Xander Harris Speech Essay Paper Example For Students

Xander Harris Speech Essay Paper Hes a lanky fellow, dark-haired and self-effacing. He uses sarcastic humor to hide his insecurity (no ones told him it doesnt work). Even when hes being chased by a 100 feet serpent, he still manages to find the humor in the situation. Hes been in a complicated love triangle and lives to tell about it. A friend, lover and slayeretteHes Xander Harris. Good afternoon/morning Ms. Rosteing and fellow students. As you can see, my speech is on Xander Harris. If you dont watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which you should because its the best show on TV, youre probably thinking, who the hell is Xander Harris?. Well for the next 3-4 minutes sit back, relax and get ready for a goofy good time (as Xander would say). His full name is Alexander LaVelle Harris. Hes 17 and hails from Sunnydale with its renown Hellmouth. Mishap after mishap, Xander is always there with a witty remark or funny joke. Xander is not exactly popular with the guys or the girls. Hes the class clown and has much more important things to do than study homework namely study girls. He hangs out with Buffy Summers (this generations slayer), Willow Rosenburg and Oz; otherwise known as the Scooby Gang. Hes been friends with Willow as long as they can remember. Before Buffy came along, it was just him, Willow and Jesse, his best friend. When Buffy showed up in Sunnydale, Jesse was turned into a vampire and he fell for everyones favorite slayer. Buffy joined their group, and with her, they started hanging out in the library with Giles, Buffys watcher. In terms of relationships, this is where it gets a little complicated. At the beginning of the show, Xander fell instantly in love with Buffy. But at the time, Xander and Willow were best friends, and Willow had a sizable crush on the X-man. So there was this love triangle deal going, and the fact that Buffy had no interest in Xander made it one big unrequited love angst-fest. Cordelia was one of the popular girls, and treated Buffy, Willow, and Xander like little bugs that you want to squash as soon as you see them. Needless to say, there was some serious animosity between Cordelia and the others, but through bad luck and circumstance, she discovered Buffys secret. This became a major source of frustration for everybody, especially when Cordy was trapped in a basement with Xander, and their intense dislike for each other created some sort of twisted bond, resulting in a steamy kiss and a topsy-turvy relationship. The Cordelia/Xander dynamic really hurt Willow, who said to Xander, Youd rather be with someone you hate than be with me. Luckily for Willow, she and Oz started going out, so her heart has been mended quite handily. That doesnt mean that there arent some leftover feelings between Xander and Willow, though Then just last season, Xander finally discovers his attraction for Willow and they kiss. Immediately, they realize their mistake, and discover that they have gotten themselves into a big mess that will end in pain for a lot of other people. Literary. Cordelia and Oz stumble upon them and Cordy gets impaled. It goes without saying that the couple break up on bad terms. Xander stumbles around, trying to find himself again and ends up having sex with everyones favorite skanky slayer, Faith. This one night fling ends up making Willow cry. With the arrival of the new watcher, Wes ley, Xander becomes jealous of Cordelias attention to him; which shows that he still cares about her in his Xander-like way. We will write a custom essay on Xander Harris Speech Paper specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 , .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .postImageUrl , .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 , .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7:hover , .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7:visited , .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7:active { border:0!important; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 { 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; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7:active , .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .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; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7 .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ub6c255a9e17597bdb951a0f3a075a5b7:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Truth Behind William Shakespears Hamlet Essay Order now Xander, Xander, Xander. What can you say about him? He has a sense of humor that can make you laugh your brains out, hes quite capable of being a perfect gentleman, he saves the day 70% of the time, and hes the best friend a person could have. In other words, hes the best character on Buffy, in my opinion, and is portrayed by an awesome actor. With his nutty and witty lines like I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away or Its funny how the earth never opens up and swallows you when you want it to, who CANT love this adorable character?!

Xenosmilus - Facts and Figures

Xenosmilus - Facts and Figures Name: Xenosmilus (Greek for foreign sabre); pronounced ZEE-no-SMILE-us Habitat: Plains of southeast North America Historical Epoch: Pleistocene (one million years ago) Size and Weight: About five feet long and 400-500 pounds Diet: Meat Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; muscular legs; relatively short canines About Xenosmilus The body plan of Xenosmilus doesnt conform to previously known saber-tooth-cat standards: this Pleistocene predator possessed both short, muscular legs and relatively short, blunt canines, a combination that has never before been identified in this breedthough paleontologists do believe Xenosmilus was a machairodont cat, and thus a descendant of the much earlier Machairodus. (The unique skull and tooth structure of Xenosmilus has inspired a peculiar nickname, the Cookie-Cutter Cat.) Its as yet unknown whether Xenosmilus was restricted to southeast North America, or was more widely distributed across the continent (or, for that matter, ever made it down as far as South America), since the only two fossil specimens were unearthed in Florida in the early 1980s. The most striking thing about Xenosmilus, besides its cookie-cutter bite, is how big it wasat 400 to 500 pounds, it was just shy of the weight class of the largest known prehistoric cat, Smilodon, better known as the Saber-Toothed Tiger. Like Smilodon, Xenosmilus clearly wasnt suited to stalking or pursuing prey at high speeds; rather, this cat would have lounged in the low branches of trees, pounced on slow-witted megafauna mammals as they passed by, dug its cookie-cutter teeth into their bellies or sides, and then let go and leisurely followed them as they slowly (or not-so-slowly) bled to death. (The bones of peccaries, a type of pig native to North America, have been found in association with Xenosmilus fossils, so we at least know that pork was on the menu!)

