Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing Katey Andersen Bethany Degner Jessica Fulton Natalia Pitts Chelsy Stadler Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach developed by Professor William R. Miller, Ph. D and Professor Stephen Rollnick, Ph. D Miller is a professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico and received his Ph. D in clinical psychology from the University of Oregon in 1976.Stephan Rollnick completed his Masters in research in Strathclyde University in Glasgow and his professional clinical psychology training in Cardiff, Wales. Motivational interviewing was first thought of y Miller in 1983 in his article Behavioural Psychotherapy and was elaborated on in 1991 with Rollnick. It is a goal-orientated approach (Hall, Gibbie, &Lubman, 2012). There are some specific strategies that have been used to work with individuals. SAMHSA believes that by employing these, MI is a successful method for clients with co-occurring disorders.Motivational interviewing includes: assessing the client's view of the issue and seeing if they understand their condition, finding out if the client wishes to pursue a treatment plan and, if so, having them attend sessions, and astly, helping the client see that there are possibilities for them to change (SAMHSA). MI also assists clients in exploring their motivations for changing. It is important to remember that this approach isn't about counselors telling clients what to do, but clients realizing their potential for change (Hall et al. 2012). Motivational interviewing is helpful for clients that are going through different stages of treatment, but it is thought that it is the most helpful in early treatment. This might be because clients have difficulties realizing the depth of their problems (SAMHSA). Motivational interviewing is a good method to connect with clients because it is a joint and collaborative decision process. The choice for change is up to the client (Hall et al. , 2012).The counselor often uses t echniques to engage the client such as open-ended questions, affirmation, and retlective statements S important to note that only the individual can commit to a change even if goal plans are made between the client and counselor (SAMHSA). When practicing motivational interviewing, the counselor helps the client realize discrepancies in their behavior ersus their goals but otherwise lets the counselor do a lot of the listening to gain information from the client (SAMHSA).They are directive with the client so, together; they can examine goals and resolve ambivalence, therefore; motivational interviewing is solution based (Sobell, 2008). Counselors use multiple techniques to help clients reach their goals for change. The first is eliciting/evoking change talk, which is usually associated with stressful outcomes (Sobell, 2008). It can be used to address discrepancies that the counselor notices. Different questions the counselor can ask include: â€Å"What would you like to ee different about your current situation† or â€Å"What will happen if you don't change† (Sobell, 2008).Counselors could also invite the client to look forward in time to see how their life would be if they do or do not change (Sobell, 2008). Other tactics that are used are reflective listening (SAMSHA) and normalizing (Sobell, 2008). Reflective listening is a tactic of responding to the client in the form of a hypothesis as well as building rapport between the client and the counselor (Sobell, 2008). A specific example is, â€Å"It seems to me that you want to start eating better ecause you have concerns about your health but it is hard to eliminate Junk food from your house. Clients will either agree or disagree with the hypothesis given back to them (Sobell, 2008). Normalizing is letting the client know that they are not alone in their situation and that others find change difficult (Sobell, 2008). Lastly, our research found the Columbo Approach to be intriguing. It is also a means of showing the client discrepancies and sometimes can sound a bit unsympathetic (Sobell, 2008). It got its name from the 1970's TV series Columbo and when counselors evoke discrepancies, it is usually done without bringing about a efensive behavior from the client.The client is also more likely to elaborate on their story (Sobell, 2008). An example would be, â€Å"So, help me to understand, on the one hand you say you want to live to see your 12-year old daughter grow up and go to college, and yet you won't take your medicine your doctor prescribed for your diabetes. How will that help you live to see your daughter grow up,† (Sobell, 2008). Researching motivational interviewing was a good experience for our group. We liked how it was a client-based process because the client has to want to change;Katey especially liked that Motivational Interviewing holds the client accountable. If the client is not following through with their goals and the planning (and counselors hav e tried to suggest those discrepancies), motivational interviewing is not right for the client. We also liked that this form of counseling is adaptable for different types of problems that a client could be experiencing such as substance abuse, health coaching, dual diagnosis, or gambling problems. There doesn't seem to be limits to the help a client can receive with this process if they are willing.These different ypes of problems and addictions are difficult to change if the client doesn't own up to them; which is critical with Motivational Interviewing. One thing that was more of a challenge for us (it could be seen as a good thing or a bad thing) was a lot of our sources had the same information. This means that it was good information and solid work, but it also made it harder to tind tresner sources until we knew about the Riverland search engines. Once we knew how to log into that, there were an abundance of opportunities for more sources that were otherwise unknown about bef ore. Motivational Interviewing Motivational Interviewing Katey Andersen Bethany Degner Jessica Fulton Natalia Pitts Chelsy Stadler Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach developed by Professor William R. Miller, Ph. D and Professor Stephen Rollnick, Ph. D Miller is a professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico and received his Ph. D in clinical psychology from the University of Oregon in 1976.Stephan Rollnick completed his Masters in research in Strathclyde University in Glasgow and his professional clinical psychology training in Cardiff, Wales. Motivational interviewing was first thought of y Miller in 1983 in his article Behavioural Psychotherapy and was elaborated on in 1991 with Rollnick. It is a goal-orientated approach (Hall, Gibbie, &Lubman, 2012). There are some specific strategies that have been used to work with individuals. SAMHSA believes that by employing these, MI is a successful method for clients with co-occurring disorders.Motivational interviewing includes: assessing the client's view of the issue and seeing if they understand their condition, finding out if the client wishes to pursue a treatment plan and, if so, having them attend sessions, and astly, helping the client see that there are possibilities for them to change (SAMHSA). MI also assists clients in exploring their motivations for changing. It is important to remember that this approach isn't about counselors telling clients what to do, but clients realizing their potential for change (Hall et al. 2012). Motivational interviewing is helpful for clients that are going through different stages of treatment, but it is thought that it is the most helpful in early treatment. This might be because clients have difficulties realizing the depth of their problems (SAMHSA). Motivational interviewing is a good method to connect with clients because it is a joint and collaborative decision process. The choice for change is up to the client (Hall et al. , 2012).The counselor often uses t echniques to engage the client such as open-ended questions, affirmation, and retlective statements S important to note that only the individual can commit to a change even if goal plans are made between the client and counselor (SAMHSA). When practicing motivational interviewing, the counselor helps the client realize discrepancies in their behavior ersus their goals but otherwise lets the counselor do a lot of the listening to gain information from the client (SAMHSA).They are directive with the client so, together; they can examine goals and resolve ambivalence, therefore; motivational interviewing is solution based (Sobell, 2008). Counselors use multiple techniques to help clients reach their goals for change. The first is eliciting/evoking change talk, which is usually associated with stressful outcomes (Sobell, 2008). It can be used to address discrepancies that the counselor notices. Different questions the counselor can ask include: â€Å"What would you like to ee different about your current situation† or â€Å"What will happen if you don't change† (Sobell, 2008).Counselors could also invite the client to look forward in time to see how their life would be if they do or do not change (Sobell, 2008). Other tactics that are used are reflective listening (SAMSHA) and normalizing (Sobell, 2008). Reflective listening is a tactic of responding to the client in the form of a hypothesis as well as building rapport between the client and the counselor (Sobell, 2008). A specific example is, â€Å"It seems to me that you want to start eating better ecause you have concerns about your health but it is hard to eliminate Junk food from your house. Clients will either agree or disagree with the hypothesis given back to them (Sobell, 2008). Normalizing is letting the client know that they are not alone in their situation and that others find change difficult (Sobell, 2008). Lastly, our research found the Columbo Approach to be intriguing. It is also a means of showing the client discrepancies and sometimes can sound a bit unsympathetic (Sobell, 2008). It got its name from the 1970's TV series Columbo and when counselors evoke discrepancies, it is usually done without bringing about a efensive behavior from the client.The client is also more likely to elaborate on their story (Sobell, 2008). An example would be, â€Å"So, help me to understand, on the one hand you say you want to live to see your 12-year old daughter grow up and go to college, and yet you won't take your medicine your doctor prescribed for your diabetes. How will that help you live to see your daughter grow up,† (Sobell, 2008). Researching motivational interviewing was a good experience for our group. We liked how it was a client-based process because the client has to want to change;Katey especially liked that Motivational Interviewing holds the client accountable. If the client is not following through with their goals and the planning (and counselors hav e tried to suggest those discrepancies), motivational interviewing is not right for the client. We also liked that this form of counseling is adaptable for different types of problems that a client could be experiencing such as substance abuse, health coaching, dual diagnosis, or gambling problems. There doesn't seem to be limits to the help a client can receive with this process if they are willing.These different ypes of problems and addictions are difficult to change if the client doesn't own up to them; which is critical with Motivational Interviewing. One thing that was more of a challenge for us (it could be seen as a good thing or a bad thing) was a lot of our sources had the same information. This means that it was good information and solid work, but it also made it harder to tind tresner sources until we knew about the Riverland search engines. Once we knew how to log into that, there were an abundance of opportunities for more sources that were otherwise unknown about bef ore. Motivational Interviewing It is one of the most carefully defined and rigorous treatment for substance abuse (Miller, 1991). It was developed my William Miller, Stephen Rollnick, and other colleagues over the past 2 decades. It uses a concise psychotherapeutic intervention for helping people change an addictive behavior such as a substance abuse. It is intended to assist and enhance a person’s intrinsic motivation to change addictive behavior in a highly empathetically supportive but strategically directed conversation about the person’s use of substance and related life events.Variety of techniques are used that will increase intrinsic motivation for change. Some useful techniques used are micro skills (open – ended questioning, affirmations, reflections, and Summary or OARS) and strategies (creating discrepancies between a person’s current behavior and his or her goals, his values, the way he perceived himself, establishing and exploring ambivalence and handling resistance skillf ully.(Miller, 1990)Initially, Miller and his colleagues developed Motivational Interviewing to treat people who have alcohol substance abuse; they used principles of motivational psychology and clinical research. If clients have options for alternative approaches they are seem to have an improved treatment and a better outcome. This kind of therapy helped people become realistic, have a set of clear goals which are achievable and possible that will help him or her change for the better.What is motivation? It is the probability that a person will be ready to change, namely, enter into, continue, and adhere to a specific change strategy. Each one of us can be motivated, and those who are lifeless are only considered unmotivated. But, not only motivation will work alone on this kind of therapy, confrontation is also needed, it is a part of all psychotherapies. The question is not solely based if people should be confronted or not, but how to confront effectively and efficiently that ev entually will lead to a successful therapy.Change could not be achieved right away. It takes a lot of time, hard work, and perseverance both for the therapist and the client. Change is hard, but it is essential. Uncertainty or ambivalence is accompanied by change. Every client undergoes this kind of stage where he feels uncertain. This is just a normal part or process of change. Successfully addressing ambivalence is considered to be a crucial skill for a Motivational Interviewing. (Miller, 1990)There are four basic assumptions of Motivational Interviewing according to Miller (1990), they are as follows:Optimistic and humanistic perspectiveMotivation is considered to be a condition, not a traitApproaching change where ambivalence is constant, it is a normal, acceptable, and understandable aspect.Motivation is an interpersonal phenomenonPrimarily, clients do not seek therapy because they are motivated. It is the sole responsibility of the therapist to initiate change, and help his or her client to be motivated. It shouldn’t come within from the client, rather it is a process imposed by therapy and slowly accepting by the client.According to Miller (1990) there are 4 key principles of Motivational Interviewing, such as: Empathy should be expressed, develop discrepancy, roll with resistance, and support self – efficacy. This should be applied into 2 phases, while building motivation for change to the client and be able to strengthen his commitment to change. Aside from this, there are 3 critical components of motivation: readiness, willingness