Public Health and an Epidemic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Public Health and an Epidemic - Essay Example You know that it is hurting you and your whole body system but you cannot see it. You want to confront it but you cannot find it. You want to eradicate it but you cannot touch and catch it. Those are your predicaments. You appear to be the loser to the adversary which you cannot even tell if it is there or no longer there. In the meantime, this very tiny creature which attempts to destroy your whole human faculties keeps on multiplying and multiplying by fighting its own host which is you in order to survive. At the other side of the coin, here you are also fighting for your health and life against a virtual unknown and an invisible folly. Yes, it is a fight to survive between you and this mysterious foe. Who survives is a question you cannot resolve, despite all the knowledge and information which you have stored in your brain which this opponent ironically does not have. Then, you turn to Charles Darwin who utters "survival of the fittest".3 You have to be the winner. You have to b e the fittest else the homo sapiens becomes an endangered species or consequently extinct. In this study, the publi... Then, you turn to Charles Darwin who utters "survival of the fittest".3 You have to be the winner. You have to be the fittest else the homo sapiens becomes an endangered species or consequently extinct. Owing to the premises laid down above, it is therefore imperative that once an epidemic becomes noticeable, researches must be made to identify and define the killer. In this study, the public health topic selected is Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease. While it is very well under control by the use and management of certain antibiotics, there has been reported resurgence in alarming proportions.4 In the United States of America in the year 2006, there were more than one million cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD), an agency under the Department of Health and Human Services and there is reliable information that the figures of unreported cases are substantial. Chlamydia is a very important selection because it bears to infertility and to inborn infections which are sometimes irreversible, including pre-mature deliveries. It means that it is a threat to life especially of the innocent babies. 5 It is also worth to note that there are opinions commenting that people with Chlamydia are likely to acquire AIDS. Variant characteristics of Chlamydia Chlamydia being a sex disease, it is perceived to be common to people who are still within the active sexual life range It does not matter what race or gender one belongs to be exposed to the disease. As far as concerning occupation, this epidemic will not care whatever profession the person has although the probability of infection should be naturally high to those who trade with sex (like prostitutes, entertainment and hospitality workers) and those prone to have such unconventional

Cosmetic Surgery and Its Affect on the World Today Essay Example for Free

Cosmetic Surgery and Its Affect on the World Today Essay How far will you go to get the look you want? There are many people who have gone as far as changing their appearance to the point that they are unrecognizable. From nose jobs, face lifts, to reshaping their eyes, it has become nearly an epidemic. Plastic surgery is a medical procedure invented to improve an individual’s physical appearance or to minimize scarring resulting from accidents, disease or birth defects as well as disfigurement. The word plastic is derived from the Greek, meaning molding or giving form. Included in plastic surgery is cosmetic surgery, which can be used to reshape your face or body features. Cosmetic surgery is designed to improve an individuals appearance. Some women in China would bind their feet, crippling themselves in the process to appear beautiful. It is said that their feet are to be no larger than a deck of cards or it was disgraceful. Western women poured themselves into corsets, often causing damage to their internal organs, for the sake of beauty. High heels are linked to back problems as well as foot problems. The search for beauty and eternal youth continues, and today, modern technology has brought the medical profession into the issue. Fat can be literally sucked out of the body, body parts can be reduced or enlarged through surgery, and wrinkles can be erased. Where cosmetic surgery was once the near-exclusive purview of women, men are turning to surgical procedures in increasing numbers. There are, however, costs to such modification, and these costs extend well beyond the financial. This research argues against the indiscriminate use of cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery has a very long history. As early as 1000 B.C.E., the first plastic surgery was reported in India, where a persons nose might be cut off as a form of punishment or, in the case of an adulterous Hindu wife, bitten off by the wronged husband. Procedures, which displayed remarkable similarity to present rhinoplasties, were developed to reconstruct the noses of such errant individuals (Davis 14). Plastic surgery appeared much later on the European continent. In the early fifteenth century, physicians began doing nose surgeries, by using skin flaps taken from the arm. Other forms of plastic surgery began to appear around the early sixteenth century. With the invention of ether and antisepsis, plastic surgery was able to emerge as a full-fledged medical specialty (Davis 15). In the first part of the century, nearly all plastic surgeries were done to alleviate deformities due to disease, birth or mishap; however, in the second half of the century this was no longer the case. Plastic surgery has