Essay on Cyber Security A Necessity Nowadays Essay Example For Students

Paper on Cyber Security: A Necessity Nowadays Essay Digital assaults are not simply in fiction films, they are a truth of our reality. The expense of digital assaults are assessed at $100 billion to $1 trillion yearly (Eschelbeck, 25). The explanation of this isn't hard to comprehend. PCs are available all over the place. Individuals are constantly associated posting data about their lives on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. On the business field is the equivalent. The most piece of undertakings have their bases electronic. All the exchanges and significant data are in PCs. Digital Security is presently perhaps the greatest need of the world, on the grounds that our lives resolve around PCs, the digital assaults are significantly expanding in number each day, and the digital assailants are turning out to be more expert.We are dependent on innovation. Americans ages 18-64 who utilize interpersonal organizations state they spend a normal of 3. 2 hours of the day doing so(Vacca, 10)The virtual life became as significant as reality. Generally of the individuals that has online access to this virtual media is difficult to pass over, one day without checking the news on the web. Spend time with companions and then converse with others for all intents and purposes is normal. We put all data about ourselves on a PC. On virtual media we are associated with individuals around the world, we have data about our life, and the house errands that we do each day. In a similar time that is pleasant, yet this is extremely risky. As indicated by the Fukuoka Rosa 2Statistic Brain site, there are more than 1.4 Billion Facebook clients worldwide and 98% is the level of 18-24 years olds who as of now utilize internet based life. This implies it is anything but difficult to track down close to home data about the most piece of individuals. This data are focus of ad . .of taken data these days, the quantity of digital assaults are expanding just as the nature of these assaults. Thus, it is significant clients and undertakings give more consideration in digital security. Adhere to the security directions and to put resources into security devices are vital to have a sheltered framework and to evade digital assaults. Works CitedBishop, Matt. PC Security (2004): 100 110. Print.Dunn Cavelty, Myriam. â€Å"Cyber-security and danger politics† The New York Times (2008). PrintEschelbeck, Gerhard â€Å"Security Theat Report 2014† SOPHOS (2014). PrintHarden, Seth. â€Å"Social Networking Statistics† Statistic Brain. Web 01 January, 2014 com/long range informal communication statistics>.Pfleeger, Charles P. Security in Computing (2006): 25 50. Print. Vacca, John R. â€Å"To the Barricades: Cyber Security† The Economist (2007). Print

MDG Presentation Essays

MDG Presentation Essays MDG Presentation Essay MDG Presentation Essay Deliberation The Importance of Information Technology ( IT ) can non be over underlined as it is extremely vital in all plants of life ; Agriculture. Wellbeing. Training. Security. Amusement and so on. It gives new opportunities to bettering open introduction and key battle. Be that as it may. not many associations have effectively gotten a handle on the odds empowered by IT. for the most part because of their restricted capacity to gauge the effect of IT on ardent open introduction and obliviousness. My Industrial Training Program has presented me to the IT business with hands-on useful experience on Computer innovation and bundle improvement. The reasonable side of figuring can be seen everyplace. These days. for all intents and purposes everybody is a registering machine client. also, numerous individuals are in any event, figuring machine coders. Geting registering machines to make what you need them to make requires escalated hands-on understanding. Be that as it may, figuring machine logical control can be seen on a higher degree. as a logical order of occupation goals. PC researchers must be adroit at designing and breaking down occupations. They should other than have the option to design arrangements and check that they are correct. Issue work trip requires accuracy. innovativeness. what's more, cautious intelligent reasoning. PC logical order other than has solid associations with different subjects. Numerous occupations in logical control. innovation. wellbeing consideration. concern. furthermore, different nations can be tackled viably with registering machines. be that as it may, happening an answer requires bo th registering machine logical order expertness and discernment of the impossible to miss application circle. In this way. processing machine researchers every now and again become proficient in different themes. Organization PROFILE ABOUT CONNECT TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED In 1986. the laminitis had a fantasy and the motivation to send Information Technology Solutions and participate effectively in the Nigerian Economy. His crucial. was to work the undiscovered assets of the nation’s Information Technology ( IT ) Industry. With more than 100 man-years connate expert presentation combined in. Interface Technologies Limited was in 2000 consolidated as a taking specializer IT Solutions Provider. Objective Our clients’ achievement is our development Statement of purpose Associate Technologies Limited is devoted to accomplishment of its vision and strategic utilizing the accompanying worth chain’ assault: Client Focus †Customer First Doctrine: We will work persistently to comprehend our clients’ IT needs. also, endeavor to run into or rise above their standpoints. using the best example assault. Our Peoples †Connect Technologies’ Management Team is its most noteworthy in addition to. The Team comprehends the Nigerian IT needs and difficulties in the competitory planetary financial framework. Responsibility †To flexibly the most noteworthy level of committedness to quality help and stocks to our customers. Capacity STATEMENT †EXPERIENCE Associate Technologies’ passage into the data building industry is upheld with in excess of 100 man-long stretches of blood connection and pertinent expert experience of its prima practicians. Interface Technologies’ proficient and administrative work power base. no vulnerability. speaks to truly outstanding in the business today. Working in coaction with our capable mates in Nigeria. Asiaâ€India. Europe and the USA. we have the capacity to design. flexibly. put in LAN-based/multi-level Application Software. train. also, keep complex data designing frameworks. both household and abroad. Vision To be and remain a taking IT Solutions Provider with capablenesss to present and present utilitarian hello there tech Software endeavors with maximal advantages to all customers. Our develop of customer fulfillment is gotten from the way that we seek to chop down our execution personal time to the barest lower limit while expanding our clients’ productiveness in any event cost to them. Proficient SERVICES Associate Technologies example and carry on the worry of Informatics and Information with impossible to miss notice to every single related action and exchange the Information and Communications Technology ( ICT ) enterprises and administrations †influencing Software Development and Hardware group of stars arrangements. The core administration is centered around worry of plan. furthermore, improvement of Information Technology Knowledge Infrastructure endeavors with unconventional notice to the plan of Application Software and Solutions and interfacing them with Local Information Infrastructure ( LII ) . National Information Infrastructure ( NII ) and Global Information Infrastructure ( GII ) . As expert IT mentors. Associate Technologies’ composes and oversees specific I. T Seminars. Workshops and Conferences for corporate associations †especially the financial business for the goal of overhauling the discernment and operational expertness of Informatics Technology. The modified arrangement grasps in-house readiness on Information Technology and Communications Technology †especially Internet Development and Operation Training. Center COMPETENCE Abilities: Design. mechanize. Incorporate. Support and Manage complex innovation driven Application Software frameworks †Our Solutions are 100 % autochthonal endeavor. HR Highly gifted Software Development A ; Implementation Team Arrangements A ; Servicess LAN Groupware Applications and Solutions Internet Solutions A ; Web Portal Design and Installation of Local A ; Wide Area Networks Offshore Software Project Development Technical Training Facilities Management Undertaking Management Expertness Connect Technologies Limited has solid establishment in Infrastructural. Budgetary. Specialized. Product and Marketing Resources. Today. this expertness in Retail Banking Consultancy. Programming Development. Systems administration and different administrations will benefit major Bankss and concern associations everywhere throughout the state. Associate TECHNOLOGIES SOLUTIONS EPortal Solutions Enterprise eGovernment Operation Solutions Enterprise Educational Portal Solutions Enterprise Business Intelligent Solutions Enterprise Campus-wide Knowledge Solutions Enterprise Recruitment Solutions Endeavor Cooperative Financial ( CoopFinance ) Web-based Financial Application intended to automatize every Cooperative action from Member Registration. Investment funds A ; Loan Application. Endorsement Process and Repayment Processes. Diary Posting. Record Management. Pool Fund Management. Payable A ; Receivables ( Members A ; Third Party ) . Undertaking Banker? ( CT2001 ) Banking bundle uncommonly intended to automatize all financial exercises. from banking requests of retail customers. regular financial requests of investings and exchange money exercises to full movement study summarize. Venture Stock Master? Stock Application focused towards mid-went stock and Stock Brokerage. Monetary and Investment Houses in its range. It is uncommonly intended to automatize every single stock action. from investor enlistment of customers and stock requests of investings and exchange account exercises to full movement study summarize. Endeavor Inventory/Payment System Enterprise Manufacturing and Inventory System is intended to advance the productivity of Trading/Sales Network. Net saless Warehouses and Manufacturing capacity. It is a finished Manufacturing/Inventory System [ With Customer Support System. Money related Management System. Stock Control System ] [ Including Gross saless. Buy. Bills Receivable and Payable. Pay and Expense care ] With arranged utile Reports. Cash Transfer Management Systems MTMS. form CT2003 is a full Multi-Currency Solution focused towards business Bankss. Trader Bankss. Savingss and Loans. Money related. Traveler Traffic Systems and Investment Houses. It is exceptionally intended to automatize all on-line cash transportation exercises. from guiding and getting of cash to rapprochement of chronicles and full movement study summarize. The Application is unafraid and reliable. Advanced Image/Account Security System Digital Image/Account Security System is an application intended to oversee customer’s chronicles and flexibly equivalent Account Security through Digital Image Capturing and Confidential Data Protection. Significant PROJECT REFERENCES Signal-to-commotion proportion Client Nature of Undertaking Status 1 NITDA Supply of e-Learning Application System to RITC Completed 2 NITDA ICT Consultancy on Development of Computer Network Security Standards Completed 3 NITDA Part of Consortium of ICT Consultants that created Framework Architecture and Standards for e-Government Applications Completed 4 Shell-East Cooperative Investment Limited. Ph IT Financial Consultant. Sending and Implementation of Enterprise Cooperative Financials Software Completed and is being bolstered 5 NITDA ICT Consultancy A ; Implementation of eGovernment Undertaking for Federal Government Completed 6 NITDA e-Government Workflow PS-NET Pilot Application conveyed at FMST. Administration. National Assembly. Fund Ministry. BOF ( Budgets Office ) . Common Service Commission. EFCC. PARP and Ministry of Education Completed 7 Akwa-Ibom State Government ICT Consultancy on SIT Park Project Completed 8 Trithel International Consulting E-Business Solutions ( online business gateway ) Completed 9 Akwa Savings A ; Loan †Uyo. Unical Community Bank †Calabar. Olomi Community Bank †Ibadan. Karakata Investment Limited †Ogbomosho. Aniocha Community Bank and so forth Deployment of our Enterprise Banker Completed and is being bolstered 10 Riggs Securities. Lagos Deployment of our Enterprise Stock Master? Arrangements Completed 11 Toyota Nigeria Limited E-Business Solutions Completed 12 Henrich Boll Foundation. Financial Rights Initiative. NOTAP ( National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion ) . ITAN (

