Overpopulation in the Philippines Essay

It has been a politically perceived issue that there is over population in the Philippines. This issue has been constantly blamed for the aggravating poverty situation. One side is claiming that unbridled population increase is putting so much strain on the financial and food resources of the country that more and more Filipinos are no longer eating three square meals a day. Economic rating system is also stating a poor Filipino family is earning just below $1 per day. This certainly can hardly feed a family of 4 or more. On the other side, it is claimed that the cause of poverty is government corruption. They rightfully claim that while it’s true that the poor are constantly increasing, and that the income gap between them and the next economic level is likewise widening, financial resources that are intended to support the poor are being pocketed by corrupt government officials. Population is not the cause of poverty, corruption is, the Catholic Church claims. The government is keen on crafting remedies to curb population. Several laws have been passed to curb corruption. But since they lack heavy punitive measures, they became hardly effective. Corruption has already downgraded the country’s economic standing that adversely affected our capability to borrow money from credit or financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. So the government resorted to drafting a bill that drew the ire of the conservative and the Catholic Church. Foremost is the reproductive health bill, which was authored by Senator Pia Cayetano and Congressman Edcel Lagman. The bill underwent rough sailing on the legislative seas. The President is set to sign the bill into law before 2012 ends. DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUE Reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene, addresses the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life. Reproductive health, therefore, implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safer sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. One interpretation of this implies that men and women ought to be informed of and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of birth control; also access to appropriate health care services of sexual, reproductive medicine and implementation of health education programs to stress the importance of women to go safely through pregnancy and childbirth could provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant. On the other hand individuals do face inequalities in reproductive health services. Inequalities vary based on socioeconomic status, education level, age, ethnicity, religion, and resources available in their environment. It is possible for example, that low income individuals lack the resources for appropriate health services and the knowledge to know what is appropriate for maintaining reproductive health. As a personal opinion, reproductive health is also the ability of a couple – a man and a woman – to reproduce and raise children. It is a genetic process of increasing the number of the earth’s inhabitants which continuously work for their own sustenance or provide for their basic needs to survive – food, shelter, etc. But the disproportionate increase of population vis-à  -vis resources, the consequentially widening disparity between these two elements is putting strains on both the natural and financial resources. Science has undertaken remedies to increase food production and sustain natural resources. Sustainable development is employed. There are successes in several countries, especially in rich countries. But other countries, particularly the third world, where governments are  beleaguered by ineptitude and corruption have hardly taken off. The Philippines, for example, continue to lag behind in development and food production due to this problem. Over population, as the government and credit or financial institutions claim, is thus blamed as the cause of underdevelopment and poverty. Credit or financial institutions which provide loans to poor countries for development therefore advise poor countries to curb population or their resources shall be depleted and their ability to borrow money from them regulated or limited. In this light, third world or poor countries like the Philippines had to craft laws that they believe could solve the problem of over population. Thus enters the reproductive health law, other government policies intended to curb over population in the pipeline. The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10354), informally known as the RH Law, is a legislation in the Republic of the Philippines guaranteeing universal access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. While there is general agreement about its provisions on maternal and child health, there is great debate on its key proposal that the Philippine government and the private sector will fund and undertake widespread distribution of family planning devices such as condoms, birth control pills (BCPs) and IUDs, as the government continues to disseminate information on their use through all health care centers. On October 2012, a revised version of the legislation was re-named the Responsible Parenthood Act and was filed in the House of Representatives as a result of re-introducing the bill under a different impression after overwhelming opposition in the country, especially from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. The law is highly divisive and controversial, with experts, academics, religious institutions, and major political figures supporting and opposing it, often criticizing the government and each other in the process. Debates and rallies proposing and opposing the bills, with tens of thousands of opposition particularly those endorsed by the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church and various other conservative groups, have  been happening nationwide. It has polarized the Filipino nation. PRESENTATION OF ALTERNATIVE VIEWS Differing opinions have emerged from various sectors and divided the people into the â€Å"pros† and â€Å"cons† – or those against and for the RH Law. The Catholic Church, whose doctrine of pro-life as understood from the bible, is firmly against the Reproductive Health bill; and position is absolute and uncompromising, said an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). There is no way that the Church will soften its position against the controversial bill. It allegedly opposes the bill because of its anti-life provisions, or the contraceptive program it engenders. The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) also joined the Catholic Church’s voice in opposing the bill. These groups propose that the best form of birth regulation is self-discipline. Instead of allotting P2 billion from taxpayer’s money for the purchase of contraceptives, CEAP has urged lawmakers to use the money for education, livelihood and basic public services. The same position is shared by other groups and some conservative religious denominations which value life right at conception or the union of the woman’s egg cell and the man’s sperm cell. These â€Å"cons† reason that over population is not the problem, or that there is no over population. The purported over population stems from the fact that the government has failed to developed provinces or areas beyond the metropolitans areas. Metropolitan Manila and its suburban cities are booming while remote provinces are simply relying on primitive farming and minimally supported livelihood. In search of the needed fund to support livelihood in their home province, some people thus migrate to the cities to find work. Government has allocated some fund to sustain agriculture livelihood. Unfortunately, this is not sufficient to effect significant progress on farming system. Moreover, corrupt officials tasked to administer the fund  tend to pocket some of the funds. Faming infrastructures funded by local taxes and foreign donations are limited, thus unable to lift the struggling rural economy. The poor farmers have already been subservient to private lenders and banks. And their produce has only become fodder for loan sharks, who lend these farmers virtually everything they need including their food. In effect, they could hardly recover, to whom their produce would simply go as payment for their debts. To the pro-RH Bill, they claim that the reproductive health bill would allow greater access to modern contraceptives and sex education. It allegedly proposes more maternal health services, raising the number of midwives to one for every 150 deliveries. Contraceptives would also be funded for poor women and would be included in the standard supplies of medicine in hospitals. Modern family planning methods would be provided in all accredited health facilities. The bill, allegedly, will provide adequate funding to the population program. It is a departure from the present setup in which the provision for reproductive health services is devolved to local government units, and consequently, subjected to the varying strategies of local government executives and suffers from a dearth of funding. It will promote information on and access to both natural and modern family planning methods, which are medically safe and legally permissible. It assures an enabling environment where women and couples have the freedom of informed choice on the mode of family planning they want to adopt based on their needs, personal convictions and religious beliefs. It does not have any bias for or against either natural or modern family planning. It will also promote sustainable human development. Taken as a basis for the â€Å"pros† stand, the UN stated in 2002 that family planning and reproductive health are essential to reducing poverty. The UNICEF also asserts that family planning could bring more benefits to more people at less cost than any other single technology now available to the human race. According to this group, coverage of RH are the following: (1) Information and access to natural and modern family planning (2) Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition (3) Promotion of breast feeding (4)  Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications (5) Adolescent and youth health (6) Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections, HIV/AIDS and STDs (7) Elimination of violence against women (8) Counseling on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health (9) Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers (10) Male involvement and participation in RH; (11) Prevention and treatment of infertility and (12) RH education for the youth. The principal author of the RH Bill, Congressman Edcel Lagman of Albay, claims that the bill is not anti-life, totally discrediting the â€Å"cons† stand, but allegedly a pro-quality life. Allegedly, it will ensure that children will be blessings for their parents since their births are planned and wanted. Additionally, he stated that the bill will empower couples with the information and opportunity to plan and space their children. This will not only strengthen the family as a unit but also optimize care for children who will have more opportunities to be educated, healthy and productive. The Congressman further stated that the bill does not interfere with family life, but will enhance family life: The family is more than a natural nucleus; it is a social institution whose protection and development are impressed with public interest. It is not untouchable by legislation. For this reason, the State has enacted the Civil Code on family relations, the Family Code, and the Child and Youth Welfare Code. Further according to the Congressman, the bill does not legalize abortion: It expressly provides that abortion remains a crime and prevention of abortion is essential to fully implement. (To this, the Catholic Church countered that the Reproductive Health Bill as a precursor will eventually pave the way for more anti-life policies, like legalization of abortion and divorce, which are already in the pipeline). He used comparative reports or information to bolster his position. He stated that it is not true all countries where contraceptive use is promoted eventually legalize abortion. Many Catholic countries criminalize abortion even as they vigorously promote contraceptive use like Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Paraguay and Ireland. The Muslim and Buddhist countries of Indonesia and Laos also promote contraceptive use yet proscribe abortion. According to studies, correct and regular use of contraceptives reduces abortion rates by as much as 85 percent and negates the need to legalize  abortion. Furthermore, contraceptives, allegedly, do not have life-threatening side effects. Medical and scientific evidence shows that all the possible medical risks connected with contraceptives are infinitely lower than the risks of an actual pregnancy and everyday activities. The author also claims that the bill simply recognizes the verifiable link between a huge population and poverty. Unbridled population growth stunts socioeconomic development and aggravates poverty. The connection between population and development is well-documented and empirically established. However, in countries where population control is prevalent, there is now evidence that they are wanting of more able and young workforce. Japan for instance is having problem with its ageing workforce to sustain its preeminent economic standing. The country has practiced population control in order to create huge surplus of resources and production which they sell or trade abroad to infuse large income to its export-oriented economy. Sadly, the country is now experiencing workforce shortage. Population control has become detrimental to their economic progress. On the other hand, China, the world’s most populous nation, is now enjoying economic boom due to a huge supply of human resource. The country is able to provide cheap labor to industrial countries around the world with huge economic benefit. This could prove that over population is not completely the cause of poverty. Considering some demographic profiles, some provinces are more populated than others on a person per area basis. There is just disproportionate distribution of inhabitants. Metro Manila is over populated due to unregulated influx of rural people in search of menial or professional work. Work pay is the difference. While Metro Manila is offering wages which comply with lawful rates, provincial wages are lesser. The amenities are like conspicuous everywhere in Metro Manila than anywhere in Luzon. Worldly things are just hard to resist that many people are flocking to Metro Manila. The same thing happens in metropolitan cities of the Visayas and Mindanao. Consequently, farms are somewhat abandoned for the sake of seeking financial gains from working in factories or offices. This exodus of farm workers leaving the farm could somehow create a vacuum in the farms. Food production thus construed as a sign of poverty. There appears to be three major points of view from which to approach the controversial reproductive health bill, namely: legal, moral, and scientific. This is so since, the proposed legislative measure once enacted into law will affect society. In short, there are many stakeholders by differing institutional concerns. It then becomes difficult to erect a tripod to hold the issue that has carried so much weight. There are those who think, once legislated, the proposed Reproductive Health will in fact set the stage for other anti-life laws or so-called D.E.A.T.H. bills (acronym for death, euthanasia, abortion, two-child policy, and homosexuality). The problem that has been viciously overlooked in our legislative mill is the fact that legislators themselves violate the rule that a bill should have only one subject matter. Up until today, there is a serious opposition to a reproductive health bill in whatever form or substance it comes simply because there are such groups or organizations that are against it. For instance, the CBCP is against it and for that matter other like-minded Catholic sub-groups. True enough, from the time it was first filed in the past Congresses, the bill already experienced a string of failures – to be passed into law – owing to provisions that are questionable legally, morally, and scientifically. It can be said that again, this proposed HB 812 may go through another rough sailing unless it can be railroaded in Congress and Senate. One theory stands in defense of the bill which claims it is necessary in order to curb population growth which is now pegged at 86 million Filipinos as well as for the sake of limited resources such as rice. But the myth of this Malthusian fear has already been settled long ago and it does not anymore hold water. Why a ‘zero population growth’ as that which was a  matter of policy in the whole of the United States and Europe? If we consider the earnings being remitted into our country from OFWs as the single factor that buoys up our fledging if pale economy, then we should have no reason to argue against this bill. That ‘zero population policy’ practiced by countries in the First Bloc now reached the irreversible scenario of a graying population that depletes their respective economies in heavy state subsidies. The National Academy of Science and Technology supports reproductive health bill. The Catholic Church or the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines does not. There are pro-life advocates versus pro-choice advocates. This camp says it involves no abortion, another camp says otherwise. This group claims contraceptives to be abortifacient, another such group claims it is not so. Within the legal community, a wedge divides their sentiments as to whether it is against the Divine Law to allow any room of choice toward abortion or to some extent euthanasia. Cases of abortion do sometimes involve â€Å"life-boat ethics† – that Catch 22 of having to choose which person to save – the unborn babe or the mother. There are issues at every loop, claims at every turn, and cries in every direction the bill takes – for or against. Moralists, legalists, scientists follow their own lines of thinking that are parallel unto one another – no lines intersect. There is where the problem lies. Is it then possible to weave from various strands or threads a beautiful tapestry of the proposed bill? Has it become time to curb population growth or corruption? CONCLUSION Whether it is called reproductive health, or responsible parenthood, the debate is a polarizing one. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines came out with a pastoral letter, on the issue of the Reproductive Health/Responsible Parenthood Bill. Their words, alleging they come from the spring well of morality. It is why when you read, or listen to the pastoral letter, or the position of the Church they think that contraceptives are immoral, or are abominations. There is nothingwrong with that position, and it is a perfectly valid one from a certain point of view. On the other end of the spectrum, the proponents of the Reproductive Health Bill say, â€Å"yes we should.† What the proposed legislation is about: it asks the government to explain to men and women, regardless whether they are married, single or of age, about their human bodies. They teach about a full range of methods— natural family planning, artificial contraceptions, from Condoms to IUDs to the Pil l and the morning after pill and everything else in between. Now, all this isn’t new. Growing up and studying in a Catholic school, these were things taught to us. And at the end of the day, it is about making an informed decision on what’s important to us. Biologically? Men have their urges. Women have their needs. Science tells us that the human race has been around for about 150,000 years. We wouldn’t be here if humans didn’t have those instincts. What the bill proposes to do is to put everything in the forefront. To make informing people mandatory, and to put the choice front and center and readily available for every Filipino, regardless of age, or social status. This chasm is just one of many philosophical differences that make it impossible for both the Pro Reproductive Health and the Anti Reproductive health proponents from ever seeing eye to eye. What of President Aquino? The President during the campaign was explicit. He does not fully support the reproductive health bill in the form that it was during the campaign. He was explicit that he believed that the reproductive health bill should be renamed, responsible parenthood bill. The President’s position, based on his Platform when he ran for public office could be summed up as: 1. He is against abortion; 2. He recognizes that there is a population explosion; 3. He is in favor of giving couples the right to choose to manage their families; 4. He believes in cases where the couple is too poor, or is in no position to make an informed decision that the state must take responsibility. 5. He wants all options to be equally presented. That means including Natural Family planning up to modern family methods. 6. He believes  that Parents should play a key role in ensuring every child they bring into the world will have the opportunity to lead good lives. The Aquino position is a logical and fair one. Parents should really play a role in their family’s future. Giving everyone an informed choice, and letting them decide on what to do, instead of ramming the choice down their throat is the logical thing to do. The proposed legislation then has basically met many of those requirements. So, is this still the Aquino position on the issue? If not, what has changed? Rumor has it that Aquino isn’t so hot on the RH Bill. The President of course looks at the priority legislation and sees what he can pass that does the biggest benefit. Did the President see that putting the Reproductive Health Bill or Responsible Parenthood bill on the agenda would prevent other, equally important legislation sidetracked? This is my disappointment with the Aquino Administration. Just come out and say so, and be honest about the whys on the matter. This is why many of those who supported the Administration are coming out to say, â€Å"this isn’t the change we signed up for.† They are so disillusioned with the state of things. In an issue as charged and as polarizing as Reproductive Health or Responsible Parenthood bill or however legislators want to call it, there is a simple way to break the impasse. The President uses all the power of discernment he has. The President simply decides. The RH Bill is about responsibility. It is about making an informed decision, and it appears not just for Filipinos, but for the President as well. But responsibility is not just for the economic well-being of a person but for his/her spiritual well-being too. When we talk about morals, we also must think about our personal responsibility to our own souls, and faithfulness to the church, being the body of Christ. By following or not following what the church teaches is an expression of personal liberty from the dictates of anyone. However, by following the church, the ultimate dictate for human salvation is paramount. After all, just as Christ Himself used to say in the Gospel, â€Å"Thy faith has saved you†, we shall be saved from our steadfastness to our faith. PUNCHLINES â€Å"Safe and satisfying sex†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Delivered by Sen. Pia Cayetano in her defense of the Reproductive Health Bill, which she authored with Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, which she means to say women should have the right to safe and satisfying sex. This phrase was moved by Sen. Vicente Sotto to be removed from the bill. â€Å"RH bill is being gift wrapped to look like a gift for maternal health care (even if) it will lead to greater crimes against women.† Catholic Bishops Conference Of The Philippines (CBCP) â€Å"Show me the same law!† Reaction of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago to Sen. Vicente Sotto’s statement that the Reproductive Health Bill is redundant â€Å"Is there gender discrimination in Philippine society?†Ã‚  Debate between RH bill sponsor Sen. Pia Cayetano and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile â€Å"Our biggest export is OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers). That is export. That’s why I’m against RH.† Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s statement in his opposition to the RH Bill â€Å"Long after we are gone, we will leave behind not just a law but a whole mentality and a whole culture†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle warned of the bill’s effect on Filipino Culture and the youth.

