Pros and Cons of Using Ethanol Biofuel E85

Pros and Cons of Using Ethanol Biofuel E85 Approximately 49 million ethanol flexible-fuel cars, motorcycles and light trucks were sold in the United States by mid-2015, yet many buyers still remain unaware that the car they own can utilize E85. E85 is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.   Ethanol is a biofuel that produced in the U.S. with corn. Ethanol fuel  is  ethyl alcohol, the same type of  alcohol  found in  alcoholic beverages.  It has been part of the nation’s fuel supply for almost 40  years. Research shows that ethanol may help lower fuel costs, improve air quality and increase octane. Ethanol can be used in any vehicle and is covered under warranty by every automaker in the U.S. Some cars can use more ethanol than others. What Is a Flexible-Fuel Vehicle A  flexible-fuel vehicle is  also known as an  alternative fuel vehicle  with an  internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one  fuel, usually, gasoline  blended with either  ethanol  or  methanol fuel, and both fuels are stored in the same common tank.   Vehicles That Are E85 Compatible The U.S. Department of Energy tracks fuel economy information and helps consumers perform flex-fuel cost comparisons and calculations. The department also maintains a database of all E85 compatible vehicles.   Flexible-fuel vehicles have been produced since the 1990s, and more than 100 models are currently available. Since these cars look just like gasoline-only models, you may be driving a flexible-fuel vehicle and not even know it. Advantages of Flex-Fuel Vehicles Switching to an ethanol-based fuel moves us further from using up our depletable fossil fuels and closer to U.S. energy independence. Ethanol production in the U.S. primarily comes from corn. In the American Midwest, corn fields are set aside for ethanol production, which has been shown to have a positive effect on job growth and stability. Ethanol is also greener than gasoline because corn and other plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow. The fuel still releases CO2 when you burn it, but it is believed that the net increase is lower. Any car since 1980 has been designed to handle up to 10 percent ethanol in the gasoline, letting you run that percentage of your miles on a domestic fuel rather than irreplaceable fossil fuels. Disadvantages of Flex-Fuel Vehicles Flex-fuel vehicles may not experience a loss in performance when operating on E85, in fact, some generate more torque and horsepower than when operating on gasoline, but since E85 has less energy per volume than gasoline, flex-fuel vehicles can get up to 30 percent fewer miles per gallon when fueled with E85. This means you will get fewer miles per dollar spent. If filling up with flex-fuel is what you want, then finding a flex-fuel station might be a little difficult. Only about 3,000 stations across the U.S. sell E85 at the moment and most of those stations are in the Midwest. To give you some perspective, there are about 150,000 gas stations in the country. Despite the promising research, there are still question marks regarding the agricultural impacts and real energy balance of growing crops to use as fuel.

How might the Telecommunication Industry in Australia affect the Rollout of National Broadband Network in Australia in 2011

How might the Telecommunication Industry in Australia affect the Rollout of National Broadband Network in Australia in 2011 Introduction The telecommunication industry in Australia is experiencing a massive and rapid economic boom with various reports showing a great value of performance orientation by its respondents in the industry. The industry is mainly made up of businesses that provide telecommunication services to the public either by cable, wire or radio.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How might the Telecommunication Industry in Australia affect the Rollout of National Broadband Network in Australia in 2011? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The major activities of the telecommunication industry in Australia include internet services, operation of radio relay stations, telephone services, operation of television relay stations, teleprinter and telex services, network communication services, cable and communication channel services, and satellite communication services. The industry is fundamentally event driven with diminutive exe cution of planning in areas other than finance or marketing. The lack of planning is evident in contemporary Future Orientation with the conveyed desire for future orientation, but the introduction of intensive competition has recently promoted more product planning and the general business planning in the market. However, elements such as size, novelty, and politics of the present-day industry environment has contributed in depicting planning less effective than otherwise expected. The interference by such factors in the telecommunication industry has protected the free-to-air TV networks, and at the same time contributed to Australia’s holdup in rolling out high-speed internet access through the National Broadband Network initiative. The ever changing market and technology has brought in a real forecast in the capitalization and elevation of Future Orientation, and this brings in the likelihood of Australia following the paradigm of America and other European countries in d eveloping strategic mechanisms of capturing the market’s vast potential.