History of Hong Kong Art Village

(Eng. Summary) andrew lam (The section â€Å"History of Oil Street Architecture† was published in Hong Kong Economic Journal 2000-03-27) The First Stage – â€Å"The Oil Street† Period During the 17 months from August 1998 to the end of 1999, the Government Property Agency rented an abandoned governmental building at Oil Street, North Point to architects, designers, photographers, individual artists and art groups at a rental rate as low as HK$ 2. 5 / square ft. It gradually served as the nurturing ground for art education, creative industries and various kinds of exhibitions and performances. 3 large-scale art and culture festivals have taken place in the Art Village. More than 100 exhibitions and performances, which attracted more than 30,000 audiences, have been held throughout the year. The nature of activities were diverse to include theatre work, dance, folk art, ink painting, calligraphy, installation, photography, sculpture, painting, multi-media, video ar t, digital art, architecture, fashion design, performance art and music concert.The Oil Street Art Village was a cultivated space, which fostered local economies, creative industries and international art and cultural exchange activities. It attracted creative and enthusiastic individuals to involve and to arouse the interest of local and overseas press. The total area of the Oil Street building was 125,000 square ft. The gross floor area was estimated to be 160,000 square ft. 33 art groups and workshops, and more than 100 artists were stationed in the Art Village; while more than 721 artists and 3,000 art group members involved in various activities (it is approximately 30% of HK art field).More than 60,000 square ft. area served as performing space, rehearsal room, working area, and storage. The abandoned property was positively activated. In that short period of time, the art and culture industry built up a good partnership with the SAR government: the Art Village was recognized and supported by HKADC. In 98-99, the Planning Department pointed out that Oil Street Art Village was a successful model for land use transferral. All of the above prove that HK citizens urgently need the full support of the government to assist running a non-governmental and independent art village.It serves as a window and an opportunity for local art and cultural workers to showcase the power of creative culture. This is the gateway to develop Hong Kong into the brand new â€Å"art and cultural centre† in Asia, and to raise the image of HK in the global level. In 2000, the SAR government planned to sell the land through auction. Various units in the Art Village moved out and the land has been abandoned until today. Not only was the Oil Street Art Village destroyed, but the SAR government also lost nearly HK$ 10,000,000 of rental income since 2000.The Second Stage – â€Å"Cheung Sha Wan Warehouse† & Old Kai Tak Aiport Period The ex-slaughterhouse in Cheung Sha Wan and the ex-Kai Tak Airport Office Tower was temporarily let to Oil Street Art Village by the Government Property Agency. However, the space provided was not suitable for artistic activities. Many workshops and art groups such as 1aspace, Videotage, On and On Theatre, Zuni Icosahedron/Z+ etc. retreated or their activities suspended. Such a â€Å"hybernated† situation lasted for at least 1 and a half years. During the period, some art studio was transferred to Old Kai TatAirport venue and the studio of Tsui Pui Wan had organized an installation, which attracted wide public participation. The Third Stage – To Kwa Wan â€Å"Cattle Depot Artist Village† (CDAV) Period In July 2001, the Government Property Agency rented a renovated government property, the ex-quarantine station for animals (63 Ma Tau Kok Road, To Kwa Wan) to individual art groups and artists. Most of the architecture in the station is heritage. Some are over 100 years old. Units and Cultural activ ities in CDAV The total area of CDAV is 7,394. 93 square metres.It has 19 stationed art groups: Zuni Icosehedron, Ngau Pang Shue Sue Yuen, Artist Commune 63 Museum, Videotage, 1aspace, Frog King Museum, (szOf)-Tsui Pui Wan, Wee Design, Photo China. CC, Cut_N_try Workshop, Billy & Suzies, Tim Tsz Workshop, Possive Null Workshop, Kum Chi Keung Workshop, Steve Cheung-Work Zone, 2/3 Studio, N4 and so forth. Main publications in these two years include: â€Å"E+E† by Ngau Pang Sue Yuen,†¦. and many exhibition catalogues. Significant exhibitions held included â€Å"Tree. Man†: Danny Yung Solo Exhibition Tree Man in 2003, CADV held large-scale art festival, such as Cattle Depot Summer Days & Nights Arts Festival 2003.The studio zero O fish organized Summer Workshop 02, etc. The Book Festival was co-organized by Zuni Ngau Pang Sue Yuen and 1aspace with participation of 22 cultural organizations. It attracted more than 20,000 local citizens and book lovers. The Artist Comm une has also organized many societal and cultural exchange programs. In the future, the CDAV will develop as a non-profit making charity (NGO). We are also planning to make the best use of spaces in the village as a platform for experimenting civil art education and creative cultural industries, and as a channel to consolidate different social sectors and governmental departments.The CDAV will be the new fountainhead of Hong Kong culture, and it will foreshadow and set an example to evaluate the idea of the operation of the proposed West Kowloon Cultural District. City globalization and synchronization bring about the building of skyscrapers, highways, airports, etc†¦ Organizing international biennial, triennial, exposition and other great cultural events become inevitable in internationalization. The CDAV has long been a localized phenomenon, we pose the questions of globalization versus regionalism. In reality, there are 4 alternative spaces and 15 independent studios in the CDAV.For the past 2 years, they actively organized a great many of individual programs. They also organized joint events like community workshops and territory-wide art festivals. This proposal will present open studio project to create A CONCEPTUAL ‘COMPUTER HUB’ WHICH RE-UNIFIES THE WHOLE CDAV AGAIN. [1] The Experiment The Hong Kong CDAV is not a conventional museum for cultural display. It is an alternative space: a 7,394 sq meters art village with visual art and theatre group, big companies and individual studios living in symbiosis.In reality there are dreams and conflicts, expectations and competitions. Urgency and stability are side by side. In meeting this global event, the proposed CDAV project will not be a fabrication of un-real situation. In preparing for the exhibition, no pre-fabricated unit or exhibition system will be re-assembled in another site for exhibition. The studios of the CDAV is like ‘A MICROSCOPE’. It helps the international audie nce TO UNCOVER A WORLD OF ADVENTURE, EXPERIMENTATION, DISCOVERY AND WONDERS in the CDAV. There is NO GLASS OR INSTRUMENT USED TO MAGNIFY OR DISTORT FACT AND REALITY.Every object has to be viewed in actual size! Like the Berlin Biennale 2004, The CDAV studios portray reality and the CDAV artists provide such a visual excursion with a LIFE MANUAL. They themselves are the best exhibition documents and interpreters. BEYOND THE FRAME WE PROVIDE A NEW SPACE WHICH EXTENDS THE CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL & CONCEPTUAL BOUNDARY OF AN EXHIBITION WITHIN THE ALREADY-EXISTING AND DEFINED AREA OF STUDIOS IN THE CDAV. The artists working in the CDAV studios take the opportunity to develop creative dialogue and exchange with the international curators and artists.The CDTV project will be in an interesting dialogue by using site-specific studio works showing artistic development from initial stage to final production, from conceptual building to theory formulation, from pre-exhibition studio discourse to p ost-exhibition debate. (  ¦ ) 2000-03-27 2004-06 (1999? ) (2003-2006) (1999) 1999? 11? 9? , , , > 006 2> 007 3> 007 4> 015 5> 016 6> 021 : 023 025 046 : †¦ , , , , (3? ) (1? ) (6? ); (2? ) (1? ) 1? , , , , , ; , , ; , , , , , , 2 , , , , : , , , , , , , , , ; , , , , , 1990? , ( ), , , , , , , , , , [2] , , , , , , , 2. 75 15 , 12? 5 , 31? , 6 Kwok and Cho Z+? Workzone Raymond Lau? Wong Chi Fei? Lily & Workshop? Qwert & Parallax Workshop? Xtreme Creative? Michael Chan Architects? James Wong & Andrew Lam? Vivian Lam? Ashley Hempsall? Tom Tong? May + Ling?Rensis Ho? Bone Wong Tim? Billy and Suzie? Edge? 1a Ringo Tang? 31 721? , 3? , 100 , 30,000 , , , [3] , , , , , , , : 1. , ( : )? 2. 2a , , , ,? 2b , : , , , , , ( ) , , ( , 2,000? , ) : , , 180 , (? ) (? ) (? ) (? ) (? ) (? (? ) , , , , , , ; , , , , , ; , , , , , , , , , , , 1A , Z+ , , , , , , , , , (C? D? ), , , , , , (Machine Aesthetic) , , , , , ,? 1998? 8 16 2. 75? 1 , 16 , 12? 5 , 30? , 6 , , , , 2000 , , : , 12? 15 , , , , 1998 , , , , , 98 , , , 1893 12 , [4] , , Victoria Regata Club , , , , [5], (E. M. Hazeland) [6], 1908? 3? 21 (Sir Frederick Lugard) ; , , , (Club House), , , , , , ; , , , , , , , , ; , 19 (Arts & Crafts Movement) [7]; , (1905? ) (1913? ) (1915? ) , , , , [8]1965? , – 1992? 10? , 1999? 11 , , , 1939 1964 1939 , 1950 941 , , , : i) 1969 (DYN1XB1B), , 1969? ; ii) 1945-64? 1:2,400 (HKR. S. No. 846(320)-D & S No. 1, Plan 1), A ,B ? C , , A 1964 1969 ; iii) 1950 :, , ( ), (B? ) , 50 ; iv) 50,000 , 1945? 50? , , 1950 v) 1939 , , , (Kellet Island) , , , 39 50 ,? 10 , ; vi) 1939? 103 , : 1939? 4? 26 , 16 , , 1939? ; vii) , C Z+ 1939 , , ; , , , , , , , , , Messrs Kin Lee & Co. , , (C? D? , , , , , (Machine Aesthetic)? , , , , , , ; , , ; , ; , , , ; , , , , ; , , ; , , , , , , , , 98 , , , , , , , , ,! , , ; , , , , , , , 100 , 20,000, , , , , , , ; , , , , , , , , , , , , , , : 1) 2) 98 80% , 97 5%? 3) 15% , , ; , , / / 97 2% 6% , 18% 23%, 15% 18% , [9] , , , , , , , ; , (Marginal Utility) : , , , , , , , , , : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , / , , , , / , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , – , :1) ( );2) ( ;3) ( )4) ( ) , ( , , , , , , , , ( ) , – 1. , 2. , , , 3. , , , , 4. , , , 5. , , , 6. , , / , , / , , 1. ( ) 2. ( ) 3. ( ) , , 4. ( ) 5. / / / ( ) / / , 6. / ( ) / / 7. / ( , ) , 8. ( ) , 9. ( ) 10. E & M? , ( ) ? 11. ( ) 12. ( ) ? 13. , ( ) ? 14. ( ) 15. ( ) ? 16. ( ) ? 17. ( ) 18. ( ) 19. ( ) ? 20. ( ) , , , , : 1. 2. , 3. , , 4. , ;? ii , , , , , : 1. , 2. , 2a , , , : ,? 2b , 1) : , , , , , , ?P. S. 1. , ; [10] , , , / , , , , , 1. : 1a , ;? 1b , , , , , , , ,! :1) , , ; , , ;2) , , , , , , , , , ;3) , ;4) , , ;5) , , , 2. : , (? ) / : , / , , , : 7A ( ) Dr. Morhard, Juergen, Consul of German Consulate (Hong Kon g)? Dr. Sacker, director of Goethe-Institute(Hong Kong)? Oscar Ho, exhibition director of HK Arts Centre? Renee Chan, art and design programme designer, HKU-Space? Ben Sumner, senior lecturer of APA? Chartered Society of Designers?Caroloine Cheng, director of The Pottery Workshop? Lam Yuen Mei? Gary Mak Sing Hei, associate director of Broadway Cinematheque? Cheng Wai Lau, manager of Theatre Ensemble? Irene Ngan, Program Manager of Goethe-Institut? Ip Yuk Yiu, Lecturer of City University? Linda Lai, assistant professor of SCM, City University? Nancy Tong, assistant professor of City University? Cheung Kai Sun, art director of Zebra Consultant? Simon Queeans, publisher of BC Magazine? Leung Chi Fan, vice-president of Hong Kong Society For Education In Art? Hung Chin Lu, director of Studio 22 Ltd.? Leong Ka Tai, director of Camera 22 Ltd.?Golden Cheetah Company? Wong Leung Sek Rupert, chairman of Hue Art Association? Shum Ka Chun, art dirctor of ICON? Wong Chack Kie, Associate Professo r of the Chinese University of Hong Kong? Li Chak Man, project manager of Yew Chung Education Foundation? Siu King Chung, assistant professor of HK Polytechnic University? Tang Shu Wing, artistic director of No Man Land Limited? Tsang Wai Yi Catherine Lau Lui Wai Kei Lam Wai Kit? Lau Chung Hang? Kelvin Tsang? Louisanna Chan? Steve Choi? William Thomas Dixon? Pegsi K C Wong? Betty Hung? Yik Fei? Natashia Ting Clorie Ng? Fanny Lam? Lau Mei Yee? May Fung? Yanpi Kwan Pui Yan?Wong Shun Kit? Hilary Binks John Thompson Chan Chui Hing, Nose? Mo-yung Yuk Lin Helen Leung Jenny Lam Chi Ling? Lichtenstein, Frederic? Vivian Chan Sau Han? Lee Kit Wai John Yip? Chan Tze Ming Liu Yuen Hung Jacqueline? Sandra L. Walters? Winton non Marsalis? Clarence Tsui Borezee? Blaise Lam Kam Ying? Wong Fung Ming? Tam Shiu Wah Hillman? Norris Ng? Lesley Chan Yan Yan,? Woo Vivian Cheng? Wai Kwan? Alice Chu? Cherie, Cheng Shui Che? Chan Wai Fun Dovas? Lau Wing Yin, Nataue? Kum Chi Keung? Tina Chan? Charles Lam? Mar ia Leung? Wei Peh Ti? Wong Hao An Alanie? Wong Gi Wai, Gigi? Winnie Lau? Paul Kember? Julita Lui Y. E.?Juliana Wong? Peter K. Ho? Jan Chu? Pamela Hoy So Ching? Quentin Fong Bryan Lay? Liu Ying Kei Carol? Robert Orien? Freddie Chan? Rachel Lee? Fornia Chan Siu Yim? Beryl Yau? Mimi Tung? Frank Yeung? Kearen Pang Yuri? Ng Lilian Chan : The Australian Network For Art and Technology? Artspace Visual Arts Centre, Sydney? Chinese Art News Magazine? Marina Grzinic, Fund For Video Art? Griffith Artworks, Griffith University, Australia? Videobrasil Festival, Brazil? Mike Stubbs, director of Hull Time Based Art, UK? Mike Leggett, Australia? Chang Young-Hae, Seoul?Wolf Kahlen, Germany? Evangelo Costadimas? Uwe Buchler, Werleitz? Gesellschaft, Germany? Steve Hawley, UK? Trevor Batten, Amsterdam? Veronica Needa? core member of Yellow Earth Theatre(London),†¦ : ( ) 1. 1. 1. , , , , , , , , , , , 2. 118? , 27 , ,? 27? , 10 ; (9? ) (8? ) (? 7? ), (6? ) (? 5? ) (4? ) 3 , 2 27 , 10? , 4? , , , , , (3? ) (1? ) (6? ); (2? ) (1? ) 1? , , , 2002 1 , [11] 3. , : ,†¦ , , [12] , , :?†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ( ) , – [13] 4. , , , , , , , ,†¦ 5. , : ; , ; , , , , , [14] 2. 1. 2. 1. 1 : (Alliance of Artists' Communities AAC) (Artists Communities: A Directory of Residencies in the United States Offering Time and Space for Creativity) , 70 2. : , , , , 50% , , , , 4%? , : . (American Academy in Rome)[15] . (The Corporation of Yaddo)[16] . (The MacDowell Colony, Inc. )[17] 70 80 , 80 ; , , ( ) , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3. : , (Artist’s House) , , , (Kunsterhaus)[18]? [19], : A: 20 B: 10-19? C: 4-9? D: 1-3? , 70 , 4-9 C ,? 40% A B D , 20%? , , , : , , , , , A? , , C 4. : , 20A , , 2? , B , 14? B , , 2 , 4-9 C , , , C , , , D , 14? , , , C , : , , , , , , , , , , 5. : , , [20] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |A |12 |86% |0 |0 |1 |7% |0 |0 |1 |7% |0 |0 | |B |10 |72% |2 |14% |1 |7% |0 |0 |1 |7% |0 |0 | |C |18 |64% |2 |7% |3 |11% |2 |7% |1 |4% |2 |7% | |D |8 |58% |2 |14% |0 |0 |2 |14% |2 |14% |0 |0 | | |48 |69% |6 |9% |5 |7% |4 |5% |5 |7% |2 |7% | |? (1): , (69%) (9%) (7%) (7%) (5%) , 7% , (? A? D :86%? 72%? 4%? 58%) , , , , , , 2. 1. 6 : , ,? 72% 24%, , 4% , P. S. 1 I. S. P , , , , , , , , P. S. 1 , , :†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ , , , : , , , , [21] , , , , , , , (Conservatoire du Littorale), , , , , , , [22] , , , ; , , , , , , 7. : 1. : , , , , , : 2. 2. (i) 1) : , , ; , , 80%? (2) : , , ,†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦? , 80% , , , , , , 2. 2. (ii) (1) : 93% – , , ? (2) : , , , , : , , 71%? (3) : , , 39%? 2. 2. (iii) (1) : 29%? 2) : 26%? (3) : 23%? (4) : – , , , 4%? , , , 2. 3 A : 2. 3. 1 , A , , , , 3%? , , , , , ; , 2. : 70 , , : i) : , ii) : , , iii) : , , 97% 2? , Art Farm? Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, , 3% , South Florida Art Center, 4 , ,? 9%? , , , ,

