression in the 1930s. Kolbjornsen, T.K. (1998). ‘Dansingi Hollywood: punktnedslagi film-musikalenshistorie’, dissertation, Philadelphia: Villanova University. This dissertation explores musical film aesthetically, examines how spectators are transformed by the experience of watching Hollywood musicals (such as the Busby Berkeley shows in the 1930s), explores dance as an aesthetic sign, and discusses how musicals transform women into kinetic ornaments. Lovasz, K. (2007). ‘Technologies of self-presentation: Women’s engagement with mediated representation from the era of silent film to the Internet age’, dissertation, Princeton: Princeton University. In this dissertation, Lovasz explores identity theory, which explains how women relate to patriarchal culture, by exploring a woman’s imagined and virtual cultural experiences, including those of film. Mulvey, L. (1999). ‘Visual pleasure and narrative cinema’, in Leo Braudy and Marshall Cohen (eds), Film Theory and Criticism:Introductory Readings, New York: Oxford University Press. This text analyses the Madonna–whore complex and the role of women pleasing men in Hollywood productions,

Impact of Democratic Principles and Policies Application on War Essay

Impact of Democratic Principles and Policies Application on War Incidence - Essay Example This essay provides a comprehensive analysis in order to establish the specific impact of democracy, as well as economic integration and international institutions, on the prevention of wars. It also aims to establish, how the application of these democratic concepts affects the actual occurrence of war and of any other violent encounters within and among states. Human history has been riddled with various incidents of violence and wars. Wars have had causes, including poverty, social stratification, ethnic differences, as well as political differences. Wars have been seen within states, but mostly, it has involved one or more countries. Liberals argue that various instruments – democracy, economic integration, and international institutions – make wars less likely. They argue that where people have more freedom, they are less likely to take arms against the government or other countries; where they are more economically coordinated with each other, they are also less likely to declare wars against each other; and where international institutions are in place, the incidence of wars can be reduced or even eliminated. Others are however not convinced of these possible preventive measures for wars. Democratic pacifism seems to be the main basis of the contention that democracy makes wars less likely. Its ideas are based on the following premises: democracies rarely if ever go to war against each other; democracies tend to be more peaceful than dictatorships; democracies tend to have less internal violence.

Bogota and Copenhagen Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bogota and Copenhagen - Essay Example The specific projects in each city that worked towards addressing transportation and mobility issues in dense urban centers where the popularization of the use of bicycles and the dedicated bus that works like a train. Copenhagen is already popular for the use of the bicycle as bicycle lanes were part of the urban design and integrated into the city. Bogota is still in the process of promoting bicycle use among its population. There is, however, one project in Bogota that differs from Copenhagen and that is the use of dedicated buses. This concept is borrowed from Brazil where there are buses that works like a train where it has its own lane and stations.These projects are definitely democratic. In Copenhagen, the use of cheap bicycles is already embedded in the society’s fabric. Efforts have been done in Bogota to raise the social status of using bicycle so that nobody would be embarrassed in using a bicycle. But more than the use of bicycle, the city government of Bogota mak es sure that the use of public transportation would allow its passenger to arrive at its destination in the same time as the use of private cars. This would remove the distinction between the two modes of transportation thereby democratizing mobility. These efforts are both effective because it has achieved its objective of removing the time difference in arriving at their respective destinations. All it takes is a political will. It is not difficult to put dedicated bicycle lanes and to put dedicated lanes and stations to buses.

Financial Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Financial Plan - Assignment Example The essay discusses that business plan can be defined as a statement that sets forth the business goals that an individual has; the reasons that compel such an individual to believe that such goals are attainable and the steps and plans that the individual has towards that will help them attain those goals. The plan would also contain background information about the potential business and the team that will be used to help achieve the goals. The business plan has several sections the most important of which is the financial plan which details the revenue and costs forecasts of the business, the budget, the cash flows of the business, the costs requirements, the costs management plans to be applied, the sources from which the business will source its funds, the implementation plan of the business’s finances and the business’s control measures for such finances. Therefore the financial plan can be defined as a plan that shows how much revenue will be generated from the b usiness, how such revenue will allocated on various types of costs, how the surpluses shall be invested and how the deficits shall be sourced. This paper describes the type of business for which the business plan is being prepared. This section gives a brief description of what products or services the business will be offering and a brief description of the market in which the business will be operating in. The brief description of the product or service offering and the brief description of the market is used to determine the uniqueness of the business which helps it stand out from the rest of the businesses in that particular market. Finally the name of the business and the type ownership the business will assume are described in this section (McKeever 2010). i. Mission and Vision of the business The mission section of the business plan spells out the business strategy which seeks to answer the three main questions which potential customers might be having regarding the business in question. These questions are what the business does, how it does it and for whom. The vision statement on the other hand, spells what goals the entrepreneur of the business had for the business and what he/she envisioned the business to be in future (John and Harrison 2009). The mission and vision helps the customers and the general public to understand what the business is all

Different Cultural Identities Dilemma Essay Example for Free

Different Cultural Identities Dilemma Essay The memoir Farewell to Manzanar, written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, tells of her experience at Manzanar internment camp after the Pacific War broke out. During the internment of Japanese-Americans, their living standards fell drastically; moreover, they faced Japanese and American values and identity conflicts. It was hard for these Japanese Americans to maintain two different cultural identities for several reasons. In the first place, they suffered from racial discrimination. In the 1940s, mainstream society and the government discriminated against Japanese Americans who were viewed as potentially dangerous people who might betray the US. Thus, Japanese Americans found it was hard to be accepted by others in America. In addition, they largely insisted on their own cultural identities. They were not willing to give up Japanese identities after arriving in America. Chinese immigrants would like to get together and formed Chinatown for the same reason. In the article, Two worlds, one family, Jen Maldonado was imposed on pressure by her Taiwanese friends who insisted on Chinese culture, when she wanted to develop a cross-cultural relationship with an American. It is hard to successfully balance two different cultural identities because of racial discrimination and the adherence to peoples former culture as will be shown using evidence from Farewell to Manzanar, Two worlds, one family and my personal observations. In the 1940s, Japanese-Americans suffered from racial discrimination; thus, they had a hard time getting into mainstream society and balancing their cultural identities. The government never showed full trust towards these immigrants who were viewed as threats to American national security. In order to supervise Japanese-Americans and prevent any potential danger, the government relocated Japanese Americans to internment camps, which exacerbated cultural conflicts and undermined basic human rights. The racist decision that the government made led Japanese Americans to feel that they were incompatible with American culture. Because of the racial discrimination the government initialized, many Japanese immigrants thought they were i nsulted, and so they struggled to accept their American identities. Some of them even wanted to get rid of American identities and went back to Japan. As a result, racial discrimination threatened their American identities. Houston and her friend Radine shared many qualities in common and became the best friends. Although they were socially equal, they were treated in completely different ways because of racism. Houston was not culturally accepted by mainstream society as Radine was. Boys were more likely to ask Radine to the dances, even though they flirted with Houston. Houston was barred from sororities, but Radine was admitted to join them. Houston said that, Watching, I am simply emptied, and in the dream I want to cry out, because she is something I can never be(172). Houston never stopped attempting to retain American identity; however, prejudice of her oriental characteristics obstructed her effort. She looked forward to fulfilling her American identity, but she was too helpless and powerless to challenge enormous racial discrimination, Other than prejudice against Japanese-Americans, another reason that caused people from different cultures to struggle to balance two cultural identities was adh erence to their own culture. After arriving at the continent and staying there for years, many Japanese immigrants still considered that they were more Japanese than American. They were not willing to give up their own culture, and so they confronted cultural conflicts. A minority of people in the camps labeled members of the Japanese American Citizens League inu for having helped the army arrange a peaceful and orderly evacuation(67). Inu meant collaborator or informer in Japanese. The hatred towards these pro-American Japanese immigrants and disrespectful insult words revealed their strong belief in Japan and hostility towards America. To people’s surprise, the authors father who stood up to defend the point of view that immigrants should be loyal to American government was assaulted and condemned by his peers. Although these pro-Japan immigrants had been in America for many years, they still insisted that they were more Japanese. It was the thought that some Japanese Americans were not capable of integrating into American culture and balancing two identities. Chinatown exemplified that Chinese immigrants insisted on their own culture. Chinese immigrants were viewed as a group of conservative and un-American people after they first came to America. They showed keen interests in preserving Chinese culture, but they would not adapt themselves to American society. Therefore, their refusal to give up Chinese identity led to their isolation and failure to balance two cultural identities Their adherence promoted the formation of Chinatown, a Chinese world in alien countries. In the article, Two worlds, one family, Jens Taiwanese friends started giving her grief for dating an American. They were strict about Chinese culture and rejected the cross-cultural marriage. Jen was also warned that she needed to stick with someone from her own culture.' By this, her friends hoped that Jen could retain her Chinese identity by narrowing down her dating range. However, many cases had proven that the cross-cultural marriage played an important role in balancing different cultural identities. When people with different cultural backgrounds decide to form cross-cultural families, they build a bridge of cultural communication. Thus, her friends thoughts undermined cultural exchange. To conclude, it is hard to successfully balance two different cultural identities. Racial discrimination stopped Japanese Americans from balancing their cultural identities. In the wartime, the mainstream society held hostility towards these immigrants, and so they were isolated by the majority. Moreover, some peoples adherence to their former culture became the obstacle of integrating into American society. Chinese always struggled to have cross-cultural communications proceed effectively and successfully due to their insistence on Chinese identity. In the article, Two worlds, one family, Jen was hoped that she could date Chinese persons by her friends. However, their insistence seemed to be stubborn because it blocked effective communication between people from different cultural backgrounds. In order to balance two different cultural identities, people should be more lenient with newcomers and more open to new culture.