and ability.The client should be ready for change. It is a step by step process, slowly the person begins to adapt new things to his system that leads to changes, and he is ready for change. Thus, readiness is relatively linked to priorities; you prioritize things which are important for you to change. Willingness, one should be willing to commit himself to change, not influenced by any factor rather he is ope n freely to change. The ability of motivation is of great importance both for the client and the therapist. It should be coming mostly from the therapist, to initiate change and be motivated.Rational Emotive Behavior TherapyIt was developed by Dr. Albert Ellis; it is a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment. Therapy was done by identifying some ideas that are problematic and erroneous that is linked with emotional and behavioral problems that are correlated with irrational thoughts, assumptions and beliefs, thus irrational thoughts are then replaced with more rational, reality-based perspectives. In a therapy session, therapist teaches his clients to stay away from negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors for a more positive outlook in life. In this way, the client can achieve self acceptance and life satisfaction because he was able to gain and maintain realistic perception in life. (Dryden, 1990)Certain beliefs or thoughts that are considered to be irrational are confronted a nd other options or alternative are made that make more sense especially when it is examined logically and factually. Rather than focusing on historical or abstract theories, the focal point of the therapy is on the present and at the same time using scientific thinking. People who come for REBT are taught and encouraged to accept personal responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings and behavior, and empowered to change beliefs and reactions that are maladaptive, distorted, interfere with their goals and functioning, and thwart their enjoyment of life. With practice, the new ideas become part of the person, integrated into their way of being. (Dryden, 1990)It is a system of psychotherapy that was designed to help people live longer, decrease their emotional disturbances and self defeating behaviors, and actualize themselves so that they live a more fulfilling, productive, and happier lives ( Ellis & Bernard, 1985)ABC Model of REBTIrrational beliefs are defined as rigid, inconsis tent, illogical and detrimental to the persons’ pursuit of basic goals and purposes. The ultimate goal of REBT is to replace these irrational thoughts with rational thoughts, because it will help the client to live longer and happier through therapeutic process. Development includes (1) setting up for themselves certain happiness – producing values, purposes, goals, or ideals (2) using efficient, flexible, scientific, logico – empirical easy to achieve such values and goals to avoid contradictory or self – defeating results (Ellis & Bernard, 1985)ABC Model ApproachThe initial component of the ABC Model is the â€Å"A† or activating event. A’s are considered to be events that we attend to and that trigger our beliefs or thoughts. However, this doesn’t cause any emotional reactions. It is our beliefs that cause our emotional reponse.activating events could be external or internal to the person, whether the person is directly or indirect ly exposed to such event. Events can also refer to the past, present or future events ( Dryden, 1999)B stands for Beliefs in the ABC Model. Beliefs are fully and explicitly evaluative and are at the core of a person’s emotions and significant behaviors (Dryden, 1999). People take the activating events in their lives and formulate beliefs that could essentially affect their reactions or consequences. These beliefs can be rational or irrational and are usually based on their preferences. Preferences refer to the basic needs, wants, wishes, and desires of the person. When beliefs become unrealistic, illogical and impossible it can considered dysfunctional.C variable refers to the consequences of our beliefs in the context of a particular situation. When the individual preferences are not met, the person experience healthy negative emotions (Dryden, 1999). Examples of this are remorse, sadness, and sorrow. These negative emotions are regarded as to be healthy because they force p eople to change. People doesn’t like the way they feel because of these negative emotions, and in turn they seek for changes in their belief system.There are also unhealthy negative emotions; anxiety, depression, guilt and hurt. These feelings can become severe that they damage normal functioning. Thus, a therapeutic intervention is needed. REBT was designed to help those individuals change the experienced unhealthy negative emotions as a result of the beliefs they hold.Both therapies are beneficial for the people who are on a substance abuse. One significant difference is that motivational interviewing takes more time and is more in depth because of the actual process the person undergoes. The client should be ready for change, and the therapist gradually imposing change to the person. On the other hand, REBT is more concise and focus; it is directly targeted on the individual’s main problem.References:Dryden, W. (Ed.). (1990). The Essential Albert Ellis: Seminal Writ ing on Psychotherapy. New York: Springer Publishing Company, Inc.Dryden, W. (1999) Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Training Manual. New York: Springer Publishing Company, IncEllis, A., & Bernard, M.E. (Eds.). (1985) Clinical Applications of Rational – Emotive Therapy. New York: Plenum Press.Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (1991, 2002) Motiovational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change ( New York, Guilford Press)Miller, W.R. (1999). Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment TIP Series 35. Rockville, MD: U.S. DHSS Publication No. (SMA)02-3693. Motivational Interviewing It is one of the most carefully defined and rigorous treatment for substance abuse (Miller, 1991). It was developed my William Miller, Stephen Rollnick, and other colleagues over the past 2 decades. It uses a concise psychotherapeutic intervention for helping people change an addictive behavior such as a substance abuse. It is intended to assist and enhance a person’s intrinsic motivation to change addictive behavior in a highly empathetically supportive but strategically directed conversation about the person’s use of substance and related life events.Variety of techniques are used that will increase intrinsic motivation for change. Some useful techniques used are micro skills (open – ended questioning, affirmations, reflections, and Summary or OARS) and strategies (creating discrepancies between a person’s current behavior and his or her goals, his values, the way he perceived himself, establishing and exploring ambivalence and handling resistance skillf ully.(Miller, 1990)Initially, Miller and his colleagues developed Motivational Interviewing to treat people who have alcohol substance abuse; they used principles of motivational psychology and clinical research. If clients have options for alternative approaches they are seem to have an improved treatment and a better outcome. This kind of therapy helped people become realistic, have a set of clear goals which are achievable and possible that will help him or her change for the better.What is motivation? It is the probability that a person will be ready to change, namely, enter into, continue, and adhere to a specific change strategy. Each one of us can be motivated, and those who are lifeless are only considered unmotivated. But, not only motivation will work alone on this kind of therapy, confrontation is also needed, it is a part of all psychotherapies. The question is not solely based if people should be confronted or not, but how to confront effectively and efficiently that ev entually will lead to a successful therapy.Change could not be achieved right away. It takes a lot of time, hard work, and perseverance both for the therapist and the client. Change is hard, but it is essential. Uncertainty or ambivalence is accompanied by change. Every client undergoes this kind of stage where he feels uncertain. This is just a normal part or process of change. Successfully addressing ambivalence is considered to be a crucial skill for a Motivational Interviewing. (Miller, 1990)There are four basic assumptions of Motivational Interviewing according to Miller (1990), they are as follows:Optimistic and humanistic perspectiveMotivation is considered to be a condition, not a traitApproaching change where ambivalence is constant, it is a normal, acceptable, and understandable aspect.Motivation is an interpersonal phenomenonPrimarily, clients do not seek therapy because they are motivated. It is the sole responsibility of the therapist to initiate change, and help his or her client to be motivated. It shouldn’t come within from the client, rather it is a process imposed by therapy and slowly accepting by the client.According to Miller (1990) there are 4 key principles of Motivational Interviewing, such as: Empathy should be expressed, develop discrepancy, roll with resistance, and support self – efficacy. This should be applied into 2 phases, while building motivation for change to the client and be able to strengthen his commitment to change. Aside from this, there are 3 critical components of motivation: readiness, willingness and ability.The client should be ready for change. It is a step by step process, slowly the person begins to adapt new things to his system that leads to changes, and he is ready for change. Thus, readiness is relatively linked to priorities; you prioritize things which are important for you to change. Willingness, one should be willing to commit himself to change, not influenced by any factor rather he is ope n freely to change. The ability of motivation is of great importance both for the client and the therapist. It should be coming mostly from the therapist, to initiate change and be motivated.Rational Emotive Behavior TherapyIt was developed by Dr. Albert Ellis; it is a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment. Therapy was done by identifying some ideas that are problematic and erroneous that is linked with emotional and behavioral problems that are correlated with irrational thoughts, assumptions and beliefs, thus irrational thoughts are then replaced with more rational, reality-based perspectives. In a therapy session, therapist teaches his clients to stay away from negative thoughts, feelings and behaviors for a more positive outlook in life. In this way, the client can achieve self acceptance and life satisfaction because he was able to gain and maintain realistic perception in life. (Dryden, 1990)Certain beliefs or thoughts that are considered to be irrational are confronted a nd other options or alternative are made that make more sense especially when it is examined logically and factually. Rather than focusing on historical or abstract theories, the focal point of the therapy is on the present and at the same time using scientific thinking. People who come for REBT are taught and encouraged to accept personal responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings and behavior, and empowered to change beliefs and reactions that are maladaptive, distorted, interfere with their goals and functioning, and thwart their enjoyment of life. With practice, the new ideas become part of the person, integrated into their way of being. (Dryden, 1990)It is a system of psychotherapy that was designed to help people live longer, decrease their emotional disturbances and self defeating behaviors, and actualize themselves so that they live a more fulfilling, productive, and happier lives ( Ellis & Bernard, 1985)ABC Model of REBTIrrational beliefs are defined as rigid, inconsis tent, illogical and detrimental to the persons’ pursuit of basic goals and purposes. The ultimate goal of REBT is to replace these irrational thoughts with rational thoughts, because it will help the client to live longer and happier through therapeutic process. Development includes (1) setting up for themselves certain happiness – producing values, purposes, goals, or ideals (2) using efficient, flexible, scientific, logico – empirical easy to achieve such values and goals to avoid contradictory or self – defeating results (Ellis & Bernard, 1985)ABC Model ApproachThe initial component of the ABC Model is the â€Å"A† or activating event. A’s are considered to be events that we attend to and that trigger our beliefs or thoughts. However, this doesn’t cause any emotional reactions. It is our beliefs that cause our emotional reponse.activating events could be external or internal to the person, whether the person is directly or indirect ly exposed to such event. Events can also refer to the past, present or future events ( Dryden, 1999)B stands for Beliefs in the ABC Model. Beliefs are fully and explicitly evaluative and are at the core of a person’s emotions and significant behaviors (Dryden, 1999). People take the activating events in their lives and formulate beliefs that could essentially affect their reactions or consequences. These beliefs can be rational or irrational and are usually based on their preferences. Preferences refer to the basic needs, wants, wishes, and desires of the person. When beliefs become unrealistic, illogical and impossible it can considered dysfunctional.C variable refers to the consequences of our beliefs in the context of a particular situation. When the individual preferences are not met, the person experience healthy negative emotions (Dryden, 1999). Examples of this are remorse, sadness, and sorrow. These negative emotions are regarded as to be healthy because they force p eople to change. People doesn’t like the way they feel because of these negative emotions, and in turn they seek for changes in their belief system.There are also unhealthy negative emotions; anxiety, depression, guilt and hurt. These feelings can become severe that they damage normal functioning. Thus, a therapeutic intervention is needed. REBT was designed to help those individuals change the experienced unhealthy negative emotions as a result of the beliefs they hold.Both therapies are beneficial for the people who are on a substance abuse. One significant difference is that motivational interviewing takes more time and is more in depth because of the actual process the person undergoes. The client should be ready for change, and the therapist gradually imposing change to the person. On the other hand, REBT is more concise and focus; it is directly targeted on the individual’s main problem.References:Dryden, W. (Ed.). (1990). The Essential Albert Ellis: Seminal Writ ing on Psychotherapy. New York: Springer Publishing Company, Inc.Dryden, W. (1999) Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy: A Training Manual. New York: Springer Publishing Company, IncEllis, A., & Bernard, M.E. (Eds.). (1985) Clinical Applications of Rational – Emotive Therapy. New York: Plenum Press.Miller, W.R., & Rollnick, S. (1991, 2002) Motiovational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change ( New York, Guilford Press)Miller, W.R. (1999). Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment TIP Series 35. Rockville, MD: U.S. DHSS Publication No. (SMA)02-3693.

