The US and Thailand Free

The US and Thailand Free Essay The US and Thailand Free commenced negotiations in respect of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on June 28, 2004. Approximately six rounds of talks between the two countries have been conducted pursuant to the FTA negotiations as of 2006. US Chamber of Commerce: Trade Policy) The overall intent is to liberalize â€Å"trade in goods, agriculture, and investment† and harmonization of intellectual property rights (Ahearn and Morrison, 2004) Ever since the founding of the World Trade Organization (WTO and its General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATT) developed nation member states, such as the US have adhered to the WTO’s policy to help developing and less developed member states such as Thailand improve their economic growth by entering into bilateral trade agreements with them. (Fbiosa et ales, 2005) Thailand has over the years demonstrated a keener willingness to open its markets to liberalized trade than many of the other Asian nations. This particularly so in the area of agriculture. Relations between Thailand and the US commenced as early as 1833 with the Trade and Amity and Commerce Agreement. (US Chamber of Commerce: Trade Policy) By 1966 the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations was successfully negotiated between the two countries with each country granting the other equal trade treatment. (US Chamber of Commerce: Trade Policy) The 1966 Treaty came to an end in 2004, although extended by mutual agreement to December 2006, the FTA is intended to take its place. (US Chamber of Commerce: Trade Policy) Aside from the economic benefits to both countries, the US hoped to strengthen US-Thailand relations for the purpose of combating terrorism. This fact together with cultural differences, a political crisis in 2006, health concerns and Thailand’s relationship with other Asian nations have proven problematic for both countries in reaching a mutual agreement. (US Chamber of Commerce: Trade Policy) This paper examines the US-Thailand FTA Agreement, its history and its future track with reference to the difficulties that impede bringing the negotiations to a final conclusion. History and Background Thailand has long since been regarded as an ally of the US, a position that was only fortified during the Cold War period and strengthened even further following the terror attacks on the US on September 11, 2001. (Chanlett-Avery, 2006) The relationship between the US and Thailand has always been characterized by mutual trade and economic interests. (Chanlett-Avery, 2006) Following the 2001 terrorist attacks in the US the relationship took on a new dimension when it became obvious that Thailand shared, at least in part the US desire to fight terrorism in the Southeast Asian region. (Chanlett-Avery, 2006) These facts and circumstances together with Thailand’s strong economic and political ties to China puts Thailand in a position to have some influence in the Far East. (Chanlett-Avery, 2006) Recognizing the strategic economic and political position of Thailand in the Asia-Pacific area and its close ties with the US, President George Bush â€Å"designated† Thailand â€Å"as a major non-NATO ally in 2003. † (Chanlett-Avery, 2006) This designation is partly due to Thailand’s history of support to the US during the Cold War and partly due to its position with respect to the US counter terrorism initiatives. (Chanlett-Avery, 2006) Aside from sending troops to aide the US in its wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Thailand authorities arrested a â€Å"high-profile† Islamic rebel in a â€Å"joint Thai-US operation† in 2003. (Chanlett-Avery, 2006) Co-existing with these diplomatic and amicable relations was the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations between the US and Thailand which was signed in Bangkok on May 29th 1966. (US-Thai Treaty of Amity, 1966) The 1966 Treaty permits US citizens and companies incorporated in Thailand or in the US to hold all the shares in a business situated in Thailand and to conduct business in Thailand in the same manner as Thai citizens. There were certain restrictions on American investments including land holding, fiduciary services, communications, transportation, domestic agricultural trade and damaging natural resources. (US-Thai Treaty of Amity, 1966) The Treaty also provided favourable treatment to Thai businessmen upon application for entry visas into the US for business purposes. Moreover, there were no restrictions on repatriating funds to Thai by Thai business concerns in the US. (US-Thai Treaty of Amity, 1966) The Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations should have expired in September 2006 but was extended to a further period of 90 days bringing it to an end in December of 2006 instead. (US Chamber of Commerce: Trade Policy) In anticipation of the expiration of the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations and the economic success of trade relations between the US and Thai, President Bush and Thai Prime Minister Thaskin announced on 19 October, 2003 plans to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. (Ahearn et ales, 2004) In March 2004, both countries announced that negotiations would commence in June of 2004. (Ahearn et ales, 2004) The first two rounds of negotiations took place in Thailand in 2004 with a third round taking place there in 2005. (Ahearn and Morrison, 2006) Fourth and Fifth rounds of negotiations were conducted in Montano on September 26-30, 2005 in Hawaii and earlier in the year at Montana on July 15. (Ahearn and Morrison, 2006) A sixth round was conducted in Thailand which ended all talks as a result of political unrests in Thailand. (Ahearn and Morrison, 2006) While some progress was made at the fifth round of talks in Hawaii, the remaining talks were for the most part unsuccessful. Essentially what was agreed to at the fifth round of talks was the removal of barriers to trade with the emphasis on tariffs with respect to goods crossing US borders to Thailand and vice versa. (Thailand’s Legal News Update, October, 2005) Both the United States and Thailand also agreed that Internet Service Providers should be included