The Rise of the Tablet PC in the U.S. Market Essay

The Rise of the Tablet PC in the U.S. Market - Essay Example carriers like AT&T Inc., Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA (Kharif). The United States tablet PC market is in a growth succession and has became very trendy and a great competitor for computer companies, and by 2015, tablet users are anticipated to develop from an expected 26 to 82.1 million. The market is presently dominated by Apple Inc., yet they will shortly have a new contestant challenging them to come down off their thrown thanks to China’s second-largest manufacturer of mobile-phone gear, ZTE Corporation, publicized its plan to uncover an Android tablet in the U.S. before the end of 2011. Apple’s tablet, the Ipad 2 achieved a market share of 75% in September 2011, leaving only a 25% market share for its rivals. Android based tablets, like the notorious Ipad, will soon be eligible for purchase for a surprising $499 which will get the attention of a lot of tablet lovers, yet there is other competition and brands to consider when this new Android gadget launches because the tablet can be found at Dell, Hewlett Packard, Gateway, Ace r, and other well-known computer and electronic distributors, so a really competitive attitude and business strategy will have to be in place for Apple to stay at the top of the list of the world’s preferred company to buy tablet computers and other Apple made products and services. Despite ZTE’s current success and future plans, one of the greatest aspects about Apple Inc. is that they really strive hard to satisfy their customers because they are not only a leader in making fine PC equipment, yet they provide exceptional 24 hour customer service, have many different certifications and employment opportunities all over the world for anyone interested in becoming employed at their company, and their corporations are in place throughout the globe along with millions of products sold at national and international stores. However, ZTE, based out of Shenzhen, feels that they will rise to the

War And Terrorism As A Social Prolem Essay Example for Free

War And Terrorism As A Social Prolem Essay That war and terrorism remain the worst fear of man in the 21st century, is a truism that calls for no dispute. In fact almost every country in the world today has put measures into place to curb this ever emerging catastrophe. The united states of Americas top agenda has also in the recent past become to be the war on terror hence the war has been an age old phenomena facilitated by a myriad of reasons, terrorism is a rather new phenomena characterized by many reasons some of which are ambiguous and misplaced as will be discussed later in this paper. Many authors have not drawn a line between what should be viewed as war and what is to be classified as terrorism. Too many of these authors, war and terrorism are inextricably intertwined and thus affording no distinction one such author is Chris Toms. All players though acknowledge that terrorism mad war is a social problem that needs to be Addressed urgently. The was a result of the Second World War and especially the August 1945 bombing of two Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Here the deaths, maiming and damage of property all a result of war made nations come together to avoid future occurrence of horrid incidents such as the bombing. This paper boards on the Thesis that war and terrorism are related issues. And to be able to successfully address them distinctions should be made carefully further the paper will show how terrorism springs form war and vice-versa. Lastly the paper will strive to elaborate how war and terrorism are indeed a social problem. War and terrorism go hand in hand,and their results have been the worst in the whole world because of their impact in general. Many leaders have used war and terrorism to assend to power or to communicate with their enemies,but all in all war and terrorism should be the thing of the past for better society. People see war and terrorism from different percepctives, they are those see it from negative percepctive,that is those who see it from bad effcts it brings to community or natio, more so to woman and children. And there are those who see war and terrorism from positive sides. This comes from seeing what the war and terrorism will bring to their lifes,or seeing it as the one which will solve their problem. CAUSES OF WAR AND TERRORISM As stated in the introductory paragraphs war has been an age old problem in fact strong empires like the Roman Empire, the Soviet Union and others become powerful as a result of war. Readers of the Bible will also at least to the fact that wars have existed since the history of man. Causes of war and terrorism can be many,can range from poor leadrship to poverty ,which are the main causes. Every war and terrorism which have occurred has its causes. War and terrorism has been there from time memorial,it never started recently. The first war therefore according to the scriptures pelted Cain against each other in the womb (Genesis, 25:22). Reasons for wars are varied as can even be seen from the two bible incidents. In the first instance for example, Cain killed the brother out of sheer jealousy while in the second scenario, it was a battle for supremacy. WAR AND TERRORISM DEFINED War has been defined from the military standpoint to mean a continuation of political intercourse in addition with other means (Carl von Clauswitz). Terrorism on its part has been defined to mean those acts which are intended to create fear are perpetrated for a group (as opposed to being carried in one attacks) and which are deliberately target or else disregard to safety of civilians (wikipedia the dictionary) The wikipedia definition no matter how excellent it may look and sound, it misses out on the fact that a lone attacker can perpetrate an act or acts of terrorism. Secondly an act of terrorism can at times not be motivated by an ideology. In the US acts of terrorism have been committed by one attackers with otherwise no sound ideological backing for instance, Tim Mc veigh to name just but a few. What needs to be known is that terrorism can be carried by lone attackers and that it matters not whether or not an ideology is attached to attacks. In fact many attacks in Iraq on US soldiers arent backed by the jihads ideology but from sheer despair in life by Iraq youth. This can also be evidential by the fact that many attacks are carried out by youths and not middle aged or old men and women. So if Jihad is the motivating factor in Iraq then the old folks should have been at the forefront because it is they who understand the religion better not the youth. ON WAR AND TERRORISM WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE Terrorism and war as earlier stated are closely related issues because both can be viewed as a continuation of intercourse and or ideology. Take the September 11 attacks on US soil for example. After the Taliban regime whom it accused of harboring terrorists mastermind Osama bin laden. This led to invasion and overthrow of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. But did terrorism end there? The answer is no. Attack after attack has been launched in US soldiers in Afghanistan. It has also been reported that in the Tarboro mountains where Osama is believed to be has become the recruiting haven of would be/prospective terrorists. When a war is declared on areas or states suspected tope conducting terrorist activities, two things takes place. One two fronts are created in the war, putting the offended state against the offending state. Two another war is created as a counter attack to the offended state. Succinctly put, there is a shift of goal posts and the hunted becomes the hunter. Take the Taliban overthrow by United States as an example for another time. The Taliban regime did not go to oblivion but regrouped and started sponsoring terrorist’s attacks on us and her allies, e. g. Israel and Britain. Much that these terrorist activities are purely seen as such (terrorists) they are truly speaking and according to their sponsors a war on America. It therefore becomes difficult to draw a line between war and terrorism. But as a matter of fact a line should be drawn because war can at times be necessary but terrorism is simply unwanted. To draw the line therefore, International war standards must be invoked only then will be able to distinguish between a â€Å"right full† war and terrorism. So that if a war springs form that â€Å"rightful† war it is unanimously branded terrorism. CAUSES OF WAR AND TERRORISM Politics: Carl von clau sewitz, a profound military theorist once said that politics was the main cause of war. He went on to state that war is a continuation of political intercourse. (War and terrorism: The never ending fight for freedom) Personally, I cannot agree more with the author because even the Tibet and China conflict is motivated by the politics of independence. This has been to some extent of the motivating factor in the recent time in the conflict between the Tibetans and Chinese has been the sociological imagination among the timberworks that it is the opportune time for them tope granted independence. The problem has also been worsened by the fact that Tibetans are a minority group this other factors make them to imagine sociologically of course that they are oppressed hence their uprising. Given the fact that the Olympic Games will be held in China the Tibetans see this as an opportune time to press for their â€Å"rights† Cultural differences: This is yet another cause of war and terrorism. The world is full of different diverse cultures and each society considers their culture as the superior, but with globalization the cultural way of life is fast headed for the dogs with more and more societies now at home with the American cultural way of life. At this point we are faced with a situation where we have a dominant culture versus the society/societal values, dissenting voices maybe heard and is not addressed, conflicts resulting to war and even as the scarf’s were banned and people obliged, there is still disgruntling among the Muslims in France. Further the social structure can also in itself and with other factors be a brewing factor in wars. Take for example Muslims are taught that when one dies in a holy war, then they go to heaven while a holy war might include the killing of people. Christians on their part have been socialized to adhere to the Ten Commandments. Among Africans wars were seen as arenas for providing self worth ferocious warriors would marry the prettiest girls around and be made chiefs. The social structure was such that the lazy men were considered outcasts. And to prove bravely chiefs would send men for raids in neighboring community (proof. Mbithi, P. Africa religious philosophy) so the social structure should itself be a factor in wars. Change in balance of power: This is another major cause of war. In most developing countries wars arise when a tribe or community feel that one of their own has been denied that which belongs to him or them. This even motivated by history especially where a dominant class has oppressed the other groups. As earlier stated wars are not absolutely unnecessary because even if it is a social problem, states must protect their borders form external aggressors but then again there must be justified cause before going to war others have argued that wars are avoided and barbaric (Chris toms and terrorism, the never ending fight for freedom). This is actually true given the consequences of war e. g. deaths, tape loss of property and so on. Besides other avenues can be used like mediation and so on. Marginalization of communities or states can be another causation of war. The growing gap between the haves and the have not is another major challenge. Revolution world over have been informed by levels of poverty and inequality in distribution of resources thereby creating two classes of people that is haves and the have notch. This problem is vicious in that as it progresses the status quo is changed and the cycle starts all over again. In that the previous haves become the have knots and vice versa. So that the recipe in itself will guarantee endless wars in the future BREAKDOWN OF BODY POLITIC: Yet another cause of war is the breakdown of the body politic. When the body politic breaks down wars may arise to fill the vacuum. A good example is Somalia. After the overthrow of said Barre and in abides by the warlords to take the place of the deposed president there has been a war since 1991. Terrorists have taken the opportunity and now Somali is a perfect haven for terrorism activities. Natural resources: Apart from politics which is thought to be the main factor in many wars and terrorist activities, from the Iraq war which is said to have been motivated by oil to the Niger delta conflict (Nigeria) The Angola diamond crisis and so on, Again wars necessitated by fight for mineral resources should be resolved by both parties and all must be willing to work together by either equitably sharing the resources or by vesting them in people where they are found because wars brought about by the fight for minerals take many years to come to and end. The Angola war took nearly three decades to stop and this has far reaching social consequences like illiteracy, disease and untold poverty among the society. SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF WAR AND TERRORISM A social problem is a condition that at least some people in a community view as being undesirable. This definition when used to weigh whether or not war is desirable products mixed reactions with others viewing it as desirable while to others it is undesirable but the truth is that war is undesirable given the ramifications that come with it. So how do we solve this problem? Since the society has diverse cultures, and that war and conflict not to mention terrorism spring from the differences, there should be a cultural exchange at a very early age. Here children in schools should be allowed to mingle and grow with children form other cultural background by that, they will grow respecting other cultural background by that, they will grow respecting other peoples background and cultures. Social exchange to this end is in available. The second step in addressing the issue is encouraging peaceful 7 co-existence Governments should urge citizens to live in harmony and peace with their neighbors if this is needed then undesired wars will come to a stop. Another way would be engaging in peace negotiations and agreements. Here warring parties are to be given an opportunity to present their thoughts on negotiations and allowed to express their thoughts. (Women Building peace and good neighbors) To solve problems, all dispute evoking situations must be avoided so as avoid undesired conflict situations. Another option is to have in place; mechanisms for early warning and early response of would be war or terrorism situations (NURTURES OF PEACE, SUSTAINERS OF AFRICA) If this is done, then many disputes will be put to rest as quickly as they emerge. If done, then in the next 10-20 years the world would be moving to the dawn of a new era but the achievement wont fully be reached overnight (not even in 20 years time) peace building, perception changes and religious liberty takes time to come by. Having said that, it is prudent to note that it will need more time to have some degree of social order in the world and we should try as much as possible to avoid war and terrorism after seen its impact to the socity and to the whole world.War and terrorism should be condemed from every country ,solving any conflict should be done civized manner References. 1. Good News Bible 2nd Ed (1994) Gen 4:8, 25:22 (pg 6-27) 2. Chris Toms: (2008) war and terrorism: The never ending fight for freedom 3. Mbithi Philiph (1974) African religious philosophy: (p. g 67-72) 4. Women building peace and good neighbourliness: WICCE Report 18-29 sept 2006 MOZAMBIQUE. 5. NURTURES of peace, sustainers of Africa: A report by selected womens peace initiatives