How does Coleridge tell the story in part 4 of Rime of the Ancient Mariner Essay

Part 4 begins with another attempt from the Wedding Guest to get away, shown through the direct speech of the Wedding Guest, ‘I FEAR thee, ancient Mariner! ’ The direct speech is also used to remind us that the Mariner is telling a story within the poem. The capitalisation of the word, ‘fear’, is used to echo the honest and fearful reaction of both the Wedding Guest and the reader, following the tragic event that has occurred in the previous part. The first stanza is used to re-acquaint us with the characters in Coleridge’s poem and we are reminded that the Mariner appears to possess all of the features of a dead person, ‘long, and lank, and brown’, but is still alive, reaffirming his liminal state; he is somewhere inbetween life and death. In stanza 2, the ‘glittering eye’ motif is echoed, reminding us of the Mariner’s appearance, the singular eye implies that he not fully there, whilst ‘glittering’ possesses connotations of witchery, furthering the idea that the Mariner is a supernatural creature. In stanzas 3 and 4, Coleridge largely focuses on the isolation of the Mariner. In the 3rd stanza, we see the poet use a lot of repetition in order to communicate the true extent of isolation and his misery, ‘Alone, alone, all all alone, Alone on a wide, wide sea! ’ The anaphora emphasises his feelings of loneliness, whilst the assonance slows down the rate in which the poem read, allowing a lot of focus on his seclusion. In the 4th stanza, the Mariner equates death with beauty because his loneliness gets to such an unbearable degree that he is resentful of the dead mariners; they are free of the torture that the Mariner continues to endure alone, he sees the ‘many men [as] so beautiful! ’ The intensifier in the quote, ‘so’, demonstrates the mariner’s newfound love for humanity, as he misses their company, it also acts as an indication for his remorse, whilst the exclamation mark simply serves to emphasise the statement. He bitterly acknowledges that ‘a thousand thousand slimy things live on; and so did [he]. ’ Coleridge utilizes structure in this particular quote; the enjambment in the line helps to highlight that the horrors continue to live on; then with the use of the semi colon, the Mariner is able to liken himself to these unnatural and horrible creatures, highlighting the guilt that he continues to feel. By the 6th stanza, the guilt felt by the Mariner is so overwhelming that he is unable to pray, ‘I looked to Heaven, and tried to pray’. The constant semantic fields relating to religion in this stanza, ‘prayer’, ‘saint’, suggest to the reader that the Mariner is trying to bring himself closer to God; it also indicates that the Mariner has begun his attempt at redemption, as at this point, it’s so hard for him to ignore his own guilt. Despite his ‘prayer’ to God, he is unable to escape from his guilt through anything because of a ‘wicked whisper’. His guilt continues into the 7th stanza, ‘the dead were at my feet’, here, the dead mariners are not only a physical burden for the Ancient Mariner but also a burden, within his mind, on his already guilty concious. The chiasmus-like structure of the quote, ‘for the sky and the sea, and the sea and the sky’, in the 7th stanza reflects the mariner’s self-reflection as he’s telling the story, consolidating his role as storyteller. The deviation of the ballad form also establishes a re-focus of narration; the quote may be intended as another reminder that we are hearing a character’s story within a poem. The Mariner’s guilt is strengthened, in the 8th stanza, when he states that the accusatory looks of the mariners, as they died, have ‘never passed away’, not only have the expressions of the mariners stayed with him, but the general guilt has remained with him. The ‘cold sweat’ that ‘melted from [the dead mariners’] limbs’ makes them seem almost life-like, the oxymoronic language helps to convey their liminal state. In the 8th stanza, the mariner states that the ‘curse in a dead man’s eye’ is ‘more horrible than that’ of ‘an orphan’s curse’, reflecting the extent of blame received by the Mariner, as well as his general guilt and shame. His suffering is emphasised by Coleridge’s intertextual reference to the bible, ‘seven days, seven nights, I saw that curse’, as there is an implication that God is punishing the Mariner for destroying one of His own creations, the Albatross. Also, the quote suggests that the Mariner is becoming closer to both the idea of God, and God, Himself. The 10th stanza in part 4 marks a moment of change, as the Mariner doesn’t acknowledge his guilt. Coleridge also communicates the potential for change, as he returns back to the original ballad form from the sectet, implying that some sort of transition is about to occur. The celestial imagery used by Coleridge in the stanza, ‘moon’, ‘sky’, and ‘star’, reinforces the idea of transition, the sky and stars commonly symbolise hope and create a sense of positive anticipation, as well as the moon, which is often symbolic of change. The idea of transition is supported further by Coleridge’s use of gerund verbs, ‘moving’, ‘going’, in the stanza. Arguably, they imply that the Mariner is moving on from his previously overwhelming guilt and instead, embracing new ideas of nature, God and humanity in general. Indeed, in the 12th stanza, we see that the Mariner’s appreciation of nature is able to distract him from his strong feelings of guilt, ‘the water-snakes†¦moved in tracks of shining white’. The word, ‘tracks’, creates a contrast with the directionless mariner, he has been unable to connect with God and nature until now, when he sees the water-snakes and their ‘tracks’ offer him some sense of clarity and purpose. The 11th, 12th and 13th stanzas are all quintets; together they are able to reflect the Mariner’s transitional period into the glory of nature, triggered by ‘the moving moon’ in the 10th stanza. In the 13th and 14th stanzas, we see the Mariner’s newfound complete adoration for nature. Coleridge uses regal imagery to convey the mariner’s love for nature, and to reflect the change brought by the moon, ‘rich attire’, ‘glossy green†¦and velvet’. Additionally, in the 14th stanza, despite his description of the water-snakes regal aspects he is unable to express the beauty of the products of nature; ‘no tongue their beauty might declare’. His newfound admiration for nature has made him realise that the true beauty of nature is beyond the expression of mankind, and as he is humbled by religion and nature he believes that only God is capable of creating such things, ‘a spring of love gushed from my heart and I blessed them unaware. ’ The part ends with him finally being in touch with God and religion, ‘I could pray’, meaning that he is more connected to a high power, God. There is also a signature reference to the Albatross, ‘[it] fell off and sank like lead into the sea. ’ Albatross represents the burden, and the simile suggests that the burden of blame has finally been released. There is also the assumption that the Albatross is now back in contact with its natural habitat, the sea, a part of nature. The enjambment in the line creates and emphasises a more visual interpretation of the Albatross parting the Mariner’s neck, as it reflects the bird’s downward movement. By the end of the part, much of the Mariner’s initial guilt has been abandoned or at least temporarily distracted by nature. We also get the impression that the curse is over for the Mariner, as he is now starting to acknowledge and admire world’s beauty, however this is just Coleridge lulling us into a false sense of security, as sadly, the curse is far from over.