Integrative Problems and Virtual Organization Strategy Paper Essay

Different types of threats for each different approach much each are carefully considered to ensure that the right approach is chose. There are benefits and risks for each approach. The threats must be read and understood appropriately. The first approach would be about Patton Fuller Community College going through with an IPO. An IPO is also known as an Initial Public Offering. The IPO is the first stock sale is a public offering that sales shares of stocks from a company to people within the â€Å"general† public. Some of the threats that Patton Community Hospital could go through if the IPO is pronounced publically would be that the people who make large investments for important things like retirement, they are putting their retirement at risk because the market can be very good to people at times, but it is not a sure thing. â€Å"†This is the most negative piece of legislation I’ve ever seen,† frets William Elmore of Foundation Capital.† It will dampen capital formation. Anyone standing to create wealth by building a growth company would face putting personal assets at risk.† There will be fewer future IPOs if some founders choose not to go public as a result of lingering concern† (Mamis, Robert A. (1997). Going public puts a lot of people in a position to create an opinion immediately and this might be a bad thing because business could slow. Some of the threats that could take place if another organization from the same industry is acquired the company that is being acquired (if it is the buying company) will end up in quite a bit of debt because it will end up costing more in the long run. â€Å"Because a public company’s stock is relatively liquid, it can be used as the currency to acquire other businesses and fuel further growth. Many owners of successful private enterprises are happy to sell their businesses in exchange for the marketable securities of a growth company† (QWOTER.CO. (2013). The threat that opposes here would be that even through with this approach there is a good chance of the business being larger and better, but this would mean that there is also the risk that the company is making the wrong move, and this could fail just as easy as it could succeed. This means that a threat would be that the business could go downhill. For example, if the other business acquired has a bad person worki ng for them or a bad rep, this will now include all companies involved. Patten Community Hospital also faces threats of merging with another company’s. Some of these threats would include debt, legal issues or standards, and mutual understanding and respect for all company’s involved. Merging a company can be very costly. This could mean putting the Company who is buying into some serious debt. This would not be good for either one of the merging parties. It would be smart to weigh every decision very carefully when choosing to merge companies because you want to make sure that everything legal is discussed and agreed upon to ensure that there are no misunderstandings. Also any business’s that are considering merging should meet and get to know the other business owner well before making the final decisions because there are so many different types of business, different types of strategies, different types of techniques, and different types of ideas and styles. Business owners that merger businesses may be very settled on the way th at he or she runs their business. Therefore this may cause conflict. Businesses can be very successful from merging their businesses together if a good team strategy and no conflict. View as multi-pages