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The growth and immense potential in this industry saw the planned roll out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) project, which is meant to take advantage of the existing economic and social opportunities in the digital sector. While delivering an affordable, high-speed broadband to every corner of the Australian society, the project is projected to drive the country’s economy for decades to come by migrating from copper to the fibre optic network When the Australian government went ahead with the privatization of Telstra, which is the country’s largest telecommunications company, there were major concerns on the contradictory role of the government as regulator and owner of the telecommunication giant. Major concerns also remain in Telstr a’s potential capability of abusing its monopoly power to impediment regulatory outcomes through belligerent use of its litigation. Delaying in making a satisfactory public bid for access to its network and inflating the prices of its wholesale services such as fixed and mobile network are some of Telstra’s alleged abuses. In order to level the competitive telecommunication field, the Australian government instructed Telstra to separate its retail and wholesale arms for the NBN project. Telstra vehemently opposed this idea and the draft legislation that would separate its structures within its telecommunication network. Regulatory and judicial proceedings still mar Telstra with numerous disputes with its competitors over access to its network rights. Despite this, various stakeholders have since entered the scene with ardent interest. The NBN initiative is projected to create a network that will handle an assortment of data that is increasingly complicated, therefore a malgamating the media and the information technology industries with telecommunications.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on How might the Telecommunication Industry in Australia affect the Rollout of National Broadband Network in Australia in 2011? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Media The media and communications industries has undergone through changes in its general corporate organization with mounting competition between media segments on the maximum gain and use of content being produced (Stuart Cunningham, Graeme Turner 4). This means taking advantage of the capability to present and modify the same content on numerous platforms of delivery and distribution. By restricting concentration of ownership in broadcasting sectors, the ownership and control of media is regulated across the media. Foxtel which has a substantial majority in the pay-TV market is half-owned by Telstra and the roll-out of the NBN project is seen to have rules and regulations that limit the number of providers, while shielding the incumbents against entry by neglecting diversity In Australia, all free-to-air television Programmes have a strict domestic content requirements through the Australian Broadcasting Services Amendment Act that require 10 percent of programme budgeting on new Australian drama programs (Ron Kirk 27). Although traditional media has occasionally been warned on the radical changes they face with the development in the digital media arena, they have basically been absent from the debate surrounding the NBN project. However, the National Broadband Network will generate new changes and options that will see media players taking leadership roles in search of trans-sector opportunities the NBN has to offer. They can possibly copy their archaic models onto the NBN brand via the wholesale services of a telco since they have a strong brand with millions of users. Although it is not defined, foreign nati onals seeking proposals that relates to portfolio shareholdings into the media industry are subjected to a ‘national interest test’ since foreign investment in the mass media is limited (Chang and Thorson 16). Media stakeholders should therefore gear up to with mechanisms that will help them profit from their audiences with the convergence of media and internet-based technologies through high-speed broadband even as they continue to enjoy protection from outside competition. (Butcher 127).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Despite this projection, most media companies are still looking and grounded on their core competencies rather than stirring towards media innovation. Advantages of Public owned Telecommunications towards NBN Rollout. The NBN initiative will produce and promote a prevalent network that is competent in handling both broadband and narrowband requirements with equal adept in managing interactive and broadcasting services. One feature of this project is that it involves and embraces the elaboration of neo-liberal views and ideas of economic regulation. In this view, public ownership of telecommunication infrastructure and services is seen as a central point for national pride and sovereignty with a common feeling of owning a piece of a vital national infrastructure (Fairbrother 52). Public views and ideas would initially be ‘measured at heart’ for the NBN project and this would douse any thought of manipulation by ‘outside’ parties, and also bring public calm w ith general accountability to the project. Public ownership would not cultivate into the current climate of crisis brought about by the free market that would dictate the wages and conditions of each and every Australian. Public ownership of the NBN roll-out would basically promote a unified and coherent platform for the whole initiative. Disadvantages of Public owned Telecommunications towards NBN Roll-out. Since there is never a conclusive concept from the general public, such ownership would only promulgate indecisions and slothfulness into the implementation and completion of the NBN initiative. According to the 2010 report by the Business Council of Australia, ‘’ the public ownership of the NBN initiative would elevate investor uncertainty with various companies rescheduling or withholding investments, and would only impede new technologies from getting into the market with the country’s general output falling behind ( 4) ‘’. Such a scenario wou ld only create ambiguity over NBN’s future operations. Advantages of Private owned Telecommunication Infrastructures towards NBN Rollout. International communication through telecommunications is rapidly becoming the backbone of trade, productivity, and the general business activities which are the linchpins of a growing, healthy economy (Mody, Bauer and Straubhaar 53). Privatization in the telecommunication industry is seen as a catalyst to development with a significant input. In this view, the streamlining of the telecommunications industry in Australia has made it impossible to find public-owned telecommunication carriers due to the concept of deregulation and privatization. This model is highly important because it will redefine the NBN initiative into from the typical public good, to a more global-oriented project that is competitive both domestically and internationally with a customer-driven service. The Telecommunications industry is quite complex in technology and o perations, and the only way that consumers can be better served is if more providers are