How Andrew Jackson was portrayed Essay Example for Free

How Andrew Jackson was portrayed Essay Andrew Jackson was the seventh president of the United States. A rough-hewn military hero, he was regarded by many as the spokesman of the common man. He entered the White House in 1829 after winning the second of two vigorously fought election campaigns. Through his forceful personality, he restructured the office of the president and helped shape the democratic party. Less educated and less schooled in government than many of his political opponents, Jackson had leaped to national fame in the War of 1812 as the hero of the Battle of New Orleans and had captured the dedicated loyalty of a vast segment of the American population. He was widely acclaimed as the symbol of what the new American thought himself to be a self-made man endowed with virtue and strength. The results of the election of 1824 proved that Jackson was indeed the champion of a popular majority. Jacksons administrations were highlighted by the frustration of sectional attempts to weaken the central government by state nullification of federal law, and by his confrontation with the Bank of the U.S. Jackson also positively affected the development of the U.S. presidency. He concentrated power in the office through wide use of the veto and through his insistence that the chief executive alone represented the will of the whole nation. He committed the presidential powers to the protection of the people. Throughout his presidency, Jackson was portrayed as both a states rightist and as a nationalist. As a states rightist, he proteced the states rights so that the federal government would not fund individual states rights and favor them over other states. He was a strong believer in the political ideas of the Jeffersonians. Another example of Jackson being a states rightist includes the Maysville Road veto. Jackson had pledged to reduce the national debt and was opposed to the rising number of bills before Congress that proposed to finance internal improvements with public money. The Maysville Road Bill gave authorized the use of federal funds to construct a road between the towns of Maysville and Lexington, both in Kentucky. Jackson vetoed the bill, calling it unconstitutional because it concerned only the state of Kentucky. As a nationalist, Jackson believed in a strong central government in order to unify the nation. He also believed in a democracy for the entire nation. Jackson also supported the Spoils System, which rewarded his political supporters with public offices and allowed common people to take office.

Community Healthcare Strategy

Community Healthcare Strategy Crystal Gill Healthy People 2020, Long-Term and Short-Term Goals, and Intervention Identify one health problem you believe to be the most prevalent in your community. You may want to check with your local health department or a community health nurse. Also consider researching the morbidity/mortality rates health problems in your community. School nurses and are an excellent resource person to contact. Analyze the problem using Milios framework for prevention from the module 1 readings (Chapter three in your text, pp 41) Choose one of your nursing diagnoses and describe how your identified community health problem applies. Consult Healthy People 2020 to find the national goals that are closely related to your chosen diagnosis (p.90) One long-term goal, minimum of three short-term goals and Intervention(s) (p.89) Minimum of four (4) total references: two (2) references from required course materials and two (2) peer-reviewed references. All references must be no older than five years (unless making a specific point using a seminal piece of information) The purpose of this paper is to discuss a prevalent health problem in Fairfield County, Ohio and discuss how Nancy Milios framework for prevention addresses the health care problem. The paper will incorporate the Fairfield County health challenge to my week one cardiovascular nursing diagnosis, and will cover long and short term goals and interventions as pertaining to the health care issue and in accordance with Healthy People 2020 guidelines. Fairfield, County Ohio Community Health Problems In week one of this class, I formulated two nursing diagnoses related to disease in Fairfield County, Ohio. One of my diagnoses focused on cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease has a number of attributing factors, including hypertension, obesity, and the use of tobacco. According to a Fairfield County Community Health Assessment, in the year 2010, 23% of Fairfield County adult residents had a cardiovascular disease diagnosis, with heart disease accounting for 28% of resident deaths (Ohio Department of Health, 2016). In the same assessment, 34% of Fairfield County residents had the diagnosis of hypertension, 7% were told they were pre-hypertensive, 33% were obese, and 17% of adults reported they used tobacco (Ohio Department of Health, 2016). Milios Framework of Prevention Problem Analysis Nancy Milio, PhD, RN, was a public health nurse who formulated a framework for prevention, which aimed to explain the connection between the individuals state of health and that of the community (Nies McEwen, 2015). Milio formulated six propositions in an attempt to explain the interrelation of a persons choices as they corresponded to the resources available in the community. In researching the topic of cardiovascular disease, I saw three specific Milio-propositions could be applied to my county. In her first proposition, Milio theorized that a persons state of health is directly influenced by too little or not enough of health-sustaining resources (Milio, 1976). Milio reported that the affluent members of her 1976 society indulged in too much food, soda pop, and alcohol. Similarly, in 2017, people are likely to indulge in the convinces of fast food restaurants, soda machines in every breakroom, and drive through liquor stores. Fast food is not only convenient; thanks to dollar menus, it is affordable even to lower income individuals. Most meals have the option to super-size the French fries and soda. In my city, there are two fast food restaurants directly across the street from the high school. Each restaurant is packed at lunch time with high school students escaping the cafeteria for cheap fried foods and caffeinated drinks. Regular consumption of foods high in carbohydrates, fat, salt, and sugar largely contribute to hypertension and obesity, leading factors of cardiovas cular disease (Pencak Murphy, Coke, Staffileno, Robinson, Tillotson, 2015). Milios second proposition stated that a person forms habits based on their actual or perceived choices. In the example above, the high school students flocked to the fast food restaurants at lunch for a variety of reasons. The restaurants are easily accessible, the food is fast and cheap and the student may perceive no other option for lunch. Going out to lunch with peers is comfortable, routine and habit forming. In my experience, it is easy to form bad habits because many of these habits are comfortable and automatic. In order to make positive changes, the actions need to be conscious. It is difficult for many people who face time-constraints to make advantageous eating habits a priority. Even though most fast-food restaurants now offer healthier food alternatives, such as salads, people do not view that food as convenient. It is much easier to eat salty French fries while committing than to eat a salad. Another Milio proposition discussed that people make choices based on their perceived personal or community resources (Milio, 1976). In my city of Pickerington, the population was recorded as 19,085 residents in 2013 and the city itself is 9.58 square miles (http://www.ci.pickerington.oh.us/Pages/Departments/Economic_Development/Demographics/). Pickerington hosts 19 fast food restaurants, with approximately 60 fast food restaurants in Fairfield County (https://visitfairfieldcountyoh.org/fastfood.php). This is compared to eight work-out facilities in Pickerington, and approximately 13 licensed workout facilities in the county, as per a Google web search. Most individuals crave expediency factors, whether related to food, shopping, commuting, or physical fitness. The Fairfield county statistics on cardiovascular disease and obesity can easily be correlated to the amount of fast food restaurants, deficiency of physical fitness facilities, and very likely, lack of community education on healthy lifestyle choices. References Milio, N. (1976). A framework for prevention: Changing health-damaging to health-generating life patterns. American Journal of Public Health, 66(5), 435-439. http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.66.5.435 Nies, M. A., McEwen, M. (2015). Community public health nursing (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders. Ohio Department of Health. (2016). Fairfield County Community Health Status Assessment: Fairfield county community health status assessment: Examining the health of Fairfield county. Retrieved from http://www.myfdh.org/pdf/2016-Fairfield-County-Community-Health-Assessment.pdf Pencak Murphy, M., Coke, L., Staffileno, B. A., Robinson, J. D., Tillotson, R. (2015). Improving cardiovascular health of underserved populations in the community with lifes simple 7. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 27, 615-623. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12231