Bcom275 Legalization of Marijuana

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marijuana may help decrease nausea, stimulate appetite, and decrease pain (2006). Alternately, the American Medical Association (AMA) does not support smoked marijuana as medicine (1995-2013). With such conflicting opinions around this highly controversial drug, there are many questions to be answered in order to decide the steps the federal government can/should be made for a final resolution. Argument For Nearly one in ten Americans used marijuana in 2010; however, our nation spends over seven billion per year to enforce the illegalization of this natural substance. A recent poll taken in 2011 shows marijuana has increasingly become the preferred drug for Americans. Overall, 6. 9 percent, or 17. million, of the United States population used marijuana in 2010 according to the survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Increase Use of Marijuana, 2011, para. 2). Dr. Jeffrey Miron, an economics professor at Harvard University, completed a study which determined the approximate cost of enforcing the illegalization of marijuana. The report estimates legalizing marijuana would save, â€Å"$7. 7 billion per year in government expenditure on enforce ment of prohibition. $5. 3 billion of this savings would accrue to state and local governments, while $2. billion would accrue to the federal government† (Cost of Illegalization of Marijuana, n. d. ). The United States has been engaged in a losing battle against marijuana since the implementation of the Uniform Narcotic Act in the 1930’s (Bonnie Whitbread, n. d). We are not only wasting $7. 7 billion per year, but losing potential revenue. Americans could stand to profit a substantial amount of income if marijuana were to be legalized and regulated by the Department of Agriculture. â€Å"Revenue from taxation of marijuana sales would range from $2. billion per year if marijuana were taxed like ordinary consumer goods to $6. 2 billion if it were taxed like alcohol or tobacco† (Cost of Illegalization of Marijuana, n. d. ). Marijuana is not addictive and has a stark contrast of addictive properties when pitted against the addictive characteristics of legalized toba cco and alcohol. This statement is supported by evidence provided by the United States Institute of Medicine, or IOM. The IOM states â€Å"fewer than one in 10 marijuana smokers become regular users of the drug, and most voluntary cease their use after 34 years of age. By comparison, 15 percent of alcohol consumers and 32 percent of tobacco smokers exhibit symptoms of drug dependence† (Supporting evidence, n. d. , para. 2). The IOM also observed cannabis withdrawal symptoms are rare and do not require substitution medicine to stop usage. When marijuana smokers cease consumption, the overwhelming majority do not experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms demanding re-initiating use of marijuana according to the IOM. President Richard Nixon commissioned the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse in 1972. The primary objective the commission was to expose dangers of drug use and provide a detailed report on marijuana. Nixon’s commission issued a report titled, â€Å"Marijuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding,† which reviewed existing marijuana studies and determined marijuana does not cause physical addiction (National Commission on Marijuana, 1974). Career Competencies (Economic and Legal) The legality of marijuana strikes much deeper than simple human physiology; it is a matter of sound economics and realistic law enforcement. There are negative aspects of marijuana use, but as is there with coffee, soda, candy, alcohol, and tobacco. Americans need to revaluate old rhetoric where marijuana was deemed evil and a gateway drug. The only reason marijuana could be considered a gateway drug is because often time’s consumers are exposed to shady drug dealers on a substance deemed as illegal. If Americans opened their eyes and minds to see how much money and effort is wasted to fight a losing battle become aware of how much could be profited from the legalization of marijuana the decision is straightforward; marijuana should be legalized. Argument Against Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is addictive, and can lead to other health problems such as; lung cancer, low sexual drive (libido), and of utmost importance is to address the concern of marijuana as a â€Å"gateway† drug. Addiction has been redefined and continually evolving for decades. Whether a given substance is defined as â€Å"addictive† in a given society or culture, has to do largely with social custom and political convenience. Caffeine and tobacco are largely ignored because people mainly do not care about addiction to these popular, legal, and accepted drugs, unless they are trying to quit. According to the American Psychological Association, APA, addiction â€Å"is a condition in which the body must have a drug to avoid physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms† (2013). Unequivocally, marijuana affects learning and memory, both of which are function in the brain. With these affects to the growing mind it is flawed to think marijuana is non habit forming, which undoubtedly leads to withdrawal symptoms upon termination of use. Marijuana is sex-inhibiting. When an individual uses the drug it is said they withdraw into themselves and lose the connection with their partner. Research into this phenomenon dates back to the 1970’s in which one report showed it reduces testosterone enough to impair the libido in many women and in some men. According to this research, some of the responses included: â€Å"My boyfriend and I have smoked (fairly heavily) for the past year and I would say that it 100% has a terrible effect on our sex life. It’s been a huge libido killer for our relationship†; â€Å"As I’ve continued to use marijuana (been almost five years smoking now) it’s inhibited sex for me more and more† (Castleman, 2012). Furthermore, there is scientific evidence to support that long-term marijuana smoking alters the reproductive system. The gateway theory postulates the use of less harmful drugs (such as marijuana) may lead to future risk of using more dangerous hard drugs. To test this theory a group of researchers in Sweden administered rats the equivalent of the THC (the chemical found in marijuana delivering the â€Å"high†) in one joint to lab rats. After this administration of THC the rats were allowed access to heroin by pressing a lever. According to this study, the rats who were administered the THC took larger doses of heroin than the rats who did not receive the THC injection (Ellgren, 2007). Upon inspection of the rat’s brain, it was discovered the brain cells associated with positive emotions were altered by the THC dosage, thus lending the need for higher drive for more heroin than those without the THC. Ethical Issues More research is needed in order to legislate the use of marijuana. Contemporary medicine and pharmacology are based upon the application of scientific principles and extensive clinical research to determine the safety and efficacy of a drug. Marinol, a synthetic version of the naturally occurring component of marijuana, is a well accepted, well researched, and more effective treatment than marijuana (Kraus, 2007). This approved drug, like marijuana, helps alleviate chronic pain, reduces chemotherapy-related nausea, and with HIV/AIDS treatment it helps with symptoms known as â€Å"wasting syndrome†. Many proponents of legalizing marijuana for these specific illnesses have not looked into marinol as a safe alternative. As a matter of fact the only difference between marinol and marijuana is that marinol does not stimulate the â€Å"high† associated with marijuana. Career Competencies (Psychology) Psychologists from all over the United States attest to the negative effects of cannabis. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) a cannabis user can develop; cannabis intoxication- development of maladaptive behavior that developed shortly after or during cannabis use; cannabis intoxication delirium- a disturbance of consciousness with reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention; cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, with delusions- prominent hallucinations or delusions in excess of those usually associated with the intoxication; and cannabis-induced anxiety disorder- prominent anxiety, panic attacks, or obsessions or compulsions that causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning American Psychiatric Association, (2000). The DSM has other classifications for cannabis use; however the mental disturbances highlighted promote the more severe effects of continued marijuana use. Conclusion Marijuana has the reputation of being a gateway drug, although not every heroin addict started out smoking marijuana. Marijuana is prohibited and it puts individuals in circumstances where they are exposed to harder drugs, therefore if the FDA had regulations on marijuana, those individuals would never have to be exposed to those situations. In regards to the effects of marijuana, like a low sex drive, just like every medication whether it is over the counter or prescribed, there will be side effects which will affect everyone differently. Marijuana has the ability to alleviate aliments such as nausea, and other types of pain. Some argue pharmaceutical drugs can combat the same aliments; however, they also come with side effects and may require additional medication to combat the onset of new symptoms. Taxation of marijuana alone would help the economy. The fact the U. S. is wasting 7. 7 billion dollars enforcing the prohibition of the substance is persuasive enough in its self, as well as the potential revenue brought in by taxing the substance like tobacco or alcohol. Keeping marijuana illegal is only keeping drug dealers in business. While law enforcement continues to chase these petty drug dealers it is costing our taxpayers millions of dollars to put and keep drug dealers behind bars. The legalizing of marijuana would benefit the economy greatly, therefor marijuana should be legalized. The use of Marijuana and Cultural difference between Japan and The United States The history of Cannabis in the country of Japan can be traced back to 300 – 500 BC. Cannabis was a widely used plant for the majority of Japanese culture and daily lives. Cannabis fibers were used to not only create baskets and fishing tools, but were also used in creating divine clothing for the Emperor’s. Burning of cannabis was also used for old traditions, for example rooms of worship were purified by burning cannabis leave by the entrance. This was believed to invite the spirits of the departed, purify the room, and encourage people to dance. Japan’s cultivation of Cannabis came to a halt at the end of World War II when allied forces occupied and began to help rebuild Japan. It was America General Douglas MacArthur and his colleagues who re-wrote the Japanese constitution in 1948 and mirrored many of the United States laws. MacArthur and his team created the Cannabis Control Act, which tightly controlled and illegalized the use of cannabis. Due to the extreme cultivating of cannabis and its widely uses in daily lives, Western companies found a market with providing synthetic products to replace cannabis. Today, cannabis is a drug guarded and considered taboo among the Japanese culture. The use and history of cannabis is all but forgotten within today’s Japanese society, and when it is discovered people have, or are using it recreationally, they are shunned and casted as â€Å"stone-cold drug addicts† (Uno, 2011). Many Japanese people consider marijuana and other ‘hard drugs’ to be the exact same and believe all drugs have the same effect. This ideal thinking of marijuana has lead Japan to be one of the strictest laws and punishments compared to other developed countries. In 1993 a Disc Jockey from New York, Christopher Lavinger, was arrested and was sentenced to 16 months in prison and 35 days in solitary confinement after Japanese police found 1. 5 grams of marijuana, 3. 5 grams of cocaine, and some LSD (Hays, 2009). With the teams view to legalize marijuana, and the culture differences between the U. S. nd Japan, the first step to move towards a ‘Pro-Marijuana’ Japanese country would be to educate the people on the benefits cannabis can provide. As described above, the financial profit gained would be tremendous and can go back to the people in various ways. The people would also need education on their history of using cannabis within their ancient traditions and target many high-profile figures to support the use of marijuana. Because of the strict laws and taboo views Japan has of cannabis, it would be a hard road, but the understanding and education used properly, Japan could create legislation that would override, or amend their constitution and current laws banning its use. References American Medical Association (AMA). (1995-2013). Retrieved from http://www. ama-assn. rg/ American Psychiatric Association, (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder (4th ed. ). American Psychological Association (APA). (2013). Retrieved from http://www. apa. org/topics/addiction/index. aspx Argument: Marijuana is not addictive. (n. d. ). Retrieved March 24, 2013, from http://dbp. idebate. org/en /index. php/Argument:_Marijuana_is_not_addictive Bonnie, R. , Whitbread, C. (n. d). The Forbidden Fruit and the Tree of Knowledge: An Inquiry into the Legal History of Historian of American Marijuana Prohibition. Schaffer Library of Drug Policy. Retrieved from http://www. druglibrary. org/schaffer/Library/studies/vlr/vlr3. htm Castleman, Michael. Marijuana’s Effects on Sex Vary with Individuals. † Marijuana. Ed. Noah Berlatsky. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from â€Å"Marijuana and Sex: Surprising Results of This Blogger’s Informal Survey. † Psychology Today (1 May 2011). Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 8 Mar. 2013. Ellgren, Maria. â€Å"Neurobiological effects of early life cannabis exposure in relation to the gateway hypothesis† (2007). Retrieved from http://publications. ki. se/xmlui/handle/10616/38245? locale-attribute=en Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2006). Retrieved from http://www. fda. gov/NewsEvents /Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2006/ucm108643. htm Hays, J. (2009). Marijuana, Legal Highs and Illegal drugs in Japan. Retrieved from http://factsanddetails. com/japan. php? itemid=664 Kraus, Mark L. â€Å"Legalizing Medical Marijuana Is Not a Good Idea. † Medical Marijuana. Ed. Noel Merino. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. Current Controversies. Rpt. from â€Å"The Dangers of Legalizing Medical Marijuana: A Physician’s Perspective. † 2007. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. Marijuana use rising in U. S. , national survey shows. (2011). Retrieved March 24, 2013, from http://www. reuters. com/article/2011/09/08/usa-drugs-idUSN1E7870N520110908 Olson, D. (1998). Hempen cultrue in Japan. Retrieved from http://www. cannabisculture. om/articles/101. html/ Stirring the Pot: Could Legalizing Marijuana Save the Economy?. (2013). Retrieved from http://www. forbes. com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2012/04/20/stirring-the-pot-could-legalizing-marijuana-save-the-economy/ The first report of the National Commission on marihuana (1972 ): signal of misunderstanding or exercise in ambiguity. (1974). Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC1749335/ The White House President Barak Obama. (2013). Retrieved from http://m. whitehouse. gov/ondcp/marijuana Uno, M. (2011). WEED CRISIS: Enter Japan’s Void. Retrieved from http://www. thestarklife. com/2011/06/17/weed-in-japan/ Bcom275 Legalization of Marijuana According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marijuana may help decrease nausea, stimulate appetite, and decrease pain (2006). Alternately, the American Medical Association (AMA) does not support smoked marijuana as medicine (1995-2013). With such conflicting opinions around this highly controversial drug, there are many questions to be answered in order to decide the steps the federal government can/should be made for a final resolution. Argument For Nearly one in ten Americans used marijuana in 2010; however, our nation spends over seven billion per year to enforce the illegalization of this natural substance. A recent poll taken in 2011 shows marijuana has increasingly become the preferred drug for Americans. Overall, 6. 9 percent, or 17. million, of the United States population used marijuana in 2010 according to the survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Increase Use of Marijuana, 2011, para. 2). Dr. Jeffrey Miron, an economics professor at Harvard University, completed a study which determined the approximate cost of enforcing the illegalization of marijuana. The report estimates legalizing marijuana would save, â€Å"$7. 7 billion per year in government expenditure on enforce ment of prohibition. $5. 3 billion of this savings would accrue to state and local governments, while $2. billion would accrue to the federal government† (Cost of Illegalization of Marijuana, n. d. ). The United States has been engaged in a losing battle against marijuana since the implementation of the Uniform Narcotic Act in the 1930’s (Bonnie Whitbread, n. d). We are not only wasting $7. 7 billion per year, but losing potential revenue. Americans could stand to profit a substantial amount of income if marijuana were to be legalized and regulated by the Department of Agriculture. â€Å"Revenue from taxation of marijuana sales would range from $2. billion per year if marijuana were taxed like ordinary consumer goods to $6. 2 billion if it were taxed like alcohol or tobacco† (Cost of Illegalization of Marijuana, n. d. ). Marijuana is not addictive and has a stark contrast of addictive properties when pitted against the addictive characteristics of legalized toba cco and alcohol. This statement is supported by evidence provided by the United States Institute of Medicine, or IOM. The IOM states â€Å"fewer than one in 10 marijuana smokers become regular users of the drug, and most voluntary cease their use after 34 years of age. By comparison, 15 percent of alcohol consumers and 32 percent of tobacco smokers exhibit symptoms of drug dependence† (Supporting evidence, n. d. , para. 2). The IOM also observed cannabis withdrawal symptoms are rare and do not require substitution medicine to stop usage. When marijuana smokers cease consumption, the overwhelming majority do not experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms demanding re-initiating use of marijuana according to the IOM. President Richard Nixon commissioned the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse in 1972. The primary objective the commission was to expose dangers of drug use and provide a detailed report on marijuana. Nixon’s commission issued a report titled, â€Å"Marijuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding,† which reviewed existing marijuana studies and determined marijuana does not cause physical addiction (National Commission on Marijuana, 1974). Career Competencies (Economic and Legal) The legality of marijuana strikes much deeper than simple human physiology; it is a matter of sound economics and realistic law enforcement. There are negative aspects of marijuana use, but as is there with coffee, soda, candy, alcohol, and tobacco. Americans need to revaluate old rhetoric where marijuana was deemed evil and a gateway drug. The only reason marijuana could be considered a gateway drug is because often time’s consumers are exposed to shady drug dealers on a substance deemed as illegal. If Americans opened their eyes and minds to see how much money and effort is wasted to fight a losing battle become aware of how much could be profited from the legalization of marijuana the decision is straightforward; marijuana should be legalized. Argument Against Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is addictive, and can lead to other health problems such as; lung cancer, low sexual drive (libido), and of utmost importance is to address the concern of marijuana as a â€Å"gateway† drug. Addiction has been redefined and continually evolving for decades. Whether a given substance is defined as â€Å"addictive† in a given society or culture, has to do largely with social custom and political convenience. Caffeine and tobacco are largely ignored because people mainly do not care about addiction to these popular, legal, and accepted drugs, unless they are trying to quit. According to the American Psychological Association, APA, addiction â€Å"is a condition in which the body must have a drug to avoid physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms† (2013). Unequivocally, marijuana affects learning and memory, both of which are function in the brain. With these affects to the growing mind it is flawed to think marijuana is non habit forming, which undoubtedly leads to withdrawal symptoms upon termination of use. Marijuana is sex-inhibiting. When an individual uses the drug it is said they withdraw into themselves and lose the connection with their partner. Research into this phenomenon dates back to the 1970’s in which one report showed it reduces testosterone enough to impair the libido in many women and in some men. According to this research, some of the responses included: â€Å"My boyfriend and I have smoked (fairly heavily) for the past year and I would say that it 100% has a terrible effect on our sex life. It’s been a huge libido killer for our relationship†; â€Å"As I’ve continued to use marijuana (been almost five years smoking now) it’s inhibited sex for me more and more† (Castleman, 2012). Furthermore, there is scientific evidence to support that long-term marijuana smoking alters the reproductive system. The gateway theory postulates the use of less harmful drugs (such as marijuana) may lead to future risk of using more dangerous hard drugs. To test this theory a group of researchers in Sweden administered rats the equivalent of the THC (the chemical found in marijuana delivering the â€Å"high†) in one joint to lab rats. After this administration of THC the rats were allowed access to heroin by pressing a lever. According to this study, the rats who were administered the THC took larger doses of heroin than the rats who did not receive the THC injection (Ellgren, 2007). Upon inspection of the rat’s brain, it was discovered the brain cells associated with positive emotions were altered by the THC dosage, thus lending the need for higher drive for more heroin than those without the THC. Ethical Issues More research is needed in order to legislate the use of marijuana. Contemporary medicine and pharmacology are based upon the application of scientific principles and extensive clinical research to determine the safety and efficacy of a drug. Marinol, a synthetic version of the naturally occurring component of marijuana, is a well accepted, well researched, and more effective treatment than marijuana (Kraus, 2007). This approved drug, like marijuana, helps alleviate chronic pain, reduces chemotherapy-related nausea, and with HIV/AIDS treatment it helps with symptoms known as â€Å"wasting syndrome†. Many proponents of legalizing marijuana for these specific illnesses have not looked into marinol as a safe alternative. As a matter of fact the only difference between marinol and marijuana is that marinol does not stimulate the â€Å"high† associated with marijuana. Career Competencies (Psychology) Psychologists from all over the United States attest to the negative effects of cannabis. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) a cannabis user can develop; cannabis intoxication- development of maladaptive behavior that developed shortly after or during cannabis use; cannabis intoxication delirium- a disturbance of consciousness with reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention; cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, with delusions- prominent hallucinations or delusions in excess of those usually associated with the intoxication; and cannabis-induced anxiety disorder- prominent anxiety, panic attacks, or obsessions or compulsions that causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning American Psychiatric Association, (2000). The DSM has other classifications for cannabis use; however the mental disturbances highlighted promote the more severe effects of continued marijuana use. Conclusion Marijuana has the reputation of being a gateway drug, although not every heroin addict started out smoking marijuana. Marijuana is prohibited and it puts individuals in circumstances where they are exposed to harder drugs, therefore if the FDA had regulations on marijuana, those individuals would never have to be exposed to those situations. In regards to the effects of marijuana, like a low sex drive, just like every medication whether it is over the counter or prescribed, there will be side effects which will affect everyone differently. Marijuana has the ability to alleviate aliments such as nausea, and other types of pain. Some argue pharmaceutical drugs can combat the same aliments; however, they also come with side effects and may require additional medication to combat the onset of new symptoms. Taxation of marijuana alone would help the economy. The fact the U. S. is wasting 7. 7 billion dollars enforcing the prohibition of the substance is persuasive enough in its self, as well as the potential revenue brought in by taxing the substance like tobacco or alcohol. Keeping marijuana illegal is only keeping drug dealers in business. While law enforcement continues to chase these petty drug dealers it is costing our taxpayers millions of dollars to put and keep drug dealers behind bars. The legalizing of marijuana would benefit the economy greatly, therefor marijuana should be legalized. The use of Marijuana and Cultural difference between Japan and The United States The history of Cannabis in the country of Japan can be traced back to 300 – 500 BC. Cannabis was a widely used plant for the majority of Japanese culture and daily lives. Cannabis fibers were used to not only create baskets and fishing tools, but were also used in creating divine clothing for the Emperor’s. Burning of cannabis was also used for old traditions, for example rooms of worship were purified by burning cannabis leave by the entrance. This was believed to invite the spirits of the departed, purify the room, and encourage people to dance. Japan’s cultivation of Cannabis came to a halt at the end of World War II when allied forces occupied and began to help rebuild Japan. It was America General Douglas MacArthur and his colleagues who re-wrote the Japanese constitution in 1948 and mirrored many of the United States laws. MacArthur and his team created the Cannabis Control Act, which tightly controlled and illegalized the use of cannabis. Due to the extreme cultivating of cannabis and its widely uses in daily lives, Western companies found a market with providing synthetic products to replace cannabis. Today, cannabis is a drug guarded and considered taboo among the Japanese culture. The use and history of cannabis is all but forgotten within today’s Japanese society, and when it is discovered people have, or are using it recreationally, they are shunned and casted as â€Å"stone-cold drug addicts† (Uno, 2011). Many Japanese people consider marijuana and other ‘hard drugs’ to be the exact same and believe all drugs have the same effect. This ideal thinking of marijuana has lead Japan to be one of the strictest laws and punishments compared to other developed countries. In 1993 a Disc Jockey from New York, Christopher Lavinger, was arrested and was sentenced to 16 months in prison and 35 days in solitary confinement after Japanese police found 1. 5 grams of marijuana, 3. 5 grams of cocaine, and some LSD (Hays, 2009). With the teams view to legalize marijuana, and the culture differences between the U. S. nd Japan, the first step to move towards a ‘Pro-Marijuana’ Japanese country would be to educate the people on the benefits cannabis can provide. As described above, the financial profit gained would be tremendous and can go back to the people in various ways. The people would also need education on their history of using cannabis within their ancient traditions and target many high-profile figures to support the use of marijuana. Because of the strict laws and taboo views Japan has of cannabis, it would be a hard road, but the understanding and education used properly, Japan could create legislation that would override, or amend their constitution and current laws banning its use. References American Medical Association (AMA). (1995-2013). Retrieved from http://www. ama-assn. rg/ American Psychiatric Association, (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder (4th ed. ). American Psychological Association (APA). (2013). Retrieved from http://www. apa. org/topics/addiction/index. aspx Argument: Marijuana is not addictive. (n. d. ). Retrieved March 24, 2013, from http://dbp. idebate. org/en /index. php/Argument:_Marijuana_is_not_addictive Bonnie, R. , Whitbread, C. (n. d). The Forbidden Fruit and the Tree of Knowledge: An Inquiry into the Legal History of Historian of American Marijuana Prohibition. Schaffer Library of Drug Policy. Retrieved from http://www. druglibrary. org/schaffer/Library/studies/vlr/vlr3. htm Castleman, Michael. Marijuana’s Effects on Sex Vary with Individuals. † Marijuana. Ed. Noah Berlatsky. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from â€Å"Marijuana and Sex: Surprising Results of This Blogger’s Informal Survey. † Psychology Today (1 May 2011). Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 8 Mar. 2013. Ellgren, Maria. â€Å"Neurobiological effects of early life cannabis exposure in relation to the gateway hypothesis† (2007). Retrieved from http://publications. ki. se/xmlui/handle/10616/38245? locale-attribute=en Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2006). Retrieved from http://www. fda. gov/NewsEvents /Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2006/ucm108643. htm Hays, J. (2009). Marijuana, Legal Highs and Illegal drugs in Japan. Retrieved from http://factsanddetails. com/japan. php? itemid=664 Kraus, Mark L. â€Å"Legalizing Medical Marijuana Is Not a Good Idea. † Medical Marijuana. Ed. Noel Merino. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2011. Current Controversies. Rpt. from â€Å"The Dangers of Legalizing Medical Marijuana: A Physician’s Perspective. † 2007. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. Marijuana use rising in U. S. , national survey shows. (2011). Retrieved March 24, 2013, from http://www. reuters. com/article/2011/09/08/usa-drugs-idUSN1E7870N520110908 Olson, D. (1998). Hempen cultrue in Japan. Retrieved from http://www. cannabisculture. om/articles/101. html/ Stirring the Pot: Could Legalizing Marijuana Save the Economy?. (2013). Retrieved from http://www. forbes. com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2012/04/20/stirring-the-pot-could-legalizing-marijuana-save-the-economy/ The first report of the National Commission on marihuana (1972 ): signal of misunderstanding or exercise in ambiguity. (1974). Retrieved from http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC1749335/ The White House President Barak Obama. (2013). Retrieved from http://m. whitehouse. gov/ondcp/marijuana Uno, M. (2011). WEED CRISIS: Enter Japan’s Void. Retrieved from http://www. thestarklife. com/2011/06/17/weed-in-japan/