How to Get Out of a Payday Loan Debt Cycle - OppLoans

How to Get Out of a Payday Loan Debt Cycle - OppLoans How to Get Out of a Payday Loan Debt CycleInside Subprime: Dec 14, 2018By Lindsay Frankel  While payday loans may have short terms, they create long-term debt problems for most borrowers. In fact, most borrowers end up paying more in interest and fees than the principal amount of the loan. That’s because costly payday loans are difficult for cash-strapped individuals to pay off on time.Four out of five payday loans are renewed or rolled over, leading to mounting interest. For low-income families already struggling to make ends meet, these predatory loans are unaffordable. Interest rates vary by state, but average four hundred percent; payday loans in Idaho cost borrowers an average APR of 582 percent.But the payday loan debt trap, while seemingly insurmountable, doesn’t have to cause financial ruin. There are several strategies you can try to get out of debt:Start with the High-Interest DebtsIf you have multiple outstanding loans or other forms of debt, you’ll want to knock out those with the highest interest rates first. This will reduce the total amount you end up paying. Payday loans are probably your most expensive debts, but paying them off can be tricky. You may need to secure additional income, or seek help from relief organizations or friends and family.Request an Extended Payment PlanTalk to you lender and request an extended payment plan. Reach out to the loan provider before your payment due date and if they agree, the lender will draw up a new agreement that divides your balance across future pay periods, so paying off the loan becomes more manageable. As long as you don’t default on your payments, the lender will not tack on additional fees.Some states mandate lenders provider and extended payment plan option, but it won’t be offered to you automatically; you’ll need to contact the lender and make a request.RefinanceYou may be able to take out a lower-cost loan to help cover your high-interest debts. You can try talking to credit unions , which often offer payday loan alternatives , but you’ll likely need to be a member for a period of time. A personal loan is also an option for some. If you have bad credit or lack credit history, consider taking out a no credit check installment loan, which has longer terms and lower interest rates than payday loans. This option will also help you build credit, so you can work towards a healthy financial future.Seek Payday Loan Debt ReliefIn some ways, asking for help is one of the most difficult paths out of debt. Try reaching out to friends and family first and explaining your situation. Paying back someone you trust who won’t charge interest can make debt repayment manageable. Alternatively, you can try asking your employer for an advance on your next paycheck. Just make sure you’ll have the funds to cover your expenses once the loan is paid off.There are also a number of nonprofit organizations that may be able to offer assistance. According to the Federal Trade Commissi on, “Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs.” Some nonprofits and faith-based organizations may even be able to provide financial assistance in addition to guidance. Just be aware of scam artists who charge high fees for counseling services while promising to get you out of debt.If you find yourself trapped in a payday loan debt cycle, know that you’re not alone, and there are solutions. Once you’re back on your feet, you’ll want to set up a savings plan to avoid needing to borrow in the future.For more information on payday loans, scams,  cash advances, and  title loans,  check out our state and city financial guides.Visit  OppLoans  on  YouTube  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  LinkedIn

What Happened at Sea During World War I

Before World War I,  Europe’s Great Powers assumed that a short land war would be matched by a short sea war, where fleets of large heavily armed Dreadnoughts would fight set-piece battles. In fact, once the war began and was seen to drag on longer than anticipated, it became apparent that the navies were needed for guarding supplies and enforcing blockades - tasks suitable for small vessels - rather than risking everything in a large confrontation. Early War Britain debated what to do with its navy, with some keen to go on the attack in the North Sea, slashing German supply routes and trying for active victory. Others, who won, argued for a low key role, avoiding losses from major attacks in order to keep the fleet alive as a Damoclean sword hanging over Germany; they would also enforce a blockade at distance. On the other hand, Germany faced the question of what to do in response. Attacking the British blockade, which was far enough away to put Germany’s supply lines to the test and comprised of a larger number of ships, was hugely risky. The spiritual father of the fleet, Tirpitz, wanted to attack; a strong counter group, who favored smaller, needle-like probes which were supposed to slowly weaken the Royal Navy, won. The Germans also decided to use their submarines. The result was little in the way of major direct confrontation in the North Sea, but skirmishes between the belligerents around the world, including in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Pacific. While there were some notable failures – allowing German ships to reach the Ottomans and encourage their entry into the war, a thrashing near Chile, and a German ship loose in the Indian Ocean – Britain wiped the world sea clear of German ships. However, Germany was able to keep their trade routes with Sweden open, and the Baltic saw tensions between Russia – reinforced by Britain – and Germany. Meanwhile, in the Mediterranean Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman forces were outnumbered by the French, and later Italy, and there was little major action. Jutland 1916 In 1916 part of the German naval command finally persuaded their commanders to go on the offensive, and a portion of the German and British fleets met on May 31st at the Battle of Jutland. There were roughly two hundred and fifty ships of all sizes involved, and both sides lost ships, with the British losing more tonnage and men. There is still debate over who actually won: Germany sunk more, but had to retreat, and Britain might have won a victory had they pressed. The battle revealed great design errors on the British side, including inadequate armor and munitions which couldn’t penetrate German armor. After this, both sides demurred from another large battle between their surface fleets. In 1918, angry at the surrender of their forces, the German naval commanders planned a final great naval attack. They were stopped when their forces rebelled at the thought. The Blockades and Unrestricted Submarine Warfare Britain intended to try and starve Germany into submission by cutting as many seaborne supply lines as possible, and from 1914 – 17 this only had a limited effect on Germany. Many neutral nations wanted to keep trading with all the belligerents, and this included Germany. The British government got into diplomatic problems over this, as they kept seizing ‘neutral’ ships and goods, but over time they learned to better deal with the neutrals and come to agreements which limited German imports. The British blockade was most effective in 1917 – 18 when the US joined the war and allowed the blockade to be increased, and when harsher measures were taken against the neutrals; Germany now felt the losses of key imports. However, this blockade was dwarfed in importance by a German tactic which finally pushed the US into the war: Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (USW). Germany embraced submarine technology: the British had more submarines, but the Germans were larger, better and capable of independent offensive operations. Britain didn’t see the use and threat of submarines until it was nearly too late. While German submarines couldn’t easily sink the British fleet, which had ways of arranging their different sizes of ships to protect them, the Germans believed they could be used to effect a blockade of Britain, effectively trying to starve them out of the war. The problem was that submarines could only sink ships, not seize them without violence as the British navy was doing. Germany, feeling that Britain was pushing the legalities with their blockade, began to sink any and all supply ships heading for Britain. The US complained, and German back peddled, with some German politicians pleading for the navy to select their targets better. Germany still managed to cause huge losses at sea with their submarines, which were being produced faster than Britain could either make them or sink them. As Germany monitored British losses, they debated whether Unrestricted Submarine Warfare could make such an impact that it would force Britain into surrender. It was a gamble: people argued USW would cripple Britain within six months, and the US - who would inevitably enter the war should Germany restart the tactic – wouldn’t be able to supply enough troops in time to make a difference. With German generals like Ludendorff supporting the notion that the US couldn’t get sufficiently organized in time, Germany made the fateful decision to opt for USW from February 1st, 1917.​ At first unrestricted submarine warfare was very successful, bringing British supplies of key resources like meat to just a few weeks and prompting the head of the navy to announce in exasperation that they could not go on. The British even planned to expand from their attack at 3rd Ypres (Passchendaele) to attack submarine bases. But the Royal Navy found a solution they previously hadn’t used for decades: grouping merchant and military ships in a convoy, one screening the other. Although the British were initially loathe to use convoys, they were desperate, and it proved amazingly successful, as the Germans lacked the number of submarines needed to tackle the convoys. Losses to German submarines plummeted and the US joined the war. Overall, by the time of the armistice in 1918, German submarines had sunk over 6000 ships, but it was not enough: as well as supplies, Britain had moved a million imperial troops around the world with no loss (Stevenson, 1914 – 1918, p. 244) . It has been said that the stalemate of the Western Front was doomed to hold until one side made a terrible blunder; if this was true, USW was that blunder. Effect of the Blockade The British blockade was successful in reducing German imports, even if it didn’t seriously affect Germany’s ability to fight until the end. However, German civilians certainly suffered as a result, although there is debate over whether anyone actually starved in Germany. What was perhaps as important as these physical shortages were the psychologically crushing effects on the German people of the changes to their lives which resulted from the blockade.