Terra-Cotta Girl :: essays research papers

Terra Cotta Girl   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The poem has clear, wide-open drama while managing ambiguity and open-endedness. A sort of modern local color piece tinted with Southern elements, it nevertheless makes its characters real and sympathetic, treats important themes that are both topical and general, and offers an apt objective relationship with universal implications. Technically a lyric, the poem filled with narrative and drama: an off-the-farm college girl, a Southerner, and perhaps a Georgian like Sellers herself, has fallen in love with a â€Å"quiet girl down the hall† (9). The girl’s conservative mother â€Å"has seen to† (10) having her daughter seek for an expert help. Ungraceful, conflicted inwardly, and beset outwardly by parental pressure, the girl now waits to see a counselor. No character speaks, but the role of each is well defined. At least five characters, perhaps six, come into play: two girls, their two mothers, and one or maybe two counselors. Onstage is the â€Å"terra cotta girl† (1)--and maybe her mother as well. The other, â€Å"quiet† (9) daughter and her mother, along with a counselor (perhaps the same one), running a parallel to the scene we are witnessing. Although the poem shows us the girls as living â€Å"down the hall† (9) from each other in their college dormitory, it also suggests another indirect possibility that, at the very moment of the present action, this other girl, the quiet one, is just â€Å"down the hall† waiting to see another counselor during two parallel sessions that the mothers have â€Å"seen to† (10). Perhaps, the other girl’s mother is with her, too. The other girl may be â€Å"quiet† precisely because the narrator chooses not to give her a separate story. If this is the case, her â€Å"terra cotta† lover stands in as her delegate. The phrase â€Å"quiet girl† draws the image of a shy character, who may be less able to handle her current torture, and not as strong as â€Å"terra cotta girl†. Formally, the poem has thirteen short lines with different numbers of syllables and accents. The poem is unrhymed but engages such alliterations as â€Å"flat farm feet† (2) / â€Å"furrows† (3), â€Å"soil has seen† (10), and â€Å"weep for the waste† (12). All of the alliterated sounds are voiceless, which projects the current situation of the girls. The thirteen breath units of the poem divide into two clear sentences. With no stanza break in the poem, these sentences establish the language of the drama.

Teaching Status Report :: Dunn Middle School Education Teaching Essays

Teaching Status Report As the final weeks of my experience at Dunn Middle School quickly approached I began to reflect on my experience as a whole. All of my initial opinions have changed since the first time I walked into Dunn. I feel so much differently about Mr. Kiernan, the students, and the school experience in general. The closer to the end it got, the more sense of accomplishment and relief began to overwhelm me. I was so proud that I, for the past few weeks had been a real teacher. Up until the end I didn’t feel like a real teacher I felt like something else, I can’t explain what, but I began to realize that the students really saw me as their teacher. They respected and liked me just as much as Mr. Kiernan, and the best part, they learned just as much from me as the would have if Mr. Kiernan had been standing up in the front of the room. However, I also found myself feeling very relieved. For as much as enjoyed my experience, I was ready for it to be over. The final weeks of my experience at Dunn were the most eye opening. After talking to Mr. Kiernan over a casual lunch I learned a lot more about him personally and why he does what he does. My opinion on him has changed immensely since the first day. I went from thinking that he was a mean teacher who didn’t really care about the students or what they learned to realizing that he is one of the most caring teachers I have ever met. He loves to teach. That’s the best thing a teacher could do. If you don’t love to teach, then you will not succeed in the field. He cares more about his kids well being then most in that school. He is the baseball coach outside of the classroom and even checks up on the players in the off season. I still may not agree with all of his teaching strategies, but I do think that he is a good teacher. Caring about the well being of the students, I quickly learned, is sometimes more important then what they learn about math inside t he classroom here at Dunn.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant :: Red Tent Anita Diamant Essays

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant The author and her times   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Anita Diamant, author of the historic fiction novel, The Red Tent, is a devout Jewish-American living in Newtonville, Massachusetts with her husband and daughter, Emilia. She has written five books about contemporary Jewish life, The Red Tent being her first novel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Diamant may have been influenced by the recent resurgence of creating Midrashim, or stories that attempt to explain the Torah by examining its subtexts. Modern women have taken a keen interest in this practice, hoping to expand on the minute biblical mentions of women like Dinah.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Form, structure and plot   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Red Tent is organized in a seemingly complicated yet beautifully simple way. There are three main sections; Dinah's mothers' story, her childhood, and her life in Egypt. Each is further divided into chapters.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Although the story is divided into sections, the plot progresses intact. The exposition consists of Jacob's arrival and subsequent marriages to Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Bilhah. Twelve of thirteen children are born, including Dinah, narrator and only daughter. Dinah grows up helping her aunt/mother Rachel, who brings her to the city of Shechem. The initial incident occurs when Simon and Levi, two of Dinah's oldest brothers, enter the city of Shechem and murder all of the resident men, including Dinah's beloved husband, Shalem. Cursing her entire family, a pregnant Dinah is taken to Egypt by Shalem's mother, Re-nefer. In the rising action the child is born, a boy who Re-nefer names Re-mose and raises as her own. He becomes a superior Egyptian scribe, and is eventually assigned to the king's right-hand-man. In a climactic irony, Re-mose's employer turns out to be Joseph, Dinah's youngest brother. The truth about Shalem's murder is revealed to Re-mose, who in turn vows to avenge his father's death on Joseph's head. He is thwarted by Dinah, who convinces him to remove to the north. Joseph and Dinah attend the death of Jacob in the falling action, both forgiving the wrongs committed against them in their father's name. The story concludes with Dinah's death. Point of View   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Diamant has Dinah effectively tell her story from three different narrative perspectives. The bulk of the novel is related by Dinah in first person, providing a private look at growing up and personal tragedy: "It seemed that I was the last person alive in the world" (Diamant 203). Dinah tells the story that she says was mangled in the bible. Understandably, Dinah's relation of her mothers' stories is done in third person narrative, since she herself was not yet born.