Mehmed the conqueror Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Mehmed the conqueror - Annotated Bibliography Example Later, he passed a law that, whichever of his son whom was to inherit his throne must kill his brothers to avoid conflicts and maintaining peace (Elsaie, Adel p180). Both sources depict Mehmed as the most famous conqueror of the Ottoman Empire. He was a genius statesman and the greatest military leader. His tactics in battles earned him the many victories in the battle field and the title ‘The conqueror’. Mehmed being highly educated by the famous Aksemseddin was a lover of fine art and monumental architecture. The primary source claims that, Mehmed could speak seven languages fluently (Freely, John p380). The sources show the hatred Mehmed had for Christians. His hatred motivated him to turn to the West and building a fortress on the European side of the Bosporus. This fortress was used to monitor shipping activities of the Black Sea. One theory that emerges from my research is that Mehmed was more of a mythical conqueror/leader. This is influenced by the duration in which the events took place. The time period in which Mehmed ruled was characterised by many mythical assumptions and beliefs. Consequence of this was creating an illusion that Mehmed was more than a human leader. The second theory is that, Mehmed was ultimately the most creative statesman in Ottoman Empire. This theory is more appropriate since the historical evidence provide prove of the same. Mehmed became a leader at an early age. His geniality in handling state affairs and creativity in battle paved his success in many battles that followed his reign. This theory provides more realistic accounts of the events as they unfolded during Mehmed reign and thus more appropriate for my

Elicitation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Elicitation - Essay Example From this report it is clear that the Brisbane institute of Art was established in 1976 by Mervyn Moriarty and was incorporated as an association in 1984. The institute has established itself in a council owned base at Windsor, and is now at the halfway point of its twenty-year lease, that started in 1999. A major refurbishment of the building was started in 2011. The institute needs a clear and firm direction for the coming five years. The issues it needs to fulfil are the maintenance and enhancement of service delivery capacity, maintenance and improvement of financial status, an increment in satisfied student numbers, an increment in involvement of membership, refinement of annual business planning processes, and the promotion of the institute and elevation of its professional profile.This paper discusses that  an outside facilitator with experience in management f requirements was utilized to maximize the workshop’s success. During this session, brainstorming formed a vi tal part of proceedings. It was first important to ensure the participation of the right stakeholders, and then sell the concept of the workshop to them. The logistics of the workshop location were also worked out in advance to ensure effectiveness of the workshop. This included travel plans, lighting, and snacks packed with energy like sugary snacks.  The stakeholders were also prepared for the workshop via giving them information that was project-specific and preparing them to think outside the box.... During this session, brainstorming formed a vital part of proceedings. It was first important to ensure the participation of the right stakeholders, and then sell the concept of the workshop to them. The logistics of the workshop location were also worked out in advance to ensure effectiveness of the workshop. This included travel plans, lighting, and snacks packed with energy like sugary snacks. The stakeholders were also prepared for the workshop via giving them information that was project-specific and preparing them to think outside the box. The facilitator worked to establish and enforce the meeting’s rules, introduce the meeting’s goals and agenda, facilitate consensus making without participation in the content, and control any behaviour that was unproductive or disruptive. The stakeholders involved in the elicitation process were the management committee of Brisbane institute of Art. They included; the director of the institute, the administrative staff, the pro ject administrator, the bookkeeper, tutorial staff, and the maintenance staff. 2. Benchmark Analysis BIA is a non-profit association that provides employment on art time basis for arts workers and visual artists annually. It provides a collaborative and creative environment that provides support for artists via skill exchange, peer collaboration, and provision of opportunities for development and exhibition. The environment provided by the institution has nurtured many artists, emerging and established, some who have achieved prominence nationally. Over 1,500 students enrol in the institute’s classes annually, with many others attending their exhibitions. They also allow use of their facilities by other artists and organizations. The institute

Explanation of Berkeley's Critique of the Lockean Notion of Substratum Essay

Explanation of Berkeley's Critique of the Lockean Notion of Substratum - Essay Example their molecular configuration or structure. Observing thus the mind was naturally led to the conception of a material substratum as something which 'underlay' and 'supported' the sensory qualities which were now perceived and known: 'the supposed, but unknown support of those qualities one found existing, which one could not imagined to exist sine re substante' ( Locke, Essay).Thus Locke agreed to the view that material substances were the ontological correlates of logical subjects - they are the things which possess qualities, such as space, shape and motion. On the other hand Locke himself had agreed that if an attempt was made to abstract from our ideas of these qualities, one was left with only an indeterminate notion of a substratum. Yet Locke insisted that this substratum alone unified and integrated the qualities instantiated in it. Moreover, he also held that the 'real essences' of objects, incapable of being comprehended by the human mind, determine the structure of all comp lexes of qualities and are 'situated' in the indeterminate substratum. They could only be understood by a being with adequate, superhuman faculties. Lockean view held that normal humans comprehend things as they systematically appear to them, conditioned by their perceptions; things as they actually are intrinsically lie beyond the confines of normal human intellect.Berkeley thought Lockean viewpoint offered much scope for skepticism. He understood clearly that once the real goes beyond the reach of all possible experience then skepticism began. The concept of material substance precisely left one skeptic. Berkeley instead put forward a metaphysical analysis of what it meant to state that a physical object existed. This analysis was an alternative Locke's skeptic concept of the 'material substratum'. Berkeley's theory also doubled up as a neo-phenomenalist reduction of physical objects into complexes of ideas, which Berkeley believed ran along side the common sense perception of the nature of the physical world. Berkeley took an anti-skeptical stance that the real world is directly encountered in perception, and that our knowledge of this world is direct and non-inferential. However if what one perceives directly is the real and objective world, and we immediately perceive only our own ideas, then it follows logically that our ideas are constitutive of reality, and are not, as was Lockean stance, merely representative of reality. It is important to see that both Locke and Berkeley believed that our entire conceptual framework was derived entirely from experience, however Berkeley argued if Lockean material substance is indeterminate and metaphenomenal, then there can be no concept of material substance, and the assertion that such a substance or substratum exists becomes, empirically meaningless.Berkely further argued that objective world of physical objects is very real. Physical objects cannot be analyzed in Lockean terms as complexes of qualities 'supported by' an underlying substratum they are rather composites of the simple ideas acquired in their perception. In short, for

