Saturday, August 31, 2019

National School Lunch Program Essay

The Food and Nutrition Service administers the program at the Federal level. At the State level, the National School Lunch Program is usually administered by State education agencies, which operate the program through agreements with school food authorities. 2. How does the National School Lunch Program work? The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in over 101,000 public and non†profit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low†cost or free lunches to more than 31 million children each school day in 2009. In 1998, Congress expanded the National School Lunch Program to include reimbursement for snacks served to children in afterschool educational and enrichment programs to include children through 18 years of age. 1. What is the National School Lunch Program? NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM 3. What are the nutritional requirements for school lunches? Generally, public or nonprofit private schools of high school grade or under and public or nonprofit private residential child care institutions may participate in the school lunch program. School districts and independent schools that choose to take part in the lunch program get cash subsidies and donated commodities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for each meal they serve. In return, they must serve lunches that meet Federal requirements, and they must offer free or reduced price lunches to eligible children. School food authorities can also be reimbursed for snacks served to children through age 18 in afterschool educational or enrichment programs. School lunches must meet the applicable recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend that no more than 30 percent of an individual’s calories come from fat, and less than 10 percent from saturated fat. Regulations also establish a standard for school lunches to provide one†third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories. School lunches must meet Federal nutrition requirements, but decisions about what specific foods to serve and how they are prepared are made by local school food authorities. 4. How do children qualify for free and reduced price meals? Any child at a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced†price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 40 cents. (For the period July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011, 130 percent of the poverty level is $28,665 for a family of four; 185 percent is $40,793.) Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty pay a full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Local school food authorities set their own prices for full†price (paid) meals, but must operate their meal services as non†profit programs. 5. How much reimbursement do schools get? Afterschool snacks are provided to children on the same income eligibility basis as school meals. However, programs that operate in areas where at least 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced†price meals may serve all their snacks for free. Most of the support USDA provides to schools in the National School Lunch Program comes in the form of a cash reimbursement for each meal served. The current (July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011) basic cash reimbursement rates if school food authorities served less than 60% free and reduced price lunches during the second preceding school year are: Free lunches: $2.72 Free snacks: $0.74 Reduced-price lunches: Paid lunches: $0.26 Paid snacks: $0.06 $2.32 Reduced-price snacks: $0.37 6. What other support do schools get from USDA? In addition to cash reimbursements, schools are entitled by law to receive USDA foods, called â€Å"entitlement† foods, at a value of 20.25 cents for each meal served in Fiscal Year 2010†2011. Schools can also get â€Å"bonus† USDA foods as they are available from surplus agricultural stocks. Through Team Nutrition USDA provides schools with technical training and assistance to help school food service staffs prepare healthful meals, and with nutrition education to help children understand the link between diet and health. 7. What types of foods do schools get from USDA? States select entitlement foods for their schools from a list of various foods purchased by USDA and offered through the school lunch program. Bonus foods are offered only as they become available through agricultural surplus. The variety of both entitlement and bonus USDA foods schools can get from USDA depends on quantities available and market prices. A very successful project between USDA and the Department of Defense (DoD) has helped provide schools with fresh produce purchased through DoD. USDA has also worked with schools to help promote connections with local small farmers who may be able to provide fresh produce. The National School Lunch Act in 1946 created the modern school lunch program, though USDA had provided funds and food to schools for many years prior to that. About 7.1 million children were participating in the National School Lunch Program by the end of its first year, 1946 †47. By 1970, 22 million children were participating, and by 1980 the figure was nearly 27 million. In 1990, over 24 million children ate school lunch every day. In Fiscal Year 2009, more than 31.3 million children each day got their lunch through the National School Lunch Program. Since the modern program began, more than 219 billion lunches have been served. 9. How much does the program cost? The National School Lunch Program cost $9.8 billion in FY 2009. By comparison, the lunch program’s total cost in 1947 was $70 million; in 1950, $119.7 million; in 1960, $225.8 million; in 1970, $565.5 million; in 1980, $3.2 billion; in 1990, $3.7 billion; and in 2000, 6.1 billion. For more information: For information on the operation of the National School Lunch Program and all the Child Nutrition Programs, contact the State agency in your state that is responsible for the administration of the programs. A listing of all our State agencies may be found on our web site at www.fns.usda.gov/cnd, select â€Å"Contact Us†, then select â€Å"Child Nutrition Programs.† 8. How many children have been served over the years?

Friday, August 30, 2019

Manipulating and Controlling Women through Religions and Myths Essay

The first question is, who authored most of the religious dogma, myths, and other belief systems that we have at present? Until now, that is to say throughout all previous history, there has been a sharp gender asymmetry in the hierarchy of knowledge, and nowhere is this more clearly institutionalized than in religion (King 73). The written or oral creeds and their interpretation have for centuries dictated the societal roles that men or women played. Our epics, myths, and commandments arose from the creativity or imaginings of patriarchal society. The commonality of these expressions usually commanded woman’s subservience to the male superior its author. Before the emergence of women empowerment, it was the woman’s role to submit herself to the husband no matter what he is and did. If the setting was the home, she has to serve her king-the husband. Culture has dictated terms of what is feminine in behavior and appearance. Early Roman religious life has man as the dominant if not having the monopoly in a Roman city’s affairs. In the religious life of Rome we find reflected both the authority of the male members of society and the importance of the family as a unit of society. Women are as always not an active participant in its activities. Women are to a certain extent excluded from cult activities, not least in the public arena. They do not hold important positions of authority. Some may disagree with this and points to the so-called Vestal Virgins. Hinnels (Hinnels) points out that with the absence of women from public religious life there was one major exception, though that was a very significant one. The Vestal Virgins, the female priests of the cult of Vesta, were six women recruited as children of six years old and committed to the preservation of their virginity and the service of the goddess for thirty years. They were concerned with a very wide range of cults and rituals and it is clear that the security and health of the whole community depended on the maintenance of their duties. They had to keep the sacred fire on the hearth of Vesta burning at all times. In periods of extreme danger, the city sometimes turned on them and accused them of unchastity, evidently seeking to blame them for the crisis. If found guilty they were buried alive at the limit of the city. In some theories, they were originally the daughters of the old kings of Rome, so that their relationship to the fire and the hearth echoed the duties of the ordinary household. The theories are more attractive than reliable. Important though the Vestals may have been, they were no more than a single exception to the general exclusion of women from public positions of authority or power in the public life of Rome. Some women in the late Republic and early Empire did achieve personal power and influence, but this did not change the basic rules by which social institutions operated. If you are a Vestal virgin, your lifespan is dependent on the relative period of peace that your city enjoys. Otherwise being fired, terminated, and buried at the limit of the city is not an attractive prospect. Roman and Greek mythology may have given women important roles in their godhoods, since we have Athena, Demeter, Juno, and Aprodite, but the important chief position is always to the man- Jupiter or Zeus. For the world’s contemporary chief religions: Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, and the Confucian credos have directed that it is the primary duty of women to be obedient and devoted. The laws that enforce them are based on the existing religious and cultural belief systems and their derivations. When women are physically disfigured through foot binding and genital mutilation society, it is in compliance to tradition. How do these disfigurements served any purpose to the woman or the man? There have been disagreements as to the reason why footbinding has existed for a long time in China. Patricia Ebrey (Buckley)posits the following: Footbinding was an alteration of the body that changed everything about a woman’s physical being. Because the ideal upper-class man was by Song times a relatively subdued and refined figure, he might seem effeminate unless women could be made even more delicate, reticent, and stationary. What better than tiny feet to accomplish this? For the footbound Chinese woman, the debilitation confined her to the home and reinforced her role as the husband’s sole possession. Refinement and being subdued is no excuse for this abominable act. Female genital mutilation has been a tradition of many African tribal societies. It is a female circumcision done to prepare a young girl for marriage. This is a very unhygienic and therefore a very dangerous practice. Supposedly, mutilation ensures that the woman do not go astray since that part of her that makes her commit a sin has been removed. This inculcates a guilty feeling to the girls mind and reinforces the belief that women are morally weaker and therefore needed to be put in their position of low esteem. Such are the heavy prices that woman has to pay for being a woman. Gladly, their being widespread is confined in the past. Religion, myths, and our beliefs systems favor the man and ensure his dominance over the woman. The erstwhile Taliban regime of Afghanistan is the contemporary extreme believer of this. Under the Taliban regime in Afghanistan at the beginning of the twenty-first century, for example, punishment for noncompliance with brutally extreme restrictions on women’s appearance and behavior included public flogging and execution. Compulsion, however, is not the only or even necessarily the most effective means for encouraging women to subscribe to femininity norms. Social rewards and personal satisfaction are also motivators. Piety is its own reward for a woman of any faith who believes she is behaving in accordance with divine will. Depending on how she interprets her faith, a contemporary Muslim woman may thus signal her femininity and her piety by choosing to wear the veil whether she lives under a theocratic or a secular political system. Her choice to veil may be reinforced by additional rewards, such as greater respect and personal autonomy accorded to her by her family and the local Muslim community (Hoodfar and Hoodfar). If you are publicly flogged for wearing a knee-length dress, it is not time to fire your dressmaker it is appropriate to question if the punishment is commensurate with the offense. If jihadists believed that bombing innocent civilians will ensure them heavenly virgins, what will women suicide bombers get? Making a distortion of a religious belief by subordinating women as men’s rewards acquits women from suspicion of establishing that belief. The Judeo-Christian belief is not spared from instilling guilty feeling and low-esteem to women. Consider this passage from Numbers 5:30: . . . or when feelings of jealousy come over a man because he suspects his wife. The priest is to make her stand before the LORD and is to apply this entire law to her. The operative word her is â€Å"suspicion†. If you are suspected by your husband of having been unfaithful, you will be treated in the same manner as those proven to be guilty of the same. This could be a Damocles sword hanging over the head of the woman as she is proven once again to be not having the same rights as the man. What do you expect when your subsidiary position was ensured during creation when you were drawn from the rib of Adam. Children of Eve have borne their guilt when the first woman caused the man to transgress the law of God by eating that forsaken fruit. The woman may blame the snake who had scurried away but she had to stay by her man. This guilty feeling has always been foisted to the woman since paradise was lost. In the same vein that the Nazis annihilated the Jews for having caused the crucifixation of the Christ. In the Old Testament, having the same blood does not ensure the needed affection and respect; nothing is more abominable than the story of Lot who offered his two virgin daughters to the unruly crowd who wanted to sodomize guests. Ge. 19:5 They called to Lot, â€Å"Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them. † Ge. 19:6 Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him Ge. 19:7 and said, â€Å"No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Ge. 19:8 Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don’t do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof. † If biblical characters and the Mosaic Law subordinate women to men, you cannot expect a different perspective from the society where these belief systems are integrated. When Jewish and Muslim men became polygamous, nothing is wrong about it, but when otherwise you can surely expect a stoning. In some parts of part of Tibet, polyandry is not frowned up, but Tibet is a very small country whose religious influence is confined within its small borders. Hindu Universe, an internet website explained that in Hinduism the religious root of women’s oppression stems from the belief that the son and daughter are not inherently equal. Though many sages argued that since both come from the father’s body, there is no difference between the two, ritual status of the son is higher. Perhaps this belief that â€Å"if a man’s vitality is greater then a son would be produced, but if a woman’s vitality is greater then a daughter would be produced† is also responsible. Men looked upon their sons â€Å"as mirrors of the father†. A son therefore conducts the funeral ceremony of the parents. Though in absence of a son, a daughter can also perform them, it is only in absence of a brother. A daughter is seen as belonging ultimately not to her father’s family, but to her husband’s. So the first thing that must be done is to remove this idea that a son is more value and that daughters are born to go to another’s house. Conclusion There is something wrong with the way women were manipulated and controlled in the past apparently in compliance with the written and traditional beliefs. If this was not so, widespread women empowerment at present would not have been possible. The United Nations’ Millennium Declaration pledges explicitly â€Å"to combat all forms of violence against women and to implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) (Waldorf)†. And it further recognizes the importance of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment as an effective pathway for combating poverty, hunger and disease and for stimulating truly sustainable development. Such declaration does not ensure that manipulation and control of women will cease in some corners of the world. Yet this global consensus is an indication that indeed misconceptions about gender roles are existing and should therefore be corrected. If this is a violation of Judeo-Christian, Hindu, Islamic, and other religious precepts, why then had this been adopted by many countries who had practiced the belief systems based on these religions? Why the shift to expanding women roles and even placing them in positions of leaderships in many countries? We can only conclude that this is an acceptance of women having been contained for so long. This is a silent acquiescence that indeed the forefathers and not the foremothers may have treated the children of Eve unjustly. References Buckley, Patricia. The Inner Quarters: Marriage and the Lives of Chinese Women in the Sung Period. Berkeley: University of California, 1993. Hinnels, John R. Ed. A Handbook of ancient Religions. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Hoodfar, Homa and Homa Hoodfar. More Than Clothing:Veiling as an Adaptive Strategy. Toronto: Women’s Press, 203. King, Ursula. Religion and Gender: Embedded Patterns, Interwoven Frameworks. Oxford: Blackwell, 1995. The Ages Digital Library. The Holy Bible. Albany: Ages Software, 1996. Waldorf, Lee. Pathway to Gender Equality. United Nations Fund for Women, n. d.

