Toefl Treating Pets Like Family Members

The issue of treating pets like family members is a debatable one. On the one hand, pets are charming creatures that mean a lot for their owners. But on the other hand, people should not forget that pets are animals which have specific instincts and habits differ from those of human beings and, as a result, able to do harm to people. However, in the final analysis, I think that pets are good friends of people and shall be treated accordingly. One reason in support of my thinking is that pets like real family members spend together with their families a great amount of time. Pets and their owners do a lot of things together from ordinary home stuff such as playing games, walking and watching TV to going shopping, visiting friends and traveling. When there is a child in a family pets become his little friends that everywhere follow him while parents are busy with their house work. So pets are always near their owners, ready to share owners’ joy and troubles, bringing a lot of fun for the whole family and making family members smile and feel pleased and happy. One would never feel lonely with them. Another reason for my thinking is that some pets are good caretakers. They see to the house, secure their owners and protect them from danger, help to take care of children. Maybe one of the best examples of pets care is dogs that help blind people survive in their everyday life. Pets would never leave their owners alone in a difficult situation. Perhaps, the best reason is that treating pets as family members has a good influence on children’s education. Looking after the pet, children will learn not to be selfish and to think and take care about the others. For the above reasons, I therefore conclude that having pets is an advantage for people and pets owners can really benefit from treating pets like family members.