Discovery Of Oil In Ghana Economics Essay

Discovery Of Oil In Ghana Economics Essay Since the discovery of oil in deep-water offshore the coast of Ghana in 2007, the nation has had amplified expectations on possible accelerated economic growth and development. This black gold if managed well has the propensity to transform a structurally week economy into a self-sustain economy or can lead to social, economic and political instability as evidenced in some resource rich countries where their economies are characterized by corruption, poverty, and conflict. As Ghana becomes a member of league of oil producing countries, it is imperative that the country considers available successful options for effective allocation of its oil windfalls. This paper examines policy instruments that the Ghanaian governments can adopt to promote rapid improvement in development indicators in order to avoid the resource curse. Now, with oil as a shot in the arm, were going to fly, Were going to really zoom, accelerate, and if everything works, which I pray will happen positively, you come back in five years, and youll see that Ghana truly is the African tiger, in economic terms for development.  [1]  This statement attributed to a former president of Ghana in 2007 upon discovery of oil in commercial quantities justifies the optimistic expectations from the government and people of Ghana on the acceleration of economic growth and development from revenues to be obtained from exploration and development of oil fields. However, countries endowed with abundance of natural resources often perform poorly in achieving their targeted economic development than those with fewer resources resulting in what is popularly known as the paradox of plenty or natural resource curse.  [2]  For most of these richly endowed countries, the dream of using revenues from oil and gas to propel economic development is shutte red due to poor governance, oil price volatility, overdependence of oil revenue and the enclave nature of the oil industry. Ghana, a resource rich country and already producing gold, diamond, bauxite, magnesium and aluminium has not been able to achieve economic stability and low poverty rate with revenues from these mineral resources. Based on current proven reserves, Ghanas production of oil from the Jubilee field is expected to reach it peak from 2013-2015 at a production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day, lasting for 20 years and a potential revenue generation of USD 1.8 billion per annum at its peak production.  [3]  Availability of both short and long term economic measures and macro-economic policies are needed to avoid the resource curse. This paper seeks to examine how the governments of Ghana can effectively manage this scarce resource (oil) in the nations quest to achieving a middle income status economy by 2020. For a proper understanding of oil exploration and exploitation, chapter two will consider the history of oil discovery in Ghana. A comparative approach method will be adopted in chapter three to analyse two diverging case scenarios of how one country (Norway) has been able to effectively manage it resources to advance economic development and the other countrys (Nigeria) failure to achieve such success. Chapter four will elaborate on how key mechanisms such as diversification of the economy, strengthening of contractual and legal framework, transparency and accountability and resource management can be used as a tool in achieving sustainable economic growth. The conclusion will be chapter five. 2. Ghana Overview: History of Oil Discovery Exploration of hydrocarbons in Ghana started in 1896 from the onshore Tano exploration in the Western Region (GPE, 2004). This initial exploration by the West Africa Oil and Fuel Company (WAOFCO) and later by the Socià ©tà © Franà §aise de Petrole in 1909 was hitched by the discovery of seepages of oil onshore by early explorers in surrounding communities onshore Tano (GNPC, 2009). The Saltpond field, which is the first major oil field in Ghana was discovered and developed by Signal Amoco in 1970 and began producing oil in 1975. A total of about 3.47 million barrels of oil was produced and 14 billion cubic feet of gas was flared between 1978 and 1985.  [4]  Three major discoveries Cape Three Points, Saltpond and North and South Tano were made from drilling of 31 wells by the end of 1980. With the nations vision of reducing crude oil importation and the provision of sustainable and reliable supply of petroleum products, Ghana Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) was established in 1983 with a mandate to continue major and sustainable exploration activities through the usage of needed technology and personnel, accelerated petroleum exploration and preventing adverse effects on the environment from petroleum exploration.  [5]  Figure 1 shows Ghanas Jubilee Oil Field. Figure 1: Ghanas Jubilee field straddles two licenses: Deep-water Tano and West Cape Three Points Map of Ghana highlighting offshore projects Source: Tullow Oil Ghana, 2012 In June 2007, GNPC together with its partners in the Jubilee field, Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy announced the discovery of oil offshore Ghana. Tullow Oil expressed that the oil discovered offshore Ghana is one of the biggest oil finds in Africa in recent times.  [6]  Production of oil from the Jubilee field commenced in December 2010, and is estimated to contain 1.5 billion barrels of oil. Production in 2012 is estimated to be between an average of 70,000 and 90,000 barrels per day (bpd).  [7]  It is important to observe that since 2007, more offshore discoveries of oil and gas has been made with the recent discovery filed by Hess and GNPC for the Pecan-1 exploration well located in at deep-water Tano/Cape Three Points license offshore Ghana.  [8]   3. Comparative Analysis In recent years, due to the extreme variations in the standard of living of resource-rich countries, resource management has become a key element in exploration and development of natural resources. While countries such as Norway ranks very top in effective management of oil revenue, others such as Yemen, Angola, Nigeria and Chad have performed poorly in achieving economic development. Plagued in poverty, most of these countries have become rich with poor people often struggling to design appropriate resource management strategies for resource utilization.  [9]  Oil price volatility and the Dutch Disease are the two commonly known adverse effects to development path of resource endowed countries. The Dutch Disease which occurred in the Netherlands in 1970s refers to a sharp increase in the value of exported resource leading to appreciation of the local real exchange rate. This usually increases import as a result of increase in expenditure due to what is termed as petro-dollar an d makes exportation of local commodities unattractive and difficult, hence the spending effect. The shift in human resources and logistics from other sectors to the resource sector raises cost of production of other sectors creating resource pull.  [10]  A comparative analysis of Norway and Nigeria discussed is intended to offer Ghana with two practically extreme modules for guidance in avoiding the resource curse. 3.1 Norway Norway has earned a reputable position in resource management in oil and gas development. This has been labelled by many as the classical Scandinavian mechanism to tackling obstacles for long-term economic growth and development in the oil and gas industry. Norway discovered its first commercial oil in 1971 from the North Sea and considered its windfall from oil revenues as a temporal tool to insulate global economic shocks instead of stimulating present consumption. From the Norwegian Model, the government carefully and effectively disaggregated administration of petroleum development into policy formulation, commercial and regulatory arms. The separated arms included the national oil company (Statoil) which was mandated to undertake commercial oil and gas exploration and exploitation, Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) as a regulatory body responsible for control, monitoring and provision of technical support and Ministry of Petroleum and Energy directing government policies.  [11]   To sustain revenue management and wealth, total and non-oil economy separation was introduced in economic forecasting in 1973 and was strengthened by the establishment of Government Petroleum Fund, renamed as Government Pension Fund in 2006. New fiscal policy guidelines were adopted by Parliament in 2001.  [12]  All these policy instruments instituted and strictly adhered to has resulted in prudent and transparent management of oil revenue. (Insert SWF institute) The success chalked by Norway in the management and administration of revenue from oil and gas production has attracted immersed international attention and has led to the formation of the Oil for Development (OfD) by the Norwegian government. The scheme launched in 2005 aims at supporting developing economies upon request, to manage, control and achieve economic development through efficient utilization of oil revenues.  [13]  With core members such as Nigeria, Angola, Uganda, Vietnam and limited cooperation countries such as Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa, Oil for Development now cooperates with more than over 23 countries depending on area of expertise needed. 3.2 Nigeria Nigeria joined the ranks of oil producers in 1958 after it had discovered oil in commercial quantities in 1956 by Shell-BP as the sole concessionaire at the time and producing about 5,100 bpd at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta. By the late sixties and early seventies, production level had surged to over 2 million barrels of crude oil a day.  [14]  Between 1971 and 1973, Nigerias oil revenue almost quintupled due to windfalls from increasing oil prices. Nigeria as a major oil producer joined the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1971 and established the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in 1977 as a national oil company to manage and controlled both the upstream and downstream energy sectors.  [15]  Though sectorial and trade patterns begun showing traits of oil income by early1970s, agriculture maintain its dominance accounting for about 40% of non-oil GDP and employing about 70% of the national work force. However, this achievement was short-lived as the economy suffered severe oil syndrome propelling a sharp decline in agriculture sector, collapse of non-oil export and appreciating of the countrys real exchange rate.  [16]  These were the result of high public capital spending (an increase from 3.6% of nominal GDP in 1970 to 29.5% by 1976) leading to high GDP deficit , inflation and wage increments by the government, based on the Public Service Review Commission (the average wage for civil servants doubled with increases of up to 130%).  [17]   http://www.eia.gov/countries/analysisbriefs/Nigeria/images/oil_production_consumption.png Nigeria has failed on the path to developing clear cut oil revenue management systems to manage its windfalls. This is traced to failures on attempted management commissions such as the Niger Development Board of 1960 and the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) of 1992 due to political instabilities. The most recent commission created to salvage the country is the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2000.  [18]  Nigerias crude oil production capacity is currently at 1.673 million bbl/d, with recent offshore oil developments and the restart of some shut-in onshore production increasing it to an average of 2.17 million bbl/d for the month of July 2011. High levels of poverty and corruption has led to kidnappings, militants takeovers of oil facilities in the Niger Delta and pipeline vandalism since 2005.  [19]  Though currently producing below capacity, Nigerias oil production is expected to increase based on the estimated 37.2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and a more comprehensive revenue management system envisaged from the much debated Petroleum Industry Bill.  [20]   4. Implementing Strategic Management Framework The energy sector strategy and development plan 2010 drafted by the Ministry of Energy in Ghana advocate that in order to achieve the countrys goal of sustaining oil and gas exploration, development and judicious management of accrued revenue, the ministrys plan is to manage oil and gas revenues transparently and ensure equity for the benefit of the present and future generation of Ghanaians. This will be achieved through institutional reforms and transparent regulation for the management the oil revenue through legislative guidelines for the creation of a Future Generation Fund and stabilization fund.  [21]  The challenge is how Ghana positions itself in managing and formulating policies to achieve these set goals. Subsequent chapters will be dedicated to deliberating various successful policies and management styles governing allocation of oil revenues, how much to save (Current versus Future), building economic shocks for oil price volatility and guarding against the Dutch Dis ease 4.1 Strengthening Contractual, Regulatory and Legal Framework In modern business transactions, the buyer is always guided by the traditional concept of caveat emptor let the buyer beware of the natural risk in purchasing products in the market. To this end, and more crucial in the oil and gas industry is the opposite, let the owner beware of how resource revenue management if not meticulously planned could create inequalities.  [22]  Countries such as Botswana and Norway have been able to manage their resource sectors to sustain economic growth by adapting efficient and effective contractual and legal framework. Ghana in an attempt to follow such examples has passed two crucial bills, the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill (PRMB) and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Bill 2011 (PEPB). These bills governing exploration, development and management of oil revenues are intended to strengthen and provide a comprehensive approach to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Act (PNDC Law 64), the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act (P NDC Law 84), the Petroleum Income Tax Act, 1987 (PNDC Law 188), the Internal Revenue Act 2000 (Act 592) and the Environmental Protection Act 1994 upon commercial discovery of oil in 2007. The Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2011 provides for framework for the collection, allocation and management of petroleum revenue in a responsible, transparent, accountable and sustainable manner for the benefit of the citizens of Ghana in accordance with Article 36 of the Constitution and for related matters.  [23]  Thus, the bill provides instruments for key issues such as setting up of petroleum funds, allocation and disbursement of the funds, management and investments of the petroleum funds and encumbrances and auditing of the funds.  [24]  The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, also seeks to provide a robust framework for the sector for the exploration, development and production of petroleum and create an enabling environment for increased private sector participation and investment in the petroleum sector and to strengthen the regulatory framework for healthy competition and quality assurance.  [25]  By adopting Production Sharing Agreement in negotiati ng and awarding of petroleum contracts to IOCs, Ghana seeks to promote local contents and sense of ownership in petroleum production. However, it is important to state that creating these regulatory and legal frameworks alone is not the end, for Ghana to be able to be successful in promoting economic growth using petroleum revenues; it must strictly adhere to these frameworks as done in Norway and Botswana. 4.2 Transparency, Accountability and Democratic Governance Strong institutions and administrative capacity for transparency and accountability in the oil industry is an important tool in achieving the purpose of improving human lives. Independent and accountable institutions are needed to manage proceeds from natural resource revenues. As done by some countries such as Chile and Malaysia, even with relatively low institutional capacities have overturned the negative cycle and maintained social stability and accelerated economic growth.  [26]  Ghana as member of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) which promote good corporate governance, effective regulatory framework for economic activities, corporate accountability , sound, transparent and predictable government policies should adhere to these standards in order to promote quality standard of living and reduce poverty rate. Another mechanism used in tracking the performance of extractive natural resources countries in admonishing transparency, accountability and good governance is participating as a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). As a global standard of ensuring transparency, EITI provides all industry players (IOCs, civil society groups and international organizations) and country members with principles of upholding transparency and accountability of payment from natural resources.  [27]  Ghana together with other countries such as Norway, Nigeria and Tanzania as EITI compliant countries have been meeting all requirements in the EITI standards and must continue to do so as a measure of promoting and strengthening transparency. The democratic dispensation in Ghana is considered by far to be one of the most reliable and stable governance in Africa. Continuing this path of democratic governance and strong civil societies such as the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEP A), IMANI, Centre for Education and Policy and the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) in Ghana, the country can tap experience from Chile and Botswana in avoiding the resource curse. The position of transparency and accountability is confirmed in article 8.1 of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act 2011. Its state that for the purpose of transparency and accountability, the records of petroleum receipts in whatever form, shall simultaneously be published by the Minister in the Gazette and in at least two state owned daily newspapers, within thirty calendar days after the end of the applicable quarter.  [28]   4.3 Resource Management A million question usually posed by many experts is whether Ghana should spend or save windfall revenues from the oil sector. Thus, should revenue management policy be structured towards repayment of Ghanas large foreign borrowing and eradicate capital scarcity and credit spreads, invest in foreign assets through sovereign wealth fund which has the capacity of building economic shock absorbers against volatile oil prices or to invest in domestic capital which has the tendency of promoting growth and structural transformation. In the case of Norway, the government instituted the State Petroleum Fund (SPF) in 1990 to function as both savings and stabilization funds to manage macroeconomic growth and guard against oscillating oil prices. Through prudent economic managements, strong democratic institutions, transparency and conservative fiscal policies, the SPF accumulated substantial wealth which led to consistent budget surpluses and the surging popularity of the Norwegian Model.  [29]  Though economic conditions and priorities between Ghana and Norway are different, Chile a developing economy has similar economic growth and development characteristics to that of Ghana. Like Norway, Chile in 1985 established the Copper Stabilization Fund for the management of its copper revenues and its effective management led to economic booms and poverty reduction between 1990 and 1997. Ghana governments oil revenue from the Jubilee field has four components, a royalty of 5% of gross oil revenues, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation share of 13.75% as oil fields commercial net profits, an additional oil entitlement of 10-25 % of petroleum revenue, net of royalties and the GNPC interest, is accrued if the project rate of return is between 18 and 33% and government levies on company income tax on all net profits of 35 %.  [30]  For effective management of windfall revenues from oil production and drawing experience from Norway, Chile and Botswana, Ghanas Petroleum Revenue Management Act allocates government oil revenues between annual budget and sovereign wealth funds based on benchmark revenue. The Petroleum Act established a Petroleum Holding Fund with Bank of Ghana to receive and disburse all public oil revenues. From the Petroleum Holding Fund, 50-70% is allocated to consolidate the annual budget with a minimum of 70% to be used for investment in eleven prior ity areas including agriculture, human resource, education and health, security, transport and the remaining 30% for consumption. The other 30-50% from the Petroleum Holding Fund goes into the Ghana Petroleum Funds which consist of the Ghana Stabilisation Fund and the Ghana Heritage Fund. The Ghana Stabilisation Fund, constituting a minimum of 70% of the Ghana Petroleum Fund, will be used to cushion the impact on o sustain public expenditure capacity during periods of unanticipated petroleum shortfalls and the remained 30% to be invested as the Ghana Heritage Fund to provide an endowment to support the development for future generations when the petroleum reserves have been depleted.  [31]  These policies, when properly administered and supported with strong democratic institutions can eliminate Ghana from the oil curse. 4.4 Conflict Management As observed in the case of Nigeria, political instability and authority has been a key fundamental issue hindering effective management of oil revenue. This is to say that though the promise of piece of share of the oil cake keeps the nation together, its distribution has plunged the country into political, social and economic instability resulting in high levels of poverty and corruption, militants takeovers of oil facilities and vandalism in the Niger Delta.  [32]  Similar cases are spread across the Middle East where poor management of oil revenue has led to polarization of the economy and economic laxity. Although Ghanas commercial oil discoveries have been made in deep water offshore Western Region, the fact still remains that region is most likely to suffer more in the case of oil spillage. Environmental safety trust funds and care must be taken to avoid social disruptions. From Ghanas own experience, towns such as Obuasi and Akwatia which are well known for the extraction of gold and bauxite have seen little development with respects to the national revenue generated from the area. As a result, there are important discussions on the need to establish Western Region Development Fund to cater for a more responsive regional development to avoid undesired sentiment of marginalisation and alienation. 4.5 Diversification and sustainable Economic Policy A key challenge of windfall revenues is how to avoid or minimize the possible negative effect that spending from oil revenues could have on the non-oil sectors of the economy. This negative effect usually leads to shrinking of non-oil sector by shifting production from exports while imports stay the same, shifting production from import substitutes goods and creating additional imports of goods and services. Unlike Nigeria which has seen a near collapse of export from the agricultural sector after discovery of oil, Indonesia has achieved tremendous improvement in agricultural production.  [33]  Other countries such as Angola, Iraq and Equatorial Guinea have also performed poorly in sustaining agricultural development and food security. Agriculture, services and manufacturing sectors are relatively labour-intensive, with agriculture alone employing about 65% of the work force in most developing countries as compared to the extractive industry , Ghana as a major exporter of cocoa, gold and a relatively growing manufacturing sectors should continue to diversify its productions to build a robust economy capable of sustaining oil price volatility. 5. CONCLUSION Ghana, like other developing countries can effectively manage its oil revenue and use the windfalls as an engine for accelerated development through sustainable planning from upstream, midstream and downstream activities. Major challenges for the country would be how to develop the oil and gas industry with optimal local content and participation, how to provide security for the industry and the overall management of potential revenue from oil and gas production. From a lot diverging experiences, Ghana can only do better in areas many countries have failed in relation to the management of exploration and exploitation of crude oil. Given the fact that crude oil and gas as natural resources are exhaustive and temporary, the broad objective of the country should be to use revenues accrued from oil production in support of the non-oil productive sectors in order to achieve a diversified and stable economic growth. The set-up of the national petroleum regulatory authority responsible for the regulation of all petroleum activities and the creation of a future generation fund and stabilization fund to ensure transparency and equity of benefit for both present and future generations are good initiatives. To maximize potentials from the oil industry, these initiatives should be cushioned by building a supporting human resource capacity, technological transfer and strong contractual, regulatory, legal frameworks.