some advantages too, with reconstructive surgery. Reconstructive surgery is used to fix deficiencies that couldn’t otherwise be fixed by any other treatment. Reconstructive surgery makes a notable advancement, and can be used to repair birth defects, such as hair lips, cleft pallets and internal forms of function. It can also be used for one that has suffered injuries due to an accident, and can also save limbs and restore joints that would be irreparable. There are certain skin burns, depending on how severe that can be repaired by skin grafting. Some facial injuries that involve dental repair are common procedures for plastic surgery. The field of plastic surgery has grown, allowing room for improvement and more accuracy of procedures. Cosmetic surgery may benefit some patients interpersonal relationships and self-esteem, which will lead to a better quality of life. This happens more often when the patient suffers from an abnormality, or other birth defects that affect their appearance. Cosmetic surgery is not to be taken lightly, as for some it has been proven to be damaging and have long-lasting side effects. There have been many people that have gone through multiple surgeries in order to get the look that they want. There are many different reasons behind some folks becoming obsessed with the surgery. The majority of ones belief is that they can achieve physical perfection through cosmetic surgery. In an attempt to achieve a state of perfect physical beauty, some people repeatedly seek cosmetic surgery procedures to alter their appearance, believing theyre only a surgery away from their imagined ideal. Many people who suffer from plastic surgery addiction are also victims of body dimorphic disorder, where an attractive person believes that they are unattractive no matter how appealing they may appear to another person. Celebrities who suffer from plastic surgery addiction often lack a strong self esteem and have a generalized level of unhappiness with them selves. Instead of addressing the real source of their unhappiness, they choose to solve their problems by altering their external appearance. There are many people in the world that also too have altered their appearance to look like a celebr ity as well. Many citizens in the society today have altered their faces to the point if you hadn’t known them before surgery, you wouldn’t recognize them afterwards. Statistics show that people aged between 35-50 years old had the most cosmetic procedures in 2007: 5.4 million or 46 percent of that total. People between ages 51-64 years of age had 25 percent of the cosmetic surgery procedures in 2007. People between ages 19-34 years old had 21 percent of the cosmetic surgery procedures in 2007. Senior citizens aged 65 and older had 6 percent of cosmetic surgery procedures in 2007. Teens aged 18 or younger had less than 2 percent of the cosmetic surgery procedures in 2007. Today even with the economy the way that it is people are still getting cosmetic surgery no matter what the cost. This just shows how some peoples lives are affected by the way that they appear to themselves and other people regardless of their age.

The Philosophical Investigations Essay examples -- Philosophy Philosop

The Philosophical Investigations ABSTRACT: The Philosophical Investigations is an inherently pedagogical work. Wittgenstein claims throughout his later writings to be teaching a method and this method is both philosophical and pedagogical. It is the claim of this paper that if we do not take Wittgenstein's methodological claim seriously, we do not engage with the text in the manner for which it was written. Consequently, we begin and end in the wrong places and the text becomes (in the words of Wittgenstein) 'variously misunderstood, more or less mangled and watered-down.' Â §1 is philosophically and pedagogically complex. It presents the philosophical problems to which Wittgenstein will respond in the text which follows and it also, significantly, presents their solution. An investigation of the philosophical and pedagogical questions raised in the opening remark of the Investigations will demonstrate that we have not yet begun to use Wittgenstein's method and his writings to their full potential. The Philosophical Investigations is an inherently pedagogical work. Wittgenstein claims throughout his later writings to be teaching a method, and this method is both philosophical and pedagogical. According to Moore and Fann he remarked to the effect that it did not matter whether his results were true or not, what mattered was that a method had been found (Moore 1993: 113). During the 1930s Wittgenstein also described the Investigations as a textbook; 'a textbook, however, not in that it provides knowledge (Wissen), but rather in that it stimulates thinking (Denken)'. (1) He claimed that the remarks which he wrote enabled him to teach philosophy well. (2) Although generally acknowledged within the secondary literature, these me... ...hers. Wittgenstein, Ludwig (1968) Philosophical Investigations, trans. G. E. M. Anscombe, Oxford: Basil Blackwell. __________ (1969) The Blue and Brown Books: Preliminary Studies for the 'Philosophical Investigations', Oxford: Basil Blackwell. __________ (1980) Culture and Value, eds. G. H. von Wright and H. Nyman, trans. P. Winch, Oxford: Basil Blackwell. __________ (1982) Wittgenstein's Lectures 1932-1935, ed. Alice Ambrose, Oxford: Basil Blackwell. __________ (1988) Wittgenstein's Lectures on Philosophical Psychology 1967-47, ed. P. T. Geach, London: Harvester Wheatsheaf. __________ (1993) Philosophical Occasions 1912-1951, eds J. Klagge and A. Nordman, Cambridge: Hackett Publishing Company. __________ (1993) 'Philosophy' in Philosophical Occasions 1912-1951, eds J. Klagge and A. Nordman, Cambridge: Hackett Publishing Company.

