Greatest Gift You Can Give Essay

As I sat and observed the ticking clock, as I saw yet another day come to an end†¦ just like the ones before it had, I understood how precious time is. Here are a couple reasons why I think that; I’ve always believed that the greatest gift we can share with those we love is time. There are some things money just cannot buy, and in the long run our memories are far more valuable than any material goods we receive. There’s a reason why I always believed that the greatest gift we can share with those we love is time because memories have sentimental value that lasts you a lifetime. Having a Lamborghini and enjoying it one your own is only half as rewarding as having someone enjoy it with you. Sharing time with your loved ones, on the other hand, creates lasting memories that will always accompany you. After all, it is all about quality, not the quantity of the time with spend with others. There’s a reason people say money can’t buy happiness or money just cannot buy everything. Time is the greatest gift to give out because you can always make more money, but the people you care about won’t be around forever. Therefore, it is important to make the time for your loved ones. Once a person starts working full-time you can lose yourself in your job and begin living to work instead of working to live. This might result in you becoming rich but you miss out on the time you could’ve spent with the people you truly care about. To prevent this from happening it is crucial to have a balance between work and family life. To be truly happy and to have a fulfilling life you must pay close attention to time you spend accumulating material things and how much you spend with family and friends. â€Å"The greatest gift you can give someone is your time because when you are giving someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you will never get back. † – Anonymous

Explorers Vacation Essay

It is bordered on the north by the South China Sea, all of the east, the west and the south by Karakas, Malaysia which divides Brunet into n. O parts that are not connected. Brine's total area is 5, 770 square kilometers, includes 33 islands. The topography of Brunet is that low-lying east high west, coastal plains in west and mountains on the mainland of east. The main rivers are Brunet River, Koala Beloit River (the longest river in Brunet, 32 kilometers), East River and Light Bloom River. The country' s biggest bay-?Brunet Bay is most important foreign traffic crossroads.Brunet is close to equator, the weather of it is tropical rainforest's climate, hot and rainy around all year. Brunet is a rich country; its economical situation is quite developed. The lattice system of Brunet is absolute monarchy. The leaders at present are Hajji Hosannas Bolivia succeeded to the throne and AH-Muhammad Bilabial conferring the crown prince. Sultan Bolivia was crowned in 1 967 at the age of 22, su cceeding his father, Sir Omar Ala Subduing, who had abdicated. During his reign, exploitation of the rich Serial oilfield had made the sultanate wealthy.Brunet has one of the highest per capita incomes in Asia, and the sultan is believed to be one of the richest men in the world. In Gag. 1 998, Oxford-educated Prince AH-Muhammad Bilabial was inaugurated as heir to the monarchy (reference: www. Neoplasm. Com/country'/ brunet. HTML). Next, I think you should know something about Brunet culture. According to the relative research, the population of Brunet is more than 400,000 in 2012, of which the Malay (67 percent), Chinese (15 percent), and others RACES accounted for 18 percent.The official language is Malay and the main religions are Islam, Buddhism and Taoism. In Brunet, the main holidays are Independent Day on January 1, 1984 and National Day on February 23, 1984 The flag of Brunet uses yellow as the background, combined with two parallelograms in black and white which are a natio nal emblem on it. The national emblem is made up of things in red-?a small flag, a canopy, two hands, a palm tree, a pair of wings, a first quarter moon and an Arabic slogan writing â€Å"Always to serve in god ;s guidance†.The flag shows deeply that Brunet regards Islam as the main religion. Brunet is also a traditional country with strong culture and custom. Once people have their faith, the custom of their own must have been fashioned out for a long time. The people in Brunet have some special custom and habits, such as, the local Malay people shake hands when back his hand to touch the chest usually in order to show insincerity; Pass before the identity of the people or the elders, sagging and stick on the body to handle, side light steps through, etc.Therefore, people come to Brunet should pay attentions to the things following: when you want to visit the mosque, you should show your respect and cleaning by taking off your shoes; you should not become your legs or foot w arped cross when you come on formal occasions; you also can not use your left hand but use your right hand when you stretch out your hand to take some things because left hand is considered unclean in Brunet; many Malay people do not want others specially the opposite sex to shake hands with them, so if they have held out their hands actively then you can shake hands as a token of friendship, you also can not touch their head by hand because this behavior means bringing disaster in Brunet.Talking about the important cities in Brunet, I have to introduce you the capital city of Brunet-?Bands Series Began at first. Bands Series Began is located in northern Borneo, southwestern coastal plain of Brunet Bay, near by the Brunet River. A population of capital city is about 60000, preponderantly Malay and Chinese. So far there is the world s largest eatery' village, so Bands Series Began has the laudatory title of â€Å"Oriental Venice†. Bands Series Began is formerly known as Brunet , renamed Current name in 1970. It is the cultural and educational center in Brunet now. With the rapid development of Brunet s oil economy, the capital city has become a modern economically developed city.It is generally known that Brunet is famous for its natural beauty and magnificent buildings. The political system of Brunet is absolute monarchy, in other words that the leaders of Brunet mean being the king and queen of Brunet. The king and queen must live in palace. So the leaders of Brunet live in the world's largest palace-?Assistant Unruly Inman- There are more than 1 700 rooms in Assistant Unruly Inman which is a place for holding the state dinners. If you want to visit the palace, you should come here on Brine's National Day (February 23) or at the end of the Ramadan before the Did. You can also catch this opportunity to line up going into the palace to shake hands with Sudan.

How does the media affect policing? Essay

The media displays a negative and positive image when it comes to police officers. Society sees both sides from the media reflecting how they view police in their own communities. In our communities we also see police getting shot or often finding themselves in a bad situation. The police are here to protect us and to serve the communities to the best of their abilities. The negative images we see and hear are police that are corrupt or brutally beating harmless suspects. The positive images would be that they have saved an innocent life in a hostage situation. The media portrays the police in many different ways. We need to realize that the police are on our side and that they are human just like everyone else. The television shows that we see on television today are both helpful and harmful to the profession. For example, â€Å"Cops† is based on real life situations and we actually see what they go through on a daily basis. This profession is very dangerous and you have to be prepared for whatever comes your way. This show is helpful because it gives society an inside look at police officers in action. The show â€Å"NYPD Blue† portrays corrupt cops and is therefore harmful to how society sees police officers. The show that I feel impacts policing is â€Å"CSI.† It impacts policing because it shows that it’s just not one person that solves a crime; it takes a team to solve a crime. It often times takes patience and a different point of view to solve long tedious crimes. This is one of my favorite shows because there are so many technological advances today that help the police do their jobs to the best of their ability. In the future technology is going to play a key role in all aspects of law enforcement.

Art Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Art Media - Essay Example Mexican born in 1981, is digitizing archive images while at the same time creating a form of the extensive index of the associated words that eventually â€Å"mirrors† the image into the database (Inaki, 2003). The experience of interacting with this form of artwork is marvelous and very interesting. It is very interesting and enticing to learn that archive images can be subject to integrate with some words that mirror this archive images into the database. In my opinion, the purpose of this piece of art of work is to convert the past or traditional art into modern forms that would be able to attract the attention of the modern generations while at the same time be able to preserve the same archives in digital forms that would last for many years to come. Additionally, this form of digital interactive art purposes at accommodating numerous images in small space those viewers will be able to view conveniently without necessarily moving from one viewing room to the next viewing room. There is a lot that connects this form of digital artwork to the contemporary life. At first, the aspect of which archive images that could be viewed in the form of the traditional display were subject to integrate into the modern forms of digital storage connects to the contemporary life. It makes the entire process of viewing much simpler and easier through the aid of graphic designs and programming. An example of which this digital artwork compares directly to other activities one might perform on the internet in that there is a possibility of matching text and images. Additionally, it is possible to locate many images through the internet source, which compares similarly to this form of digital art whereby a set of core images are subject to locate existing in a single source of database. One thing that differentiates this site from other sources of the internet is that the images and wording contained in such databases tell of the historic activities or historic archives. Other

The Formula One Motorsport Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Formula One Motorsport - Research Paper Example Formula one motorsport is one of the most exciting games. It is a sport that incorporates motocross racing. It is highly exhilarating, both to the participants and to the spectators. On the other hand, it has elicited mixed reactions in some parts of the world. It is nowadays not a new phenomenon to find people who get agitated due to the sport. The paper describes the formula one sport. It highlights its history together with the historical implications associated with it, economic issues, cultural perspectives, the sanctioning bodies as well as the science that drove to the technology being utilized in the sport. Formula one racing is a motorsport that is characterized by open-wheeled race cars. They are single-seat races, implying that there are no co-drivers in the sport. The sport began in 1906. It is at this time that France held its first ever Grand Prix, an event that was organized and implemented by the Automobile Club de France. Being the first time the race was organized, the event organizers did not anticipate much success. However, at the end of the sporting activity, an evaluation indicated that the sports success had superseded the set expectations. Harris (2007) posits that the first event attracted about thirty-two cars. The event took place in Le Mans with the cars covering sixty-five miles. The first Formula One race was won by Levassor using the Panhard ET Levassor car.