No2 Oncology Literature Review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

No2 Oncology Literature Review - Essay Example (Trock et al., 2008; Wong et al. 2006; Potosky et al., 2000) In order to give the readers a better understanding of the subject matter, the student nurse will first provide the definition of medical terminology used in this study. In relation to the use of radiotherapy as a form of prostate cancer treatment, the impact of using androgen-deprivation therapy combined with radiotherapy as well as the impact of radiation dosage given to patients with prostate cancer will be examined. Eventually, the student nurse will compare and contrast the results of the research findings presented in each of the selected academic journals. Upon discussing the scope and limitation of the study, the student nurse will discuss the proper application of nursing practice in the case wherein the patient is suffering or is recovering from a prostate cancer treatment. Biochemical Relapse-free Survival (bRFS) or Biochemical Recurrence – a cancer relapse after a prostate cancer patient has undergone treatment via surgery or radiation. (National Cancer Institute, 2008) Upon conducting a research study on adding 2 years of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) such as goserelin and flutamide on patients before and during the provision of radiation therapy on patients with prostate cancer, the team of Horwitz et al. (2008) concludes that the provision of less than 150 ng/mL long-term ADT to patients with advanced-stage prostate cancer combined with radiation therapy between 65 to 70 Gy is more effective as compared to the provision of short-term ADT. Similar to the research findings of Horwitz et al. (2008), the team of Hanks et al. (2003) reported the same research findings with the use of less than 150 ng/mL long-term adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy like goserelin and flutamide when combined with radiation dose of 65 to 70 Gy in patients with advanced prostate

Introduction Speech Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Introduction Speech - Essay Example Ronaldo was so influential that he helped his country, Brazil, lift the 2002 world cup. Brazil won 2 nil against Germany. The two goals were entirely scored by Ronaldo. Though he is now retired, Ronaldo, remains a football legend who greatly influenced my liking of the beautiful game and ever since then I have never looked back. I have been an ardent admirer and follower of mainstream teams as well as clubs, especially the English Premier League. I will briefly talk about soccer in the US which is governed by the US Soccer Federation, popularly referred to as US Soccer. This is the organization that is charged with the governing of soccer at all levels in the country; professional leagues, national teams as well as the amateur game. Soccer is the 3rd most played team (behind only basketball and baseball/softball) sport in the US having more than 13 million Americans playing it. Soccer popularity has been rising since the 60s and 70s and especially got a considerable boost when the US played host to the 1994 World Cup. Wangerin in his book; Soccer in a Football World, claims that the term football in the US refers to the sport of American football with the sport of association of football being referred to as â€Å"soccer† (Wangerin, 2006). In the US the highest professional soccer league is the Major League Soccer (MLS) which is an equivalent of the English Premier League.MLS started playing with 10 teams in 1996 and has grown to the current 20 teams (17 in the US and 3 in Canada) with more expansion in the pipeline. The MLS begins in March and runs up to December, with the overall season winner being awarded the Supporters’ Shield. The post-season winner gets the MLS Cup. Having an average attendance of more than 18,000 for every game, MLS has the highest average turn out of any sports league in the US. It is also the 7th attended professional soccer league in the world. In conclusion,

FCCs Role in Broadband Regulations Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

FCCs Role in Broadband Regulations - Assignment Example Reports showed that the differences in socio-economic, geographic and demographic characteristics of the surveyed households affected the significant difference in demands and use of broadband internet. It was between the years of 2007 and 2009 that the use of internet boomed and the result showed that it was in 2009 that highest broadband use was reported with Asian and Whites topping the users ("Exploring the Digital Nation, 2010). In 2010, the U.S. Department of Commerce specified that among the users were the youth, urban residents, well-educated, well-paid and married couples. With these developments, many of us wonder how internet use is controlled and who controls it. Do we have enough laws, rules and regulations governing the internet to ensure that every user is protected against any harm? There may be a lot of questions running through our heads as to what are the possible dangers we are going to face having been so deeply attached and dependent to internet use. This paper aims to recognize the effects of a more open internet use to the privacy of the United States citizens and the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to broadband regulations and the internet. Established in 1934 by the Communications Act, the Federal Communications Commission as a key agency, it is tasked to control the booming communications (FCC, n.d.). This independent agency of the United States is supervised by the Congress. According to the FCC (n.d.), the commission: FCC is governed by five commissioners appointed by the US President and concurred by the Senate. These commissioners must be of different political party with only three out of five are allowed to come from the same political party. Among the five commissioners, one will be chosen to act as chairman to govern the government agency. This independent agency will

The History in behind Dolly Parton Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The History in behind Dolly Parton - Essay Example The name of the song was, "Puppy Love" which many people from the south are sure to be able to remember (Morning Edition 2002). When Dolly graduated from High-School she wanted to further her developing singing career so she packed up and moved to the big city of Nashville. She hit big with 'Porter Wagon' and for seven years on his show she built up her career rather fluidly. She finally decided to leave the program but before doing so she received two Country Music Association Awards for duo of the year (Pigeon-Forge 2006). From there her career has grown to vast proportions and is still growing in her other endeavors which includes two books that she has put together, and she even plans on having more published. However the two that have been out for quite some time are, "Dolly Parton: My Life", and "Other Unfinished Business" (Pigeon Forge 2006). On top of her more famous works, she also is very affluent in the business world, having developed many attractions in her hometown. Als o, every year there is a parade in Pigeon Forge which Dolly is a part of, this year will mark the 6th year of that parade. It is perceived that she enjoys it just as much as her fans enjoy coming out to stand in the crowd and wave as her float goes by. The parade itself draws 50,000 people that line the sides of the streets just to have a chance to see the famous country singer. There are numerous floats that are incorporated in with Dolly's but she is the main part of the annual parade every year. There are quite often times every year where Dolly's float stops in the streets while she sings one of her more famous songs that are hits with the crowd. This year she will be turning 60 years old and still going strong with her many personal projects, as well as her music, and business plans. Furthermore, Dolly has been a part of many fundraisers in her life thus far and has made many contributions to society as a whole. In fact, among these, she has developed one of the most famously k nown theme parks in the south known now as "Dollywood" which lies in the heart of Sevierville, Tennessee (Sevierville 2000). Dolly wanted to contribute something back to her home of the Great Smoky Mountains, but not only this she wanted to try and develop more employment opportunities for the people who live there. By opening her theme park in 1986 she has indeed provided extra employment and essential income for many of the families in the area as it has become the #1 State attraction in Tennessee, drawing over 2 million vacationers every year (The Songwriters Hall of Fame 2002-2006). Because of her presence and renowned history in the town of Sevierville, the city of Pigeon Forge has become one of the hottest points for well known country star singers, bringing thousands of visitors with every year that passes. Dolly Parton's career has been ongoing for over four decades now and she has been introduced into the country hall of fame as well. There was a point in time however well she felt her appearance might have held her back from several opportunities but by how much she has never said for a certainty. Her comment about how she felt about herself when she was in her much younger form is included in the following paragraph. I had this piled up mop of bleached blonde hair, and

Comparison of Sculptures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Comparison of Sculptures - Essay Example The first work of art was created in 1430s using bronze metal. The graceful form and decorative details of the statue distinguished it from many other statures created by other artists of that time. If we analyze the style of this statue, we can see a manly and victorious look all from head to toe. The statue is almost completely nude as there is only a hat on its head and armor shoes on the legs. The appearance of the statue reveals existence of a male dominated society in which men used to praise their bodies by resembling them with protective shells.The second work of art was created in 1623 using marble. The sculptor has created the state in a position that shows the climax of some action. â€Å"Expanding upon Michelangelo's fascination with the human body, Bernini added torsion to create a dynamic figure that extends into the viewer's space†. Made by marble, this artwork reveals a true understanding of the way features can be used to express actions. The color of the uppe r body of the statue is whitish grey. This statue is also semi nude but the amount of cloth shown on the statue distinguishes it from the other statue we discussed earlier.The main differences between the two artworks include standing position of the sculptures, amount of cloth, and use of metal. Dontello’s sculpture is in standing position looking downwards, whereas Bernini’s Statue is look straight and is in climax of action.There ios no cloth on the body of Dontello’s statue, whereas the sculpture made by Bernini is seminude.