Compare and Contrast Iliad vs. Odessey Essay

The Iliad begins with Chryses, a prophet of Apollo, coming to a Greek camp and offering valuable â€Å"penalty tokens† requesting the return of his daughter who the Greeks had captured in a raid. Because Agamemnon believed she was rightfully his, he refused. Most of his fellow Greeks wanted him to return her in order to avoid conflict. In order to preserve his time (honor, respect, value), Agamemnon brings danger to them all. Chryses prays to Apollo and a plague is released upon the Achaeans. Achilles, a basileus in the Greek army, suggests seeking insight from the prophet Calchas. Upon doing so all are informed that Agamemnon is responsible for the plague because he refused to return his geras (prize), the daughter of Chryses. In order to preserve his time and relieve the burden of the plague, Agamemnon decides to take someone else’s geras. He threatens to takes Achillesgeraand this make the destructive anger of Achilles â€Å"sing†. However, Athena intercedes and causes him to restrain himself. Agamemnon’s men seize hisgera, Briseis, and Achilles refuses to fight. Needing him for a successful battle, they offer him his gera and more, but he refuses. His rage is kindled against Agamemnon. Achilles rejects the system upon which heroic culture was built. Because he receives his time from Zeus, he doesn’t care what people think. Upon hearing about the death of his companion Patroclus, Achilles attacks the Trojan forces and kills Hector, Patroclus’s killer. He drags his body behind his chariot for days wishing he would have fought sooner and prevented the death of his friend. When Priam, Hectors father comes to meet with Achilles, they celebrate a mutual respect for the lives lost and for each other and they make peace. Hector is buried and the city still stands. The Odyssey opens with Zeus reflecting on mortal affairs. He spoke among the deathless ones about the folly that mortals suffer by their own hands. Aegisthus, cousin of Agamemnon committed adultery with Clytemnestra, Agamemnon’s wife, and then helped her to murder Agamemnon. He went on to explain how Orestes, son of Agamemnon, then killed Aegisthus and his mother to avenge his father’s death and how this all could have been avoided if he would have taken the warning that Hermes gave him before all this happened to heart and abstained from adultery. Yet, mortals blame the gods for all evil, â€Å"when really it’s through their own folly they suffer, even more than necessary.† Then Athena rises in the divine assembly and requests that the righteous Odysseus is released from imprisonment on the island of Calypso. Zeus then sends Hermes to set him free. The story focus’s on Odysseus who escapes from the island and sails upon the sea in a raft. But his enemy Poseidon, as the story attests, causes a storm that destroys the raft and makes Odysseus swim for three days until he lands on the island of Phaeacia, where King Alcinous rules. The virgin princess Nausicaa meets him on shore and takes him to the palace. After revealing his identity, Odysseus recounts his wanderings to the Phaeacians. After leaving Troy, he and his men, with twenty boats, came to the land of Thracians and lost many men in a raid. After departing, a storm takes them to the land of the Lotus Eater. If anyone eats the lotus, they will forget their purpose, to go home again. Then Odysseus comes to the land of the Cyclops where many of his men are eaten alive and he is imprisoned in a cave. Odysseus tricks the Cyclops and escapes. He then comes to the island of Circe, â€Å"hawk.† Then Odysseus gains the respect of the witch Circe with the help of Hermes and him and his men enjoy a year on the island. Then Circe tells him that he must consult the spirit of the prophet Tiresias to learn what awaits him. He sails away and speaks with spirits. The spirit of the murdered Agamemnon praises Odysseus’ wife Penelope for being faithful and warns Odysseus to beware of women when returning home. Traveling on, they pass by the island of the Sirens, whose seduce men with their song. Odysseus prevents his men from hearing their song and they make it past. Next, he passes by the monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis. Five men are eaten, and the rest go to the island of Helios Hyperion, the sun. Circe warned him not to eat the cattle but they did anyway. When they sail away, Zeus destroys their boat to punish their impiety. Odysseus alone escapes. He finally comes to the island of Calypso, where the story began. In the text, â€Å"The Greeks, History, Culture and Society,† authors Morris and Powell compare and contrast the Iliad and the Odyssey as such, â€Å"The remarkable Odyssey†¦has a tripartite plot, but moves more in spirals than in a straight line. Whereas the Iliad describes a man at odds with his society, a man apart, the Odyssey describes a man who journeys far, suffers much then returns to his proper place in society†¦the Iliad is tragic, the Odyssey is comic [meaning the story ends in harmony and acceptance].† In the Iliad, people die in combat, often times honorable men against honorable men. Morals are a major theme expressed in the Iliad. Upholding a state of honesty, restraint, discipline, honor, and respect are important characteristics that are sought for. The Odyssey deals with Odysseus striving to return home and the morals of mortals are critiqued by Zeus. While Achilles challenges his commander Agamemnon and abhors devious behavior, Odysseus uses trickery to survive and overcome obstacles. The Iliad and the Odyssey compliment each other by telling two different stories that both give insight into the Trojan War, the Trojan Horse, the funeral of Achilles, and the return of Menelaus and Helen to Sparta. They both deal with the struggles and hardship of mortal life. The purity of women is praised in these stories. Nausicaa is an honored virgin princess and Penelope is known and respected as a virtuous woman who staves off lustful men seeking to sleep with her, while Clytemnestra dishonors her husband and dishonors herself by committing adultery. They both deal with the gods interceding in human affairs. Human behavior is portrayed in both stories along with the challenges of life. The mortals in both stories have to struggle against fear, anger, and other ego-based dimensions of human existence. Both stories give us insight into the minds of the inhabitants of the earth during this time period and their perception of reality. The reality of the â€Å"gods†, supernatural beings, was common knowledge for most people during this time. Today, the existence of the gods is dismissed by most, questioned by many, and known by few. Reality, as they perceived it, was similar in many ways as it is today, but it was also very different. Both stories help up us reflect and gain a deeper understanding of life in ancient Greece.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Lead Presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Lead Presentation - Essay Example In the present report, we will concentrate upon different approaches to calculating payment to the staff, with especial emphasis upon the use of performance-based and skill-based payment systems, and compensation packages. Whereas there are several types of salary (fixed, performance-based, skill-based, etc.), each having its merits and demerits, the companies choose the one that corresponds ideally to the profession, style of work, and even personal traits of workers. It is a well-known phenomenon that whereas some categories of employees are motivated by high salaries, others prefer getting compensation package rather than big salary. For companies' managers, it is often difficult to choose between offering their employees high salary, on the one hand, and other benefits on the other. Let us therefore consider two types of payment and compensation packages, and how their use influences the performance of the employees. Skill-based system of employees' remuneration certainly has both advantages and disadvantages: on the one hand, it makes the task of calculating the payment for each worker easier for the company's management and allows to attract and retain highly skilled personnel, but on the other hand it takes into account skills rather than actual performance and therefore people get more not because they work hard but because of their background. Sometimes employees with better skills perform worse than those who are less skilled, and in these cases such a system of payment will affect the quality of work, lower employees' motivation, and even destroy team spirit. Yet, it may be argued that those who had been able to develop a certain amount of skills are those whose motivation and performance are high, and the system of skill-based payment works under the condition that certain rules are stuck to. First of all, it is crucial that the employees understand the way the payment is calculated, and fully committed to the company so that there are no doubts as for its fair attitude to staff. (Schuster, 1998) Secondly, the company's management has to make sure that the skills the workers acquire correspond to the company's goals, since it has been pinpointed that skill-based pay is likely to cause problems in cases when the skills acquired by the staff 'become outdated or if the skills are not being used to the fullest by the company'. (Ashish et al. 2004) Therefore, the company should "reflect the button of an employees learned skills to the achievement of company goals". (Fox 2002) 2.2. Compensation packages Perhaps the main argument in favor of company's using compensation packages is that this brings the employees to a considerable degree of commitment making them regard their company as stable, reliable, and caring about its staff's wellbeing. Nowadays, practically any respectable company offers their staff compensation packages of some sort which may include bonuses, holding companies' stocks, getting discounts, medical insurance, etc. (What does a total compensation package include, 2001; Compensation package, 2005; Evaluating the total compensation package, 2005) Free trainings and courses are also extremely motivating, especially for the young