Is aggression in man Adaptive Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Is aggression in man Adaptive - Essay Example Upon sensing them, they are refined through internal adjustments brought about by learning and hormonal changes. Aggression then is actually an action driven by a programmed set of chemical responses within the body that prepares an animal to the actual or impending threat. There are eight forms of aggression according to E.O. Wilson. Territorial, dominance, sexual, parental disciplinary, weaning, moralistic, predatory, and anti-predatory aggression, are mechanisms by which animals improve their fitness for survival and reproduction (1980, p.118). For example, by demonstrating territorial aggression, an animal will protect his both habitat and his family. These programmed biological responses to various environmental threats bear high levels of heritability, according to the researches made by E.O. Wilson, which builds up its genetic nature and provides proof that aggressive behavior is adaptive. Furthermore, some species' aggressive behaviors are "specialized, stereotyped and highly predictable" (1980, p.122). This further validates aggression's adaptive nature. Humans face the same forms of aggression and, basically behave aggressively as those of animals. A human father is also protective on his house the same way as a lion is to his territory. He can become violent to a point that he would kill someone if he witnesses a thief stealing properties in his house. This is one a "fight or flight" response of humans to adverse conditions. Humans are also wary about the "external environmental contingencies," such as "encounters outside the group, food, crowding, seasonal change" (Wilson 1980, 122-123). Wilson provided an analogy between an experiment of overcrowded of cats and rats to that of people in concentration and prisoners-of-war camps wherein overcrowding caused both mentioned animals and humans to behave aggressively to each other during extreme conditions (1997, p.127). When experiencing stressful and threatening conditions, humans and animals share the same reactions. Humans also have the internal mechanisms as that of animals that results to aggressive behavior. Both have the capabilities to retain previous experiences in their brains. Though there are differences in the effects of hormonal secretions for different animals, specifically vertebrates (as in the different reactions of estrogen to different species) hormones are still responsible for the aggression of both animals and humans. A good example of this is epinephrine, a hormone that triggers the fight-or-flight response in humans. Moreover, the two modes of competition suggest that animals have devised diverse ways to gain advantage of others. While direct aggression, being the first mode, can accomplish this goal, some species executes some ways to mutually repulse each other. Some species of ants use organizational techniques in order to win the competition (Wilson, 1980). Humans have usually been engaging in competition both by direct aggression and by mutual repulsion. Many of our activities are competitive in nature and participants herein use aggression in a productive way to dominate their rivals. However, though humans experience the same inputs that causes aggression and share the same internal mechani

IS CPHL214 A PHILOSOPHY COURSE OR WHAT Assignment

IS CPHL214 A PHILOSOPHY COURSE OR WHAT - Assignment Example In the second paragraph, unsubstantiated attributions are made to the professor. While the professor might have said â€Å"critical thinking skills are good things to have†, he did not seemed to have said that â€Å"its good to be picky, argumentative, always finding something wrong with whatever students write, and cynical†. The latter is merely an interpretation on part of the writer as to what the professor meant by his comment. This interpretation comes across as exaggerated and negatively biased against the professor. Moreover, while there is a link between critical thinking courses and the broader philosophy courses, whether or not the courses are â€Å"good† is an irrelevant deviation from the argument. The last two lines of the second paragraph are also display an error in syllogism. It doesn’t stand to reason that all critical thinking courses are philosophy courses, just because this claim cannot be proven false. In the third paragraph, the perusal of hear-say evidence of Bertha weakens the argument. Moreover, Bertha’s friends don’t represent the entire student population, in order that sweeping conclusions could be made based on the evidence provided by her. That Bertha’s friends’ course did and CPHL214 did not talk about the â€Å"meaning of life† doesn’t make the two courses incompatible – they could just be two variations of a common theme. In the fourth paragraph the assertion that â€Å"meaning of life is interesting† appears arbitrary, unsubstantiated as it is with any rationale. Likewise, â€Å"there’s no way CPHL214 is interesting† is also a subjective judgment and not an indisputable fact. Defining philosophy as the â€Å"study of human life† is too simplistic and vague for the purposes of classifying CPHL214. Coming to the fifth paragraph the fact that the professor works for money and that he has a stake in the functioning of the

W3 Disc Innovation Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

W3 Disc Innovation Strategy - Essay Example 1). Concurrently, the mission and military objectives are also expressly stated. These are openly communicated to all stakeholders, as evident from its being published online. The leadership checklist also indicates that the U.S. Army, through its leaders are committed to continuous thrusts for encouraging the development of innovative strategy. As emphasized, through leadership training courses, particularly the Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES), soldiers are trained â€Å"how to lead at varying levels from Sergeant to Command Sergeant Major. Each course is specifically designed for each level of increased responsibility and accountability† (U.S. Army, n.d., p. 1). Likewise, processes and resources in the U.S. Army support and complement leadership, as well as the mission and vision statements. As noted, the command policy and programs contain all the crucial information that governs effective conduct and behavior of all soldiers (U.S. Army, 2007). In addition, the resources encourage solicitation of new ideas through leaders’ initiative and effective communication strategies. Overall, using the checklist for innovation strat egy, one could deduce that the U.S. Army assumes a proactive stance and is always ready to implement an innovation

The Art and Science behind Ron Howards movies Essay

The Art and Science behind Ron Howards movies - Essay Example Although these two movies dive deeply into the struggles of human life: one inevitable (old age) and the other unfortunate (schizophrenia). This write-up explores Ron Howard’s work in both of these movies, focusing on the distinct style the director has used for respective storytelling. Director’s Cut Cocoon (1985) â€Å"Something extraordinary and unexpected can happen any time.† (Gray, 2003) Calling Cocoon just a science fiction movie would be wrong on my part and would not do justice to Howard’s vision of David Saperstein’s unpublished novel (Gray, 2003). The film explores multiple interwoven themes such as ageing, life’s sufferings associated with age, friendships, relationships, aliens etc. and genres such as comedy, science fiction and inspirational drama. There are several storylines that run throughout the movie; (i) that of three-retirement community senior citizens, Arthur (Don Ameche), Ben (Wilford Brimley), and Joe (Hume Cronyn) w ho yearn to bring back their youth and energy, which they used to rekindle their sexual desires and to engage in socializing and enjoying life once again (ii) another senior citizen Bernie (Jack Gilford) whose pessimistic attitude and stand on ethics costs him the life of his wife (iii) a group of aliens from planet Antarea led by Walter (Brian Dennehy) who return to earth in search of their fellow Antareans and who stumble upon emotions that could only be experienced by a human. The way Howard details the lives of all these individuals, particularly life in elderly homes (that can tend to be a dragging subject), is impressive. He shares the same stories from different perspectives, that of grandparents and grandsons, aliens and humans, young and old. The movie ends with senior citizens (except Bernie) joining the... This "The Art and Science behind Ron Howard’s movies" essay outlines the common features in Howrd’s movies and his filmmaking style. Calling Cocoon just a science fiction movie would be wrong on my part and would not do justice to Howard’s vision of David Saperstein’s unpublished novel (Gray, 2003). The film explores multiple interwoven themes such as ageing, life’s sufferings associated with age, friendships, relationships, aliens etc. and genres such as comedy, science fiction and inspirational drama. There are several storylines that run throughout the movie; (i) that of three-retirement community senior citizens, Arthur (Don Ameche), Ben (Wilford Brimley), and Joe (Hume Cronyn) who yearn to bring back their youth and energy, which they used to rekindle their sexual desires and to engage in socializing and enjoying life once again (ii) another senior citizen Bernie (Jack Gilford) whose pessimistic attitude and stand on ethics costs him the life o f his wife (iii) a group of aliens from planet Antarea led by Walter (Brian Dennehy) who return to earth in search of their fellow Antareans and who stumble upon emotions that could only be experienced by a human. He shares the same stories from different perspectives, that of grandparents and grandsons, aliens and humans, young and old. The movie ends with senior citizens joining the Antareans to opt for an eternal life on another planet and to undo the humiliation they have suffered from their age. It leaves with an ambiguous ending, questioning the rightness of their decision.

How teaming in the workplace has affected the culture of the working Essay

How teaming in the workplace has affected the culture of the working person - Essay Example Group formation might be temporary or permanent. Following are some of the main types of groups: Roles are sets of behaviors that individuals occupying specific positions within a group are expected to perform. These roles might be assigned (e.g. managers or other work related roles) or pre-determined (like father, mother, etc). Roles help in clarifying responsibilities and obligations of the group members. A status is a position or a rank within a group. People are sensitive to status because it is related to desired outcomes (e.g. salary and perks). High status people have a higher access to key resources relating to survival. Sometimes even physical features play an important role in gaining a certain status (e.g. a beautiful secretary). People can boost their status by behavior (e.g. intimidation, anger and threat) Norms are the rules within a group indicating how its members should or should not behave. Adherence to norms is a necessary condition for gaining status and other rewards controlled by groups. This forms the basis of organizational behavior. It comprises everything that causes the group members to remain in the group. It leads to depersonalized attraction, i.e. liking for other group members stemming from the fact that they belong to the group and embody or represent key features (like hard work or creativity, etc). These include effects upon performance resulting from the presence of others. Increased and positive effects occur due to collaboration, while decreased and negative effects take place due to dependence upon others. This theory says that the presence of others induces conflicting tendencies to focus on the task being performed and on the audience. The more the audience, the more the conflicts and thus, the more nervous you get. Working together with others to obtain shared goals is called co-operation. They are achieved by making others

The effects of poverty on the educational system of children Research Paper

The effects of poverty on the educational system of children - Research Paper Example The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Legislation of 2001 was signed into law to bridge the gap between what President Bush called, â€Å"the haves and have nots† (Hess and Rotherham, 2007, para. 10). The focus of the Act became the â€Å"have nots† which were minority students. Many of these children live in poverty and go to schools in impoverished areas (Wolk, 2011). Most states interpreted this Act as saying that there must be standardized tested on specific curriculum. Each year, millions of children in elementary and high school must take the tests and pass them in order to show that they have achieved the specific scores that teach state has decided upon. Unfortunately, a child who is hungry and who lives in difficult situations that can include violence in the home, malnutrition, neglect and homeless (Aldridge & Goldman, 2007) is still being left behind. Demographics of Poverty in Education In the early 20th Century, the number of children who were living in poverty was lower than it is today. As an example statistics from the U.S. Department of Education show that between the years 2007 and 2009 (most recent statistics) the incidence of children living in poverty rose to 19%; In 2000, this statistic was only 15% (Avd et al., 2001). In 2010, the poverty rate for children rose to 22% which meant that one in five children under the age of 18 is living in poverty in America (Censky, 2011). The poverty rate for non-Hispanic whites was the lowest in 2010 at 9.9%. Blacks had the highest rate for poverty at 27.4% and other Hispanics were at a poverty rate of 26.6%. Men and women also faired differently. For men, about 14% were below the poverty line and single fathers were at a 15.8% poverty rate. Women were at a 16.2% poverty rate, but single mothers had a 31.6% poverty rate (Censky, 2011). In today’s economy, when so many families have lost their jobs and their homes , there are many reasons why there is a rise in these statistics. In the past, it was possible that certain situations produced poverty and the families in poverty were concentrated in certain racial backgrounds. Today, any family of any racial group can find themselves in poverty. In fact, â€Å"about 46.2 million people are now considered in poverty, 2.6 million more than last year† (Censky, 2011, para. 4). According to Aldrige & Goldman (2007), every region and every type of family can find themselves in poverty. This means that family circumstances can change at any time, putting children more at risk. Defining Poverty as it Relates to Education Jensen (2009) defines poverty as â€Å"a chronic and debilitating condition that results form multiple adverse synergistic risk factors and affects the mind, body, and soul† (p. 6). Jensen (2009) also identifies six types of poverty: Situational poverty that happens because of a crisis, or loss. This type of poverty is usua lly temporary. The events could be â€Å"environmental, disasters, divorce, or severe heath problems† (Jensen, 2009, p. 6). Generational poverty where more than one generation is born into this situation and family members do not have the tools to move out of poverty. In other words, this is all their family has ever seen or known. Absolute poverty were the basic needs of food and shelter are not available (rare in the United States according to Jensen, 2009). Relative poverty exists when a family’s economic situation does not meet the standard of living that the rest of the society experiences. Urban poverty happens in cities of 50,000+ people

