Sustainability Essay -- Sociology Third World Economy Essays

Sustainability Max Weber believed in the power of an idea. This political theorist discussed how Calvinism was one idea that perpetuated the rise of capitalism. Few people ever examine the power of an idea, but if one examines and contemplates this theory, a realization comes across: that ideas drive society. The key premise is that some values of our society must be altered in order to avert catastrophic consequences. The way of life in developed countries is "the origin of many of our most serious problems"(Trainer, 1985). Because developed countries have high material living standards and consume massive quantities of all resources, "hundreds of millions of people in desperate need must go without the materials and energy that could improve their conditions while these resources flow into developed countries, often to produce frivolous luxuries"(Trainer, 1985). People's way of life seems to be a glaring example of values leading to high rates of personal consumption of resources and the waste of these same materials. In addition to overconsumption, the services used to supply our society with goods, (examples of these goods would be food, water, energy, and sewage services.) tends to be wasteful and expensive. Production is organized in such a way, (usually highly centralized) that travel becomes an enormous burden. Another consideration is that our population is expected to increase to rise to eleven billion within the next half century. Considering the mineral and energy resources needed in the future, these estimates must also include the consumption of a population almost doubled from its current status and these same figures must include an expected increase in the affluence of developed countries. "If we are willin... ...st be adopted by every person on the planet, (starting in the developed world), otherwise the world will cease to support life. Bibliography Holdgate, Martin. From Care to Action. 1996. Earthscan Publications Ltd, London. Trainer, F.E. Abandon Affluence. 1985. Zed Books Ltd, London. Von Tunzelmann, G. N. Technology and industrial progress : the foundations of economic growth. Aldershot, Hants, England ; Brookfield, Vt., 1995. Adams, W. M. Green development : environment and sustainability in the Third World , W.M. Adams. London ; New York : Routledge, 1990. 5. Anderson, Anthony, B. Alternatives to deforestation : steps toward sustainable use of the Amazon rain forest , editor. New York : Columbia University Press, 1990. 6. Auty, Richard, M. Approaches to sustainable development , edited by Katrina Brown. London ; New York : Pinter, 1997.

Adavantages and disadvantages of space tourism Essay

Tourism is a worldwide popular trend .people love exploring different places by going to destinations which are alien to them. Their are various forms of tourism like ecotourism, cultural tourism, medical tourism ete.. Recently, a new type of tourism was added to list. Namely space tourism. It is just as the name suggest going to space for various purposes like leisure, business ete.. today in this article I will look at the pros and cons of space tourism. One of the main merit of tourism is that it helps to develop economy. As we all know space tourism is a very wide industry hence it will open a path for many job opportunities bringing a solution to the problem of jobless people to a certain extent. Furthermore we will get to discover a wide variety of new things. We can experience firsthand the beauty of comets, asteroids, stars and planets rather than seeing them by using a telescope, after all seeing with our own eyes have a different feel completely. In addition to this ,the fu ture of tourism will flourish. When advanced technological inventions like space shuttles and such are used a lot of people will be attracted to this industry .This is very much true right? Just imagine if we come across an event which we are not very familiar with then the tendency to learn it also grows. On the other hand, there are a lot of demerits of space tourism as well. Space tourism is quite a risky thing. No matter how developed we are if a catastrophe strikes in outer space we are not very likely to survive .moreover, it can be called simply a useless activity. Just for the mere pleasure of the eye there is no need to spend so much. It is a squander of money and time Instead, if that same amount is given to the people who are suffering from famine and natural disasters, magnanimously we can make our world a better place for people of different standards. Space tourism is also affordable to a few. Even one trip to space takes over hundred thousand dollars. This results in different problems between the rich and poor .furthermore, it gives rise to a lot of environmental problems like global warming since a lot of non renewable sources are used in this industry. Space tourism is both a boon and ban .if it is carried out carefully then it will bring about lot of benefits and if it is not carries out carefully then get ready to face the worst outcome.