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Describe functionalism and critiqued it with Feminism inrelation to Essay

Describe functionalism and critiqued it with Feminism inrelation to family - Essay Example It is this approach towards interpreting the society that it was criticized by Marxists and later on by Feminists to the extent that by the1970s, it became antique. This paper will describe Functionalism and offer a Feminist critique especially its approach towards the role of the family. An attempt will also be made to relate social work to functionalism. When Europe was going through a period of tumult in the nineteenth century basically in the event of the emerging industrial society which brought with it social issues like poverty, poor working conditions, high crime rate and most importantly heightened political awareness which posed a threat to the social fabric woven around essentially Christian moral values, there emerged a need to safeguard the society. But as argued by Davis (1959), â€Å"†¦historically, the rise of functionalism represented a revolt against reductionist theories, anti-theoretical empiricism and moralistic or ideological views under the name of sociology or social anthropology.† The French Revolution preceded by renaissance challenged the status quo of the erstwhile industrialised Europe thus questioning the role of the ruling classes. Radical ideas like equality, individual rights, free will and contentment stimulated the revolution which also changed the social consciousness. These conditions w ere naturally a matter of concern for the rulers and the conservative intelligentsia, and in order to counter the growing radicalism they came up with a new social paradigm based on the theory that every institution in the society had a function, that all social structures and processes strove to maintain a social order and had a tendency to integrate the society which was essentially to be studied as an integral whole. Proponents of Functionalism further propounded that all societies had functional

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Construction organisations have adapted themselves to address change Essay

Construction organisations have adapted themselves to address change and the growing complexity of the construction industry.Pre - Essay Example One of the key characteristics of the construction industry is its high complexity; the projects developed across this industry are depended on a series of factors, including technology, climate conditions, suppliers’ and employees’ efficiency and responsibility, local regulation and so on. Therefore, for the firms that operate in the particular industry the full achievement of their goals is a challenging task; in fact, the research on the industry’s characteristics and performance has led to the conclusion that operational and strategic failures are common phenomena in this industry. This issue is discussed in this paper; it is concluded that the above failures can justify the argument that in modern market no single ideal organization can exist. The aspects and the explanation of this argument are presented in this paper referring, as an example, to the challenges and the performance of firms operating in the construction industry. 2. Change and increase of co mplexity in the construction industry - characteristics, responses and consequences - discussion of the premise that there is no single ideal organization. ... The value of the construction industry for economies worldwide cannot be ignored. For example, in USA, one of the most competitive construction markets globally, the value of the construction industry for the domestic product has estimated to 9% - referring to 2005 (Atallah 2006). Despite its size, the construction industry in USA is not well structured – a high fragmentation has been identified; more specifically, most of the industry’s firms are small and operate within their local area – about 2.1 millions of the relevant businesses are self-employed (Atallah 2006). This fact limits the potentials of these firms to face the challenges set by the globalization. The above phenomenon is common in countries worldwide. Firms in the construction industry are usually established and operate in the context of the development of particular construction projects; in many cases, the end of a construction project can set the survival of a construction firm in risk. In oth er words, there is no expansion of the activities or tasks allocated to the employees. Rather, the operation of each construction firm is depended on the successful development of a particular construction project; it is for this reason, that most of firms in this industry are self-employed – the number of employees is low. This trend is reflected in the figures released in the study of Bennett (2003); in accordance with the above study, the construction firms in Italy have been estimated to 482,000 (for 2002), a number extremely high taking into consideration the potential number of construction projects developed across the country/ compared to the country’s size and relevant needs (Bennett 2003). Moreover, in accordance with a

Monday, August 26, 2019

Health and iPhone research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Health and iPhone research - Essay Example One of the ways in which good health care organization can be managed is through app that are available for various Smartphone technologies. The mobile devices create a convenient resource from which to keep the information about daily care with an individual at all times. The iPhone, in particular, is a device that has a wide variety of apps that can be used for health related purposes. As well, the device is designed to be user friendly, both to those using the product and those using the design possibilities for apps. In looking at a way to effectively use the device for a health care related app, the iPhone provides an easily accessed resource from which to facilitate a good design. This report looks at the feasibility of creating an app for the iPhone in which organization and information is readily available for those who must make lifestyle changes in regard to their chronic illness, either from having diabetes or high blood pressure. A literature review will look at the diseases in question and their needs, followed by an overview of the Smartphone technology. The iPhone will be examined for its history and the ways in which it has the most positive potential for such an app. Finally, the report will be an overview of a potential project looking at how the potential for such an app would have use. The aim of this report is to develop a plan for creating an iPhone application in which those who are suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure can utilize the information in an interactive environment in order to better facilitate the management of their care. The main users of such technology will be those who have diseases related to diabetes and high blood pressure, their daily monitoring possible through a system that can keep them in touch with outside resources that will aid in their care. The following literature review will look at the multiple

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Is it important for society to try to save languages that are in Essay

Is it important for society to try to save languages that are in danger of disappearing Should governments create laws to encourage the protection of endangered languages - Essay Example It is very important for the society to preserve their languages. This is because it encourages the growth of culture and social progress. The steps taken to promote the propagation of native languages to encourage the linguistic diversity and the cultural traditions in the world, which inspires solidarity based on understanding, indulgence, and discourse. Most of these languages under threat of extinction are due to powerful languages such as English, French, Spanish, and German. Languages are the most important tools of communication. They help reflect the view of the world according to the different communities that speak marginalized languages. They are also tools of value systems and of cultural expressions. Languages contribute as the dominant factor that gives identity to various communities, groups, and individuals (Zrioka, 2012). Despite the increased importance of technology, it has also contributed to extinction of language. The age of cyberspace and digitalization has con tributed a lot towards the extension of these languages. This is because the use of powerful language like English has dominated the education system in many countries. It has made the young people to try to learn it for a better career (Council of Europe, 2010). The governments should create laws to encourage the protection of endangered languages. This can be done by setting up of a native language day. This will encourage the societies to maintain their cultures and traditions and strengthen the unity and cohesion of societies. Secondly, the government can protect the use of this language through the enacting Minority Language Protection laws. Protection laws will encourage the use of minority languages in various departments of the government. The Minority Language Protection laws should aim at encouraging training of interested people to use their native languages. This can be done by encouraging the training of native languages in government schools