Introduction speech Essay Example for Free

Introduction speech Essay On September 30, 1993, a miracle that was unexpected happened. I’m going to tell you about an amazing and wonderful person; me!! I’ve known this person my entire life. Many people can consider me many things. Today I’ll tell you about my daughter, Vanessa, my family, and some of my hobbies. Now let me tell you about my daughter. My daughter Vanessa Rose was born on May 13, 2005, she weighed 7 pounds, she was 20 inches long, and born at 6:15 in the morning. She is now 2 Â ½ years old. I got her first name Vanessa from the little mermaid from the evil girl that took Ariel’s voice away from her and tried to steal her prince. I got her middle name Rose from the flower. It’s my favorite flower and it fit with her first name. Vanessa and I have a really close bond. We enjoy playing on her little computer, playing blocks, teaching her colors, teaching her the alphabet, and her numbers and shapes. She’s very active and loves to help clean, read books, color, and dance. There’s never a day that she sits still. My plans for Vanessa are simple, I want her to make the best out of her life, make mistakes in order to learn from them, go to school , graduate, get a career, get married, have kids, and die of a natural cause at a very old age. Now here’s a little bit about my family. I live with my mom, my stepdad, my little sister, and Vanessa. My mom, Kim, and I have a strained relationship, even though I’m her daughter, it’s very hard for her to understand that I am a mother and need to do things on my own without her help. But she’s still my mom and even though I don’t show that I appreciate her as much as she wishes I would, I do appreciate her for everything she’s done for me. My stepdad, Jim, and I have an odd relationship; even though he and my mom aren’t married he’s like another dad to me. Although my dad is still in the picture he’s not there for me as much as Jim is for me. I appreciate him a lot and thank him for being there for me. My little sister, Gabi, and I have a strong relationship. I’m always looking out for her and she always looks out for me. I trust I can tell her a secret and she won’t tell anyone else. She also can tell me secrets and she knows I won’t tell anyone either. She looks up to me as a role model and she always wants to be included. Even though she may bug me at times, I still love her to death and would go to the ends of the world and back. Now I’m going to tell you about some of my hobbies and what I like to do. A couple things I like to do are watch TV and movies, play on the computer, spend time with my daughter, spend time with my boyfriend, listen to music, text on my phone, and sleep. I like to watch TV and movies with my family and my boyfriend. On the computer I go on Facebook and MySpace everyday. I listen to all different types of music. What I listen to depends on the mood that I’m in. My favorite TV show is Family Guy because they’re really funny and my favorite characters are Stewie and Brian. My favorite movie is The Titanic because it’s really sad but romantic at the same time. It also shows that the worst of times can be changed into the best times of your life. In conclusion, today I’ve told you about my daughter, my family, and my hobbies. I’m an amazing and wonderful person. Many people can consider me many things and I hope that you can come to understand me better by hearing this.

History of the Scientific Revolution

History of the Scientific Revolution What we call today as Modern Science and Technology is in fact not that modern, but was born nearly half a millennium ago at the time of Renaissance in Europe. According to traditional accounts, the scientific revolution began in Europe towards the end of the Renaissance Era lasting from 15th century to 18th century. Ancient people who are considered the first scientists called themselves â€Å"natural philosophers† or â€Å"practitioners of a skilled profession† or as â€Å"followers of a religious tradition†. Both institutionally and conceptually, science was not the independent practice what we see today. Much of what we know as science originally was undertaken by priests and monks, and scientific knowledge was taught in temples and monasteries. The scientific revolution was not marked by any single change, but a century long process of discovery in which scientists further elaborated and developed the findings of those who had come before—from the scientific learning of the ancient Greeks to the scholarly contributions of the Islamic thinkers, to the work of the late medieval and early Renaissance Europeans. The Medieval Islamic Science period lasted from 7th century to 15th century, during which the Muslims were the leading scholars and the heirs to the scientific traditions of Greece, India and Persia. The Islamic Science suffered a gradual decline in the early 12th century which provided the Europeans an opportunity to seek and translate the works of Islamic philosophers and scientists. Beginning in the late 11th century and over the next two centuries the Islamic world was under pressure by The Crusades and Mongol conquests, during which libraries, observatories, hospitals, and universities were destroyed. In add ition to Mongolian invasions and the crusades, political mismanagement and the stifling of ijtihad in the 12th century in favor of taqlid thinking played a part. The destruction of the intellectual center of Baghdad the capital of the Abbasaid Caliphate in1258 is traditionally seen as the approximate end of the Islamic Golden Age. The translation of the Islamic texts into Latin during the 12th and 13th centuries had a great impact on the European Renaissance and helped Europe seize the initiative from the Muslims when political conditions in Islam brought about a decline in Islamic science. By the end of the 18th century, the Scientific Revolution had given birth to Industrial Revolution which dramatically transformed the daily lives of people around the world. During the 19th century, the practice of science became professionalized and institutionalized in ways that continued through the 20th century. According to many, scientific revolution was the prelude of a much bigger transformation, the Industrial Revolution which began in 1760’s. The Industrial Revolution marks a major turning point in history and a shift to powered, special-purpose machinery, factories and mass production. The iron and textile industry, agriculture, and the invention of steam engine played central roles in the Industrial Revolution, which also saw major changes in transportation and banking systems. These changes had a profound effect on the socio-economic and cultural conditions in England, and then subsequently spreading throughout the world. The first Industrial Revolution which took place from 1760 to somewhere between 1820 and 1840 evolved into the Second Industrial Revolution around 1850 and continued through the 19th century. However, the date of origin is still a highly debated topic among historians. While it is difficult to explain all of the examples of how technology has influenced cult ure and vice versa, reviewing a few examples from the last few centuries it is clear that the technology developed during and after the Industrial Revolution has changed cultures from simple farming villages to modern hustling cities and sprawling suburbs. What then is the relationship between Science, Technology and Culture? It is an intricate relationship that forms a figurative circle of influence with no real start or end points. Science, Technology and Culture continue to influence one another as they evolve and change over time. From 19th century onwards science, technology and culture have significantly influenced one another. As cultures change so does the technology they develop. A contemporary writer Raymond Williams, in his book Culture and Society regards the concept of culture as consisting of four jointly applicable meanings: A general state or habit of mind, having close relations with the idea of human perfection; A general state of intellectual development in a society as a whole; The general body of arts; and A whole way of lifematerial, intellectual, and spiritual. Culture is thus the totality of the technological, sociological and ideological features of a given society. Rationality, utility, ethics, freedom, and sociality are the central cultural elements of our societies. Because science and technology rest on these central cultural elements, the adoption of new knowledge and new devices does not always imply their acceptance. We often accept an innovation owing to its evident utility at the individual level, and then criticize it for its consequences at the collective or cultural level. Science and technology can contribute to the preservations and advancement of a culture. At the same time they can also help cause its mutation and destruction. Science has contributed a great deal to human welfare. It has produced miraculous cures for diseases which for a long time, were regarded incurable. It has brought the marvels on industrialism, technology and space exploration. But science has created as many problems as it helped to solve. It has le d to an undue stress on materialism and economic barbarism in the absence of controlling mental and moral ideas. The knowledge and power of science need to be harnessed to the service of man through the culture the finer sense and sensitivity of man. For instance, beginning in the mid 1950’s, the post war years in Western Germany were marked by enormous obstacles. Due to extensive bombing destruction and dismantling of factories, various cultural and traditional supply networks were destroyed. Under this circumstance what role did culture play in the technological development of Western Germany? Stokes had argued that the way Western Germany approached technological change bound economic miracle both German past and to the country’s present day industrial structure. The Western German approach, in other words, has drawn upon a set of German technological traditions that emerged in the large 19th and early 20th centuries, major characteristics of which include a drive for technical excellence tempered by gradual implementation of new technologies. There are two views about culture and Germany’s Technological and Economic Miracle one view advanced by scholars about culture and Germany’s technological and economic miracle is that the experience of skilled workers and the persistence of socio-economic relationships were important factors in permitting an economy to reconstruct itself after a disaster. A second, and a more recent view is that the important cultural factor that was responsible for Germany’s technological and economic miracle was the ability of Western German technologists and industrialists to embrace technological alternatives. What then is the relationship between culture and technology? The culture of a society determines the nature of technological development and the evolving technological culture. Technology is thus a cultural enterprise is thus accepted that technology has had an important influence on Western civilizations for the last 300 years. But partly because of the diverse cultur es found in human societies, the contribution of some cultures to the pool of technological advances has been comparatively modest. However, technology has always been too important to be measured purely in terms of the activities of technologists. Just as history is not made by historians, but by society, so technology is not developed only by technologists but the wider community. Every human society possesses its own distinct culture, so that the members of one society behave differently in some significant respects from members of every other society. Furthermore, human societies are also distributed over very varied regions differing markedly in climate and environment. There are also very large ethnic, social and cultural differences between the various human communities and their economic conditions. In recent years the impact of culture on technology in most traditional societies has tended to bear on two opposing directions at once. On the one hand western technology is being sought virtually without limits on the other hand there is opposition to certain aspects of western lifestyles, attitudes and value. This phenomenon is termed as the techno-cultural gap between traditional values and western technology. Now, if we take these issues into full consideration, we are left to conclude that what is needed at this moment is not just an increase of interna tional technology transfer nor even the setting up of a screening mechanism permitting only appropriate technologies to be transferred, but rather a major at two levels: the domestic and the international. At the domestic level, it is important to build a popular technological awareness crossing the borderline between the so-called indigenous and modern technology people should become aware of the issues in culture and technology and they can improve their livelihood by modifying and improving indigenous and modern technologies. At the international level, the re-orientation and restructuring of science and technology must touch on two areas: On the study of science and technology in schools, scientists, technologists and science educationists of different cultures, languages and social systems must build new paradigms for science and technology education from a multicultural perspective. Science and technology must be seen as existing in all cultures, the issues must be taught and the potentials of these must be explored in situations of everyday life. An acceptance of the restructuring of RD systems could permit the developing and the industrialized countries to engage in a dialogue on alternative RD, assessment of technology for development, concrete measures to redirect government RD from technocratic to need-oriented technology development, etc and joint RD for alternative technologies. In the west, the pervasiveness of technologies like televisions, telephones, and computers is affecting the way we perceive the world and how we interact. In addition many new developments, like cloning, challenge fundamental cultural beliefs and traditions. While Western nations have become relatively accustomed to technological change since the industrial revolution, developing nations are just beginning to grapple with the problems of the rapid introduction of industrial and scientific technologies. There is growing awareness of the consequences of the interaction between science, technology and culture. However, we are just beginning to understand how to reconcile the benefits of science and technology-such as higher standards of living, longer life spans, more leisure time, and improved communications-with the possibility of reshaping, many cultures and possibly redefining fundamental aspects of society. As science and technology continue to advance, the ways in which people communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge and attitudes toward individuals, as well as local, national, and international communities, will continue to undergo radical change. The continuing development of science and technology is not inherently bad. However, it has the potential to endanger our diversity and traditional knowledge. We must work together to determine how to preserve and foster our cultural heritages at the same time we embrace the future.