Wheres the Honor in Honors Kids?(cheating habits of students) :: social issues

Where's the Honor in Honor's Kids?(cheating habits of students) Contrary to popular belief, honors students cheat just as much or more than students in regular classes do. Honors students are assumed to be hardworking, responsible, and honest. Yet these â€Å"above average† students are frequently taking part in the same dishonest conduct of the ordinary students, performing the task better and getting away with it more than the regular students. Explaining why honors students are better at cheating is difficult because every cheating student follows the same unwritten process to guide him to victory. The process is simple. First a cheater decides how he is going to cheat. He has many options including inscribing answers on various body parts (hand, thigh, etc.), creating pocket-sized notes, asking an earlier class for the answers, and plagiarizing. He can also place his hand upon his face (next to his eyes) angled away from the teacher while turning his head slightly in the opposite direction of the teacher and look at his neighbor’s paper. The following tactics are risky and are reserved for the more adventurous kids. They are snatching the teacher’s answer key, asking for assistance with a question while peeking at the answer key (at a teacher’s desk), hacking into a teacher’s computer for grade adjustments, and opening a textbook on the ground while taking a test. One of the most creative strat egies I’ve heard of is peeling the wrapping from a clear water bottle off to write the answers on the blank side; then taping the wrapping back onto the bottle exposing the answers when one looks through the clear bottle. Of course some regular students have been known to try these conniving techniques, they have been mastered by the honors students. The second step in the cheating process is when a student realistically imagines himself using the technique he chose in the first step. This is a planning stage that requires a student to pretend and prepare his developing plan of cheating. The better the student can imagine himself cheating, the more likely he is to succeed. After all, practice makes perfect. For example, if a student wanted to write answers on the inside of his band-aid, he needs to picture himself taking the test and slyly pulling off the band-aid when the teacher’s back is turned to reveal the answers. There is no wrong way to accomplish this step, but many prefer to ask themselves questions to prepare themselves.

Materialism vs Idealism :: essays papers

Materialism vs Idealism History tells us very little of Titus Lucretius Carus, but one can see from reading his work that he has a strong dislike towards religious superstition, which he claims is the root of human fear and in turn the cause of impious acts. Although he does not deny the existence of a god, his work is aimed at proving that the world is not guided or controlled by a divinity. Lucretius asserts that matter exists in the form of atoms, which move around the universe in an empty space. This empty space, or vacuity, allows for the movement of the atoms and without it everything would be one mass. He explains that matter and vacuity can not occupy the same space, "...where there is empty space, there matter is not...", and these two things make up the entire universe. These invisible particles come together to form material objects, you and I are made of the same atoms as a chair or a tree. When the tree dies or the chair is thrown into a fire the atoms do not burn up or die, but are dispersed back into the vacuity. The atoms alone are without mind or secondary qualities, but they can combine to form living and thinking objects, along with sound, color, taste, etc... Atoms form life, consciousness, and the soul, and when our body dies there is nothing left of the latter except for its parts, which randomly become parts of other forms. Matter is never ending reality, only changing in its form. In the philosophical system developed by Irish philosopher George Berkeley, Idealism, Berkeley states that physical objects, matter, do not exist independent of the mind. The pencil that I am writing this essay with would not exist if I were not perceiving it with my senses, but in the dialogue between Hylus and Philonous Berkeley attempts to show things can and do exist apart from the human mind and our perception, but only because there is a mind in which all ideas are perceived or a deity that creates perception in the human mind, either way its God. He says that the external world can not be understood by thought, but "sensible things", objects that we perceive, can be reduced to ideas in the mind. These ideas, or "objects before the mind", possess primary qualities, the main structure, and secondary qualities, what we derive from our senses, which are inseparable. I'm confused about this, if I'm thinking about a star in a different galaxy, which makes the star an "object" before my mind, then where are the secondary qualities?

Poets present a culture Essay

Many poets present their own cultures in many different ways. â€Å"Search for my tongue† by Sujata Bhatt is about an Indian woman who moved to the United States. She feels out of place, and the poet explains what it is like to speak and think in two languages. We see that she wonders whether she might lose the language she began with, fearing that she is not herself. We also find out that her mother tongue remains with her in her dreams, but sometimes fails to come to surface. However, by the end, she is confident that it will always be part of who she is. â€Å"Presents from My Aunt in Pakistan† is about a girl who was born in Pakistan. She came to England when she was young. When she gets older she received gifts from her aunts in Pakistan. She gets various traditional Pakistani clothes. Whenever she thought about her nationality she did not feel whole.   he poem was written to show how the girl felt when her friends saw her clothes. The poem is written in free verse: the phrases are arranged loosely across the page. It is divided into stanzas of varying length. This poem has many small details which are spotted by the reader. These details give an insight to their lives as children, whether the memories are good or bad, it is these memories that make them who they are.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Small tin boats†Ã‚  The main difference the poet uses is the comparison of eastern and western life. The main thing that the poet used is clothing. The monologue spoken by the girl shows how she respects her eastern culture, yet longs for western lifestyles. The main reason she would not like to wear her eastern clothes seems to be that is it impractical. In Pakistan, the more intricate and detailed the clothes, the more fashionable; however that is not always the case in all western places.  As both of these poems are written as monologues, they both use enjambment, this gives a sense of speed or urgency. It also personalises the poem as if someone was speaking it. â€Å"Search for my tongue† is written in 3 stanzas the second of which is written in Gujarati.

Free Essays on Leibniz And Spinozas Metaphysics Applied To Baseball

First we will consider the assigned baseball scenario under Leibniz’s system of metaphysics. In the baseball scenario, the aggregate of the player, bat, pitch, swing and all the other substances in the universe are one and all contingent. There are other possible things, to be sure; but there are also other possible universes that could have existed but did not. The totality of contingent things, the bat, the player, etc., themselves do not explain themselves. Here Leibniz involves the principle of reason; â€Å"there can be found no fact that is true or existent, or any true proposition, without there being a sufficient reason for its being so and not otherwise.† There must be, Leibniz insists, something outside the totality of contingent things (baseball games) which explains them, something which is itself necessary and therefore requires no explanation other than itself. This forms Leibniz’s proof for the existence of God; a version of Aquinas’s cosmological arguments. God, then, is the necessary being which constitutes the explanation of contingent being, why the universe is this way rather than any other. Not only is God the explanation of the baseball scenario but he is also the source of the intelligibility of such concepts as bat, swing and pitch. Leibniz goes further to prove the omniscience of God. If God is the explanation of the intelligibility of the universe, then God must have ‘access’ to that intelligibility, such that God could be said to know what it is that being allowed to exist-that is, God must have the ability to grasp complete concepts. Not only does God constitute the contingent baseball game but he also knows what will take place before it happens. The pitch, swing and hit all take place not because God creates them but because he allows them. There is only one constraint on what God allows to happen, it must not violate Leibniz’s other basic principle-non-contradiction. God cou... Free Essays on Leibniz And Spinoza's Metaphysics Applied To Baseball Free Essays on Leibniz And Spinoza's Metaphysics Applied To Baseball First we will consider the assigned baseball scenario under Leibniz’s system of metaphysics. In the baseball scenario, the aggregate of the player, bat, pitch, swing and all the other substances in the universe are one and all contingent. There are other possible things, to be sure; but there are also other possible universes that could have existed but did not. The totality of contingent things, the bat, the player, etc., themselves do not explain themselves. Here Leibniz involves the principle of reason; â€Å"there can be found no fact that is true or existent, or any true proposition, without there being a sufficient reason for its being so and not otherwise.† There must be, Leibniz insists, something outside the totality of contingent things (baseball games) which explains them, something which is itself necessary and therefore requires no explanation other than itself. This forms Leibniz’s proof for the existence of God; a version of Aquinas’s cosmological arguments. God, then, is the necessary being which constitutes the explanation of contingent being, why the universe is this way rather than any other. Not only is God the explanation of the baseball scenario but he is also the source of the intelligibility of such concepts as bat, swing and pitch. Leibniz goes further to prove the omniscience of God. If God is the explanation of the intelligibility of the universe, then God must have ‘access’ to that intelligibility, such that God could be said to know what it is that being allowed to exist-that is, God must have the ability to grasp complete concepts. Not only does God constitute the contingent baseball game but he also knows what will take place before it happens. The pitch, swing and hit all take place not because God creates them but because he allows them. There is only one constraint on what God allows to happen, it must not violate Leibniz’s other basic principle-non-contradiction. God cou...

