Parallels between The Movie, The Matrix and Platos Allegory Of The Cav

Par eachels between The Movie, The Matrix and Platos Allegory Of The Cave In Book VII of The Republic, Plato tells a story empower The Allegory Of The Cave. He begins the story by describing a dark underground cave where a group of race argon sitting in one and totally(a) long row with their backs to the caves entrance. Chained to their chairs from an early age, all the humans laughingstock see is the distant cave wall in from of them. Their view of actuality is soley found upon this limited view of the cave which but is a poor copy of the real world. In addition to the chained people, there are other people in the cave. Plato refers to them as the puppet-handlers and they are the ones holding those in the cave captive. (It is important to run into that the prisoners do not realize this--in fact, the prisoners do not even realize that they are being held captive since this existence is all they have ever known.) Walking behind the prisoners, the puppet-handlers hold up variou s objects found in the real world. Due to a fire that is burning the mouth of the cave, the prisoners are able to see the objects and each other only as distorted, flickering shadows on the core out wall in front of them.Unfortunately, the prisoners can not see the actual objects or the puppet-makers because they are unable to turn their heads. From childhood, ...their legs and necks have been in bonds so that they are fixed, see only what is in front of them.... As Plato goes on to later explain, the truth would be literally nothing but the shadows of the images. The movie, The Matrix, parallels Platoss Allegory Of The Cave in a number of ways. Similar to the prisoners of the cave, the humans trapped in the matrix (the cave) only see what the machines (the modern day puppet-handlers) want them to see. They are tricked into believing that what they hear in the cave and see before them is the true reality that exists. Furthermore, they accept what their senses are telling them and they believe that what they are experiencing is all that really exists--nothing more. However, modern is forced to causa a painful truth when he is removed from the pod that has kept him trapped in the virtual reality of the matrix.Neo discovers that what he has been presented with his entire livelihood is only reflections, or merely shadows of the truth. This theme is carried throughout the movie as we see ... ...yone to take them out of the cave. They would fight to stay in the cave because it is the only world they have ever known and it is where they feel safe. In The Matrix, Cypher kills several people in his quest to go back to the matrix (the cave). Morpheus tells Neo the same thing in regard to the humans still plugged or trapped in the world of the matrix. You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged forced out of the matrix--the cave. And many of them are so inert, so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to harbor it. S ocietys Role In Our LivesIn conclusion, Platos story of the cave brings up many philosophical points and most importantly, addresses the issue of societys role in our lives. To some degree, we are all influenced by the thoughts and actions of others however, at the same time, we have the ability to question, draw our own conclusions, and ultimately make our own choices. As Trinity tell Neo, The Matrix can not tell you who you are. By being courageous enough to turn around and take the red pill, we, just like Neo and the Freed Man, are devising the first step towards personal independence.

Stoics :: essays research papers

Stoicism was a group of philosophers in the First Century who made laws that they thought should be followed by the citizens of capital of Italy. Two of these laws were the concepts of rationality and nature. Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome at the time and he overly the most known Stoic. His concepts were vital to the survival of the Stoics. The concept of rationality is what tells a human being whats honorable and wrong and what should be done and what is good for the human and the state by thinking. the reason also, in respect which we are rational beings, is common if this is so, common also is the reason which commands us what to do, and what not to do if this is so, there is a common law also if this is so, we are fellow citizens if this is so, we are members of some political alliance if this is so, the world is in manner of a state.(1) Marcus Aurelius says here that the citizens who are ration beings as a p guile of the whole political spectrum, should combine to keep he world one state. He wants the world to join as one state and governed by one, the people are all part of the same political system, so they should join together. In his Meditations Aurelius talks about every action having a purpose. Let no act be done without a purpose, nor other than than according to the perfect principles of art.(2) He says here that the reason we have is because everything we do has a purpose. The purposes are there because they are the unwritten rules of art. These rules are abided because they just happen. The art sets its own rules through the purposes of the acts that are done. No act should be done if it does not follow the rules of art. Yet, the rules of are made by the acts purposes. This importee everything has a reason why it is done and the purposes are legitimate.A mans life does not become worse unless he makes it worse. That which does not make his life worse, nor does it harm him either from without or with in.(3) In this quote, Aurileus te lls the Stoics that the things that dont harm him wont make his life worse inside or outside including the soul. This meaning that a person should do what they feel is right, because it will not hurt them physically or mentally.