Structural Interconversion of Holin Transmembrane Domain I

Structural Interconversion of Holin Transmembrane Domain I Structural Interconversion of Holin Transmembrane Domain I is Dictated by a Single Proline: A FRET-based Analysis and its Functional Importance in Pore Formation. Muralikrishna Lella,†  Soumya Kamilla,†¡ Vikas Jain†¡,* and Radhakrishnan Mahalakshmi† ,* KEYWORDS (Word Style â€Å"BG_Keywords†). If you are submitting your paper to a journal that requires keywords, provide significant keywords to aid the reader in literature retrieval. ABSTRACT: Mycobacterial cell lysis during the lytic D29 bacteriophage infection is timed by perfect orchestration amongst/between components of the holin-endolysin cassette. In Gram-negative bacteria, progressively accumulating holin in the inner membrane, retained in its inactive form by anti-holin, is triggered into active hole formation, resulting in the canonical host cell lysis. However, the molecular mechanism of regulation and physical basis of pore formation in the mycobacterial inner membrane by D29 holin, particularly in the nonexistence of an anti-holin, is poorly understood. In this study, we report, for the first time, the use of fluorescence resonance transfer measurements to demonstrate that the first transmembrane domain (TM1) of D29 holin undergoes a helix ↔ ÃŽ ²-hairpin conformational interconversion. We validate that this structural malleability is mediated by a centrally positioned proline, and is abolished in the conformationally rigid substitution mutants containing Ala, DPro, or Aib. Using electrophysiology measurements coupled with calorimetric vesicle assays, we demonstrate that due to the conformational switch, native TM1 exhibits sluggish self-association in membrana, while its rigid variants show accelerated lipid bilayer disruption. The biological implications of D29 holin structural alteration is presented as a holin self-regulatory mechanism and its implications are discussed in the context of data-driven peptide-based therapeutics. The fatal host cell lysis step during bacteriophage infection is one of the most precisely programmed events, coordinated by the mechanical membrane disruption by a hole-forming membrane protein termed holin and the peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme endolysin.1 In the canonical holin-endolysin cassette, holin accumulates in the bacterial inner membrane and is retained in the inactive form until membrane depolarization drives holin assembly into holes that are large enough for endolysin release.1b,2 It is believed that ion leak through pinholes formed in holin-enriched lipid rafts would result in local membrane depolarization, which would exponentially propagate throughout the bacterial inner membrane and result in the formation of >300 nm diameter holes.2g,3 Historically, genetics of the coliphages T4, ÃŽ », and 21 have been extensively investigated, and therefore our current understanding of holin function and regulation is largely derived from the lysis effector S105 (or S2168) holin and the antiholin S107 (or S2171).2d,2g,4 Based on more recent functional characterization of members from eight holin superfamilies comprising several bacteriophages,5 we now know that the number of transmembrane ÃŽ ±-helical segments (TMSs) can vary from 1-4; of this, the 3-TMS is widely prevalent.1b,6 Despite conceptual and experimental advances in our understanding of holin function, very few studies have translated these findings to the mechanism of holin regulation in mycobacteriophages (Mφ). Currently, >4000 documented Mφ species exist, of which >600 have been sequenced.7 Of particular interest is the lytic Mφ D29, which is the predator for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, among other mycobacteria. Mφ D29 possesses a putative holin sequence coded by the gp11 gene, and is predicted to possess two transmembrane segments, typically observed in class II holins.8 However, an antiholin sequence is conspicuously missing in the Mφ D29 genome, raising concerns on how this phage achieves holin regulation. A previous finding from our laboratory demonstrated that the first transmembrane domain (TM1) of D29 Mφ holin could undergo a conformational switch from a helical form to an extended structure, and a centrally located Pro-Gly segment was important for such interconversion.9 This opened further questions on the biophysical nature of such a conformational conversion, the functional implications during holin assembly and whether such interconversion did indeed possess any regulational role within the mycobacterial cell. In this study, we demonstrate that the D29 Mφ TM1 undergoes a helix ÃŽ ²-hairpin conversion that is abolished in Pro -> Ala/DPro/Aib mutation. We also show that proline internally regulates assembly of TM1 in the membrane, and could potentially function as the ‘missing’ antiholin in D29 Mφ. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ASD ASD METHODS Peptide synthesis and labeling with fluorescent probes. All peptides were synthesized using Fmoc chemistry on a Rink Amide AM resin with a 0.63 mmol/g loading capacity, using DMF as the medium. Deprotection of Fmoc was achieved using 20% piperidine and the progress of the reaction was monitored using Kaiser test and mass spectrometry.9-10 Final peptide was generated using the cleavage cocktail (TFA : water : phenol : ethanedithiol : thioanisole in the ratio 85:5:5:2.5:2.5), followed by cold ether precipitation, and verified by mass spectrometry. On-resin labeling of the fluorophore (Alexa Fluor ® 350 or dansyl chloride) at the N-terminal residue was achieved using HOBt or DIPEA in DMF. All labeling reactions were carried out at least twice and confirmed by mass spectrometry. Labeling efficiency was calculated using labeled peptide absorbance at fluorophore ÃŽ »max ­ and unlabeled : labeled peptide ratios for all reactions were maintained at ~1.0:0.5. Details are in the electronic supplementary information (ESI). Peptide folding and circular dichroism experiments. Desired quantity of peptide in the powder form was dissolved in 100 mM LDAO (lauryldimethylamine oxide) or 100 mM DPC (n-dodeyclphosphocholine) micelles prepared in 50 mM sodium phosphate pH 7.2, and were subjected to repeated cycles of heating and vortexing to promote peptide folding.9 All biophysical experiments were carried out using 0.022-0.024 mM samples, unless otherwise specified. Quantification was achieved using a molar extinction coefficient of 8408 M-1 cm-1 at 280 nm.CD spectra were acquired in various micellar conditions at 25  °C, using a 1 mm path length quartz cuvette at scan speeds of 100 nm/min. Data were integrated over three acquisitions and converted to molar ellipticity values using reported methods.9,11 Thermal denaturation and recovery measurements were carried out between 5-95  °C and 95-5  °C, respectively at a ramp rate of 1  °C/min. Details are provided in the ESI. Fluorescence and anisotropy measurements. Steady state Fà ¶rster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) measurements were carried out using Trp excitation at 280 nm ( ±2 nm slit width) and emission spectra were recorded between 295-550 nm ( ±3 nm slit width). Inter- and intra-molecular FRET was demarcated by titrating unlabeled peptide into labeled peptide samples to achieve stepwise dilutions and final unlabeled: labeled ratios of 1:1, 1:0.8, 1:0.6, 1:0.4, 1:0.2, 1:0. Data were normalized against Trp emission intensities and acceptor intensity at ÃŽ »max ­ were plotted (Alexa Fluor ® 350 ÃŽ »max = 442 nm and dansyl chloride ÃŽ »max = 500 nm). Anisotropy values were acquired using ÃŽ »ex-max = 442 nm and ÃŽ »em = 345 nm for both the labeled and unlabeled peptides. Lifetime measurements were carried out using time correlated single photon counting. Trp excitation was achieved at 292 nm using a pulsed LED and fluorescence decays were monitored at the ÃŽ »em-max for the respective samples (345 nm in LDAO; 347 nm in DPC; 355 nm in buffer). All data were fitted to a triple exponential decay to derive lifetimes (Ï„i) and their respective amplitudes (ÃŽ ±i). The average lifetime was given as = ÃŽ £Ãâ€ži.ÃŽ ±i.12Details are provided in the ESI. Pore formation measurement using planar lipid bilayers. Black lipid membranes were generated using DiPhPC (diphytanoyl phosphatidylcholine) on a planar lipid bilayer workstation in which the membrane bilayer was painted across a 150 ÃŽ ¼m aperture generated in the septum of a Delrin cup. A constant 10 mV voltage was applied in both cis and trans sides of the chamber, pre-filled with mM sodium phosphate pH 7.2 containing 0.5 M KCl. 0.022-0.024 mM peptide was added to the cis chamber and electric current was recorded using a 50 Hz filter, sampling frequency of 10 kHz, and digitized. Opening and closing event frequency was calculated throughout the recording and converted to conductance using the formula: [observed current in pA] / 10 mV = conductance in nS. Details are described in the ESI. ASSOCIATED CONTENT (Word Style â€Å"TE_Supporting_Information†). Supporting Information. A brief statement in nonsentence format listing the contents of material supplied as Supporting Information should be included, ending with â€Å"This material is available free of charge via the Internet at http://pubs.acs.org.† For instructions on what should be included in the Supporting Information as well as how to prepare this material for publication, refer to the journal’s Instructions for Authors. ABBREVIATIONS CCR2, CC chemokine receptor 2; CCL2, CC chemokine ligand 2; CCR5, CC chemokine receptor 5; TLC, thin layer chromatography. REFERENCES (Word Style TF_References_Section). References are placed at the end of the manuscript. Authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all references. Examples of the recommended formats for the various reference types can be found at http://pubs.acs.org/page/4authors/index.html. Detailed information on reference style can be found in The ACS Style Guide, available from Oxford Press. (1) (a) Smith, D. L.; Young, R. J. Bacteriol. 1998, 180, 4199-4211; (b) Young, R. Current Opinion in Microbiology 2013, 16, 790-797; (c) Young, R. Microbiological Reviews 1992, 56, 430-481. (2) (a) Young, R.; Wang, I.; Roof, W. D. Trends Microbiol. 2000, 8, 120-128; (b) Ramanculov, E.; Young, R. Gene 2001, 265, 25-36; (c) Wang, I. N.; Deaton, J.; Young, R. J. Bacteriol. 2003, 185, 779-787; (d) Park, T.; Struck, D. K.; Deaton, J. F.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2006, 103, 19713-19718; (e) Savva, C. G.; Dewey, J. S.; Deaton, J.; White, R. L.; Struck, D. K.; Holzenburg, A.; Young, R. Mol. Microbiol. 2008, 69, 784-793; (f) Pang, T.; Savva, C. G.; Fleming, K. G.; Struck, D. K.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2009, 106, 18966-18971; (g) White, R.; Chiba, S.; Pang, T.; Dewey, J. S.; Savva, C. G.; Holzenburg, A.; Pogliano, K.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2011, 108, 798-803; (h) Young, R. Journal of Microbiology 2014, 52, 243-258. (3) (a) Dewey, J. S.; Savva, C. G.; White, R. L.; Vitha, S.; Holzenburg, A.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2010, 107, 2219-2223; (b) Pang, T.; Fleming, T. C.; Pogliano, K.; Young, R. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 2013, 110, E2054-2063; (c) Savva, C. G.; Dewey, J. S.; Moussa, S. H.; To, K. H.; Holzenburg, A.; Young, R. Mol. Microbiol. 2014, 91, 57-65. (4) Blasi, U.; Nam, K.; Hartz, D.; Gold, L.; Young, R. EMBO Journal 1989, 8, 3501-3510. (5) Reddy, B. L.; Saier, M. H., Jr. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 2013, 1828, 2654-2671. (6) Wang, I. N.; Smith, D. L.; Young, R. Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 2000, 54, 799-825. (7) http://phagesdb.org/. (8) (a) Catalao, M. J.; Gil, F.; Moniz-Pereira, J.; Pimentel, M. J. Bacteriol. 2011, 193, 2793-2803; (b) Hatfull, G. F.; Jacobs-Sera, D.; Lawrence, J. G.; Pope, W. H.; Russell, D. A.; Ko, C. C.; Weber, R. J.; Patel, M. C.; Germane, K. L.; Edgar, R. H.; Hoyte, N. N.; Bowman, C. A.; Tantoco, A. T.; Paladin, E. C.; Myers, M. S.; Smith, A. L.; Grace, M. S.; Pham, T. T.; OBrien, M. B.; Vogelsberger, A. M.; Hryckowian, A. J.; Wynalek, J. L.; Donis-Keller, H.; Bogel, M. W.; Peebles, C. L.; Cresawn, S. G.; Hendrix, R. W. J. Mol. Biol. 2010, 397, 119-143; (c) Payne, K.; Sun, Q.; Sacchettini, J.; Hatfull, G. F. Mol. Microbiol. 2009, 73, 367-381. (9) Lella, M.; Mahalakshmi, R. Chem. Commun. 2013, 49, 9594-9596. (10) Makwana, K. M.; Raghothama, S.; Mahalakshmi, R. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013, 15, 15321-15324. (11) Maurya, S. R.; Chaturvedi, D.; Mahalakshmi, R. Sci. Rep. 2013, 3, 1989. (12) Maurya, S. R.; Mahalakshmi, R. J. Biol. Chem. 2013, 288, 25584-25592.