in all talks relative to intellectual property rights protection. (Thailand’s Legal News Update, October, 2005) Further agreement was made by the US to permit Thailand patent protection with respect to its rice and silk products. (Allison, 2006) The details of these agreements are discussed in much greater detail later on. The World Trade Review reported that the fourth round of negotiations held in Montana did not yield particulars of any specific agreements. However, the talks went well enough to ensure that both parties were likely to come to an arrangement at the fifth round of talks in Hawaii, (World Trade Review, 2005) which as previously noted did yield a consensus on tariffs and patent protection on rice and silk. In Montana, both US and Thai negotiating teams met with business representatives of Montana and were equally impressed with the importance of agricultural trade in the US. The negotiators also met with business officials within the telecommunications, financial, automobile, energy and additional service factions of the community. (World Trade Review, 2005) The World Trade Review believes that the results of this meeting and round of talks helped to pave the way for some agreement in the next round of talks. (World Trade Review, 2005) Be that as it may, relations between the US and Thailand were not without some difficulties. James A. Kelly, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs touched on a number of issues that were problematic for the US in his address to the Asia Foundation in Washington, D. C. on March 13, 2002. Noting that both countries shared a mutual interest in the concepts and benefits of security, liberty democracy and maintaining free and open trade markets Kelly also noted that there was a growing perception in Thailand that the US was either acting in bad faith or trying to take advantage of Thailand. (Kelly, 2002) Other problems were highlighted at the Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) The Bilateral Conference took place in Washington D. C. on March 11-13 under the auspices of 10 senior Thai government officials who met with American trade and government officials for the express purpose of debating the important isses within the context of a bilateral trade agreement. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) There was evidence of a strain in US-Thai relations following the US war with Vietnam from a Thai perspective. Many Thais felt that the US had neglected Thailand and felt even more disenchanted with the US following the Asian financial crisis of 1997 especially with respect tot he US’s the unduly strenuous conditions placed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with respect to Thailand’s aid relief. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) By the end of the 90s both political and economic relations between the two countries was quite often tense. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) The waning relationship was complicated by a failure on the US’s part to offer a viable loans system by way of financial relief via the IMF. Further complications arose out of the US’s failure to back-up the Thai Minister of Commerce and the Thai Deputy Prime Minister’s nominations to hold the post of World Trade Organization Secretary General in 1999. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) From the US’s perspective the Thai support of the US at the United Nations was weak if at all. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) Moreover, Thailand was reluctant to support the US position with respect to its EP-3 reconnaissance plane episode which involved China. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) The US also had concerns about Thailand’s position with respect to censorship in the media. Although following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US Thailand once again closed the gap between US and Thailand with its support. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) In the global context, Thailand’s difficulty arises out of a desire to balance its relationship with China with that of the US. The problem for the US is in diminishing China’s stronghold on the Asian region and Thailand found itself having to balance its priorities with respect to negotiating its relationships with both China and the United States. The difficulty for Thailand was maintaining some sort of neutrality in its relationships with both super powers. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) Thailand’s political and economical policies reflect a desire to regularize relations within its immediate region. Of particular interest to Thailand is the strengthening of its commercial ties to regions close to its borders. Its relationship with Burma which is characterized by a trend toward conciliatory approaches is largely problematic for the US. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) The US would prefer it if Thailand took an isolationist approach to Burma. The problem was summarized at the Bilateral Conference. Thailand maintained what it referred to as a â€Å"constructive interaction† with its neighbour Burma and this caused some tension with the United States who would have preferred that Thailand adapted an isolationist stance with Burma. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) The US was also suspicious that the Thai government was lending support to regions like Malaysia and Indonesia which the US regarded as unstable and supportive of terrorist factions. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) The US felt that the anti-American sentiments in Indonesia and Malaysia were at risk of spilling over into Thailand. Notably Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin had been elected into office after running an â€Å"anti-American platform† and there was a concern that Thailand was faltering in its support of the United States on its anti-terrorism policies. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002) Be that as it may, the US and Thailand had similar economic and political goals. The best approach was therefore thought to be a bilateral trade agreement. (Bilateral Conference on United States-Thailand Relations in the 21st Century, 2002)