Human Trafficking Sex Slaves - 788 Words

â€Å"It’s impossible to protect all girls from guys like I was, because that’s what we do. We eat, drink and sleep, thinking of ways to trick young girls into doing what we want them to do† (Knapp). This chilling quote from a short documentary is the exact words from an ex-pimp. Human trafficking, as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is â€Å"organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor).† This definition does not cover the ways in which people are brought into this chaos; persuasion, some forced, and some even grow up in that environment. Most Americans know it as is international problem that does not affect them; some†¦show more content†¦The video goes on to talk about how these men and women find and sell these children and women. Amber goes over the different places online that pimps use to sell their women. She goes in-depth on the detailing of the ads that suggests these women are young and possibly even minors. Ms. Lyon goes as far as posting her own ads and seeing just how far these men are willing to go. The video is very well produced and directed. When the mood is intense the scenery and music lines up with the intense mood. When the mood is gloomy and depressing the music and the transition effects added to the video add tons of emotional feedback from their audience. When Amber was talking to women about being sold for sex, many would begin crying thinking about the terrible history and things they had to go through. During times like these the camera would zoom in on the faces of these women and give the audience a perfect view of the pain and agony on the faces of these women. The majority of the video is gloomy and sad. Many times during the viewing of this film I got chills thinking about the horrendous things these women and children experienced. The video has had 269,759 view on YouTube alone. Websites like Craigslist and Backpage get away with having these adult links because they have a policy that says there site is not to be used for prostitution and you have to agree to the terms when posting your ad. It is not illegal to be anShow MoreRelatedHuman Trafficking Problem: The Sex Slave Industry Essay1681 Words   |  7 Pagesmentioned subject, the sex trade proving once again that man sees vulnerability as an advantage; an easy opportunity to make money. Statistics published in the Sex Slaves article, indicate a substantial growth of trafficked victims worldwide. As many as 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. The sex trade refers to the illegal selling and buying of human beings who are then either sexually exploited and/or used as domestic slaves. This gruesome crime againstRead MoreSlavery in History713 Words   |  3 Pagesslavery affected many people for the good and the bad. The economy and plant ation owners were affected in the act of slavery. You should be informed that, how slavery affected the United States, how does human trafficking collide with slavery, and the living conditions of the slavery and human trafficking. Slavery did not only affect the United States, but also the economy of the United States. The only states with African slavery, were Maryland and Virginia, becoming foundation of the Southern agrarianRead MoreEssay about Sex Trafficking: How Can We Make It Stop?1158 Words   |  5 PagesSex Trafficking: How Can We Make It Stop? Introduction Sex trafficking is a problem that is happening and occurring all over the world. Many families and individuals suffer due to sex trafficking. Many people are not even aware of what it really is. Sex trafficking is when young girls, as young as five or six, get kidnapped and are used for the sexual pleasure of others with a profit, or are sold as sex slaves to other people. The official definition is, â€Å"Human sex trafficking is a form of slaveryRead MoreSex Trafficking : A Common Issue For A Long Time1394 Words   |  6 Pages Sex trafficking can happen everywhere. People do not even realize when it is happening. Someone could be living their life, just as they normally do, and decided to go to the mall. Sometimes they may not even know that a little kid is going to be kidnapped, and later raped. This is what sex trafficking is. Sex trafficking is commonly defined as when violence, drugs, lies, or any other form of coercion is used to force another person to have sex against the ir will. (Sex Trafficking in the U.S, 1)Read MoreThe Issue of Human Trafficking1512 Words   |  7 Pagesslavery† is the illegal trade of human beings for forced labor and exploitation; referring to using others for sexual exploitation, organ trafficking, and forced labor. This international crime is happening all around us and little to nothing is being done by governments. â€Å"Roughly two hundred thousand slaves are working here in America† (Madox). So the land of the free, well, it might not be so free after all. Coming in second after drug trafficking, â€Å"human trafficking generates about 35 billion dollarsRead MoreThe Issue Of Sex Trafficking1275 Words   |  6 Pages For thousands of years women and children, boys and girls have been sold into unwilling slavery. In 1927, the League of Nations was founded, this organization was formed to focus on world peace and it also focused on human trafficking. In 1932, Japan had set up a system where women all across Asia were forced into sexual slavery. The women were housed in what were known as comfort stations. The conditions in these stations were atrocious, with each woman detained in a small cubicle, and receivedRead More Human Trafficking Essay1408 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Trafficking is the unlawful trade of human beings for various purposes such as reproductive slavery or sex slavery. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC] protocol on trafficking, â€Å"Trafficking in Persons is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception , of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receivingRead MoreThe Global Impact Of Human Trafficking1640 Words   |  7 PagesThe Global impact of Human Trafficking Human trafficking is a global issue that receives very little attention throughout the modern world; this issue effects every country on the global and all different types of cultures. Hillary Clinton said in 2009 â€Å"Trafficking thrives in the shadows, and it can be easy to dismiss it as something that happens to someone else, in somewhere else, but that is not the case. Trafficking is a crime that involves every nation on earth, and that includes our own.† (BehnkeRead MoreHuman Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery Essay1020 Words   |  5 PagesHuman Trafficking is a horrendous crime that takes advantage of people through the illegal trading of human beings for purposes of forced labor, and commercial sexual/child exploitation. Traffickers tend to prey on the vulnerable, those who want a better life, have little or no employment opportunities, very unstable, and have a history of sexual abuse. With this being popular in society, anyone can easily become a victim. By being an undocumented immigrant, runaway and homeless youth, and a victimRead MoreThe Depravity Of Humanity : Global Human Trafficking1257 Words   |  6 PagesHumanity â€Å"Global human trafficking is big business† (Gale, Cengage Learning). This quote in of itself warrants a deep seated fear and revulsion. But it is also true. Human trafficking is not exactly a new thing; it is as old as humanity itself. That is why Prostitution is considered the world’s oldest profession because it has been around since the birth of humanity. Also, the following sentence quote shows the age of human trafficking. â€Å"What may surprise those who think of trafficking as a recent

Self Case - Student Educational Loan Fund, Inc. - 6103 Words

Case 2: Analysis of Alternatives Student Educational Loan Fund, Inc. Institution: University Gadjah Mada Program: Master of Management Course: Risk Management Tutor: Mrs. Erni Ekawati, PhD. Title: Case 2: Analysis of Options Subtitle: Student Educational Loan Fund, Inc. Date: November 17, 2008 Place: Yogyakarta Authors: Martin Koopman Doddy Handaryadi Anindito Prabowo Gumirlang Wicaksono Introduction This report describes the situation which Rick Melnick faces in the fall of 1995, when assuming the responsibilities as Associate Director of Financial Management at Harvard Business School (HBS) (Ekawati, 2008). Rick had to oversee the Student Educational Loan fund (SELF), analyze a change of plans and†¦show more content†¦In the future, SELF will be able to set limits on their cost of debt, by using some of the available alternatives (see next chapter). Furthermore, we know that the limits on the debt ratio are 4 to 1, in comparison with the net worth of SELF. Interpreting this, we assume that SELF may have a maximum of 80% debt, with 20% equity in their capital structure (4 to 1). The current Prime-rate is 8,75% and will be used as a basis to calculate the possible WACC for SELF. Assuming that the debt rates are before tax, we will subtract a tax rate of 30% on the debt rates, resulting in: WACC = {(D/E+D)*[Cd*(1-0,30)] + (E/E+D)*(Ce)} (Saunders Cornett, 2008) WACC max (with 100% equity) = {(0/100)*[8,75*(0,70)] + (100/100)*(10)} = 10% WACC min (with 80% debt) = {(80/100)*[8,75*(0,70)] + (20/100)*(10)} = 6,9% Since SELF will still be exposed to a default risk of some percentage (lets say 1,00% instead of 1,40%) and we believe that it is unlikely that SELF will ever reach an equity level of 100%, we think that the WACC should be adjusted to show a more realistic number. For example, historically the Prime-rate or LIBOR has also reach levels of approximately 10% (Ekawati, 2008), thereby increasing the minimum WACC to about 10%. Although this situation is less likely, since SELF is a non-profit organization, we believe it should include these scenarios into their calculation of WACC as well. If we then also includeShow MoreRelatedSelf Case - Student Educational Loan Fund, Inc.6096 Words   |  25 PagesCase 2: Analysis of Alternatives Student Educational Loan Fund, Inc. Institution: University Gadjah Mada Program: Master of Management Course: Risk Management Tutor: Mrs. Erni Ekawati, PhD. Title: Case 2: Analysis of Options Subtitle: Student Educational Loan Fund, Inc. Date: November 17, 2008 Place: Yogyakarta Authors: Martin Koopman Doddy Handaryadi Anindito Prabowo Gumirlang Wicaksono Introduction This report describes the situation whichRead MoreStudent Education Loan Fund, Inc (Abridge)1409 Words   |  6 PagesStudent Education Loan Fund, Inc (Abridge) Introduction Background of case Study Rick Melnick is an Associate Director of Financial Management at Harvard Business School (HBS). He had decision to make regarding the new funding policy under the management of Student Educational Loan Fund (SELF). SELF was established in 1961 to fund loans to HBS. Traditionally, HBS student loans required the borrower to pay semi-annually with variable interest rate policy. Under the new plan, the studentsRead MoreHow Financial Aid Awareness Affects College Access and Success14272 Words   |  58 Pagessuccess. Federal, state, and institutional aid programs help to ensure that students can afford higher education regardless of economic background. Financial aid is most effective when students and families learn about it early enough to make the right choices and plans about high school coursework, family savings, work and earnings, and college options. This literature review explores the questions of how and when students and families learn about college costs and financial aid, an d how the timingRead MoreThe Degree of Success of Reza Shah Pahlavi after the 1925 Coup1542 Words   |  7 Pages1907 that stated all laws had to coincide with Islamic shari’ah law. Secular officials deduced which cases belonged under the power of which court. The power of the ulama was further diminished in the courts when Reza Khan forced all judges to have a degree from specific universities. Many waqf lands were also confiscated from the ulama. A large portion of the shah’s funds were diverted to education. The shah’s method for the implementation of his political reforms wereRead MoreBankruptcy Among Youth5014 Words   |  21 Pagescard. It is due to the desire to purchase everything that they want making them easily to involve with the loan. As the result, many youth where below than age 30 were involves with bankruptcy. 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Restraint, Weight Suppression, and Self

Restraint, Weight Suppression, and Self-Report Rel Essay iability: How Much DIn the analytical report entitled Restraint, Weight Suppression, and Self-Report Reliability: How Much Do You Really Weigh? By P.J. Morgan and D. B. Jeffrey, they look at the eating habits of people and categorize them as three types of people. Those categories are Dieting and Overeating group, Current Dieting, and Weight Suppression. The Dieting/Overeating group consists of individuals who undergo repetitive cycles of dieting and overeating,(Morgan, 1999). They have the appearance of a diet, but overeat every once in a while to make up for it and to fulfill food desires. The Current Dieting group encompasses those who consider themselves to be currently on a diet and who consume less food than what is required than what is required for maintenance of their current weight, (Morgan, 1999). They are ones that eat small portions of food and starve themselves to keep their weight down or to lose weight. This can also be categorized as anorexia nervosa, a clinical eating disorder that afflicts primarily women. The last category is the Weight Suppressors, who successfully lost weight and have kept it off for some time, (Morgan, 1999). These people have lost the weight by some means and have kept the weight off by adopting better eating and exercise habits. The groups were split into two groups, the control group and the variable group. The experiment was to see what the effects would be on each type of person in the variable group when enticed with a milkshake Preload which tastes better than a regular milkshake and is higher in fat and calories. The control group would not receive the Preload shake so the experimenters could monitor normal reactions of persons from each group. The result was the Preload group ate more than the control group regardless of their category. The authors concluded that the dieting and appetite suppression is a mental game of the person and is only as strong as their own conscience and taste. However, that is only one way to look at the information. The structural functionalist perspective focuses on the manifest and latent reasons for dieting. The manifest reason a person to diet is to look better physically. Physical acceptability is very important to people, both male and female alike. It is a part of out status as a human and gives value to our appearance as well. The latent function is to make ourselves healthier inside and out, by improving our immune system and eliminating cholesterol from our blood vessel, which could cause blockage. The functionalist sees dieting as a superficial task only to be used to change our outward appearance to gain respect and admiration from others. The conflict perspective shows losing weight and dieting as a sort of contest between all members of society. They see the people with thin, healthy bodies and compare them selves to them. The healthy people with thin bodies are the Physical Bourgeoisies, and those without are the Physical Proletariat. Those who have a healthy, good looking body and those without are at constant conflict with each other to be the most desirable around; that is where the dieting comes in. Men and women alike do it mainly for competition for mates. Women see men ogling models in Victoria Secret commercials and then try to become that. Men too see male models and feel intimidated by a better physique. Men however do not see this as an opportunity to feel bad about themselves; they see it as a threat that must be defeated. The best ways for a man to do this is become what he is competing with, and then better. The physical aspects are seen as the determining factor for what kind of mate a person can get. .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df , .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .postImageUrl , .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df , .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df:hover , .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df:visited , .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df:active { border:0!important; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df:active , .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7d8827f797e5f577b8cfc785610440df:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Sickle Cell Disease Essay The better the body, the better the mate, or so the legend tells us.The symbolic interactionist view dieting as a self-improvement for a persons confidence and their self-image and a diet is what improves both. They take Charles Horton Cooleys Looking Glass Self therom and apply that to themselves everyday and those who diet do not like what they see. They see themselves as not being good enough for the opposite sex or other