The Movie Crash and Racial Tensions :: Crash Film Movies Racism Race Essays

Tension between the African Americans and Caucasians have been present in America since slavery. In the movie Crash (2004), race and culture are major themes that can be seen in the lives of the characters in the film. One character in particular, Cameron, a prestigious color vision director, displays the friction between two cultures. He belongs to the educated, upper class of the Los Angeles area. He is also an African American, yet he seems to have no ties with that class. He has a light-skinned wife, attends award shows, and it appears that his acquaintances are predominately white. When he and his wife, Christine, get pulled over by a racist cop, he experiences emotions of powerlessness and helplessness that he never knew he would experience due to his upbringing and place in society. Cameron goes through a radical transformation where he comes to grips with his background and how he fits into these two clashing cultures. In the first scene when Cameron is introduced, two white cops get a call about a stolen car. The openly racist cop, Officer Ryan, pulls over Cameron and Christine’s Lincoln Navigator, although it is obvious that their Navigator is not the stolen vehicle. The cop thinks he sees the couple participating in a sexual act while driving. When he approaches the car to ask for registration and license, Cameron and Christine laugh and find the whole situation humorous. Officer Ryan then asks Cameron to step out, and although Cameron obeys, he acts confused. He is obviously not drunk or wanting trouble (in the movie it even states that he is a Buddhist), and he declares that he lives only a block away. When his wife comes out of the car protesting the absurdity of the stop, the officer tells both of them to put their hands on the car so he can check for weapons. The cop then humiliates Christine by feeling her up between her thighs while Cameron is forced to stand by and w atch. In this scene, Cameron does not protest but unbelievingly stares at what is happening to his wife. He is in a vulnerable situation because if he objects, he and his wife could be arrested and his reputation ruined. When the police ask Cameron what he should do with what they did in the car he slowly says, â€Å"Look, we’re sorry and we’d appreciate it if you’d let us go with a warning, please.

Problems with Voting :: essays research papers

Why Voting is never Completely Accurate!! Statement of the Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are several problems when it comes to elections. One of the problems is whether the candidates played fairly throughout the election. Another problem is whether the votes that are being cast are being counted correctly or even being counted at all. The main reason this topic has become such an important issue is because of the last two elections. The first election had a problem in the state of Florida, and the 2004 elections had problems in the state of Ohio. Evidence Used in Reaching my Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the things I would worry about in voting is how and who is counting my votes. For instance, a type of voting I would not be satisfied with is the paper ballot way of voting. The modern system of election using paper ballots was first used in 1858 in Australia. The great Australian innovation was to print standardized ballots at government expense, distribute them to the voters at the polling places, and require that the voters vote and return the ballots immediately. Today, the security against election fraud this provides seems obvious, but in the 19th century, it was not obvious to most observers, and it was not until 1888 that this ballot was used in the United States.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another type of voting that is a problem to me is the lever voting machine. Lever voting machines offer excellent voter privacy, and the feel of a lever voting machine is immensely reassuring to voters! Unfortunately, they are immense machines, expensive to move and store, difficult to test, complex to maintain, and far from secure against vote fraud. Furthermore, a lever voting machine maintains no audit trail. With paper ballots, an it is possible to recount the votes if there is an allegation of fraud. With lever voting machines, there is nothing to recount! This could be a problem also because if someone votes incorrectly and pushes the lever down at the wrong time he or she can not go back and fix that vote.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I know that this doesn’t look like a single vote would sway an election that much but you figure that 1,000 people across the nation vote incorrectly for the same person. That could sway an election, probably not a presidential election but it might sway an election for senate or the house. I believe that a unified way of voting should be made, whether it is any type of voting. Problems with Voting :: essays research papers Why Voting is never Completely Accurate!! Statement of the Problem   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are several problems when it comes to elections. One of the problems is whether the candidates played fairly throughout the election. Another problem is whether the votes that are being cast are being counted correctly or even being counted at all. The main reason this topic has become such an important issue is because of the last two elections. The first election had a problem in the state of Florida, and the 2004 elections had problems in the state of Ohio. Evidence Used in Reaching my Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the things I would worry about in voting is how and who is counting my votes. For instance, a type of voting I would not be satisfied with is the paper ballot way of voting. The modern system of election using paper ballots was first used in 1858 in Australia. The great Australian innovation was to print standardized ballots at government expense, distribute them to the voters at the polling places, and require that the voters vote and return the ballots immediately. Today, the security against election fraud this provides seems obvious, but in the 19th century, it was not obvious to most observers, and it was not until 1888 that this ballot was used in the United States.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another type of voting that is a problem to me is the lever voting machine. Lever voting machines offer excellent voter privacy, and the feel of a lever voting machine is immensely reassuring to voters! Unfortunately, they are immense machines, expensive to move and store, difficult to test, complex to maintain, and far from secure against vote fraud. Furthermore, a lever voting machine maintains no audit trail. With paper ballots, an it is possible to recount the votes if there is an allegation of fraud. With lever voting machines, there is nothing to recount! This could be a problem also because if someone votes incorrectly and pushes the lever down at the wrong time he or she can not go back and fix that vote.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I know that this doesn’t look like a single vote would sway an election that much but you figure that 1,000 people across the nation vote incorrectly for the same person. That could sway an election, probably not a presidential election but it might sway an election for senate or the house. I believe that a unified way of voting should be made, whether it is any type of voting.