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Hypospadia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hypospadia - Essay Example When the opening is located in the shallow channel of the penis close to where the shaft meets the head, this form is Coronal hypospadias. When the opening of the urethra occurs anyplace along the underside of the shaft, this is understandably known as Penile shaft hypospadias. The least frequent type of hypospadias is Perineal hypospadias where the opening of the urethra occurs below the penis’ shaft, most commonly affecting the scrotum. All four types of hypospadias combined is still a rare birth defect. Less than one percent of males, one in 250 births, are affected by hypospadias (Retik/Borer, 2002). The causes of the birth defect are yet to be fully understood by the scientific and health care communities. It is commonly acknowledged that treating pregnant women with progesterone and other hormones could increase the chance that their son is born with the disorder. If the woman’s body experiences hormonal imbalances or if the levels of hormones in her body fluctuate greatly during the early period of pregnancy, this could cause the testes of the fetus to fail to manufacture sufficient amounts of testosterone. This hormonal imbalance could also cause the inability of the fetus to react to testosterone. Both situations increase the possibility that the fetus will develop a host of genetic disorders including hypospadias. Symptoms of hypospadias in its mildest forms are not readily apparent, particularly in the case of newborns up to children of school-age. Beyond this age, if the disorder is not corrected with surgery, males will often learn of their condition after they complain to a doctor that their urinary stream is consistently uncontrollable, spraying in random directions. In the case of severe hypospadias conditions, males are unable to urinate when standing. Teenage males with hypospadias experience a higher likelihood of their testicles remaining un-descended following

Friday, August 23, 2019

Supply Chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Supply Chain - Essay Example The last part of the report analyzes how the use of e-commerce in supply chains has enhanced the value and business operations for both the companies. Dell Computers Dell was incorporated in 1994 by Michael Dell while he was a student at University of Texas, Austin. From its very first initiatives, direct selling model was adopted. In the beginning PC’s were sold over the phone and they were customized according to customers’ specifications. Dell’s strategic choices and ways of realizing those choices have played an effective role in story Dell’s success. The supply chain management of the company is the key element in its successful business model. The core element of the company’s business model is its direct sales model, referred as ‘direct mode’, with the build to order strategy. Business Model and Supply Chain The differentiated model of dell help it creates a niche in the distribution channel and eliminates the entire mid channel members to arrive at cost leadership position in the industry. The basic principle of Resource based view is that the competitive advantage for any particular organization completely depends upon the resources which are available at any company’s disposal. ... The above figure shows hot the direct model of Dell was different from the indirect distribution channel of the rest of industry. In its direct sale model, the intermediary steps that add cost and time are eliminated, and the company is directly able to link with its customers. Dell directly sells to all its customers, regardless of a home-PC to world’s largest corporations. The direct relationship with individual customer creates a great source of competitive advantage for Dell. This creates a valuable information about the end customers, and thus Dell knows who are the end users of their product, what they have purchased from the company, what are their future preferences, a fact that allows the company to stay closer to their customers by offering add-on products and services. Build in order and Integration with suppliers Thus, a computer is build after the customer places and order, then just-in-time production and lean manufacturing takes place. This means when an order i s placed, its configuration details reaches the manufacturing department and the assembly begins, and once the PC is configured it is shipped by a 3PL to the corresponding customer. The choice of JIT and build to order has several advantages for the company. Firstly, the level of inventories remains very low, leading to faster responses to demand changes and low inventory costs. For instance, if a new microprocessor comes into the market, the company can immediately place an order with its suppliers, as the company need not get rid of the excess inventory. Also, in case of Dell, customers pay in advance. That means the customer pay for the order prior to when the company pays its suppliers for the products, thus giving Dell the opportunity of operating on

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Final Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 6

Final - Research Paper Example While he thought that the theory would reconcile religions and cultures, they all turned against such civilization in unity; no religion has ever embraced Evolution. There still exists a rift in the theories and myths of origin of man and death. The aim of this paper shall be to critically discuss the topic origin and death of man from the various aforementioned perspectives. By so doing, a clear comparison or contrast among different ideologies and myths shall be exposed. One of the objectives is to compare how the topic has also been discussed by Benton Banai (The Mishomis Book), Rainey Gaywish, Dr. Brian Rice (Seeing the World with Aboriginal Eyes), and Vine Deloria Jr. (God is Red). Another objective would be to approve or disapprove the mythology and theories on the origin of man. The origin of man has usually been discussed on the platforms of Creation and Evolution theories. The beliefs and myths of the Aboriginals have always been sidelined by many philosophers and scientists. In as much creation and evolution seems to be the most universalized and civilized approaches, the Aboriginals are quite rich cultures and myths that need to be understood, as Benton Banai and Vine Deloria describe in their books. Evolution, offers that all living organisms originated from a common ancestor. Evolution has been defined as the gradual genetic change that the species usually undergo due to the environmental pressures. The DNA, a vital element of the animal cell, has taken all the living creatures to a single common ancestor. Most animals share the patterns of their DNA. This was before the evolution took place. The evolution eventually took place and the organisms have been biologically and geographically separated from each other. Evolution took place in three different forms. These are: Gradualism, Speciation and the Natural selection. In gradualism, the species take several generations to attain the desired change that will enhance their

Social Media Essay Example for Free

Social Media Essay A few years ago I jumped on the social media bandwagon after being introduced to it by my husband. I was always a little skeptical about social media because of all negative that I had heard about it. Now, I love it because there is a lot of positive about social media as far as I am concerned. Social media is an asset to marketing, and it is fun for personal use as well. I am fan of Facebook so I will discuss how it can direct consumers to a better source of purchasing. A Legally Astute Marketing Manager  According to our text a legally astute manger has four components; a set of value-laden attitudes about the importance of law to the firm’s success; a proactive approach to regulation and legal issues; the ability to exercise informed judgment when managing the legal aspects of business; the appropriate use of legal tools and context specific knowledge of the law (Bagley, 2013, p. 11). The legally astute social media marketing manager has to take those components a step further. The legally astute social media marketing manager must embrace social media and its networking power to drive sustainable change in the business world. In his book, We First: How Brands Consumers Use Social Media To Build A Better World, Simon Mainwaring shows how brands can leverage social media to build consumer goodwill, loyalty, and profit. One of the components of the legally astute manager stresses the importance of values. The We First value of accountability is what builds trust between institutions and the public and between brands and their consumers. Building trust helps the marketing manager take a proactive approach to regulation and legal issues. Trust is declining daily in today’s economy rapidly. According to the Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in American companies fell to an all-time low of 36 percent in 2009, but it rose to an unimpressive 54 percent in 2010. Companies must understand that they cannot by trust, but it must be earned and renewed. They can be easily exposed these days through social media if they fail to live up their promises. Goodwill is another component of accountability. Trust makes people want to buy from your company, and goodwill makes them want to recommend your company to others. The last element of accountability is transparency. Transparency means that individuals and companies must operate with honesty, credibility, and congruency between their words and deed. Transparency helps the manager stay focused on the law and the use of legal tools. It works against backroom deals, hidden agendas, false pretenses, and unethical conduct. All of these values of accountability help the legally astute social media marketing manager mitigate the risks involved in doing business in cyberspace (Mainwaring, 2011, pp. 82-83). Alternative Dispute Resolution Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration are methods of alternative dispute resolution procedures that can help companies maintain keep a relationship with an opposing party. Negotiation happens when the two opposing parties engage in give-and take to come to an agreement. Negotiation can be seen along different dimensions. It can be concerned for future or desired relationships or it can be seen to address past events that have caused disagreements. Mediation happens when parties agree to a solution with the help of a neutral third party. It is a cheaper alternative to a lawsuit, it costs less, and resolutions are speedy. Arbitration is the resolution of a dispute by an arbitrator, the neutral third party. It is the most formal alternative dispute resolution, and it is more like a trial. I think that mediation is most effective for resolving issues that arise with consumer who make purchases from businesses that provide links to social media. One reason why I chose mediation is because it is a flexible process, and it allows for different procedures, rules and structures. Mediation is an appropriate option when parties have a desire to settle their dispute, and they want to preserve their relationship. I think that Facebook would want to continue to grow as it is by the millions so mediation would a beneficial ADR for the company to use. The company’s need for privacy would also be a reason for it to use mediation to resolve any genuine disputes that may come about (Bagley, 2013, p. 67-71). Social Media Across State Lines State governments have general powers, also known as police power. These powers include the powers to protect the health, safety, welfare, and morals of state residents. The Eleventh Amendment immunizes states from lawsuits brought by individuals from another state or nation. There is a Supremacy Clause that makes federal laws supreme over state laws. The federal government should allow the states to have more control over how transactions that occur across state lines are handled. Managers can pursue change through political action committees and direct lobbying (Bagley, 2013, p. 92). Three Branches of Government There is a separation of powers within the federal government. The judicial branch, (the courts), the executive branch (the President and cabinet departments), and the legislative branch (the Congress) all make up the federal government. The Constitution provides the judiciary its power through Article I and Article III. Congress has the authority to establish federal courts through Article I and Article III provides the basis for federal courts judicial power. The President’s executive power is defined in Article II. The President has the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, and he has extensive power over foreign affairs. He can also appoint Justices of the U. S. Supreme Court with the advice and consent of the Senate. He also has the power to approve or disapprove acts of Congress. The Legislative Branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. They have the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among other states, spend to provide for the common defense and general welfare, coin money, establish post offices, levy and collect taxes, issue patents and copyrights, declare war, and raise and support armies. Congress can also make laws as necessary (Bagley, 2013, pp89-91). In m any ways, peaceful change is the ultimate benefit that social media can offer. Social media can reach millions of people with enough leverage to create change without any violence. Consumers do not have to beat down the doors of an irresponsible company. They can use Facebook to gain its cooperation. It is so important to look at the positive role that technology can play and to see how its uses will be increasingly oriented toward meaningful ends. The tools of social media are allowing consumers to shop more consciously. Dozens of websites help weed out wasteful or poorly made products. It is easier to get information about companies that are exposed for having unhealthy, unsustainable, or unethical practices (Mainwaring, 2011, pp. 59-160). Campaigns on Facebook work well because its viral communications tools enable large numbers to become aware of an issue and join together quickly. Facebook has been called digital democracy. Jared Cohen, a former student of Condoleeza Rice said, â€Å"Facebook is one of the most organic tools for democracy promotion the world has ever seen. † As Facebook began to grow globally, it was also being discussed in the White House Situation Room, where President Bush and his National Security Council staff gathered during crises. Because President Obama mastered digital tools in 2008, it was called the â€Å"Facebook election† (Kirkpatrick, 2010. p. 290). Even though the President is known for his use of social media, mainly Facebook, I think that the legislative branch can effectuate the most significant impact on regulating consumer transactions via social media outlets. One of the powers that it has is to regulate commerce with the foreign nations and the states. Because consumer transactions are an element of commerce, I would say that this branch would have the greatest impact. The legislative branch also has another important power that could benefit social media, and that is its ability to make laws as necessary (Bagley, 2013, p. 91). Agency Relationships Agency is considered an important legal relationship in today’s business world. Corporations could not function without the law of agency. Facebook introduced engagement ads as a form of advertisement. In its first year engagement ads generated close to a hundred million dollars of revenue. Facebook charges at least $5 per thousand views for those ads. Facebook gives advertisers more targeting options than most websites. Facebook is an awesome marketing tool for many businesses. For a well-known company like McDonald’s the number of mentions on the site is in the millions. Facebook is an agent for many businesses as well. Mazda asked its fans on Facebook to help it design a car for 2018. They received contributions from all over the world. Some consumer-oriented companies now put less emphasis on their website and more on their Facebook page. The relationship between people and companies will continue to evolve rapidly on Facebook and yield some startling developments. It is the perfect platform for building customer loyalty (Kirkpatrick, 2010, pp. 263-265)