Contradictory Characterisations of Women in Shakespeares Othello Essay

Contradictory Characterisations of Women in Shakespeare's Othello    Othello opens with a discussion between two men concerning the fate of a very beautiful woman named Desdemona. One of the men is distraught, having tried to win her love but miserably failed, and the other agrees that she is quite a prize. A prize is not just a name for Desdemona, as her humanity is lost somewhere along the way and she ceases to be anything but a prize to be won. Both men are angry and want to seek revenge against the man who won her, slandering Desdemona’s name in the process. Their superior and rival, the man who won Desdemona, is none other than Othello. Othello has proven the two men inferior, obtaining what they could not. The two other mistreated women in the play are Emilia and Bianca, all three viewed as nothing more than objects of lust.   Desdemona was born from a high-class Venetian family; Emilia is a servant; Bianca is a â€Å"whore,† incidentally a word that Desdemona refuses to use. Although they all belong to completely different classes, they are all abused by men and become the objects of their sex... ...rk: Penguin Books, 1968. Neely, Carol. "Women and Men in Othello" Critical Essays on Shakespeare's Othello. Ed. Anthony G. Barthelemy Pub. Macmillan New York, NY 1994. (page 68-90) Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos. Wayne, Valerie. â€Å"Historical Differences: Misogyny and Othello.† The Matter of Difference: Materialist Feminist Criticism of Shakespeare. Ed Valerie Wayne. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1991.

Talisman Energy

Talisman Energy Inc. (Talisman) is an independent Canadian oil and gas producer. Talisman is a company that has been through a great deal of criticism due to their negative experience in Sudan in previous years. They were accused of numerous things such as fueling the civil war, believing the Sudanese Government was using oil revenues to purchase weaponry, and of being complicit in human rights abuses because of fees and royalties paid to the government for the rights to explore oil and gas.Now, Talisman is faced with the decision of whether or not they should enter into Kurdistan, knowing that the same thing can happen there as it did in Sudan. The KRG is asking for $220 million in exchange for allowing Talisman to search for oil reserves. Not knowing what the KRG will use the money for, whether it’s to improve economic development or to purchase weaponry creates a dilemma for Talisman. The board of directors had first-hand experience of the damage to Talisman’s reputa tion. With proper due diligence and continuous re-evaluation of the situation in Kurdistan, Talisman should now find it easier to discover political risk and solve problems before they arise.Problem StatementTalisman Energy Inc. has encountered problems in the past when entering into politically unstable markets in other countries. Now they are faced with the decision whether to enter the oil-rich Kurdistan region of Iraq, knowing there are great risks associated with it. If they decide to enter Kurdistan, can they do it without facing the same problems as they did in Sudan?AnalysisTalisman’s interest in pursuing oil exploration in the Kurdistan region of Iraq has been shaped by many factors. First being that Kurdistan is estimated to have 39 million barrels of oil reserves. Second, Talisman was optimistic about the opportunity for foreign oil companies to tap into Iraqi oil now that Saddam Hussein had been defeated. Finally, the Kurdistan area was viewed as significantly saf er than the rest of Iraq. Talisman Energy Inc. is a company who has experience doing business in countries with high political risk. Political risk can be caused by conflict and violence, terrorism and kidnapping, property seizure, policy changes, and local  content requirements (Wild & Wild, International Business, 2012). Corruption sometimes plays a role in international business. See table 1 for the Corruption perception index. The higher the CPI score the less corruptive the country is.Table 1 Corruption Perception Index CountryCPI ScoreFinland9.0 to 10.0 Canada8.0 to 8.9 United States of America7.0 to 7.9 Spain6.0 to 6.9 Hungary5.0 to 5.9 Greece4.0 to 4.9 Mexico3.0 to 3.9 Russia2.0 to 2.9 Iraq1.0 to 1.9Talisman is now faced with the decision of whether or not they should enter into Kurdistan given the uncertainty in such an unstable region. Have they done the proper due diligence to proceed into Iraq. Iraq is a region with high political risk see Exhibit 1 (Wild & Wild, Inter national Business, 2012).Exhibit 1 Political risk around the WorldIn retrospect, should Talisman have gone into Sudan?Talisman made a good decision by entering Sudan. They were aware of the risks but the rewards were potentially high. It was for this reason they took the chance. They were faced with many challenges such as being blamed for influencing the Civil War. Overcoming these challenges only made the company stronger and more knowledgeable for similar future situations. What are the learnings from the Sudan experience?Talisman learned a great deal from the Sudan experience. They established a dedicated Corporate Responsibility Group (CR) in response to the events in Sudan. The CR group have developed Talisman’s CR policies, procedures and  reporting protocols. Over the years, they have included government relations and responsibility for assessing the risks involved in new projects, especially when entering countries that have high political risk. The company has als o added the International Code of Ethics for Canadian Business to its existing corporate code of ethics (Talisman Energy Inc.: The Decision to Enter Iraq, 2009). For more information on how Talisman manages their corporate responsibility see Exhibit 2.Exhibit 2 Talisman managing Corporate Responsibility Their