Finding the Perfect Job for Your Personality

Finding the Perfect Job for Your Personality It’s easy to get caught up in a career trajectory you picked out when you were young, searching for the first gig that would hire you, or that you’ve been stuck in for a while. Toni Okeson at CollegeRecruiter.com has some advice to help you refocus your job-search, whether it’s your first time or your last resort. Think about your gifts and acquired skills.Regardless of what you’ve trained to do, always expected to do, or what your family planned you’d do, get back to basics and consider what you like doing. What are you good at? What do you know how to do? What have you always enjoyed? Are you creative? A good listener? Fascinated by what makes things work? Each of these traits points to a rewarding career.Think long term.Your career is much more likely to be a path that includes multiple stops and direction changes, rather than one smooth arc. According to Frierson, â€Å"It’s a marathon, not a spring.† Make decisions based on what y ou can see yourself doing every day for years, not just what you’d like best right now.Take the financial aspect into consideration.Don’t let it be the only thing–or even the main thing–but do figure out how to make your skills and interests into the most lucrative package they can possibly be. Earning potential can change over time, but you should know what the options are. What lifestyle will you need to support? What sacrifices can you make if necessary?Any opportunities for growth?When you’re considering the entry-level positions available to you as a recent grad, don’t forget to think about where they lead in the future. A teacher could become a department chair, an administrator, a principal. Some assistant positions lead into the department they assist, others put you on an administrative track–know what you’re getting into, and know how to acquire skills on or off the job that will translate into your next step. Once yo u’re considering a career change, don’t rush into anything–a bad day at work doesn’t mean it’s time to quit and go back to school. There is always a less drastic way of making sure you’re pursuing a satisfying course of employment–just don’t forget to take yourself and your personality into account.How to Find the Career Path that Best Suits Your PersonalityRead More at College Recruiter