Soundtrack for 1984 by George Orwell

Track #1 Song: Satellite Artist: Guster Album: Ganging Up On the SunShining like a work of art Hanging on a wall of stars Are you what I think you are? You're my satellite You're riding with me tonight Passenger side, lighting the sky Always the first star that I find You're my satellite Elevator to the moon Whistling our favorite tune Trying to get a closer view You're my satellite You're riding with me tonight Passenger side, lighting the sky Always the first star that I find You're my satellite Maybe you will always be Just a little out of reach You're my satellite You're riding with me tonight Passenger side, lighting the sky (cont.) Always the first star that I find You're my satellite You're my satelliteâ€Å"Satellite† significance: One of the main concepts of this song is wanting something unattainable, as seen in the lines â€Å"Maybe you will always be, just a little out of reach, you’re my satellite†.The same occurs in 1984 with how Winston (the main c haracter) regards Julia (his love interest), because he loves her even though it’s difficult for them to be together under the strict rules and regulations of Big Brother.Track #2 Song: Holocene Artist: Bon Iver Album: Bon Iver, Bon IverSomeway, baby, it's part of me, apart from me You're laying waste to Halloween You messed it, friend, it's on its head, it struck the street You're in Milwaukee, off your feet And at once I knew I was not magnificent Strayed above the highway aisle (Jagged vacance, thick with ice) I could see for miles, miles, miles 3rd and Lake, it burnt away, the hallway Was where we learned to celebrate Automatic bought the years you'd talk for me That night you played me ‘Lip Parade' Not the needle, nor the thread, the lost decree Saying nothing, that's enough for me And at once I knew I was not magnificent Hulled far from the highway aisle (Jagged vacance, thick with ice) I could see for miles, miles, miles Christmas night, it clutched the light, th e hallow bright Above my brother, I and tangled spines We smoked the screen to make it what it was to be Now to know it in my memory And at once I knew I was not magnificent High above the highway aisle (Jagged vacance, thick with ice) I could see for miles, miles, milesâ€Å"Holocene† significance: Winston is often self-deprecating, analytical and pessimistic. He believes it’s crucial to hold on to memories of the past, because if the truth is forgotten, the supposed evil would win. The lines â€Å"Not to know it in my memory, and at once I knew I was not magnificent.† mimic Winston’s thought process.Track #3 Song: Waiting†¦ Artist: City and Colour Album: Bring Me Your LoveA coma might feel better than this Attempting to discover where to begin You're weighed down, you're full of something Of sickness and desertion You're weighed down, you're full of something You're underneath it all So say goodbye to love And hold your head up high There's no need to rush We're all just waiting, waiting to die Hope and better place is all I need With moments of innocence and mystery Oh, it's the little things you miss Like waking up all alone Oh, it's the little things you miss When you're underneath it all So say goodbye to love And hold your head up high There's no need to rush We're all just waiting, waiting to die All your friends seem like enemies When you're broken down and empty, oh All your friends seem like enemies When you're broken down and empty, oh So say goodbye to love And hold your head up high There's no need to rush We're all just waiting, waiting to dieâ€Å"Waiting†¦Ã¢â‚¬  significance: Winston regularly makes references to Big Brother and the Thought Police catching him breaking rules and he’s waiting for them to â€Å"vaporize† him, which is being murdered and all personal records being destroyed. Winston is also paranoid that any person he comes into contact with is an associate with Big Brother or the Thought Police because people in his life are very conniving and deceitful. So the lyrics â€Å"We’re all just waiting, waiting to die/all your friends seem like enemies when you’re broken down and empty† match his situation.Track #4 Song: The World At Large Artist: Modest Mouse Album: Good News for People Who Love Bad NewsIce-age heat wave can't complain If the world's at large, why should I remain? (cont.) Walked away to another plane Gonna find another place, maybe one I can stand I move on to another day To a whole new town with a whole new way Went to the porch to have a thought Got to the door and again, I couldn't stop You don't know where and you don't know when But you still got your words and you got your friends Walk along to another day Work a little harder, work another way Well uh uh baby I ain't got no plan We'll float on maybe would you understand? Gonna float on maybe would you understand? We'll float on maybe would you understand? The days get shorter and the nights get cold I like the autumn but this place is getting old I pack up my belongings and I head for the coast It might not be a lot but I feel like I'm making the most The days get longer and the nights smell green I guess it's not surprising but it's spring and I should leave I like songs about drifters, books about the same They both seem to make me feel a little less insane Walked on off to another spot I still haven't gotten anywhere that I want Did I want love? Did I need to know? Why does it always feel like I'm caught in an undertow? The moths beat themselves to death against the lights Adding their breeze to the summer nights Outside, water like air was great I didn't know what I had that day Walk a little farther to another plane You said that you did, but you didn't understand I know that starting over is not what life's about But my thoughts were so loud, I couldn't hear my mouth My thoughts were so loud, I couldn't hear my mouth My thoughts were s o loudâ€Å"The World At Large† significance: Throughout the book, Winston reflects on why he’s still alive even though the world is in turmoil from corrupt politics and mass murder. He attempts to find a purpose to keep surviving day-to-day even though at the beginning of the story he had no family or friends. The line â€Å"If the world’s at large, why should I remain?† represents  his self-doubt about survival and questioning his existence.Track #5 Song: My Silhouette (Acoustic) Artist: Arms Like Yours Album: Inhale ExhaleSleep has become my escape from reality, she's in my dreams Someone wake me up because this isn't real, and it's just a game that I can't escape Over again, this cruel cycle repeats and repeats I grabbed her hand but it slowly slipped away Someone wake me up, can someone wake me up She moves with me in my dreams, but I'm foolish to believe that this is the way it ends I see her silhouette, but it's just a test for me to leave the pa st with the past She moves with me now but it's just a testI must stop this cycle and cut out my silhouette I smile as her lips brush my neck but I know that this is just a vision in my head Kiss me in my dreams if you're really done with me It's too fitting to disrupt, oh can someone wake me up But you can't change me, but she's pulling me backâ€Å"My Silhouette† significance: While Winston was held prisoner by the Thought Police, he frequently had dreams of Julia. He would wake up disturbed from these dreams because he was worried about her, because she was captured at the same time he was and he assumed she was suffering as well. He missed her until doctors at the facility managed to brainwash him and Winston was left void of feelings for her.Track #6 Song: Two Weeks Artist: Grizzly Bear Album: VeckatimestSave up all the days A routine malaise Just like yesterday I told you I would stay Would you always Maybe sometimes Make it easy? Take your time Think of all the ways Mo mentary phase Just like yesterday I told you I would stay Every time you try Quarter half the mile Just like yesterday I told you I would stay Would you always Maybe sometimes Make it easy? Take your time Would you alwaysMaybe sometimes Make it easy? Take your time Always, sometimes Easy, timeâ€Å"Two Weeks† significance: Though Winston and Julia have a secret relationship; they seem to care about each other and try to make time for each other whenever they can. There were a few instances where Winston was scared Julia was going to ditch plans with him and not show up to where they were supposed to meet, but she always stuck around with him even when he would doubt her. The lyric â€Å"Just like yesterday, I told you I would stay† symbolizes Julia having to remind Winston of her good intentions.Track #7 Song: Wake Up Artist: Arcade Fire Album: FuneralSomethin' filled up My heart with nothin' Someone told me not to cry Now that I'm older My heart's colder (cont.) And I can see that it's a lie Children wake up Hold your mistake up Before they turn the summer into dust If the children don't grow up Our bodies get bigger But our hearts get torn up We're just a million Little God's causin' rainstorms Turnin' every good thing to rust I guess we'll just have to adjust With my lighnin' bolts a glowin' I can see where I am goin' to be When the reaper, reaches And touches my hand With my lighnin' bolts a glowin' I can see where I am goin' With my lighnin' bolts a glowin' I can see where I am go, goin' You'd better look out belowâ€Å"Wake Up† significance: Winston often reminisces about his past and how different it is from his current circumstances. He misses the innocence of childhood and how the world was a much better place during that time, so the lyrics â€Å"Turnin’ every good thing to rust, I guess we’ll just have to adjust†Ã‚  signifies him trying to cope with his new environment even though it’s an awful place. Track #8 Song: Viola Lion Artist: Isles & Glaciers Album: The Hearts of Lonely PeopleI am a million pieces of the sky I found a way to be alone I'm gonna wait until you want me Until you finally decide to go home Diamonds, diamonds are you all in the sky? I can't believe all of these beautiful lies As they surround me I will take a photograph of the sky Bury me, bury me Come on, bury me alone in the light I am, I'm gonna run this like a lion Another way to be alone And I will wait until you find me Until you finally decide to go home (Don't go home! Don't go home!) Diamonds, diamonds are you all in the sky? I can't believe all of these beautiful lies As they surround me I will take a photograph of the sky Bury me, bury me Come on, bury me alone in the light I've never had a reason to take me away I want it to be over But I sit here and wait [x2] I saw her smiling from the top of the world I saw her sleeping on, amazing I know If you lower, lower, lower me down You lower me clearly, so come and lower me Diamonds, diamonds are you all in the sky? I can't believe all of these beautiful lies As they surround me I will take a photograph of the sky Bury me, bury me Diamonds, diamonds are you all in the sky? I can't believe all of these beautiful lies As they surround me I will take a photograph of the sky Bury me, bury me Bury me, bury meâ€Å"Viola Lion† significance: Throughout the course of the novel, Winston is convinced that the government is lying to the people, so he meets up with a leader of an underground revolt organization to uncover these top-secret lies, which he never actually ends up doing. By the end he’s brainwashed and believes anything the Party does is right and they can do no wrong, so the line â€Å"I can’t believe all of these beautiful lies† really becomes true in the most literal sense.Track #9 Song: Midnight City Artist: M83 Album: Hurry Up, We’re DreamingWaiting in a car Waiting for a ride in the dark The night city grows Look and see her eyes, they glow Waiting in a car Waiting for a ride in the dark Drinking in the lounge Following the neon signs Waiting for a roar Looking at the mutating skyline The city is my church It wraps me in the sparkling twilight Waiting in a car Waiting for the right time Waiting in a car Waiting for the right time Waiting in a car Waiting for the right time Waiting in a car Waiting for the right time Waiting in a car â€Å"Midnight City† significance: The novel and this song don’t relate merely on lyrics, but are relevant to each other because of the high-energy vibe this song has, which is mirrored by the Party’s constant tenacity to make Big Brother as powerful as it can be, and to crush all opposing forces. They seem to know no bounds, and their energy is always extremely high whenever they’re volunteering for their government.Track #10 Song: July Artist: Youth Lagoon Album: The Year of HibernationExplosions pillaging the night From the fireworks on the Fourth of July It's just my lady, our friends, and I Smoking cigars and yelling at cars as they drive by We scaled a ladder ascending to the roof While five years ago I wept and no one knew Holding my guitar, I strummed a tune I sang â€Å"I love you but I have to cut you loose† As the neighbor lights off the small bombs we watch from the rooftop†¦ safely, so safely If I had never let go, then only God knows where I would be know I made a bridge between us then I slowly burned it Five years ago, in my backyard I sang love away (cont.) Little did I know that real love had not quite yet found meâ€Å"July† significance: While Winston was incarcerated, tortured and brainwashed at the Thought Police facility, he was thinking about his true feelings for Julia. He realized he would never see her again, and that to stay alive as long as possible he needed to direct his mind elsewhere. After all the emotional and physical pain he was experi enced there, he lost the ability to feel emotions. He only thought about the instinct for survival, all the while doctors were hurting him more by claiming that he was insane. The line â€Å"I love you but I have to cut you loose† relates Winston forgetting about Julia, because he did love her when he got arrested, but those feelings ended up fading.