The Pros and Cons of Ethanol as a Renewable Source of Energy Essay exam

I. Introduction One of the most hotly contested debates in today’s realm of environmental concern is how to secure energy for the maintenance and improvement of quality of life in the future. To date, humanity has been blessed with plentiful reserves of cheap crude oil, which can be refined into a multitude of items that make the lives of many so convenient—gasoline, heating oil, natural gas, plastics, and fertilizers. In some parts of the world, these technologies merely facilitate survival. But concern over what happens when these supplies dwindle is universal. Science has revealed that oil will not last forever at the rate it is being consumed. Therefore, alternatives must be developed that can provide sustainable levels of energy well into humanity’s future. We are entering a world in which, energy-speaking, renewable is the name of the game. In addition to facilitating the weaning of humans from fossil fuels, renewable energy poses many environmental benefits because renewable means clean. Most scientists will argue that, though the degree to which we benefit might be speculative, human and environmental welfare will increase with tapping of renewable energy sources. If modern science is in any way accurate, using clean and renewable energy would result in better air quality, curbing of climate change and the Greenhouse Effect, and perhaps even the luxury of supplying most or all of our energy domestically. This means that countries like the U.S. would stand heavily resistant to both the ramifications of a global energy crisis and to international political tensions surrounding the trading of oil. Despite its being more expensive, there is much to be gained from renewable energy. ... ...erations, we must make the leap. Works Cited â€Å"Ethanol.† Encyclopedia Britannica. 2007. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 4/15/2007. http://0-search.eb.com.tiger.coloradocollege.edu/eb/article-79648 â€Å"Gasoline.† Encyclopedia Britannica. 2007. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 4/15/2007. http://0-search.eb.com.tiger.coloradocollege.edu/eb/article-9036148 Godoi AFL, Ravindra K, Godoi RHM, Andrade SJ, Santiago-Silva M, Vaeck LV, Grieken RN. 2004. â€Å"Fast chromatographic determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aerosol samples from sugar cane burning.† Journal of Chromatography A 1027:49-53. Hodge C. 2002. â€Å"Ethanol use in US gasoline should be banned, not expanded.† Oil and Gas Journal 100:20-27. Wackernagel M, Rees W. 1995. â€Å"Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth.† Gabriola Island (Canada): New Society.