Tourist Spots Essays

Tourist Spots Essays Tourist Spots Essay Tourist Spots Essay Essay Topic: A Thousand Splendid Suns Apocalypse Now Chinatown Eva Luna Sunset Boulevard The Healers The Wild Duck Tourist Spots in Philippines Photos and Images Explore the Philippines. Take a peek at Filipinos history and culture mirrored by century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. See the best of nature in our white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests. Discover the Philippine islands. Blessed with an extensive coastline, the Philippines is ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Its deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offer about 40,000 square kilometers of coral reefs teeming with a wide variety of marine life. Endowed with a temperate climate, the Philippines offers a perfect treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made resorts and dazzling islands. The Philippines boasts some of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world, supported by golf and an increasingly-impressive inter-island tour and transport system. Witness the vast expanse of natures splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. A perfect setting for romance or nature tripping, the countrys mountain villages serve as a perfect hideaway from the lowlands summer heat. If you have yet to see the Philippines, then embark now to what promises to be a trip to paradise! Feel the breeze of summer at white-sand beaches deemed as among the worlds finest; be fascinated at the spectacular view of Baguio and Tagaytay; and take a dip in the refreshing waters of modern resort facilities. White-Sand Beaches Boracay Island Widely known as one of the finest swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay also boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. The island is made up of little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manocmanoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. To get to Boracay, one has to book a flight to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan province. Air-conditioned coasters or public buses offer one-hour-and-a-half drive to Caticlan where one can board a motorized banca for a 30-minute trip to Boracay. Siargao Island This newly discovered island boasts of white-sand beaches and surfing waves compared to that of Hawaii. Lying 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, the tear-shaped Siargao Island is a perfect haven for the sun, sea, and surf buffs. It lies on the eastern portion of Surigao del Norte and on the southeastern tip of Mindanao. The island is a mass of tropical land with scores of reefs, points and white beaches. Its promise as a surfing mecca in the making was discovered in 1993 by American surf photographer John Callahan who went to investigate the rumors of spectacular waves in a little known Mindanao town. He came back from his trip armed with stories about the lovely sun-drenched island and documented his find with beautiful photographs. Siargao opened itself to the international surfing community by playing host to the Siargao Surfing Cup in the municipality of General Luna. Siargaos Cloud Nine break is said to be among the best in the world and foreign sportsmen view the unparalleled surf of Siargao as a magnet for deep sea fishing, sailing, wind-surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing on miles of white sandy beaches that the reef-ringed island and its rich waters afford the visitor. Samal Island Samal Island offers unending fascination with its white-sand beaches, thick mangroves, coral reefs, rolling hills and rock formations. It is an archipelago of nine islands located in the Davao Gulf about 700 meters south of Davao City. An ideal model for resort and development, Samal Island provides a fabulous site for sunrise and sunset. Samal Island, like the rest of Mindanao, is outside of the typhoon belt, and enjoys relatively calm weather. Its coastline is characterized by tall, swaying coconut trees, white sand beaches, rock formations, mangroves, coral reefs, and small fishing villages, all suggestive of a tropical island paradise. Almost all of the beach areas have white sand, with widths varying from only a few meters to more than 10 meters. It provides ample space for picnic huts, reclining chairs for sun bathing, or for simply relaxing and enjoying the tropical scenery. The water is crystal clear throughout the coastline, which varies in terrain from gently sloping sand beaches to steep cliffs and rock formations. The colors of the coastline at the beach areas transforms itself from the green lush vegetation of coconut trees, to the white sandy beaches, to the dark blue color of the sea, with its deep waters and coral reefs. Among its popular attractions are the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm, the caves of Talikud Island, the White Stone Mountain, and the San Jose Muslim Fishing Village. Bohols Springs and Beaches Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete with ancestral homes and centuries-old churches. Bohol is composed of numerous isles -Panglao, Pamilacan, Cabilao, Jao, Mahanay and Lapinin, which are excellent dive spots. The Chocolate Hills is but one of the many natural wonders to be found in Bohol. The province is the home of the worlds smallest monkey, the tarsier. The size of a fist, the tarsier lives on the hills of Corella, some ten kilometers from Tagbilaran. Other exotic flora and fauna may also be found amongst the forest of Bohol. Bohols various mountainous and water formations also serve as a natural playground for the adventurous tourist. One can cruise its rivers, hike up the hills, swim the deep waters, or just stroll down the avenues. Bohol is just waiting to surprise you. Tagbilaran, Bohols capital town can be reached by plane or boat from Cebu and Manila. Numerous tourist inns and excellent resorts are found in Tagbilaran and Panglao island. The Beaches of Palawan The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the countrys last frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna that are found nowhere else. Palawan is also home to Tubbataha Reef, the only national marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. With more than a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Other well-known attractions include Saint Pauls National Park which boasts of caves that nestle an underground river; El Nido, a world-class resort famous for its awe-inspiring seascape and limestone cliffs; and Calauit island, home of Philippine and African wildlife. Also in Palawan is the primordial island of Busuanga, a perfect starting point for sorties to other nearby islands. In Palawan, each day is promising. The sun rises over the South China Sea and soon everything else sparkles, including the smiles of its people. The Beaches of Glan, Sarangani Glan, the largest town in the Sarangani province, boasts of world-class beach resorts and rich fishing grounds. The terrain of Glan is characterized by flatlands, rolling hills and mountains. Most land areas have been converted to agriculture and fishponds. The town of Glan is bounded on the east by Davao Del Sur, on the north by Malapatan town, on the west by the South China Sea, and on the south by Sarangani Bay. Many foreign and local tourists flock to the area during summer because of its splendid beach resorts. The sorrounding waters, particularly in Gumasa, Baliton and Margus areas are rich fishing grounds. As many as 2,400 species of marine animals have been found in the bay. The dominant catch include yellow-fin tuna, shipjack, and mackerel. Glan can be reached from Manila and Cebu by airplane going to General Santos City and a 45-minute drive from the airport. Subic Bay Subic, the former US naval base in the Philippines, is now a hub for commerce and tourism. Just two-and-a-half hour drive north from Manila, Subic offers a full view of the blue mountain and sea and of the green background of a three-layered virgin forest. Points of interest include the 18-hole Binictican Golf Course and Clubhouse, a white-sand beach, bowling and arcade center,a ship wharf past a restricted forested area, firing ranges, fishing grounds and an area for bungee jumping. Visitors to Subic can take a 12-hour jungle survival course, visit an Aeta tribal village, take a bay cruise, explore the coves, end up at the white-sand beach of Grande Island, engage in water sports, go horseback riding or simply enjoy the scenic view of the sea. Subic Bay is complete with tourism-support facilities that include a marina, a yacht club, hotels, shopping arcades and food shops. It also boasts of an international airport. Anilao Anilao, a resort village in Mabini, Batangas is considered the summer mecca of diving fanatics. The resort offers accommodations and diving facilities, plus the services of training clubs that provide courses on diving. Situated in the southeast area of Batangas province, Anilao may be reached within three hours from Manila through public buses or jeepneys. From Anilao, one can start diving from the shore or go in bancas to nearby islands. Among them is Sombrero (Hat) Island, a marine preserve where sports activities are regulated. Other dive spots in this side of Batangas are Mapating Rock at Maricaban Island, Caban Cove and Layag Layag Point. Puerto Galera Puerto Galera (which means Galleon Port) is one of the most popular beach resorts in the Philippines. A marine reserve, it is endowed with coves, fine sandy beaches and shallow coral reefs ideal for snorkeling. The place can be reached from the port of Batangas City where a ferry service to Mindoro awaits the tourists. Bancas may be hired to go to Escarceo Point, the best dive spot in Puerto Galera. The area offers positive thrills and guaranteed excitement, with its sudden rushes of strong currents and steep slopes which are a favorite gathering place for large pelagic fish. Diving expeditions are usually organized by certified masters on specific dive spots. Hundred Islands Northern Philippines boasts of white-sand beaches in Pangasinan and Ilocandia. Among the best tourist destinations is the Hundred Islands which can be reached from the Pangasinan town of Alaminos, where the lodging accommodations and restaurants are situated. At Hundred Islands, the visitor may rent an island for ones own private beach for a day. Short boat rides take off from the village of Lucap to the Hundred Islands. Beaches stretch along the western coast of Ilocos region. Among the popular beach resorts are Cresta del Mar, Bali Hai, Cabana and the Coconut Grove in La Union province. Ilocos Norte also has fine resorts such as DCoral Beach Resort and Fort Ilocandia. Pools and Resorts Aside from beaches and diving spots, the Philippines also has other beautiful places. You can either take a dip in the refreshing waters of modern resort facilities, feel the gush of volcanic hot springs or just have fun under the waterfalls. Pagsanjan Falls A popular tourist destination, Pagsanjan Rapids and Falls is a series of 14 rapids punctuated by mini-waterfalls on the way to the main falls. Pagsanjan is a small Laguna town which served as the setting for Fracis Ford Coppolas film Apocalypse Now. The terrain towards the main falls offers a lot of exitement. As one negotiates the waterway, the trips becomes wilder, with the river flanked by towering cliffs lush with vegetation. Waters from the Cavinti and Luisiana dams cascade down Pagsanjan Falls and into a segregated part of the river which is about 150 feet deep. Here, one can rent a raft and enjoy riding under the falls. Laguna Resorts Aside from Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna has a lot more to offer. Laguna has one of the Philippines incredibly beautiful countryside sceneries. The province offers a scenic view of a bay, considered as the largest in the country. The towns of Calamba and Los Banos abound with swimming pools and resorts. Many residents of Metro Manila head for these towns during summer. In Calamba, one can proceed to the ancestral house of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal. The house now serves as a museum and is a repository of Philippine history and culture. Los Banos, on the other hand, is famous for its numerous hot springs. Considered as a flower basket in Luzon, Los Banos produces a wide variety of flowers and other ornamentals. Mt. Makiling, an extinct volcano, stands guard over the town. Hidden Valley Springs Hidden Valley Springs is one of the most popular resorts in Alaminos, Laguna. The valley nestles at the foot of Mt. Makiling, a mystical mountain associated with local myths. A number of springs with hot, cold and soda water, lace a forest of huge fruit trees, tropical shrubs and flowering plants. A concrete path connects the pools and leads to the jungles interior where a waterfall has cut a gorge down the mountainside. The resort has cottages for overnight stay and restaurants. It is an ideal base for visiting the surrounding provincial towns of Laguna and Quezon. Bulacan Resorts Bulacan, a progressive province just north of Manila, offers resort facilities that are generally clean and complete in amenities. The towns of San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Balagtas, Pandi, Malolos, Plaridel and San Miguel boast of resort facilities that draw visitors from Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The rural setting provides a perfect blend of countryside nature and modern facilities for fun and recreation. Among the well known resorts in the province are DJ Paradise Resort in Malolos; Sibul Spring Resort in San Miguel; Grotto Vista in San Jose del Monte; 4k Garden and Lanesca Resort; Latian in Marilao and Villa Christina in Balagtas. Bulacan is just a 30-minute drive from Manila via the North Luzon Tollway or through the Mac Arthur Highway. Villa Escudero Villa Escudero, a coconut plantation village in San Pablo City, was developed by its owners into a tourist destination complete with swimming pools, picnic area, fishing grounds, and modern amenities. Special packages can be arranged to include overnight stay with food and accommodation. The village offers a glimpse of plantation living. The whole area is surrounded by coconut trees and flowering plants. The estate also houses a museum whose collection ranges from fabulous antiquities to kitsch. Bamboo cottages grid a river that flows to a dam where picnickers gather around the tables set up on the water. The village is a one-and-a-half hour drive south from Manila. Puerto Azul Situated on the southern entrance to Manila Bay and opposite Corregidor Island is Puerto Azul, a beach resort that offers a breathtaking sight with all its elegance and mystique. Puerto Azul, a tourists paradise in the outskirts of Ternate town in Cavite, boasts of flowery bushes, verdant hills and forests, blue sea, and fine sand beaches. Here, one can imagine ones self in the Biblical Garden of Eden (a little bit in the modern era, though). The resort complex, which nestles within a 3,300-hectare nature reserve, houses two entities: the Puerto Azul Beach Hotel and the Puerto Azul Beach and Country Club. The club manages a world-class golf course designed by Gary Player and Ron Kirby and completed in 1978. It is now a popular venue for many prestigious championship tournaments. Though Puerto Azul has always been synonymous with golf and the beach, now there are other things that one can do within the complex. Puerto Azul Beach Hotel has, in fact, prepared 30 fun-filled activities which can be done on ones own or with family. Camiguin Island Camiguin Island, known for its lanzones festival, offers white-sand beaches, spring resorts and magnificent caves untouched by industrial development. The island lies off the north coast of Mindanao. Aside from its beaches, Camiguin boasts of spring resorts and waterfalls. The 62-square kilometer island-province has more volcanoes per square kilometer than any other island on Earth. Most famous of the islands seven volcanoes is Mt. Hibok-Hibok whose last eruption was recorded in 1951. Among its popular attractions are the Ardent Spring Resort run by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), the Mt. Hibok-Hibok itself, Santo Nino Cold Spring, Medano Islet, Mantigue Island and the lanzones festival. There are local flights to Camuigin island. Cool Mountains Witness the vast expanse of natures splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. A perfect setting for romance or nature tripping, the countrys mountain villages serve as a perfect hideaway from the lowlands summer heat. Baguio City Rising 1,500 meters above the sea, Baguio City enjoys a relatively cool weather throughout the year. On the average, Baguio is at least eight degrees cooler than any place in the lowlands. Not surprisingly, Baguio has become the summer capital of the country. It is awarded with a variety of cultural, historical and scenic attractions which make it an important and interesting destination. As early as March, tourists and locals take the six-hour trek up the zigzagging Kennon Road. Within a mile of the city, the sweet scent of pine trees and flowers already permeate the air. Designed by Daniel Burnham during the American occupation, Baguio City is situated in the midst of pine-covered hills and valleys at the southern end of the Cordillera. Among its popular attractions are the well-manicured lawns of Club John Hay, the Mansion House and the Burnham Park. From Baguio City, one can proceed to the Banaue Rice Terraces, also considered as the eighth wonder of the world. An engineering marvel, this Stairways to the Sky was constructed by hand by the Ifugaos. Tagaytay With an altitude of 2,250 feet above sea level, Tagaytay City enjoys a cool climate all year round. This city perched on a ridge is located in the province of Cavite, some 56 kilometers south of Manila. It overlooks Manila Bay on the north, Taal Lake and Taal Volcano on the south, Laguna Bay on the east and the China Sea on the west. The city is linked to the Metropolitan Manila and the province of Batangas by the Aguinaldo Highway. Among its attractions is the Tagaytay Picnic Grove where one can get an unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, which lies within a lake. Taal Volcano, which rises 406 meters from the lake, is reputedly the worlds smallest volcano. Taal Lake itself is an immense body of water formed when the old crater collapsed and the walls of the larger volcano caved in and sank. A visit to the Volcano Island can be arranged through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Quezon City which maintains a monitoring station on the island. For visiting tourists, support facilities are readily available in this idyllic city. Tagaytay is the sister city of Las Vegas and Nevada, U. S. A; Tainan City, Taiwan; and Bankstown City, New South Wales, Australia. Sagada This Mountain Province town, situated west of Bontoc, boasts of its cool weather and spectacular sceneries. A pastoral upland valley, Sagada provides an endless expanse of mountain ranges which are clothed by fogs in the early morning. Among its attractions are towering limestone cliffs, subterranean caves and unexplored forests. Some of Sagadas caves remain unconquered. Because of their length and depth, Sagadas natives believe that these caves lead to the center of the Earth. Other sites to visit in Sagada are the Kitongan bottomless pit and underground river, Calvary Hill, Bukong Falls and Alipine Lake Banao. Sagada has accommodation facilities and can be reached by public buses from Banaue in Ifugao province or from Baguio City. Banahaw Another popular destination, specially during the Lent period, is Mount Banahaw, an extinct volcano which rises 2,100 meters above sea level. Banahaw towers over the southeastern towns of Laguna and Quezon. Revered as a mystical mountain, Banahaw has become a sanctuary for different religious cults. Up on Banahaws leafy slopes live members of various religious sects who adhere to what seems to be a mixture of Catholicism, Buddhism, the cabala, animism and other forms of pagan worship. Down below, in the foothill towns, dwell amulet-makers, soothsayers, faith healers, diviners and dedicated UFO watchers. Banahaw comes alive during the Lent when various religious sects re-enact the passion of Jesus Christ. People ascend to Mount Banahaw to experience its cool weather, bathe in its hot springs or simply stand amazed at the sight of natures beauty. Mount Banahaw can be reached from both east and west. From the east, the ascent starts in Lucban, Quezon, while from the west, in Dolores, Laguna. For both climbs, it is advisable to have a guide to ensure a safe trip. Urban Wonders Enchanted Kingdom Thousands of people head south of Manila to spend a day of fun-filled relaxation and adventurous excitement within the American-style walls of Enchanted Kingdom, a 17-hectare world class theme park conveniently located in the outskirts of Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Enchanted Kingdom, a short five-minute ride from the Sta. Rosa Tollgate of South Luzon Expressway, brings the closest version of Disney-type leisure in the country. The theme park, managed and operated by Amtrust Leisure Corporation (ALC), offers educational entertainment tours to students and gastronomic treats to families. The P1. 2-billion park, which has been operating since July 28, 1995 was conceptualized by Landmark Entertainment Group and designed after the Knotts Berry Farm, Americas first amusement theme park located in Buena Park, California. It is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). As such, it provides visitors with thrilling rides, stunning sights, and wondrous experience. In the words of the Enchanted Kingdom operators, the place is an active mix of thrills, attractions, entertainment, food service, celebrations and shopping set amidst an enthralling place that presents the past and the future, the quaint and the sophisticated, the picturesque and the dazzling in one unique package. Enchanted Kingdom is an aggregate of seven theme zones: Victoria Park, Portabello, Brooklyn Place, Spaceport, Jungle Outpost, Midway Boardwalk, and Boulderville. These zones serve as enclaves to 21 thrilling rides and attractions meant to provide daring visitors with a sense of flight, twist, twirl, and other acrobatic stunts. The rides include the Grand Carousel, Flying Fiesta, Rialto, Space Shuttle, Log Jam, Wheel of Fate, Condor, Up Up and Away, Roller Coaster, Anchors Away, Dodgem, Stone Eggs, Air Pterodactyl, Swan boats, and Bump n Splash. In the near future, the park is set to introduce other exciting rides such as the Kiddie Train Ride and the Rio Loco River Rapid Ride. Aside from the rides, Enchanted Kingdom also charms its visitors with various treats such as the fireworks show every weekend, dance presentation by the parks in-house talents, theater shows, seasonal shows, well-manicured gardens, classic American brownstone facades and establishments, and a variety of characters and mascots led by the Wizard. Manila Rediscover Manila like youve never seen it before. Be charmed by the citys glorious past mirrored by its century-old churches, gallant forts, classic plazas, ancestral edifices, stately museums, and historic monuments. At the same time, relish the beauty of a modern city rising from the ruins of yesteryears. Beyond Manilas busy streets and crowded commercial centers lie festive joints that celebrate life. The Old City Manila, which was named after a white-flowered mangrove plant called nilad, was a tiny Malay settlement along the Pasig River ruled by Rajah Sulayman in the 16th century. The Spanish colonizers moved the capital of the Philippines from Cebu to Manila in 1571. They built the walled city of Intramuros, which for the next 300 years, was to become the nerve center of the Spanish rule. Intramuros was the political and commercial center of the Spanish regime. From this walled city, the Spaniards extended their cultural and religious influences to the different parts of the country. They built churches, Catholic-run schools and universities, government buildings, and magnificent artifices, which reflect the Castilian architecture. At the turn of the century, the Americans came and ruled the Philippines for 50 years. They introduced their own architecture, language, education and system of governance. During this period, Manila underwent a facelift. A blend of American and Spanish influences gave way to a new Manila, which was to evolve into a giant urban area known as Metro Manila. Today, Metro Manila is an aggregate of 10 cities and seven municipalities. Intramuros Among the popular attractions in Metro Manila are Intramuros, Rizal Park, Binondo, Malacanang, Malate, the CCP Complex, Nayong Pilipino, Ayala Avenue, the Fort, Ortigas Center, Quezon Memorial Circle, and countless bars and restaurants scattered around the metropolis. Traces of the Spanish influence still loom in Intramuros. A tour of this landmark will provide the visitors a deeper understanding of Manilas rich heritage. Intramuros protects within its walls a number of national treasures like the Fort Santiago (once a prison for revolutionary Filipinos, now a peaceful park-cum-museum), San Agustin Church (the oldest structure in the country with its Baroque interiors and trompe loeil murals), Manila Cathedral (a magnificent architectural feat with its intricate stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rosette windows), Casa Manila (a former colonial house and now a museum of national relics), and San Juan de Letran school. Intramuros has been restored for the tourists. Today, it houses a museum, art galleries, an open-air theatre, fine restaurants, craft shops and souvenir stalls. It also keeps a park lush with tropical flora and homing pigeons. The park, Puerto Real, is the venue of Saturday musical performances during dry months. Rizal Park Just beside Intramuros is Rizal Park, a 60-hectare conglomerate of gardens, historical markers, plazas, an artists sanctuary, a 1913 bronze monument of Jose Rizal, a grand stadium, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, a light-and-sound theatre, restaurants, food kiosks and playgrounds, with dozens of fountains. Fronting the northwest side of the park is Manila Hotel, whose lobby is one of the most imposing in the world. Along the parks bayside, tourists can have an unobstructed view of the fabled Manila Bay sunset. A five-minute walk from Rizal Park is the National Museum, the official keeper and guardian of the countrys cultural, historical and natural heritage. It houses the representative works of the National Artists, as well as the renowned paintings of Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo and Juan Luna. It puts on display some prehistoric finds, including the Tabon skullcap, pottery, ceramics and other artifacts from China and Indochina and remnants of pre-Hispanic boats that brought Malay immigrants to the Philippines dating to about 1250. Other establishments worth visiting in the area are the Metropolitan Theater and the National Library. Binondo Area Across the Pasig River from Intramuros is the Binondo area, home of Chinatown. The district is filled with all things Chinese from Peking duck and Buddhist temples to gold watches, snake soup, and wonder herbs. The high chords of Chinese songs and the permeating smell of incense complete the uniquely Chinese ambiance. It is said that this quaint district was already a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spaniards came in 1571. In particular, Ongpin offers a lot of variety: restaurants, pet shops, bakeries, grocery stores, jewelers, traditional medicine shops, acupuncture clinics, kung-fu schools, and mahjong parlors. Ongpin leads to Plaza Santa Cruz, which is where Rizal Avenue curves to meet the MacArthur Bridge. Escolta, now a shadow of its former self, leads off from here. The plaza is dominated by Santa Cruz Church. Malacanang From Escolta, one can proceed to the San Miguel district, known for its Spanish-style houses and the Malacanang Palace, seat of the Philippine government. This ornate Spanish colonial palace, with its arches and balconies, was built as a private country house in the late 18th century and purchased by the government in 1825. At first the governor-generals summer residence, it became his permanent residence in 1863, after the Palacio Real in Intramuros was destroyed by an earthquake. In 1986, the palace museum was opened for the public. Visitors are advised to call first. The telephone number is 521-2307. The CCP Complex The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex is the arts center of the country. Located along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City, this is the premier venue for ballet presentations, concerts, stage plays, performances, exhibits and trade fairs. Inaugurated in 1969, the CCP comprises a fine concert hall seating 2,000 plus an intimate 400-seat theater as well as a library, museum, art gallery, and an upscale restaurant. The lobby is opulent, with marble floors, curving staircases, and glass and kapis-shell chandeliers. Also within the complex is the Coconut Palace, an architectural wonder made from the coconut tree mixed with other indigenous material. The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the Product Design and Development Center, the Folk Arts Theater, Philippine Center for International Trade and Exhibitions (PHILCITE), Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel and Manila Film Center are also found here. Beside the CCP Complex is the World Trade Center, while fronting it is the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) building. The BSP houses two museums: the Money Museum, which showcases excavated antique gold jewelry and the Metropolitan Museum, a repository of classic Filipino paintings and a host of rotating international art exhibitions. Roxas Boulevard is also lined up by de-luxe and standard hotels, lively nightclubs, and the Cuneta Sport Center, home of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Parks and Zoos From the CCP complex, one can proceed to Nayong Pilipino. This 32-acre theme park is also just a 10-minute drive from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The park features scaled-down replicas of the countrys top tourist destinations such as Mayon Volcano, the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Chocolate Hills. A smaller park, which offers a venue for relaxation is also within close distance. The Paco Park, which was built as a cemetery in 1820, is now a frequent site of mini-concerts and musical performance by the countrys finest artists. The park is surrounded by trees and plants, which are properly identified. Behind the park is the Paco Hong Giarn Taoist Temple. Nearby are the New Swiss Inn, with bar, restaurant, and delicatessen, and the Park Hotel, with lounge, restaurant, and swimming pool. Not far from the area is the Manila Zoo on Adriatico street. Manila Zoo, the countrys largest and oldest, hosts international and indigenous animal species such as the Tamaraw and Philippine crocodile. It is open everyday from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. The northern part of Metro Manila takes pride in maintaining two animal sanctuaries, Parks and Wildlife Nature Center and the Malabon Zoo. The former, located at the corner of Quezon Ave. and the Elliptical Road in Quezon City serves as the protection center for exotic animals confiscated from smugglers and illegal collectors. A stones throw away is the Quezon Memorial Circle, a park noted for its 30-meter-high monument of former President Manuel Quezon. Its underground chambers house the Quezon City Museum and Art Gallery. The Malabon Zoo and Aquarium, located along Gov. Pascual Avenue in Potrero, Malabon also has a collection of interesting fish and animals. It is open everyday from 8 a. m. to 5:30 p. m. In Makati City, an air-conditioned zoo at the Glorietta mall is frequently visited by parents and their small children. The area also has a small playground. Commercial Districts South of Manila is Makati City, considered as the financial capital of the country. Along Ayala Avenue rise modern skyscrapers, which are home to multinational companies, foreign embassies and local banks. The trendiest leisure spots hotels, restaurants, bars, music lounges, fashion boutiques and department stores converge around the sleek Ayala Center. Across EDSA is the posh subdivision of Forbes Park, home of the countrys rich and famous. One area that now competes with Makati in terms of its modern architectural landscape is the Ortigas Center between Mandaluyong City and Pasig City. Home to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), it is also the site of three of the countrys richest shopping malls SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, and Shangri-la EDSA Plaza. Also within Ortigas is the striking leisure enclave, Saint Francis Square, with its fine restaurants and fashionable music lounges. Suburbs The town of San Juan, just next to Manila, boasts of its large mansions and modern houses. It is home to some of the richest Filipinos, including the present president. Quezon City is the site of many government installations, leading universities, and television stations. Marikina City, on the other hand, is considered as the shoe capital of the Philippines. It takes pride in having maintained a clean river, planked by greens. Las Pinas City in the southern part of Metro Manila has retained much of its provincial appeal. Its main attraction, however, is the world-famous bamboo organ, found in the towns picturesque Catholic church. The centuries-old musical instrument was constructed between 1792 and 1819. It has 174 bamboo pipes, 122 horizontal reeds of soft metal, a five-octave keyboard, and 22 stops arranged in vertical rows. The church is open daily except Sunday morning. Best Buys As a shopping haven, Metro Manila offers almost all kinds of products, from the most fashionable to the rarest items. And they can be found almost anywhere, in the most luxurious department stores as well as in small bargain shops. Depending on the travelers budget, there is always a place where one can find the best buys. The giant shopping malls, SM, Robinsons, Glorietta, Shangri-la, and Rustans, carry most of the well-known international labels. They also have stores, which sell the best of Filipino products. Unique souvenirs are being sold at Silahis in Intramuros, and SM Department Store, Makati Commercial Center and Landmark in Makati City. The best place to search for Philippine handicrafts are Ilalim ng Tulay Market on Carlos Palanca Street, and the handicraft stalls at Nayong Pilipino. For antique collectors, the best spots to visit are Padre Paura, Ermita and Intramuros. Attractive buys are also available in the metros flea markets, such as Quiapo, Tutuban and Divisoria in Manila and Baclaran in Paranaque. Bargain-hunters will surely have a feast while picking from the widest collection of fabrics, RTWs, home furnishings, bags, shoes, watches, handicrafts, office supplies and other interesting items.