The schools of organization theories Essay Example for Free

The schools of organization theories Essay The schools of organization theories serve as the poles of support in keeping the order in an organization through the organizational functions. Each school of thought functions in a unique way causing changes in a certain work environment. The four schools of organizations theories that were listed are the human relations approach, neo- human relations school, the theories X, Y and Z (also known as the theories of motivation) and the systems approach. Major organizations that make use of the said theories include the finance undertakings, operations or productions, marketing and personnel purposes. These functions must be executed effectively and efficiently to be able to achieve the organization’s objectives. The organizational theories are manifested to almost all functions but in order to see a clearer perspective, specific reflections of the theories to each organizational function will be laid down. The human relations approach applies to the personnel functions. It dwells on the change of relationship between the leader and the subordinate. There is existence of decentralization and decision-making which let the employees be involved to enhance skills. The neo- human relations school is the â€Å"upgraded† version of the human relations school. Thus, it can also be reflected in the personnel functions. The said organizational theory patterns its principles to the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. But, viewing form another perspective, the theory can also be utilized through meeting the goals of the marketing division. In marketing processes, advertising of a certain business entails the consideration of psychological aspects. In considering which marketing strategy to use, getting the consumer to respond to a certain product is important. This can be done through highlighting the achievement of human needs in an advertisement. For example, a television advertisement about a body spray targets the market segment of teenagers. So, the advertisement will highlight the need of teenagers to gain self-esteem through showing scenes in the advertisement that once a teenager will use that body spray, he or she will gain admiration from the opposite sex. Therefore, if and when the message was conveyed to the target market, the marketing function of the business will be accomplished. The third school of organizational theory is composed of the Theories X, Y and Z which somewhat clash in the purposes of managing the workplace. But, these are of great help in managing again the function of the personnel division. Theory X deals with a stricter work ethics to motivate the employees while Theory Y stated that workers have indeed a sense of self-direction. On the other hand, Theory Z (the hybrid of the Japanese and American management), incorporates the principles of creating a strong bond between the company and the employees through valuing the human resource development. Lastly, the systems approach is manifested through the technical functions of finance and production. The theory caters the requirements for financial matters through the open and closed systems. The open system as the name speaks for itself, caters boundaries that can be penetrated while the closed system has more rigid boundaries. It is up to the financial management on whether adjustments will be done in investments through accepting the influence of external factors or keeping everything as internal matters. For the operations or productions, the company can decide on whether adopting an open or closed system. Manufacturing lines can be subject to the transformation model if there is demand to do so. The company or the business can adapt the organizational theories for further improvement but it must be noted that some concepts of the theories can also hinder progress. As for the human relations and the neo-human relations approach, a concrete line must be drawn so to not abuse the professional ethics. It is true that the two theories give utmost importance in establishing individual autonomy to the employees, the leaders or managers must still be able to exercise power over major organizational matters. There must only be a right dose of relationship-oriented activities so that the work-related activities will not be overpowered. Otherwise, the sense of leadership will be obliterated. The theories X and Y must be adapted in a careful manner since the two are polar extremes. If Theory X is implemented in a leadership aspect, rebellion might occur in the workplace due to very authoritarian rules. The leader may solicit suggestions from the workers but still ahs the power to decide on whether to accept those suggestions or not. With this kind of management, conflict will definitely arise since the workers might think that the efforts are just put to waste. It must be made sure that the intensity of implementing it is well-adjusted to the needs of the organization. Theory Y does leadership in a lighter way but if the leader trusts the wrong people in the management to do specific tasks and these employees failed him, the quality of output will be affected. Theory Z may be taken in a brighter light so there may be fewer complications. It encompasses long term employment, specialized career paths and other holistic concerns for the employees. The theory may seem to be idealistic but there will still be conflict since the workers will be the one who will resort to solving the issues. Hence, managers won’t be touching issues causing poor control over matters. Finally, the systems approach can help in outsourcing ideas but then again, accepting changes pose the risk of having a negative feedback. The transformation may also alter some organizational traditions. The schools of organizational theories take on an effect of a double-edged sword. Some may help in facilitating tasks while some may worsen given situations. In a keen manner, the right theory to adapt for the company should be identified. The implementation of plans must of course go hand in hand with good management. References: Pugh, D. Organization Theory [PPT Document] Retrieved from http://www. scribd. com/doc/4880211/Organization-Theory Ankushsing. Theories of Motivation [PDF Document] Retrieved from http://www. scribd. com/doc/7781940/Theories-of-Motivation