Financial Assistance for a Struggling Student Essay

Financial Assistance for a Struggling Student - Essay Example It is a part of the five year plan to cut $39.7 billion in total from the $71.5 billion student-aid programs. The first impact of the bill being applicable from 1st July, a student borrowing loan after 1st July will be offered rates of 6.8 percent compared to 1.5-2.5 percent rates they enjoyed and have raised questions among the students such as, " Who is responsible" , "How I am going to pay these loans", "Why me" etc. Teneya Morman a junior majoring in MARKETING from N. C. Central when interview said, "I'm a junior in school but after my senior year my education will be more expensive because of the changes in the financial arena. I may not be able to attend. This change will be negative because it will make students not focus on their grades but on money that has to be paid back for my education. It will have a negative affect on the black community because we are the people who don't have the funds to pay." Another graduate student in Computer Information Systems Donnell Williams says, "Graduate school is a sacrifice for many students. They have to be willing to either foot the bill or work hard to secure financial resources. In other words, it is really unfortunate as graduate school becomes more of a gateway to satisfiable employment and career options, now this is another obstacle."

British Airways PLC Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

British Airways PLC - Research Paper Example Likewise, The current ratio above shows that the total assets for the year 2006 was 1.18 times the total liabilities of the year. This means that the company will be able to pay all their current liabilities as well as long term liabilities when the maturing date for their payments arrive. In addition, the 2007 current ratio is better than the 2006 current ratio. The Debt to Equity ratio above shows that the total liabilities for the year 2007 was 4.15 times the total equity of the year. This means that the company has four and 15/100 times resources coming from the creditors than the stockholders. The Debt to Equity ratio above shows that the total liabilities for the year 2006 was 5.54 times the total equity of the year. This means that the company has five and 54/100 times resources coming from the creditors than the stockholders. In addition, the 2007 debt to equity ratio is better than the 2006 debt to equity ratio. The Gross Profit ratio above shows that the gross profit for the year 2007 was twenty eight percent of the net sales. This means that the company was profitable this year in terms of cost of sales alone. The Gross Profit ratio above shows that the gross profit for the year 2006 was twenty nine percent of the net sales. This means that the company was profitable this year in terms of cost of sales alone. The Gross Profit ratio above shows that the gross profit for the year 2006 was twenty nine percent of the net sales. This means that the company was profitable this year in terms of cost of sales alone. Sadly, the gross profit ratio for 2006 shows a better picture of the company when compared to the 2007 gross profit ratio. The Net Profit ratio above shows that the Net profit for the year 2007 was three percent of the net revenues. This means that the company was profitable this year in terms of cost of sales plus marketing and administrative expense. The Net Profit ratio above shows that the Net profit for the year 2006 was five percent of the net revenues. This means that the company was profitable this year in terms of cost of sales plus marketing and administrative expense. Sadly, the net profit ratio for 2006 shows a better picture of the company when compared to the 2007 gross profit ratio. Further, British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh was fair in stating "This is another good set of results despite soaring fuel costs and difficulties in the market. Revenue up some one percent and a strong cost performance has led to an operating profit up 28.5 percent. While fuel costs in the first six months were down 36 million, they have soared 72 million in the third quarter." on February, 2008. This is based on the above computations done in excel format and copy -pasted to this document. Reference: http://stocks.us.reuters.com/stocks/ratios.aspsymt B. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION British Airways PLC is engaged in the operation of international and domestic ferrying of air passengers, freight and other non -human cargo both locally or internationally like the member states of the European Union. The company's flight one hundred forty seven destinations are located in seventy five countries as of March, 2007 yet. As of March 31, 2007, it had fulfilled the air travel needs of over thirty three million passengers. The company had two hundred forty two airplanes flying the European skyline. In terms of strategic management, the company

The Hazardous Storm of Hurricane Katrina Article

The Hazardous Storm of Hurricane Katrina - Article Example Hurricane Katrina was the costliest as well as single of the five deadliest storms in the past of the United States. It was the sixth strongest Atlantic storm ever documentation and the third-strongest hurricane on evidence that through land descend in the United States. Katrina shaped on August 23 through the 2005 Atlantic hurricane period as well as caused destruction along a large amount of the north-central Gulf Coast. The mainly severe failure of life and assets damage come about in New Orleans which inundated as the levee system calamitously failed in numerous cases hours subsequent to the storm had stimulated inland. The storm causes ruthless harm across the intact Mississippi coast as well as into Alabama, in fact, the storm is probably to have been accountable for $81.2 billion in scratch making it the costliest to be a probable tragedy in U.S. history. The disastrous collapse of the deluge fortification in New Orleans provoked instantaneous assessment of the Army Corps of E ngineers which has by congressional mandate sole responsibility for design and construction of the flood protection. There was also widespread criticism of the federal situation as well as local administration retort to the hurricane which resulted in exploration by the U.S. Congress and the acceptance of Federal Emergency Management Agency manager Michael D. Brown. On the other hand, the National Hurricane Center along with National Weather Service was extensively commended for precise forecasts moreover abundant lead point (Wikipedia, 2008). In Addition, Media descriptions of impoverished flood sufferers in New Orleans in the happening of Hurricane Katrina produced the impression and thought of an indifferent federal government. An opponent, as expected, took endeavor at the mayor, the Louisiana governor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the President. Some also disapproved of the department of protection seeing that if it had unsuccessful to provide the speedy, sudden and enormous compassionate reprieve which the American citizens had drawn  closer to expect after an ordinary tragedy.

The Law of Contract Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Law of Contract - Coursework Example The rule takes into account parol evidence in addition to other evidence as regards to a contract. Contractual capacity is the ability to understand and reason. What is the difference between someone who is crazy versus someone who has been previously declared insane by a judge? How does this affect the contract? Someone who is crazy is simply one who behaves weirdly, while someone who has been previously declared insane by a judge is one who does not have the mental capacity to make a reasonable decision on his/her own. This means that crazy persons can be capable of making reasonable decisions on their own, or they may not be capable depending on the magnitude and source of their crazy behavior. If a judge declares a person as insane, then it is assumed that such person does not have the capacity to comprehend their acts, therefore, any contract that is made by such person after being declared insane is not enforceable. Consideration is one of the requirements of an enforceable contract. Therefore, a simple contract must be supported by a consideration otherwise it is not enforceable as a contract. In other words, consideration is the negotiation aspect of a contract. It can be defined as â€Å"an act or promise offered by the one party and accepted by the other party as a price for that others promise.† (Collins 252). The following are examples of considerations: i. UCC  § 2-204(4): this section acknowledges the legal impact of the contract created through electronic instruments. It originates from means such as the communication between an individual and an electronic instrument or through the communication of electronic instruments of the involved parties.