Organic Food †Facts Essay

The word ‘Organic’ means ‘living’, and in practical terms, this means natural food that is grown and processed without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. Nothing unnatural is allowed so there are no growth hormones, antibiotics, preservatives, dyes, chemical coatings or irradiation allowed. There is no genetic engineering allowed in organic foods. Organic food is nothing else but good pure nutritional food – the way it used to be. Toxic overload The food we eat affects our health. Most conventionally produced food comes from production systems that rely on a cocktail of up to 350 different chemicals. The World Health Organization has classified many of these substances as hazardous to our health. In studies, the short and long term effects on our health from these toxic chemicals ranges from short term conditions such as ADS (Attention Deficit Syndrome), allergies, digestion and reproductive disorders to long term illnesses such as cancers and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer. Our organic food however is different because by definition it is pure, wholesome and nutritious. There are absolutely no toxins or otherwise artificial or synthetic chemicals, coatings or treatments that in any way affect quality of organic food. In harmony with Nature Organic and bio-dynamic farmers work with nature, promoting the diversity and sustainability of the environment and building upon a healthy eco-system. Organic agriculture preserves the overall quality of our lakes, rivers, estuaries, wetlands, ground and drinking water. Organic farming relies on renewable resources, using 70% less and producing much less pollution than conventional farming. Preserving the soil is a key factor. They practice methods such as ‘intercropping’ where crops are mixed, rather than grown in large fields, minimizing the impact of agriculture on the environment. Humane treatment to animals Our organic livestock is raised in an ethical and humane manner, which puts emphasis on the health and treatment of the animals. Fresh air and space to move around and access to the outdoors ensure a healthy and stress-free animal. They are fed only organically grown feed and are reared without the unnecessary use of anti-biotics, growth promoters or hormones. Organic animals are never fed unnatural food such as animal scraps which is the practice that lead to the livestock neural disease ‘BSE’ and its related ‘kreuzfeld Jacobs’ disease in humans. Bio-diversity Organic farmers plant many more species of fruit and have brought back many heirloom varieties from the brink of extinction. These old varieties are often tastier and juicier but not suited to large scale industrial farming. In Britain,organic farmers grow 100 different varieties of potatoes alone! This bio-diversity gives us the joy and experience of eating new and different fruits and vegetables. GM-free Genetic engineering is not permitted in organic food and an organic farmer loses his organic certification if his crop is not 100io gm-free. Genetically engineered agricultural products have an unknown impact on the safety and health of the consumer and environment. ‘Organic Foods and Cafe’ does not sell genetically modified food. For further information please read our GM leaflet. The benefits of going Organic Trusting our food. Organic labeling tells you all the ingredients – there are no hidden ingredients that there can legally be in conventional foods as in conventional foods, the ingredients of each individual ingredient do not have to be listed. You know you can trust organic food because of the organic certification which has strictly enforced criteria – look for the organic symbol. Optimum Health In terms of health, prevention is better than cure. It is essential not to overload our bodies with toxins, which damage our immune systems. Organic farmers avoid using unnecessary and harmful chemicals, additives and drugs. Many of these substances have been classified by the W. H. O. as poisonous to your health and the environment. In addition, organic food retains essential nutrients, such as iron and salicylic acid, which are stripped away in conventional food processing. Value for money You get what you pay for – this is very valid for organic food. Organic food really has more nutrients, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorous than conventionally produced food. This is because in organic farming, great emphasis is on nourishing the soil which in turn gives healthy plants. Healthy plants give produce that is packed full of all the vitamins and minerals which give flavour and goodness to our food. The time allowed for the crops to grow by not using chemical fertilizers is the final key elements making it possible for organic crops to have much higher nutrition levels. Authentic Taste Organic produce and meats retain a pure, fresh flavour the way nature intended. In studies, organic produce was proven to have more intense flavour molecules, a direct result of a healthy, dynamic soil. In organic food, flavour is not contaminated or masked by residues, preservatives or waxes. Nor is it enhanced to many times the flavour that is actually present which is common practice to achieve a full flavour where very little is actually there in conventional food. Protecting our future generations We all want the best for our children, and we have selected organic food that provides them with the goodness and nutrition that their growing bodies need to develop optimal mental, emotional and physical performance. It is imperative that they are protected from the detrimental effects of health-damaging toxins found in conventional foods. Today’s children have unacceptably high levels of asthma, eczemas and syndromes such as Attention Deficit Syndrome. Many of these can be linked to unhealthy additives in children’s foods and by eating organic foods we can prevent and alleviate these problems. Supporting Small Farms Organic farms are usually small, family run operations that take seriously the health of the environment and their stewardship of the land they work. They use techniques which limit agricultures impact on the soil, on streams and ground water, bird and wild life and on human health. We have picked selected family run organic certified farms where quality and freshness can be assured. Why does Organic food cost more? The truth is that we have become too used to paying very little for our food and what we put in our mouths has become nothing more than a business commodity. In order to produce high quality organic food, every step of production is more labour-intensive, time-consuming and frankly, not as profitable. Organic food takes longer to grow, as there are no growth hormones and chemical fertilizers used. Due to a lack of fumigants and wax coatings, organic food is often more perishable, there more is lost in transit between the farmer and the consumer. Most farms are small family run operations that do not benefit from government subsidies. The truth is that we are getting what we are paying for: a good quality product that is nutritious, delicious and safe for us to eat and not the cheapest product that is possible to produce. Organic Produce 1. Organic produce has an average of 50% more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micro-nutrients than their intensively farmed counterparts. 2. Organic produce is not covered in a cocktail of poisonous chemicals. The average conventionally grown apple has 20 – 30 artificial chemicals on its skin even after washing. 3. Organic produce is usually picked when it is ripe, unlike conventional food, which to allow for extra processing and commercial ease, is picked unripe and before it is fully developed. What is the Difference? Conventional Vs Natural / Organic Food (As per USDA rules) No| Ingredient / Processing| Conventional Food| Natural / Organic Food| 1| Artificial Flavours| May be used| No|. 2| Artificial Colours| May be used| No| 3| Artificial Preservatives| May be used| No| 4| Artificial Fertilizers| May be used| May be used| 5| Synthetic Pesticides| May be used| May be used| 6| Irradiation| May be used| May be used| 7| Genetically Engineered | May be used| May be used| What are genetically Engineered/ Modified Food? Genetically-modified food is produced from plants and animals which have had their genes changed in the laboratory by scientists. All living organisms have genes written in their DNA. They are the chemical instructions for life and all the organism’s functions. By modifying the genes, the scientists can change the characteristics of an organism. Most often, these modifications to our food are for economic reasons. To create GM crops, genes from bacteria, viruses, plants, animals and even humans have been inserted into plants such as soybeans, corn, canola and cotton. For example scientists wanted to increase the frost tolerance of strawberries so they inserted the â€Å"anti-freeze† gene of a cold water fish into the DNA of the strawberry, in effect producing fishberries, a life form that would never occur in nature. Why is it Different from Traditional Crossbreeding? For thousands of years farmers have engaged in what termed as traditional breeding, favoring seeds from plants with favorable characteristics and creating new plant types from cross-breeding closely-related species. Genetic engineering is more specific. It gives scientists the ability to select a single gene for a single characteristic and transfer that stretch of DNA from one organism to another. For example, a tomato variety was developed by Calgene