included in the field. Consumers will be offered more competing products, prices, and services in order to meet the ever more diverse demands. Such private owned companies are also capable of responding quite better to consumer demands than the public-owned corporations that may not act imperatively (Cunningham 151). Sometimes such projects do halt due to lack of funds that can be brought about by underestimation or even the changing tides in commodity prices, and the telecommunication companies which are private-owned can quickly accumulate for these funds. This means that the NBN initiative will flourish under long-term macroeconomic relief, and also can carry on and meet deadlines rather than wait for the tedious process associated with the public owned companies. Generally through private ownership, the NBN project will see a proficient financing and management with the inclusion of professi onals who bring real sustainable efficiencies to the whole project. Privatization is therefore the more efficient solution to the sorry nature of most state-owned of telecommunication infrastructures with its limit on resources and the changing technological know-how. Disadvantages of Private owned Telecommunication Infrastructures towards NBN Roll-out. Private ownership of telecommunication systems in Australia will only bring distrust to the fore since it’s a product of an intrinsic capitalistic motive, and will also spread the adage that any control of information leads to the control of both political and economic procedures and the NBN project has not fallen short of such perception. Since telecommunications is an important industry that connects every sector of the Australian society, it might be used by a single entity or group of companies to create an oligarchy of economical information which can snatch power from the government. Such a scenario would reduce the gove rnment to a mere puppet, while these private entities continue to violate their power in the NBN initiative and act in their own interest neglecting Australian’s welfare (Chhokar, Brodbeck and House 320-331). This will greatly hinder the roll-out of the NBN project since Australia is a society which has a fair history of distrust in private ownership of infrastructure. Private ownership of the NBN roll-out would not put public interest into consideration and the individual private companies would only be interested in generating shareholder’s profits at customer’s expense. Privatization would also encourage manipulation and cover-ups of various inconsistencies associated with the NBN initiative since such organizational setups detest public scrutiny. Privatization will allow foreign competitors enter the telecommunication market indiscriminately and would endeavor to servicing only wealthy businesses and individuals who can afford their expensive services. In th is event, the NBN initiative would therefore leave its core policy of universal service unsettled. It’s hypothetical for privatization to take place without liberalization since such profit-driven enterprises do operate as a monopoly in its selfish achievements that can prove untenable for the government to contain(Leahy and Michael O’Brien 2-5). Analysis Australia is tremendously relying on the NBN initiative to face out its obsolete copper telecommunications network. The pendulum of opinions surrounding the NBN roll-out is due to its importance for the country’s economy, future development, and international competitiveness. The apparent stratification in the Australian telecommunication industry is quite higher than desirable and is derivative of the existing socio-political level of attitudes. The rapid restructuring in the industry is significantly affecting collectivism and power expanses, especially with the differing view between those who do not have th e slightest clue of the impending changes and those that are knowledgeable of what is to come with the changes. Although there are calls for either private or public investment in the telecommunications industry, it’s unfortunate that the processes have represented a vicious circle of events that is detrimental to both the economic and political systems. Conclusion The emerging picture from the NBN initiative and the general Australian telecommunications industry is the consistent socio-political values that underpin the economical importance of this project to the country at large. If telecommunication laws are well designed implemented, it would reduce the general fear and uncertainty that accompany the dreary investment in the telecommunication sector. At the same time, Telstra and its competitors should learn in ways they can corporate and be diplomatic about their differences rather than the self-sacrificing we are now witnessing. Even as the telecommunications industry undergoes through the intense process of change that seems endless, there is no doubt of the massive and infinite benefits that the NBN initiative will bring for generations to come. Butcher, John. Australia under Construction: Nation-building Past, Present and  Future. Canberra: ANU E Press, 2008. Print. Chang and Andrew, Thorson. A Legal Guide to Doing Business in Asia-Pacific.  Chicago: American Bar Association, 2011. Print. Chhokar, Brodbeck and Robert House. Culture and leadership, across the world:  The GLOBE Book of In-Depth Studies of 25 Societies. New York: Routledge, 2007. Print. Cunningham and Graeme Turner. The Media and Communications in Australia.  Crows Nest, NSW: Allen Unwin, 2010. Print. Cunningham, Stuart. The Media and Communications in Australia (Large Print  16pt). Crows Nest:ReadHowYouWant.com, 2010. Print. Fairbrother, Peter. Privatisation, Globalisation, and Labour: studies from  Australia. Leichhardt, NSW: Federation Press, 2002. Print. Kirk, R on. National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (25th Ed.).  Pennsylvania: DIANE Publishing, 2011. Print. Leahy and Michael O’Brien. Telecommunications Law and Technology in the  Developing World. Volume 22, Issue 1. Boston College International and  Comparative Law Review. 1999. Web. Mody, Bauer and Joseph Straubhaar. Telecommunications Politics: ownership  and control of the information highway in developing countries. New  York: Routledge, 1995. Print. N.p. Business Council of Australia. March: Submission on Draft Legislation for  the National Broadband Company. 2010. Web.