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The developmental stages of adolescence and adulthood

The developmental stages of adolescence and adulthood As a growth stage, adolescence is characterized by exponential and dramatic physical milestones which enable an individual develop from childhood to adulthood. It is during this stage that secondary sexual characteristics emerge due to a surge in production of testosterone in boys as well as estrogen in case of girls (Slee, 2002). These hormones continue being produced until total maturation is achieved. Onset of adolescence and puberty begins early in girls than in boys though individual differences exist due to hereditary and environmental factors like diet or exercise. Rapid increase in weight and height is achieved from as early as 9 years and peaks at around 14 years. Girls develop breast buds during early adolescence with full breast development being achieved at around 12 to 18 years. Hair growth in the pubic area and the armpits begins while the onset of menstrual periods (menarche) begins after two years of breast development. Girls assume a curvier body caused by development of more prominent hips. In males, hair development begins at the onset of adolescence with hair growth being exhibited on the face, pubic area, chest, armpits and on the legs (Slee, 2002). Rapid increase in height and weight is also witnessed in adolescent boys. Appearance of nocturnal emissions also known as wet dreams at the ages of 13 and 17 years primarily marks the adolescence period in boys. The boys notice a considerable enlargement of their sexual organs (i.e. testicles and scrotum). The lengthening of the penis closely follows this development. Deepening of the voice occurs almost along the same time as penile growth. A larger Adams apple then develops. Q2: Adolescences and cognitive development: Key Milestones Adolescence is marked with the development of formal logical operations which are more complex. This is unlike the concrete operations witnessed in childhood. During late childhood, the kind of concrete development achieved, enables the children to think in concrete ways since the actions and events performed during this stage can be evidenced or presented (Berger, 2004). A significant change is achieved during adolescence as the person is now able to undertake abstract thinking whereby he/she thinks about possibilities. The adolescence is also able to think about the occurrence of thinking (i.e. why does a person think?). The ability to derive reasoning from already known principles and ideas characterizes this stage. Considerable amount of time is used to make the transition from concrete thinking to logical operations in a teenager. During adolescence, an individual is able to think systematically and derive logical solutions to a problem. Every developing teenager progresses at a personal pace thereby developing personal view of the world. Here logical application of information especially when undertaking schoolwork is effected. Adolescents are largely emotional, thus when an emotional turmoil occurs, the teenager is unable to think in a complex manner. Before making decisions regarding a particular issue, the adolescent largely question authority as well as pre-existing societal standards. Adolescents form and verbalize their thoughts and forge their taste and preferences on such activities as the sports to play or the personal appearances to adopt. In middle adolescence, the persons cognitive development is geared towards philosophical and futuristic concerns (Berger, 2004). Instances of extensive thinking and questioning are exhibited with the individual establishing their own identity. Individuals begin to systematically think about their future goals and make plans to make the realization of the goals possible. During late adolescence, the individuals complex thinking is geared towards more global issues like pol itical views, history or justice. Thoughts of the role they will play as adults as well as career choices are exhibited during this period. Q3: Physical development: Key Milestones in Early, Middle and late adulthood Adulthood is not marked with physical and exceptional growth spurts. During early adulthood, the individual is transiting into adulthood from adolescence and continued physical growth is exhibited especially in shoulder width and chest width being exhibited. Early adulthood is a mark of adult life as body degradation has not started to occur (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). The body experiences hormonal changes which may result to increased body build. Middle adulthood is characterized by slow physical changes. A considerable loss of sensory sharpness is exhibited. For instance, there are some level of hearing and sight impairment. Sensitivity to light as well as far sightedness begins to emerge a condition which can be corrected by wearing glasses. Gaining of weight in the abdominal region occurs in men while womens hips and thighs increase considerably. During late adulthood, noticeable impairment is seen. The bone mass dwindles while fertility levels decline. Graying of hair as well as sk in wrinkling is also evidenced. During late 40s and early 50s, women experience menopause whereby the ability to give birth again ends. Hormonal levels also drop considerable. Due to thinning of cartilage bones located at the spinal vertebrae, the posture may change (Kail Cavanaugh, 2008). It is estimated that womens height shrinks by about 5cm while that of men by 2cm. Illnesses like heart diseases result due to build up of cholesterol level on the blood capillaries, The brain shrinks due to the diminishing blood supply. Q4: Cognitive development: Key Milestones in Early, middle and late adulthood Cognitive development continues even during adulthood despite the continued brain aging. During early adulthood, alert old people continue to think and act rationally with a lot of alertness. While acting in situations requiring memory and learning prowess, their output is better than that of younger people. This is largely because of experience acquired while accumulating and organizing information (Howe Brainerd, 2009). During middle adulthood, cognitive abilities continue to improve. More adaptive and concrete thought line is exhibited within the adult, making possible several rational decisions procedures regarding personal relationships, emotions as well as social issues. Late adulthood which occurs at about 65 years is marked with considerable decline in intellectual abilities. The ability to execute unfamiliar tasks or finding a solution to a complex problem becomes troublesome to the aging adult. Slowed response to situations and information is exhibited during this period. This is because of considerable reduction in mental as well as physical activity. Emotional crises like depression and stress also play a major role in cognitive decline in late adulthood (Howe Brainerd, 2009). Brain weight reduces thus casing considerable loss in speed and memory losses. This ultimately increases the reasoning and understanding levels of older people causing them to exhibit wisdom. Q5: Adolescence and Socioemotional development: Key Milestones Brain segment which controls emotions is developed and matured during adolescence. Adolescents exhibit spontaneous emotional outbursts especially when dealing with peers as well as parents. This possesses a challenge especially to parents and teachers who may be overwhelmed on the manner in which to respond to such outbursts. A gradual process is undertaken in enabling the adolescents to learn how to replace the improper thoughts as well as actions with behaviors which are goal oriented (Pulkkinen, et al 2006). A major conflict which exists in adolescents development is the eminent desire to obtain more freedom than that allowed by parents and/ or guardians. According to Socioemotional development theory by Erikson, this phase is marked by the improvement on a sense of identity when in a relationship. Adolescents also desire to have independent thoughts regarding their desires especially when focusing of their abilities and goals. Peer relationships are emphasized by the adolescents since they are primarily looking for freedom from parental authoritativeness. Such behaviors as drug and substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors are developed during this period. Adolescent association with deviant peers is common hence the reason why parents need maintain open communication with their adolescent children so as to know when their children risk being involved with such peers (Pulkkinen, et al 2006). Bibliotherapy especially in social groups where literature is used to arm the adolescents with information regarding the changes occurring in their bodies, is vital in helping the adolescent cope with emotional turmoil. Q6: Socioemotional development: Key Milestones in Early, middle and late adulthood Massive Socioemotional changes milestones are exhibited during adulthood characterized by forging newer social relationships as well as positions. Depending on personal experiences, the Socioemotional sentiment differs from one person to the other. Such emotional activities as marrying, death, getting or losing a job, going to school or being abandoned by a spouse contribute to social development of individuals. During early adulthood, individuals decide on the career path to follow and they devote considerable a lot of their time in following their career path. Issues of love feature prominently during this period making many people want to establish their families. The thought of being parents is made evident during this period thus changes in personal and social orientation emerges (Berk, 2004). Middle adulthood is characterized by a midlife crises phase. This period is characterized by individuals trying to modify or even reappraising their lives as well as the relationships alre ady formed. The level of satisfaction and contentment upheld during this period is highly dependent on the type of accomplishments achieved. For instance the kind of job, finances, family and sex life upheld determine whether the individual will be happy or not. During the late adulthood phase, the emotional maturity is evident in many adults. Active participation in political and social scenes is common. Majority of the people who were in formal employment retire during this period. Life satisfaction and esteem is high during this period owing the achievements acquired. People adopt an inward looking and conforming lifestyle and enjoy interactions with other family members. Relationships become increasingly satisfying and fulfilling than any other period (Berk, 2004). According to Erikson, the Generativity vs. Stagnation stage is characterized by an increased interest in an individual to guide the development of the next generation. Through genuine care and productive social involvement individuals desires to produce something of real value which will positively impact on the society thereby achieving Generativity. On the contrary, individuals who are self-centered and do not engage in activities beneficial to society suffer from stagnation contributed by their lack of productivity.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The Death of the Author by Roland Barthes