Eastern Europe and Russia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Eastern Europe and Russia - Essay Example As reviewed by Butler (2007), the highlight of European civilization had been mostly focused on one group, the Byzantine Empire, which had thrived despite the incursions on fifth century C.E. The race had adopted the Greek culture and its philosophy. Nonetheless, like other great civilizations, the empire, too, had experienced its ultimate end in 1453 (â€Å"The Byzantine Empire,† n.d.). Despite its massive fall in 40th century, their existence still holds substantial contributions to Eastern Europe and Russia up to now. It paved way to the emergence of eastern Cyrillic alphabet, as well as the Orthodox Christianity in Russia (Peterson, 1995). As further explained by Butler (2007), â€Å"Eastern Europe, especially Russia, was heavily influenced by Byzantine architecture.† Such masterpiece can be witness in the â€Å"onion dome† of most Russian Churches. In similar area, the art of this empire had influenced the styles in Europe in terms of â€Å"designs that dep ict God, icons, religious images†¦mosaic, pictures and colored bits of stained scenes or tile cemented in place—brought scenes from the Bible to life.† By claiming part of the Greek’s heritage, the Byzantine Empire had contributed in Literature, as well—preserving important scholarly writings. Its thoughtful conservation had aided much in the development of the European culture—the Renaissance (â€Å"The Byzantine Empire,† n.d.). The eastern part of the continent had experienced fateful changes, from various barbaric invasions to prolonged Communist stand. Most Eastern European countries took a sharp turn, as communism was terminated in 1989-1991 (Fukuyama, Lewis, Orenstein, Kapstein, & Converse, 2008). The struggle in transition phase had been difficult for most East European countries. Modifications in economy had a negative effect on the people in Eastern Europe. â€Å"The number of jobs had declined†¦in some sectors, the number of workers in Czech had been cut in half†