The Houyhnhnms In GulliverS Travels Essays -

The Houyhnhnms In GulliverS Travels The Houyhnhnms in Gullivers Travels In the last part of the novel Gullivers Travels, by Jonathan Swift, a dichotomy is established which crtiticizes two extreme ideas of man. The Houynhnms, a race of horses, are meant to symbolize man as a supremely rational being and the Yahoos, a primitive, vulgar version of humans, are made to symbolize man as an animal. The narrator Gulliver is a sort of reference point between the two, since in physical appearance he seems to be a Yahoo, but his ability to reason enables him to relate well to the Houynhnms. Readers have interrpreted the rational horses in a number of different ways. Some feel that the Houynhnms are the ideal to which humans should strive to attain. Others feel that the Houynhnms are as evil as the Yahoos. It is my opinion that Swift uses the Houynhnms and the Yahoos to illustrate both ends of the unattainable spectrum of reason, and why both are completely undesireable ways of life. It is implausable to think that the Houyhnhmns are the ideal way for man to be. They have no writing system, as well as no passions, no love for family or friends, no real opinions and they are governed solely by Reason. Their lack of strong feelings can be understood through their attitude to their offspring; They have no fondness for their Colts or Foles, but the Care they take in educating them proceeds from the dictates of Reason. Indeed, Love plays no part in even the institution of matrimony. Mates are selected based on their coloring, and to produce offspring that will enhance the species as a whole. Even death evokes no emotion among the Houyhnhnms; If they can avoid Casualties, they die only of Old Age, and are buried in the obscurest Places that can be found, their Friends and Relations expressing neither Joy nor Grief at their Departure. Why would the human ideal be existing as emotion-less, passion-less creatures devoid of feeling and driven purely by reason. Although Gul liver so admires them, Swift does not mean us to take this admiration seriously. When Gulliver first encounters the Houynhnms, he takes an immediate liking to them, saying Upon the whole, the behaviour of these animals was so orderly and rational, so acute and judicious, that I at at last concluded they must needs be Magician. This admiration grows and grows until he quickly comes to believe that these creatures are perfect in every way possible. The fact that these creatures are horses, not humans, symbolizes how Swift believes that no humans can be so perfect. The extent to which Gulliver worships these creatures is further delineated by his self-loathing; When I happened to behold my Reflection of my own form in a lake or a Fountain, I turned away my face in Horror and Detestation of myself. Gulliver even tries to imitate them in a ridiculous attempt to be accepted in their society. Gulliver can be looked upon as a human, trying (in an effort to escape his animal tendencies) to become supremely rational which is a futile effort. Man can never be purely rationa l because man is an animal. Being face to face with man in his animal form (the Yahoos) further propels Gulliver into his futile effort to be completely reasonable and logical eventually leading to his insanity. Once Gullivar leaves the island, he is disdainful towards the rest of his race who he sees as vulgar Yahoos. His new attitude towards his fellow man is displayed in his treatment of Don Pedro. Don Pedro treats Gulliver with nothing but kindness and affection, and yet Gulliver repays him with disgust. The same happens when he is reunited with his wife and children. He has so adopted the belief system of the Houyhnhnms that he views them as primitive, ugly beast-like creatures and he is filled with contempt for them. In an effort to gain some form of Houyhnhmn companionship, he buys two horses and converses with then for hours upon end each day. Is this the way man will end up should he attempt to become a purlely logical being, such as the Houyhnhnms? This seems to be the poi nt that