Journey Of A Ham Sandwich

The start of the process – the mouth: The digestive process begins in the mouth. The ham sandwich is partly broken down by the process of chewing and by the chemical action of salivary enzymes (these enzymes are produced by the salivary glands and break down starches into smaller molecules).On the way to the stomach: the oesophagus – After being chewed and swallowed, the food enters the oesophagus. The oesophagus is a long tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach. It uses rhythmic, wave-like muscle movements (called peristalsis) to force food from the throat into the stomach. This muscle movement gives us the ability to eat or drink even when we're upside-down.In the stomach – The stomach is a large, sack-like organ that churns the food and bathes it in a very strong acid (gastric acid). Food in the stomach that is partly digested and mixed with stomach acids is called chyme.In the small intestine – After being in the stomach, food enters the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. It then enters the jejunum and then the ileum (the final part of the small intestine). In the small intestine, bile (produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder), pancreatic enzymes, and other digestive enzymes produced by the inner wall of the small intestine help in the breakdown of food.In the large intestine – After passing through the small intestine, food passes into the large intestine. In the large intestine, some of the water and electrolytes are removed from the food. Microbes are used in the large intestine to help in the digestion process. The first part of the large intestine is called the cecum (the appendix is connected to the cecum). Food then travels upward in the ascending colon. The food travels across the abdomen in the transverse colon, goes back down the other side of the body in the descending colon, and then through the sigmoid colon.The end of the process – Solid waste is then stored in the rectu m until it is excreted out of the anus.