Comparison between film and television history styles etc Research Paper

Comparison between film and television history styles etc - Research Paper Example The television technology had its humble and skeptical beginnings, but except for the Internet is the 20th century’s most influential invention, Monaghan argues (1). Even its own inventors may not have imagined the development it has reached today and the further development it could reach in the future. The invention of the television cannot be attributed to a single person but many individuals (Bellis, â€Å"The Invention of Television† 1) whose works and accidental discoveries on optical, mechanical and electronic technologies contributed together in capturing, then transmitting and displaying a visual image (Blackwell 1; "History of Television," par. 2). It was the Briton Joseph May, a young electrical engineer and telegraph operator who in 1873 in Ireland accidentally discovered the photoelectric effect of selenium bars. It was his supervising engineer Willoughby Smith who proposed the idea of creating ‘visual telegraphy’ by exploiting this unique property of crystalline selenium. (Parsons 23) It was the German physicist Eugen Goldstein in his own investigation of discharge tubes in 1876 who produced light by forcing an electric current through a vacuum tube. This emitted light he called the ‘cathode rays’. (Blackwell 1) In 1897, the German scie ntist Karl Ferdinand Braun invented the ‘cathode ray tube’ (Peters 5). It was the development of the cathode ray tube, more popularly known as ‘picture tube’ and found even in LCDs (liquid crystal display) today, that had become the basis of the development of the electronic television (Bellis, â€Å"Television History† 1). It was the American George Carey who in 1875 drew a plan of a complete TV system – a selenium camera. It was however undetermined whether he was able to build it or not. (Ritcher 6) It was the German inventor Paul Nipkow who in 1884 drew a plan for a rotating

Major Assignment 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Major Assignment 1 - Essay Example Yes, â€Å"if you fail to tip the person getting you that coffee, you may be directing and even substantially affecting that persons income (Lewis),† but the state sets a minimum wage requirement that the employer must adhere by. If tips and wages do not meet the minimum wage requirement, then the employer must compensate the employee for the difference. Yes, â€Å"they know that if someone shoots up his school, he will become a celebrity (Ellis),† but they also know that jail time will be in their future. Usually a school shoot up has nothing to do with fame but is a psychological reaction to bulling inside or outside the school or home. Yes, â€Å"61 percent of the programs examined last year contained some violence (Ellis),† but television program does not put the firearm in the hands of the adolescent. Parents with firearms have the responsibility to keep them locked up tight and safe from children. Yes, â€Å"the violence depicted on television and movies escalates with each passing year, as audiences grow inured to â€Å"routine violence (Ellis),† but many people watch violence without committing violent acts. Parents should monitor children’s viewing habits and watch violent programming with the child to explain what is happing and that it is wrong to do what they see in real life. In The Case against Tipping by Michael Lewis, Lewis had a point when he said, â€Å"people who serve you are more likely to do it well and promptly if they will be rewarded.† I felt this concern had merit in that servers do expect the tip and know that if they perform great service then they will be tipped generously. Servers also provide mediocre service if the patron is not spending much money at the establishment because they know the tip is based on a percentage of about 15%. A patron spending $2 on coffee will only be required to pay a 30-cent tip and that is hardly worth any effort. The expected tip should not influence the amount of service the patron receives but

Disorders Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Disorders - Research Paper Example ebilitating effects rather than for those which are defined through sociological structures that the effects provide a disruption rather than a complete barrier to leading a high quality life. The unfortunate fact about autism at this time is that there is no definitive cause for the condition. With no cause, there is no true medical treatment through pharmaceuticals. There are a series of mainstream theories on the causes of autism that are being researched in order to help to get closer to a cure or prevention of the condition. One of the theories revolves around the introduction of toxic chemicals into the system of the mother while the child is within her womb. The types of chemicals that could be responsible could be as mundane as those found in cleaning products or as seemingly benign as those found in toys, food, or water through heavy metals. These effects could be developed in the womb, or this is some suggestion that they are developed right after birth during the first year.1 There have not been any definitive answers, however, as to whether environmental chemicals conclusively cause autism. Another possible cause of the condition might be a genetic issue. There are many genetic disorders that can be detected through testing, but thus far a genetic connection between children with autistic traits has not been found. While there is no foundation as yet for this theory, the concept that genetics is the primary cause of autism is still considered the most likely causal candidate.2 Other possible causes include mitochondrial problems, prenatal and birth factors, neurological structure anomalies, autoimmune issues, or a neurobiological disorder. One of the biggest problems with the study of autism is that for most of history it was considered a psychiatric problem and was treated as a mental disorder rather than a biological condition. Therefore, the research is relatively new and has not reached its zenith of discovery. The condition was first considered

The mechanism of ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in man Essay

The mechanism of ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in man - Essay Example Alcohol damages liver as a dose-dependent hepatotoxin (Maddrey 2004). The damage is mainly due to the by-products of metabolism. After absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, alcohol undergoes oxidation in the liver. The first step in the oxidation is conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde and this is catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenase. During this process, NADH (NAD, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is released. The acetaldehyde is further oxidized to acetic acid which then enters the citric acid cycle and metabolized to carbondioxide and water. NADH is used up in the conversion of pyruvic acid to lactic acid, in the synthesis of lipids and in the electron transport chain (Paton 2005). Most of the damage to cells caused by ethanol is due to acetaldehyde and NADH. Acetaldehyde causes damage due to immune response and increased NADH causes altered NADH/NAD ratio leading to increased oxygen consumption and hypermetabolic state (Tome 2004). During the initial stages of excessive alcohol consumption, fat deposition occurs in the liver. When fat deposition occurs without any evidence of cell inflammation, it is usually reversible and benign (Maddrey 2004). However, gradually cell inflammation occurs resulting in liver necrosis and fibrosis. Acute fatty liver is caused by increased uptake of plasma-free fattyacids which are released secondary to enhanced blood flow in the liver, activation of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and hypermobilization of adipose-tissue fat (Badawy 1980). The increase in hepatic blood flow is secondary to the direct stimulatory effect of alcohol on the adrenal and pituitary axis (Ismail 2006). Chronic fatty liver occurs due to chronic ingestion of alcohol which inhibits fatty acid oxidation in the liver. There is also release of very low-density lipoprotein into the blood. As consumption of alcohol continues and increases, hypoxia ensues and there is shift in lipid metabolism leading to decreased energy stores.

Disorders Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Disorders - Research Paper Example ebilitating effects rather than for those which are defined through sociological structures that the effects provide a disruption rather than a complete barrier to leading a high quality life. The unfortunate fact about autism at this time is that there is no definitive cause for the condition. With no cause, there is no true medical treatment through pharmaceuticals. There are a series of mainstream theories on the causes of autism that are being researched in order to help to get closer to a cure or prevention of the condition. One of the theories revolves around the introduction of toxic chemicals into the system of the mother while the child is within her womb. The types of chemicals that could be responsible could be as mundane as those found in cleaning products or as seemingly benign as those found in toys, food, or water through heavy metals. These effects could be developed in the womb, or this is some suggestion that they are developed right after birth during the first year.1 There have not been any definitive answers, however, as to whether environmental chemicals conclusively cause autism. Another possible cause of the condition might be a genetic issue. There are many genetic disorders that can be detected through testing, but thus far a genetic connection between children with autistic traits has not been found. While there is no foundation as yet for this theory, the concept that genetics is the primary cause of autism is still considered the most likely causal candidate.2 Other possible causes include mitochondrial problems, prenatal and birth factors, neurological structure anomalies, autoimmune issues, or a neurobiological disorder. One of the biggest problems with the study of autism is that for most of history it was considered a psychiatric problem and was treated as a mental disorder rather than a biological condition. Therefore, the research is relatively new and has not reached its zenith of discovery. The condition was first considered

Business finance-2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Business finance-2 - Essay Example In order to spread risks, most investors diversify by investing in more than one type of security or portfolio. It should be noted that investors like returns but at the same time dislikes risk and uncertainties (Sharpe, 2007). Though financial market has significant rewards and benefits, it is very complex and very volatile, thus critical analysis is required in risk evaluation so that the expected returns can be validated. Dating back in 1950s an American economist managed to establish the theory of portfolio choice (Markowitz, 1959). This was a tool used by investors during this period to analyze and predict risk in relations to the expected earnings or returns. Markowitz’s theory is the currently renowned Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT). Basically, it is an investment theory that was designed to help in maximizing portfolio returns. This is done relative to the level of portfolio risks meaning that a minimum risk levels correspondents to an equivalent expected return level. Though this theory has been widely applied within the financial sector, a lot of challenges have been pointed on its basic assumptions. However, being an improvement of the traditional investment framework, it provides an advance system for the application of the mathematical model, especially, in finance. Portfolio theory supports asset diversification as a strategy to hedge against any possible market risks that are unique to particular company. As a sophisticated investment decision making tool, it helps investors to estimate, classify, as well as, controls the amount of possible risks that may affected the expected investment returns for the company. The Essentials of Investments /Portfolio theory There are necessities to portfolio or investment theory. These include the quantification of risks and return relationships. The second one is the assumption that compensation should be awarded to investors due to risk assumption. Practically, portfolio theory differs from the traditio nal system of security analysis on the basis that it changes focus from an individual investment characteristics to exploring statistical relationship exhibited within individual securities that represent the entire portfolio group (Sharpe, 2007).. Through mathematical formulation, portfolio theory formulate diversification concepts in the investment with an ultimate goal of carefully selecting viable investment assets with low risks compared to the rest of asset groups. This is intuitively possible since assets can change its values in opposite direction. However, the diversification approach has been recognized to effectively lower risks even when there is no negative correlation in asset returns, but it is more effective in scenarios of a positive correlation. Looking at the technical dimension, portfolio theory models assumes that returns on assets exhibits a normal distribution function (Sharpe, 2007). It also uses standard deviation relative to investment returns to define ris ks. In addition, a portfolio is modeled on the basis of weighted asset combinations in order to have what is referred to as a weighted assets return combination. Based on this view, assets whose returns are not positively correlated are combined, thus helping to reduce variations in the portfolio returns. Another assumption made with regards to portfolio theory is that market is efficient and mainly comprised of rational investors. As far as this discussion is concerned, it should be noted that the main fundamental