Business Across Borders Essay

In the business world today, borders are blending and multi-national mergers are causing many company nationalities to become indistinct. As the globalization of markets rapidly increases, many companies are finding international expansion a necessity of competition. North America is greatly affected by this movement towards a global market, and many companies are finding it extremely important to adapt to other cultures. Favorable trade agreements and explosive growth of the middle class in countries once considered underdeveloped have both been important factors in the rush towards globalization. However, the most important factor in increased globalization has been technological advancements, including new transportation and information technologies. Presentation of information is more frequently processed by members of a virtual team – a work group not necessarily in the same geographical location. With the proliferation of e-mail, videoconferencing, fax machine, and the telephone, virtual teaming is becoming increasingly efficient. The most considerable obstructions to successful international marketing involve misinterpretations and contrary views resulting from cultural differences. Being both aware of some of these issues and prepared to make the necessary accommodations can save companies time, effort, and a considerable amount of money. Exploring Context Context is described as the most important dimension of culture and yet is the most difficult to define. Context refers to the stimuli, environment, or ambiance surrounding an event. Communication styles and business practices as a whole are often identified with the context of a country. North American, Scandinavian, and German communicators are generally considered to be low-context cultures. They expect a high level of detail in their visua,l verbal and written communication. Low-context cultures tend to  be analytical, logical and find words and contracts very important. Individualism, freedom and personal achievement are highly valued by these cultures. High-context cultures, such as Japan, China, Arabia, tend to assume the receiver does not need much background. Information and words are not as important as what is surrounding the situation. They are more aware of a communicator’s status, interpersonal relationships, the setting, and ambiance when conducting business relations. In general, tradition and social customs are more important in high-context cultures. These cultures emphasize membership in organizations and groups. Because they avoid confrontation, they frown upon individual decision making and prefer consensus. Relationships In many countries personal relationships are the key to success. It is important to not expect to get down to business right away, but rather get to know a person first. In Mexico, for example, business deals are only made with friends, so one must develop a friendship with any business partner. It is considered polite to ask personal questions about family, and also to answer any questions about your family. Discussions are warm and friendly. In Japan it is unlikely to get very far without connections. Carefully chosen intermediaries are a necessity. Not only will the Japanese feel obliged to be loyal to them, but rank of one’s associates will determine their status as well. A Japanese businessman will always consult within his group before making a decision. Because of their intense loyalty, one’s identity is subsumed into the group. It is important to never single out a Japanese counterpart, even for praise or encouragement. Contrarily, the Spaniards have a hierarchy style of management and it is best to deal with â€Å"el jefe† or â€Å"el pardon†-the one who will be making the decision. Spaniards also will expect whomever they are dealing with to have decisions-making authority. Saving Face When dealing with Spain or most Asian cultures, it is also critical to understand the concept of â€Å"saving face†. Any loss of control of emotions or embarrassment is considered disastrous in business negotiations in these cultures. Honor and personal pride mean everything and they must not be insulted. Because of this attitude it is very important to carefully prepare presentations so that they are easy for the audience to understand. Paying close attention to determine if anything is misunderstood during the presentation is also a must. Because of this concept of â€Å"saving face† the presenter will not know if they are having difficulties. Close attention must be paid to conversations in order to discern the sincerity of what is being said. In Japan, a deal is never refused directly, and any dealings with Japanese business culture should remain indirect. Business Cards In nearly all countries, it is important that business cards be printed one side in English, and the other in their language. When presenting the card, it should be presented with their language facing the recipient. In Japan, the exchange of business cards is not to be taken lightly. When you receive the card of a Japanese businessman, be sure to make a show of examining it carefully and then making a remark about the card. Ask any questions about anything on the card which is difficult to pronounce or understand. The card should then be placed in a case or on a near by table. A card shouldn’t be shoved into a pocket or be written on. Concepts of Time Time orientation is an important cultural difference that Americans must pay close attention to. In America, time is viewed as a precious commodity. Time is related with productivity, efficiency, and money. Many other countries have a much more relaxed perception of time. They take their time, and enjoy it. In Mexico you can ask if a scheduled appointment is â€Å"en punto† (the precise time), or â€Å"mas o menos†. â€Å"Mas o menos† appointments are often scheduled a half an hour to an hour before the actual time. With both  Mexican and Japanese cultures it is also important not to expect instant results. Plenty of time should be allowed for contemplation and decision making. In Mexico it is important to adjust any expectations regarding deadlines and efficiency. Conclusion Doing business over borders and through time zones has become commonplace in the twenty-first century. Technological advancements in communication and travel make it possible to do business across the globe almost instantaneously. Doing business with multiple cultures can be a challenging venture. International communication skills of an organization can determine success or failure. In order to interact with different cultures, it is necessary to understand the basic characteristics of the culture. This type of understanding helps to make adjustments and accommodations. We must rid our minds of pre-conceived notions, stereotypes, and prejudices. It is imperative that one be knowledgeable about such topics as: context, traditions, social rules, etc. It is equally important to possess competent listening skills and to be aware of one’s own nonverbal messages. The ability to adapt to an intercultural perspective is probably one of the most crucial aspects of doing business in today’s â€Å"global village†. Bibliography Sellin, Robert H. J and Elaine Winters. Cultural Issues in Business Communication. Berkeley: Program Facilitating and Consulting, 2000. Guffey, Mary Ellen. Business Communication: Process and Product, 4th ed. Mason, Ohio: South-Western, 2003 â€Å"Etiquette and Local Customs†. The Traveler’s Yellow Pages Online. http://www.infoservices.com/stpete/342.htm. InfoServices International, Inc., 2002 â€Å"What to Know Before Negotiting† Execitive Planet.com. http://www.executiveplanet.com/business-culture.html.