buy custom Citizens of America essay

buy custom Citizens of America essay Affirmative Actions: History, Critics, Majorities vs. Minorities, and Current Issues Citizens of America hear it all the time even as early as pre-school when they as kids would gather and rise up out of their seats every morning to say the nations pledge: I pledge allegianceto the republic [United States of America]for which it standsone nationwith liberty and justice for all. Even before the pledge of allegiance was officially recognized by congress as our nations creed in 1942, America (post-revolutionary and presently) has always strived to contour socially, politically, and morally to what the very essence of this pledge stood for, as written by Francis and Edward Bellamy in 1892: united American nationalism and trust in its government (Longley, par.1-2). However, America, being the socially diverse and multi-cultural creature it is, its no surprise that such national creeds like the pledge of allegiance will inevitably be interpreted differently amongst citizens (all from a plethora of different backgrounds) even dismissed and disapproved by others, no matter h ow patriotic they claim to be. This especially holds true for the controversial dogma created only by the pledges last two words: For all. After all (though still amended a couple of times before what it states now) the original pledge was supposed to include the words equality and fraternity but the Bellamy boys were smart and omitted the words for knowledge that their primary distributors, as well as many post-civil war readers, were against equality for African Americans and women and for fear that their piece would not be published (Baer, pg.63). Today when comparing other nations from around the globe to theirs, most Americans like to think that everybody is included in every aspect of its nations dream, that since the U.S. runs on a democracy and its society is divided by class and not caste systems, that everybody has a chance at reaching the high points of success stigmatized by the culture of the times. And while this ideal holds true, that every citizen in the U.S. does ha ve a running chance at becoming whatever they want to be in accordance to social standards, it definitely does not mean that every citizen was placed initially on the same starting line as others. This is because even though citizens proclaim things like liberty and justice for all American society as far back 1600s has penalized individuals opportunistic ventures for a better life, job, education, etc. based on things like race, gender, religion, sexual orientations, etc. But as stated before, American society has always tried to contour itself to its early proclamations (e.g. the pledges, for all and the Declarations, all men are created equal) of being an immigrant founded country in which anybody from anywhere can live to pursue happiness and be free from stifling persecutions found in other countries. However, what about persecution that was initialized domestically? Monumental historical events such as the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, for example, were both domesti c struggles that sought to equalize the American individual racially and push for a new society in which a white, male persecution would be absent and those of minority status can begin to enjoy benefits once previously denied to them. From these events originated other struggles for equality such as Americas Affirmative Action policy and the movement it created in the late 80s (Rubio, 114). The fight for affirmative action is one that, in itself, is also becoming a bit of an American historical movement. This is because affirmative action is basically doing what both the Civil War and Rights Movements aimed to achieve: the suppression of white male supremacy, however, condensing the fight down to workforce sectors and their employment opportunities and hiring regulations while also including other public domains for personal-advancement, such as higher education institutions. As with almost all social movements, affirmative action has been met with vocal proponents and opponents ha rvesting very conflicting views on the subject. The numerous clashing of such oppositions has made Affirmative Action a continually evolving social movement even today. But even given its long history of intensive social and legal battles, Affirmative actions overall mission was/is always to fairly and gradually bring minorities up to that same starting line that white, male Americans have pushed off of for so long. The essence of modern Affirmative Action movements can be traced as far back as past American historically significant events like the slave trades, The Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. Though it is really the period beginning from 1945 to the early 70s and the social, political and legal events that occurred during these years that best represents the most noteworthy evolutionary steps that shaped affirmative action to what it is today. The 1940s was a shaping decade for the United States. After WWII struggles, America during this time was in a state of political and social content and the nation could finally consider itself as a world power and presence (Rubio, 114). The U.S. government now had the responsibility of building itself up domestically. This was primarily through legislation that helped establish new while expanding previous public entities like schools and education, housing, and jobs/employment (Rubio, 114). However the policies that helped enforce this type of funding greatly benefited whites and denied blacks several of their privileges. These unfair government regulations and ordinances is what stirred the first pre-civil rights movements, leading the next decades into a national fight for social/racial equality and opportunistic uniformity. For instance, the regulating of the Federal Housing Administration G.I. Bill (or formally known as the Servicemens Readjustment Act of 1944) was preferential to white veterans only it did not explicitly say it (Rubio, 117). Instead the bills guidelines were constructed in a way that only adhered to the needs of white vets while dismissing black veteran needs as unnecessary disallowing the huge beneficial advantages this piece of litigation gave to men returning home from war and their families (Rubio, 117). Black men were not the only ones omitted from the benefits of the G.I. Bill. Women as well felt the discrimination as they too were denied the bills education and employment benefits (Rubio, 118). Of all the disadvantages FHA regulations brought to minorities (more so black men and their families) the most notable would probably be housing aids and the polarity of race in neighborhoods of working and middle class families that came from it. This was due to the G.I. Bills housing financial aid it gave to white veterans which gave them the chance to live in the growing suburbs of America. The growing American dream of the 40s and 50s wa s pictured as a white, financially stable family residing in a peaceful suburb (Rubio, 120). The FHAs ordinances help to spur this American dream notion and slowly more white families felt influenced to move out of the cities, where the danger of nuclear disaster (Cold War scares) and the cohabitation with blacks were absent, and into the suburbs (Rubio, 122). In the end, the FHA (as well as racist contractors who denied their services to black Americans) successfully created homogenized residential areas where entirely almost all of Americas black population lived in the city and whites predominately lived on the peaceful outskirts of it (Rubio, 122). The differences in residency not only showed blacks that their race was not a part of the overall American dream, but it also effected them in other aspects, like job opportunities which in turn effected their income making opportunities as well (Rubio, 122). Even after the popular Shelley v. Kraemer (in which a black man was denied l iving in an all white neighborhood after buying a home because 30 out of 39 owners signed a restrictive covenant which stated no blacks could be able to purchase residence there) FHA discriminatory practices lingered up till 1955 (Shelley v. Kraemer, par. 1)(Rubio, 123-124). Because of governmental administrative injustices like that of the FHA and the social polarity they created against black and white cultures, America during the 50s and 60s was met with black opposition against the unchallenged control of the white man in almost all aspects of American society. These acts of opposition collectively created what Americans know today as the African American Civil Rights Movement. The African American Civil Rights Movement was a definite foundation of modern day affirmative actions practices, the combined sum of Black movements against white privilege produced the compromise with the status quo known today as Affirmative Action (Rubio, 140). Major legal battles, protests, marches and strikes of the Civil Rights Movement helped to bring down barriers created to keep the black American behind the curve. There was the Supreme Court Case Brown v. Board of Education of 1954 in which parents and community groups, backed by the NAACP, filed suits challenging s egregation of public schools. The case was successful in striking down the separate but equal doctrine of Plessy v. Ferguson and mandating the desegregation of schools across America (Brown v. Board of Education, par. 3). The decision of Brown led to a racial uproar in the south, where bitter white southerners enacted more measures to distance themselves from black Americans. On the other hand, it gave black southerners the confidence to question the constitutionality of all forms of social/public segregation, not just public education (Montgomery Bus Boycott, par.10). This led to the challenging of southern segregation laws like the Montgomery law, which required racial segregation on all buses (Mntgomery Bus Boycott, par.8). The fight for bus equality ignited when one woman, Rosa Parks, was arrested on December 1, 1955 for refusing to abide by the ordinances of the Montgomery law which states all black bus passengers must give up their seat to accommodate white passengers (). Rosa Parks arrest prompted monumental Civil Rights leaders, such as Jo Ann Robinson, E.D. Nixon, and Martin Luther King to organize what will be later known as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the most collectively participated movements of the time. After over a year of legal battles, protesting, boycotting, and picketing the massive boycott was successful and in 1956 Browder v. Gayle district court ruling overturned litigation such as the Montgomery law and stated that segregation of white and negro bus passengers deprives citizens of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment (Montgomery Bus Boycott, par.16). The black struggle for equality during the Civil Rights Movement not only led to desegregation of public entities (school, transportation, etc.) but it also helped spur colorblindness within the private sectors as well, like the workforce. This was mostly because black activists efforts were both diligent and highly contagious to public opposition which was, at times, very violent. Being in a time when Cold War fears were high as well, and domestic anarchy a constant worry, America took its first steps to crafting anti-discriminatory litigation and push to make African American full citizens (Rubio, 144). The 1964 Civil Rights Act, for example, was congress initial push for nondiscriminatory practices regarding employment and education and is viewed to be the basic statutory framework for [modern day] affirmative action (Dale, par. 2). The acts Title VII created equal opportunity regulations for public and private employers with 15 or more employees (Dale, par.2). Title VII also for the first time gave judicial power to give relief funds to those deemed as victims of workforce discrimination (Dale, par.2). Though these regulations were created to remedy past discriminatory practices of an employer, they were hardly ever strictly enforced (Dale, par.2). Title VI of the act prohibits racial or ethnic discrimination in all federally assisted programs and activities, including public and private educational institutions (Dale, par.2). It also required schools and colleges to take affirmative action to attain a more diverse student body (Dale, par.2). The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was viewed by activists as a good start in integrating races in the work place and schools while also providing some sort of resolve for past discriminatory practices (History of Affirmative Action, par.4). But white backlash and riots of the mid-1960s convinced civil rights leaders that there needed to be more extensive measures to ensure blacks could compete equally with whites (History of Affirmative Action, par.4). After making his historic speech endorsing the need for affirmative action before Howard University, Lyndon Johnson issued Executive order 11246 which [required] firms under contract with the federal government not to discriminate and to use affirmative action so that applicants are employed fairly and employees are treated without regard of their race, creed, color, or national origin (History of Affirmative Action, par.4). Even presently, Executive Order 11246 requires all employers with 50 or more employees and those with federal contra cts of up to $50,000 to file written affirmative action plans that include minority and female hiring goals and timetables (Dale, par.5). The order also helped create administrations like the Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCC) to help enforce this policy (History of Affirmative Action, par.5). Although Johnsons Executive Order 11246 was a clear and definite step towards racial opportunity equality in America, the orders initiative was often too vague to uphold it in court while also making it a bit difficult for the OFCC to enforce it (History of Affirmative Action, par.6). Even though being such a vocal proponent of affirmative action, Johnson left office without any definite, long-term affirmative action (History of Affirmative Action, par. 7). It was now up to the Nixon administration to pick up the issue of affirmative action and to promote the first serious affirmative action plan ... that required government-determined, numerically specific percentages of minorities to be hired (History of Affirmative Action, par.8). Nixons administration did this by reforming an old plan that the Johnson administration had set forth of hiring standards set forth the construction industry in the city of Philadelphia (History of Affirmative Action, par. 8). This plan became known as t he Philadelphia Plan. The most major revamping of the Philadelphia Plan by the Nixon administration was setting minimum standards, or specific targets for minority employees in several trades (History of Affirmative Action, par.8). Overtime, the Philadelphia Plan survived an array of both legal and congressional battles before being viewed as a legitimate piece of legislation (History of Affirmative Action, par.10). Eventually, the Philadelphia Plan was incorporated with Executive Order 11246 which in turn affected all federal government contractors, who were required for the first time to put forth written affirmative action plans with numerical target (History of Affirmative Action, par. 10) . Soon after the Philadelphia Plan was put into action, legislation at the federal and state levels were passed creating new affirmative action plans/implementations using Nixons creation as model (History of Affirmative Action, par.12). This is because of the plans unique dynamic of [mixing] of numerical targets and [the] requirements of good faith effort [which] was a milestone in the history of affirmative action (History of Affirmative Action, par.12). The Philadelphia Plan has helped fuel modern day offshoots of affirmative action legislation which are still currently enforced today (History of Affirmative Action, par.12). Peoples Opinion, Critics, Majorities vs Minorities Affirmative action was received differently by different groups of people within the United States society. At the inception of affirmative action in the United States of America the people were divided on the issue. Some supported it stating that it would help the American society deal with issues of discrimination. On the other hand, a group of people mostly made of the whites rejected affirmative action stating that it would introduce preferential treatment of a certain group of people especially blacks and women to acquire positions that they do not qualify for (CRS Report for Congress, 2005). In the past the majority of US population was white. They enjoyed most of the opportunities while the other groups suffered. White males in the United States enjoyed unfair advantages in school and college admission, employment opportunities, and job promotions. The white community were favoured in places like health facilities and educational facilities because they enjoyed the advantages given to them as the majority. They also enjoyed the right to vote and took leadership roles that allowed them to make important decisions that affect the whole society. Therefore, they did not support affirmative action because they viewed it as an action that would threaten the opportunities they enjoyed. They opposed it completely. They viewed affirmative action as a move that had a preferential treatment for people who did not deserve it (US Census Bureau, 2003). On the other hand, minority groups in the United States comprised of women and racial groups, such as black Americans. These groups supported affirmative action because they viewed it as an action that would help them redress the discrimination and atrocities that had been committed against them. These included the denial of fair education, voting, and employment rights. It was through affirmative action that they would receive fair treatment and enjoy all the rights that were previously disapproved by other people. Affirmative action served as compensation and counterbalance for the tendency to underrate women, blacks, and other members of minority groups. These minority groups had been discriminated to the extent that they remained poor and could not access jobs to earn money to satisfy their basic life necessities. Affirmative action would help redress all these issues. Through civil rights movements and womens rights movements minorities in America fought for the implantation of the affirmative action to ensure that their grievances are redressed amicably (Lader, 2010). Critics of affirmative action oppose affirmative action stating that it gives preferential treatment on certain groups while discriminating on other groups. A notable criticism of affirmative action is the view that affirmative action policies that focus on helping black Americans violate the Fourteenth Amendment of the constitution and civil right laws. Critics state that affirmative action destroys the ground that has been set up for all persons to compete and benefit from. This view is logical when considered in a context that overlooks historical injustices that black Americans and other minority groups including women were subjected to. Other critics of affirmative action state that it stigmatizes and undermines the credentials of other minorities that are qualified in certain areas. They state that affirmative action degrades the effectiveness of qualified persons in minoriity status. However, this view does not make significant difference because it does not introduce stigmas that were not existent in the lives of the minorities. Critics also state that affirmative action was introduced as a temporary program that was meant to start a process of redressing the injustices that minority groups were subjected to before the 1960s. For instance, former governor for California Pete Wilson considered affirmative action a program that gave preferential treatment on the basis of historical injustices not applicable in the present world. Therefore, the use of affirmative action in the present world where all people enjoy similar rights and have a level playing ground to achieve their potential is unfair (Bardes, Mack C. Shelley, Schmidt, 2011). Supporters of affirmative action state that it is the only way to achieve equality among all people in USA. They state that the society exposes people to many forms of inequalities that can only be solved through institutional help, for instance historical injustices. Therefore, affirmative action compensates minorities for the past injustices laid against them. Affirmative action also prevents majority groups from enjoying unearned privileges in education, employment, and other opportunities in the society. It also helps create a fair society discouraging systematic exclusion of people who would have been otherwise excluded from important societal decisions and opportunities. They also state that affirmative action provides all ethnic and racial groups an equal representation at all levels of the society. In addition, it improves group decision-making by discouraging single dominance of entities in the society. There are also people and groups who did not and do not support affirmative action. They state that affirmative action is a type of discrimination in its own way. They state that affirmative action discriminates against non-minority groups by introducing institutional discrimination. They also state that affirmative action fills job places that could have been taken by productive people with less productive people. They also state that by preserving opportunities for minorities, affirmative action destroys the spirit of hard work in the American society (Lader, 2010). President Richard Nixon led supporters of the affirmative action and gave the first forceful plan named Philadelphia Order that would ensure the implementation of the affirmative action. This was a test case that would guarantee fair hiring of people in construction jobs in Philadelphia. This was followed by a series of civil rights movements and womens rights movements that led to the implementation of the affirmative action. All forms of discrimination were fought in job places and educational institutions. Universities such as university of Texas and university of Michigan implemented affirmative action programs in their institutions. All states in the United States of America implemented affirmative action programs. The White House also formulated its guidelines on affirmative action. In response to affirmative action issues presented by the opposing sides the Supreme Court has always based its decisions on public opinion. For instance, in 1995 the public was equally divided in regard to affirmative action. The Supreme Court restricted affirmative action allowing some of its proposals while restricting on others. However, in 2003 the public support for affirmative action overweighed its opposition. Thus, the court permitted certain issues of affirmative action that were not granted in the ruling made in 1995 (CRS Report for Congress, 2005). Current Issues In the 21st century, the United States will become a mosaic of minorities as population dynamics continue to change the demographic landscape. (Sterret, 2005) With our growing rates of immigration increasing steadily the more conflict arises on the issue of affirmative action. Also, with the continuous rise for minority power in the workforce the problem of affirmative action is still very much controversial, which many people choose to shy away from in choosing to speak about it. The use of affirmative action policies in government agencies have been banned by voters in the states of California, Michigan, Nebraska, Washington, and Arizona while Utah is on the brink of doing the same (Not so black, 2010). Proposition 209 came into law in November 1996, which banned every form of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, or ethnicity at any public entity in California. It was the first to come to action on banning affirmative action. ). In 1998, Initiative 200 passed a law in Washington with a 48.22% vote to stop affirmative action by state and local governments. Michigan Proposal 2 prohibits affirmative action programs in state agencies and institutions, which became law in December 2006, with 58% voters supporting to ban this practice (Chace, 2011). Initiative 424 was passed in 2008 in Nebraska with a 48% vote. The Arizona civil rights amendment Proposition 107 was passed in 2010 with a 59.5% to ban affirmative action (Chace, 2011). Higher educational institutions must adapt ways that will create a positive opportunity for all students while achieving excellence. It is a constant struggle for colleges and universities to strive for greater diversity. There have been a lot of unanswered questions in dealing with affirmative action. According to Current Issues Involving Affirmative Action and Higher Education although many agree that the achievement of racial and ethnic diversity in both student bodies and faculties is a desirable goal, there is no agreement on the means that should be used to attain this goal. (Sterret, 2005). In regard to colleges and universities, Sterret explains Arredondos discussion in a study in 2001. It was made evident that although colleges do not admit to using any quotas and separate admissions practices between ethnic backgrounds, it is still used today. However, there is a slow decrease in the use of affirmative action in higher institutional programs. Research shows that public 4-ye ar colleges and universities in the U.S. considering minority status in admissions have fallen from more than 60% to about 35% (Chace, 2011). The Supreme Court was involved in its first affirmative action case in twenty-five years in the year of 2003.The cases involving the University of Michigans law and undergraduate programs stirred up some controversy. In the cases of Grutter v. Bollinger and Grutz v. Bollinger, the Supreme Court ruled that race can be taken into account in the admissions process with an emphasis on individualized consideration. However, limitations were to be made in the admissions criteria dealing with race. University of Michigan stated that, we fought for the very principle that defines our countrys greatness. Year after year, our student body proves it and now the court has affirmed it: Our diversity is our strength. (Peterson, 2003) Despite the Supreme Courts decision in 2003, in 2006, 58% of Michigan citizens voted to restrict all of their universities from using affirmative action (Schaefer, 2011, p. 109). Although the United States have seen a significant increase in diversity amongst colleges and universities, legal and political challenges have already limited affirmative action in California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Maryland, Washington, and Georgia (The commission, affirmative, 2003). Therefore, in place of these policies legislation have implemented percentage plans in California, Texas, and Florida. The emphasis is then placed on admission based on a set percentage of the students high school rank instead. In dealing with affirmative action in the workforce, there has been an increase in female elected into office (Leiter Leiter, 2011). There has been an increase from 8% of the state legislative seats to 24%; from 11% of statewide elective positions to 23%; and from 3% of Congress to 17%. These numbers still dont account for the growing population of women however it is a start in the progress of minorities. There has been a shift in 57% of people that said that more women would be a positive change for government. Throughout the past decade there have been a great increase in opposition to affirmative action. This is clearly evident in the various states today that have already went ahead and banned affirmative action policy. The issue on affirmative action has gone under major scrutiny for years and years and it seems that matters will not be completely solved any time soon. Many states politicians are making the move into banning the use of giving preferential treatment in relation to race to acquire various positions. Although the use of affirmative action is being shied away from there still remain numerous amounts of organizations that include race in their selection process. Research does show that there is a positive association between diversity and work-group performance. Diversity creates conditions that can inhibit group interaction processes and group effectiveness. (Kellough, 2007) Although many view diversity as a positive the stance on affirmative action remains unclear. Affirmative action was created to help minorities and women have a place in society. It was created to help those that suffered discrimination in the past to apply for jobs or other opportunities knowing that they at least have a fighting chance. As a result, this topic has been misconstrued and turned into a negative, which causes tremendous controversy. The debate about affirmative action is still one that has not been answered fully. It is only through an open-minded and honest discussion about the topic where a glimpse of achievement can start to shape. Rather than prolonged controversy, citizens and institutions should be willing to engage in a sincere, open dialogue about issues to ensure that future generations also enjoy the American Dream. (Sterret, 2005) Buy custom Citizens of America essay