A Step Forward Or A Step Backward Environmental Sciences Essay

Introduction:â€Å" Our mission is to be a first metals and excavation group and generate superior fiscal returns. † With this mission Vedanta group entered Indian excavation industry under the leading of Mr. Anil Agarwal ( Executive Chairman ) . Vedanta Resources Plc. signed a MoU with Orissa authorities in 1997 for mining bauxite from Niyamgiri Hills near Lanjigarh. This besides led to put up 1.75mtpa aluminum smelter at Jharsuguda, all in Odisha. Although the Alumina Refinery Project was commissioned in 2007 and the excavation undertaking was cleared by the Supreme Court of India in 2008, OMC has non yet been able to get down the excavation undertaking chiefly due to the rejection of the concluding clearance by the Ministry of Environment and Forest ( MoEF ) .[ 1 ]The instance is still held with Supreme Court of India and Vedanta has decided to close down its Lanjigarh works from December 2012 if no alternate solution comes from either province authorities or Cardinal authorities. As per VAL Chief Operating Officer Mukesh Kumar â€Å" If the state of affairs improves by December 5, the company may non close down the works † . Kumar said despite the province authorities ‘s committedness to provide natural stuff to the refinery, it has non been given ‘even one gm ‘ of bauxite so far.[ 2 ]VAL has so far invested Rs 9,000 crores in the undertaking which employs about 7,000 people, including direct occupations to 3,000 individuals. â€Å" In retrospect we feel it was a bad determination to travel for such immense investings here, † remarked a senior VAL functionary.[ 3 ]VAL ‘s determination is bound to direct a incorrect signal amongst the prospective investors, that mineral-rich Odisha, contrary to the claims of the province authorities, is far from welcoming industries.VEDANTA- About the company:â€Å" Our vision is to be a universe category, diversified resources company supplying superior returns to our stockholders with h igh quality assets, low cost operations, and sustainable development. † [ Vision: Vedanta Resources PLC. ][ 4 ] Based in London, Vedanta is a globally diversified natural resources group with wide-ranging involvements in aluminum, Cu, Zn, lead, Ag, Fe ore, oil and gas and power. Vedanta is the first Indian fabrication company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange, and continues to be a portion of the FTSE 100 Index. With experient work force of over 31,000 employees worldwide, Vedanta Resources plc is a globally diversified natural resources group with grosss in surplus of US $ 11 billion. Vedanta has operating locations in India, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Liberia, Ireland and Australia through assorted subordinates. Australia: Copper Mines of Tasmania: An belowground Cu excavation operations located in Tasmania with ore production capacity of 2.8mtpa. This is supplied wholly to Sterlite ‘s Cu smelter operations in India. Northern rhodesia: Konkola Copper Mines: KCM has to the full integrated Cu operations in Zambia with several mines at Konkola and Nchanga. South west africa: Sterlite own the Skorpion mine in Namibia. This plus was acquired from Anglo American ‘s Zn concern. South Africa: Sterlite owns 74 % of Black Mountain Mining in South Africa, which includes the Black Mountain Mine and Gamsberg undertaking. Liberia: Acquired Liberia Iron ore assets with an estimated 1bn tonne militias and resources in FY 2011-12. Irish republic: Sterlite picked up 100 % interest in the Lisheen Mine during the acquisition of the Zn concern from Anglo American.Vedanta in India:Sterlite Industries Limited: The concern comprises of 0.4mpta Cu smelting and refinement operations. The company is duplicating the capacity to 0.8mtpa with confined power works. MALCO: The Company has a power works with a coevals capacity of 100 MW. BALCO: A taking Indian aluminum manufacturer with operations in the province of Chhattisgarh, BALCO presently has 245ktpa smelting capacity, 810MW power coevals installations and capableness to bring forth metal bars and other value-added merchandises. BALCO has a 325ktpa smelter undertaking, a 1,200MW power works undertaking, and rights to char block of 211.0mt for confined use. Vedanta Aluminium Limited: â€Å" We will be the universe ‘s most admired company that systematically defines the prima criterions in our concerns, doing our stakeholders proud to be associated with us † , vision[ 5 ]VAL. VAL is based in eastern India and operates a 1mtpa alumina refinery at Lanjigarh. At Jharsuguda, VAL operates 500ktpa aluminum smelter and an associated 1,215MW confined power works. VAL besides has a 1.25mtpa aluminum smelter undertaking at Jharsuguda. Sesa Goa: Sesa Goa is India ‘s largest private sector Fe ore producer-exporter, with excavation and processing installations located in the provinces of Goa and Karnataka. Sterlite Energy: It has two major power works undertakings for commercial power coevals – the 2,400MW power works at Jharsuguda, Orissa of which two units were operations at the terminal of FY 2010-11, and the 2,640MW power works at Talwandi Sabo, in Punjab.The Struggle:For Vedanta Alumina signed the joint venture understanding with the OMC on October 5, 2003 for developing bauxite mines at the Niyamgiri hill near Lanjigarh in Kalahandi territory and the Khambasi hill in bordering Rayagada territory, for usage in its one-million-tonne alumina refinery being set up at a cost of Rs.4,000 crores.[ 6 ]The works got in production by taking all clearances in 2005. But the province resistance alleges that the company was yet to obtain forest clearance for its undertaking as per the Forest ( Conservation ) Act, 1980. They besides alleged that the company had cleared the site and constructed its rehabilitation settlement, office edifice, invitee house and 22 concrete pillars for the co nveyer system from the mines at the Niyamgiri hill to the works site at Lanjigarh without the blessing of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. This instance is under legal power of the Supreme Court of India. In behest of these allegations Vedanta is be aftering to close down the works in absence of bauxite mines.Court finding of facts:The Supreme tribunal of India nevertheless allowed Vedanta Aluminium for the excavation undertaking saying that â€Å" If M/s. SIIL is agreeable to the a bow stated Rehabilitation Package so they shall be at autonomy to travel this Court by originating a proper application. This Court is non against the Undertaking in rule. It merely seeks precautions by which we are able to protect nature and bomber service development. I.As. are disposed of consequently. †[ 7 ]The Supreme Court of India besides instructed MoEF to give the environmental clearance after necessary reviews.[ 8 ] But when the Central Empowered Committee ( CEC ) has reprimanded the Ministry in really strong linguistic communication for perfectly go againsting basic dogmas of environmental clearance process, misdemeanor of cardinal commissariats of forest clearances, raised critical issues of bearing false witness against Vedanta, MoEF and Orissa Government,[ 9 ]The Supreme Court of India instructed Vedanta Aluminium Limited to halt its enlargement on the land that it has non fulfilled the environmental clearances.