commitment to corporate responsibility is founded in their company values. Their people put these values into action daily. Their dedication to making Talisman a great corporate citizen is built into the policies, systems, procedures and practices they have put in place to keep them improving. Their values include: Safety: Their goal is to create working conditions that cause no harm to people. Passion: They inspire others by the passion they demonstrate in their work. Results: They have a bias for results and take initiative to get things done efficiently, creating value for their shareholders. Respect: They take time to consider and appreciate other people’s points of view and treat the environment with respect.Excellence: They strive for excellence in what they do and how they do it. Teamwork: by working effectively together, they can deliver results far beyond their individual capabilities. Honest communication: They show courage to speak honestly and support others to do the same. How much money can Talisman make by entering Iraq?If the U.S geological survey is correct in estimating Kurdistan to have 39 billion barrels of oil reserves, then Talisman can make an enormous amount of money by entering Kurdistan. The world demand for oil in 2008 is forecast at 87 million barrels per day and the price of oil was US$130 per barrel (Talisman Energy Inc.: The Decision to Enter Iraq, 2009). The profit would be in the trillions. These large figures could cloud ones judgement when making such an important decision as this. The resources are there to generate huge profits but the circumstances they have to go through to do so  will have to be examined. W hat are the costs and benefits for Talisman to enter Iraq?CostsA 220 million dollar payment has to be paid to the Kurdistan Regional Government. Talisman’s entry might be viewed as support for the Kurdistan government as it was in Sudan and as a result there could be opposition form the U.S government, which supports the unity of Iraq and the Iraqi central government. There has yet to be an agreement on revenue sharing (Talisman Energy Inc.: The Decision to Enter Iraq, 2009). This could cause problems between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional government. A decision to enter Iraq could ruin the reputation of the company if the same thing were to happen there as in Sudan. The Iraqi central government controls Iraq’s export pipeline system. Without the ability to export the oil, Talismans oil revenue would be significantly curtailed.Benefits†¢Have access to large amounts of oil reserves. †¢Financial growth resulting in trillions of dollars in pro fit. †¢An opportunity to invest in the region of Kurdistan. †¢An opportunity to increase the company’s overall market share. †¢An increased level of profit as a result of cheaper labour than other business ventures.Discussion of AlternativesThere are some alternatives that may help solve Talisman’s problems. Presented here are some advantages and disadvantages of each as well as how each would affect the company as a whole and the country in which it is conducting business. One alternative would be to become more involved in the country where the business is taking place. A positive image needs to be put forth. Talisman needs to show others that it wants to make a difference in the Kurdistan region. With the $220 million that is to be paid to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), it is possible that Talisman could approach the KRG and make some kind of a deal regarding the use of the money. Hopefully this will ensure that it is used to build affordabl e housing, hospitals, schools, roads, and improve drinking water.This has all been destroyed or damaged by past conflict within the country. The advantage of this action results in proving to others that the money is being spent to  improve economic development in the region of Kurdistan and not to create independence from Iraq. A disadvantage of this would be the actual cost to carry out such an amount of work. Ultimately, it would improve their public image and presence in Kurdistan and hopefully prevent any controversy while being there. Another alternative would be to continually evaluate their position while in Kurdistan. This involves evaluating risk to prevent unexpected risks from occurring or exposure to them. By doing this, Talisman would always be on top of the situation at hand and it will allow them to become more proactive in their presence there. It will also help them to decide to stay or leave at any particular time. An advantage of this would be awareness of the local conditions and political/economic environment.They would re-evaluate the risks on a regular basis. This should prevent them from making the same mistakes as they did in Sudan. A disadvantage of this again would be that it is more costly. In addition, Talisman is risking the chances of another company taking the opportunity to enter the region and gain control of the oil reserves. The end result would be that Talisman would be receiving constant updates on the situation in Kurdistan.RecommendationTalisman Energy Inc. is a company that has had their fair share of problems when dealing with areas involving high political risk, such as Sudan. During their time there, they learned a great deal about risk and what to look for to reduce it to an acceptable level for investment purposes. The best way to reduce risk is too continually evaluate the region in which they are conducting business. With all the experience that Talisman has gained in Sudan they should now have a higher level of knowledge and comfort in doing business in Kurdistan. Talisman should now find it easier to discover political risks in new investment ventures. By completing the proper due diligence and exploration of political, legal, social and human rights issues, they should excel in doing business in the Kurdistan