Essay Comparing Change in The Stranger and Nausea :: comparison compare contrast essays

Comparing Change in The Stranger and Nausea  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚   Existentialists mean that we can't rationalize, since we can't explain human fear, anguish, and pain. To rationalize is absurd, because in the final analysis, we will find nothing. Life is absurd. This leads to the term Nothingness. Thus, since we can't find a meaning of life more than what we attempt to create by ourselves, we anguish. Living in the same era, Camus and Sartre individually helped to form the school of existentialism. Of course there were others: Kierkegaard, Heidegger, etc. But I have chosen Camus and Sartre because of the closeness in the publication of their first novels. Camus published his first novel, The Stranger, in 1942, while Sartre published his first novel, Nausea, in 1938. I am interested in the way they look at change in The Stranger and Nausea. In The Stranger, the main character is Mersault. His mother dies and he travels to her home for the burial. The day after the funeral, Mersault gets together with a woman, Marie. He becomes friends with Raymond, a neighbor. Raymond is having an argument with some Arabs. Mersault is then pulled into the dispute between Raymond and the Arabs. Finally, on a sunny afternoon at the beach, Mersault kills one of the Arabs, even though he really has nothing against him. Mersault is put on trial and sentenced to death. Nausea is the journal of Antoine Roquentin; Nausea is the resulting disorientation Roquentin feels from having his existence revealed. Through a self analysis, Roquentin discovers that his existence is meaningless. He has been living for the past three years in the French town of Bouville and is working on a history book. Mersault is characterized by an indifference to change. At one time, Mersault gets an invitation to move to Paris by his boss, but he declines. Mersault says that "people never change their lives, that in any case one life was as good as another and that I wasn't dissatisfied with mine at all." (Camus, p. 41) Mersault is content with what he got. He has his work, his home and his girl: it's all he needs. He lives, like Roquentin, in solitude, reflecting upon the actions of others. But he never gets involved since it doesn't matter to him. He neither feels happy nor sad. It is as if all emotions were drained from his body.