[ 10 ]Environmental position:The aluminum oxide works and the excavation undertaking linked with it will hold serious inauspicious consequence on the vegetations and zoologies due to excavation, overburden dumping, building of proposed route through the dense woods, liquid and gaseous wastewaters emanations, bright light, blaring with explosives, boring and attendant quiver and dust, operation of heavy burden and unloading equipment, pollution etc. Sterlite India ‘s application to the MoEF had sought merely the environmental clearance and no forest clearance ( which, as noted earlier, are separate regulative demands ) for the refinery. However, on 16 August 2004 – after holding made the application for environmental clearance – Sterlite India sought separate permission, under the Forest Conservation Act, for the recreation of 30 hectares of protected wood land and 29 hectares of small town common belongings resource land for the refinery and the conveyer transit system that was to be used to transport bauxite from the mine site to the refinery. India ‘s environmental and forest Torahs make it compulsory for companies to obtain anterior clearances for new industrial undertakings affecting major alterations in land usage forms. The MoEF evaluates applications and grants clearances. The Forest Conservation Act, 1980, regulates forest clearances, while ordinance under the 1986 Environment ( Protection ) Act governs environmental clearances.Impact on H2O governmentMany perennial watercourses originate from the Niyamgiri hill top. 22 H2O harvest home constructions are located in the foothills which provide twelvemonth unit of ammunition H2O supply. Vamsdhara and Nagvalli are two major rivers of South Orissa which emanate from this hill. The excavation of bauxite is bound to destruct the H2O reloading capacity of the hill and will besides do the desertification of perennial watercourses therefore presenting a serious hazard to the lasting beginning of H2O in this country.Disposal of Toxic wastewatersRed Mud Pond and the Ash Pond are being established on the Bankss of river Vamsdhara with a portion of the river really covered by the ruddy clay pond.A A A brassy inundation in the river can do a breach in the pool and which could ensue in a monolithic spill in the river of noxious and toxicant ruddy clay which is a mix of extremely toxic alkaline chemicals and heavy metals including radioactive component all of which could hold black effects.Impact on wildlifeThe PML ( and the Niyamgiri Hills home ground ) is extremely productive in footings ofA wildlife since it provides the valuable ‘edge consequence ‘ to wild animate beings, with unfastened grasslands as feeding infinite and neighbouring trees for shelter andA flight. Mining on the graduated table proposed in this home ground would badly upset elephant home grounds, and endanger the of import undertaking of elephant preservation in south Orissa.Applicable environment protection Acts of the Apostless:Forest Rights Act 2006 – The full PML country falls in the class of Community Forest Resource ( CFR ) as defined in subdivision 2 ( a ) of the Forest Rights Act ( FRA ) Misdemeanor of Forest Conservation Act -The Company is in illegal business of 26.123 hour angle of small town forest lands enclosed within the mill premises. The claim by the company that they have merely followed the province authorities orders and enclosed the forest lands within their mill premises to protect these lands and that they provide entree to the tribal and other villagers to their small town forest lands is wholly false.A Misdemeanor of Environment Protection Act: The Company M/s Vedanta Alumina Limited has already proceeded with building activity for its tremendous enlargement undertaking that would increase its capacity six crease from 1Mtpa to 6Mtpa without obtaining environmental clearance as per commissariats of EIA Notification, 2006 under the EPA. This amounts to a serious misdemeanor of the commissariats of the Environment ( Protection ) Act.[ 11 ]Government/OMC position:The steel and mines section and Odisha Mining Corporation ( OMC ) have expressed their inability to supply Vedanta Aluminium Ltd ( VAL ) alternative beginning of bauxite for its Lanjigarh aluminum oxide refinery because of restraints of jurisprudence even as the company has sent an progress notice for closing down of the works imputing the cause of such utmost measure to non-supply of bauxite as per the understanding with the state-run excavation company. â€Å" OMC has nil to state in this affair as our understanding with Vedanta was limited merely to excavation at Niyamagiri hills, which is sub-judice presently. Sing supply of bauxite from other beginnings, it is the sentinel of the authorities and Vedanta, † said Saswat Mishra, chairman-cum-managing ( CMD ) manager of OMC. The Odisha authorities had identified Niyamgiri mine as the initial beginning of bauxite supply and had instructed state-run mineworker OMC to organize a joint venture with Vedanta to unearth the 78 million metric ton sedimentations at the site. However, Niyamgiri excavation program was subsequently shut down by Union Ministry of Environment and Forest ( MoEF ) , which refused to give it present II forest clearance and besides withdrew the environment clearance granted earlier. VAL pointed out that the MoU included supply of extra bauxite apart from that lying in the Niyamgiri mines. So it was incumbent on the province to set up the stuff from other beginnings. However, the province has non made any effort in this respect though it possessed more than half of the state ‘s bauxite militias. A senior authorities functionary in the steel and mines section said there was no misdemeanor of the understanding as there were regulations and ordinances to present excavation rentals to companies. â€Å" I do non believe we have violated any clause mentioned in the understanding. We must follow the regulations and current patterns, † he said. In absence of the assured supply, the company had to trust upon bauxite mines of Andhra Pradesh, Chhatishgarh and Guajarat to run its refinery even though it had designed its refinery maintaining in head the locally available bauxite when it started its refinery operation five old ages ago. OMC said, at present it does non hold any other bauxite mine, but it is anticipating to acquire forest clearance for another bauxite mine at Kodingamali for which it has signed a Vedanta-like understanding with Hindalco. It has besides applied for some other mines with smaller bauxite sedimentations and has been recommended by the province authorities to run the Sasubohumali mine. In the thick of allegation that authorities is funded by Vedanta contributions,[ 12 ]13the state-owned excavation company said, even if it had other bauxite mines, it can non provide the mineral to Vedanta as this would go against the Torahs. Earlier this twelvemonth, VAL acquired interest in Raycal, a bauxite excavation company of Larsen and Turbo ( L & A ; T ) , after the issue of Dubai Aluminium Company ( Dubal ) . However, the undertaking will take approximately three to four old ages to bring forth bauxite.Vedanta Perspective:â€Å" Merely resources can assist eliminate poorness, † Agarwal had said when quizzed about environmental hazards. â€Å" We ( India ) have to utilize our resources in a sustainable mode for our development. †[ 14 ]Vedanta, which has emerged as a excavation and natural resources giant in last one decennary, had reported grosss of over USD 14 billion during the last financial. Vedanta ‘s willingness to put in Lanjigarh has been welcomed by the Government of India and the State of Odisha, and from its very origin Vedanta has known that the refinery undertaking is non the lone part to development we must do in Odisha. We have recognised that industrial development demands to be complemented by rural and other signifiers of development for those, including the Dongria Kondh and Kutia Kondh – the two tribal communities populating around the works, that may non profit straight or indirectly from the refinery ‘s activities. Against this background, the first stairss to set up the Lanjigarh Project were taken in April 1997 when Sterlite Industries and the Government of Odisha signed an MoU to make an incorporate excavation and refinement undertaking in Kalahandi. A MoU was besides signed between Sterlite Industries and Orissa Mining Corporation ( OMC ) for the supply of bauxite from nearby sedimentations, get downing with the bauxite sedimentat ions on the border of Niyamgiri hills. In 2004, the MoEF gave permission to Vedanta to put up the alumina refinery. When the refinery was established, 121 households were physically displaced. These have all been resettled in the Niyamgiri Vedanta Nagar Resettlement Colony, with 76 household members being employed with the company as lasting employees. Compensation in stead of employment is being provided to the staying households. A farther 1,745 people affected by the refinery but non physically displaced have besides been compensated at changing grades commensurate with the extent of the impact sustained by the puting up of the refinery. In all instances compensation went well beyond the legal demands.