region.One must always remember when conducting business in an area with high political risks come high cost. If Talisman decides to enter Kurdistan it has to make sure that the $220 million dollar payment to the Kurdistan Regional Government is transparent and that it meets the standards of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Talisman Energy Inc.: The Decision to  Enter Iraq, 2009). A deal should try and be made with the KRG to ensure that the money be spent on economic development and not on weapons. This would show the people of the region and the world that Talisman wants to help the people of Kurdistan improve their country, while at the same time establish a viable relationship with the region in order to successfully operate its business in the oil industry. Talisman Energy Executive SummaryTalisman Energy Inc. (Talisman) is an independent Canadian oil and gas producer. Talisman is a company that has been through a great deal of criticism due to their negative experience in Sudan in previous years. They were accused of numerous things such as fueling the civil war, believing the Sudanese Government was using oil revenues to purchase weaponry, and of being complicit in human rights abuses because of fees and royalties paid to the government for the rights to explore oil and gas.Now, Talisman is faced with the decision of whether or not they should enter into Kurdistan, knowing that the same thing can happen there as it did in Sudan. The KRG is asking for $220 million in exchange for allowing Talisman to search for oil reserves. Not knowing what the KRG will use the money for, whether it’s to improve economic development or to purchase weaponry creates a dilemma for Talisman. The board of directors had first-hand experience of the damage to Talisma n’s reputation. With proper due diligence and continuous re-evaluation of the situation in Kurdistan, Talisman should now find it easier to discover political risk and solve problems before they arise.Problem StatementTalisman Energy Inc. has encountered problems in the past when entering into politically unstable markets in other countries. Now they are faced with the decision whether to enter the oil-rich Kurdistan region of Iraq, knowing there are great risks associated with it. If they decide to enter Kurdistan, can they do it without facing the same problems as they did in Sudan? AnalysisTalisman’s interest in pursuing oil exploration in the Kurdistan region of Iraq has been shaped by many factors. First being that Kurdistan is estimated to have 39 million barrels of oil reserves. Second, Talisman was optimistic about the opportunity for foreign oil companies to tap into Iraqi oil now that Saddam Hussein had been defeated. Finally, the Kurdistan area was viewed as significantly safer than the rest of Iraq.Talisman Energy Inc. is a company who has experience doing business in countries with high political risk. Political risk can be caused by conflict and violence, terrorism and kidnapping, property seizure, policy changes, and local  content requirements (Wild & Wild, International Business, 2012). Corruption sometimes plays a role in international business. See table 1 for the Corruption perception index. The higher the CPI score the less corruptive the country is.Table 1 Corruption Perception Index Country CPI ScoreFinland9.0 to 10.0 Canada8.0 to 8.9 United States of America7.0 to 7.9 Spain6.0 to 6.9 Hungary5.0 to 5.9 Greece4.0 to 4.9 Mexico3.0 to 3.9 Russia2.0 to 2.9 Iraq1.0 to 1.9Talisman is now faced with the decision of whether or not they should enter into Kurdistan given the uncertainty in such an unstable region. Have they done the proper due diligence to proceed into Iraq. Iraq is a region with high political risk see Exhibit 1 ( Wild & Wild, International Business, 2012). Exhibit 1 Political risk around the World)In retrospect, should Talisman have gone into Sudan?Talisman made a good decision by entering Sudan. They were aware of the risks but the rewards were potentially high. It was for this reason they took the chance. They were faced with many challenges such as being blamed for influencing the Civil War. Overcoming these challenges only made the company stronger and more knowledgeable for similar future situations. What are the learnings from the Sudan experience?Talisman learned a great deal from the Sudan experience. They established a dedicated Corporate Responsibility Group (CR) in response to the events in Sudan. The CR group have developed Talisman’s CR policies, procedures and  reporting protocols. Over the years, they have included government relations and responsibility for assessing the risks involved in new projects, especially when entering countries that have high political risk. The company has also added the International Code of Ethics for Canadian Business to its existing corporate code of ethics (Talisman Energy Inc.: The Decision to Enter Iraq, 2009).For more information on how Talisman manages their corporate responsibility see Exhibit 2. Exhibit 2 Talisman managing Corporate Responsibility Their commitment to corporate responsibility is founded in their company values. Their people put these values into action daily. Their dedication to making Talisman a great corporate citizen is built into the policies, systems, procedures and practices they have put in place to keep them improving. Their values include: Safety: Their goal is to create working conditions that cause no harm to people.Passion: They inspire others by the passion they demonstrate in their work. Results: They have a bias for results and take initiative to get things done efficiently, creating value for their shareholders. Respect: They take time to consider and appreciate other peopleà ¢â‚¬â„¢s points of view and treat the environment with respect. Excellence: They strive for excellence in what they do and how they do it. Teamwork: by working effectively