The Death of the Author by Roland Barthes In this essay I am going to write about Roland Barthes concept of The Death of the Author and how it applies to class and taste in the work of Tracey Emin. The reason why I am investigating this is that I want to show how different classes views work differently. my theory is that if your brought up in a similar class to someone else then your views on art work will be similar. the essay is divided into 3 section. Section 1 I will be talking about the Roland Barthes concept of The Death of the Author which is an essay on who holds the meaning of any text/ artwork is it the author or the reader, he says as soon as the author present their work the meaning behind the creation dies, so the new meaning lies behind the reader, I will also be explain what Michel Foucault theory is which is contrasting to Barthes theory, I will be using Martin Parr mainly looking at his series for Last resort 1983-85. Section 2 I will be describing what class and taste is, I will also be introducing critical perspectives such as Marxism and Feminism. Introducing some key theorist including Pierre Bourdieu and Antonio Gramsci. I will be using Grayson Perrys Tapestries for the series the vanity of small differences 2009 that he created that explores class and taste. Section 3 will be my main case study and I will be discussing Tracey Emins work in terms of class and taste and how Barthes theory applies to her work. This framework shouldnt be biased on Marxist view or a feminism view because I am looking at what people think of Emins work what class and taste does it have and what she has. Also to see whether The Death of the Author applies to her work. Does she hold the meaning or does the viewer. In this section I am going to be exploring the work of Roland Barthes. Barthes was born in 1915 and died in 1980, he was a French literary theorist, philosopher, linguist, critic and semiotician. Barthe wrote an influential essay called The Death of the Author. This essay was first published in a French journal in 1968. It was then re-published in 1977 in an anthology of Barthes essays called image-music-text. The Death of the Author is written in a semiotic framework. A British visual semioticians called Daniel Chandler defines semiotics as is the study of signs (chandler,1994). Semiotics and signs are split into 2 which are signifier and the signified, a signifier the form which the sign takes and a signified the concept it represents. In this essay that I am writing about Barthes argues against the method of reading, nobody reads the description about picture first they are intrigued and get lost in the picture itself, he says that the reader has full control on what the context is all about, leaving their own mark on the meaning of a particular artwork for an example the Piss Christ created by Andres Serrano photographed in 1989 (see figure 1) his intentions with this image was to show how we all use this motif as a fashion accessory which people are not horrified by it all, but what it represents is the crucifixion of a man that will hold meaning forever not just to religious people, it has become well known. It caused controversy for more than two decades by art critics and religion, Christians found the art work very offensive, this art work was severely damaged in several places it has been exhibited. Art critic Jesse Helms had only one view on Piss Christ even after reading the synopsis serrano is not an artist. He is a Jerk (Brooks, 2014). I disagree with Helms view due to what his intentions where. This essay addresses the lack of power of the authors in reading and analysing text/ artwork, this shows that reader or viewer ignores the authors and work background and focus on the work itself. When critically analysing a writing/ art work Barthes says the author, his person, his life, his tastes, his passions (Barthes P.383) what I think Barthes is trying to say is that when we analyze work whatever the outcome whether its success or failure the author is forced to take full responsibility of the work they present, its his work. Serrano had intentions to present the work but he wanted it to show that we use the Christ as a fashion accessory but in fact this work was failure to present his idea to the world but he did succeed as this work managed to cause controversy to everyone. In The Death of the Author Barthes discusses the text itself appearing as copied from other works. The intention of the text could be misleading due to the translation from the author to text then to the reader this is due to the subjectivity of the reader, different levels of education would read this text differently and get their own interpretation of the text. This point ultimately leads to Barthes main point: the reader holds more responsibility to the text than the author. The difficulty of different connotations and experiences that come from the author into the text are compressed and flattened when it arrives to the reader. The reader comes empty handed and is completely self-engaged with the image presented. It is as if a sculpture, a three dimensional work, is photographed, reduced to two dimensions. So much information is condensed and made out-of-the-way to the viewer. Barthes makes the point that the origin of a work may lie with the author, but its destination is with the reader. Meaning that the original meaning lies with the author and some of that is noticed but the real notice is but the reader. I believe this as you never read the text to see what its about, you read the picture get your own connotations from it and then read the text if you can be bothered to do so. Barthes puts a point across of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ the birth of the reader must be at the cost of The Death of the Author. (Barthes cited in Dayton, 1998, P.386). I believe that the reader holds the majority of the meaning but the author holds some meaning, especially if the author has a description of the image next to it, which the reader can then read to find out the background of the image can could give a different perspective on the work that could be what the author is trying to do or lead to a completely different to what the reader and the author is portraying. Barthes goes on to say a text consists of multiple writings, issuing from several cultures and entering into dialogue with each other à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. But there is one place where this multiplicity is collected, united, and this place is not the author, as we have hitherto said it was, but the reader (Barthes 1968 P.6) I believe what he is trying to say here is that when people say a picture holds a thousand words doesnt mean a thousand words in a culture but each culture places their words of meaning into an image, these words are then collated with each other to bring a final meaning to a picture. So Barthes is saying Millions of minds working together is better than one mind coming up with the meaning behind an+ image. Even if the meaning has a particular journey to get there. Barthes states that the author is only a way through which a story is told. They have already been done by the journey of the particular image. But still the meaning behind an image still lays on the reader(s). if the reader was to view the work through the eye of the author then they will not gain any benefit from viewing an image. Barthes is saying that when we view an image without a text we immediately can relate to the image in a certain way, if they dont then they are only stuck with the authors thoughts and intentions, which will not go far for the author. I think this is true because the author likes to know what the readers think of their work they are interested in the positives but most interested in the negatives, due to their personal experience that the image has recreated. (Atchison, 2016) It appears that when Barthes says the birth of the reader must come at the cost of The Death of the Author, it would help the reader to interpretation and understand the image if they were some to non-connection between the author and the image. I believe that the author will never be completely dead. The thought process and the process of the image has some meaning to the image. Barthes said that the author should get neither praise for a good book not blamed for a bad one this is insinuating that the authors need labels, I believe that readers are responsible for the continued presence of the author. As well as the authors own interests in being involved. The author is stuck between death and alive the author cant control what the viewers see of their work neither does he have a massive say on what they mean. For an example Martin Parrs work who I will introduce further in the essay, when we view his work we immediately know its him due to his artistic approach so we know immediate ly know what the work would be about, so the meaning holds with the author, whereas Tracey Emin who also will be introduced later in the essay, her work was viewed differently due to her fame, she wasnt known as much, her work was seen the opposite to what her intentions where. Only now as she became famous and more well-known her work is now seen as how she wanted it to be seen. Nevertheless, in comparison to what Barthes is saying which is the meaning of an image remains on the reader, Michel Foucault was mentioned in the book Practises of Looking. He says yes the viewer does make meaning but there is a place for the author input/ style. This is called the author function. He identifies multiple functions of the author of 3 ways: which are author as a legal construction so we rely on author copyright and charge on plagiarism, author as literary construction so we they build a story to go with the image and author as a unifying construction, this function shows our belief that authors are internally steady. (Kelley, 2011) We can see this theory in the work of Martin Parr mostly in his series of Last Resort, 1985. (see fig 2,3 and 4) A little description about this series by Parr, they were taken 1983 to 1985, which was a period of economic decline in northwest England. Parr picked a seaside resort that has passed its attractions designed to appeal to an economically depressed working class. Which are overcrowded beaches, video arcades, beauty competitions, chip chops and tea rooms. The series was exhibited at the serpentine gallery in London. Published as a book in 1986 and this set Parrs reputation as a photographer. Parr contrasts the traditional approach to documentary photography, he shows the working class seeking cheap thrills for pleasure. The typical documentary photographer photographs brits sought to worship the working class. In the 1980s The Last Resort was seen to be accused as to show what the economic policies of the conservative government led by Margaret Thatcher (Prime Minister 1979- 90). Parr was showing that Britain wasnt great due to thatcher, I was showing that it wasnt as good as she was telling us it was. We see a great division of meaning in his work, the north understood what Parr was trying to get across but the south sees his work as unartistic. Some critics understood Parrs illustration of what the economic lacked. Val William has read the image with a less politician approach, in her views, the last resort typifies Parrs keen eye for the strange. She commented theres no sarcasm in Parrs gaze, just interest, excitement and a real sense of the comedic (Williams, 2002 p.161). Parr himself has claimed, Im less interested in the fact that these people arent well off financially as in the fact that they have to deal with screaming kids, like anyone has to Im also interested in making the photographs work on another level, showing how British society is decaying; how this once great society is falling apart (Williams, 2002, p.160). I agree with Williams on what she is saying, Parr take images as it is with his same technique that he uses. They are no real approach to his work. Also what I think he is trying to portray what us as brits have to deal with when we are the working the class, we dont have much money for a luxury holid ay or to even live, the working class has to take the cheap route to be thrilled. In the DVD (the world according to Parr) David Hurn who is an English documentary photographer and member of the magnum photos, born in 1934, he stated he has managed to encapsulate the vulgarity of this period. What he is trying to say is that Parr encloses quality of being sophisticated at the period of time he was photographing. But other members of the magnum photos group they considered to be Thatcherite, portraying working class as scruffy, unintelligentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ butà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ he rapidly became a top earner. Which is what my original view of Parrs work was like until I read into why he was photographing. In the same source Val williamson who was his biographer and curator she refers to him as a traditional documentary photographer, although I disagree as traditional documentary photographers in the era he was photographing are mostly in black and white or desaturated images. Parrs images are very saturated which is completely different to what everyone else was doing around the same time as he the series of images that he was doing. But if you look at Parr image you know immediately it was created by him use to his aesthetics, of saturated colours, the randomness of what he is photographing and the quality of his images. In contrast critic Colin Jacobson comments that Parr is wacky colour photographyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ attractive to magazine editors (DVD) he also describes Parr as a gratuitously cruel social critic who has made large amounts of money by sneering at the foibles and pretensions of other people.. (Bishop 2005) he also mentions that He uses the same tools as forensic and medical photographers a macro lens coupled with a ring-flash and photographs his subjects methodically. (Jesse Alexander, 2008). Now I agree with what Jacobson is saying his technique is the same with no matter what the subject matter is and he isnt exactly exploring new ways to photograph but what I have explained earlier this is his way of photographing, and due to this we can identify his images and we know what his work is all about, so really the theory of Death of the author is not true as we know what his intentions are due to his technique. I agree with his wacky colours, I think around the time he was photographin g this is a new technique and it was different to what everyone else was doing thats why I think he was attracted to magazine companies. Kathryn Mussallem states similar to Jacobson, the use of a ring flash saturates the colours to an extreme making cheap crap look even cheaper and crappier. Now this is similar but this is more a negative answer compared to Jacobson. I do think when he photographs he, makes crap things look crappier, but thats my opinion even after knowing why he photographs like this I still think the same, nothing is as saturated as that. She also mentioned The entire world is now caught in the saturated embrace of global consumerism. This is referring to his technique and his style. In this section I will be defining class and taste, some key words that needs to be addressed and I will also be looking into the work of Grayson Perry though class and taste perspective. a Marxist would say group of people sharing common relations to labour and the means of production about what class is all about, but in the encyclopaedia Britannica says social class, (also called class) is a group of people within a society who possess the