Accounting for Costa Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Accounting for Costa Company - Essay Example expenses 4,500 Property taxes 6,500 Rent 22,000 Operating Income 84,100 1. The case of Costa Company reflects a case having one error in the valuation of closing inventory recorded in the company’s books and one omission of sale transaction. Both types of mistakes made by the company can have significant impact on the true reflection of the company’s financial position. As in the case of incorrect valuation of inventories being overstated has a negative impact on the book value of the company and at the same time it causes costs of goods sold to be understated. The understatement of cost of goods sold has a positive impact on the company’s profitability (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Kieso, 2010). This is often done by managers in order to fictitiously boost the company’s profits in the short term to gain certain financial benefits and later on losses are recorded in books, which would ultimately have a negative effect on shareholders’ value invested in the c ompany. Moreover, companies are often involved in changing methods of inventory valuation i.e. FIFO, LIFO, and Average Costing between accounting periods, which if performed without proper scrutiny could lead to major change in the value of the company’s closing inventory and hence, making the financial statements incorrect reflections of the business position. It is therefore necessary for businesses and regulators to ensure that companies maintain uniformity in the selection and application of the accounting standards. If it is deemed necessary then previous accounts must also be revised to reflect the true position of the company’s business (Fridson & Alvarez, 2011). On the other hand, omissions are regarded as certain transactions or amounts deliberately or non-deliberately left out of the company’s books and no entries are made by the company (Warren, Reeve, & Duchac, 2012). In the case of Costa Company, although the amount of sale transaction was not signi ficantly high, but certain transactions could surely mislead the company’s financial position reported to shareholders. This would cause understate profit of the company and hence, it would affect the equity position of the company which is reported as retained earnings in the company’s balance sheet (Porter & Norton, 2010). 2. From the income statement of Costa Company as prepared above it could be indicated that the company is generating a gross profit of $211,790 which is arrived at after deducting costs of goods sold after making adjustment to the closing inventory value from the company’s revenues, which are also adjusted for the missing transaction of $5,000. This reflects that the company is operating at high gross profit margin of almost 34% in the year 2012. After deducting all operating expenses and property taxes the company has generated a net income of $84,100. This is lesser than before which was recorded without taking into account errors and miss tatements. This indicates that if companies fail to take into business transactions or wrongly value and report an entry then this could lead to falsification of the entire financial statement and incorrect information passed onto shareholders who rely on the financial statements for their decisions (Fridson & Alvarez, 2011). This reflects that the company has a net profit margin of 13.5%. All these indicators reflect that the company is a profitable entity and shareholders can expect good returns on their investments in the company. 3. Costa Company 31-Dec-12 Balance Sheet Current Assets Accounts receivable 18,000 Cash 41,500 Inventory

Online shopping Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Online shopping - Research Paper Example mer premise, a major characteristic of online shopping provides a possibility of the transfer of customers shopping travels to a more effective products transportation that at the end has the possibility of producing constructive results on sustainability, use of land as well as mode of travel choices. The fact that online shopping is more popular in big towns and cities means that it will thus act as an incentive for the required changes in these cities that face the most obstacles for logistics (Cairns, 2005). There is a lot of controversy regarding the effects of online shopping on road use and the overall changes in consumers travel habits and the impacts of the changes. Some studies indicate good or desirable effects on road use while others indicate negative results with a final group indicating net neutral results. However, a good number of this research indicate that with the increasing popularity and expansion of online shopping, coupled with the adoption of the necessary changes required then online shopping is going to be the solution for most of the transport challenges we experience in our towns and cities (Cairns, 2005). In spite of transportation policy and regulations, online shopping continues to expand as more and more people accepts the system. Despite the fact that, business to business section dominates online shopping in terms of money value of all the completed transactions, the business to consumer section remains very vital for the possible effects on travel habits, patterns of land use, logistics in cities as well as the effects on sustainability. The highest level of efficiency in the use of roads and other transportation facilities is achievable through restructuring and reorganizing the transportation activities linked to business transactions (Hu and Saleh, 2005). There is the need to find out how the changes in the manner of conducting online shopping will influence the efficiency and the overall contribution towards a more

A short report of India's market for the UK Electrical Goods Trade Essay

A short report of India's market for the UK Electrical Goods Trade Association - Essay Example nomic performance prompted a change in the trade policy of the country; consequently, India introduced a new policy of deregulation, globalization, as well as privatization of its economy. India is a member of several multinational and regional trade organizations, which play a major role in her international trade. Some of these organizations include WTO, Asian-Pacific Economic Community (APEC), and the association of South-East Asia Nations (ASEAN) (Chan et al. 2006). In the past few years, the electronic industry in India has recorded high returns like never before. There are various factors, which have contributed to the demand of electronics in India. These factors include the improvement of the standards of living among the middle class in the country, and the fact that their disposable income has also increased considerably (Hill 2011). Moreover, the country has in the recent years taken some liberalization steps for instance reducing tariffs on imports, relaxing equity regulations as well as foreign exchange regulations, and last but not the list the banking policies have been refined to meet the needs of foreign and local market. The role of the Indian government cannot be ignored in boosting the electronic industry to where it is now (Banga 2006). More foreign investors have ventured in the electronic business in India following the increase in the demand for electronic in the country and the liberalization steps taken by the country has further created a conducive environment that is capable of sustaining an enduring high growth for the electronic industry. Several factors must be assessed prior to importing electronics to India. Before venturing into exporting electronic to India there is a need to carry out a PEST analysis to determine the factors that may affect an organization. The initials PEST is used to mean the social, economic, and Technological factors that might affect the business (Baruch & Budhwar 2006). Political environment: In the

Sustainability and Resilience Reflection Paper Essay

Sustainability and Resilience Reflection Paper - Essay Example sustainability; hence, is the rate at which the renewable resources are harvested, non-renewable resource depletion and pollution creation can be continued forever. However, they cannot be maintained indefinitely then are not environment sustainable. This definition is challenging because no sustainable economic growth can be continued forever because all economic growth is environmentally degrading (Ove Arup & Partners International Limited, 2014). Meaning that it is impossible to have a sustainable environment and achieve economic growth. Consequently, environmental sustainability should be about making responsible decisions, as well as, taking action in the interest of protecting the environment placing an emphasis on the preservation and support of human life. The decisions made should ensure that they reduce the business negative impact on the environment in the sense that, although they want to achieve economic growth it should be at the cost human life. Resilience, on the other hand, is the ability of a structure to survive, grow, and adapt in the face of the unforeseen changes, as well as, catastrophic incidents (Hardin, 1968). This is to mean that the systems in the organizations and the country continuously develop through cycles of progression, crisis, accumulation, and renewal and in most cases self-organize into unpredicted new configurations. Resilience has been said to provide a novel and useful perceptive on sustainable development by what industrial development should not jeopardize the well-being of future generations. For this reason, in order to achieve sustainability, it is imperative to have foresight, innovation and effective partnership with governments and corporations and other groups (Goodland, 1995). This is because nobody can manage to foretell the future and for that reason, it is important to equip people on ways to adapt to the instability that is ahead. Consequently, resilience is the key to universal sust ainability. Resilience

Swot B&B Ice Cream Essay Example for Free

Swot BB Ice Cream Essay SWOT analysis is a very useful technique for understanding internal and external environment of the business based on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. SWOT analysis on Ben and Jerry’s, we can see the secrets of its success and what are areas for growth. Strengths: 1. Ben and Jerry’s has a well-funded and large-scale parent company. 2. Ben and Jerry’s has a good reputation of the high-quality products. 3. Ben and Jerry’s has the various and innovative products. 4. Ben and Jerry’s is a powerful brand with the high market share. 5. Ben and Jerry’s has a well-known social responsibility and environmentalism. 6. Ben and Jerry’s ensures employee satisfaction. Weaknesses: 1. Less media advertisement investment. 2. Life cycle of single flavor is short. 3. High price. Opportunities: 1. Ben and Jerry’s can keep on developing new products. 2. Ben and Jerry’s can make its ice cream more convenient to buy. 3. Ben and Jerry’s can enter the Chinese market. 4. Ben and Jerry’s can cooperate with other brands. Threats: 1. Food safety. 2. The price of raw material. 3. The raise of human health awareness. 4. Already existed competitors and new competitors. Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream is best known as a premium ice cream brand and it has 800 franchises and 5800 eating locations in 28 countries around the world. Annual sales revenue for Ben and Jerry’s exceeds $132 million. (Statistic Brain, 2012) There is no doubting, Ben and Jerry’s is one of the best companies in the dessert market. Ben and Jerrys were bought over by an Anglo–Dutch multinational consumer goods company Unilever in 2000. As a world’s third-largest consumer goods company and the world’s largest maker of ice cream, Unilever not only has provided the sufficient funds and vast global market for Ben and Jerry’s, but also has offered organizational management mode and scientific management method. By virtue of good resources, Ben and Jerry’s can strengthen market, enlarge brand, perfect management and get more profit. If you do eat Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, you have to admit that Ben Jerrys is more flavorful compare with other cheaper brands of ice cream. It is because Ben and Jerry’s ice cream contain higher percentage of butterfat and it is made with high quality vanilla, nuts, chocolate, fruits and flavorings. In addition, all Ben Jerrys ice cream is made by non-genetically modified ingredients, like organic milk and organic eggs. Not all consumers can distinguish the difference of coco between West Africa and South Asia, but almost everyone knows choose organic means choose health. And high quality of raw materials can insure the tasty and healthy of Ben and Jerry’s products. Quality is the eternal subject of companies. Only good products can retain the consumers, help business win the competitive advantage from strong market competition. Meanwhile, in order to meet different people’s needs, Ben and Jerry’s has already developed over 100 flavors of products including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and ice cream novelty products and the new flavors of ice cream is developing ceaselessly. They are using special characteristics to distinguish the difference types of ice cream. For example, low sugar, and low fat ice cream have special color effects on their packages, they can attract people who are serious about weight. And some ice cream packages with different Disney’s characters for attracting more children. Ben and Jerry’s strengthens advertising to make more people who never eat Ben and Jerry’s taste their most popular products named Cookie Dough and Chocolate Fudge Brownie, because without first attempt, there is no customer loyalty. These marketing tools not only convenient consumers to choice and remember, but also expand the range of target market. In addition, Ben and Jerry’s has a strong brand name. It is a stable and successful company with high market share. According to west European deserts market research, Ben and Jerry’s has the largest share of the luxury ice cream market was 39.1% (IRI convenience sales, 2008). High market share help Ben and Jerry’s take the initiative. Ben and Jerry’s has been working on charity and environmental protection. This is the key difference above other brands. Ben and Jerry’s not only put much money into public every year, but also promise to produce eco-packaging. Their foundation awards about $1.8 million annually and charity events beyond count. Advertisement is the most effective way to inform and persuade the consumers and charity is the best advertisement, it has longer term efficacy than media advertisement. The employees are major wealth of the business. Ben and Jerry’s through different ways to encourage their staffs, such as high salaries, Ben Jerrys livable wage benchmark was $15.34/h in 2011 and far above the USA minimum wage was $7.25/hr. (BJ USA homepage, 2011) Besides, extra premiums, staff health programs and community garden all can improve the employees empower and motivate. Employee satisfaction is a factor of Ben and Jerry’s success as well. To sum up, business success not accidental and lucky, large parent company, good reputation, innovative products, powerful brand name, high social responsibility and employee satisfaction are the causes of Ben and Jerry’s success. But there are no excellent companies, Ben and Jerry’s is no exception. Firstly, as a profit making organization, Ben and Jerry’s puts more money into charity rather than media advertisement. Charity is good, but less advertisement investment against Ben and Jerry’s expanding corporate recognition. Secondly, Ben and Jerrys has some flavors that had taken off shelves quickly. Keeping fresh is fine, but every new product used large resources before they launch in the market. Too short life cycle of product will lead to resources waste. Thirdly, in Tesco, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream’s price is  £0.90/100ml, but most of other brands’ prices are  £0.20- £0.40/100ml. The high price will close the door on many consumers. Ben and Jerry’s has many opportunities of producing, such as it can develop more flavors and increase the life cycle of some products. They also can build a few flavors only belong to Ben and Jerry’s. Just like when consumers hear Big MAC, they associate McDonald’s. And different sizes and shapes of ice cream also can attract more consumers, such as super size ice cream tub or ice cream bar, because now Ben and Jerry’s only has two sizes of ice cream tub (500ml and 150ml). And healthier products are necessary, fat free or sugar free all the good choices. Ben and Jerry’s still do not have a list of gluten-free flavors, so they can fill this gap. The opportunities of market is that make their ice cream vending machine go into more Cafà ©s, schools, railway stations and cinemas. It is convenience for people who need to replenish energy and just greedy. At the same time, Ben and Jerry’s can expand new markets, such as Asia market and Africa market. Some professionals say that the scale of Chinese ice cream market has more than  £30 millions and expect the luxury ice cream share of 20%-30%. Haagen Dazs has entered the Chinese high-end ice cream market early, its success shows large market demand in developing countries. Ben and Jerry’s should catch this business opportunity. In addition, Ben and jerry’s can produce different products according to the different cultural. Fox example, the consumers can buy fried bread stick and meat congee in Chinese KFC. So Ben and Jerry’s can launch the ice cream moon cake to meet Chinese consumers’ tastes. Forthemore, Cooperation is also a good choice, and this cooperation can be different sectors, like cooperate with AMC Theatres, and the consumers only can buy Ben and Jerry’s ice cream at AMC Cinemas. And they also can cooperate with clothing brands and print their unique cow images on limited edition clothing. This is a good way of advertising as well. Of course, Ben and Jerry’s can cooperate with food companies, like Cadbury, to produce â€Å"Cadbury Jerry’s† chocolate ice cream. Powerful combination will be easier for win-win. Preventing accidents before they occur is necessary. Food is related to human health, so from raw materials to production, every stage exist risk. Such as, raw material pollution, unqualified food additives and unclean food processing. Every single detail can decide the quality of products. And with the price of cattle feeds is raising will lead to the price of milk up, so Ben and Jerry’s has to cost more on raw milk. Meanwhile, more and more people focus on health, the frozen foods will suffer winter. Obviously, Haagen Dazs is an arch rival and it has more market share around the world. At the same time, the new competitors can appear at any time. In conclusion, in view of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream long-term development, Ben and Jerry’s should match strengths to opportunities, convert weaknesses into strengths and convert threats into opportunities. And then it will get more successful in the future.