to switch off the gene which triggers it to produce a chemical that makes the fruit go soft and then rot. What are the Dangers? Genetic engineering is experimenting with very delicate, yet powerful forces of nature without full knowledge of the repercussions. Yet, once it is introduced into the food system there is no way of getting it out of it as insects, birds, and wind can carry genetically altered seeds into neighboring fields and beyond. All crops are vulnerable to contamination from cross-pollination from transgenic plants. Health Concerns Manufacturers of genetically altered foods are exposing humanity to one of the largest uncontrolled experiments in history. We are all guinea pigs in this genetic experiment with our food. Some possible risks: No long term safety testing Genetic engineering uses material from organisms that have never been part of the human food supply to change the nature of the food we eat. Without long term testing and controlled scientific research no one knows if these foods are safe. We really do not know the long term and latent affect these. foods will have on our health. Allergic Reactions By inserting foreign DNA into common foods, without adequate safety testing, genetic engineering can also produce unforeseen and unknown allergens in food. Given that genes can be introduced from unrelated species the possibilities of allergies are greater than with traditionally bred crops. Toxins Familiar foods could become metabolically dangerous or even toxic. Genetic engineering could upset complex biochemical networks and create new bioactive compounds or change the concentrations of those normally present. These unexpected mutations can create new or higher levels of toxins making them poisonous to human health. Antibiotic Resistance Another potential hazard to human health is the possibility that bacteria in our guts could pick up antibiotic resistant genes found in GM foods. These genes are inserted into GM plants as â€Å"markers† to tell scientists which plants have taken up the exotic genes. If this transfer happens it could exacerbate the already worrisome spread of ‘superbug’ bacteria that have proven to withstand our antibiotics. Decreased Nutritional Value Genetically altered foods may mislead consumers with counterfeit freshness. A luscious looking, bright red GM tomato could be several weeks old and of little nutritional value even though it looks as though it was picked off the vine hours before. Environmental Risks We are opening a Pandora’s box with GM technology. Raising GM crops is an uncontrolled experiment with unknown consequences for surrounding eco-systems. Biological Pollution Unlike chemicals that are released into the environment, genetically engineered organisms are living things that will reproduce and spread uncontrollably and at will, with little possibility of containment or clean up. These are not natural organisms, but have been made in a lab and will destroy or at best upset the fragile ecological balance Super Weeds GM crops can cross-pollinate with related weeds, resulting in super weeds that are impossible to control. These weeds are immune to a broad spectrum weed killer after crossing with and assuming the herbicide- resistant gene from the GM plant. This will not only increase the use of topical herbicides but will stimulate demand for stronger, more toxic herbicides. Super Bugs Insects could become resistant to the pesticides engineered into GM crops. This would mean developing new, stronger, more toxic chemical pesticides to fight these pesticide tolerant super bugs. Toxicity to Wildlife Insects and birds will be the first in the animal food chain to be affected by GM crops. They will be exposed to a range of genetically engineered chemicals, drugs, enzymes and hundreds of other foreign substances for the first time, and there is no telling how they will be affected in the short or long term. These substances will then be passed up through the food chain to affect all the wild life in a given eco-system. Humans in turn will get affected, but as so often, by the time we realize what has happened, it may be too late. DDT was hailed as the solution to all pests and it was not till years later that we realized that it was cancer causing and destroying a lot more than just the bugs we were targeting. Loss of Biodiversity In the world of genetic engineering we would not need hundreds of different varieties of a crop because all the properties and features can be in a single plant. For example you would not need one species of corn for hot climates and another for cold or one that is drought resistant and another to withstand flooding. All of these unique features can be in a single plant. In the end many species would become extinct. It may only be years after they are extinct that we realize that we have destroyed some features we may still need. Ethical Questions Fiddling with the genetic make-up of plants and animals is unnatural. Nature takes millions of years to effect genetic change, so do we have the right to make changes overnight and substitute human for natural selection? Do we have the right to play God, to restructure irreversibly the genetic blueprints of the Earth’s plants and animals? Are we playing Creator? Fixing Perfection Are we trying to fix something which isn’t broken? Are we trying to change the course of nature for a good enough purpose? Manipulating the very building blocks of life in order to extend shelf life, is that a good reason? Religious Concerns Genetic engineering offends deeply held beliefs of a number of different faiths. A Hindu vegetarian may not wish to eat a vegetable bearing an animal gene and likewise, a Muslim may not think it right to eat a tomatoe carrying the gene of a pig. Genetic manipulation hits at the very core of our belief systems and deprives us of the comfort and the assurance that the food we eat complies with our dietary obligations. Are these beliefs going to be secondary to the potential profits of large ago-business?

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family

Theoretical Perspectives on the Family †¢Way of viewing reality †¢Identify why family patterns and practices are the way they are 1)Family Ecology †¢How family is influenced by the society around it †¢Family choices/lives affected by economy, education, religion and other cultural institutions †¢Ex: Great Depression – economically, people can’t afford children even if they wanted more kids 2)Family Development †¢How family changes over time †¢Family Life Cycle: Addition/subtraction of members (death in a family, moving out) oVarious stages children go through (children start school, go to high school, then college, then marriage) oChanges in family connections with other social institutions (retirement, or getting fired) †¢Developmental Tasks must be mastered in order to transition to the next †¢Role Sequencing – major transitions to adulthood †¢Normative Order Hypothesis – work-marriage-parenthood sequence is vest for mental health and happiness )Structure Functional Theory †¢Functions performed by the family as a social institution 1)Raise child responsibly 2)Economical support 3)Emotional support †¢Roles patterned by beliefs, values, attitudes, norms – serve as essential social functions that enables society to survive 4) Interactionist Perspective †¢Interactions within family members †¢Do they communicate effectively? †¢If they don’t = doesn’t allow for unique qualities to develop †¢MAJOR CONCEPTS: oSelf-concept – feelings people have about themselves Concepts of identity – sense of uniqueness , â€Å"the self is developed initially in a family setting† oRole taking – expected behavior for each family member (associated with a social position) – Children learn appropriate behavior roles that they may play in adulthood through watching their parents, siblings assume that role – INTERNALIZED AND INCORPORATED TO SELF 5) Exchange Theory †¢Exchange of resources that affect formation, continuation, nature of a relationship †¢Rewards vs. Cost – shapes power and influence in the family and commitment to the relationship †¢Should exchange resources outside the group. If not, develops materialism (dependence) instead of independence †¢Relationships based on exchanges that are equal or equitable (fair, if not equal) thrive †¢Whereas, those in w/c the exchange balance feels consistently one sided are more likely to be unhappy †¢Principle of Least Interest – partner w/ less commitment to the relationship is the one who has more power including the power to exploit the other †¢Person who maintain dominance – people who are willing to break-up/refuse to be the first to make up ) Family Systems †¢Use family as a whole more than the sum of its parts (members) †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"Everybody knows what they need to do to make this work† – weakness: no room for change †¢A family functions regularly in a certain way; emotional expression and behavior of family tend to p ersist 7) Conflict and Feminist Perspective †¢Central Issue – feminist – gender issues specific to women †¢Because woman brings attention w/ woman duties -> it conflicts -> â€Å"Doesn’t mean because I’m a woman, I should be the one cooking. †¢Woman dispels tradition – conflict happens w/in the family †¢And/or woman is not getting to do traditional duties and causes conflict (Traditional homemaker wife now is going to work) 8) Biosocial Perspective (Charles Darwin) †¢Depending how you’re raised is how you survive †¢Individual Gene – determines if family is successful †¢Ã¢â‚¬Å"You’re just like your father. †