together, they can deliver results far beyond their individual capabilities. Honest communication: They show courage to speak honestly and support others to do the same. How much money can Talisman make by entering Iraq?If the U.S geological survey is correct in estimating Kurdistan to have 39 billion barrels of oil reserves, then Talisman can make an enormous amount of money by entering Kurdistan. The world demand for oil in 2008 is forecast at 87 million barrels per day and the price of oil was US$130 per barrel (Talisman Energy Inc.: The Decision to Enter Iraq, 2009). The profit would be in the trillions. These large figures could cloud ones judgement when making such an important decision as this. The resources are there to generate huge profits but the circumstances they have to go through to do so  will ha ve to be examined. What are the costs and benefits for Talisman to enter Iraq?CostsA 220 million dollar payment has to be paid to the Kurdistan Regional Government. Talisman’s entry might be viewed as support for the Kurdistan government as it was in Sudan and as a result there could be opposition form the U.S government, which supports the unity of Iraq and the Iraqi central government. There has yet to be an agreement on revenue sharing (Talisman Energy Inc.: The Decision to Enter Iraq, 2009). This could cause problems between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional government. A decision to enter Iraq could ruin the reputation of the company if the same thing were to happen there as in Sudan. The Iraqi central government controls Iraq’s export pipeline system. Without the ability to export the oil, Talismans oil revenue would be significantly curtailed.Benefits†¢Have access to large amounts of oil reserves. †¢Financial growth resulting in trillio ns of dollars in profit. †¢An opportunity to invest in the region of Kurdistan. †¢An opportunity to increase the company’s overall market share. †¢An increased level of profit as a result of cheaper labour than other business ventures. Discussion of AlternativesThere are some alternatives that may help solve Talisman’s problems. Presented here are some advantages and disadvantages of each as well as how each would affect the company as a whole and the country in which it is conducting business. One alternative would be to become more involved in the country where the business is taking place. A positive image needs to be put forth. Talisman needs to show others that it wants to make a difference in the Kurdistan region. With the $220 million that is to be paid to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), it is possible that Talisman could approach the KRG and make some kind of a deal regarding the use of the money.Hopefully this will ensure that it is use d to build affordable housing, hospitals, schools, roads, and improve drinking water. This has all been destroyed or damaged by past conflict within the country. The advantage of this action results in proving to others that the money is being spent to  improve economic development in the region of Kurdistan and not to create independence from Iraq. A disadvantage of this would be the actual cost to carry out such an amount of work. Ultimately, it would improve their public image and presence in Kurdistan and hopefully prevent any controversy while being there. Another alternative would be to continually evaluate their position while in Kurdistan.This involves evaluating risk to prevent unexpected risks from occurring or exposure to them. By doing this, Talisman would always be on top of the situation at hand and it will allow them to become more proactive in their presence there. It will also help them to decide to stay or leave at any particular time. An advantage of this would be awareness of the local conditions and political/economic environment. They would re-evaluate the risks on a regular basis.This should prevent them from making the same mistakes as they did in Sudan. A disadvantage of this again would be that it is more costly. In addition, Talisman is risking the chances of another company taking the opportunity to enter the region and gain control of the oil reserves. The end result would be that Talisman would be receiving constant updates on the situation in Kurdistan.RecommendationTalisman Energy Inc. is a company that has had their fair share of problems when dealing with areas involving high political risk, such as Sudan. During their time there, they learned a great deal about risk and what to look for to reduce it to an acceptable level for investment purposes. The best way to reduce risk is too continually evaluate the region in which they are conducting business. With all the experience that Talisman has gained in Sudan they should now have a higher level of knowledge and comfort in doing business in Kurdistan.Talisman should now find it easier to discover political risks in new investment ventures. By completing the proper due diligence and exploration of political, legal, social and human rights issues, they should excel in doing business in the Kurdistan region. One must always remember when conducting business in an area with high political risks come high cost. If Talisman decides to enter Kurdistan it has to make sure that the $220 million dollar payment to the Kurdistan Regional Government is transparent and that it meets the standards of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Talisman Energy Inc.: The Decision to

Ethiopian Economy essay part 2Essay Writing Service