Religious Rejections of Globalization

Religious Rejections of Globalization Introduction The conflict between Western and Islamic worlds has drawn the attention of various scholars such as Samuel Huntington and Fukuyama whom predicted future war would be premised on cultural differences. Since the 1990s, countless scholars have analyzed Islam and its connection to religious fundamentalism in order to understand why fundamentalists are so radically opposed to economic modernization and social change. More surprisingly however, is the fact that Western academia and political leaders have largely ignored assertive Christian responses against globalization, especially those coming from Christian fundamentalists whose numbers and political influence continues to grow around the world. The re-emergence of religious fundamentalism as a political force has been propelled by the perceived threat of globalization which promotes the spread of Westernization, neoliberalism and secularism (Juergensmeyer 140). In the eyes of many religious movements, globalization challenges the prese nce of local religions by encouraging capitalist beliefs that do not take into account moral principles. Among these religious groups, Christianity is of particular importance because of its status, outreach and role in international affairs. When we talk about Christianity, we refer to a set of religious values and beliefs that led to the creation of various denominations, organizations and creeds. The following essay argues that the religious rejection of globalization within the Christian community has been spearheaded by religious fundamentalist groups in order to prevent the creation of a secular world order because it threatens to reduce their influence, power and legitimacy. Presently, Christianity’s role and status in international affairs is being redefined by two important groups: Christian liberals and Christian evangelicals. This internal religious competition aims to democratically capture important decision-making positions within the hierarchy of western states to reassert Christianity presence on the public sphere to ensure social and moral order. Liberal Christianity and civil society’s anti-globalization response The influential expansion of global society has redefined the role that religious groups play in the development of important international policies. As multiple sectors of global civil society have come together to denounce the negative effects of globalization on the poor and vulnerable, religious groups have joined their voice to highlight the need to create a better world order (Lechner 115). It is important to note that global civil society’s critical responses to globalization have largely evolved along secular lines (Lechner 116). At the same time, if we define civil society as all forms of voluntary association outside the market and state, then religion constitutes the largest segment of civil society (Lechner 116). The Roman Catholic Church alone accounts more members than all advocacy networks combined together which helps explain Christianity’s influence and outreach on major international socio-economic issues (Lechner 116). The Roman Catholic Church has pl ayed an important role in condemning the neo-liberal model imposed by Western states because of its tendency to support the imposition of economic values over moral principles. During a speech by Pope John Paul II, during his visit to Havana in 1998, the leader of the Catholic community openly expressed his concern on the negative effects that capitalism has on the vulnerable but also on the worldwide presence of Catholicism (Robertson 612). He claimed that the absolutizing of the economy was wrong for three main reasons: 1-markets were imperfect and were bound to leave people unsatisfied, 2-withouth proper regulation, the community markets do not serve the common good which results in exclusion and marginalization and 3-left to their own devices, markets promote economic inequality (Lechner 124). In this sense, the religious Christian left and the western secular left have evoked similar arguments and appear to pursue the same socio-economic goals (Lechner 124). In the late 1990s, both the Catholic Church and Protestant Churches pressured affluent states for the forgiveness of poor nations’ foreign debt because it imposed heavy economic burdens on people whose human dignity was constantly challenged by unequal and oppressive conditions (Lechner 117). On November 6, 2000, President Bill Clinton signed a foreign aid bill fully funding debt relief for poor countries (Lechner 118). Liberal Christians around the world celebrated this victory that had rallied multiple sectors of global civil society behind a common goal. Truly, Jubilee 2000 demonstrated how the power of religious scripture could be used to re-shape the history of the â€Å"secular world† (Lechner 119). However, it is important to acknowledge Jubilee’s 2000 success was primarily caused by secular forces who lobbied tremendously well to achieve their goal (Lechner 120). In addition, the Catholic Church previous support for economic liberalism as a way to force the fall of communi sm contradicted its new discourse against globalization and neo-liberalism which further divide its community. These contradictions demonstrate that liberal Christianity’s moderate approach is too passive to efficiently oppose globalization and further highlights its dependence on secular forces to provide political solutions for the world’s most worrisome problems. The rise of religious fundamentalism in Christianity Liberal Christianity’s global decline has helped Christian evangelicals spread their political message in more assertive, faster and active manner in the Americas, Asia and Africa. At the moment, liberal Christianity represents a mere minority within their societies who no longer share their assumptions and are experimenting drastic socio-economic changes as a result of globalization (Stahl 350). This political vacuum has been filled by both secular individuals and Christian evangelicals that have attracted considerable amount of support towards their opposite political goals. Religious movements whether liberal or conservative tend to perceive globalization as a competing form of religion association that contains a set of established ideas, beliefs, authorities, goals and followers (Stahl 341). For this reason, religious groups zealously oppose this expanding force. However, religious conservatives appear to be more successful than their liberal parts in using certain aspect s globalization to reach people and transmit their political goals (Jesus Camp). Many Christian evangelicals in the United States believe that their government has been taken over by corporations and foreign agents that seek the expansion of evil and corrupt forces within their nation (Jesus Camp). This threat often takes form in secular institutions and policies that are often demonized publicly by evangelical leaders who lobby their communities to vote for a particular candidate who will accurately represent their traditional values. The ongoing expansion of Christian fundamentals and their active political involvement in public affairs makes them a considerable force that can effectively influence the political spectrum of multiple nations. Despite this, few western scholars consider Christian fundamentalism a real threat to the stability of their nations as they wrongly believe that the most dangerous face of fundamentalism is to be associated with Muslim faith. Religions of revolution and their radical answer to globalization The modern social stability of Western secular societies has been built on the free practice of religion in the private sphere. This explains why, westerners are so fearful of the public imposition of a single religious tradition that could violate the freedoms and rights of individuals. According to Stahl, religious complaints against globalization focus on two main themes: the demand for justice and the defense of tradition (Stahl 339). Stahl uses these themes to draw a comparison between Osama Bin Laden whose exemplifies Islam fundamentalism and Dwight Hopkins who embodies Liberal Christianity (Stahl 339). Osama’s complaints are addressed in Letter to America (2002) and Resist the New Rome (2004). He believes that Muslim fundamentalists are fighting a defensive war against the forces of imperialism and aggression which are responsible for the establishment of corrupt and dictatorial regimes throughout the Muslim world (Stahl 339). He claims this religio-economic war is a co ntinuation of the Crusades and other past struggles between Muslims and Christians (Stahl 340). He criticizes the economic, environmental and cultural decline of the West and defends Islamic tradition from what he believes to be an infectious and corrupt culture (Stahl 340). He also denounces the theft of Muslim wealth and America’s refusal to ratify Kyoto. Despite this, most of his criticism is directed towards individual behavior, especially the treatment of women and sexualisation of culture (Stahl 340). Immorality is high on his list, economic exploitation is not. His call for Muslim community to violently resist the enemies of Islam appealed to many devoted people regardless of their socio-economic background (Stahl 341). On the other hand, Hopkins’ complaint based on liberal Christianity is one dimensional because it focuses on the economic aspect of globalization (Stahl 341). As Bin Laden, Hopkins advocates for justice and defense of tradition, although he clear ly understands these concepts differently than his counterpart. On the demand for justice, he criticizes the grotesque accumulation of wealth and power into the hands of few individuals. He attributes this to be the cause of corrupt politics and the unrestricted destruction of the environment (Stahl 341). In defense of tradition, he claims that globalization is a competing form of religious organization that seeks to promote material realities and economic values over moral principles (Stahl 341). Bin Laden and Hopkins are quite different. Bin Laden was ready to kill to achieve his version of Islam whereas Hopkins liberation theology called for spiritual resistance and struggle for freedom and justice (Stahl 342). Liberal Christian has slowly become a religion of resistance that has struggled to mobilize its followers against globalization. On the other hand, Islamic fundamentalism is religion of revolution that violently opposes globalization. The means advocated Islamist fundament alism are not that different from Christian fundamentalists who have also adopted a confrontational direct tone to send out powerful political messages. Conclusion To conclude, Christianity’s position and role within the Western World is being redefined by two competing religious movements that aim to democratically capture political power within their state to reassert religion’s role on the public sphere. On the one side, Liberal Christianity appears to have a renewed interest in opposing globalization and neoliberalism which has motivated many liberal Christians to join forces with the secular left. The success of Jubilee 2000 attests on what this cooperation can provide in terms of progressive and inclusive social policies. However, liberal Christianity’s moderate critique of globalization has also been qualified as too passive by many of its members that are drawn by Christian conservatives’ more pro-active and direct message. As Christian evangelical’s popularity and numbers continues to grow, they have become an influential political force that opposes secularism and modernization in their own nations. As the dominant forces within Christianity are slowly turn it a religion of revolution, they are adopting various fundamentalist values and premises which threaten to unbalance the social stability of these secular societies. Western societies tend to picture Islam as the main motor of religious fundamentalism in the world. However, what they ignore is that the real threat to their society’s stability comes from the radicalization of Christianity which supports a more confrontational approach to promote their religious values.