Analysis of the Walt Disney Company Speech or Presentation

Analysis of the Walt Disney Company - Speech or Presentation Example For instance, the company provides transportation such that everybody who checks in ceases to use his car while undertaking any session of the trip until the duration of the tour is over. For a number of reasons, diversification strategies at Disney Company have helped improve the organizations economies of scale. For instance, for instance, the organization spends extra services such as picking up of clients who have booked for flight reservation at Disney and drops them off by the organizational vans. This has led to a tremendous advantage over the other competitors as customers often value protection and privileges of care (Ireland et al 2008). Additionally, the firm enjoys considerable economies of scope with diverse potentials from customers, who would either want to dine, pay for parking or from those seeking for reservation at the respective hotels. For instance, competitive advantage is achieved when customers would buy an all in one card which, allows for payments of the tra nsactions while touring across different departments at Disney magic parks. This is otherwise considered very convenient on the part of the customer who does not have to keep on paying for bills at every point of transaction. In addition, this type of card enables the organization in getting economies of scale because, the card contains a float of money and in the long run the customer will often be find himself to have paid for more than one or more services thus beneficial to the organization(Ireland et al 2008). Corporate level strategy On the part of vertical integration, Walt Disney Company has succeeded tremendously in through owning of several units of the organization as a way of increasing the economies of scale while achieving the best competitive advantage in the market. Much of this evidence is made visible through the integration of several business opportunities such as media networks, parks and resorts, studios and consumable products. A lot of benefits have been expe rienced in several ways where one output becomes a tangible input of the other. For instance, for the customers who checks in for reservation the imminent intention of viewing amenities at the park will end up taking part in the purchases of the consumable products produced by the same organization. From this perspective, the organization is capable of earning additional income by form of integration (Miller 251). Disney has made several strategic alliances with like-minded companies such the Siemens of USA where a 12 year plan has been stipulated of pooling together the relevant technological strategies which were meant to improve family entertainment. This agreement has seen Disney as an organization uses several Siemens products while the other hand, Siemens organization sponsors Disney’s shows. The main aspect of this collaboration was meant to enhance technological transformation of different kinds so as maximize competitive advantage against the other rival companies. U ltimately, Disney has also had some other collaboration with companies such as UTV of India to help in the facilitation of animations and shows while banks in Chicago and San Francisco have since assisted in the provision of financial

Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 6

Finance - Essay Example Cree: This is a company that makes energy efficient lighting products, such as LED diodes and compact fluorescent light bulbs. Analysts gave the stock a consensus buy rating and a fair value of 85.00 per share. At the time the initial purchase was made, the shares were down in value because of investor fears of a cyclical downturn in the semiconductor industry, and because the inventory of flat panel TVs and computer monitors is high. However, analysts pointed out that less than 12% of those products use Cree diodes, and say that if that segment of the business went completely away, it would impact earnings per share by less than 10 cents. Since the company reported earnings per share of 1.45, it would remain solidly profitable if this happened. Because most of the pressure is based on investor worries rather than on company or industry performance, the stock could be positioned to outperform, and is a good investment for that reason, since it is so solidly profitable. Pilgrims Pride Corporation: This company operates chicken processing plants and prepared food processing plants in 12 states of the Unites States. 64% of its holding lies with JBS, a huge Brazilian meat processing company, but the market for the minority shares is very active. Analysts have a hold rating on the stock, which currently sells for about 12.00 per share, and do not assign it a fair value. Analysts are concerned that the company might be planning to expand too rapidly. Chicken prices increased over 23% last year. The company plans to open three more plants this year, and there are some worries that this could cause prices to go back down. However, they believe that if the economy continues to improve, even at the modest level it is improving now, the price of chicken will go up even if these plants are opened. The other concerns involve a high debt level, and the fact that JBS put in all new management,

Legal Advice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Legal Advice - Essay Example Publix Super Markets Inc. is currently the largest supermarket chain in the U.S owned by employees. The supermarkets chain processes its own dairy, deli and bakery products and distributes them for all its stores. Company sales recorded in the year 2010 were over $ 25.1 billion. The company has been in fortune’s top 100 best companies to work for in the last fourteen years consecutively ( Kubiak, 2010). The company’s product lines include grocery, health and beauty care, pharmacy, general merchandise, floral and services. The products are sold through the retail chains or online. Services offered include: gift cards, photo processing services, prescription refills and financial services. Over the last few years, the company has responded to the cultural trends in the grocery markets by coming up with organic foods; natural foods, prepared meals and ethnic foods. It is for this reason that Publix has been successful in the grocery industry and managed to open new stores in several states across USA. In order to cater for the demand of its markets, Publix has created a new concept for its different clientele. This includes Greenwise and Publix Sabor. Green wise stocks organic produce and natural foods while Publix Sabor caters for the Latin American population in south and central Florida. The company has recently ventured into restaurants business through its subsidiary (the crispers) which sells fresh salad and sandwich meal concept restaurant (Korolo, 2011). Among the Major initiatives planned by Publix supermarkets chain in the coming years is the improvement of the Fishery Improvements Projects, a project carried out in conjunction with Darden restaurants and Public Fisheries Partnership. The project would be carried around the Gulf of Mexico. The initiative involves addressing challenges facing the environment and Publix is committed to combating illegal fishing, enhancing productivity and reducing negative impacts of the environment. The plan aims at building partnerships with the government, conservation and communities to develop and implement the fishery improvement. In return this would rescue the declining numbers and lead to increased fish supply. This is a seafood sustainability effort. The organization chose to partner with organizations that share the same vision to improve fisheries and move seafood sustainability to the next level. This initiative came at a time when the food agricultural organization raised an alarm that the world’s fish stocks were getting depleted due to over exploitation (Korolo, 2011). Publix Supermarkets Inc. aims to increase its markets share by venturing into new areas within the next five years. Among the places that Publix plans to set up shop is the Longboat Key. The company plans to redevelop the withered avenue of the flowers shopping center, at longboat Key. The company also plans to establish a retail center at Knoxville, Tenn. Expansion to these new locations is aimed a t providing customers with unique shopping experiences that lead to consumer satisfaction. The center in Knoxville could be open as early as the third quarter of 2012. Among the products on offer will be organic products in addition to the traditional store products and will feature products from the bakery department, deli department, meat department and public pharmacy ( Kubiak, 2010). Elements of administrative law relevant to the upcoming initiative and their impact In long boat key, the new retail chain has to be approved by the

Scientific versus Industrial Revolutions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Scientific versus Industrial Revolutions - Essay Example One revolution preceded the other because every revolution is based on man’s need and understanding at that time. If there was a need to increase production to meet the demands of society, then new ways of doing things will be invented and eventually this may lead to a scientific or industrial revolution. These revolutions only occur in certain parts of the world because not all nations have the resources to carry out a certain revolution. Some countries may not have the technically-skilled people to carry out the change. Furthermore, aside from the lack of resources, some countries may not be prepared or ready to accept a new idea or concept. Other regions may find it difficult to leave their beliefs and ways of doing things. One does not think that this would be true today because with globalization, it would be very easy for change to occur simultaneously in different parts of the world. Moreover, countries have no choice but to accept the new changes, else they will be left out. They will not be globally competitive; thus, may result in a slow growth in their

How should other areas of DE Mar(marketing, finance, personnel) Essay

How should other areas of DE Mar(marketing, finance, personnel) support its product strategy.. And how should each of the 10 OM decisions be managed to ensure - Essay Example There are many examples f good promotional techniques, and I will go over some f them in this article. A good time to offer special sales is before and during the busy time f your business year. In De Mar, we see this in retail all the time. There are spring sales, summer sales, fall sales, winter sales, white sales, close out sales, inventory sales and on and on. What's really happening here is that companies want to excite you about coming in and taking advantage f price reductions they are offering. Also, if they are heavy on inventory or out-of-style garments, they want to get rid f them and will do so at a reduced rate. You can have sales too. Let's use the example f an air conditioning contractor. Prior to summer, you can offer reduced rates on cooling systems for homeowners. By doing so, you cause people to think about those systems ahead f time. We all know that you are not going to reduce the prices very much in the dead f summer. Also, people know they may have to wait during the summer because it's a busy time, and this way they can be ready for summer and save money as we ll. Efficient customers' caring policy and service department, De Mar can offer to check systems. Tell homeowners you will come out, check their heating and cooling systems, provide general service and repair any needed components. Your price to come out and perform this service should be purposely reduced from your normal rate to attract attention. This also helps to increase business during slower times and even out your business cycle. If you offer service contracts, you can sign up homeowners at certain times f the year and at a special rate. You'll notice that when you purchase an appliance these days, they offer service or extended warranty contracts at very low rates. You would be amazed at the number f people that take those contracts, and the amount f money it generates for the business. The customer just purchased something at a reduced or sale price and for just a few more dollars the customer can have an extended warranty. Most f us accept the offer, and those extra dollars help to bring the profitability f the sale up. You are probably asking yourself, what about the warranty If something happens, a company could spend all kinds f money fixing the problems under the warranty. This is where quality products, construction or services play an important role. Having an open house, mini trade show, buffet lunch or other events at your location is also very effective. Asking contractors to attend and see the products demonstrated or explained by manufacturers' representatives while they have lunch really works. They get a chance to see your company and services in action. Additionally, most manufacturers will help sponsor the lunch in order to be invited. Done correctly, it is possible to stage such an event and have it totally paid for by others. Companies have invited homeowners to "How To" sessions conducted after working hours, and they have been very