Effects of Technology on Music

Effects of Technology on Music Effects of Technology on Music Production and Distribution Introduction Technology has brought many advantageous opportunities to the music industry in the area of production and distribution. Besides popular and valuable instruments such as the electric guitar and the synthesizer, technology has brought us new production equipments such as high-fidelity microphones, re-mastering equipments and CD-ROMs that provide us with a crystal clear sound of the recording. The development of these equipments has allowed the audience to experience a higher quality of sound coming from both live concerts and recordings. Easiness of transportation that came along with the technological developments in the sector, has allowed the record labels to distribute music all around the world. During the 1950s turbojet engines were cleared for civilian use, and with new civil jet-engine cargo aircraft distribution of almost any item became easier and faster than ever before. The evolution of the computer and the Internet was also a great distribution advantage for the music industry and should not be underestimated. New sound formats, such as the MP3, have made music distribution easier. Companies could now provide selling licenses to companies that would allow users to download certain songs from the Internet at a very high speed. The music industry also got many opportunities for advertisements since they were now not limited to billboards, TV and radio. Many companies can now promote their records by playing a preview for the user, on certain websites. Music Production Recording equipments were mostly used after the 1920s. These electronic devices were very hard to find and also very expensive. 1950s was when electronic equipment became easier to obtain and also became relatively cheaper. Not only that, they were also better in quality of recording and reproduction when compared to those devices used during the 1920s. By this time there were a lot of studios that were in demand for more electronic recording equipment. With the development of electronic equipments by engineers and inventors (such as Raymond Scott, who was an American composer and inventor who invented recording equipments and electronic instruments), studios started to buy these relatively cheap instruments. With these new equipments, studios were able to re-master previous recordings (mostly classical and jazz) to produce a more crystal-clear sound. However re-mastering was not the only feature of these equipments. Studios (sometimes individual labels) and bigger recording compani es (labels) started to record more and more music using these equipments and then sold them to the audience. Also during this time, along with the development of new instruments, new genres started to form. Consequently more and more label companies were formed and companies were categorized according to the genre they produced and sold. Slowly by slowly, label companies started to compete with each other and signed contracts with artists to record more songs to sell. This competition between labels made popular music a commodity and in time, these music equipments were started to be used for music sampling or element extraction which in some cases led to lawsuits. The developments in music production equipments have led to companies wanting to make more and more profit by recording and distributing their records. With these developments, companies started to look for new ways of distribution that could allow them to distribute their records at a global scale. The general development in technology has worked to their advantage. Music Distribution 1. Transportation Transportation before the evolution of civil aircraft was very hard and took a very long time. Mostly, merchandises were transported with ships and trains. However, during the 1950s, civil aircraft manufacturers were allowed to use turbojet engines for their aircraft. With these engines, new passenger and cargo aircraft were able to travel at a higher speed. New maritime technologies that were developed around the 1950s (such as the bulbous bow, used to decrease drag) allowed transportation ships to travel at (relatively) very high velocities. These developments made air cargo and ship transportation the primary platforms for transporting merchandises. Using these developments, record companies started to use air cargo and ships to distribute their records to all around the world very quickly. 