[ 15 ] Inspite of holding all the environmental clearances in 2005, allegations from the NGOs and province resistance has halted Vedanta ‘s halted program. Vedanta has besides questioned the NGOs by mentioning that NGOs have been opposing the excavation of bauxite reserved in southern portion of Odisha, but in contrast, NGOs are soundless about Fe ore excavation in Central Odisha[ 16 ]17.Global Chemical reactionsBogged by holds in land acquisitions and environmental clearances, the companies like POSCO and Arcelor Mittal have scaled down their Orissa programs while reconnoitering for alternate sites to house their mega undertakings, every bit large as 10-12 million metric tons in capacity and with investings of more than Rs 1,00,000 crore, say people connected with the concern groups and senior province authorities functionaries. South Korean steel major Posco had programs to mine ores, construct a steel works and put up a port for an estimated cost of Rs 51,000 crore. Anil Agarwal-ow ned Vedanta Resources which has invested about Rs 45,000 crore in its aluminum oxide and power refinery, had committed to pass Rs 15,000 crore in a mega university undertaking, while Arcelor Mittal said it would put Rs 40,000 crore for its steel undertaking.[ 18 ]19Closing Line:It ‘s an first-class illustration of Good administration on the portion of the MoEF and should move as a hindrance for all others who had been taking, all these old ages, authorities clearances as fait accompli and should convey in extremist alterations in their company ‘s attitudes, believing and rightful actions towards sustainable developments in the state. The companies need to eschew off from the unregulated and unchecked greed for stuff additions at the cost of damaging of our eco-system irreversibly for the following coevals to endure and cuss our coevalss.[ 20 ]But It may therefore be submitted that Vedanta Aluminium is adequate of a instance to confirm the widely held place that the Minis try of Environment and Forests has non merely colluded with bureaus engaged in serious misdemeanor of environmental and human rights, but that the Ministry itself is an bureau engaged in the active misdemeanor of waies of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. It compromises administrative reappraisal mechanisms with impunity and perpetrates fraud by accepting wholesome prevarications as stuff for its determinations. But for smooth FDI and promote the foreign involvement authorities should propose some redress to Vedanta Aluminium so that it make non incur immense losingss and can mine bauxite from a different beginning to prolong the Lanjigarh Project. Furthermore no less than the leading of the Ministry, that is the Union Minister for Environment and Forests and Secretary of MoEF, must be held accountable for this farce of environmental clearance mechanisms of India. The authorities should avoid policy palsy where the environmental clearance should hold been taken into history before sign language of MoU between Vedanta Aluminium and State authorities. [ Source ][ 21 ]22AbbreviationsOMC Orissa Mining Corporation MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forest VAL Vedanta Aluminum Limited mtpa Million Tonnes Per Annum SIIL Sterlite Industries India Limited CEC Central Empowered Committee PML Proposed Mining LeaseExhibit -1 ( Time line- Vedanta Lanjigarh Project )YearCalendar monthIncident1997 May London-based industrialist Anil Agarwal ‘s Sterlite Industries of India Limited marks memoranda of apprehension ( MOU ) for a excavation undertaking with the Orissa authorities in 1997. 2002 June Land acquisition and a gm sabha notice issued to villagers for the â€Å" proposed Lanjigarh aluminum oxide refinery undertaking † on June 6, 2002. Harmonizing to the notice, 12 small towns would be razed, 60 households displaced and 302 households would lose their farming area when undertaking materialised. 2003 March In March 2003, Sterlite applied to the Union ministry of environment and woods ( Mo EF ) for environmental clearance for the proposed refinery. The application made no reference of the 58.9 hour angle of forestland it required. June On 07.06.2003, Sterlite entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ( for abruptly, â€Å" MOU † ) with the Government of Orissa for puting up of the IMTPA Alumina Refinery and 3MTPA of Bauxite excavation installations every bit good as for the installing of a 4 ten 25 MW confined power works, at an aggregative investing of Rs.4000 crores. August On August 16, 2003, it filed a separate request for clearances under the Forest Conservation Act ( FCA ) , 1980, through the Orissa Industrial Infrastructure Development Commission. 2004 March On March 24, 2004, MoEF informed the company that as the refinery would be dependent on the excavation proposal being cleared, the ministry would see the two proposals together. September Six months subsequently, on September 22, 2004, MOEF reversed its determination and granted the refinery environmental clearance on status that Sterlite got mining clearance before â€Å" operationalising † the refinery. The blessing missive besides stated: â€Å" The undertaking does non affect recreation of forest land. † This, despite the fact that another division of the ministry had received an application for FCA clearance for the refinery. November In November 2004, Orissa ‘s forest section sent Vedanta a show-cause notice for infringing on 10.41 estates ( 4.21 hour angle ) of small town forestland for its refinery. Around the same clip, several militants individually petitioned CEC to hold the company ‘s operations. 2005 March On March 23, 2005, after CEC questioned MoEF about the cogency of an environmental clearance, that the ministry directed VAL to hold building work boulder clay clearance was given for the 58.9 hour angle of forestland within the refinery compound. March The following twenty-four hours the company dashed off a missive to MoEF seeking backdown of its petition for forest clearance for the refinery stating it did n't necessitate the 58.9 hour angle after all. March The province authorities sent MoEF a missive urging backdown of the proposal on March 27, 2005, which happened to be a Sunday. The really following twenty-four hours, the ministry withdrew its halt work order, without trouble oneselfing to look into why the company had changed its stance. September In September 2005, CEC recommended to the Supreme Court that mining should non be permitted on Niyamgiri hill. The study was a vituperative indictment of the undertaking and questioned the unity of the governments involved. 2006 February In February 2006, the apex tribunal referred the affair to MoEF ‘s Forest Advisory Committee ( FAC ) – which looks into recreation of forestland for non-forest purposes-and asked for a study in three months. February FAC, in bend, asked the Wildlife Institute of India ( WII ) and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited ( CMPDIL ) , to measure the undertaking for dirt eroding and impact on H2O resources. May CMPDIL, harmonizing to Vedanta ‘s attorneies ‘ statements during Supreme Court hearings on May 16 and May 18, 2007, cleared the undertaking of all water-related concerns. June However, WII ‘s study submitted in June 2006 warned that bauxite excavation in Niyamgiri tableland would destruct a specialized wildlife home ground. However, following a particular presentation by Orissa forest officers, the institute tagged on a auxiliary study in October 2006, which included a Rs 42-crore program for extenuation of impact on wildlife. September Based on the two studies, FAC recommended recreation of forestland for the excavation undertaking. September However, in another affair, the Supreme Court had already ordered a reappraisal of clearances granted by FAC after September 15, 2006, which included the VAL undertaking. December On December 8, 2006, the tribunal asked CEC to register more remarks. When the affair was heard on May 16 and 18, 2007, CEC iterated its base that MoEF had acted irresponsibly and with â€Å" undue hastiness † in allowing Vedanta clearances. 2007AWhile instance pending in the Supreme tribunal, the refinery operated with bauxite from Vedanta ‘s Chhattisgarh mines. 2008 December In-principle clearance for 660.749 hour angle of forestland for excavation was granted on December 11, 2008. 2009 April Further, in April 2009, forest clearance was given for an extra country of 33.73 hour angle. Public hearing for 6 creases enlargement of the refinery was held on April 26, 2009. April Clearance by the MoEF to the excavation undertaking of Vedanta on April 28, 2009 despite widespread protests. 2010 August Temporary backdown of clearance rights by the MoEF on the recommendations of FAC on August 24.08.10 2012 September Vedanta sought permission to close down its refinery at Lanjigarh due to scarceness of natural stuff. Shutdown will get down from December 5,2012 if the natural stuff is non made available Beginning: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.cseindia.org/content/vedanta's-lanjigarh-project-refinery-and-bauxite-mining