Blood and Oil Essay

How to explain the post-Cold War violence? Some attribute it to identity politics (xi-xii). Pace Samuel Huntington, the cause is a struggle for resources (xii). Oil as special resource: 2001 and since revelatory of the consequences of oil dependency (xiii-xv). Goal of book: â€Å"Tracing the evolution of U.S. oil policy and weighing its consequences for the future† (xvi). Ch. 1: The Dependency Dilemma: Imported Oil and National Security. Cento (1-4). Military sees it as an extension of the 1980 Carter Doctrine (5-6).Similar development elsewhere of military as â€Å"global oil-protection service† (6-7). Oil asked to U.S. economic and military strength (7-10). â€Å"Oil makes this country strong; dependency makes us weak† (11). U.S. policy has been to â€Å"securitize† oil (12).Dependency on imported oil surpassed 50%in April 1998 (13). Late 1990s policy debate (14). George W. Bush acknowledges problem but does not really counter dependency with policies (15). â€Å"Dependency is not a static condition†. (15) Forecasts of growing dependency thro ugh 2025 (17-18). Table of proven reserves (19). Reserves in volatile regions (18, 20-21). U.S. presence in these regions and the nature of the oil industry are inherently destabilizing (21-22). Competition (or demand) for oil is increasing (22-23).Result: global economic instability (23).Ineffectiveness of military strategy, which has serious unintended consequences (24-26). Ch. 2: Lethal Embrace: The American Alliance with Saudi Arabia. Importance of â€Å"U.S.-Saudi relationship† (26-27). Anxiety about oil supplies in early 1940s led to decision in favor of â€Å"substantial and orderly expansion of production in Eastern Hemisphere sources of supply, principally the Middle East† (April 1944, â€Å"Foreign Petroleum Policy of the United States†) (28-30). SOCAL creates CASOC and finds oil, 1938 (31).Recognition of importance leads Roosevelt to extend Lend-Lease to Saudi Arabia, 1943(32-33). U.S. govt. tries to set up the Petroleum Reserves Corp. to buy CASOC’sconcession, 1943 ― but resistance keeps it from being realized (34-35). A â€Å"public-private partnership† (David Painter, Oil and the American Century [1986]) characterizesU.S. Involvement in development of Persian Gulf oil (35). Roosevelt and In Saud forge alliance, Feb. 14, 1945 (35-37). U.S.commitment to defend Saudi oil fields and the Saudi government ― and other Persian Gulf oil sources ― â€Å"a major theme of cold-war history† (37-38). Iran crisis of 1946 and concern for Mideast oil: need to overcome domestic resistance to overseas commitments led to â€Å"apocalyptic terms† of the Truman Doctrine (39-41). U.S. helps create modern Saudi army and air force, 1949-early 1950s (40). Eisenhower Doctrine (Jan. 5, 1957) designed to bolster pro-American regimes in the context of Nasser’s flirtation with the Soviet Union (41-42).Vietnam War forced proxy-based Nixon Doctrine (July 1969); Saudi Arabia and Iran are proxies of choice (42-43). But it inspired domestic opposition and leads to Shah’s overthrow in 1979 (44-45). Hostage drama and Soviet invasion of Afghanistan lead to Carter Doctrine (Jan. 23, 1980): the U.S. will protect Persian Gulf oil â€Å"by any means necessary† (45-46). Creation of Central Command (46-47). Consequences of the Carter Doctrine: huge arms sales to Saudi Arabia (47-48), tilting toward Iraq in Iran-Iraq war (48-49), ousting Iraq from Kuwait (49-50). Aug. 6, 1990 Cheney-King Fahd meeting leads to Operation Desert Shield (51-52).Desert Storm (52-53). Containment of Iraq: No-fly zones, $40b in arms to Saudi Arabia (53). 9/11 attacks and Osama bin Laden’s hostility â€Å"provoked primarily by the deployment of American troops in Saudi Arabia and the continuing alliance between Washington and the Saudi royal family, â€Å"which was â€Å"a product of America’s thirst for imported oil and the monarchy’s hunger for protection† (54-55). Ch. 3: Choosing Dependency: The Energy Strategy of the Bush Administration. Bush administration’s May 17, 2001 National Energy Policy (â€Å"The Cheney report†) (Feigns commitment to energy independence (56-59). But Ch. 8reveals immensity of growing dependency on imported oil in a chart and calls on the president to â€Å"make our energy security apriority in our trade and foreign policy† (61-64). Hopes for source diversification (Latin America, Caspian Basin, and West Africa) â€Å"face high risk of supply disruptions and shutdowns† (64-66). Defense Planning Guidance of 1992 and the Project for a New American Century highlight military (67-69).George W. Bush’s Sept. 24, 1999 Citadel speech called for greater power-projection capabilities (69-70). A Feb. 3, 2001 secrets document aims at assessing military implications of the energy plan (70-71). These 30, 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review emphasizes power projection (71-72). Warn terror morphing into energy supplyprotection: â€Å"It appears that theadministration has merged its three mainforeign-policy and security policies(increased access to overseas oil, enhancedpower-projection capabilities, and intensifiedanti-terror operations) into a single, unified plan† (72-73). Ch. 4: Trapped in the Gulf: TheIrresistible Lure of Bountiful Petroleum. The Cheney report â€Å"committed the UnitedStates to perpetual dependence on PersianGulf oil† (74-78). U.S. strategy aims atraising Persian Gulf oil production â€Å"from 24.0million barrels per day in 1999 to 44.5 millionbarrels in 2020 † (79). Obstacles: economic,technological, political, and military (79-82).Strands of U.S. policy constitute a â€Å"strategyof maximum extraction† (82-84). Primaryimportance of Saudi Arabia led some toadvocate in 2002 for seizure of Saudi oilfields (84-86). Social, economic, political,and religious sources of Saudi instability (86-89). U.S. approach is to strengthen Saudiroyal family and encourage reform (89-90).Iraq war as a way of being able to withdrawU.S. troops from Saudi Arabia (90).Palestinian statehood also backed for thisreason (91). Likewise. calls for reform andfighting terrorism in Saudi Arabia (91-93).Overthrow of Saddam Hussein needed bothto foster Gulf stability and to boost Iraqiproduction (94-105). Iran’s policies are inopposition to U.S. plans in the Persian Gulf,and sanctions are an inadequate weaponbecause they impede development of petroleum resources (105-07). Iran also hasthe power to disrupt energy supplies byblocking the Strait of Hormuz (107-08). Forthe time being the â€Å"dual-track policy† of Zalmay Khalilzad, consisting of denouncingIran’s government while encouragingopponents of the regime is being followed,but more aggressive policies are beingconsidered (108-10). Gulf problems willcontinue to require U.S. troops: â€Å"No matterhow costly the effort grows, we cannotremove our forces from the Gulf as long aswe remain committed to a strategy of maximum petroleum extraction. To meetanticipated U.S. energy demand in the yearsahead while also slaking the thirst of otheroil-importing nations, the Gulf producersmust . . . boost their combined oil output by85 percent between now and 2020, andthese supplies must safely reach theirmarkets† (111-12). Ch. 5: No Safe Havens: Oil and Conflictbeyond the Persian Gulf.