India Asean Free Trade Agreement

INDIAN-ASEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT A TERM PAPER SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SOCIAL SCIENCES (HONOURS SCHOOL) Supervisor :Submitted by: Dr. Rajesh KumarKumar Ranjan M. S. Sc. (Hons. ) 2nd Semester Roll No. 12 [pic] SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GURU NANAK DEV UNIVERSITY AMRITSAR 2009 INTRODUCTION India and the association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have concluded negotiations for a free trade Agreement (FTA) after years of difficult negotiations. This agreement will be signed into a treaty at India-ASEAN summit to be held in Bangkok on February 26,2009 (Economic times, January 27, 2009) if every thing goes as planned. Expectation from India ASEAN FTA are high. Joint Media statement of Sixth ASEAM Economic Minister (AEM)-India consultations states that â€Å"the AIFTA (ASEAN-India free trade agreement) could be major avenue in harnessing the region’s vast economic potentials towards sustained progress and improved welfare not only for ASEAN and India but for greater East Asian regions as well†. The India-ASEAN FTA is the result of many international and domestic factors on one hand, the trend of international regionalization and the proliferation of FTA’s and the failure of the Doha round of Multilateral talks to yield concrete results led both India and the ASEAN countries to consider alternative solution towards free trade. On the other hand the adoption policies by India and ASEAN to develop better cooperation with their immediate neighbours in recent years has helped accelerate this negotiation. (www. e_pao. net) INDIA AND ASEAN: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Although India and ASEAN countries have shared cultural and historical ties, India’s interaction with ASEAN countries was quite limited during the cold war as the two pursued policies which were not very conducive to deep rooted interaction. Soon after the end of second world war, India championed the process of decolonization and drew recognition and appreciation from different parts of the world. It become one of the founding members of Non-aligned Movement (NAM). Even though Indonesia was also a member of NAM alongside India, this relationship did not extend beyond that (Sinha, 2007 pg. 357) The arrival of bipolar politics in southeast Asia, the Vietnam crisis and India’s close ties with the Soviet union led to the adoption of divergent policies by both India and ASEAN. ASEAN was formed in 1967 during the Vietnam war primarily to diffuse regional conflict and to promote better relations between members. Communists victory in Vietnam, Laos and combodia soon worsened the already fragile security situation of southeast Asia. Thus by 1976, ASEAN was forced to contemplate to become an association with security as its main concern. The reunification of veitnam and the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia created another security dilemma. Sinha, 2007 pg. 350). While ASEAN chastised Vietnam, India supported Vietnam. ASEAN’s suspicions of the soviet union and the paronoia it had with anything communist led many including India, to regard ASEAN as allies of the capitalists and pro-American bloc. Suspicions was so high during this time that refused to hold dialogues with A SEAN twice in 1975 and 1980. But with end of the cold war, interactions between India and ASEAN became more frequent: and relations between the two began to improve at very fast pace. Following the end of cold war and collapse of soviet union, India began to adopt liberalization policies. Mean while, ASEAN has also emerged as an important regional organization with great potential and opportunities for growth. The transformation of the international system and new outlook led to the adoption of the Look East policy in 1991, it marked a strategic shift in its foreign policy and perceptions towards its eastern neighbours. ASEAN’s strategic importance in the larger Asia-Pacific region and the potentials it has in becoming India’s major partner in trade and investment also added an impetus to India to develop closer ties with it. In addition, considering the proposed South Asian Free Tade Area (SAFTA) is unlikely to produce any solid outcome, this policy shift and agreement on the part of India is a strategic s it is important. In continuance of India’s Look East policy, the process of interregional cooperation was institutionalized with India becoming a sectoral Dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992; a full dialogue partner in 1995 and member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1996. India because a summit level partner of ASEAN in 2002 and concluded the ASEAN-India partnership for peace, progress and shared prosperity in 2004. India also became enganged in regional initiatives such as Mekong-guga cooperation (MGC) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic cooperation (BIMSTEC). India has also became member of EAST Asia Summit (EAS) in December, 2005, (Chakraborti, World Focus, 2008, 436). INDIA’S LOOK BEST, ASEAN LOOK WEST POLICIES The real turning point in India-ASEAN relations came with economic liberalization in 1991, the end of the cold war and enunciation of India’s â€Å"Look East† policy by Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao. As publication of Indian ministry of external affairs observed. â€Å"There was confluence of nterests. A new world order, the economic Reforms in India along with its â€Å"Look East† policy, coincided with ASEAN’s â€Å"Look West† and regionalization drive. (Baru, February 2001 pg. 13. ) Under the â€Å"Look East† policy pursued increased trade and investment cooperation with South Korea and Singapore. Apart from extending India’s enduring relation with Vietnam, the policy also pursued greater economic relations with Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. India became a ‘Sectoral Dialogue Partner’ of ASEAN at the ASEAN’s Singapore, summit in 1992, and a ‘Full Dialogue partner’ of ASEAN at the Bangkok Summit in 1995. In February 1995 the ASEAN-Indian Business council was set up. India was invited to the meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in July, 1996. At this it was decided that ARF would only admit as participants countries that have a direct influence on the peace and security of East Asia and pacific region. (Baru, 2001; pg 13). A key objective of India and ASEAN to move from derivative to direct relationship so that there are no distortions, no misperception, no ignorance and no intermediation. There has been doubling of trade between India and ASEAN countries in 1990s and a marked increased in joint ventures and foreign direct investment between the two. Section VI and VII provide a comprehensive account of India-ASEAN trade and investment relation. Suffice it to say that ASEAN has emerged as the third largest foreign investor in India’s after US and EU. There are two dimensions of India’s new relationship with ASEAN. First, the trade and investment dimensions; second, the foreign policy and strategic dimension. Neither of these relations has equal value to all the ASEAN countries clearly, India’s economic relations with some are more developed than with others. Similarly India’s political and strategic relation with some are more developed than with others. Suffice it to say that in no case is the relationship purely undimensional (Baru, 2001, pg 14) DEEPENING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDIA AND ASEAN The deepening of relationship between India and ASEAN is reflected in the buoyancy of trade figures between the two. During April-September 2007-2008, trade grew from US$ 15. 06 billion to US$ 17. 2 billion that is trade grew by 13 percent. India foreign trade with ASEAN, according to directorate General of commercial intelligence and statistics (DGCIS), is also on the rise. During the period 2005-06 to 2006-07 India’s export to ASEAN registered a growth rate of 20. 67 percent. Similarly India’s imports from ASEAN during the same period registered a growth rate of 66% In dia ASEAN trade stoo at US$ 38. 37 billion in 2007-08 and is projected to reach US$ 48 billion during 2008-09 (Economics times, Jan 10). At the first India-ASEAN summit held at Phnom Penh on November 5, 2001. India called for an India-ASEAN within a 10 year time frame. In this context the second India-ASEAN summit held at Bali on October 8, 2003 was significant landmark in India-ASEAN relations. The summit saw the signing of the framework agreement for comprehensive economic cooperation between India and ASEAN. This agreement envisaged the establishment of an FTA within a period of ten years. In March 2004, an ASEAN-India Trade Negotiation committee (Al-TNC) was established to Negotiate the implementation of the provisions of the framework agreement. India, since than entered into numerous agreement with ASEAN. (Sharma, Third concept vol 21, pg 9,10) At the Sixth India- ASEAN summit held at Singapore on November last year, India proposed to increase its bilateral trade with ASEAN to the time of US$ 50 billion by the year 2010. The latest agreement is therefore the result of many years of tactfull policies that led to the thawing of the ice between these two important emerging power in Asia. In addition to these agreements with ASEAN, India has also made consistent efforts to develop bilateral ties with ASEAN members. With Thailand, India has 61 years of diplomatic relation. India also has free trade agreement with Thailand that was signed in 2004. The framework agreement on bilaterals FTA of 2003 was the basis of this FTA with Thailand. Trade b/w the two increased from a mere US $ 606 million to US$ 3. 14 billion in 2006-07. With the CLV countries Cambodia, Laso and Vietnam, India entered into a number of bilateral agreements for cooperation in the fields of trade, science and technology, agriculture, defence, visa exemption, tourism, IT and culture. India has major projects I in the projects in the field of education entrepreneurship development and IT in these three countries. In 2004, India extended a credit line of US$ 27 million to Vietnam. Malaysia is a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, particularly in the areas of LPG, power plant and highway construction. Trade between the two rose from US$ 2. 2 billion in 2002-03 to US$ 6. 6 billion in 2006-07. India public sector undertaking such as BHEL and IRCON have also undertaken and completed a number of projects in Malaysia (www. _pao. net). Presently after India-ASEAN FTA negotiations, it is reported that about 150 Indian Engineering firms are eying to diversify their export base in ASEAN markets and are planning to make Malaysia the Regional hub to penetrate the region. Many of these companies are exploring the possibilities of joint ventures, technology transfer and investment opportunities. It was mainly because of the insistence of Indonesia that Ind ia became a part of the East Asia summit in 2005. Relations between the two had been very good for many years. Bilateral trade between the two increased by 44% from 2005-06 to 2006-07. India has a comprehensive Economic cooperation agreement (CECA) with Singapore since 2005. This agreement include bilateral investment promotion treaty. Double taxation avoidance agreement, an air service agreement and an FTA. Singapore, along with Indonesia had been an important factor for India’s inclusion into the East Asian summit. In addition, it was Singapore’s role that paved the way for India’s association with the ARF. Singapore is the biggest source of FDI for India among ASEAN countries. During the period 2000to 2008, the cumulative FDI of Singapore into India was worth a whooping US $ 4. 35 billion. Concurrently, over two thousand Indian companies were based in Singapore (www. e_pao. net) India also has plans for a free trade area with Brunie, Indonesia and Malaysia by 2011 and with the remaining ASEAN countries by 2016. Since 1995, India have actively engaged Myanmar in Trade. It has singed several agreements and MOU’s including Tripartite Maritime Agreement with Myanmar and Thailand, border trade Agreement and for cooperation between civilian uthorities between India and Myanmar. Since 2000, a number of high level visits have taken place. During these visits, several agreements and MOU’s have been signed in areas ranging from hydroelectric projects on the Chindwin River and IT cooperation to cultural exchange programs. In year 2003 alone, Seven Agreements/ MOU’s were signed to promote trade and communication facilities. By 2006-07 bilateral tr ade between India and Myanmar reached US$ 650 Million as compared to US$ 341. 40 million in 2004-05 (www. e_pao. net). RECENTLY CONCLUDED FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIA AND ASEAN India is in process of signing a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN. On 28 August 2008, India ASEAN concluded a trade in goods agreement which will operationalize the FTA in merchandize trade. They will formally signing this TIG agreement in ASEAN-Indian Summit now to be held on 26 Feb 2009. (Economic times, 27 Jan 2009). When India and ASEAN Kicked off Negotiation on the bilateral FTA in 2002, they were supposed to finalise a comprehensive agreement that covers goods, service and investment. However, regional grouping prevailed in India to conclude talks on goods, first and than move on to service and Investment. However signing of TIG Agreement was delayed as the negotiation got stuck a few times due to difference between parties on the coverage of the negative list. In free trade agreement countries are allowed to keep a small number of products out of coverage of the agreement. The issue of the negative list or the list of items that would be excluded from proposed FTA agreement had at one stage brought negotiations to a stands till. The items on the list would have limited or no tariff concession. Indian negotiaters were cautious as there were apprehensions that the ASEAN countries are more competitive in sectors like agriculture, textile, auto and auto components and electronics. India would face negative consequence unless sensitive items in these sectors are protected India submitted a list of aground 1414 products as a negative list. These products counted for 42% of total exports of ASEAN to India. But as the Negotiations from ASEAN insisted that the products include in the FTA, should cover at least 90% of exports to India, a pruning of negative list was done by Rao, Inderjit Singh, (India’s Deputy Minister for Defence). He reduced the number of items to be placed on a negative list from 1414 to 850 on 27 July 2006. In August 2006 These items were further reduced to 560 items. At the end it was decided that each signatory country of INDO-ASEAN FTA can have at most 489 products in its negative list provided that these products do not exceed more than 5% of total bilateral imports. India’s negative list includes 302 agriculture items, 81 items from textile and clothing, 52 items from machinery and auto and 32 items from chemicals and fertilizer plastics. There are 22 other items from various other sectors which are also part of negative list (Thakurta, South Asian Journal, 2007, 107-108). It has been decided in Negotiation that for products which are not in negative list duties will be reduced in phased manger starting from 2009 and the duty cut will be completed by 2018. Under the pact, India and ASEAN will eliminate import duties on 71% products by December 31, 2012 and another 9% by 2015. Duties on 8-10% products that have been kept in the sensitive list will also be brought down to 5%. For all product in non negative list duty will be reduced to zero by 2018. India has also identified 611 products, which will only get a partial duty cut. Among these products India has put five products on highly sensitive list. They are Tea, Coffee, pepper, palm oil and refined palm oil (The Economic Challenger, 2008). India stances during the negotiations indicates some what defensive position in goods sector. This is not surprising because India runs a fairly large trade deficits vis-a-vis ASEAN. Acc to data of Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS) published by IMF, India had a trade deficit of $ 14,562 million in 2007 with ASEAN. This is around 15% of India’s total trade deficits. Fore individual ASEAN members, India Trade Pattern show that for the last 10 years (1998-2007) it has a trade deficit each year with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar. India runs a trade surplus with other ASEAN member including Vietnam and Philippines (TABLE 1). Table 1: India’s Trade surplus/Deficits with ASEAN Member countries (in million $) |1998 |1999 |2000 |2001 |2002 |2003 |2004 |2005 |2006 |2007 | |Brunei Daressalam |3. 05 |1. 73 |2. 63 |2. 90 |3. 72 |4. 22 |4. 31 |32. 64 |40. 34 |50. 07 | |Cambodia |2. 85 |6. 60 |6. 88 |2. 48 |16. 97 |18. 55 |17. 10 |21. 68 |24. 43 |30. 32 |Indonesia |-556. 28 |-635. 64 |-536. 55 |-717. 28 |-541. 06 |-883. 68 |-1160. 84 |-1492. 88 |-2450. 39 |-3975. 02 | |Laos |0. 98 |1. 35 |5. 00 |5. 52 |1. 84 |0. 59 |2. 00 |1. 59 |5. 68 |7. 05 | |Malaysia |-1137. 28 |-1504. 35 |-820. 68 |-1032. 57 |-627. 00 |-1044. 68 |-1206. 95 |-1231. 50 |-4429. 51 |-4599. 52 | |Myanmar |-151. 45 |-139. 05 |-131. 31 |-144. 76 |-274. 11 |-304. 77 |-295. 35 |-383. 30 |-473. 73 |-587. 90 | |Philippines |113. 80 |85. 83 |126. 53 |147. 41 |299. 41 |236. 62 |208. 86 |272. 87 |233. 00 |176. 98 | |Singapore |-754. 57 |-862. 95 |-655. 53 |-2001. 17 |-92. 87 |26. 29 |919. 87 |209. 5 |-4000. 42 |-5664. 81 | |Thailand |63. 60 |103. 33 |174. 60 |81. 65 |301. 66 |250. 02 |72. 60 |95. 74 |-513. 20 |-1035. 06 | |Vietnam |116. 70 |136. 25 |195. 85 |157. 36 |280. 97 |356. 22 |427. 08 |534. 92 |648. 69 |1035. 88 | |Overall trade deficits |-2298. 61 |-2806. 93 |-1632. 41 |-3498. 46 |-630. 45 |-1340. 29 |-1011. 32 |-244. 77 |-10915. 11 |-14562. 02 | | Source: – (EPW, 15 Nov 2008) However, overall trade balance is significantly negative. The concern is that if India has already such a huge trade deficit, reduction of tariff rates may worsen the situation unless there is a significant export boost. Among ASEAN members, India already has preferential trade agreement with Thailand Myanmar and Singapore. India, Myanmar and Thailand are part of the Bay of Bengal Institute for multi sectoral technical and economic cooperation (BIMSTEC) which is now knows as Bangladehs, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand economic cooperation (BIMSTEC) (Thakurata, South Asian Journal No. 16, pg 108). India also has a seprate FTA with Thailand. India and Singapore have signed a comprehensive Economic cooperation agreement (CECA) few years back. Though the terms and tariff reduction conditions of these agreements may be different from the present agreement but still it can be assumed that the marginal impact of Indo-ASEAN FTA will be less for these three ASEAN countries (i. e. Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore). Among other ASEAN members, India has significant trade with Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines. Though the current volume of trade with Vietnam is low, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing countries in the world and trade potential between India and Vietnam is considered to be significant. Nityanand Deva, India’s look-East policy, www. indianmba. com/occasional_papers/ OP104/ OP104html. HOW TARIFF PROFILE EFFECTS FTA? Tariff reduction, especially of custom duties on imports of Agricultural commodities, is an extremely sensitive issue in India. Till India initiated economic reforms in 1991, the peak custom duty rate used to be as high as 150 percent. (Thakurata, South Asian Journal, pg 110). One assumed that In dia will have some advantage in the ASEAN market because of tariff margin given TIG agreement. The India-Asean pact on goods trade will result in the signatory countries abolishing customs tariffs on 80% of goods including key raw material like Iron ore and aluminum, plastic goods and certain kinds of machinery. The deal is likely to be operational from January 2009 when the signatories to the pact will begin cutting import tariff in phased manner, import duties on normal goods will be reduced to zero over a period of six years and on items in the sensitive list will have a partial tariff reduction over longer period of time. (The Economic challenger, pg 18). It look six long years for the two sides to conclude the negotiation of ROO’s (Rules of origin). ROO means that goods exported from certain destination must have a minimum value addition in the country of origin of proportion specified. India has reportedly agreed to have 35 percent value addition and changes in tariff at level of sub heading whereas in case of bilateral arrangements with individual countries like Thailand and Singapore, the rules specify 40% value addition and tariff changes at the level of headings. ROO’s are major reason why negotiations between India and Thailand over expansion of items in FTA list are stalled. New Delhi fears that further relaxation of ROO’s could lead to imports for third world via Thailand that would, in turn, antagonize Indian industry. (www. bilaterals. org/article. php3? id_artilce=13650) India lowered its duties on crude palm oil (CPO) and refined palm oil to 37. 5 and 45% (against 80%) respectively. It has also agreed to lower duties on coffee and tea to 45% and pepper to 50% (against 100%). Under the pact India-ASEAN will eliminate import duties on 71% products by December 31, 2012 and another 9% by 2015. Duties on 8-10% products that have been kept in the sensitive list will also be brought down to 5%. India will keep 489 items in negative list of products to be excluded from tariff reduction commitments. Tariff rates in manufacturing goods in India is high whereas in major ASEAN countries are quite low. Therefore India is unlikely to get too much advantage because of tariff preference (The Economic Challenger, vol41, pg 18). On the other hand, the FTA is likely to allow the ASEAN countries to take advantage of the large gap between high Indian applied tariff rates and the preferential rates. It is expected that agreement will open up considerable market for ASEAN countries in Agriculture, electronics, motor car equipment and other light manufacturing goods in India. This way negatively affect domestic farmer in agriculture and small and medium enterprises in light manufacturing including textile in India. There are reports that Asian development bank to contribute to a fund to help compensate industries that likely to be hit by Indo-Asean free trade agreement (Dasgupta and PAL, EPW Nov, 15, 2008). WHAT ARE EFFECTS OF SERVICE TRADE ON FTA The crux of welfare gains from India ASEAN market integration does not rest on free trade in goods, but on free flow of service and investment. That is India’s service industries-IT services, design services and call operators-have long been a hub or source of outsourcing and off shoring from develop economies especially United States and the European Union. The India-ASEAN FTA that successfully liberalises trade in service and investment will therefore provide economic opportunities companies in ASEAN countries to strengthen their competitiveness in global market by fragmenting their production and establishing industrial clusters. www. bilaterals. org/article/phg3? id_article=13650). A treaty which involves services will be extremely important for India also because India sees a big market for its services export in ASEAN. India presently is one of top exporters of services and according to WTO data it is ranked 10th in the world ahead of ASEAN countries like Singapore (rank ed 16th), Thailand (ranked 27th) and Malaysia (ranked 20th). In 2006 reports of services from India were around $74 billion. India is particularly strong in Information technology enables services (ITES), professional services, telecommunication services, health care, financial services and distribution services. ASEAN is also big market for service imports. It is not importer of services and according to WTO (2007), total imports of service by ASEAN members was close to $ 150 billion in 2006. To put this figure in perspective, US imports of services was around $ 300 billion in the same year. ASEAN also has a major export interest in some services sector. Tourism in one of the most important services trade for ASEAN countries. Apart from that they are major exporter of air transport, construction, logistics insurance and financial services. (Dasgupta and PAL, EPW Nov 15, 2008). When India and ASEAN kicked off negotiations on the bilateral FTA in 2002, they were supposed to finalize a comprehensive agreement that covers good, service and investment. However, regional grouping prevailed on India to conclude talks on goods first and then move on to services and investment. India’s trade with the ASEAN, its fourth largest trading partner after the EU, US and China has been growing at a compound annual growth rate of 27%. Bilateral trade stood at 38. 37 billion in 2007-08 and is project to reach $ 48 billion in 2008-09. The agreement on services allow Indian service providers to access the ASEAN Market and set up operation there. The investment agreement in expected to work both ways in terms of attracting FDI from ASEAN member, especially Singapore and Malaysia, and providing opportunity to Indian companies in sectors like pharmaceuticals, coal mining and automobiles to invest in ASEAN region (Economic times, Jan 10, 2008). For a major region which has liberal policies for merchandise trade, services trade in ASEAN in highly regulated. As Karmakar (2005) points out, services trade in ASEAN in highly regulated for foreign suppliers but the restrictions are also there for intra ASEAN, trade. Efforts are being made to gradually integrate service trade among ASEAN members. The ASEAN Framework agreement on services (AFAS) provide broad framework to achieve this. The target is to make ASEAN a single market and production base through free flow of goods, services, investment, skilled labour and free flow of capital by 2015 (Dasgupta and Pal, EPW Nov 15, 2008). HOW ENERGY SECURITY HELPFUL TO FTA? Apart from other items, closer economic and political ties with ASEAN are likely to held India’s quest for energy security. Indian position on global civilian nuclear cooperation received a boost as the 16 leader’s of ASEAN and its dialogue partner signed what was described as landmark declaration on Energy security at the second East-Asia summit. The Cebu Declaration on Energy security was signed by leaders of East Asia summit-an evolving regional forum that includes the ASEAN and six dialogue partners (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand). The declaration calls for reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and fossil fuel in the context of surging global crube oil prices and seeks to intensify the search for new and renewable energy resources and technologies with focus on civil nuclear power and biofuels (Thakurata, South Asian Journal No 16, pg 107). India is heavily dependent on west Asia for oil imports, which is geopolitically tense part of the world. India is currently the world’s sixth largest energy consumer, and third largest oil and gas consumer in Asia after China and Japan. For India oil imports account for about 72% of total oil consumption of which 67% is being sourced from west Asia. Hence on external front India is pursuing diversification of supply sources and trying to significantly increase exploration of oil and gas. Among the ASEAN countries, India at present import crude oil from Malaysia and Brunei, which contributes 5. % of its total oil from Malaysia which comprises just 3. 5% of its total LPG import on the other hand, among the ASEAN countries, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam have about 1% of total world’s proven oil reserves and 3% of the world’s proven gas reserves (Dasgupta and Pal, EPW Nov 15, 2008). CONCLUSION To conclude it can be said that the Indo ASEAN trade in goods agreement may not be beneficial for trade in short run but it can be thought of as a part of long runs strategy to improve India’s economic, and strategic presence in the neighbourhood. Though India shares a land border with Myanmar and maritime border with Indonesia and Thailand, the ASEAN countries has never been economically very close to India. In fact India and the ASEAN countries are not considered natural trading partners. This is indirect contrast to China which was established a distributed regional network of production and trade in this region. The Indo-ASEAN FTA can be perceived as an intial step towards increased economic integration of India with South east Asia. From a broader perspective, the Indo-ASEAN FTA can also be viewed as other cog in the wheel of increasing South-south cooperation. This is important because the world economic system is presently going through some significant changes. On the one hand there is severe economic showdown and major financial problem in the developed world. On the other hand there is talk of developing countries like China and India emerging as driver of southern economic growth. Though the impact of China on other developing countries is much stronger. India can play a complementary role. While China provides a big market for exports, via a manufacturing supply chain for other Asian countries, India can potentially become a hub of services-led growth. If India aspires to play a prominent role in global economy and Governance, increased cooperation with ASEAN make a sense as a strategic move. BIBLIOGRAPHY Baru, Sanjay, â€Å"India and ASEAN: The Emerging States Relationship Towards a Bay of Bengal community†. Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relation, February, 2001. Chakraboti, Tribdib, â€Å"India and Indo China states in the 21st century; Challenges and opportunities† World Focus Vol 347-348; Nov-Dec 2008. Dasgupta and Pal, â€Å"Does a Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN make sense† Economic and Political weekly. Nov 15, 2008, Economic Times, January 27, 2009. Joseph and Parayil, â€Å"India-ASEAN cooperation in Information and Communication Technology: Issues and Prospects: RIS Discussion paper (www. ries. org. in) Sharma, Madan Lal, â€Å"India ASEAN Relation†; Third Concept Dec 2007, Vol 21. No 250. Sinha, Prabha Chandra, Handbook of ASEAN and Regional Cooperation. 2th Summit and beyond 2007. Takhurata, â€Å"India’s free Trade Agreement with ASEAN† South Asian Journal, April June 2007, NO. 16. â€Å"The Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN†. The Economic Challenger 2008, No 11, issue 11. WEBSITES www. aseansec. org/4920. htm. www. artilcebase. com/politics_articles www. bilateral. org/rubrique. php3? id_r ubriqu+159,13650,12959 www. econoimctimes. com www. e_pao. net/epsubpageextracts. asp? src=education. scientificpapersIndia-ASEANFTA. www. heindia_au. org/pr_072. html. www. indianmba. com/occasional_papers/OP104. op104. html