same socioeconomic status (Encyclopaedia Britannica). This exactly what I believe class is all about, I see they are different class in society that hold powers and certain assets to family and to their country. Which are very similar they both mean a group of people in a particular society that share similar statuses or power. David Hume a philosopher in the seventeen hundred he says taste refined ability to perceive quality in an artwork he thinks that taste is developed by education and experience (freeland, 2001, p6), whereas another philosopher Immanuel Kant from mid seventeen hundred to early eighteen hundreds says that taste directly linked to beauty which is inherent in the work itself. So taste does not serve basic human need. (Freeland, 2001, p6). Pierre Bourdieu thinks that taste is largely determined and controlled by the dominant, ruling class. In the author of practises of looking in the glossary tastes is shared artistic and cultural values of a particular social community or individualà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ taste is informed by experiences relating to ones class, cultural background, education, and other aspects of identity. (Sturken and Cartwright, 2001) I think taste is down to preference but I understand what these three are saying taste is down to what class a certain individual is in. higher class doesnt mean you have good taste neither does the opposite, but taste is defiantly found in how educated and well discipline you are. This is also referred to habitus which is the idea that our taste is connected and results from our social class or education. Our taste identifies our social class. They are high culture which is referred to one which only an elite can appreciate such as classical art, music, literature, ballet, opera. Lower culture seen as commercially produced and is accessible to lower classes. I personally think these doesnt determine what class or taste you come under due to lower class can like high culture, I can also say that high class will like lower cultured stuff. Again this is determined by how well educated you are. (Sturken and Cartwright, 2001) From the book Practises of Looking they are some key Marxist terms and theoretical areas that link to class and taste that I think are needed to express, these are Ideology, this is the system of ideas of the ruling class, which is the ruling class controls the lower class, for Althusser it was a lifeless process through which people accepted their place in society. I think this mean no matter what society youre from the people accepted this. The lower class accept that the ruling class can rule control them. They are also hegemony, this is Gramscis development of ideology, the dominant ideologies changes and challenges values and ideas of the less dominant class. The artist that I am going to write about for class and taste is Grayson Perry. The main focus art work(s) that I am focusing on are his 6 tapestries that he created based on class and taste, these are called the vanity of small differences. Perry was born in 1960s, his childhood has been a massive influence on his life, his teenager years he discovered he has an alter ego called Claire. In 2003 he won the turner prize. He is most famous for his large scaled pottery and extraordinary detail about transvestite potter. He is also a BAFTA-winning documentary maker; author; social commentator; curator and a lecturer. His tapestries are inspired by William Hogarths moral tale, who is an 18th century painter, Perrys tapestries follow the life of a fictional character called Tim Rakewell, as he develops from beginning through his teenage and middle years, to his untimely death in a car accident. The tapestries are rich in both content and colour and they show many weirdness and uniqueness that is associated with life in the UK. The composition of each tapestry also remembrances early Renaissance religious painting which draws us in to an art history. (Council, 2016) Perrys work is considered to be Kitsch due to his high saturation on his garments. Kitsch is defined as a German word for trash, and is used in English to describe particularly cheap, vulgar and sentimental forms of popular and commercial culture (tate, 2016). In this section I am going to talk about Tracey Emin and how different people in different classes view and read her work. I shall first talk about her. Tracey Emin was born in 1963 July, and she is an English artist known for her Narrative and confessional artwork. Her artwork is to challenge the subject matter and portrays a taboo. She also challenges feminism (explained later in the essay), the male gaze, class and taste. She challenges the working class root and everyday à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ She produces work in different media such as drawings, sculpture, film, photography, neon text and sewn applique. She was once a member of the Young British Artists in the 1980s but now she is a Royal Academician of the royal Academy of Arts. Critics say that she relies on tactics that shock rather than the actual talent. The main work I am going to focus on is Emins work My Bed (1998) (see figure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) and everyone I have ever slept with (see figure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) which are both representation alternative ways of viewing the bod., It shocked the nation when my bed was shortlisted for the 1999 turner prize. Women are usually idealized cleansed and sanitized compared to men, this sort of work is expected to be done by male therefore maybe this is why the my bed was a dramatic and disgusting piece of artwork to some society. Emin applies certain feminist ideas that presents the invisible nude, she offers symbolic gestures that indicate evidence of the body rather than the body itself. My Bed is the site of trauma and disgust, and with all the other dirt left intact. Her work is a self-expressionist piece that shows her personal trauma she claims that she produced is based on a mental breakdown that she had for 4 days, she quoted: I had a kind of mini nervous breakdownà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ didnt get out of bed for four daysà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ made my way back to my bedroom, and as I did I looked at my bedroom and thought, OH, my God. What if Id died and they found me here? (Christies, 2014, P.2) I can believe that she had a break down but I dont believe that she stayed in bed for four days. One thing I have noticed with Tracey Emins work is that she expresses an unusual side of feminism. The term feminism comes from 3 different waves of feminism; overall feminism is the suffegettes back in the 60s. Second wave feminism, refers mostly to the radical feminism of the womens liberation movement in the late 60s and early 70s. Third wave feminism is basically girls being girlier and be seen as strong, capable and confident social representatives, The Third Wave is sustained by the confidence of having more opportunities and less sexism this approach can be seen for all genders that power and taking control in situations are good third wave feminism people (Krolà ¸kke, 2005). Tracey Emins exclusive subject matter is her own life. At first it appears that My Bed, symbolises Emins feminist engagement, yet equally she challenges it. We are presented with the artists own bed, her most personal space, its her own bed yet it is covered in clutter, couple of suitcases behind the bed the duvet is messed up and ruffled up, it is also littered with Emins personal possessions, such as bloody underwear, urine-stained sheets and worn underwear, used condoms, dirty clothes, a partially used tube of KY Jelly, empty bottles of alcohol, cigarettes, and an over flowing cigarette tray. This to me shows her insecurity and imperfection. Some experiences revolve around the bed; birth (ideally to some women own bed/ hospital bed), sleep, dreams, sex, illness and death (in some cases), (Kent, 1994, p54). Women are controlled and defined by the bedroom through marriage and sex due to society, the bed suggests sexual convenience but also limited. Emin further explores this in Everyone I Have Ever Slept With (see fig à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦), we see names of everyone she has ever slept with in her bed, the more noticeable names are men, but then when you look deeper we see names such as her grandparents which are now showing everyone that has been in her bed with her, maybe for comfort. I think Emin tries to show that we shouldnt judge a book by its cover concept. Throughout her oeuvre she shows serious feminist questions about womens sexual responsibility and draws attention to late 20th century societys double standard. (Doyle, 2006, p.98). Emins subject matter is herself and her personal experiences, her style is more personal and reflects universal concerns Emins work are alternative and the unusual route towards feminism. Her work is disagreeing with the stereotyped Feminity from history. It is also contrasting the male Gaze. The Male Gaze was introduced by Laura Mulvey in 1975 who was a film feminist critic, it is about how visual art and literature show the world and women from a masculine point of view, women are objectified for male pleasure. The male gaze is the ideal woman to men for sexual pleasure. The male Gaze was created for advertising purposes, firstly gaze is a concept used for analysing visual cultureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ that deals with how an audience views the people presented the types of gaze are mostly branded by who is doing the looking, which is the audience. Women in the advertisement becomes whats being bought and sold. Meaning buy this product and you will either get the girl or become the girl, so for Emin my bed shows a contrast of women but showing the truth about what women are truly like. The male gaze presents women as clean and tidy, but Emin is showing them as untidy and dirty as to what every person is like. Emin has had many critical views of her work my bed and everyone I have ever slept with. My bed has received criticism that it is self- indulgent or not real art!. Some art critics describe Emin and her work as self-degrading, exhibitionist and even self-flagellating. A paper critic, Richard Dorment calls Emin a phoney. He wrote What interests me about Emin is not her relentless self-absorption, limitless self-pit or compulsion to confess the sad details of her past life, but that all of this adds up to so little of real interest. (Dorment, 2016) what I think he is trying to say is that she is a lazy artist that she thought anything was art and she covered this up with a life story that is traumatic. Linking this back to section one and my opinion, I think if we didnt know the history behind creation of this installation we wouldnt feel the same with what the outcome was knowing why she created these art pieces. On different note the Saatchi gallery, the gallery that owns this work, and Saatchi writes that Emin work is A consummate storyteller, Tracey Emin engages the viewer with her candid exploration of universal emotions (gallery, 2016) he is saying that she is an excellent story teller she engages every viewer with her honest study of general passions. Even in all classes they all have their own thoughts on it, even if its a positive or negative. Journalist and author of dangerous women Liz Hoggard says that my bed had the most powerful effect on my life. For women of my generation, it broke so many taboos about the body, sexuality, shame maybe this was the start of anti-male gaze, I think Emin had a massive influence on female society but not so much on the male (Hoggard, 2015). also Jonathan Jones says Emin wasnt really doing anything new. I understand what he is trying to get across due to Robert Rauschenberg put his own bed into a museum in 1955 (see fig à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) he also says she rubs our noses in reality, in a way that subverts all our illusions, fantasies, snobberies and repressions, those barriers we put up between us and death. So we see a two side of Jones he is saying that she isnt doing art as we have already seen it before but also saying that its new art that pulls the reader into reality of living. See this critical analysis of Emins work is what Foucault is saying, if Emin didnt give detail on what my b ed is about he would just think that its already been done, but because they is a story behind my bed he is agreeing with the author function. Barthes, Roland. The Death of the Author. Art and Interpretation: An Anthology of Readings in Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art. Ed. Eric Dayton. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview, 1998. 383-386. Print. Book Chandler, D. (1994). Semiotics for Beginners by Daniel Chandler. [online] Visual-memory.co.uk. Available at: http://visual-memory.co.uk/daniel/Documents/S4B/ [Accessed 15 Nov. 2016]. website Kelley, J. (2011). What does Foucault mean by the author-function in his essay What Is an Author ? | eNotes. [online] eNotes. Available at: http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-does-foucault-mean-by-author-function-his-248608 [Accessed 15 Nov. 2016]. website Imagine, The World According to Parr, 22:35 03/12/2003, BBC1 London, 50 mins. https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/004B986D (Accessed 21 Nov 2016) video Williams, V. (2002). Martin Parr. 1st ed. London: Phaidon. Book Christies, (2014). TRACEY EMINS MY BED ON THE MARKET FOR THE FIRST TIME YBA ICON SOLD TO BENEFIT THE SAATCHI GALLERYS FOUNDATION. 1st ed. [ebook] London: Press Release, p.2. Available at: http://www.christies.com/presscenter/pdf/2014/RELEASE_TRACEY_EMINS_MY_BED.pdf [Accessed 21st Nov 2016]. Website Krolà ¸kke, C. and Sà ¸rensen, A. (2005). Gender communication theories analyses. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Book Kent, S. (1994). Shark infested waters. 1st ed. London: Zwemmer. Book Merck, Mandy and Townsend, Chris, The Art of Tracey Emin, (London: Thames and Hudson, 2002) book Doyle, J. (2006). Sex objects. 1st ed. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. Book Imagine: The World According to Parr. BBC1 3rd December 2003 video Dawber, S (2004) Martin Parrs Suburban Vision. Third Text. Vol18, Issue 3. p251-262. Papers Bishop,B (2005) Martin Parrs true colors. Online http://www.parisvoice.com/photography/35-martin-parrs-true-colors [assessed: 21 Nov 2016] Jesse Alexander, 2008 online http://www.jessealexander.co.uk/pages/writing/2008_6_parrworld.pdf [assessed: 21 Nov 2016] Dorment, R. (2016). Is it art?. [online] Telegraph.co.uk. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/8216563/Is-it-art.html?image=8 [Accessed 21 Nov. 2016]. Online Gallery, S. (2016). Tracey Emin My Bed Contemporary Art. [online] Saatchigallery.com. Available at: https://www.saatchigallery.com/artists/artpages/tracey_emin_my_bed.htm [Accessed 21 Nov. 2016]. Council, B. (2016). Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Differences | Touring | Exhibitions | British Council à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Visual Arts. [online] Visualarts.britishcouncil.org. Available at: http://visualarts.britishcouncil.org/exhibitions/touring/grayson-perry-the-vanity-of-small-differences [Accessed 25 Nov. 2016]. Tate.org.uk. (2016). Kitsch. [online] Available at: http://www.tate.org.uk/learn/online-resources/glossary/k/kitsch [Accessed 28 Dec. 2016]. Figure 1 Serrano, A. (1987). Immersion (Piss Christ). [image] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piss_Christ [Accessed 30 Dec. 2016]. Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12