Evaluation of Department of Homeland Security Management Research Paper

Evaluation of Department of Homeland Security Management - Research Paper Example It will be noted that the human capital strategic planning is in place to ensure that processes concerning human resource planning such as hiring, pay programs, and retention are undertaken through a more holistic model that provides an integration into the larger strategic plan of any organization for which it works (U.S. Executive Office of the President, 2004). Consequently, it can be said that this inclusion process ensures a more compact human resource planning program. The second component of the agency’s human resource system that can be analyzed is the rate of emphasis that the agency places on internal hiring. Hiring is a very important aspect of all human resource management roles as it sets the tone for the human resource base of an organization to be established. Consequently, the actual structures of the human resource base of an agency, including the weaknesses and strengths of the agency depend largely on the mechanisms that take place during the hiring process. As a part of the homeland security’s human resource management policy, preference is always given to internal employees from lower ranks whose competencies and experience permit for them to occupy vacant positions that exist on top of their hierarchy (U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2004). This does not mean, however, that no room is created for external hiring, but that this is minimized until the time when internal placements have been exhausted. In effect, the most likely position to hire from outside the organization is in very low divisions. Finally, the agency has a locality and special rate supplements in relation to retention that is used as a major human resource planning policy to ensure the retention of a diversified workforce. With a labeling of locality and a special rate, the commonest idea that comes to mind is that this form of rates is different from the generalized rates used by all other governmental agencies a nd institutions (Schwemle, 2004). In the case of homeland security, this provision has been made to ensure a form of motivation that would guarantee that there are employees who would want to put up specialized roles and work with the agency for long, so as to be beneficiaries of the rate. Imperatively, the locality and special rate supplements in relation to retention is an internal mechanism, together with the internal hiring process to ensure that there is an absolute retention among the labor force of the agency. Implications of Human Resource Workforce The three components of human resource planning discussed above come with three major implications, which could all be summed up in a common terminology known as increased productivity. This is because the inclusion of an external agency in hiring ensures fairness and adherence to state principles, which brings about a highly credible hiring process that is devoid of all forms of biases (U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2003b ). Once this is achieved, productivity can be guaranteed because the issue of putting square pegs in round holes will be done away with, thereby, ensuring that people are placed at positions where they can perform to their utmost best.

Persuasive Memo With Business Improvement Suggestions Essay

Persuasive Memo With Business Improvement Suggestions - Essay Example This is because the online customers will be able to access our products easily and raise views and questions at the same time. It is very unfortunate that the previous financial report shows that the company performance is not pleasing. This is because it reported a 10.3% decrease in return on investment. This shows that the profits are diminishing and an action to improve on the same is required. In order to solve this problem, I have come up with a proposal on creative ways. Persuade Cafe is a company with a good profile from its customers and the quality of its products. Also, the quality services offered to the customers are not questionable at all since their needs are met within a short time. This is clear from the survey done from 732 respondents where majority were content with our services and products. In addition, the survey shows that some customers do not know some of the products existing in Persuade Cafe like espresso drinks. Following the responses of the customers, I request the company to start advertising campaigns, improve on products and introduce new products in the market. The advertising campaigns will focus on prospective customers who are not aware of products and services offered. It will also educate the consumers on how to use the products in order to get the best result. Some of the customers are not aware on where they can obtain some of the company’s products. ... In another dimension, most of the products will be purchased due to the presence of free samples. In order to market the products widely, there is need to use media group like television, radios and newspapers. Introduction of new products in the market is another suggestion that will increase the returns. New types of coffee, tea, bakery and soft drinks will not only increase sales, but also create a competitive advantage to the company (Ober, 2007). The company will be in a position to compete with its competitors like Starbacks who also deal with almost the same products. The survey shows that there are complains on the quality of the products and services. Pastry is one product that many consumers are complaining about. Also, bakery items and espresso drinks are of low quality, which can lead to loss of customers due to lack of satisfaction. This was the main reason why the head of business development, Christopher, was disappointed by the customer survey results. In order to cat er for all consumers, I suggest Persuade Cafe to rebrand its products into small and big quantities. Since customers have different tastes and preferences, it is important to have the goods in different packages and colors. This will increase returns in the short run as well as in the long run and also attract fair competition. Having in mind that the economy is not performing well and the status of the company, this project costs a substantive amount of money, but you are assured of immediate return. Advertising, rebranding and packaging costs are all variable to the company hence easy to meet. Advertising campaigns and rebranding will enable the company maintain its current customers and attracting others. Quality products and services give the