Dont Let These 3 Tools Out of Your Sight

Dont Let These 3 Tools Out of Your Sight Whether you’ve taken a break from work for family or personal reasons or have been in the same job since printer paper had those tear-off edges, it’s important that you keep your skills current. This obviously applies to your technical skills and job-specific responsibilities, but here are some simple professional areas to make sure you’re keeping up with the times. 1. GmailAside from their professional email address (their names @ employer.com), my parents still share a personal email address. Until AOL got hacked a year ago, it was an AOL.com address. This is not how to be current.I give this advice to the college freshmen I teach too- get yourself a gmail address with your real name in it. If yours is taken, try a combination with initials or underscores, but don’t get cute with the numbers. In fact, just don’t get cute at all- avoid RollerSkateDiva@Hotpants.com, for example.2. LinkedInWhile my dad is an avid Facebook oversharer (don’t wor ry, I made sure his profile went friends-only once he retired), my mom doesn’t want her face anywhere on the internet. If she’s looking for a new job someday, I worry that she won’t have the kind of positive professional presence that most employers look for. I’m lobbying to get her to set up a LinkedIn profile- it will only have professional information, it allows her to connect with colleagues and potentially useful members of her extended network, and it puts her firmly in control of the reputation her name has online.If you have a LinkedIn already, congratulations! Welcome to 2009! Make sure your summary has up to date contact info, including phone, your new professional email, and a few highlights from your resume’s achievements section.3. SkypeThis is apparently the post where I heckle my nearest and dearest, but my husband has some kind of Skype-induced rage syndrome. Somehow, every time he logs on to use it when he’s working from hom e or out sick, it won’t load or glitches or takes forever to update (the way programs you haven’t opened in a million years often do).My recommendation, should you be in the market for interviews that may ask you to call in over Skype, is to set up your profile (and give it a professional, recognizable handle) a few days early, and practice with a friend or relative you should really be calling more anyway. Practice logging in, locating your contact, initiating and receiving a call, and hanging up so you’ll be ready and professional come game time.  Staying Current is Key to Managing a Successful Career  Read More at www.social-hire.com