Civilization and Its Discontents Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Civilization and Its Discontents - Essay Example This shows that Civilization and its Discontents is a great contributor to the Western culture’s literature. Freud commences his reflections with ruminations based on religious values, and tries to bring out responses to the question as to why human beings are possessed with the feeling of being with the passion of construction, oceanic feelings. An in-depth understanding of the reasons as to why Freud describes this type of feeling as oceanic gives two separate explanations: he intended to establish the view of the superstitions, infantile and mystical religious ways which civilization defines as valuable while based on religious thought, and; the scientific, analytic, and rational ways. An assumption made by Freud in this situation is that the entire method of civilization is based on human’s conscious analyses of the motives of human life that are not trustworthy, and that people do adopt analytical attitudes and methods which as a result lead to a truer, a healthier understanding of the motives, high levels of consistency, and a summary giving a brief on why and how people do it. The common human characteristics is that people have the notion of religion which they hold so dearly and use it to organize their actions and value-systems, though their grounds for this religion value, based on scrutiny, resulted into being explicable through unconscious psychic drivers and processes. Chapter two of the same book shows how the fact that religion exists is an illustration and a manifestation of infantile origins of human beings in the seeking of a father figure to secure them against the world’s pains and depression. Further still, this depicts that civilization has an immensely deep and systematic discontents in the human life, for without them, region would not be a thing of practice since there would be no need for it in eternity. On the contrary, though, there is need for religion since life as it is found by human is quite hard as it brin gs too much pain, impossible tasks, and disappointments. Therefore, for the purpose of keeping by it, human cannot dispense with such palliative measures (Freud, S., 2002, p. 23). These measures are threefold; deflection of needs, intoxicants, and substitutions for needs. To expound on this, Freud moves on to elaborate on the main purpose of life, overhauled in religion. He, in his own perspective, sees no cosmic purpose to the human life but sees an internal psychic purpose upon which anyone’s psychic economy is based, as the pursuit of happiness or experience of pleasure. Pleasure principle is denoted by an individual’s imperative towards the pursuit of pleasure, but the minds pursuit of happiness being in loggerheads with the entire world’s happenings. Religion plays an important role of trying to restrict people’s efforts by continuously imposing its moral codes upon people who are naturally characterized to have different ways of trying to negotiate their ways to happiness, even though, the project may entirely experience drawbacks.  

Localize Management in a foreignInvested company in China from the Essay

Localize Management in a foreignInvested company in China from the practical, cultural and strategical perspective - Essay Example This questionnaire is on your views regarding aspects pertaining to the "Localisation of Management", a research topic. The information collected will remain totally anonymous and confidential. Please fill in all the required details. Effort and time spent on completing it is greatly appreciated. .. ____________________________________________________________ 13. Do you think that internal programs for developing managers produce a better grade ofmanagement talent than other measures ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 14. In terms of HR cost, is internal management development a more feasible means toacquire management talent ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 15. Is the ability of a manager to understand the customs, tradition and communication stylesin working with employees important ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 16. Does management in China require the understanding of the blending of Western stylepractices, where applicable, and Chinese principles ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 17. Has converting the staff to think in more progressive terms with regard to performanceand operational style been a big hurdle ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 18. It is the policy of our company to develop managers in the

Essay 1 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 14

1 - Essay Example More importantly, immigration had a significant impact on cultural identity for the Chinese family struggling to make a living in an American culture. Therefore, since this engaging story was systematically written by an immigrant, Tan, who uses her experiences and that of her mother to explain real life situations, makes this story a magnificent piece of writing. Globalization has merged the world into one small global village eliciting the need for accommodating cultural diversity. The case of Tan moving from a Chinese cultural background to an American culture provides a good example of cultural integration. Cultural background determines the language we speak, how we speak it as well as expectations from others. More importantly, cultural beliefs are best reflected through language as people communicate. For instance, whereas Tan may shake hands and bow down as a show of respect, an American might not understand the meaning. Moving into a new cultural territory, like Tan’s family did when they moved to America, presents a myriad of challenges not only cultural difference but in communication as well. In this story, Tan places an emphasis on the theme of alienation and discrimination, through focusing on the various prejudices that she and her mother went through as a result of language imperfection. For instance, Tan shows how her mother has for long been looked down due to the fact that she spoke â€Å"limited† or â€Å"simple† English, most of which quite ironically could be understood by most people (Tan 59). Moreover, Tan also shows how her mother is a victim of prejudice by explaining how doctors had presumably said that her CAT scan results could not be found. But later, when Tan arrives and talks in perfect English, the doctors admit that the scan results would be found and offers apologies for any sufferings that her mother had

Reflection paper Essay Example for Free

Reflection paper Essay ‘3 Idiots’ is one of the most meaningful movies that I have seen throughout my life. Infused with some wacky sense of comedy at times, it stars the widely-acclaimed Aamir Khan alongside Sharman Joshi and R.Madhavan as the main characters in the movie. Kareena Kapoor is the lead actress. Dont get put-off by the name of the movie, for the movie is anything but about three idiots. Many people, me included, thought this was going to be a foolish movie with petty comedy but that surely wasnt the case. Thus, it is no surprise that this movie has broken the Bollywood box-office record. I like the movie most because of its messages which can be closely related to our daily lives. For instance, parents who pre-determine the fate of their children’s careers the moment they are born. The other messages range from students who commit suicide due to the pressure of education to the rigid education system in which nerdy individuals who memorize textbooks are rewarded whilst visionary budding talents are wasted. The movie also showed that people’s lives were like a seesaw. Sometimes you’re up; sometimes you’re down or you remain the same. Moreover, it was also stated in the film to â€Å"follow excellence and let success chase us† wherein we are free to choose. We should feel free to decide well and don’t let others manipulate you from what you want to do. God has given us the freedom and the knowledge to use it wisely. ‘3 Idiots’ is one of the most meaningful movies that I have seen throughout my life. Infused with some wacky sense of comedy at times, it stars the widely-acclaimed Aamir Khan alongside Sharman Joshi and R.Madhavan as the main characters in the movie. Kareena Kapoor is the lead actress. Dont get put-off by the name of the movie, for the movie is anything but about three idiots. Many people, me included, thought this was going to be a foolish movie with petty comedy but that surely wasnt the case. Thus, it is no surprise that this movie has broken the Bollywood box-office record. I like the movie most because of its messages which can be closely related to our daily lives. For instance, parents who pre-determine the fate of their  children’s careers the moment they are born. The other messages range from students who commit suicide due to the pressure of education to the rigid education system in which nerdy individuals who memorize textbooks are rewarded whilst visionary budding talents are wasted. The movie also showed that people’s lives were like a seesaw. Sometimes you’re up; sometimes you’re down or you remain the same. Moreover, it was also stated in the film to â€Å"follow excellence and let success chase us† wherein we are free to choose. We should feel free to decide well and don’t let others manipulate you from what you want to do. God has given us the freedom and the knowledge to use it wisely. ‘3 Idiots’ is one of the most meaningful movies that I have seen throughout my life. Infused with some wacky sense of comedy at times, it stars the widely-acclaimed Aamir Khan alongside Sharman Joshi and R.Madhavan as the main characters in the movie. Kareena Kapoor is the lead actress. Dont get put-off by the name of the movie, for the movie is anything but about three idiots. Many people, me included, thought this was going to be a foolish movie with petty comedy but that surely wasnt the case. Thus, it is no surprise that this movie has broken the Bollywood box-office record. I like the movie most because of its messages which can be closely related to our daily lives. For instance, parents who pre-determine the fate of their children’s careers the moment they are born. The other messages range from students who commit suicide due to the pressure of education to the rigid education system in which nerdy individuals who memorize textbooks are rewarded whilst visionary budding talents are wasted. The movie also showed that people’s lives were like a seesaw. Sometimes you’re up; sometimes you’re down or you remain the same. Moreover, it was also stated in the film to â€Å"follow excellence and let success chase us† wherein we are free to choose. We should feel free to decide well and don’t let others manipulate you from what you want to do. God has given us the freedom and the knowledge to use it wisely.