Ethiopian Economy essay part 2Essay Writing Service Ethiopian Economy essay part 2 Ethiopian Economy essay part 2  Ethiopian Economy essay part  1In actuality, some behemoths of Ethiopian economy remain under control of the government, including telecommunications, financial and insurance services, air and land transportation services, and retail. In such a situation, the government still has a considerable impact on the economic development of the country and businesses have to take into consideration policies conducted by the government, while planning their business activities.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Agriculture as the main branch of Ethiopian economyToday, agriculture comprises the largest share of Ethiopian GDP with about 85% of the labor force employed in agriculture. Historically, agriculture played the leading part in the economic development of Ethiopia (Mauri, 2010). Favorable physical conditions and rich natural resources favorable for the development of agriculture stimulated the fast development of agriculture. Moreover, agriculture comprises a large part of the national export. This is why agriculture is strategically important for Ethiopia. In this regard, the cattle farming are particularly important but the health safety of Ethiopian agricultural products has become the primary concerns at the international market because of epidemics of the cattle in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, Ethiopian agriculture still keeps progressing and plays an important, if not to say the determinant, part in Ethiopian economy.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tourism as one of the most prospective industries in EthiopiaTourism is a relatively new direction in the development of Ethiopian economy. In this regard, the development of tourism matches- the development of the global tourism industry. The development of the tourism industry opens new opportunities for Ethiopian economy to stimulate the fast growth of the GDP without rapid industrialization, consistent environmental changes and technological breakthrough, which is required to close the gap between Ethiopia and de veloped countries in terms of their industrial development (Ofcansky Berry, 2010). In actuality, Ethiopian tourism industry focuses on the development of green tourism. The target customer group of Ethiopian tourism companies comprises westerners and tourists from well-developed countries mainly.American Perspective on Ethiopian EconomyThe export of minerals and natural resources does not play the determinant part in the economic development and international economic relations of Ethiopia, but the US views Ethiopia as the attractive country for investments in the gold mining industry. The export of gold comprises the core of Ethiopian export of minerals. At the same time, export of gold contributes to the overall growth of international economic relations of Ethiopia. Therefore, the US companies can enhance their position in Ethiopia, in case of the further cooperation between the US and Ethiopia.The import of knowledge from the US implies the professional training of professional s from Ethiopia, who will work in Ethiopia. Today, Ethiopia needs well-qualified professionals, who can work in different fields and accelerate the economic growth and progress of Ethiopia as a regional leader. However, the training of Ethiopian professionals abroad often leads to brain drain, when Ethiopian students just stay in those countries, where they get their training.In such a situation, the development of the local higher education is one of the priorities for Ethiopia along with the possible involvement of foreign educators. At the same time, Ethiopia still relies heavily on the training of its professionals abroad (Zewde, 2001).The import of knowledge is crucial for the further enhancement of the position of Ethiopia in international markets because, in the post-industrial world, Ethiopia should focus on the development of high technologies and introduce innovations which can boost not only particular business development but also and mainly the economic development of t he entire country.In such a way, the US views Ethiopia as the economy with huge potential, where American companies can develop perspective industries, such as gold mining and where they can supply machinery, equipment and knowledge, through professional training of students from Ethiopia. Moreover, the US views Ethiopia as the country attractive for American investors, who can invest in the local agriculture, industrial production, gold mining, and other sectors. In addition, American companies can move production to Ethiopia, where the costs of the labor force is much lower that will open wider access to African and Middle Eastern markets.Chinese Perspective on Ethiopian economyChina also views Ethiopia as an attractive country for its investments. However, unlike the US, China is also concerned with the possible export of weapons to Ethiopia, taking into consideration the tense situation in neighboring states. In addition, China views Ethiopia as the target market for its export- oriented companies. The fast growth of Ethiopian economy at the moment creates conditions for the fast growth of import and Chinese companies have a chance to take the lion share of the local market. In this regard, policies of Chinese companies will be different from American ones because Chinese companies are not interested in the move of production from China to Ethiopia but they are interested in the direct export of their products to Ethiopia. In addition, Chinese universities can become alternative and European ones, where Ethiopian students can learn successfully but pay lower fees compared to western universities.ConclusionThus, Ethiopian economy is growing fast. The economic growth contributes to the overall improvement of the quality of life of Ethiopians. However, Ethiopian economy still remains to be agricultural with agriculture contributing a lion share to the national GDP. This is why Ethiopian economy needs further reforms and changes, among which the development of tourism is one of the most prospective directions, especially taking into consideration that the larger part of the population comprises young, economically active people.