How sports affects the culture of different countries Essay

How sports affects the culture of different countries - Essay Example Sport forms an extensive part of the culture of any country, and can be considered as the basis for social structures within a society; that in turn is based on certain intrinsic values, needs, interests, and resources of the society. A study of the various countries and a look at their sports and culture will reveal how the different national cultures create and use sports for their own purposes, thus lending it a different form that vary from culture to culture, and country to country. This article will study the relationship that exists between sports and the national culture of a country, and how they affect each other.    How sports affects the culture of different countries 1 Introduction â€Å"Discovery of sociology can change your life. It can help you to understand the social forces you confront, the forces that constrain and free you as you go about living your life. This understanding offers a liberating potential: To gain insight into how these social forces influence your life allows you to stand somewhere apart from at least some of them, and thereby exert more creative control over your life (Henslin, 1999, 1-2). 1.1 Background history Sociology entails studying the various social structures as seen in our society, formed by the web like intricate relationships that an individual develops with other members of that particular society, and the functioning social institutions. In sociology, there are various ongoing series of social processes, which refer to the various interactive patterns that keep on recurring, during the transactions that take place between individuals and groups, at any given time. Within the context of social life and learning, the term culture may have multifarious implications. In 1952,  Clyde Kluckhohn  and Alfred Kroeber  in their research papers anthologised 164 different definitions of the word "culture" (Kroeber, and Kluckhohn, 1952).    The term culture has three basic aspects. First, culture may be viewed as an integration of various actions, knowledge and beliefs, that are based on certain figurative thoughts and learning from different social experiences. Secondly, it may be pertaining to one’s taste in the line of humanities or ‘fine arts’; and thirdly it may also refer to a set of common goals, values, attributes and practices that may distinguish a social group or an organisation or an institution. Sports sociology, while trying to establish its connections with the various cultures worldwide, generally view the theme through the third perspective. Sport sociology explores the standard deviations that are perceived within the culture of sports as seen within a society, which helps one to analyse and comprehend the integrated ‘greater values’ operating within that particular society. Thus, to understand the relationship that exists between sports and the various cultural norms observed worldwide, it is also necessary that we conduct a close study on the social framework of that country. Sport is inextricably woven into the psychology of the social fabric, as is evident from the enthusiasm that is observed during any sports mega event, like the

Contemporary Issues in Sport and Leisure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Contemporary Issues in Sport and Leisure - Essay Example an as apathy or indifference – interpreted in parallel with the US’ approach to pressing modern-day issues; and 3) the globalization of soccer has been presented as a reflection of interdependency and unity among audiences, and among nations. The 202 Soccer World Cup has been acknowledged as the â€Å"greatest show on earth†, and it is said that the number of people who watch the event exceeds that for any other event (Sportsprof.com, 2005; Finance Professor.com, 2005; The Globalist, 2002; The Missouri Review, 2005). Moreover, it is a record-setter, establishing new breakthrough records every time it is staged every four years. However, only a handful of Americans will be among this number. The 2002 event will all the more boast of a large audience since Asia is among one of the most populated regions in the globe. The Globalist (2002) has estimated that for that year, pegging China at 350 million television sets, the total number of viewers may be just a little less than 3 billion. In the Sub-saharan region, there are only about 67 million television sets for a populace of around 530 million, but the zest with which Africans feel for the game would compel them to be tuned in to their radios instead. This passion for the game of other races and regions is placed in stark contrast against that of Americans, who have placed themselves in voluntary exclusion. It is interesting to note that soccer has been taken as a mirror of politics, where the US has taken a similar stance of apathy. It is said that soccer is more than just a game, but rather is a â€Å"microcosm of life itself†, along with its emotions and parallelisms. Further, some authors assert that this indifference indicates a more profound truth about world politics; that is, the United States has wilfully chosen to isolate itself in several critical areas, such as the struggle against global warming. The present study intends to assess the sociological aspects of the globalization of soccer in the