The Woman Warrior

Brittany Tiano Ms. Wenzel WLS Tutorial 24 October 2012 Reality vs. Fantasy: Kingston’s use of Juxtaposition in The Woman Warrior In The Woman Warrior, Maxine Hong Kingston writes an honest memoir that focuses in on the lives of five woman; the most important being Kingston, and is told in 5 chapters. As a reader, we get a glimpse into the realities of life for many Chinese emigrants in America and their children. Kingston, who is the narrator in the book, creates an elaborate fantasy in the second chapter, called â€Å"White Tigers†.In it, Kingston portrays a strong warrior woman, who leads her army to victory by overthrowing the emperor at his palace. In reality, she was in America, struggling to get noticed by the unfamiliar people surrounding her. This section of the book bares great importance because it shows the authors use of juxtaposition on the girls reality and a fantasy world she wishes to be in. Readers feel sympathy that she can’t reach her goal of b ecoming a warrior, but must be stuck in an unfamiliar country where she is ignored and made fun of. Life in America was not all it was cracked up to be.Kingston learned this pretty quick. Since she was of chinese dissent, she had a very slim chance of ever becoming anything big, maybe an owner of a laundromat, but that’s it. Men would be especially difficult for Kingston to get the hang of as well. She tried to look feminine and be sweet but nothing worked. At school she wasn’t respected. At work she wasn’t respected. While working at an art store, her boss was telling her to order more of a certain type of yellow and he used the â€Å"N† word to describe it. She says, â€Å"‘I don’t like that word,’ I had to say in my bad, small persons voice that makes no impact.The boss never deigned to answer†(Kingston 48). In America, Kingston is especially down on herself and winey: â€Å"Nobody supports me at the expense of his own adven ture. Then I get bitter: no one supports me; I am not loved enough to be supported†(Kingston 48). She feels like she has nobody to turn to, nobody to relate to, and worst of all, nobody to love her; which made being in America harder for her. In reality, a woman's place in society was beneath those of men, and then being an Asian-American woman would direct her to the bottom of the food chain.In a quick second though, things would change and she was a whole new person. This was possible in her fantasy world, one which she created in her minds eye and loved to be in. Imagine being two people at once; only one of them turned off and the other brought to life. That’s how kingston felt when she was in her fantasy world of being a warrior. She trained for 15 years to be the best she could be and impressed all who she met. She had the ability to give life; giving birth to a baby boy, and take life; executing many targets she had seen in the magical gourd.As the author writes this, you can see just how juxtaposed the two worlds are and wish that Kingston lived a better life, or that the fantasy could become a reality. In her fantasy, she has a son, confidence, a killer army (literally), and a loving husband. She has such passion for going after men that had impressed her brother and father: â€Å"I watched the baron’s piggish face chew open-mouthed on the sacrificial pig. I plunged my hand into the gourd, making a grab for his thick throat†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Kingston 45). She was so eager to destroy him and get her family members back.Such confidence then led to a numerous army that would â€Å"attack fiefdoms† and â€Å"pursue enemies† that she had seen in the gourd. Kingston notes, â€Å"I inspired my army, and I fed them†¦ We brought order where ever we went†¦ I won over a goodly number of fighters†¦ † (Kingston 37). She practically had people bowing down to her, and for once in her life, she was loved, a wish sh e had had for so long. She realized that her â€Å"son was so delighted that the shiny general was his mother too† and a sense of accomplishment and honor was brought about her. (Kingston 45). Between this fictional life, and her reality, she was stuck in a rut.Right off the bat, Kingston tells the reader that her American life has been such a disappointment† (Kingston 45). Being an Asian-American was no easy task. Kingston suffered through bias, and it came â€Å"to the point that as long as you ‘look’ Asian, you’re open to attack, regardless of which group you belong to†¦ † (Lindsey). The most interesting part of this chapter is the last few pages when Kingston gets back to talking about her fantasy life. She says, â€Å"I mustn’t feel bad that i haven't done as well as the swordswoman did; after all, no bird called me, no wise old people tutored me. I have no magic beads, no water gourd sight†¦My brain had momentarily lost it’s depth perception. I was that eager to find an unusual bird†(Kingston 49). In this last part, Kingston self-reflects on her fantasy and how badly she wants it. She feels like if she just looks hard enough for the signs; the bird, the clouds, the mountains, she’ll find her way to the old people’s home and fulfill her fantasy. As readers, we know this will never happen, which makes us feel sympathetic that her future will never be as appealing as she wants it to be. There are numerous examples of juxtaposition throughout the book but this chapter most likely held the bulk of them.Maxine Kingston’s writing was filled with stories and unfortunate realities that made a reader understand what it was like to be so different now matter how much she did to blend in. The opposition between the two lives gave us an inside look of a culture’s myth brought to an imagination, and a reality that pain staked a girl to disliking a place that she lived. K ingston, Maxine Hong. The Woman Warrior. New York: Vintage International, 1976. Print. Lindsey, Robert. â€Å"Asian-Americans See Growing Bias. † New York Times 10 09 1983, Special Edition n. pag. Web. 24 Oct. 2012. .

Managing Profitable Customer Relationships

Hardly Davidson has massive engines for motorbikes and has been known to have a friendly relationship with its customers. The company sponsors different motorbike events during which they are able to display modern bikes and their accessories. The brand name has a great reputation and has brought together riders and have welfare benefits for its members. The company has enhanced their rapport through regular communication through the internet. The riders have formed an international network attachment as well as local dealership to enhance their services. The company motivates its customers or riders by giving them pinstops which identify them with the company and so doing create pride of membership. Performance related programs on mileage for those enrolled leads to an advantage in terms of priority in accessing the best accessories for one’s bike. Harley company has been accepted in different countries and its members can rent and ride in countries such as Canada, Australia and the United States. The company has built a good reputation and has a great bond with its numerous customer needs. 1.   What are the key elements of Harley-Davidson’s efforts to build relationship with its customers? The key elements in Harley-Davidson are the involvement of customers in not being just customers but also being dealers. There is customer participation in events sponsored by the company. Membership creates a sense of belonging and enhances the attachment to the company while good communication through the internet connects the company to its customers. Presence of welfare schemes such as sponsorship to events and insurance services motivates the customers. 2.   Can you think of other companies that create such strong relationships with their customers? How do they do that? NASCAR which is the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing has created a lasting customer relationship through a careful blend of live racing events, compelling web sites with information and entertainment, ensures ample security and organizes parties, cook outs and camps with family members. This creates a friendly environment that enriches the company-to-customer relationship. The Unilever company has created a good relationship through high standards of corporate behavior towards the employees, customers and the society. It is involved in community development activities and this extension of their services to the society attracts more customers. The company has also offered voluntary counseling and testing programs in support of the community. It has also set goals to evaluates the HIV/AIDS roadmap with strategic approaches to reaching out to its customers. A follow up plan for comprehensive care and treatment is organized so that customers are convinced that the company’s objective is to render them the service and the good gesture goes along way in maintaining a good relationship. Offering of medicines at subsidized rates has led to the growth of the company and the humanitarian activities have extended to the provision of health insurance covers. 3.   How else can Harley-Davidson build or deepen its relationships with its customers? Harley Davidson can deepen its relationship by offering medical checkups for the riders before and after an event, a welfare scheme for the member’s next of kin to participate   for future customers as well as training facilities for those aspiring to be good riders. Recommendation To enhance profitable customer relationships, it is important that there is customer involvement and participation in the activities of the company. A good rapport is enhanced through welfare schemes for members to cater for important services such as medical and insurance covers. Good communication between the two parties gives feedbacks and this helps the company in providing the best quality of service. Reference: Paul G.R. Up Close and Personal?: Customer relationship. Don Peppers, Martha Rogers. Managing Customer Relationship. Stanley A.B Customer Relationship Management   