Kierkegaard and Man's Search for Meaning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Kierkegaard and Man's Search for Meaning - Essay Example The religious stage, it is a leap of faith, and God being our fulfillment it becomes clear as we discover the adequacy of existence. God’s existence is suggested in our awareness of self-alienation and cannot be collapsed into scientific inquiry. Without risk, they are no faith and truth must be inward reality and cannot simply be grasped at cognitively. The venture chooses an objective uncertainly with passion of infinite (George 77). Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as felid believed. The largest task for any person is to find meaning of life. Frank saw three possible sources of meanings in working, love and courage in difficult times. Forces beyond your control can take every thing possible expect your freedom to choose on how to respond on situations. Man, however, can live or even die for the sake of values and ideas. Statistical survey explained that 78% percent said that making money was their first goal in life. Neurogenic neuroses do not come from conflict between drives and instincts but rather from existing problems. It is a frustration often eventuates in sexual compensation (George 67). Ultimately, man should not ask the meaning of life rather he recognizes that it is who is being asked Love is the only way to grasp another human innermost core of his personality. No one can be fully aware of every essence of another human unless he loves him. It emphasizes that is an ultimate purpose of

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 396

Assignment Example There are two issues that come out clearly in this case. Quon’s, Duke, boss tells him there would be no need to carry out an audit of the text messages as long as he paid the overages. On the other hand, the OPD makes it clear that none of the pager messages would be private. Quon went ahead to make an assumption that his boss’ pronouncements could override he provisions of the OPD. No part of the OPD provisions indicate that an employee’s pronouncements were superior to documented OPD provisions. Quon thus wrongfully expected privacy due to a mere fact his boss had promised not to audit the messages so long as he paid the overages. Such a pronouncement, therefore, does not suspend the OPD provisions. That renders Quon culpable. If the case had involved an employer-supplied device other than a pager, it surely would have been decided the differently. The OPD provisions are very particular/specific on the device involved. It only refers to the pager text message as not being private. If a device had been involved other than the pager, the provision wouldn’t have applied. The case would have been decided differently. Quon demand for privacy would have been validated. Auditing text messages is obviously less intrusive than phone wiretapping. This is because in the case of auditing text messages, the device user is made aware of the need to carry out an audit. In the case of phone wiretapping, the user’s device such as telephone is covertly monitored. This is considered unlawful in most cases. Phone wiretapping is more intrusive than carrying out an audit of the messages. There is no broad ground for determining Quon’s case. There a number of technical aspects of the case, all of which must be weighed. If the broadly applicable rules for electronic communication had been applied in determining the case, the court would have looked at how Quon’s use of the work device for other personal communication had affected his use of

Research paper about lululemon Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

About lululemon - Research Paper Example The industry also has many established players such as Nike, Adidas, and GAP inc. among others. Economic factors such as increasing production costs and regulated prices across political jurisdictions are significant. Legal provisions such as intellectual property laws and political environments such as trade policies are also significant (Forgeon, et al. 38, 40). Delta Galil is one of the major suppliers. The supplier is established, with about 10000 workers and annual revenue of about one billion dollars. This suggests stability of the suppliers whose clients include Lululemon’s major competitors such as Nike. Eclat Textile company is another of the suppliers, has high revenue level and deals in Lululemon’s competitors. Workday INC is another major supplier. The suppliers are stable and deal with Lululemon’s competitors, a factor that suggests fair supplier powers, but Lululemon only commands a limited percentage of the suppliers’ revenues, and this limits its bargaining powers (Forgeon, et al. 25, 26). Lululemon’s distinct product design is one of its strengths ans allows it to develop brand image. The design also aims at establishing product quality and therefore develops a competitive advantage. The attained high quality also allows for price increase towards greater profit margins. Short lifecycle that ensures faster product inception is also strength and allows the company to respond to possible dynamic changes in the market. Research and development that focus on data from customers’ opinions is strength and allows for immediate response to customers’ changing needs (Forgeon, et al. 18, 19). The company has limited partnerships in distribution of products and this is its major weakness. Apart from its retail stores, Lululemon only deals with clubs and studios, while partnerships with other stores and franchises could facilitate more revenues. The company has significant growth opportunities in North America and