Of Mice and Men And American Depression Beginning Essay Example for Free

Of Mice and Men And American Depression Beginning Essay In 1930, the American Depression began. It was to become a feature that would affect many peoples lives. Men such as George and Lennie had no literacy skills; therefore their job span was increasingly limited. George and Lennie were unique in the way that they went around the country working on the ranches together. John Steinbeck used George and Lennies companionship in these times of hardship to reflect optimism and hope. Steinbecks knowledge is mirrored in a vast amount of this book in the way that he produces scenes for the characters to encounter and try to solve. America turned on its people in the Depression, forcing even the severely disabled to work for they had no other options they would not survive if they did not have any capital. Workers used the ranchs resources to comfort themselves. Workers even came to the ranches on a Saturday afternoon, so they could have all their meals on the day of rest and then depart without doing any intense labour. The book illustrates this fact with the quote. Guy that wants to look over a ranch comes in Satday afternoon. He gets Satday night supper an three meals on Sunday, and he quit Monday mornin after breakfast without turning his hand. This quote emphasises the ranch workers dependence upon the ranches and in a way lets us into the typical ranch workers pattern of thoughts, therefore this reiterates how the migrant culture worked. Throughout the book, George and Lennie have a pipe dream; this dream has been a goal, a goal to keep them from spiralling into depression. The dream is to be able to afford their own piece of land and live in peace and harmony, however the dream interprets two opposite trains of thought. For Lennie it means that he can look after the rabbits, therefore it creates a childish reality. For George he craves independence to make his individual character content, however George knows that this is a dream, he is not thinking about what will most likely happen. This was the case for many American ranch workers; they fulfilled these dreams by reading magazines with stories such as The Dark Rider. For example He went to his bunk and put his head on his shelf. Then he picked a pulp magazine from his shelf and brought it to the light over the table. This emphasises the American Dream and this is why this of magazine was so popular, it produces a play in text about a fantasy ranch worker, who travels majestically about the country on his ebony stallion. For the ranch workers they envisage that it will be them upon the stallion doing deeds to save the country, this reflects the migrant cultures point of convergence with their dreams and how it kept their hopes up high during these times of hardship. Steinbeck selects George and Lennie out of the vast migrant culture, for their unique circumstances and their overpowering friendship. For example: Lennie broke in. But not us! Because because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you and thats why. This quote depicts their fondness for one another and how important friendship was. The task for Steinbeck was to create an array of characters who had different characters and attitudes at this time, yet they formed a team who had to work together and cope with each others habits. The migrant culture was a population of people from different backgrounds; therefore this point is dissected from the rest of the book very well At the beginning of the novel, we follow George and Lennie through the state of Soledad trying to seek work. To make matters worse the bus driver dropped them off more than four miles from their location. Jes a little stretch down the highway, he says. Jes a little stretch. God damn near four miles. George is obviously angry about the bus drivers heartlessness towards these two men, however men like George and Lennie were easy targets, as the man knew he would never see them again and they were lower class civilians, therefore people showed no respect towards them. Travelling these long distances in such isolated conditions was a daunting task and there must have been some murders and fatalities in such solitary conditions. The migrant culture brought the aspect of danger into many peoples lives. On arrival. George and Lennie have to go to the boss office to submit their name and various details. It is vital that they both have a reputation for being hard workers at this early stage or they could be asked to leave. The bosss suspicions are aroused by Lennies lack of communication and he immediately asks questions such as: He aint much of a talker, is he? and , I said what stake you got in this guy? You takin his pay away from him? These questions show that the migrant culture was untrustworthy and nobody could be trusted. In the migrant culture the vast majority of ranch workers decreased every mans chances of being noticed and looked after, therefore if the worker was not working up to the average standard they would simply be told to leave. It was a dog eats dog world and the other ranch workers were certainly not sympathetic to your feelings. For example: You was pokin your big ears into our business, George said. I don t like nobody to get nosey. Ranch workers had to have a depth of insensitivity and be oblivious to acrimonious comments. Loneliness featured in the novel was the result of bitterness. There were three main characters that represented loneliness in the novel. Crooks was a black man who looked after the stables. During the American Depression, black people were shown little respect and the white people regarded them as slaves making hurtful comments and forcing them into isolation for the insignificant reason of their colour. To add to Crooks misery, he had a severely bowed back, this limited his work span and his isolation became greater. Crooks was bitter towards all white people for the way they had mentally scared him and for this reason he showed no feelings towards them either. Crooks was even a solitary figure at night, for he was not even allowed into the bunkhouse let alone to sleep in there. Crooks confided in books to make up for his social loss, however he could only seek refuge in a book to a certain degree and soon he fell into the bottomless pit of seclusion once more. Crooks was even foul to his equals such as Lennie. Crooks said sharply: You got no right to come in my room. This heres my room. Nobody got any right in here but me. This quote reflects Crooks bitterness and shows that his isolated life has made him selfish. The America Depression and the migrant culture turned on black people and treated them as dirt. Crooks feels this harsh mannerism and understandingly turns against it, which makes him uncivil too. Curleys wife is another lonesome character, who seeks solace with the workers on the ranch. Her isolation is increased by the fact that she is the only woman on the ranch and the only unemployed person as well, therefore she has far too much time on her hands. Her hasty marriage was a way to conquer loneliness; however it has only stretched her detachment from the world. Other lonesome characters such as Candy and George will not mix with her, as they see her as a troublesome threat. The only person on the ranch who listens to Curleys wife is Lennie, however the relationship is not true, for Lennies mental problems make it infeasible for him to join in any conversation. Lennies power is what makes Curleys wife attracted to him, for Lennie crushed Curleys hand during a fight. Most women would be furious with the man who had injured her husband, but Curleys wife laughs saying to Lennie. Ok, Machine. Ill talk to you later. I like machines. This implicates how she hates her husband and reveals that she only married him for security. Curleys wife knows that Lennie is mentally inadequate, therefore she feels as if she has power over him and of course it is unlikely that she has ever experienced this feeling before. The migrant culture has had a great effect on Curleys wife life. The men who once had time for her, now have to work to survive, therefore they have no time for her inane chatter. George is another solitary character on the ranch. This may sound inaccurate, but as we have discovered Lennie is mentally disabled and cannot participate in sort of conversation. George may be able to have a social life at the ranches, however he will only stay at a ranch for a small duration of time, so close friendships cannot be made. The migrant culture had an immense impact on ranch workers social lives and soon they would have become social outcasts. In chapter three, Lennie brings the subject of the dream into conversation, while sitting down with George one night. George informs him of a reasonably priced farm he has discovered. Candy joined in the conversation still traumatised by his elderly dogs sudden death asking the details of this house. George is reluctant to tell him for the reason that it has been George and Lennies dream from when they started roaming the countryside for work and it would seem immoral for them to invite someone they did not know into it at this stage. Candy is not struck back by these comments and informs them that he has $450 saved up in the bank. George half-closed his eyes. I gotta think about that. We was always gonna do it by ourselves. George portrays a reluctant character who is unwilling to co-operate, yet inside he is probably celebrating the making of his dream. The sudden scope of this dream that has been released is truly magnificent. George and Lennie have conquered every migrant workers pessimistic prospect, to make their dream realistic George is overcome by this unexpected event that he knows will change his life for the rest of his days. In the book he frees his humble and timid character to replace it with an electrifying and bold person who we have not seen before. Quotes to reflect this outburst are: George said reverently: Jesus Christ! I bet we could swing her. His eyes full of wonder. I bet we could swing her, he repeated softly and George stood up. Well do her, he said. Well fix up that little old place an well go live there. George is ecstatic he has finally found a way to make his naturally independent character content and he will be able to make his own money by being the boss, the man he has respected for so long. At last Lennie will be safe from the temptations of the world that he simply cannot handle. George and Lennie have found hope in these mentally painful times, which scarred so many men for life. This scene interprets the fortunes of the human life and after many downfalls they have come to a conclusion, that many migrant workers never found. In novels after optimism comes despondency. The ending of this book is tragic. Lennie, who has become easily influenced by Curleys wife flirtatious movements becomes too attached to her and when asked to feel her hair he becomes over exuberant and in sheer panic clings on to the delicate framework of this woman, Curleys wife slumps to the ground like a ragdoll taking the effect of this mans awesome power with a broken neck to prove the damage, which can not be reversed. The tragedy led to Lennies disappearance and the ranch workers pursue him , however George knew where he was from an earlier plan and went to find him. The hand shook violently, but his face set and his hand steadied. He pulled the trigger. The crash of the shot rolled up the hills and rolled down again. Lennie jarred, and then settled slowly forward to the sand, and he lay without quivering. A emotional scene for two people we thought were so fond of each other, however George knew that Curley and fellow friends were going to kill him and in the most brutal manner possible to mankind, which would have been distressing for the two companions. George thought it would have been appropriate for Lennies last living moments to be filled with the memory that they loved the most, the dream. The dream would not be fulfilled after Lennies crime and death; therefore he would be of a majority once again working to make his dream reality and this is why so many migrants ended becoming severely depressed and killing themselves as a result of their bitterness and hurt. John Steinbeck creates a novel, which depicts a compelling yet brusque meaning. Steinbeck brings out the truth of these times and does not try to shroud it and keep it away from the human eye, for nothing can hide the truth. Since George came to this ranch in Soledad, we have been through his pain with him and happiness, however we have always had the dream in the back of our minds. Grasping the fact that the dream will never occur has added a touch of realism to this book and made us realise that this is not a imaginary story, instead it is the hard hitting truth. The novel has made it obvious that the typical migrant workers life was a continuous circle, which never changes its shape and that it would be the same for George from now on. Hopes and Dreams have been the backbone for this story. Many of the characters have mentioned a dream and at that point their tone of voice changed. For example: She looked up at Lennie, and she made a small grand gesture with her arm and hand to show that she could act. The fingers trailed after her leading wrist and her little finger stuck out grandly from the rest. This quote shows how Curleys wife sparkles on the inside, when she talks about her illusive acting career. Dreams meant so much more to people during the American Depression as they do to our generation due to the great span of activities we can do today compared to the limited amount in the 1930s.A number of peoples dreams can be accomplished today for we have the technology. Hopes and Dreams became the great factor in George and Lennies relationship, for it gave them something to talk about that they both understood and talking is the key to a good friendship. Lonesome migrant workers did not have a friend to confide instead they constantly thought about the long working hours and their isolation. A dream kept them focused and acted as an aid to comfort them. George has now become one of these lonely souls, who we envisage trekking along dusty roads with a face tangled by his own grief. It would not have been right if Lennie, George and Candy went to the idyllic farmhouse and lived happily ever, as that would have not been reflecting the outcome of so many migrant workers lives and Steinbeck would have been interpreting a false hope to the reader. Characters in the novel such as Candy and Crooks fell into the invalid category, where they were envisaged as being outsiders who looked up to normal people on the ranch. Crooks was a black man and at the time of the Depression, black people were looked upon as dirt and only being able to do jobs that would not involve them with any human contact, therefore he was very much isolated from the world and felt bitter and resentful towards any human who tried to bond with him. An example of Crooks bitterness: Crooks said sharply: You got no right to come in my room. This heres my room. Nobody got any right in here but me.