The Gods of the Olmec

The Gods of the Olmec The mysterious Olmec Civilization flourished between roughly 1200 and 400 B.C. on Mexicos Gulf coast. Although there are still more mysteries than answers about this ancient culture, modern researchers have determined that religion was of great importance to the Olmec. Several supernatural beings appear and re-appear in the few examples of Olmec art that survive today. This has led archaeologists and ethnographers to tentatively identify a handful of Olmec gods. The Olmec Culture The Olmec culture was the first major Mesoamerican civilization, thriving in the steamy lowlands of Mexicos Gulf coast, mainly in the modern-day states of Tabasco and Veracruz. Their first major city, San Lorenzo (its original name has been lost to time) peaked around 1000 B.C. and was in serious decline by 900 B.C. The Olmec civilization had faded by 400 B.C.: no one is certain why. Later cultures, like the Aztec and the Maya, were heavily influenced by the Olmec. Today little survives of this grand civilization, but they left behind a rich artistic legacy including their majestic carved colossal heads. Olmec Religion Researchers have done a remarkable job of learning so much about Olmec religion and society. Archaeologist Richard Diehl has identified five elements of Olmec religion: a particular cosmos, a set of gods who interacted with mortals, a shaman class, specific rituals and sacred sites. Many specifics of these elements remain a mystery: for example, it is believed, but not proven, that one religious rite mimicked the transformation of a shaman into a were-jaguar. Complex A at La Venta is an Olmec ceremonial site which was largely preserved; much about Olmec religion was learned there. Olmec Gods The Olmec apparently had gods, or at least powerful supernatural beings, which were worshiped or respected in some way. Their names and functions - other than in the most general sense - have been lost over the ages. Olmec deities are represented in surviving stone carvings, cave paintings, and pottery. In most Mesoamerican art, gods are depicted as human-like  but are often more gruesome or imposing. Archaeologist Peter Joralemon, who has studied the Olmec extensively, has come up with a tentative identification of eight gods. These gods show a complicated mixture of human, bird, reptile and feline attributes. They include the Olmec Dragon, the Bird Monster, the Fish Monster, the Banded-eye God, the Maize God, the Water God, the Were-Jaguar and the Feathered Serpent. The Dragon, Bird Monster, and Fish Monster, when taken together, form the Olmec physical universe. The dragon represents the earth, the bird monster the skies and the fish monster the underworld. The Olmec Dragon The Olmec Dragon is depicted as a crocodile-like being, occasionally having human, eagle or jaguar features. His mouth, sometimes open in ancient carved images, is seen as a cave: perhaps, for this reason, the Olmec were fond of cave painting. The Olmec Dragon represented the Earth or at least the plane upon which humans lived. As such, he represented agriculture, fertility, fire and otherworldly things. The dragon may have been associated with the Olmec ruling classes or elite. This ancient creature may be the forebear of Aztec gods such as Cipactli, a crocodile god, or Xiuhtecuhtli, a fire god. The Bird Monster The Bird Monster represented the skies, sun, rulership, and agriculture. It is depicted as a fearsome bird, sometimes with reptilian features. The bird monster may have been the preferred god of the ruling class: carved likenesses of rulers sometimes are shown with bird monster symbols in their dress. The city once located at the La Venta archaeological site venerated the Bird Monster: its image appears there frequently, including on an important altar. The Fish Monster Also called the Shark Monster, the Fish Monster is thought to represent the underworld and appears as a frightening shark or fish with sharks teeth. Depictions of the Fish Monster have appeared