Why Soda Is Bad for Your Teeth

Why Soda Is Bad for Your Teeth Youve heard soda is bad for your teeth, but it is really true? If it is, why is it bad? Answer: Yes, soda damages your teeth. Drinking a carbonated beverage is actually one of the worst things you can do for your dental health. The reason is because the carbonation that makes soda bubbly also makes it extremely acidic. Many sodas also contain citric acid, which gives the drink a tangy flavor, but destroys teeth. Its a one-two punch with sweetened sodas, because the low pH attacks tooth enamel, while the sugar feeds bacteria that cause decay. Youre not off the hook drinking diet soda, because its mainly the acid in soda that harms teeth. How To Minimize Damage To Teeth From Soda The best way to minimize damage to your teeth from soda is to avoid drinking it. If you cant give it up, try to reduce how often you drink it and follow these tips: Avoid colas and regular orange soda. Regular, diet, or flavored cola is the most acidic. The one with the highest sugar content is regular orange soda. Consider testing a sweetened soda to see how much sugar it contains. The results may surprise you! Non-colas drinks are still terrible for your teeth because they contain higher levels of citric acid. The pH of these drinks may be higher, but citric acid binds to calcium and erodes enamel.Sip soda through a straw. Drinking through a straw minimizes the contact between teeth and the acidic drink.If you must drink soda, try to have it with food rather than by itself. Food helps regulate the pH inside your mouth, limiting the acid attack on teeth.Rinse your mouth with water after drinking soda. This will help neutralize the pH and reduce the level of sugar. Alternatively, eat a dairy food. Dairy products help remineralize tooth enamel. You could also chew on a crunchy vegetable or xylitol-containing gum. This helps clean teeth.Dont brush your teeth right after drinking a soda. It sounds like it would be a good idea, but it actually makes a bad situation worse because the mechanical action of the toothbrush erodes weakened enamel. Allow at least half an hour after drinking soda (or eating anything acidic, like citrus or sour candy) before grabbing the toothbrush. Switch to root beer. Genuine root beer contains natural carbonation, so it doesnt contain the same levels of destructive phosphoric acid or citric acid. You can test how bad soda is for your teeth. If you can get hold of teeth (they dont need to be human teeth), soak them in soda and watch how quickly the dissolve. An easier option is to soak chicken bones. Bones arent quite as hard as teeth, but are chemically similar. The acid strips calcium from teeth and bones. Bones are left rubbery because they contain a lot of collagen. Teeth dissolve almost completely.

Foundation - DBQ 1 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Foundation - DBQ 1 - Assignment Example Therefore, a strong foundation entails the development of a framework that provides for the development of school counselling programs. This will ensure that counselling professionals do not address issues when they arise, but develop strategies that ensure issues do not occur. In addition, the prior development of the foundation ensures that the school counselling program is comprehensively integrated into the schools mission (Young and Kaffenberger 20). The integration of the program will ensure that each student in the school is included in the program, irrespective of whether the student indicates problems that require counselling or those that do not. Establishing a foundation before counselors can delve into the counselling curricula facilitates the identification of the key components of a developmental school counselling program (Young and Kaffenberger 6). Furthermore, critical factors such as the skills, attitudes and knowledge that students should acquire as a result of the schools’ counselling program are identified before the counselors can begin their work. Therefore, the development of this foundation ensures that the schools counselling strategy is comprehensively designed and delivered systematically for each and every student in the school. Evidently, the foundation of the schools counselling program can be described as program standards that facilitate consistency in the creation, design and implementation of these programs in schools. Young, Anita and Carol Kaffenberger. Making DATA work: A process for conducting action research. Journal of School Counselling 11 (2013): 1-31. Web. 12 September 2014.

Health Care Disparities in the United States Research Paper

Health Care Disparities in the United States - Research Paper Example Yes, it is possible to eliminate health disparities in the United States. Eliminating the disparities that exist in healthcare is politically sensitive and rather challenging because they are somehow intertwined with a controversial record of race relationships in the US. Â  Some of the approaches that can be applied in eliminating health care disparities include increasing the competence and number of healthcare practitioners in areas which are underserved, expanding health insurance coverage, increasing the awareness base on root and arbitration to decrease the occurrence of health care disparities and raising community and health care practitioners understanding of racial or ethnic health care disparities. These strategies combined with others by the government are bound to be successful in eliminating health care disparities in the US. Â  The similar theme is that exists in the assigned articles is that eliminating health care disparities is key to improving the general quality of health care provided in the US. Most Americans do not often receive the quality health care that they deserve or on other occasions, the health care they get causes them harm (Williams, 2007). It is such incidences that have resulted in health care disparities in America.