Medicine and Healthcare in Brazil or The social and political status Research Paper

Medicine and Healthcare in Brazil or The social and political status of women in Mexico - Research Paper Example The study also suggests the allocation of medical staff and finances on the basis of vulnerability and need in order to implement health care as a basic right in Brazil. Medicine and health care in Brazil This paper studies the medicine and health care system in Brazil. I argue that Brazil has achieved major progress in health care system through continuous reforms. To prove my hypothesis, I will analyze income and class factors that are attributed to the access to health care system in Brazil. I’ll examine whether there is a difference in the chances to access healthcare services after the division of health care system in private and public sector. The paper analyses different studies from 2000-2011 in order to evaluate the existence of social inequality when it comes to accessing the healthcare services in Brazil. Health care system in Brazil initiated in 1923 with the establishment of social security system for urban workers in private sector by Eloi Chaves Law. Universali ty and equality of health services was not acknowledged before 1988, therefore the system was not as just and equal for every citizen (Cordeiro as cited in Elias& Amelia, 2002, p.4). Furthermore, Eliasand Amelia (2002) states that, â€Å"health care access is no longer organized according to a social security model, be it publically or privately based [since] 1988; health has been a right granted to all and an obligation of the state† (p.5). Brazil acquired a universal health care policy in 1988; the system originated a network of public providers in order to deliver complete range of health services from typical diseases to sex change operation, free of charge. Public network evolved into the Family Health Program (Programa Saude da Familia PSF). PSF worked by assigning a team of a doctor, nurse, nurse’s assistant, and other health workers to families in a particular region for providing free health care services(Cataife and Charles,2011,p.2). Health care system is di vided in public and private sectors in Brazil. Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS) is the public system which is created and defined in the Federal Constitution of 1988 in addition to the 1990 Organic Health Law. The system is working on the fundamental principles of universality, decentralization, and integrality. Universality refers to the idea that health care is a universal right and state is responsible for providing free health care facilities to its citizens. Integrality refers to the division of public health assistance into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care. Decentralization further divides the system by entitling municipalities as responsible for management and organization of health services (Cataife and Charles, 2011, p.2).SSAM is being regulated by government in Brazil for ensuring consumer rights and to avoid expensive procedure and health care plans for SUS services. The segmentation gives rise to social inequality that cannot be easily confronted (Elias& Ameli a, 2002.p.5). Under SUS, health care services are universal, comprehensive, and free of charge for every citizen. Private sector availability is guaranteed against out-of-pocket payments or by association with a particular insurance plan (Noronnha & Monica, 2002, p.1). â€Å"The great expansion of the private sector in Brazil occurred between

Issues and Challenges Facing Retailing Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Issues and Challenges Facing Retailing - Article Example In order to enhance the effectiveness of digital retailing, the key factors that have to be considered by the retailers are availability of the latest products and services, transportation facilities for quick delivery and order fulfilment, easy payment mechanism, efficient logistics and distribution framework and cost-effectiveness. Contents Abstract 2 Introduction to retailing 4 Literature Review 5 Online retailing is the latest trend 6 Key drivers of online retail industry 6 Discussion 9 Limited potential for growth 9 High cost of delivery 10 Selection range trade-offs 11 Intense competition 11 Environmental impact of online retailing 12 Conclusion 12 References 14 Introduction to retailing In the consumer goods industry, retail has been playing a primary role in enhancing the productivity of the key players across the world. This retail sector has been expanding at an accelerating pace because the consumers are looking for convenience in the shopping arena. The significance of th is industry is evident in the contribution made in the economies of UK, Mexico, USA, China, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand; all of these countries have seen robust growth in their GDPs (Bell, Choi & Lodish, 2012). Some giant retail stores like Wal-Mart, Tesco, Kmart, Carrefour, Sainsbury’s and others have ensured that they provide the complete range of employment benefits to their personnel so that they can have an adequate standard of living while meeting all of their basic and mandatory requirements. Since 1990s, Internet has revolutionised the way in which organisations carry out their business activities; it has even impacted the retailing industry to a significant level. Internet in other words have changed the usual way of conducting business activities. As Internet is easily accessible by everyone with the help of the most up-to-date technological gadgets such as smartphones, tablets and etc., it has created the latest trend of online retailing. Internet has u sed the element of convenience for the customers and formed the aspect of online retailing for consumers. The pioneers of online retailing such as Amazon, BestBuy, eBay, Zulily and many more have ensured that the customers are provided the most sensational online shopping experience. These online organisations have proven their level of success and hence now we can observe many online retailing firms emerging in the market. There is constant improvements observe in the online businesses and also we can observe that the mode of payments are advanced and fully secure. In order to create a wholesome experience, the online stores are ensuring that they give utmost importance to each and every aspect of the e-retailing so that the customers are willing to increase their online purchases. According to a reputed research firm, Forrester, E-commerce is estimated to approach a figure of about $200 billion in terms of revenue alone in US which accounts for about 9% of the entire retail sector sales. There has been 5% increase in the retail sales as compared to its standing about five years ago (Rigby, 2011). Literature Review In the retailing industry, the retail stores are mainly classified in either of the two categories i.e. organised or unorganised. Within the organised sector, the retailers ensure that they provide the customers with the complete range of options from products to services so that they can take advantage of economies of scale and conveniently shop around the store. On the other hand,