Global Warming Issues Facing the U.S. Today Essay

Throughout history, the fastest join on rate in the average globular temperature has been recorded during the past 50 years, and experts to a greater extentover believe that the trend is alarmingly accelerating. orbicular heating is a complex phenomenon, and its full-blown consequences ar difficult to foresee ahead of time. Nevertheless(prenominal), every year scientists gain to a greater extent knowledge of how worldwide heat is upset the artificial satellite, and many have the same vista that definite outcomes are evaluate to wreak place if present trends persist.Unless Americans reduce global warming emissions, distressing and well-nigh permanent impact on the boorish, planet and its flavour allow for be greatly expected in the near future. United States Issues institutionalize pollutants, particularly blow dioxide that is accumulating in the melodic line is condensing extensively, trapping the heat of the lie and causing the earth to warm up. notwithstand ing the fact that Americans make up notwithstanding 4 percent of the worlds inhabitants, yet through fossil-fuel burning, they generate to the highest degree 25 percent of the worldwide carbon dioxide pollution, which is considerably the largest share of any province (Global heat bedrock). In the United States, the largest sources of carbon dioxide are the coal-burning top executive plants, producing 2. 5 billion tons yearly while automobiles running throughout the solid grounds streets are the second largest source, producing almost 1.5 billion tons severally year (Global Warming Basics). In the United States, global warming is already causing damage in its numerous regions. In June 2006, a circuit board organized by the United States bailiwick Research Council, the leading science constitution body of the uncouth, expressed confidence that the planet is the hottest it has been in at least four-spot centuries, and probably even the last 20 centuries (Global Warming). Snow buildup in the United States has declined by almost 60 percent and winter seasons have shorten in a number of regions of the descend Range in Washington and surgery since the early 1950s (Global Warming Basics). Oregon, Arizona and Colorado suffered their most terrible wildlife seasons, and drought produced relentless dust storms in Kansas, Colorado and Montana, and floods caused hundreds of millions of dollars in last in North Dakota, Kansas, Colorado and Montana. completely the same, by the last part of the century, global warming is expected to further mug up the typical temperatures of the United States to three to niner degrees, which is expected to affect more of the countrys species and wildlife that cannot endure warmer environments. Americans upbeat is as well in jeopardy, as abnormal climate changes may receive about the spread of certain illnesses, a greater possibility of heat stroke, slimy air quality, and the flooding of the countrys foremost cities. Co nclusionAmerica essential labour a leadership race in solving the global warming crisis. Technologies exist today that make personnel plants produce electricity from nonpolluting sources, cars burn less gas and run cleaner, and electricity ingestion lower and more efficient. Americans can take the initial move in bad campaigning for energy conservation and manufacturing of more efficient appliances, as well as increase their reliance on renewable energy sources such as geothermal, sun and wind. Currently, the challenge for the country is to be certain that these solutions are implemented.Unfortunately, while the technologies are present, the countrys political and corporate will to put them into extensive exploitation are waning. Without doubt, every Americans must demand for it if cultivation and environmental sustainability are desired to be achieved. Works Cited Global Warming. 2008. Standford SOLAR Center. 16 work on 2009 . Global Warming Basics. 18 October 2005. Natur al Resources Defense Council. 16 March 2009 .