in stone carvings, pottery, and small greenstone celts, but the most famous is on San Lorenzo Monument 58. On this massive stone carving, the Fish Monster appears with a fearsome mouth full of teeth, a large X on its back and a forked tail. Shark teeth excavated at San Lorenzo and La Venta suggest that the Fish Monster was honored in certain rituals. The Banded-Eye God Little is known about the mysterious Banded-eye God. Its name is a reflection of its appearance. It always appears in profile, with an almond shaped eye. A band or stripe passes behind or through the eye. The Banded-eye God appears more human than many of the other Olmec gods. It is found occasionally on pottery, but a good image appears on a famous Olmec statue, Las Limas Monument 1. The Maize God Because maize was such an important staple of life of the Olmec, its not surprising that they dedicated a god to its production. The Maize God appears as a human-ish figure with a stalk of corn growing out of his head. Like the Bird Monster, Maize God symbolism frequently appears on depictions of rulers. This could reflect the rulers responsibility to ensure bountiful crops for the people. The Water God The Water God often formed a divine team of sorts with the Maize God: the two are often associated with one another. The Olmec Water God appears as a chubby dwarf or infant with a gruesome face reminiscent of the Were-Jaguar. The Water Gods domain was likely not only water in general but also rivers, lakes and other water sources. The Water God appears on different forms of Olmec art, including large sculptures and smaller figurines and celts. It is possible that he is a forebear of later Mesoamerican water gods such as Chac and Tlaloc. The Were-Jaguar The Olmec were-jaguar is a most intriguing god. It appears as a human baby or infant with distinctly feline features, such as fangs, almond-shaped eyes and a cleft in his head. In some depictions, the were-jaguar baby is limp, as if it is dead or sleeping. Matthew W. Stirling proposed that the were-jaguar is the result of relations between a jaguar and a human female, but this theory is not universally accepted. The Feathered Serpent The Feathered Serpent is shown as a rattlesnake, either coiled or slithering, with feathers on its head. One excellent example is Monument 19 from La Venta. The feathered serpent is not very common in surviving Olmec art. Later incarnations such as Quetzalcoatl among the Aztecs or Kukulkan among the Maya seemingly had a much more important place in religion and daily life. Nevertheless, this common ancestor of the significant feathered serpents to come in Mesoamerican religion is considered important by researchers. Importance of the Olmec Gods The Olmec Gods are very important from an anthropological or cultural point of view and understanding them is critical to understanding Olmec civilization. The Olmec civilization, in turn, was the first major Mesoamerican culture and all of the later ones, such as the Aztec and Maya, borrowed heavily from these forebears. This is particularly visible in their pantheon. Most of the Olmec gods would evolve into major deities for later civilizations. The Feathered Serpent, for example, appears to have been a minor god to the Olmec, but it would rise to prominence in Aztec and Maya society. Research continues on the Olmec relics still in existence and at archaeological sites. Currently, there are still more questions than answers about the Olmec Gods: hopefully, future studies will illuminate their personalities even further. Sources: Coe, Michael D and Rex Koontz. Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. 6th Edition. New York: Thames and Hudson, 2008 Diehl, Richard A. The Olmecs: Americas First Civilization. London: Thames and Hudson, 2004. Grove, David C. Cerros Sagradas Olmecas. Trans. Elisa Ramirez. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 30-35. Miller, Mary and Karl Taube. An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya. New York: Thames Hudson, 1993.