The English Patient Essay Example for Free

The English Patient Essay Identity Crisis in Michael Ondaatjes The English Patient Lerzan G?ltekin Atillm University in Ankara, Turkey [emailprotected] edu. tr Abstract The aim of this paper is to analyze identity crisis in Michael Ondaatjes The English Patient from a postcolonial perspective through the concept of nationalism and national identity, emphasizing cultural, psychological and physical displacement due to colonization, travelling, exploration and space / place (cartography), referring to the theories and views of Benedict Anderson, Homi Bhabba, Franz Fanon, Edward Said, and so on. The paper will mainly focus on the erasure of the national identities and selves of a group of European explorers, scientists and spies, including the colonized Kip, an Indian, serving as a bomb defuser in the British Army. Even though these scientists mission is to map the desert, they can hardly achieve it. The desert is uncontrollable and unreliable because of sand storms. Its surface changes rapidly and one can be lost forever. In other words, the desert is the metaphor of their unreliable national identities that are fragmented and varied because of their traumatic personal xperiences in this alien landscape and culture. The paper will emphasize the fragility of identities and selves even for those who represent European civilization and Imperial Rule as hegemonic powers together with the colonized Kip who is shaped by these powers as a hybrid identity. Key Words: hybridity, nationalism, national identity, postnationalism, space / place The English Patient is a novel that seeks to explore the problem of identity and displacement, experienced both by colonizer and colonized. As known, identity is a social construct and largely determined by the relationship between self and other. It is through our sense of identity that we identify ourselves as members of various ethnic groups or nations as well as social classes which provide us with a sense of belonging. Likewise, nations are communities which provide a sense of belonging through the individuals feeling of connectedness to his or her fellow men. In other words, individuals think that they are a part of one collective body, namely, a community known as nation, which is in fact an idea, defined by Benedict Anderson as an imagined political community (6). The survival of nations depend upon nvention and performance of traditions, histories, symbols which help people sustain their identity. However, it mostly depends on traditions and narration of history, which are central elements. Therefore, national history is important in the sense that it narrates the past as a common experience that belongs to a community. It creates one particular version of the past and identity to constitue a common past and a collective identity of any given community. In other words, nations are imaginary communities, to use Benedict Andersons phrase, and nationalism is based on the very concept of a unified imaginary community. Furthermore, nations shared territory which they believe they own and therefore have the right to separate from other peoples land by means of borders. As an idea, scholars usually agree that it is Western in origin, that it came into existence with the development of Western capitalism, industrialization and colonial expansion, which paved the way for imperialism. However, starting with the 90s, nationalism, nation and national identity began to lose their significance as the world was becoming increasingly international, particularly after the period of decolonization. The concept of nation / nationalism nd national identity as Western ideas stimulated colonized peoples to develop their own sense of nationalism and national identity against the colonial, national identity of the West. However, this anticolonial nationalism could not provide the colonised peoples with a sense of homogeneous national unity due to the diversity of ethnic groups within them, particularly because the elite nationalist rule neglected the subaltern masses and privileged the elite over the subaltern, which turned nationalism into a rule of elite dominations, as argued by Frantz Fanon in his The Wretched of the Earth. Hence, there emerged from Western capitalism and colonization the concepts of nation and nationalism as indispensible components of imperialist expansion, but failing to bring national liberation to the heterogeneous groups of people in the former colonies despite their opposition to imperialist domination as anticolonial nationalism. Be it colonial or anti-colonial, both are essentialist and racist in the sense that they supported the ruling elite while ignoring the less privileged ethnic groups. The English Patient (hereafter will be cited as EP) is a novel that questions he nation and nationalism that shape identities through colonial and anti-colonial nationalisms. The characters are all exiles from their homeland who have gathered together at the Villa San Girolamo at the end of World War II. Hana is a Canadian nurse, who volunteered for war service and who has to have an abortion because the father of her unborn child has been killed. Furthermore, she is on the verge of a nervous breakdown because of the news of her fathers death by burns and her continous dealing with the wounded and the dying. As the Canadian Infantry Division ontinues to advance in Italy, she stays behind at the villa to nurse a dying burnt man who is called the English patient. The third member of the villa other than these two is Kip, a Sikh, who is a sapper in the British army and finally, Caravaggio, the thief, an Italian-Canadian who was a friend of Hanas father. The novels central figure is the English patient whose identity is already erased as he is burnt beyond recognition. In fact, he is the Hungarian Court Ladislaus de Almasy, a desert explorer who helped the Germans navigate the deserts. Although his duty is to delineate, name and in a ense possess the unmapped desert, which is a vast territory, in the end his own identity, which is the map of his own features, has been erased and he is known only as the English patient. In fact, the inhabitants of the Villa are all diplaced because they are exiles who have found new identities in a place other than their homeland. In a sense, they formed a new community in the Villa, which is like Eden, isolated from the outside world of war and violence. Since the novel questions colonial and colonial hierarchies, particularly the imperial conception of space/place through the apping of the desert, which is an instrument of colonial domination, and the deserts elusiveness because of its vastness and uncontrollable sand storms. In fact, mapping a space means to name it and possess it as it becomes a place as seized territory, which will help invaders, explorers and traders to realize their plans and aspirations. Almasy is aware of the fact that mapping is a form of knowledge for power and domination: The ends of the earth are never the points on a map that colonists push against, enlarging their sphere of influence. On one side servants and slaves and tides of ower and correspondence with the Geographical Society.

Epic of Beowulf Essay - Foreign and English Translations and Versions o

Foreign and English Translations and Versions of Beowulf   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From 1805 until the present there have been introduced an abundance of paraphrases, translations, adaptations, summaries, versions and illustrations of Beowulf in modern English and in foreign languages due mostly to two reasons: the desire to make the poem accessible, and the desire to read the exotic (Osborn 341). It is the purpose of this essay to present a brief history of this development of the popularity of the poem and then compare some of the translations with respect to some more difficult passages in the poem Beowulf.    In 1805 Sharon Turner included some passages from Beowulf in his The History of the Anglo-Saxons; he increased the text in later editions. In 1815 Grimur Johsson Thorkelin published the complete, though inaccurate, translation of the poem Beowulf. Thorkelin thought that the poem was a translation made in the court of King Alfred. These two citations show how Beowulf got its start towards fame in the modern era.    In more recent years more contemporary Beowulf enthusiasts are publishing a version in Hungarian (by Gyorgy in1994); doing photographic representations of the poem (Swearer, etc. in 1990, etc.); doing a meditative translation (Hudson in 1990); doing an Augustinian translation (Huppe in 1994); a translation based on syllabic meter (Greenfield in 1982); writing a novel, Eaters of the Dead, based on th epoem (Crichton in 1978); retelling the poem as a rock musical (Wylie in 1974); and the list is endless. Each approach strives to reinterpret Beowulf in the local and contemporary idiom (Osborn 341). Regarding the translation of Beowulf into English and foreign languages, both verse and prose, in 1815 a Latin... ...hor Books, 1977.    Crossley-Holland, Kevin, trans. Beowulf The Fight at Finnsburh, edited by Heather O’Donoghue. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.    Donaldson, E. Talbot, trans. Beowulf The Donaldson Translation, edited by Joseph Tuso. New York, W.W.Norton and Co., 1975.    Heaney, Seamus. Beowulf, A New Verse Translation. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2000.    Osborn, Marijane. â€Å"Translations, Versions, Illustrations.† In A Beowulf Handbook, edited by Robert Bjork and John D. Niles. Lincoln, Nebraska: Uiversity of Nebraska Press, 1997.    Rebsamen, Frederick. Beowulf A Verse Translation. New York: Harper-Collins Publishers, 1991.    Shippey, T.A.. â€Å"The World of the Poem.† In Beowulf – Modern Critical Interpretations, edited by Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987..                  