The Future Of Life In Organisations Business Essay

The Future Of Life In Organisations Business Essay When the future life and well being of a business organisation is pre-planned at the present time using proper projections, strategic planning comes into play. Hence, strategic planning entails some of the steps and procedures which can be put in place in an organisation so that it can experience face lifting in the near or distant future (Samson Daft, 2009). Each division within a company ought to craft its own strategic plan which will focus on growth and performance. This is necessary because the impressive growth of a business organisation is entirely dependent on laid out plans. Nevertheless, whether in a small or big company, a strategic plan should be in a simplified version which is easy to understand, interpret and implement. Complicated elements in a strategic plan document may not be helpful at all especially when the same is to be implemented. As already mentioned, strategic plan should be in form of a document which implies that it has to be written for the sake of futu re reference. The written plan should be clear as much as possible and equally based on the actual state of the business organisation at the present time. Although strategic planning is generally considered to be the way forward for organisations which desire growth, it has its own demerits and pitfalls. However, the inevitable pitfalls should not hinder an organisation from projecting into the future by planning in the present (Goodstein, Nolan Pfeiffer, 1993). To begin with, a strategic plan may not materialise as expected bearing in mind that the operational environment of the plan can be very dynamic while the set objectives are static. Such changes which can sometimes be unavoidable may negatively affect the attainability the original plan leading to significant failures. Challenges facing an organisation at the present time cannot be sorted out or addressed by a piece of strategic plan. Therefore, this plan is only useful at a later date and only if the strategies are achieved. If the process of planning has loopholes, the outcome of the plan itself may also go below par and then lead to further failures. When an organisation jumps from formulating a mission to developing the strategic plan within a very short and inadequate period of time, it can lead to a major pitfall of the plan. When developing the strategic plan, a business management is supposed to bear in mind all the critical details of the mission statement of the organisation so that no single development proposal is crafted void of the companyà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s mission. In addition, sufficient time should be allocated in the creation, formulation and implementation of the strategic plan (Fogg, 1994). There are some instances when the top organisational leadership may fail to incorporate the subordinate employees in the creation of the strategic plan. Involving workers from all levels of the organisation in the process of strategic plan and decision making is necessary and cannot be ignored at all. It should be recalled that all the employees in an organisation are part and parcel in the implementation of the strategic plan (Samson Daft, 2009). Another likely pitfall to strategic planning arises when the top management resort to adopt intuitive decisions which are not in agreement with the formal planning of the organisation. This can also confuse employees within a company. They will not be in a position to point out which strategies to follow in the course of delivering their services (Mintzberg Waters, 1982). Unless the strategic plan is used as a basic unit for quantifying performance, the plan may not be worthy. Assessing the performance index of an organisation is necessary in the process of tracking down the initially proposed strategies. A planning consultant plays an important role in making sure that the laid down strategies are well formulated and also attainable within the given period of time. The consultant also counterchecks resource availability and allocation for each plan and then gives the necessary counsel. In spite of these invaluable roles played by the planning consultant, the management should still take control of the entire strategic framework. Delegating the planning duties fully to the consultant is a serious pitfall. The management must still possess the plan and oversee its implementation to the latter. A strategic plan usually passes through different phases before it can finally be articulated and its outcomes realised. For example, it begins by the process of preparing the plan itself. Key development issues are identified at this stage. Secondly, the strategies identified are developed, evaluated and re-evaluated to ensure that they fit within the mission and vision of the company. Finally, the plan is put on the implementation phase (Mintzberg Waters, 1982). These are complex procedures which requires the all the key employees to be partakers of the process. Failure to do so may as well as lead to the pitfall of the strategic plan. Furthermore, if the management does not create an operating environment which is conducive for cooperation and also resistant to market dynamics, the strategic plan may not record significant success. Small businesses too need to formulate strategic planning in their operations much more than the big firms which are well established and running. In fact, in order for a business organisation to grow, a business plan alone is not sufficient, it is just a replica of ideas which the management has in mind but not strategically devised to improve performance. It is imperative to underscore that small firms have a higher demand for growth than big businesses which have already taken root. Besides, small businesses often faces a myriad of market risks compared to elaborate organisations and in case of any eventuality, they are bound to lose greatly. It is against this backdrop that small companies need o prepare, develop and formulate very strong strategic plans for the sake of sustainability in the dynamic and hostile business environment. As mentioned earlier, the success story of strategic planning in a business is largely dependent on quite a number of factors. Regardless of the size of the business, the outcome of a strategic plan will be influenced by the procedures and modalities used in the preparation and implementation of the plan. Therefore, strategic planning can lead to improved performance in small companies if the following cardinal principles are adhered to by both the management and employees of a company. Although most small companies rarely transit into elaborate corporations, the concept of strategic planning is one way out of transforming small firms into large companies. There are several case studies which have noted down that small companies can only experience growth if they are merged or acquired by market leaders. This may not be universally true because if small firms purse and implement strategic planning to the latter, they can always grow by leaps and bound into giant companies (Steiner, 1979). This begins with grass root planning on the development of the young company. Strategic planning will provide the right path for the company to take. In addition, it will lay the foundation for contingency planning which is much needed in the heart of the small organisations. Small scale enterprises may sometimes fail to enforce the process of implementation of the strategic plan developed. If the devised models are put into action, improved performance of these small scale enterprises will definitely be achieved (Goodstein, Nolan Pfeiffer, 1993). This is also the clear cut difference between small and big enterprises. The latter will rarely ignore to implement a strategic plan toolkit mainly because it has been heavily invested on. If small enterprises communicate to workers on the formulation and implementation process of the strategic plan, positive growth will be on the way due to support received from employees. Workers in any business organisation form the backbone for growth. A company cannot succeed when it ignores or does not uplift the performance of employees. A small company which is unanimously run by a director and collaborating employees will often achieve the contents of a well crafted strategic plan. This process also entails involving e mployees in the day-to-day decision making and goal setting procedures. Commitment is an essential ingredient in strategic planning of a small firm. If both the executive arm of the organisation and the subordinate staff are committed in ensuring that the plan works, then the size of the firm does not matter at all; the objectives will still be achieved. It is also worth noting that commitment stems from goal setting theory. Employees will be committed if the goals which are set in the strategic plan are well understood. Moreover, the plan is bound to succeed if the management instils commitment to the employees in two ways. Firstly, workers should be made to understand the importance of the entire strategic plan and the goals set in it (Steiner, 1979). Without a sense of importance in the written document, there will be lack of commitment and irrespective of the size of the organisation; the strategic plan will not be functional. Another way of enhancing commitment is by ensuring t hat employees can actualise the benefit of the strategic plan on their part and not just on the general well being of the organisation. For instance, they can be promised additional fringe benefits in addition to such motivating factors like higher salaries and promotions. Small firms which adhere to such measures will often succeed in their quest for growth into market leaders (Fogg, 1994). Similar to any other aspect of planning, strategic planning also requires significant inputs. This includes elaborate intrinsic and extrinsic research to ascertain the ability of the small company against the trends in the current and future market. In this regard, the competitive analysis of the firm should be brought into consideration in addition to the ability of the organisation to undertake certain planning measures based on resource availability (Steiner, 1979). Strategic planning developed by small firms can often sail through if the two mentioned elements are critically analysed. Hence, whether a business enterprise is small or expanse in size, conscientious strategic planning followed by meticulous implementation can improve performance.