2. Computers and The Internet Recordings were stored mostly in WAV file formats in computers. WAV is a waveform file format and its almost the exact replica of a high-quality CD recording. However, WAV files are very big in size. Transferring these formats over the internet would take a very long time. Even now, when we have access to high-speed internet, downloading a 50MB file takes about a minute. Back in the 90s, most people used the standard dial-up connection (which was very slow, 56 kbps). Downloading a 50MB file with a dial-up connection would take up to 4 hours, considering that the file does not contain any invaluable (overhead) data[1]. The MP3 file format compresses the original sound recording and provides us with a file that is very small in size but high in sound quality. This decrease in file size made the MP3 files very popular amongst internet users because they are very accessible and they can download them very quickly. With these developments, label companies wanted to take advantage of this increase in accessibility and consequently gave (sold) licenses to distributing companies. Currently, iTunes and many other sites allow users to download MP3 music files for a certain price. With this accessibility, both the marketing (distributing companies) and the label companies make profit from selling recordings. Also, besides these, the internet has provided label companies many opportunities to advertise/promote their records. With the increasing number of websites, labels can advertise their records on certain websites, or promote their records in YouTube, etc. Certain websites play previews of records or single recordings for users when they enter the website. Unlike local billboards and TV/Radio commercials/promotions, label companies can extend their range to a global scale. Many local and global popular music groups and labels have official accounts on YouTube, Facebook and MySpace. They can simply promote their records on these sites by providing users with full records or previews. These types of social websites are also a great way for labels and individual groups to promote their items. Therefore, this global increase in label advertising opportunities and thus increase in advertising itself, also allowed the sales to increase in time and bring label companies to a higher position. 3. Technological Accessibility Nowadays, almost everyone owns either an iPod or a portable CD-player. Label companies can distribute records in several different formats. For example, some of these formats may be CD-ROMs, online MP3 files, tapes, etc. With the accessibility to electronic portable CD/Tape players, computers, and MP3 players, many users of these different platforms can buy records from a certain label company. The main label will have a higher rate of sales when they distribute for more than one platform. When we compare today with earlier days, where the gramophone was in use, we can say that the gramophone was the only music reproduction platform and not everyone had access to it. Thus the increase in accessibility and platforms do increase profits for label companies. Conclusion Almost every development in technology, from aircrafts to ships and chips to the internet, has affected the music industry. As usual, these developments may be both in advantage or disadvantage to the music industry or label companies, however I have elaborated on the advantageous side of these developments. Record label companies have brought themselves to a high position using these technological developments that helped them mass produce and distribute their records at a global scale. Unfortunately, popular music labels only use this technology to increase the amount of yearly profits instead of using it to create art. Label companies now use â€Å"template† music, where only certain elements of music can be changed to make it look individual (pseudo-individualization)[2]. Looking at these general actions of record companies, I can say that their sole purpose is to make profit by marketing music. Considering the technological developments and their consequences, these developments have been to the advantage of label companies. Bibliography Allan, David. On Popular Music in Advertising. Popular Musicology Online. Web. 13 Oct. 2009. . Bray, Patrick J. Learning about bulbous bows. Martins Marine Engineering Page. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. . Holmes, Thomas B. Electronic and Experimental Music Pioneers in Technology and Composition. New York: Routledge, 2002. Print. The Jet Engine. History Learning Site. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. . Raymond Scott: Biography. Official Raymond Scott Website: RaymondScott.com. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. . Shuker, Roy. Understanding Popular Music. New York: Routledge, 2001. Print. Tschmuck, Peter. Creativity and Innovation in the Music Industry. New York: Springer, 2006. Print. Ulucay, Tolga. Difference Between .mp3 and .wav. EzineArticles. Web. 24 Nov. 2009. . [1] Download time calculator: [2] Allan, David. On Popular Music in Advertising.Popular Musicology Online. Web. 13 Oct. 2009. .