Class Prophecy of Batch 2010 in Morms.Doc Essay

Most of us would agree that the days we spent in high school were certainly the best days of our lives. Memorable ones I suggest. It was in high school that we made our grown-up friends, competed to excel, hoped for places in the sports team, toiled to lead in the student council, and yielded to take part in the school organ. It was also in high school when we first felt and experienced to love – puppy love as people say. Thus, it is indeed in this chapter that we learnt lessons about life; that what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. And it is inevitable that we encounter obstacles along the way, from which we learn to fight and to be strong. The class of 2008 has come along way since the freshman year at San Francisco High School, and memories come flooding back every time we reminisce each high school happening. All of which were joyous, worth remembering and unique in their own right. I. Igniting the inner light – freshmen year Anxiety filled the air as freshmen wandered during the opening classes in San Francisco High School. All of whom were thinking who their adviser, teachers and classmates may be. And as the school bell rang, every freshman began to walk hurriedly along the school grounds to finally reach their destination – their new home. Thus, the meandering class of 2008 came together under one roof in the white walls of Molave Building. Consequently, here is where our story began. Everyone leapt unto their respective classrooms, and as they found themselves seats to sink in, murmurings started to conquer the place. Then a glaciating breeze seemed to stun every freshman and jerked them silent, way too different from the usual noisy chitchats, chants and laughter heard within the four corners of a classroom. The first day of classes in high school signifies that to be a freshman is to be in possession of a wonderful thing: time. There is time to figure out what you want to do with your life, time to figure out what books you want to read. There is time to make friends. This was the time of building friendships again, for each may have parted with old friends and that new sets of close acquaintances are to be developed. That I think is what being a freshman is all about – to begin again. Our freshmen year may have been unique compared to the other years for it was in our time when the school decorum or dress code was changed, so that the boys could wear black pants instead of kaki pants. It was also in our time when the Department of Education first launched a project to further intensify the form of education in public high schools: the Bridge Program. Yes, we will never forget this program. Every time we remember it, a painstaking examination flows back into our minds. And as days passed, we encountered several more mind-boggling and constraining tests to cogitate on. Take the National Achievement Test that welcomed us at our first year at SFHS as an example. But through all these, we came to the extent to study more, learn more and acquire more knowledge. Our days in San Francisco High School continued to pass by and progress started to set in to our school as it welcomed development and change. The usual flood-prone and muddy area by the entrance of the Molave Building was then transformed into something more accessible as the drainage was improved and pathways concretized. Likewise, the school cafeteria with dull, tedious and wearisome ambiance has become lively, bright and auspicious, but was unfortunately set on fire months after the renovation. Notwithstanding the aforementioned concerns, every freshman continued to weave a strong bond of relationships with their new classmates and schoolmates, overcoming the sadness they felt as they went separate ways amongst elementary friends. And the once aloof, coy, and cold-hearted freshmen were turned steadfastly amicable. Hence, this was the time of being true and showing who you really are . . . again. Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled and ignited this inner light. II. Shoreline of growing up – sophomore year Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps. This is the time of schooling where learning requires maturity; where the playful freshmen turn out to be dreamers. And that these dreamers learn to plan for their lives – on what they desire to become and what paths they ought to take. It is in our sophomore year that we began to write our own plans and arrangements for our own future. As San Francisco High School welcomed back the class of 2008 for their sophomore year, the school then waved goodbye to Dr. Consolacion Montano, principal, as she moved to another high school. SFHS then warmly opened its gates for the arrival of their new head of authorities, for their new school principal, Dr. Milagros San Juan. This was surprisingly a news breaking event for the school at that moment. Time flew and San Francisco High School started to embrace changes and improvements initiated by the effort of the newly appointed principal of the school, Dr. San Juan. In the first three months of her service, she revised the mission-vision of the school focusing on academic excellence and the realization of students’ and teachers’ giftedness, which dramatically changed the attitudes of both the teachers and students. Also, Dr. San Juan organized an infrastructural set-up in the school to produce a more conducive learning environment among the students and in lieu of the pending condemnation of the old Narra Building. Indeed, through the collaborative endeavour of the school administrators, stakeholders and Quezon City Government, a four-storey 18-classroom building has started its structural foundation in San Francisco High School and has become operational in our junior year. Meanwhile, the Dao and PUP Buildings in SFHS underwent renovation for replacement of roofing and repainting. Clearly, Dr. San Juan’s vision for SFHS in pursuit for academic excellence beyond mediocrity has slowly made possible and she cited that SFHS will regain its pride in due time. It was also in the plight of Dr. San Juan’s arrival that SFHS first celebrated its founding anniversary after many years . . . after several decades. And from boring and tiresome schooldays, the students then enjoyed various school activities such as seminars, workshops, symposiums and trainings which honed their virtues and intellect, all necessary as they grow. The growing students of class 2008 have come to the point of hitching their wagons to a star. Believing that dreaming is the beginning of success, these sophomores then begun to mold their future in their young minds. It is clear that the future holds great opportunities. It also holds pitfalls. The trick of succeeding is to seize the opportunities and avoid the pitfalls. Opportunity comes only once, but when it does not knock, you must learn to build a door. Growing up is not that easy for growing requires valor and bravery as one meets challenges and hindrances along the way. It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. III. Steering with countless effort – junior year The best helping hand that you will ever receive is the one at the end of your own arm. All downhill comes this year. It is circumstantial that in this chapter of high school life, a myriad of responsibilities is at par facing the junior students for here is where they are trained and honed in preparation for the duties that await them. All new academic school year at San Francisco High School and all new happenings for the juniors to encounter and celebrate. First was the transformation of the school library into something innovative as it coped with the technological advancements of the community – the school library went online. Thanks to the Quezon City Government and Quezon City Division of City Schools. Second in line was the commemoration of the school’s 49th founding anniversary – again, a day of joy and euphoria. Nevertheless, the feeling of excitement aroused upon each junior when the news about the Junior and Senior Promenade came about. February passed and March came. Finally the prom was held . . . after years. This most awaited moment was jam packed with programs, great music, tasty food, glamorous formal attires, and the highlight of the evening – the ball. Not to mention the turn-over ceremonies of responsibilities from seniors to juniors that indicates relief to the fourth years, but the beginning of busy schooldays for the third years. However, the night was then enjoyed with relish and zest by all, particularly the juniors, setting aside the duties that await them. The prom was over and each student went home with smiles on their faces. Looking back weeks before the prom, the Supreme Student Government (SSG), formerly Student Council had its election of new set of officers for the next academic school year. The positions from the President down to the year level representatives were opened to those who are willing to dedicate their service, time and effort for the school. All of which were struggled by the three competing party lists namely: Uno Kabataan, YOUNG and CUP. All were devoted to serve the school, but only a few were to be chosen. After a democratic school wide voting, the student body has elected their new leaders. The juniors turned leaders, Alexis Ailex Villamor Jr., President; Rose-lyn Ann Reyes, Vice-President; Leira Anne Nolasco, Secretary; Adelpha Gonzales, Treasurer; Armie Saces, Auditor; Judith Regine Santos, P.I.O; Mary Grace Papa, Peace Officer; and the so called â€Å"Magic Four†, Ma. Rose Solas, Ferdie Javier, Janine Joy Ilagan, and Kristine Joy Torela, fourth year representatives, then metamorphosed to responsible students for they ought to show off what they can do next year. Continuity of vision and specified goal are necessary requirements for upcoming seniors, significant aspects in striking the aim. Obstacles come at every chance and these are those frightful things that one sees when he takes his eyes off his goal. All that one can do is spit in the eye of his fears by living each day with as much passion and commitment as possible to what truly counts, such as love and justice. To give into the fear and hopelessness would be to declare defeat; something that one is not ready to do while there is still the will to struggle. To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. Remember that we cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sail. All our dreams for our school, family and ourselves can come true . . . if we have the chivalry to pursue it. Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. IV. Setting adrift – senior year Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. Senior year: the final lap. New dreams are to be dreamed; new hopes are to be hoped for, and a lot new works are to be worked on. The once little youngsters have now grown and became young adults, that from playing and chatting, they will now embark and handle over great responsibilities and obligations duly bequeathed unto them by the previous senior students. In line with their duties in school, they then approached the instance of making the hardest decision. That their future counts on the manifestation of this decision. Eventually, stories of triumph, success, loss and frustration are expected from this new journey. In preparation for the opening of classes, the Brigada Eskwela of San Francisco High School, spearheaded by the School Governing Council (SGC), went beyond the National School Maintenance Week and won 2nd place, welcoming the students with festal pleasure and felicity. This was made possible by the noble and spectacular work of the SGC. Gradually moving forward, the seniors went to school with vigor as the school year started. The first week of school was a mere catastrophe, if I may say. For the school cafeteria alongside the Narra Building was torn down accidentally by the SM construction team, leaving the area with looms of rocks, shuttered glasses and cluttered pieces of wood. However, the company vowed of replacing those that were destroyed in due time. However, classes continued and academic club elections were held, signifying more obligations for the seniors to deal with. Through the commitment of the Hon. Cong. Vincent â€Å"Bingbong† Crisologo to ensure that government resources entrusted under his discretion be utilized for the general welfare of the citizenry; he gracefully turned-over an audio-speech laboratory to the school for the productivity of the English language amongst students. The laboratory was built at the fourth floor of the SB Hall. Our profound gratitude to Congressman Crisologo! But our thoughts of gratitude have not stopped there, as part of San Francisco High School’s Anniversary Celebration, the SGC and SM Foundation jointly conducted medical-dental-optical missions last July and August, and it turned out to be a big success. Another record in school history. Thanks to the SGC’s continuing support, camaraderie and rapport! After all the effort of the School Governing Council, its time for the Supreme Student Government to step its foot in preparation for the school’s Golden Jubilee Celebration. To prove that the officers of the SSG were indeed capable of leading the school, the organization volunteered to preside and prepare the programs for the celebration. After several discussion and meetings, the SSG decided to hold a Sports Festival, which served as a treat to the students and teachers. They also came up with the theme: S.O.S (Save Our Students) – Needing collective efforts towards academic excellence, with the help of Dr. San Juan herself and Mrs. Virginia Amin. With only one week preparation, the SSG, administrators and stakeholders furnished out the program and other necessary materials and equipments for the celebration. The 29th of September came, and the 50th Founding Anniversary of San Francisco High School was successfully commemorated in spite of the not-so-friendly weather. Surely, happiness and enjoyment aboundingly invaded everyone’s hearts as they involve themselves in the historical event of the school. Other programs that kept students involved were: the Mr. and Ms. San Francisco ’07, the Leaders for Juan seminar and workshop, Books in Motion of the English Club, Poster, Logo and Slogan Making Competitions, Student Debate regarding Honesty, Industry and Nationalism, Tutorial Sessions, â€Å"Gulayan sa Paaralan† of the PTA and a lot more. Year 2008 was a leap year and with the phenomenal February 29, the 2008 Junior and Senior Promenade was held. Though the seniors’ excitement was not as much as last year’s, everyone still enjoyed the evening. Thus, emotion of sadness abound the dance floor as seniors danced along with slow music, knowing that this was the last prom that they would attend. Yet, tears have no place on the center stage when loud music jammed, breaking the silence. The celebration still continued as our days in San Francisco High School passed, for our batch has successfully brought honor and pride to the school as we reaped places in annual competitions: Secondary Schools Press Conferences: district , division and regional levels and qualified the national level, Student Technologists and Entrepreneurs of the Philippines (STEP) Skills Competitions: district and division levels, Values Education Competitions: district, division and national levels, Dance Competitions topped by the schools pride, Pamanadanse, Poster and Slogan Making Contests, Essay Writing and Oratorical Competitions outside school, Math Challenges, and in the SB Centrex, Center for Excellence – a help in regaining the school’s prowess. And we are happy that we would be leaving San Francisco High School a better place for what we have done and what we have been. Hence, as we set adrift, as we leave our Alma Mater, and as we venture through another life, we can presume that we have left a legacy; a trail that others may follow and an inspiration to those who are next in line. Graduation day is yet to come. Graduation day fills the heart with mixed feelings – fulfilment and sadness, anxiety and eagerness. Seniors will say goodbye to the comfortable and secure life within the high school walls. Everyone must get ready to march to the beat of college life. The uncertainty of the future looms large over new graduates as they spread out their wings. Armed with diplomas and idealistic dreams, they charge ahead with enthusiasm. The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of the graduates is a fuse. Each one then must dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. One must not be afraid on attaining great things. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We are children of God. Our small plays do not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. Shoot for the moon, even if we miss, we’ll land among the stars; let us hit our goal so that he will hit his too. Commencement exercises are not the end; it’s just the beginning. And as the graduating class of 2008 dresses in identical caps and gowns, each and everyone would say with pride, â€Å"The tassel’s worth the hassle!† At this moment of our lives, our families are extremely proud of us. We can’t imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This must be a sign of farewell to friends, but let us not be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends. Well, it’s March 23, 2008, and our history doesn’t end here. As days move onward, we’ll throw off the bowlines and we’ll sail away from the safe harbor. . . Then our story will begin once more. Till we meet again. Arrivederci! For now, five days to go and we’ll set adrift, with a diploma for a sail and lots of nerve for oars.