The Purpose of Feathers in Non Avian Dinosaurs

The Purpose of Feathers in Non Avian Dinosaurs There is a significant body of evidence within the scientific community over the past fifteen years to suggest-contrary to depictions in blockbuster movies and mass media-that dinosaurs, both avian and nonavian, had feathers of some sort. Recent spectacular discoveries have suggested that modern day birds are descendents of dinosaurs, suggestions of the origin of such feathers, and the discovery of various types of filamentous fibers and feathers that were prevalent in various species of both avian and nonavian dinosaurs throughout their history. Paradoxically, there is no abundance of research and hypotheses regarding the function these feathers and filamentous fibers had for nonavian theropod dinosaurs throughout history. This paper will be exploring-using existing research-that gap of knowledge and seeking to make an informed hypothesis regarding the purpose of feathers in theropod dinosaurs. More specifically, I will explore the role latitudes played on the presence of feathers i n these creatures. Before one can talk at length about feathers, we must define what feathers are and more specifically, what we define as feathers in relation to dinosaurs. In their paper titled, The Early Evolution of Feathers: Fossil Evidence From Cretaceous Amber of France, by Vincent Perrichot et al, they define feathers on dinosaurs as, complex integumental structures of a three-level branched structure composed of a rachis (primary shaft), barbs (secondary branches) and barbules (tertiary branches) (Vincent Perrichot et al. 1). Paleontologists report finding filamentous fibers as well as true feathers on various species of dinosaurs from various epochs. In a recent study done by Xing Xu et al, An Integrative Approach to Understanding Bird Origins, Xu cites, numerous specimens of most theropod groups and even three ornithischian groups preserving feathers have been recovered from the Jurassic and Cretaceous beds of northeastern China and from the Jurassic and Cretaceous beds of Germany, Russia, a nd Canada. (Xu et al 6). According to Prado et. al., in their study, New Occurrences of Fossilized Feathers: Systematics and Taphonomy of the Santana Formation of the Araripe Basin (Cretaceous), NE, Brazil, Feathers are the most complex integuments of vertebrates, due to their variety of forms and roles. This structure is responsible for the thermoregulation, display, protection against radiation, toxicity, buoyancy and even to produce sound (Prado et al 1). Experts have even found feathers in the form of bristle scales an intermediary character between scales and feathers, placodes, follicles, scales attached to the epidermis of the fossil, and in many other forms on all types of dinosaurs. With an understanding of how scientists today define feathers and where they have been found on dinosaurs, we can begin to explore what the existing hypotheses are regarding their purpose when found on nonavian dinosaurs. Christopher Dimond et al, in a study exploring the visual cues behind adaptive feathers in nonavian dinosaurs states, The three predominant hypotheses are 1) flight, 2) thermoregulation, and 3) visual display (Dimond et al 1). Additionally, Dimonds study cites other sources that hypothesize feathers could have been used for, insulation, water repellency, courtship, camouflage and defense (Prum and Brush, 2003), parental care and brooding (Clarke and Middleton, 2006; Grellet-Tinner, 2006), shielding nests (Turner et al., 2007), flight or lift while running (Dial et al., 2006), and male-to-male competition (Cowen and Lipps, 1982). (Dimond et al 1). While all these hypotheses have been thoroughly researched and written about, I hypothesize that the major determining fa ctor regarding the presence or absence of feathers in nonavian dinosaurs throughout history is the latitude in which the dinosaur lived. Nonavian theropod dinosaurs are known to have lived from the Late Triassic through the end of the Cretaceous. In A Review of Mesozoic Climates, Anthony Hallam definitively states, there is overwhelming evidence, based on the distribution of distinctive sediments and fossils and oxygen isotope data, that the climate of the Mesozoic world was appreciably more equable than that of today (Hallam 1). With Hallams findings in mind, it can be assumed that even in the tropical hot earth world many scientists have described, nonavian dinosaurs might have needed feathers for colder nights and periods of darkness for insulation. Smaller species, that would require insulation for survival are an obvious hypothesis as to the types of fossils found, but in another study done by Xing Xu et al, they postulate that Yutyrannus huali [a new gigantic basal tyrannosauroid] bears long filamentous feathers, thus providing direct evidence for the presence of extensively feathered gigantic dinosaurs and offering new insights into early feather evolution (Xu et al. 1). Found in China, Y hualis longer filamentous feathers could have been an adaptation to a much colder environment than the rest of the planet. Xu further explains, Most gigantic Late Cretaceous tyrannosauroids, by contrast, lived in a warm climate that was conducive to the loss of an extensive insulative feathery covering, although popul ations inhabiting cold environments such as the land that is now Alaska would have been a notable exception (Xu et al. 1). Xus findings concur our previous misconceptions that dinosaurs didnt have feathers or filamentous structures. Why, for so long did we believe this to not be so? Until the first dinosaur fossil with a feather like structure attached was discovered in Brazil almost thirty years ago, humans and popular culture portrayed dinosaurs as reptilian. Leathery skin, sometimes scaly, sometimes not, Dinosaurs appearance has varied little over the course of human study until the very recent future. The reason for this disparity in scientific reporting was due to how difficult it is to find a fossil that preserves both the bone as well as the filamentous integument attached. The soil conditions upon death have to have been just right in order for preservation of this type to occur. Prado argues, Because feathers are very delicate features, they rarely survive the physicochemical process that follow their burial. Thus, they are usually found as: (i) carbonized and iron traces, (ii) inclusions in ambers and coprolites, (iii) and as imprints (Prado et al 1). Many of the most well preserved fossils with feather integuments still attached have been found in amb er deposits recently, often perfectly preserving the skin attached to the feather. This can occur in a few circumstances. According to Prados research on feathers found at the Crato Fossil Bed in Brazil, the Crato Member was laid down under clear and relatively shallow waters during an arid and dry climate, where the carbonate sediments were deposited in a low energetic input with formation of halite and anhydrite minerals (Prado et al. 1). An alternative suggestion by David Martill and Gunter Bechly in their work, The Crato Fossil Beds: A Window into the Ancient World, argue once an anoxic and hypersaline bottom water body was established, the organic matter produced in the surface waters was no longer broken down by heterotrophic bacteria accumulated in the sediment (Martill 60). Due to the fragility of the structure of a feather or filamentous structure, conditions had to be just right to ensure preservation. Due to the conditions in which these fossils must be preserved, there can be a case made for why they are only found so well preserved in the locations above. The hypothesis above that mostly all dinosaurs had some type of filamentous coating could still hold true as the locations in which they have been found are not ideal for feather preservation. It appears that in order for a feather integument to be preserved, the conditions in which the initial preservation occurred and where the fossil migrated to must be precise. Prado cites, that lithology itself may not be a sure factor for skin preservation dinosaurs, it may be an important factor, and perhaps decisive, factor in feather preservation (Prado et al 1). While there is a great amount of literature on lithology, what remains to be talked about is lithology with specific reference to geography. My hypothesis tends to focus on the importance of latitudes to explain why certain types of dinosaurs contained feathers, but another im portant factor to consider is the speed of burial near riverine environments. Hadrosaurids could provide a window into this phenomena. Mary Higby Schweizer, in her paper Soft Tissue Preservation in Terrestrial Mesozoic Vertebrates, argues, it could be that hadrosaurids were more likely to preserve skin than other dinosaurs because, during life, hadrosaurids preferred an environment conducive to rapid burial and preservation of soft tissues (Wegweiser et al. 2006). This is a fascinating argument, as it brings to light a host of various factors that could potentially cause the feathers on other species of dinosaurs to not be preserved. Essentially, if a dinosaurs natural environment was not conducive to a perfect fossilization of delicate integumentary structures, these records would be lost forever in nature. Christopher Dimond et al, in their paper, Feathers, Dinosaurs, and Behavioral Cues: Defining the Visual Display Hypothesis for the Adaptive Function of Feathers in Non-Avian Theropods, claims that initial forms of feathers in theropod dinosaurs were mainly utilized to signal. Whether it was sexual signaling for mating, deterrence of predators, or camouflage while hunting, these feathers served the purpose of sending a message to a receiver. Throughout the paper, Dimond posits that feathers in theropods were utilized to trigger a behavioral response in the receiver (Dimond et al 2011). While they do not rule out feathers for thermoregulation in theropods, their focus on visual display as an adaptive feature is marvel. While I agree with their position that signaling could have been an ancestral form of feathers in these types of dinosaurs, I believe that the main purpose for filamentous integuments on these types of dinosaurs was for thermoregulation in a climate that vastly varied in temperature. Even today, which by and large is considered to be colder, the variation in temperature on a given day-even in the tropics-is enough to make a hairless creature rapidly lose body heat. This loss of body heat in an environment less forgiving than a tropical one might have spurred an adaptation such as feathers over the course of history. The study of dinosaurs is ever evolving as our technological ability to analyze every aspect of their world grows by the day. Specifically, when studying feathers and filamentous integuments, our technology has caught up recently enough to detect the most minute details that for years, we were unable to identify. This has provided the scientific community with a window into what I believe, is a common character in nearly all dinosaurs-similar to mammals today. Just as in mammalia, dinosaurs adapted over millions of years to be as fit as possible for their respective environments and for the changes occurring on Earth at the time. Our ability to detect these adaptations, while much improved, is mainly contingent upon the environment in which they are interred. With the advent of new technology, science will continue to explore the relationship between feathers in theropods and similar dinosaurs and the latitudes in which they cohabitated. WORKS CITED Dimond, Christopher C., Robert J. Cabin, and Janie S. Brooks. Feathers, Dinosaurs, and Behavioral Cues: Defining the Visual Display Hypothesis for the Adaptive Function of Feathers in Non-Avian Theropods. Bios 82.3 (2011): 58-63. Web. Hallam, Anthony . A Review of Mesozoic Climate. Journal of the Geological Society of London 142.3 (1985): 433-55. Web. Martill, David M. The Crato fossil beds of brazil: window into an ancient world. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ Press, 2011. Print. Prado GMEM, Anelli LE, Petri S, Romero GR. (2016) New occurrences of fossilized feathers: systematics and taphonomy of the Santana Formation of the Araripe Basin (Cretaceous), NE, Brazil. PeerJ 4:e1916 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1916 Perrichot, Vincent et al. The Early Evolution of Feathers: Fossil Evidence from Cretaceous Amber of France. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 275.1639 (2008): 1197-1202. PMC. Web. 22 Mar. 2017. Schweitzer, Mary Higby. Soft Tissue Preservation in Terrestrial Mesozoic Vertebrates. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences 39.1 (2011): 187-216. Web. Xu, X., Z. Zhou, R. Dudley, S. Mackem, C.-M. Chuong, G. M. Erickson, and D. J. Varricchio. An integrative approach to understanding bird origins. Science346.6215 (2014): 1253293. Web.

America and the Cyberpunk Counterculture Essays -- Cultural Identity Es

History has evolved through a series of counter-cultures, contraries to a community's subjective, shared system of beliefs that provide meaning to objective reality. Timothy Leary has defined the evolution of countercultures that range from the beatniks of the early fifties, the hippies of the sixties and seventies to the present day cyberpunks and new breeds (Vitanza 365). These groups have been met with resistance over the years as a result of their expressive attitudes and tendencies to break the molds of conformity which their culture had previously set. I will focus of the latest stage of evolution, the cyberpunk. The cyberpunk counterculture has encountered mixed reviews over the years. Many people feel as though it is a movement that is made up of no good troublemakers who pose a threat to the computer world. On the contrary, I feel that cyberpunks are taking a lot of heat from a small number of hell raisers who roam the data-highways looking to cause havoc. For th e most part, cyberpunks have contributed to society in beneficial ways. As computer technology is rapidly increasing everyday, the issue is becoming relevant to society as a whole. We are all affected by its presence and therefore should become more aware of what lurks in the cyberworld. In the late twentieth century, two words cybernetics and punk were merged together to form a term that would label the art of combining the science of communication, with an anti-social or rebellious attitude. An ideology was established that included an infatuation with high-tech tools and disdain for conventional usage of them (Elmer-Dewitt 59). Many descriptive phrases have been connected with the cyberpunk culture. An activist in the movement calle... ...is becoming all too familiar with. So let us join in and ride the trails of cyberspace, our new Final Frontier. Works Cited Elmer Dewitt, Philip. "Cyberpunk." Time. 8 Feb. 1993: 58-65. Haussman, Sook Elsie. Cyberpunks: Friend or Foe. 1996. 28 Jan. 1997. gt984a@prism.gatech.edu. Leary, Timothy. "Evolution of Countercultures." CyberReader. Ed. Victor Vitanza. Mass: Allyn & Bacon, 1996. 364. Neil, Easterbrook. "The Arc of Destruction: Reversal and Erasure in Cyberpunk." Science-Fiction-Studies. Nov. 1992:378-394. Pientras, Jamie. "The Brainy Bunch." U.Magazine Fall 1998: 16. 6 Nov.1998 www.umagazine.com. Rayl, A.J.S. "Secrets of a Cuberculture." Omni. Nov. 1992:58-67. Sterling, Bruce. "Cyberpunk in the Nineties." Writings About Cyberpunk. (1995): 6-9. 5 Nov. 1998 http://www.streettech.com/bcp/BCPgraf/Manifestos/CPInThe90's.html.