Airport Security Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Airport Security - Research Paper Example His function is also to undertake or appraise automated ID access control system specifically for regulatory compliance and accuracy (Elias, 2010). In this case, he also programs and even monitors computer systems that are designed specifically for controlling security access. The Airport Security Coordinator also performs TSAR 1542 compliance inspections and Security Program on top of reporting discrepancies and taking or initaiting corrective mechanisms. He also maintains records relating to security guard supplies and services. Furthermore, he reviews the process of the threat assessments, criminal history background checks, issuance of airport identification and revewing of retention process particularly for regulatory compliance. Airport Security Coordinator also establishes contact with local, state and federal law enforcement organizations and key security staff to establish lines of communication. In this context, he also sets up and maintains records of every action taken in relation to law enforcement. He is also responsible for conducting briefings, training sessions as well as presentations for tenants and management staff on revisions made to the ASP. In this regard, he specifically works with tenants in solving problems and coordinating security issues relating to airport security. The Federal Security Director (FSD) FSD is mandated with the responsibility of offering security directions on behalf of the federal government and is usually at airports that are perceived to have few checkpoints, a small workforce, as well as those that are directly involved or directly connected to the national interest. When it comes to TSA security matters, the FSD is responsible for providing necessary leadership and coordination. In short, these roles and associated authority comprise tactical planning, implementation, and operating management specifically for coordinated security matters. Airport adminstration The airport administration comprises of team that en sures the smooth, safe as well as consistent operation of airports (Price & Forrest, 2013). They also interface with appropriate local and federal agencies in relation to the airport security in addition to direct the daily operations in airports. In short, the airport administration is an independent entity that is responsible for carrying out daily operations and oversight of airports particularly in the context of security. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) The TSA is an organization of the United States Homeland Security department that oversees the security particularly of the traveling public in the country (Poole, 2006). The organization is also charged with developing regulations to protect United States transportation, particularly when it comes to the security of airports in addition to preventing the hijacking of aircrafts. In general, the TSA is manaded or responsible for passenger checking and screening at over 450 United Sttaes airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) The FAA is the national aviation authority of the USA. It falls under the transportation department and has exclusive authority to regulate and even oversee virtually all aspects of civil aviation in the US. In short, the FAA ensures the safety of passengers by not only regulating or controlling the air transportation industry, but also

Self Identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Self Identity - Essay Example It is an important aspect of the educational system to avoid breeding racial injustices into the newer generations so that a better balanced world can be expected in the near future. However, as a person steps into adolescence, one tends to become more aware about their heritage and racial background. It is essential that people are led the right way at this particular stage so that racial equality can be established. Race has been defined as â€Å"a sub-group of people possessing a definite combination of physical characteristics, of genetic origin, the combination of which to varying degrees distinguishes the sub-group from other sub-groups of mankind† (Casas 3). Hence any group of people that can be differentiated from another group of people on the basis of certain characteristics are said to belong to a specific race. These common characteristics are established more on a physical note than mental. Numerous materials and models are available online that help in racial identity development. The concept of self-identity is more often complicated and may include a combination of identities instead of a single identity. The self-identity generally encompasses three fields; the gender, the racial background and the sexual orientation. Biologically, I am a fit male in my early twenties. I recognize myself as an African American since I can trace back my origins to Liberia, Africa. I possess a distinctively dark skin color characteristic of African Blacks. I have lived a major part of my life in America, with my ancestral linage consisting of African Americans. Several of my distant relatives still reside in my homeland Africa. I do not feel ashamed to belong to the African American nation, and I am fully aware of my enslaved past. However, today, the scenario regarding â€Å"color† discrimination is very different from what it was before the Civil War. There are three traditional models of racial/cultural identity development; (Cass, 1979), (Cross, 1971) and