Monday, August 19, 2019

Tourism in Greece, Italy, and Turkey Essay -- Tourist Vacations Papers

Tourism in Greece, Italy, and Turkey The fall in the costs of traveling over the past few decades has taken tourism out of the sole domain of the rich and extended it to the middle class. Consequently, the world tourism market has exploded, providing countries with a new source of jobs and income. In this paper I will examine the tourism industries in Greece, Italy, and Turkey in the context of both the European and worldwide tourism markets. Several questions will be addressed. How many tourists come to these countries annually? Where do these countries rank among the world's top tourist destinations? How much do tourists contribute to the local economy? From where do these countries draw most of their tourists What are the most popular cities to visit within these countries What are these countries doing to counter the effects of 11 September? In 2001, Europe attracted 58 percent of worldwide tourists, continuing its trend of being the world's most popular tourist destination (WTO 13). Since so many people visit Europe, the tourist sector plays a vital role in the economies of the respective countries. The tourism industry as a whole has struggled since the 11 September terrorist attacks, falling 0.6 percent worldwide and 0.7 percent in Europe in 2001 (WTO 11). However, the regions in which Greece, Italy, and Turkey lie (southern Europe and eastern Mediterranean Europe) have proved to be more resilient than other areas. Southern Europe actually experienced a modest 1.2 percent growth for the year (WTO 55). In the final four months of 2001, tourism in Europe dropped 6.6 percent, while the decline in southern Europe over this period was only 1.8 percent (WTO 11-12).? Moreover, due to strong growth in Tu... ...stabilities in the Middle East, Turkey has remained a popular tourist destination.? It has done much to develop the industry and promote the country to others.? The dip in tourists post 11 September does not seem to have hurt the growth in tourism very much.? If regional conflicts are assuaged, Turkey?s already strong tourist sector should continue to expand significantly.? With the multitude of attractions that these countries have to offer visitors, tourism should continue to prosper in the future in Greece, Italy, and Turkey. Works Cited Greek National Tourist Organization.? www.gnto.gr. Italy Tourism Office.? www.enit.it. Tourism Market Trends: Europe.? World Tourism Organization.? Madrid, Spain. 2003. Travel Industry World 2002 Yearbook.? Travel Industry Publishing Co, Inc.? Spencertown, NY.? 2003 Turkey Tourist Office.? www.tourismturkey.org.