The Motive Behind Mergers And Acquisition

The Motive Behind Mergers And Acquisition INTRODUCTION Background Mergers and Acquisitions have gained substantial importance in todays corporate world. This process is extensively used for restructuring the business organizations. Some well known financial organizations also took the necessary initiatives to restructure the corporate sector of India by adopting the mergers and acquisitions policies. The  Indian economic reform since 1991 has opened up a whole lot of challenges both in the domestic and international spheres. The increased competition in the global market has prompted the Indian companies to go for mergers and acquisitions as an important strategic choice. The trends of mergers and acquisitions in India have changed over the years. The immediate effects of the mergers and acquisitions have also been diverse across the various sectors of the Indian economy. The Indian Economy has been growing at the fast rate and emerging as the most promising economy in the world. Be it in IT, RD, pharmaceutical, infrastructure, energy, consumer retail, telecom, financial services, media, and hospitality etc, there has been a sign of promising boom in the Indian economy. It is the second fastest growing economy in the world with GDP touching 8.9 % in 2010. Investors, big companies, industrial houses view Indian market in a growing and proliferating phase, whereby returns on capital and the shareholder returns are high. Both the inbound and outbound mergers and acquisitions have increased dramatically. According to Investment bankers, Merger Acquisition (MA) deals in India will cross $100 billion this year, which is double last years level and quadruple of 2005. Indias merger and acquisitions deal value in year 2010 reached almost US $50 billion which is three times of the deal value last year 2009. There were MA deals worth about $16 billion in 2009, down from close to US $40 billion in 2008. Definitions: Mergers: Mergers or amalgamation is combination of two or more companies to form as a single new company. In this process no fresh investment is made, however an exchange of shares takes place between the entities. In simple terms, a merger involves the mutual decision of two companies to combine and become one entity. Generally, merger is done between the two entities having similar size. Varieties of Mergers   Mergers can be of various types. But there are 5 main mergers varieties which are valued most in the corporate world.   Horizontal merger   Two companies that are in direct competition and share  the same product lines and markets.   Vertical merger   Two companies which are in the Value Chain. Market-extension merger  Ã‚  Two companies having same product but different target market. Product-extension merger  Ã‚  Two companies selling different but related products in the same market.   Conglomeration   Two companies with unrelated business/ industry.   Acquisitions   Acquisition means buying the ownership of one company by another company, often as the part of the growth strategy. Unlike in merger, acquisition is generally done by a large company to a small one. Acquisitions can be either friendly or hostile. Like mergers, acquisitions are actions through which companies seek economies of scale, efficiencies and enhanced market visibility. Acquisition is done either in cash or acquiring the stock of the target company or both. Distinction between Mergers and Acquisitions   Mergers and Acquisitions are often uttered as one and the same and considered to have the same meaning. But the terms merger and acquisition are two different term meaning.   When one company takes over another independent company and clearly established itself as  the new owner, the purchase is called an acquisition. From a legal point of view, the  target company  ceases to exist and the buyer or the acquirer possesses the full control of the business and the buyers  stock continues to be traded, then it is acquisition.   Regardless of the type of the strategic alliance they all have one purpose in common. They are all meant to create synergy that makes the value of the combined companies greater than the sum of the two parts. Synergy Synergy  is the force that is obtained when two or more components meet together to produces an exceptional result which when done solely cannot be achieved. In a business synergy takes the form of enhanced performance, increased profitability and exceptional cost reduction. By merging, the companies hope to benefit from the following:   Staff reductions Economies of scale   Acquiring new technology Improved market reach and industry visibility Importance of the study When a company wants to expand, there are various ways its can do. They can achieve the growth either by capturing the market share or by growing through strategic alliances. The main objective of the merger or acquisition is to achieve growth and synergy, economies of scale and capture or expand the market share. Buzz of merger and acquisition often creates hype in the financial market about the acquirers stock price. While most empirical research on merger focus on daily stock return surrounding announcement date, a few studies also look at long term performance of term performance of acquiring firm after merger.  [1]  Not only that, the performance of the company as a whole is also a matter of question mark. Will the company be able to perform better than it is doing or not? Problem Statement Many firm prior to merger and acquisition have an expectation to create a synergy from merger and acquisition. The main motive behind MA is to create efficiencies in the business and expansion of the business. But they most of the time ignore the fact that the effect of merger and acquisition has direct correlation with the value of the acquirers company and the stock price. The other problem that is to be considered is the financial risk associated with the MA. Research Objective The objective of this study is to gain the deeper and clear knowledge of the merger and acquisition on the acquiring firm. It also aims at the financial risk that a company may face post merger/ acquisition asa well as the long term performance of the acquirer. The objectives are as follows: To examine the effect of EPS myopia on the return of acquiring firms in mergers. Evaluate the effect on the stock price of the acquiring company post merger and acquisition. Critically evaluating if the shareholders of the acquiring companies experience wealth effect as a result of MA. The expected long term performance of the acquiring firm. Study of the financial risk pertaining to the merger and acquisition. Research Question What is the motive behind Merger and Acquisition? What is the effect on the stock price of the acquirer pre and post MA? Does the buzz create the bubble effect on the market or is it long lasting? What is the wealth effect of the acquirer firm post and pre MA? What is the trend of MA in Indian market? Drivers of MA in India What are the effects of MA to the competitors? Effect of the tax to the government post merger and acquisition. Limitations of the Study No proper information on the companies is found except for their Balance Sheet and Income Statement. This study is based on secondary database, so errors in the data could affect the results of the study. External factors such as economic conditions, regulatory changes etc are not taken into consideration. An overview of the Study This dissertation is divided into five chapters. The first chapter deals with the background information, problem statement, objective of the study, importance of study, research question limitation of the study. The second chapter deals with literature review. This chapter indicates the theoretical framework of the valuation method of Merger and Acquisition. It shows the detail description of the past research that has been done on the topic and discusses the outcome of the study. The third chapter deals with the research methodology of the dissertation. It deals with the Research method used for the data and information collection. It includes sample selection/design procedure, data collection and data analysis tools used in the dissertation. In this part assumptions had been made where there is lack of appropriate data and information. The fourth chapter deals with analysis and interpretation of the financial data that are used to achieve the objectives of the dissertation. This section mainly deals with the findings from the study and also focuses on the analysis and its results. The fifth and the last chapter of this dissertation present the findings of the study, recommendation of the study to the investors, financial managers regulators. It also concludes the suggestions for future research. Chapter II Review of the Literature 2. Literature Review Many authors and writers have written lot about merger and acquisition and its impact on the performance of the company as well as on the economy. A great deal of research has been carried out on the performance of the corporations involved in the merger and acquisition. When a company wants to jump start a long term growth or boost up the corporate performance, MA may seem to be the best option. Yet study after study puts the success rate of MA lies just between 20% and 30%. A lot of researcher had tried to explain the abysmal statistics, usually by analyzing the attributes of the deals that worked and those that didnt. What is lacking is the robust theory that identifies the causes of those success and failures.  [2]   2.1 Merger and Acquisition: Conceptual Review Farlex Financial Dictionary  [3]  has defined A decision by two companies to combine all operations, officers, structure, and other functions of business. Mergers are meant to be mutually beneficial for the parties involved. In the case of two publicly-traded companies, a merger usually involves one company giving shareholders in the other its stock in exchange for surrendering the stock of the first company Pratap G. Subramanyam (2005) has stated merger as in the term associated with the integration of one company into another. The merging company should exist thereafter and all its assets and liabilities get legally vested in the merged company. This means that the merger means amalgamation of the assets of the two or more companies to form a new company serving the similar or different purpose. 2.1.1 Recognition of amalgamation (merger) by Indian Statutory Bodies The Company Act of India does not define an amalgamation or a merger. Therefore, the term are being interpreted as being included in the term arrangement as defined in Section 390(b). This is vindicated by the fact that Section 394 talks about arrangement that are in nature of amalgamation of two or more companies. It is possible under Companies Act for two or more companies to amalgamate using the shareholder approval route under Section 293(1)(a) though such route is never adopted. The more appropriate route is to get court order under Section 394 of the Act, which has been specifically enacted to enable amalgamations. Section 390 This section provides that The expression arrangement includes a reorganization of the share capital of the company by the consolidation of shares of different classes, or by the division of shares into shares of different classes, or by both these methods Section 394 This section contains the powers while sanctioning scheme of reconstruction or amalgamation. Under the Income Tax(IT) Act, 1961 Section 2(1B) the word amalgamation in relation to companies means the merger of one or more companies to another company or the merger of two or more companies to form one company so that: All the property of the amalgamating company or companies before the amalgamation becomes the property of amalgamating company by virtue of the amalgamation. All liabilities of the amalgamating company or companies immediately before the amalgamation become the liabilities of amalgamating company by the virtue of amalgamation. Accounting Standard AS-14 defines amalgamations as those pursuant to the provisions of the companies Act or any other statute, which may be applicable to the companies. Therefore, it applies to all transactions that come under the purview of Section 391-394 of the Companies Act that relate to integration of two or more companies. AS-14 categorizes amalgamation into two categories: (a) amalgamation in nature of merger (b) amalgamation in nature of purchase. An amalgamation fall into former category if: All assets and liabilities of transferor company become after amalgamation, the assets and liabilities of the transferee company. Shareholders holding not less than 90% of the face value of the equity share of transferor company (excluding the shares held by the transferee company), become the equity shareholder of the transferee company by virtue of the amalgamation. The consideration for the amalgamation, receivable by those equity shareholders of the transferor company who agree to become the equity shareholder in the transferee company, is discharged wholly by issue of shares (except for fractional shares that may be settled in cash). The business of the transferor company is intended to be carried on by the transferee company. Acquisition is the mechanism by which companies change hands and through transfer of ownership of share or transfer of control. Acquisition means the purchase of or getting access to significant stakes in a company, often making such acquirer a major shareholder or force in the company. According to Dictionary of Financial Term  [4]  If a company buys another company outright, or accumulates enough shares to take a controlling interest, the deal is described as an acquisition. For example, if Corporation A buys 51% or more of Corporation B, then Corporation B becomes a subsidiary of Corporation A, and the activity is called an acquisition. A single investor may buy out a publicly-traded company; one calls this going private. Acquisitions occur in exchange for cash, stock, or both. Acquisitions may be friendly or hostile; a friendly acquisition occurs when the board of directors supports the acquisition and a hostile acquisition occurs when it does not. 2.1.2 The Acquisition and Takeover Code in India After the advent of the SEBI, introduced in 1994, there was a concerted attempt at formulation of a comprehensive framework under which acquisition and takeover could be made in existing listed companies. However the takeover code does not apply to unlisted companies and continue to be regulated by the provision of the Company Act. Listed companies are currently governed by the provision of Takeover Code, clause 40A and 40B of the Listing Agreement of the stock exchange and Section 108B and 108D of the Companies Act as regards acquisition and takeovers. Under the provision of Section 108B, corporate under the same management holding whether singly or in aggrete.10% or more of the nominal value of the subscribed equity share capital of the any other company shall, before transferring one or more such shares, give to the central government an intimation of its proposal to do with the prescribed details. Section 108D provides the similar provision wherein the Central Government can act suo moto of any transfer of a block share in a company. All the Sections under 108 are backed by Section 108G. Section 108G Applicability of the provisions of sections 108A to 108F.†The provisions of sections 108A to 108F (both inclusive) shall apply to the acquisition or transfer of shares or share capital by or to, an individual firm, group, constituent of a group, body corporate or bodies corporate under the same management, who or which† (a) is, in case of acquisition of shares or share capital, the owner in relation to a dominant undertaking and there would be, as a result of such acquisition, any increase†Ã‚   (i) in the production, supply, distribution or control of any goods that are produced, supplied, distributed or controlled in India or any substantial part thereof by that dominant undertaking, or   (ii) in the provision or control of any services that are rendered in India or any substantial part thereof by that dominant undertaking; or   (b) would be, as a result of such acquisition or transfer of shares or share capital, the owner of a dominant undertaking; or   (c) is, in case of transfer of shares or share capital, the owner in relation to a dominant undertaking. The SEBI Takeover Code brought in several new features into acquisition law which were not present in Clause 40A and 40B. The basic theme of the code is to provide for fair play and transparency in acquisition and takeover but at the same time to ensure that they are not stifled into extinction. 2.2 Differentiation of Merger and Acquisition In general Mergers and Acquisitions are used interchangeably, but they have a subtle differentiation in there meaning. Weston and Copeland (1992) distinguished merger and acquisition: merger as a transaction between more or less equal partners, while acquisitions are used to denote a transaction where a substantially bigger firm takes over a smaller firm. Their basis of distinguish was the size. But there are other factors apart from size that denotes the differences between merger and acquisition. Asquith Mullins (1986) define mergers and acquisitions on basis of share distribution. When two firms merge, shares of both are surrendered and new shares in name of the new firm will be issued. Unlike in merger, shares of the acquiring firm are not surrendered but traded in the market prior to the acquisition and continue to be traded by the public after the acquisition. The shares of the target firm cease to exist publicly. Motives behind Merger and Acquisition There are three major motives for the mergers and takeovers: Synergy, Agency, Hubris Synergy motive means that the sum total return/value from the integration of two or more companies should be greater than that from the individual company. Elazar Berkovitch (1993) suggests that the takeovers occur because of economic gains that results by merging the resources of the two firms. They even concluded that total gains from MA are always positive and thus can say that synergy appears. The agency motive suggests that takeovers occur because they enhance the acquirer managements welfare at the expense of acquirer shareholders. Elazar Berkovitch and M. P. Narayanan (1993) suggested three major motives for mergers and acquisitions: synergy, agency and hubris. The synergy motive suggests that the takeovers occur because of economic gains that results by merging the resources of the two firms. The agency motive suggests that takeovers occur because they enhance the acquirer managements welfare at the expense of acquirer shareholders. The hubris hypothesis suggests that managers make mistakes in evaluating target firms, and engaged in acquisitions even when there is no synergy. Khemani (1991) states that there are multiple reasons, motives, economic forces and institutional factors that can be taken together or in isolation, which influence corporate decisions to engage in MAs. It can be assumed that these reasons and motivations have enhanced corporate profitability as the ultimate, long-term objective. It seems reasonable to assume that, even if this is not always the case, the ultimate concern of corporate managers who make acquisitions, regardless of their motives at the outset, is increasing long-term profit. However, this is affected by so many other factors that it can become very difficult to make isolated statistical measurements of the effect of MAs on profit. The free cash flow theory developed by Jensen (1988) provides a good example of intermediate objectives that can lead to greater profitability in the long run. This theory assumes that corporate shareholders do not necessarily share the same objectives as the managers. The conflicts between these differing objectives may well intensify when corporations are profitable enough to generate free cash flow, i.e., profit that cannot be profitably re-invested in the corporations. Under these circumstances, the corporations may decide to make acquisitions in order to use these liquidities. It is therefore higher debt levels that induce managers to take new measures to increase the efficiency of corporate operations. According to Jensen, long-term profit comes from the re-organization and restructuring made necessary by takeovers.