Senior Capstone :: Free Essay Writer

Senior Capstone Observations I visited the Ronald McDonald House on September 15, to meet a family that was staying there because they had a very ill child. I was there to interview Mr. and Mrs. Davis who’s had their five-year-old son, John was at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The Davis family was there because John has leukemia and needed chemotherapy. When I first met John, I was at a loss for words. I saw a five-year-old boy that didn’t have any hair (like me) and was thin like a cable wire. I thought it was great that John got to say with his family on good days. What amazed me so much was his spirit and thrust for life. Because they had faith in their little boy getting better, his parents were very much the same. I asked them what made them so upbeat and positive. They told me that they were getting the best treatment around and being close to him everyday really helped. I didn’t quite understand what they meant and asked them to explain. They told me that staying at th e RMH with their son meant everything to the whole family. Instead of being in a hospital bed, or hotel room, the Davis’s kept close and were able to do everything that a family would do. Such things included playing with toys, having meals together, taking walks, enjoying closeness with one’s family, and all in the comfort of a home. The Davis family had been there for almost a week and was very happy to find a place that allowed them to stay without having to pay. They were also elated to know that they could watch after their child and not worry about how he was doing alone in some hospital bed. While I was interviewing the Davis family, I saw so much activity going on around me that it was difficult to concentrate. It was awesome to see, because everyone was interacting with everyone. Parents were relaxing and enjoying themselves, while children were playing together and loving every bit of it. Basically, what I learned from the Davis family is that they were very grateful to the Ronald McDonald House for allowing them to stay close to their child, affording them all the comforts of home while so far away from family and friends.

Shakespeare’s Creativity Essay -- Literary Analysis, Twelfth Night

Shakespeare’s Creativity In William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the art of music appears in the opening of the speech as the unhappy and lovesick Orsino tells his musicians, â€Å"If music be the food of love, play on† (I.i.1) In the speech that follows, Orsino asks the musicians to give him so much musical love i.e. food that will â€Å"surfeit† and cease to yearn for love any longer. Shakespeare uses music in opening line of play and at the end by Feste singing his song. It reveals that Shakespeare has presented on stage a romantic comedy which is not detached from our everyday reality. Thus songs are used by Shakespeare with surfeiting desire not only for the purpose of entertaining the audience but also closely linked to the play’s theme. Defining Music Music, as commonly in the English Oxford Dictionary is the â€Å"art or science of combining vocal or instrumental sounds to produce beauty of form, melody† or â€Å"the vocal or instrumental sound produced by practical exercise of the art of music†. Music is also described as â€Å"a musical composition or a performance† which can be seen in Shakespeare Cymbeline: â€Å"I haue assayl’d her with Muscikes, but she vouchsafes no notice† (II.ii.37). Shakespeare also uses music as the â€Å"cries of a pack of hounds on seeing the chase† (IV.i.105) in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Music in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night opening speech is written as â€Å"MuÃ… ¿icke† in the EBBO version whereas it is spelled â€Å"music† in our class text. The word â€Å"music† has been spelled differently throughout the years. Shakespeare uses the word â€Å"music† differently in his plays, such as: â€Å"musickes,†  "musique,† and â€Å"music.† The word â€Å"music† is spelled differently in the OED and in the song, with different alphabetic but pronounced the same way.... ...are’s writings. Edward W. Naylor writes in his essay that, â€Å"this is the more satisfactory, as no subject in literature has been treated with greater scorn for accuracy, or general lack of real interest, than this of music†. Music is the only topic that the audience and the readers view with content and a smile on their face. Shakespeare’s musical references are mostly found in comedies, but the musical stage direction that is presented in tragedies is due to the military nature or politics that bound the play. Shakespeare knew the impact of music on the society and during his time. Naylor also suggests that music â€Å"was considered an essential part of a clergymen’s education† and this notifies the value music held in the society. In the Duke’s case, â€Å"If music be the food of love, play on†, music seems to be rigorous and the musicians perform it with peacefulness.