Round table discussion Essays

Round table discussion Essays Round table discussion Paper Round table discussion Paper Essay Topic: Discussion My major Is business administration. I am a clear headed, ambitious individual who has taken the time to think about my future and my goals. I have undertook and completed my two years course in China. Being a transfer student to a foreign country requires me to continually focus, and focus more and more as the course has developed. And it is also give me an opportunity to continue a further education. I chose business administration as a general degree, which gave e the opportunity to learn and test all aspects of management and business so that I knew what I wanted to specialized in. By means of my education and experience, there are a few things In which I believe deeply that can develop individuals. First of all, we must choose the right direction, that Is, to choose a specific and clear objectives. Setting a goal Is Like building a pyramid. The power of target Is enormous. After the goal, we must establish It firmly. Then I believe everyone wants to succeed ND success Is around everyone, even If the success Is a small one. Actually, success means different things for different people. Some may equate it with money, some with work and still some with other. Whatever your dreams are, you have a goal there and then focus all your attention on it. Then success is sure to wait for you at somewhere. When it comes to values, my first thought was a standard criterion of everything. It is far away from success if you are only with the recognition of scholarship and ability by society. You should infect others with moral charm. Win the trust and respect of others, then you will the opportunities and success. Morality is a state, a pursuit, but also a force to promote its forward. Our responsibility Is to stick to the bottom line of moral in life. We should have social conscience. I believe that because good fortune had give me with better than average opportunity, I have a duty to perform In our communities. Thus, I must give more than receive. I believe one of the greatest ideas of all times is a convincing moral force which is the concept f the dignity and worth of human individual. That is my core value. In my life I have given myself certain goals, some relating to my personal life and some to my life in the business world, which I will do my best to complete. I do not believe in fate. No matter under what circumstances anyone would have a chance to change their destiny if they work hard. So I will continue to pursue the development of myself. That refers to the pursuit of my own qualities and enrich my own knowledge. Whats ore, let my family live In happiness. Being a good family member. I also planned financial goals. The most Important one is really assess my monthly expenses. Do I really need to pay such a hill of bills? While Im lucky enough at this point In my life not to be living month to month, that good fortune has made me lazier about making sure Im not Just wasting money. By the end of my graduation, I plan on analyzing the expenses and making adjustments that hopefully suit my lifestyle better and save me successful future.

Phylum Porifera Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Phylum Porifera - Essay Example The sponges were considered to be plant-animal classification until 19th Century because they were not able to move, especially during their adult life where they attach themselves to a rock. However, this paper aims to evaluate in a critical aspect about the notions that Phylum Porifera is paraphyletic rather than monophyletic. The essay achieves its purpose by providing credible sources to demonstrate the comparative knowledge of morphology and embryologoy in an effort of evaluating the suggested hypothesis. The paper demonstrates the suggestions of the notion in respect to bilaterian’s ancestors. The sponges are among the simplest animals in the Kingdom Animalia. Their feeding system is unique among other types of animals. However, the evolution of animals is believed to transform the sponges from their earlier form of multi-cellular organisms to the present day animals. As earlier mentioned, it is learnt that Poliferans had an early branching event, which resulted to their separation from other metazoans. The sponges differentiate themselves from other animals in different nature such as lacking digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems. On their side, they adapt themselves by maintaining the constant flow of water through their pored bodies in order to get oxygen and food, as well as removing waste from the body. In addition, their shape of the body is adaptive to maximal reliability of water flow though their central cavity, where it uses a hole called osculum to deposit the nutrients. Most of the sponge species feed on the food particles or bacteria in the water, where some of them host micro organisms for photosynthesizing processes to act as endosymbionts. Such associations ensure there is maximum production of oxygen and food in the water, as compared to what they consume. However, some sponges that live in environment with small or no food have become carnivores since they mainly prey on

Human Resource Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Human Resource Management - Research Paper Example The unions have grown from local associations that fought to maintain status quo of craftsmen and were dominated by men to national unions representing employees nationwide through amalgamations. The unions have a lot of influence on workers from public and private sector though union membership has been on the decline since the installation of Thatcher conservative government that is aggressive to the unions (CIPD, 2009). Due to globalization and technological advancements as well as change in employee dynamics, unions have changed drastically and become friendly to employers and work in partnership with them in order to help workers. Their relevance is also on the decline due to changes in workplace management practices especially after emergence of human resource management which appreciates workers and views them as partners. In order to understand the future of trade union movement in the 21st century in public and private sector, we need to appreciate the history of the movemen t especially the legalities that have shaped the movement ever since and continue to guide the unions today. According to Hyman (2001), British trade unionism dates back to two centuries. The earliest trade unions were formed by skilled workers or craftsmen with the aim of guarding their trade and establishing wage levels and followed the laissez-faire form of market control hence voluntarism characterized by low legal regulation and no government intervention (The national archives, 2010). Workers were free to organize collectively and so did employers have freedom to dismiss union members. Although unions bargained collectively, employers had the right to refuse to negotiate with the union. Strikes were legal but workers had the right to dismiss striking workers if they breached their contracts (Hyman, 2001). The craftsmen prevented entry of other members into their trade so as not to increase supply and hence