Digital Fortress Chapter 5

â€Å"Where is everyone?† Susan wondered as she crossed the deserted Crypto floor. Some emergency. Although most NSA departments were fully staffed seven days a week, Crypto was generally quiet on Saturdays. Cryptographic mathematicians were by nature high-strung workaholics, and there existed an unwritten rule that they take Saturdays off except in emergencies. Code-breakers were too valuable a commodity at the NSA to risk losing them to burnout. As Susan traversed the floor, TRANSLTR loomed to her right. The sound of the generators eight stories below sounded oddly ominous today. Susan never liked being in Crypto during off hours. It was like being trapped alone in a cage with some grand, futuristic beast. She quickly made her way toward the commander's office. Strathmore's glass-walled workstation, nicknamed â€Å"the fishbowl† for its appearance when the drapes were open, stood high atop a set of catwalk stairs on the back wall of Crypto. As Susan climbed the grated steps, she gazed upward at Strathmore's thick, oak door. It bore the NSA seal-a bald eagle fiercely clutching an ancient skeleton key. Behind that door sat one of the greatest men she'd ever met. Commander Strathmore, the fifty-six-year-old deputy director of operations, was like a father to Susan. He was the one who'd hired her, and he was the one who'd made the NSA her home. When Susan joined the NSA over a decade ago, Strathmore was heading the Crypto Development Division-a training ground for new cryptographers-new male cryptographers. Although Strathmore never tolerated the hazing of anyone, he was especially protective of his sole female staff member. When accused of favoritism, he simply replied with the truth: Susan Fletcher was one of the brightest young recruits he'd ever seen, and he had no intention of losing her to sexual harassment. One of the cryptographers foolishly decided to test Strathmore's resolve. One morning during her first year, Susan dropped by the new cryptographers' lounge to get some paperwork. As she left, she noticed a picture of herself on the bulletin board. She almost fainted in embarrassment. There she was, reclining on a bed and wearing only panties. As it turned out, one of the cryptographers had digitally scanned a photo from a pornographic magazine and edited Susan's head onto someone else's body. The effect had been quite convincing. Unfortunately for the cryptographer responsible, Commander Strathmore did not find the stunt even remotely amusing. Two hours later, a landmark memo went out: EMPLOYEE CARL AUSTIN TERMINATED FOR INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT. From that day on, nobody messed with her; Susan Fletcher was Commander Strathmore's golden girl. But Strathmore's young cryptographers were not the only ones who learned to respect him; early in his career Strathmore made his presence known to his superiors by proposing a number of unorthodox and highly successful intelligence operations. As he moved up the ranks, Trevor Strathmore became known for his cogent, reductive analyses of highly complex situations. He seemed to have an uncanny ability to see past the moral perplexities surrounding the NSA's difficult decisions and to act without remorse in the interest of the common good. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that Strathmore loved his country. He was known to his colleagues as a patriot and a visionary†¦ a decent man in a world of lies. In the years since Susan's arrival at the NSA, Strathmore had skyrocketed from head of Crypto Development to second-in-command of the entire NSA. Now only one man outranked Commander Strathmore there-Director Leland Fontaine, the mythical overlord of the Puzzle Palace-never seen, occasionally heard, and eternally feared. He and Strathmore seldom saw eye to eye, and when they met, it was like the clash of the titans. Fontaine was a giant among giants, but Strathmore didn't seem to care. He argued his ideas to the director with all the restraint of an impassioned boxer. Not even the President of the United States dared challenge Fontaine the way Strathmore did. One needed political immunity to do that-or, in Strathmore's case, political indifference. Susan arrived at the top of the stairs. Before she could knock, Strathmore's electronic door lock buzzed. The door swung open, and the commander waved her in. â€Å"Thanks for coming, Susan. I owe you one.† â€Å"Not at all.† She smiled as she sat opposite his desk. Strathmore was a rangy, thick-fleshed man whose muted features somehow disguised his hard-nosed efficiency and demand for perfection. His gray eyes usually suggested a confidence and discretion born from experience, but today they looked wild and unsettled. â€Å"You look beat,† Susan said. â€Å"I've been better.† Strathmore sighed. I'll say, she thought. Strathmore looked as bad as Susan had ever seen him. His thinning gray hair was disheveled, and even in the room's crisp air-conditioning, his forehead was beaded with sweat. He looked like he'd slept in his suit. He was sitting behind a modern desk with two recessed keypads and a computer monitor at one end. It was strewn with computer printouts and looked like some sort of alien cockpit propped there in the center of his curtained chamber. â€Å"Tough week?† she inquired. Strathmore shrugged. â€Å"The usual. The EFF's all over me about civilian privacy rights again.† Susan chuckled. The EFF, or Electronics Frontier Foundation, was a worldwide coalition of computer users who had founded a powerful civil liberties coalition aimed at supporting free speech on-line and educating others to the realities and dangers of living in an electronic world. They were constantly lobbying against what they called â€Å"the Orwellian eavesdropping capabilities of government agencies†-particularly the NSA. The EFF was a perpetual thorn in Strathmore's side. â€Å"Sounds like business as usual,† she said. â€Å"So what's this big emergency you got me out of the tub for?† Strathmore sat a moment, absently fingering the computer trackball embedded in his desktop. After a long silence, he caught Susan's gaze and held it. â€Å"What's the longest you've ever seen TRANSLTR take to break a code?† The question caught Susan entirely off guard. It seemed meaningless. This is what he called me in for? â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She hesitated. â€Å"We hit a COMINT intercept a few months ago that took about an hour, but it had a ridiculously long key-ten thousand bits or something like that.† Strathmore grunted. â€Å"An hour, huh? What about some of the boundary probes we've run?† Susan shrugged. â€Å"Well, if you include diagnostics, it's obviously longer.† â€Å"How much longer?† Susan couldn't imagine what Strathmore was getting at. â€Å"Well, sir, I tried an algorithm last March with a segmented million-bit key. Illegal looping functions, cellular automata, the works. TRANSLTR still broke it.† â€Å"How long?† â€Å"Three hours.† Strathmore arched his eyebrows. â€Å"Three hours? That long?† Susan frowned, mildly offended. Her job for the last three years had been to fine-tune the most secret computer in the world; most of the programming that made TRANSLTR so fast was hers. A million-bit key was hardly a realistic scenario. â€Å"Okay,† Strathmore said. â€Å"So even in extreme conditions, the longest a code has ever survived inside TRANSLTR is about three hours?† Susan nodded. â€Å"Yeah. More or less.† Strathmore paused as if afraid to say something he might regret. Finally he looked up. â€Å"TRANSLTR's hit something†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He stopped. Susan waited. â€Å"More than three hours?† Strathmore nodded. She looked unconcerned. â€Å"A new diagnostic? Something from the Sys-Sec Department?† Strathmore shook his head. â€Å"It's an outside file.† Susan waited for the punch line, but it never came. â€Å"An outside file? You're joking, right?† â€Å"I wish. I queued it last night around eleven thirty. It hasn't broken yet.† Susan's jaw dropped. She looked at her watch and then back at Strathmore. â€Å"It's still going? Over fifteen hours?† Strathmore leaned forward and rotated his monitor toward Susan. The screen was black except for a small, yellow text box blinking in the middle. TIME ELAPSED: 15:09:33 AWAITING KEY: ________ Susan stared in amazement. It appeared TRANSLTR had been working on one code for over fifteen hours. She knew the computer's processors auditioned thirty million keys per second-one hundred billion per hour. If TRANSLTR was still counting, that meant the key had to be enormous-over ten billion digits long. It was absolute insanity. â€Å"It's impossible!† she declared. â€Å"Have you checked for error flags? Maybe TRANSLTR hit a glitch and-â€Å" â€Å"The run's clean.† â€Å"But the pass-key must be huge!† Strathmore shook his head. â€Å"Standard commercial algorithm. I'm guessing a sixty-four-bit key.† Mystified, Susan looked out the window at TRANSLTR below. She knew from experience that it could locate a sixty-four-bit key in under ten minutes. â€Å"There's got to be some explanation.† Strathmore nodded. â€Å"There is. You're not going to like it.† Susan looked uneasy. â€Å"Is TRANSLTR malfunctioning?† â€Å"TRANSLTR's fine.† â€Å"Have we got a virus?† Strathmore shook his head. â€Å"No virus. Just hear me out.† Susan was flabbergasted. TRANSLTR had never hit a code it couldn't break in under an hour. Usually the cleartext was delivered to Strathmore's printout module within minutes. She glanced at the high-speed printer behind his desk. It was empty. â€Å"Susan,† Strathmore said quietly. â€Å"This is going to be hard to accept at first, but just listen a minute.† He chewed his lip. â€Å"This code that TRANSLTR's working on-it's unique. It's like nothing we've ever seen before.† Strathmore paused, as if the words were hard for him to say. â€Å"This code is unbreakable.† Susan stared at him and almost laughed. Unbreakable? What was THAT supposed to mean? There was no such thing as an unbreakable code-some took longer than others, but every code was breakable. It was mathematically guaranteed that sooner or later TRANSLTR would guess the right key. â€Å"I beg your pardon?† â€Å"The code's unbreakable,† he repeated flatly. Unbreakable? Susan couldn't believe the word had been uttered by a man with twenty-seven years of code analysis experience. â€Å"Unbreakable, sir?† she said uneasily. â€Å"What about the Bergofsky Principle?† Susan had learned about the Bergofsky Principle early in her career. It was a cornerstone of brute-force technology. It was also Strathmore's inspiration for building TRANSLTR. The principle clearly stated that if a computer tried enough keys, it was mathematically guaranteed to find the right one. A code's security was not that its pass-key was unfindable but rather that most people didn't have the time or equipment to try. Strathmore shook his head. â€Å"This code's different.† â€Å"Different?† Susan eyed him askance. An unbreakable code is a mathematical impossibility! He knows that! Strathmore ran a hand across his sweaty scalp. â€Å"This code is the product of a brand-new encryption algorithm-one we've never seen before.† Now Susan was even more doubtful. Encryption algorithms were just mathematical formulas, recipes for scrambling text into code. Mathematicians and programmers created new algorithms every day. There were hundreds of them on the market-PGP, Diffie-Hellman, ZIP, IDEA, El Gamal. TRANSLTR broke all of their codes every day, no problem. To TRANSLTR all codes looked identical, regardless of which algorithm wrote them. â€Å"I don't understand,† she argued. â€Å"We're not talking about reverse-engineering some complex function, we're talking brute force. PGP, Lucifer, DSA-it doesn't matter. The algorithm generates a key it thinks is secure, and TRANSLTR keeps guessing until it finds it.† Strathmore's reply had the controlled patience of a good teacher. â€Å"Yes, Susan, TRANSLTR will always find the key-even if it's huge.† He paused a long moment. â€Å"Unless†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Susan wanted to speak, but it was clear Strathmore was about to drop his bomb. Unless what? â€Å"Unless the computer doesn't know when it's broken the code.† Susan almost fell out of her chair. â€Å"What!† â€Å"Unless the computer guesses the correct key but just keeps guessing because it doesn't realize it found the right key.† Strathmore looked bleak. â€Å"I think this algorithm has got a rotating cleartext.† Susan gaped. The notion of a rotating cleartext function was first put forth in an obscure, 1987 paper by a Hungarian mathematician, Josef Harne. Because brute-force computers broke codes by examining cleartext for identifiable word patterns, Harne proposed an encryption algorithm that, in addition to encrypting, shifted decrypted cleartext over a time variant. In theory, the perpetual mutation would ensure that the attacking computer would never locate recognizable word patterns and thus never know when it had found the proper key. The concept was somewhat like the idea of colonizing Mars-fathomable on an intellectual level, but, at present, well beyond human ability. â€Å"Where did you get this thing?† she demanded. The commander's response was slow. â€Å"A public sector programmer wrote it.† â€Å"What?† Susan collapsed back in her chair. â€Å"We've got the best programmers in the world downstairs! All of us working together have never even come close to writing a rotating cleartext function. Are you trying to tell me some punk with a PC figured out how to do it?† Strathmore lowered his voice in an apparent effort to calm her. â€Å"I wouldn't call this guy a punk.† Susan wasn't listening. She was convinced there had to be some other explanation: A glitch. A virus. Anything was more likely than an unbreakable code. Strathmore eyed her sternly. â€Å"One of the most brilliant cryptographic minds of all time wrote this algorithm.† Susan was more doubtful than ever; the most brilliant cryptographic minds of all time were in her department, and she certainly would have heard about an algorithm like this. â€Å"Who?† she demanded. â€Å"I'm sure you can guess.† Strathmore said. â€Å"He's not too fond of the NSA.† â€Å"Well, that narrows it down!† she snapped sarcastically. â€Å"He worked on the TRANSLTR project. He broke the rules. Almost caused an intelligence nightmare. I deported him.† Susan's face was blank only an instant before going white. â€Å"Oh my God†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Strathmore nodded. â€Å"He's been bragging all year about his work on a brute-force-resistant algorithm.† â€Å"B-but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Susan stammered. â€Å"I thought he was bluffing. He actually did it?† â€Å"He did. The ultimate unbreakable code-writer.† Susan was silent a long moment. â€Å"But†¦ that means†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Strathmore looked her dead in the eye. â€Å"Yes. Ensei Tankado just made TRANSLTR obsolete.†