Coffee and Starbucks Essay Example for Free

Coffee and Starbucks Essay Starbucks Coffee Corporation is facing some strategic decisions on its current policy with regard to partnering with NGOs. Starbucks has a long history of social involvement. â€Å"CSR originated in 1994 as the Environmental Affairs Department with a budget of $50,000; by 2002, the 14-member department had a budget of 6 million. (Austin Reavis, 2004) Recently Starbucks completed a six year, $450,000 project with Conservation International; an NGO thats mission â€Å"is to conserve the earths natural heritage and its global biodiversity, as well as to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. (Austin Reavis, 2004) At the time CI had a staff of 776, overseeing projects in more than 30 countries on four continents. Roughly two thirds of CIs staff worked in the field and 90% were citizens of those countries. (Austin Reavis, 2004) Working with CI on the Chiapas Project, dedicated to working with coffee farmers to stop the destruction of rain-forests by farming and to promote shade-grown coffee which is sustainable, Starbucks has learned that it needs a clearer policy with regards to partnering with other NGOs in the future. Several challenges arose when Starbucks was working with CI on the Chiapas Project, and they both learned valuable lessons. Starbucks needs to consider how valuable the Starbucks-CI alliance had been and what it future might be. Is the approach sustainable? What should be the ongoing strategy for shade-grown coffee? Next, how should new coffee purchasing guidelines be implemented? How should Starbucks and CI approach other roasters to adopt the sourcing guidelines? Finally, how should Starbucks address the Fair Trade movement? When CI identified coffee as an important commodity affecting biodiversity, it launched a pilot conservation coffee program in 1996 organized around three co-operatives, located in the buffer zone of the El Triunfo Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico. (Austin Reavis, 2004) CI Created this project to promote and preserve the pristine rain and cloud forests as well as shade-grown coffee. In 1997 CI convinced Starbucks that partnering with them in the Chiapas Project would not only promote conservation and shade-grown coffee, but also produce a high quality coffee bean; a bean that was shade-grown, sun-dried, and met Starbucks high quality standards. This alliance has proven to be successful. Since 1998, the coffee growing land incorporated into the project has increased by 220%, signaling that farmers had changed their practices. Starbucks was able to purchase 1. 5 million pounds of Coffee from the Chiapas cooperatives by 2002. An outside consultant doing a independent review of the CI project concluded that farmers environmental knowledge and awareness had increased significantly, as had conservation and organized farming practices (Austin Reavis, 2004) However conducive for Starbucks as a learning process and beneficial to CI and the El Triunfo Reserve, as well as the farmers and the cooperatives, the Chiapas project requires a vast infusion of capital and resources to operate. Capital in terms of time, resources, expertise, and field trainers. Austin and Reavis state,â€Å"CI had a team of 3 full-time and several part-time â€Å"extentionists† who visited every farm and monitored progress. CI provided training courses in the villages of the farmers, co-op managers, and technicians on quality control, organic farming methods, tree planting, and pulping methods. CI operates a training center and nursery where it grows a wide variety of trees that gives away free to cooperative members and coffee trees that it sold for a nominal fee. The center also produced an organic fertilizer which it sold at 1/3 the price of equivalent of chemical fertilizers. † ( 2004) with all the resources, funds, education, and time it has taken the Chiapas Project to meet Starbucks quality standards, it would seem impossible for Starbucks and Conservation International to set up projects like this in all the biodiversity hot-spots around the world. The Chiapas Project itself consumed too many resources to be sustainable elsewhere. Starbucks would have to subsidize projects in other countries and partner with other NGO’s, who may or may not share the same values and work ethic as Conservation International. Starbucks would have to set-up infrastructure, education centers, and hospitals. Starbucks would have to maintain a staff on the ground to ensure that best practices where in place. The development would occur at a slow pace. The amount of conserved land may not be a significant enough area to ensure the survival of diverse species of animals and plants. All this time and effort to produce a coffee bean that may not meet Starbucks quality standards Starbucks needs to find another strategy, one that continues to encourage conservation and farmer education, but also a strategy that would affect the industry as a whole. With this in mind Starbucks and CI decided to create coffee sourcing guidelines that would affect the suppliers of coffee. â€Å"Under Starbucks new system, introduced as a two year pilot program, suppliers of any size or location could earn up to 100 points for performance in three sustainability categories†¦if the suppliers me all the criteria, that is ,scored 100 points, it would become a preferred supplier and its coffee would receive priority in Starbucks’ purchasing queue. A producer’s performance had to be verified by an acceptable independent third party, although Starbucks was flexible on whom the verifiers would be. † (Austin Reavis, 2004) Mecklenburg, head of CSR at Starbucks describes her reaction to the guidelines, â€Å"While the Chiapas project is totally amazing and beyond what any of us could have imagined, it pales in comparison to what we’ve done with the sourcing guidelines. What we wanted to do with these guidelines is really define what sustainable coffee is. † (Austin Reavis, 2004) What Starbucks is essentially doing with the creation of these sustainable sourcing guidelines, was shifting the burden of responsibility from itself to the industry as a whole. If the suppliers adopted these sourcing guidelines then the industry would determine who developed the most sustainable coffee and change would occur much faster. There would also be incentive for coffee growers to choose organic farming over chemical pesticides and shade grown coffee production, because these sourcing guidelines would have them in preferential buying order. Starbucks challenge now was to get the rest of the industry to adopt their sourcing guidelines. If Starbucks is able to accomplish this, then the coffee industry will have change, it will be a dramatic beneficial change for the future. Other companies have had success leading industry wide changes. One Such company, Merck, has great success eradicating river blindness in Africa; a disease cause by onchocerciasis, a parasitic disease. In early 1975 Merck discovered a possible cure for the disease, Mectizan, and by 1980 the disease was ready for human trial. There was great pressure both internally and externally to produce the drug. Merck had to make a decision to either charge for Mectizan or donate it. The challenge as it relates to this case was once Merck decided to donate the drug how where they going to distribute it; Merck is in the drug creation business not the drug distribution business Professors James Austin and Diana Barrett discuss Merck’s challenges in a case study they prepared for the Harvard Business School. Austin and Barret state, â€Å"Most of those infected lived in areas accessible only by navigating poor roads or traveling on foot for several days. Neither was there a health-care infrastructure in many areas to administer the drugs – few doctors and no pharmacies. † (2001) Merck was in no position to handle this distribution problem on its own. Much like Starbucks trying to affect industry wide change to sourcing practices, Merck had to outline a strategy to deliver this drug to the people that needed them the most. Merck decided to create a committee to examine the problem. â€Å"In 1998 Merck created the Mectizan Expert Committee (MEC) to address the Distribution issue. † (Austin Barrett 2001) Ultimately what the MEC decided was to create a distribution model that called for other organizations interested in the drug to contact the company and apply to receive it. After the NGOs were properly vetted (they where looked at for ability to supply and monitor the drug), Merck would ship the drug directly to the specific countries. The key lesson to take away from Merck’s challenge is that the company could not distribute the drug on their own. Merck had to partner with other organizations in order to affect industry wide change. Starbucks is attempting to dramatically change the way suppliers source coffee. These new guidelines will be beneficial to the coffee growers, who will be forced to learn new methodology, but will receive higher income and higher buying priority in return. These sourcing guidelines will be beneficial to the environment, requiring sustainable practices, such as organic farming and shade-grown coffee, which will conserve land, present less danger to animals, and promote biodiversity. These guidelines will benefit suppliers trying to buy better tasting and more sustainable coffee in larger amounts for comparable prices to industry farming techniques. And finally, these guidelines will benefit the companies whose customers demand a more sustainable flavorful coffee product. Starbucks purchases about 1% of the global coffee supply in 2001. (Starbucks CSR annual Report 2001) World coffee production is estimated at 6. 7 million tones (Hoyt McMillan 2004) Starbucks purchases 67,000 tones of coffee annually. Although this is a lot of coffee it is only a small percentage of the global total. Starbucks is not going to be able to affect the suppliers by themselves; they just do not command enough of the global market to force their sourcing guidelines on suppliers. Like Merck, Starbucks must partner with other companies if they want to see their sourcing guidelines accepted industry wide. In order to align themselves with competitors, Starbucks must generate enthusiasm for its sourcing guidelines among the competitor’s customers, other NGOs, Coffee buyers, coffee suppliers, and competitors themselves. Although a herculean task, Starbucks is a behemoth of a company quite capable of through its weight around. Starbucks must show that their guidelines are more attractive than other sustainable coffee standards such as the fair trade movement. The Fair trade movement started in the Netherlands in the late 1980’s as a way to organize small farmers producing various commodities into cooperatives and to improve their incomes by pressuring buyers to pay guaranteed minimum prices (Austin Barrett 14) The Fair Trade movement seems poised for explosive growth. The world market for fair trade goods is currently valued at $400 million. (Raynolds 2002) Though this only represents a minor share of the international market, sales of Fair Trade commodities have boomed in recent years, with sales rising at close to 30 percent per year. (Raynolds 2002) Coffee forms the core of fair trade networks and is the most widely consumed Fair Trade product in the movements European home and in rapidly expanding North American markets (Raynolds 2002), Starbucks has encountered problems with the fair trade movement. Mecklenburg sums up Starbucks interaction with the Fair trade movements activist NGOs up till now, â€Å"It wasnt that we hadnt been in the cross-hairs of other advocacy groups before but this was much more aggressive. It was difficult to have rational communications There was a lot of pressure to sell Fair Trade Coffee. Ultimately it was up to the CEO. (Austin and Reavis 2004) Starbucks challenges with the Fair Trade movement arises from three points. Firstly the Fair Trade movement originated in Europe where Starbucks is not always regarded favorably. Although there are many Starbucks in Europe, there is simmering resentment at the American company for displacing European coffeehouses. Secondly, Starbucks buying and sourcing practices are not in-line with the Fair Trade Movement. Starbucks buys its coffee From high quality sellers, that sell only Arabica beans. Starbucks also seeks to, when it can, purchase shade grown organic coffee from farmers that are paid better than market price. The Fair Trade movement is basically a labeling movement. They do promote organic cooperative farming techniques and better wages for farmers in order to obtain the Fair Trade seal. However, the Fair Trade auditors do nothing to ensure the quality of the beans and do not have third party verification. Also farmers must pay to have their farms and cooperatives auditing which is a practice that Starbucks does not agree with. Finally, the Fair Trade movement is a supply side movement advocating on behalf of rural workers. They have no experience partnering with large companies, whom they view with mild distrust, only persuading companies to buy Fair Trade and selling Fair Trade commodities. In April 2000, Starbucks signed an agreement with TransFair to buy Fair Trade-certified coffee that met its quality standards up to amount that met customer demand (Austin Reavis 2002) Although often the quality of the purchased Fair Trade coffee did not meet Starbucks quality standards and therefore was unusable, Starbucks made a wise decision to purchase Fair Trade coffee to be sold through its stores. The Fair Trade movement is a popular movement, especially in urban neighborhoods. Starbucks needs to continue to work with the Fair Trade movement, educating the suppliers of its quality standards so that they can buy more of the Fair Trade coffee. Ultimately Starbucks has a proven track record of being socially responsible. Starbucks, along with Conservation International, created and nourished The Chiapas Project which conserved biologically sensitive land, educated farmers, encouraged organic farming, and promoted shade-grown coffee growing. This project was cost and time intensive, so Starbucks and CI went further to create sourcing guidelines. Guidelines that would affect the entire coffee industry as a whole. Starbucks also dealt well with another movement that threated to undermine the effectiveness of the newly created guidelines. Change comes slow to a behemoth like the coffee industry and Starbucks understands that if it continues to promote social responsibility as a strategic business practice, it will be rewarded by customers and eventually change the coffee industry for the better. References Austin, James , and Cate Reavis. Starbucks and Conservation International. Harvard Business School 9-303-055 (2002): 1-28. Print Hoyt, D. , McMillan, J. (2004). The Global Coffee Trade. Stanford Graduate School of Business, IB-53, 1-54. Retrieved July 26, 2010, from http://www. probeinternational. org/files/The%20Global%20Coffee%20Trade. pdf Raynolds, Laura. Consumer/Producer links in Fair Trade Coffee Networks. Sociologia Ruralis 42. 4 (2002): 404-424. Print. Starbucks Annual CSR Report 2001. (2002, February 15). 2001 Report Untitled. Retrieved July 25, 2010, from assets. starbucks. com/assets/csr-fy01-ar. pdf TransFair USA | About Us. TransFair USA | Home. N. p. , n. d. Web. 22 July 2010.

Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate (ADP) Crystals Structure

Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate (ADP) Crystals Structure Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) crystals are widely used as the second, third and fourth harmonic generator for Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF lasers. It belongs to the tetragonal system with the space group I-42d 1. These crystals are widely used for electro-optical applications such as Q-switching for Ti–sapphire and alexandrite lasers as well as for acousto optical applications2–4. Tris(thiourea)zinc(II) sulphate (ZTS) is a semi-organic nonlinear optical (NLO) material which finds applications in the area of laser technology, optical communication, data storage technology and optical computing because it has high resistance to laser induced damage, high nonlinearity, wide transparency, low angular sensitivity and good mechanical hardness compared to many organic NLO crystals5-8. It belongs to the orthorhombic system with noncentrosymmetric space group Pca21 and point group mm2. Growth, spectral, optical and thermal studies of rare earth neodymium(III) doped ZTS9, cerium(III) doped ZTS10,11 have been reported. We have also investigated the influence of Ce(III)- doping12 effects of ADP crystals. In the present investigation, the effect of La(III)-doping on ADP and ZTS crystals has been studied using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, UV–vis, thermal and Kurtz powder SHG measurements. ADP (E. Merck) was purified by repeated recrystallization. ZTS was synthesized as reported earlier13. To avoid decomposition, low temperature ( ZnSO4 ·7H2O + 3(CS(NH2)2) à ¯Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ® Zn(CS(NH2)2)3SO4 After successive recrystallization processes, crystals were grown by slow evaporation solution growth technique (pH = 6.2). Doping of lanthanum (5 mol %) in the form of lanthanum(III)- chloride (Aldrich) was used as such in the aqueous growth medium. The crystallization took place within 10–15 days and the high quality transparent crystals were harvested from the aqueous growth medium. Best quality and highly transparent seed crystals are used in the preparation of bulk crystals. Photographs of the as-grown crystals are shown in Fig. 2.2.1. The FT-IR spectra of pure and doped crystals reveal small shifts in some of the characteristic vibrational frequencies (Table.2.3.1.1.) and it could be due to lattice strain as a result of La(III)- doping. The vibrational patterns of lanthanum doped ADP exhibit slight variations as compared with pure ADP. PO4 stretching and bending vibrations are observed at ~1100, ~910 cm-1 and ~453, ~546 cm-1 respectively. Symmetric stretching vibrations of NH4+ ion are observed in the range of ~1407 cm-1. Vibrational peak at ~1280 cm-1 corresponds to OH bending. Broad peaks observed at ~3234 cm-1, ~3120 cm-1 correspond to N–H ·Ã‚ ·Ã‚ ·O stretching vibrations. A close observation of FT-IR spectra of pure ZTS and doped specimens also reveals that the doping results in slight shifts in some of the characteristic vibrational frequencies. It could be due to lattice strain developed as a result of doping. An absorption band in the region 2750–3400 cm-1 corresponds to the symmetric and asymmetric stretching frequencies of NH2 group of zinc(II) coordinated thiourea. The absorption band observed at ~1620 cm-1 in the spectra of pure and doped specimens corresponds to that of thiourea (~1625 cm-1)14 of about the same frequency and it can be assigned to NH2 bending vibration. The CN stretching frequencies of thiourea (1122 and 1502 cm-1) shifted to higher frequencies for pure and La(III)- doped ZTS crystals (~1128 and ~1500 cm-1). The C-S is stretching frequencies (1398 and 712 cm-1)15 are shifted to lower frequencies (~1394 and ~706 cm-1) for pure and doped samples. These observations suggest that metal coordinate with thiourea through The powder XRD patterns of La(III)-doped samples are compared with that of undoped one (Fig. 2.3.2.1). No new peaks or phases were observed by doping with inner transition metal lanthanum. However, a drastic reduction in intensity is observed as a result of doping. The most prominent peaks with maximum intensity of the XRD patterns of pure and doped specimens are quite different. The observations could be attributed to strains in the lattice. The cell parameters are determined from the single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and the values of pure and doped crystals are given in the Table 2.3.2.1. The ionic radius of the dopant La(III) (117 pm) is very small compared with that of NH4+ (151 pm)16. Hence, it is reasonable to believe that the dopant can enter into the ADP crystalline matrix occupying predominantly substitutional positions without causing much distortion. However, the valance of the dopant is different from the host and hence one cannot expect only the simple substitut ional occupancy leading to inhomogeneous strains in the crystal17. It is also appropriate to mention here that in the case of dopants having a dissimilar valance and size from the substituting element of the host lattice, due to expected strain, even small thermal/ mechanical fluctuations during the growth process lead to easy formation of structural defects18,19. It clearly shows that the crystal undergoes non-uniform strain in the lattice. The cell volume of the La(III)- doped ZTS crystals increased (Table. 2). It could be due to the small ionic radius of Zn2+ (88 pm) in comparison with that of La(III) (117 pm)17. This type of behavior (the unit cell volume of the doped materials not varying regularly with the ionic radius of the dopant) has been explained by the electron-doping effect counteracting the steric effect20. The concentration of absorbing species can be determined using the Kubelka-Munk equation21, The direct and indirect band gap energies obtained from the intercept of the resulting straight line with the energy axis at [F(R)hÃŽ ½]2 = 0 and [F(R)hÃŽ ½]1/2 = 0 are deduced as 5.35 eV and 5.50 eV respectively for ADP:La and 5.37 eV 5.70 eV for ZTS:La (Fig. 2.3.3.1). The effect of the influence of dopant on the surface morphology of ADP crystal faces reveals structure defect centers as seen in SEM images (Fig.2.3.4.1). A plate like morphology with a layered structure is exhibited. The incorporation of lanthanum in the ADP crystal matrix results in cluster of scatter centers and voids than those of the undoped specimen. The flower like morphology is observed in ZTS doped specimens. Pure ZTS contains small defect centers in the plate surface and incorporation of La(III) increases the surface roughness (Fig.2.3.4.1(b)). The incorporation of La(III) into the crystalline matrix was confirmed by EDS performed on ADP and ZTS (Fig.2.3.5.1). It appears that the accommodating capability of the host crystal is limited and only a small quantity is incorporated into the ADP and ZTS crystalline matrix. EDS reveals that the accommodating capability of ZTS is much better than ADP as shown in Fig.2.3.5.1(b). The amount of doping in ADP:La and ZTS:La specimens are estimated using AAS and the foreign metal ion entering into the ADP/ZTS crystal matrix is much smaller but significant. Further, the final dopant concentration within the host lattice is not proportional to the prevailing concentration of dopant in the solution at the time of the crystallization process, since the host crystal can accommodate the dopant only to a limited extent. The AAS data reveal that the La(III) ion concentration in ADP and ZTS crystalline matrix are 7.5 ppm and 11.3 ppm respectively. High incorporation of the dopant takes place in the case of lanthanide doping in ZTS compared to ADP. TG/DTA thermogram reveals the purity of the material. The thermogram curve shows a gradual mass loss and residual mass obtained at 1000 ËÅ ¡C is only 10% Fig.2.3.6.1 (a) An endothermic peak is obtained in the DTA analysis for ADP:La at a higher temperature (200ËÅ ¡C) than the pure ADP crystals (191 ËÅ ¡C). The melting point of the material was confirmed by using Sigma instruments melting point apparatus (200ËÅ ¡C). The investigation shows that there is no physically absorbed water in molecular structure of crystals grown from the solution. The simultaneous TG-DTA curves in nitrogen for ZTS and ZTS:La systems at a heating rate of 20 ËÅ ¡C/min are given in the Fig.2.3.6.1(b). The absence of water of crystallization in the molecular structure is indicated by the absence of weight loss around 100 ËÅ ¡C. The melting point of pure ZTS is 231ËÅ ¡ C. A good thermal stability of ZTS:La is observed up to ~235 ËÅ ¡C and the thermal behavior is not very much altered in the presence of the dopant. The sharp endothermic peak at 235 ËÅ ¡C is may be due to melting point. TG curves show a gradual mass loss and residual mass obtained at 1000 ËÅ ¡C is ~20 %. The sharpness of the peak shows the good degree of crystallinity of the material. No decomposition up to the melting point ensures the stability of the material for application in lasers, where the crystals are required to withstand high temperatures. In order to confirm the influence of doping on the nonlinear optical properties (NLO) of the as-grown crystals, these were subjected to SHG test. The SHG efficiency of the materials was performed by Kurtz powder SHG method22. Input radiation used is 2.5 mV/pulse. The output SHG intensities of La(III) doped ADP and ZTS specimens give relative NLO efficiencies of the measured specimens. The doubling of frequency was confirmed by the green color of the output radiation whose characteristic wavelength is 532 nm and it indicates that the doped material exhibits second order NLO effect. The efficient SHG demands specific molecular alignment of the crystal to be achieved facilitating nonlinearity in the presences of a dopant. Incorporation of La(III) into ADP and ZTS crystalline matrix also enhances the SHG efficiency (Table.2.3.7.1) and hence La(III) is a useful dopant. The efficient SHG demands specific molecular alignment of the crystal facilitating nonlinearity in the presence of dopant or it may be due to the improvement in the crystalline perfection of ADP/ZTS crystals by low level La(III)- doping. The effect of various dopants on the SHG efficiencies of ADP/ZTS has been listed in Table.2.3.7.2. The comparative SHG oscilloscope traces of the powder samples ADP:La (blue) and ZTS:La (red) are displayed in Fig. 2.3.7.1. The influence of La(III) doping on the ADP and ZTS crystal has been systematically studied. The reduction in the intensities observed in the powder XRD patterns and slight shifts in vibrational frequencies in FT-IR indicate minor structural variations in the doped materials. Morphological changes in the doped specimen are observed in the SEM micrographs. The studies indicate that the crystal undergoes lattice stress as a result of doping. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrum reveals the incorporation of La(III)- into the crystalline matrix of ADP/ZTS crystals. AAS studies also confirm the above observations. It is clear that the incorporation of La(III)- is comparatively high in the case of ZTS. The thermal analysis reveals the purity of the material. Enhancement in SHG efficiency is observed in ADP/ZTS as a result of La(III)- doping became of facile charge transfer.