An Investigation Into The Causes Of Migraine Headache Nursing Essay

An Investigation Into The Causes Of Migraine Headache Nursing Essay Migraine is a neurological disorder which affects almost 10% of the worlds population (Woeber et al., 2007). In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated the number of migraineurs worldwide at 303 million people. A similar study in 2004 found that approximately 20 million migraine attacks occur every day (Forshaw, 2003). Individuals who suffer from migraine headaches carry the burden of pain and suffering that can lead to an impaired quality of life. At a community level, migraine headaches can also be problematic because of absences from work or decreased productivity from migraine sufferers (NINDS Migraine Information Page). As a result of the problems associated with migraine headaches, there is significant interest in discovering the triggers for migraines. A migraine is a specific type of headache characterized by altered bodily perceptions, pulsing pain in the cranial region, and nausea (Forshaw, 2003). Most migraines are unilateral, meaning they affect only one side of the head, and the pain is usually localized to a very specific area (Forshaw, 2003). A typical migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. The most frequent symptoms of a migraine include nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to sensory input (Gallagher et al., 2002). Most commonly, individuals affected by migraine headaches have increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia) (Gallagher et al., 2002). A smaller percentage of migraine sufferers report an aura which accompanies their migraine. An aura usually consists of unusual visual, olfactory, or other sensory experiences that give the individual some forewarning that a migraine will soon occur (Gallagher et al., 2002). The diagnosis of migraine can be difficult, especially because this specific type of headache mimics several other types. Migraines are also habitually written off by those who experience them infrequently as a result of the cold or flu (Gallagher et al., 2002). Because of these difficulties, migraines are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed (Lyons, 2007). The International Headache Society (IHS) has laid the foundation for the diagnosis and classification of migraine headaches. According to the IHS, there are seven different classes of migraines (Headache Classification Subcommittee, 2004). These include migraine without aura, or common migraine, migraine with aura, hemiplegic migraine, childhood periodic syndromes which are precursors of migraine, retinal migraine, complications of migraine, and probably migraine. Although there are many classifications of migraine headaches, there are really only two methods of diagnosis, which correlate with the two main types of migraine: migraine without aura and migraine with aura. Migraine without aura can be diagnosed using the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 criteria: 5 or more attacks, 4 hours to 3 days in duration, 2 or more of unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate to severe pain, aggravation by or avoidance of routine physical activity, and 1 or more accompanying symptoms which could include nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia, or phonophobia (Headache Classification Subcommittee, 2004). In the method of diagnosing migraine with aura, only two attacks are necessary to make the diagnosis. Although migraine headaches are experienced by individuals from many different lifestyles and backgrounds, there are some demographics in which migraine is more commonly seen. Although migraine headaches are equally prevalent in male and female prepubescent patients, 75% of adult patients are women (Lay et al., 2009). Migraines become more common with age, though 98% of patients experience their first migraine before the age of 50 (Forshaw, 2003). Migraines are also thought to be genetically linked, as 70% of migraine patients have some other, first-degree relative (e.g. brother) who has experienced migraine headaches (Forshaw, 2003). Perhaps the most intriguing question pertaining to migraines is that no one knows what causes them. To date, research has not been able to definitively discern which of the suspected triggers of migraine may actually cause the headaches, nor has anyone determined which of the suspected triggers might play the largest role in producing migraines (Woeber et al., 2007). The list of suspected triggers for migraines is extensive, including, but not limited to: weather, missing a meal, stress, alcohol, various types of food and changes in sleeping patterns (Forshaw, 2003). Women have also reported menses as a trigger, and studies of both men and women have also shown that environmental factors and even certain activities, such as using a computer for too long, can bring on a migraine (Woeber et al., 2007). Because it would be impossible to investigate each and every one of these suspected triggers, the comparison of this studied has been narrowed to include sleep-related, hormonal and food triggers. Sleep Disorders (Amelia Van Handel) The role of sleep in migraine has not been fully explained (Kelman, 2005). Studies have determined that disturbed sleep patterns may trigger a migraine attack, and it is also widely accepted that sleep can alleviate and even terminate a migraine (Blau, 1982). Although the exact relationship between changes in sleep patterns and migraine is unclear, many researchers believe there is a correlation (Woeber et al., 2007; Kelman, 2005). Much of the argument for the relationship between migraine and sleep disorders stems from the preponderance of migraine in the morning hours (Fox, 1998). Patients with sleep disorders are far more prone to have morning headaches, and chronic migraine sufferers often experience morning migraines after interruptions in their sleep cycle. This has led researchers to speculate that the circadian clock plays a role in migraine pathophysiology, though no one has yet determined why changes in sleep pattern are a trigger for migraine headache (Cohen, 2005). Several sleep disorders are speculated to be triggers for migraine. Insomnia, which involves difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, is one of the most researched causes for sleep-related migraine (Pallesen, 2001). Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is also commonly associated with migraine. EDS is defined as difficulty maintaining a desired level of wakefulness, and patients diagnosed with the disorder often experience migraine headaches after dosing off during the day (Young, 2004). EDS is relatively prevalent in the general population, ranging from 10% to 20% and increasing in the very young and very old (Hasler, 2005). EDS is usually caused by poor sleep quality at night, which can sometimes be associated with insomnia (Carskadon, 1993). To a lesser extent, narcolepsy (symptoms similar to EDS) and sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep which cause an individual to wake up sporadically) have been studied to determine whether or not they might be associated with migra ine (Bixler, 2005). For more than 100 years, medical personnel and researchers alike have noticed an association between sleep problems and headaches (Sahota, 1990). One of the main causes of confusion, however, is whether the headaches are the cause or the result of disrupted sleep. While interruptions in sleep patterns can cause migraine headaches to become more prevalent, migraines can have the same affect on the sleeping disorders themselves (Paiva, 1997). The determination of which comes first, the sleep disruption or the migraine, is the subject of much current research (Woeber, 2007; Lee, 2009). Hormones (Kelly Pritzl) Previous research indicates that headaches are three times more common in adult females than adult males. (Evans et al, 2000) The reason for this staggering statistic could be due in part to differences in male and female hormones and levels of hormones. (Evans et al, 2000) The major male and female hormones are estrogens and androgens. Men produce significantly more testosterone, a type of androgen, per day than women (7 mg vs. .5 mg), while women produce more estrogen per day than men. A woman experiences more fluctuations in hormone levels during her life than a male does. During these times of fluctuation, many women will have an increased incidence of migraine, suggesting that fluctuations in hormone levels play a role in the onset of migraine. (Lee, 2009) Some of the hormones that may be involved in the onset of migraine are estrogen, progestin, androgens, testosterone, and serotonin. (Glass, 2009) The mechanisms by which these hormones are involved are not clear, but there is strong evidence for the role of hormones in precipitating migraine attack. (Glass, 2009) There is particular evidence for the role of hormones in causing migraine attacks in women. Before puberty, males and females tend to experience migraines at the same rate, there is a sharp increase in the number of girls over boys who experience migraine at the mean age that girls begin menstruating. (Dzoljic et al, 2002) Pregnancy also seems to have an effect on the occurrence of migraines. During pregnancy, there is an increased level of estrogen in the body. Many women either experience an absense of headache when they otherwise suffered from migraine on a regular basis, or they experienced an increase in frequency of headache when they typically did not have migraines. (Robbins, 2002) Another instance of the role of hormone involvement in migraine attack in women is the increase in incidence of migraine as women near menopause, a time of decreased estrogen production. (Robbins, 2002) While there are many different hormones that may have an effect on incidence of migraine, the main focus of this research will primarily be on the mechanisms by which estrogen may induce migraine, with respect to different times in a womans life estrogen levels fluctuate, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Estrogen is a type of steroid hormone and is considered the primary female sex hormone responsible for regulating the normal sexual and reproductive development in women. (Robbins, 2002) Organ systems such as the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and the brain are affected by estrogen. (Robbins, 2002) There are two approaches to the current understanding of the role of estrogen in migraines. One type is estrogen withdrawal headache. This happens after a severe drop in estrogen levels in the body, such as during menstruation, during menopause, or post-partum. The second type is exogenous hormone induced headache. This occurs during or after the u se of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. (Kibler et al, 2005) A comparison of studies that examines the correlation between levels of estrogen during certain periods of a womans life and the incidence of migraine will allow better understanding of the function of this hormone as a cause of migraine. Very little is known about the way in which estrogen actually precipitates migraine, but with an enhanced understanding of the current research that has been done, future research will be promoted on a topic that affects such a considerable proportion of migraineurs. Food (Brandon Pellerin) Various foods have been suspected of triggering migraines for decades (Grant, 1979; Peatfield, 1984). In susceptible people, certain foods and particular compounds contained in these foods are believed to induce trigeminovascular (warning system to protect the brain from tissue injury and toxins) neurons to release neurotransmitters such as calcitonin, gene-related peptide and substance P. The release of these neurotransmitters leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), mast cell degranulation (release of molecules from secretory vesicles called granules), increased vascular permeability (capacity of a blood vessel wall to allow the flow of small molecules), and meningeal edema (accumulation of fluid within the meninges) resulting in neurogenic inflammation (release of inflammatory mediators from neurons) (Sun-Edelstein, 2009). Many common foods such as wheat, eggs, beef, and corn are documented migraine triggers (Grant, 1979). However, the most prevalent food precipitants of migraine are alcohol, chocolate, coffee, fatty foods and artificial sweeteners (Peatfield, 1984). Various compounds present in common foods are suspected to play important roles in the triggering of migraines. Certain amines such as tyramine and phenylethylamine are thought to be precipitators of migraines and are present in alcohol and chocolate (Sun-Edelstein, 2009, Marcus, 1997). Caffeine, also present in chocolate, is believed to be the culprit of coffees capacity of being a trigger (Sun-Edelstein, 2009). Artificial sweeteners themselves such as aspartame and more recently sucralose, have been subjects of research as to their ability to precipitate migraines (Sun-Edelstein, 2009; Bigal, 2006). However, not all migraineurs exhibit sensitivity to food and those that do are not equally affected by each trigger. The food that affects one person may not be the same food that triggers migraine in another, while at the same time a third person may be affected by both. The inconsistency of results keeps food as a continued subject of debate and study in migraine precipitation. The purpose of this research was to determine the role, if any, that sleep disorders, hormones, and food play in the triggering of migraine headaches. The goal of this study was to determine if there is any validity to the conjectures that these are triggers for migraine and if so, which trigger plays the largest role in determining whether or not migraine will occur. To answer these questions, data was gathered from primary sources by searching PubMed and Biological Abstracts. From these studies, each researcher conducted his or her own analysis of the data found within a particular subtopic to determine what correlation that specific cause might have with migraine headache. The information collected in this portion of the research was then combined to determine the relative relationship between the triggers and migraine, using correlation data and p-values