Free Essays on Symbolism And Setting Of Everyday Use

In the short story, â€Å"Everyday Use† by Alice Walker, there is much use of symbolism and setting throughout. The main characters are Mama and Maggie and Dee. There is a detailed contrast throughout the story between simple necessary objects and stylish objects. Mama and Maggie do not agree with how Dee interprets the value of certain objects within their lives. Dee only sees things for their superficial value. Walker tries to convey that the substance or core essence of an object or a person is far more important than the style. Mama, the speaker within the story, is described as a â€Å"large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands† (654). She also makes reference to being able to â€Å"kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man† (654-5) these statements do not portray her as being the typical graceful, nurturing mother. She does however, enjoy doing many things. Mama and Maggie are both more interested in the practicality of objects around them more than anything else. However, Dee is superficial, paying much more attention to style and fashion. She doesn’t seem to have any hobbies which she enjoys. When Dee joined the Nation of Islam and changed her name to Wangero, she began to view old objects as an important part of her heritage and as art. The Butter Churn and Dasher are two examples of the objects Dee now shows interest in. The butter churn was crafted by Maggie and Dee’s Uncle Buddy. Mama describes them with great detail which indicates how much value she holds to them. Dee, on the other hand, plans to use the top of the churn as a centerpiece for her table and just throw away the bottom part. She says that she will â€Å"think of something artistic to do with the dasher† (658). Dee apparently sees no useful life for either of the two objects. Mama is not very pleased, as she is a practical woman. The quilts are the last part of family history to be argued over. The history of the qui... Free Essays on Symbolism And Setting Of Everyday Use Free Essays on Symbolism And Setting Of Everyday Use In the short story, â€Å"Everyday Use† by Alice Walker, there is much use of symbolism and setting throughout. The main characters are Mama and Maggie and Dee. There is a detailed contrast throughout the story between simple necessary objects and stylish objects. Mama and Maggie do not agree with how Dee interprets the value of certain objects within their lives. Dee only sees things for their superficial value. Walker tries to convey that the substance or core essence of an object or a person is far more important than the style. Mama, the speaker within the story, is described as a â€Å"large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands† (654). She also makes reference to being able to â€Å"kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man† (654-5) these statements do not portray her as being the typical graceful, nurturing mother. She does however, enjoy doing many things. Mama and Maggie are both more interested in the practicality of objects around them more than anything else. However, Dee is superficial, paying much more attention to style and fashion. She doesn’t seem to have any hobbies which she enjoys. When Dee joined the Nation of Islam and changed her name to Wangero, she began to view old objects as an important part of her heritage and as art. The Butter Churn and Dasher are two examples of the objects Dee now shows interest in. The butter churn was crafted by Maggie and Dee’s Uncle Buddy. Mama describes them with great detail which indicates how much value she holds to them. Dee, on the other hand, plans to use the top of the churn as a centerpiece for her table and just throw away the bottom part. She says that she will â€Å"think of something artistic to do with the dasher† (658). Dee apparently sees no useful life for either of the two objects. Mama is not very pleased, as she is a practical woman. The quilts are the last part of family history to be argued over. The history of the qui...