Mecca Cola :: essays research papers

MECCA-COLA: A MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE There is no denying that Mecca-Cola is a political product. Commercially, it’s capitalizing on the growing anti-American sentiment. The interesting part, which probably no one has ever done before, is the fact that the founder is making a political statement as well as embracing others with the same attitude through a consumer product. At some level it looks ironic that an anti-American movement takes form in the very byproduct of American culture; however, this is also saying that not all about America is bad. It’s not the culture that is being fought, but rather the politics. And Mecca-Cola fights by trying to provide conscience to its consumers, to provide meaning in consumerism (â€Å"buvez engagà ©Ã¢â‚¬ ). Mecca-Cola was born as a reaction to the anti-American sentiments, and it primarily appeals to consumers who support American brands boycott campaign. Entry consumers are primarily Muslims, with the product first being distributed in â€Å"small ethnic shops in Muslim areas†. While Mecca-Cola may continue to appeal to Muslim consumers, its policy to give profits for charity may appeal to other â€Å"engaged consumers†. By positioning itself as the non-American alternative of a cola, Mecca-Cola directly challenged Coca-Cola and Pepsi as the â€Å"American products†. However, as in Mathlouthi idealism, Mecca-Cola will keep the focus on providing an alternative cola drinks, not directly challenge those big players as competitors. Now that Mecca-Cola has successfully initiated a new segment of â€Å"alternative cola†, its real competitors are the other alternative cola that position themselves as a product for Muslims while also offering corporate social responsibility like Mecca Cola. Among the major competitors are ZamZam Cola, Qibla-Cola, Muslim Up and Arab Cola. The launch of Mecca-Cola was a success, perhaps because it is providing a fresh alternative to common consumerism, while using political and social charity leveraging advantages. Nevertheless, Mecca-Cola is vulnerable to competition (specific target base, low entry barrier for me-too products), and its positioning appeal may wear out if world politics change. Mecca-Cola could be a sustainable business if it emphasizes on universal values that appeal to a broader, sustainable consumer base, rather than just another Anti-America alternative product.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mathlouthi and Mecca Cola Taufik Mathlouthi is a Muslim, Tunisian-born French entrepreneur. His exceptional entrepreneurship mindset, along with his involvement in social issues and a sense of pride for his origins, forms the right chemistry that led to the birth of Mecca Cola. Mathlouthi is by nature an involved and exploring individual.

Psychosocial Orientation to Sexuality Essay

Environment has always been one of the major factors affecting our decisions and personality. Psychologists say its either â€Å"nurture† or â€Å"nature† which determines our personalities as we grow up. Nevertheless, our sexuality is also part of who we are. How we act or think in regard to sexual issues is also developed as we mature into adolescents. Various social factors affect a person’s sexuality. Primarily, it is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that their children are properly educated about sex. As a kid, I was oriented by my parents and older relatives that sex is a process designed by the heavens to unite married couples so they can procreate. As a young Christian, I have this notion that I was conceived by this process and only couples who were united by marriage have the permission from God to perform them. Talking about sex at home was actually limited if not restricted. There was a certain uneasiness enveloping the ones belonging in a conversation where a I would suddenly bring it up. It was awkward in a way that my parents believed I was not ready yet to comprehend the real nature of sex. However, I guess sexuality is an inescapable issue amongst children who are beginning to notice changes and differences between their private parts and their playmates’. A friend of the opposite sex definitely has dissimilar body parts than me. It has always been fun to explore and observe friends’ parts especially when it is in a group. Of course, not until we reached the 11th year of our age. Suddenly, things were getting too awkward for us. My playmates were starting to get aloof. Others have stopped invitations to look and some just plainly said, â€Å"My mom said they’re private. † How the privacy of such thing has never occurred to me until I was able to see certain pars of my body grow. Most of my physical parts were getting weirder each day and they did not feel comfortable at all. One of the huge factors which influence my sexuality is the depiction of sex in the television. Media have absolutely bombarded me with concepts that are in direct contrast to my early education of sex. Television series, movies, reality shows, magazines and even anime shows are transparent in portraying sexual activities as normal between two people in a relationship. Sometimes even same-sex relationships. Pornography is also widespread in our society today which I believe has a great impact on the fact that teenagers today in America are sexually active. In my case, it is reasonable to admit that I have my shares of hidden fantasies and desires but one good thing that I am proud of is that I am able to control them in a decent way. Religion also plays a major part in expressing one’s sexuality. It is widely know that Christianity does not allow couples outside marriage to have sexual intercourse. Pre-marital sex is a sin and is not tolerated by the Church. Contraceptives are also not encouraged therefore, if I were to ask how I think religion has affected my sexuality; I would claim that it did not lessen or eliminate my sexual desires rather it remained as a mere reason to control it and repress it. The topic of sexuality is widespread among religious, social and political debates. It comprises of a general idea which is too sensitive to be disregarded easily. However, I believe that one has his/her own rights towards his/her sexuality but are limited to what the law constitutes. A person can be gay, lesbian or bisexual but the mere idea that a person’s sexuality is being developed and identified with different names shows that it is a psychological issue that needs to be studied more thoroughly. It is a subject too complex that must also be given enough education and protection from families and authorities.