Flayton Electronics Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Flayton Electronics - Case Study Example While some hackers will do it for fun and for exploration, others are malicious people who will defraud companies of substantial amounts of money. This paper examines crucial steps that a Flatyton Electronics Company can take after their data is stolen, how it can communicate with its customers, and ways to curb this in future. Flayton has an obligation to protect its customer’s private data. For the last 25 years, Flayton has build a big business from trust customers has on the company. Regular customers pay their bills using credit cards, master cards and other bankcards. According to federal trade commission website (FTC) it is impossible to be in business and not hold personal identifying information. Such information includes credit card numbers, names and addresses, business partners, and other account numbers (â€Å"FTC,† N.d). There is an implied obligation of confidentiality to the stores and their staff. It is the duty of the management of a store to make sure that customer’s information does not leak to fraudulent third parties. Therefore, Flayton Electronics’ management had an obligation to make sure that it employs credible employees who will keep customers information confidential. Additionally, it is an obligation of Flayton to make sure that its firewall remains working throughout to avoid hacking incidences. For this particular incidence, Flayton firewall remained down for sometime, which may have contributed to illegal access of customers personal data. All companies dealing with telephone card payments need to comply with all Payment card Industry (PCI) standards. PCI Security Council is not responsible for enforcing compliance but it is upon the company to comply (â€Å"PCI Security Standards† 2011). Customers dealing with Flayton Electronics assume that this company is compliant with PCI standards and thus their personal data is secure. Unfortunately, Flayton Company was only 75% PCI compliant. The communication strategy adopted by the CEO of Flatyton Electronics to inform their customers of the potential security breach will determine its business in the next few years. Brett Flayton needs to be timely in informing the public. Although the compan y has little knowledge of what transpired with the customers credit cards, it is wise to be the first to inform the public. Timely communication will make the company win the public’s trust. The longer Brett stays without informing the customers, the higher the risks of disclosure from another party where he will need to explain reasons for breaching its customers trust. Brett needs to explain to the security agents the reason for going public. He has the right to refuse to remain silent to enhance chances of catching the thieves as the law enforcing officers’ advice. However, the mode of communication adopted should be confidential to give a chance to the authorities to enforce laws on the victims. Brett can hold a meeting with the major customers, explain the latest discovery it has made on the security of cards, and detail any information in their hands now. Any defrauded customers will protect themselves from further frauds as a result. Consequently, it will have t o keep the customers informed on its latest discoveries. Additionally, Brett will have to convince the customers that the current measures the company has adopted will see to it that such an occurrence will not recur in future. Information on when it is safe to start using the cards again will be necessary. Flayton Electronics’ brand was damaged by the security breach. The major core value of this company is to win the trust of customers through effective products and efficient services. Brett, the CEO

The History of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India Research Paper

The History of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India - Research Paper Example Taj Mahal depicts the internal love of Shah Jahan for his second wife Mumtaj Mahal. There are many people, archeologist and historians who feel that Taj Mahal was one of the most famous architectural masterpieces which was the undisputed beauty and a magnificent art of human hands (Tillotson, 2008, p. 1). It is one of the most symmetrically perfect monuments ever built in India and it is the mixture of great beauty, perfection and extreme engineering. It was built during the timeframe of 1631 to 1648, it took almost twenty two years to complete. It was built by the side of Yamuna River and its total area covers the forty two acres or 17 hectares of space (DuTemple, 2003, p. 6). And it took a staggering forty million rupees to complete the Taj Mahal, which was a huge amount of money at that time making the Empire almost bankrupt (Garg, 2009, p. 44). The basic structure was replicated from the Humayuns’s tomb. However, it can never be stated that Taj Mahal is a replica of any ot her tomb; it has its own beauty which can never be replicated. The whole complex and design consist of the Taj Mahal itself, the symmetrical lake, Mahtab Garden, a mosque and a guest house on the east side. It is basically made by bricks but the outer part is of expensive white marble. The main tomb it based on a huge marble platform which is called plinth, the expensive gemstones were used in flowery shapes to give an outstanding beauty to the white body of the marvelous tomb, and the entire complex of Taj Mahal is guarded by the red sand stone (DuTemple, 2003, p. 25). The Taj Mahal is consisting of four major octagons and those were centered by the main central dome. The facade of the central tomb consists of tall architectural constructions; the Quranic calligraphy was exhibited on the walls of the four pillars (Petersen, 1999, p. 275). The most important and the most beautiful part of the Taj Mahal is the enormous white coloured central dome. The main dome was positioned exactly at the center of the architectural phenomenon and it has the height of forty four meter (DuTemple, 2003, p. 43). It should be remembered that the Taj Mahal was not built by one person it was a complex design and it was initiated by many artists. The chief architect was Ustad Ahmed Lahori; his two colleagues were Mir abd al-Karim and the great Makramat Khan (DuTemple, 2003, p. 23). The facade of Taj Mahal got a great central Iwan which has the great Quranic calligraphy (Petersen, 1999, p. 275). The Great Garden of Taj Mahal known as the Mahtab Garden also has a great significance. It was a part of the Moonlight garden which occupied twenty five acres (Deitz, 2011, p. 151). This was the garden mostly visited by the royals in the night. This was meant to be like the garden of heaven and the lake within reflects the beauty of the Taj Mahal, which is another wonder. By 1642, the garden had been finished (DuTemple, 2003, p.64). The garden has a great implication on the beauty of Taj Maha l. The Mahtab Garden was the added beauty to the Taj Mahal with the magnificent aroma of jasmine and other fragrant plants. This architectural beauty also has many stories which reflect both positive and negative impression about the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and also about the Mughal dynasty itself. The beauties are not created to be replicated in many forms. Some people and guides say that Shah Jahan chopped off