to determine which was the overriding cause of migraine headaches. METHODS Sleep Disorders (Amelia Van Handel) In order to find articles relating sleep disorders to migraine, the database Biological Abstracts was used. This database was chosen because Biological Abstracts includes articles from all science-based subject areas and includes many reviews and other literature forms, which proved helpful for background or supplemental information. This database was also chosen because it was a good resource for primary research sources relating to the specific subject matter. Having chosen this database, the search was initiated using keywords relating to the topic. Initially, the subtopic for this section of the research was sensory stimuli, so the search began with the keywords migraine headache* and light. The word headache was truncated so as to provide a larger base of results. This returned 31 articles, but after looking through them, it was determined that most of them were reviews. The lack of primary research led to a search other types of stimuli, common food triggers, and even specific symptoms of migraine associated with the senses. When none of these provided the intended results, it was determined that this subtopic should be changed. Leaving the idea of sensory stimuli behind completely, a search was performed using the words migraine and sleep, which yielded 38 articles. The number of articles and the quality of the source material fit the needs of the research, and thus the search was completed. With a manageable number of articles, those which were most pertinent to the subtopic of sleep disorders were chosen for further analysis. The initial 38 were narrowed by removing those articles which were not primary research. Although the reviews and other literature forms would be helpful for background information, they would not be useful in making comparisons and finding correlation. The article selection was further narrowed by looking for those articles which contained the metrics the research would focus on. With these parameters in place, only 12 articles remained, a number which was determined to be appropriate for drawing conclusions about the correlation between certain triggers and migraine. The metrics of focus chosen for this research pertained to the quality of patients sleep and the correlation this had to the number of migraines they experienced. Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index made it possible to measure the quality of patients sleep. The association between migraine and sleep disorders was reported in the chosen articles, which aided in the determination of the relationship between sleep quality and the number of migraines experienced. Hormones (Kelly Pritzl) All of the primary research articles relating to hormones as a cause of migraines were found online through the search engines Biological Abstracts and PubMed. The same process for finding citations was used with both engines. The search strategy consisted of first examining the results when migraines was entered into the search box. This yielded far too many results; the goal was to restrict the number of articles relevant to hormones as precursors of migraines to 40 or less. In order to refine the search, the entities migraines AND hormones were entered into the search box. To further refine the search, migraines AND estrogen was entered in and results were limited to only clinical trials and articles in English only. After gathering 40 relevant research articles, five articles within these were found containing specific criteria in order to properly conduct the meta-analysis within the topic of hormones and across the three topics of sleep-induced migraines, nutrition and migraines, and hormones and migraines. The criteria for selecting the five best articles included: relevant and useful primary data, p-values, similar subjects and number of subjects, similar methods of data collection, and recentness of publication. Food (Brandon Pellerin) To find relevant articles on the subject of food triggered migraines, the electronic databases Biological Abstracts and PubMed were used. Biological Abstracts was used using a title search for the word migraine* with a secondary title search of food* or diet*. This search turned up 30 records. The asterisk is used to search for any result which contains the root word. More specific searches were done by a title search of migraine* with topic searches of chocolate*, alcohol*, caffeine*, aspartame*, or sucralose*. Similar methods were used using the PubMed database with the exception of the use of the asterisk and the differentiating of topic searches and title searches. General searches were done using migraine and diet and migraine and food. More specific searches were done using the same keywords used in biological abstracts, joined by the and limiter. The articles searched for were published in relevant scientific journals and pertained to the topic of food and its potential to precipitate migraines. Articles that were chosen contained two types of data. One set of data included the results of general surveys that were done to ascertain details of migraineurs attacks, such as various triggers. The second type of data obtained were results from studies of specific foods documented as triggers for migraine. When an article seemed to contain useful information and was able to be accessed online, it was saved as a PDF file for future reference. The data collected from the general surveys consisted of questionnaires asking for details of subjects migraines. A vast amount of information was collected in these surveys such as the type of migraine (with or without aura), associated symptoms of migraine (photophobia, nausea, etc.), frequency, duration, and so on. The information important to this study was that concerning precipitants of migraines. Each survey documented the reported triggers of each subject if a trigger existed. This information is used to ascertain the prevalence of foods as triggers within the population that suffer from migraines. The second data set used results from studies that sought to test whether suspected foods did indeed trigger migraines. The studies relied on correlating migraine occurrences with the consumption of particular foods. The studies analyzed diet and migraine diaries kept by the subjects. The diet records often required subjects to record all food consumption and the time at which it was consumed. Likewise, the migraine diaries required subjects to document the occurrence of migraines and details regarding them such as severity, duration, type, associated symptoms, etc. The studies analyzed the results by comparing the onset of migraine with the consumption of a particular food. If there was a significant increase in the amount of migraines after consumption of a particular food, it was reasonable to conclude it played a role in the triggering of the migraine. RESULTS Sleep Disorders (Amelia Van Handel) As preliminary research, the results of five studies were analyzed. These studies were interested in finding the correlation, if one existed, between sleep disorders and migraine. Four of the five articles documented research conducted by asking patients to record the quality of their sleep and the number of migraine headaches they experienced, either in diary format or by answering questions in a comprehensive questionnaire (Woeber et al., 2007; Alstadhaug et al., 2007; Barbanti et al., 2007; Peres et al., 2005). The fifth article focused on removing the stimulus i.e. sleep problems by providing targeted behavioral sleep invention (Calhoun et al., 2007). The researchers then analyzed whether or not there was an improvement in headache frequency to determine if sleeping disorders were correlated with migraine. In order to conduct research on the relationship between sleeping disorders and migraine, only patients who suffered from both conditions could be included in the studies. To determine the level of sleep disruption, two studies measured excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) as a function of a score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Barbanti et al., 2007; Peres et al., 2005). A score of 10 or higher on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale indicated EDS. The first study (Barbanti et al., 2007) found that EDS was more common in migraineurs than in controls (14% vs. 5%), and the second study (Peres et al., 2005) found EDS occurred in 85% of chronic migraine sufferers. In the same study, dozing off was a headache trigger in 30% of all patients and 70% of patients with EDS. In both studies, patients who presented with EDS had more frequent migraines (Barbanti et al., 2007; Peres et al., 2005). In the same two studies, the quality of sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Barbanti et al., 2007; Peres et al., 2005). An overall score of greater than 5 separated poor sleepers from good sleepers on this scale. In both studies, about 90 percent of patients diagnosed with EDS were also categorized as poor sleepers using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Barbanti et al., 2007; Peres et al., 2005). This provided further evidence that poor or inadequate sleep and migraine headaches often occurred in the same patients. On the subject of correlation, all of the articles chosen for analysis found a correlation between sleep disorders and migraine, though most were hesitant to state definitively that the sleeping disorders were the direct cause of the migraine. Two studies found that patients with excessive daytime sleepiness and/or insomnia experienced more migraines after a night of restless or inadequate sleep (Alstadhaug et al., 2007; Barbanti et al., 2007). These migraines were more likely to occur during the morning hours (Alstadhaug et al., 2007). Conversely, another study which focused on EDS noticed a correlation between fatigue and migraine, but they did not believe the results to be conclusive enough to state whether migraines lead to EDS or if EDS is the primary condition leading to migraine (Peres et al., 2005). One study was tracking several different sleep disorders, but found their results to be inconclusive in determining which sleep disorder was most correlated with migraine (Woeber et al., 2007). The researchers did, however, come to the conclusion that tiredness increased the risk of headache and migraine (headache ratio increased from 0.689 to 1.184 in cases where patients were tired) (Woeber et al., 2007). The final study, which attempted to remove the sleep disruptions by using behavioral sleep intervention, found a significant decrease in headache frequency and intensity after successful sleep modification (Calhoun et al., 2007). They were also able to revert chronic migraineurs to episodic migraineurs after improving the quality of sleep in their patients. By the final visit, 48.5% of those who had received behavioral sleep modification instructions had reverted to episodic migraine (Calhoun et al., 2007). Hormones (Kelly Pritzl) The purpose of the individual meta-analysis was to determine when hormones were most involved in the precipitation of migraine. Two of the studies used only females as subjects. (Dezoljic, 2002 and Kibler, 2005) The subjects in two other studies consisted of males and females with medically diagnosed cases of migraine. (Kelman, 2007 and Rasmussen, 1993) The subjects in the remaining study were self-reported male and female migraineurs (Russel, 1996) All of the studies were researching adults. The mean age of subjects for all the studies was the mid-thirties. (Dezoljic, 2002; Kelman, 2007; Kibler, 2005; Rasmussen, 1993; Russell, 1996) The methods used in all of the articles were very similar. Four of the studies conducted a clinical examination to confirm a diagnosis of migraine and were followed by a questionnaire or an interview to collect data on lifestyle of the subjects and possible causes of their migraines. One of the studies involved self report of migraine status and if the subject indicated positively, they were issued a questionnaire. (Russell, 1996) In all of the studies, incidence of migraine caused by fluctuations in hormones was overwhelmingly more prevalent in females than by males. This indicates that female sex hormones, such as estrogen, play a significant role in the onset of migraine. Food (Brandon Pellerin) Four articles were used that studied triggers of migraine in various populations (Kelman, 2007; Spierings, 2001; Takeshima, 2004; Chabriat, 1999). The studies used surveys to gather information about a population. The individuals chosen for the surveys were either random people or known migraine sufferers. In the case of the random surveying, individuals that reported having migraines were instructed to complete a detailed migraine questionnaire. Three of these studies (Kelman, 2007; Spierings, 2001; Chabriat, 1999) show evidence of food as a precipitant for migraine. Of these three studies, at least 26% of individuals documented food as being a trigger. The fourth study (Takeshima, 2004) shows little evidence of this as it reports less then 1% of surveyors listing food as a trigger. Of these four studies, two (Kelman, 2007; Spierings, 2001) listed alcohol as a separate category and reported about 40% of individuals claiming alcohol as a trigger for migraine. Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners are among the most often cited food triggers for migraine (Sun-Edelstein, 2009; Peatfield, 1984). The high frequency of these claims makes these subjects of particular interest. Articles were obtained that studied these particular triggers in order to ascertain whether they did indeed trigger migraine. Two case studies were found that documented the artificial sweetener sucralose as a probable precipitant of migraine (Bigal, 2006; Rajendrakumar, 2006). In the two studies, migraine attacks were documented at least 90% of the time after the individuals consumed a beverage containing the sweetener. In one study this was ascertained through correlating a food diary with the occurrences of migraine (Bigal, 2006). The other study (Rajendrakumar, 2006) relied on administering different sodas that contained and did not contain sucralose. It was found that only the sodas containing the sweetener triggered migraines.