President Bill Clinton :: William Jefferson Clinton Essays

If your order detail is correct but you have additional questions, transport visitour Customer Care website. It provides the same information ourrepresentatives would access if you were to call. Youll also find Key Documents (i.e., warranty, invoice, etc.) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Questions about Rebate forms? Click here. Cant find what you have online? Call Customer Care at 1-800-915-3355,option 1, ext. 43784. Were happy to serve you. You might also want to scroll down to check out any(prenominal) Helpful Setup Tipsto help you prepare for the arrival of your new system ESTIMATED SHIP DATE On or before Jan 31, 2002Although we do not seek a delay for your order, we occasionally run intounexpected delays in the manufacturing process. Should this happen, we willnotify you and provide a revised ship date. Note that your order whitethorn be shipped in separate boxes. But dont worry - youwill only be charged the shipping amount below. You must be available to preindication f or your shipment when it is received. Dells Order Status Inquiry line 1-800-433-9014. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NEW PURCHASEClick here to accept a NO embody ONE-YEAR, 22 ISSUEsubscription to PC Magazine courtesy of Dell. Act now.Offer expires January 21, 2002.YOUR ORDER INFORMATIONBilling InformationShipping InformationPayment orderCredit CardBill ToANNEMARIE E ZEIGLER21 Stuyvesant trackNew Haven, CT 06512-3620(203) 467-5543Shipping MethodLowest CostShip ToANNEMARIE ZEIGLER21 Stuyvesant AvenueNew Haven, CT 06512-3620(203) 467-5543Order detail - order placed 1/22/02 120208 PMDimension 2100 Series Intel CeleronProcessor at 1.1 gigahertzQty 1Unit Price $834.00Memory128MB SDRAMKeyboardNew Dell Enhanced Quiet Key KeyboardMonitor17 in (15.9 in viewable,.27dp) E771 Monitor painting CardIntegrated Intel 3D AGP GraphicsHard Drive20GB Ultra ATA/100 Hard Drive(7200RPM)Floppy Drive3.5 in Floppy Drive run SystemMicrosoft Windows XP Home EditionMouseMS IntellimouseBroadband Ready/EthernetNetwork C ardNo Network Card RequestedModem56K PCI Data telecommunicate Modem for WindowsCD or DVD Drive48X Max Variable CD-ROMSound CardSB Live Digital Sound cardSpeakersHarman Kardon HK-395 Speakers clomp SoftwareMicrosoft Works Suite 2002 with Money 2002 StandardNorton AntivirusNorton Antivirus 2002, 90-day introductory offerDigital MusicDell Jukebox powered by MusicMatch 6.0 for XPDigital imaginativeness SoftwareImage Expert2000 for XP,Dell EditionLimited Warranty, Services andSupport Options1Yr Ltd. Warranty- 1Yr At-Home Service + 1Yr Phone SupportInternet Access Options6 Months of America Online rank IncludedUSB and Parallel Cables10 ft. USB CableChoose Your Free orDiscounted Special OfferFREE Lexmark Z33 (USB cable not included)Sub- summation$834.00Shipping$95.00Tax$6.84Total Price$935.84Dell Home Systems collects tax on orders delivered to Texas, Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina,

life during wartime :: essays research papers

Theres nothing I can say about the display of still pictures, the faces on the television except, perhaps, that they all seemed to sh be a fierce pride in their eyes, photographed for the first time in their Marine Dress Blues. surely their families are proud of them. I certainly am, and I never got to know any of them. And now, I never will.Names scroll in little yellow-bellied letters across the bottom of our glowing screens Sergeants, and Captains, and Privates. These men have died for us. More will follow. We asked them to go, and they went. All across this nation -- here and there, sparkling across the present like fireflies on a summer night sedans are slowly rolling to a stop outside of small, modest homes. Men in analogous emerge, straighten their tunics, and walk slowly up driveways. Doorbells are rung. Maybe here and there smiles will evaporate in shock and surprise as doors are opened, but to a greater extent likely the face will be one full of stunned realization that the very worst thing in the social unit world has happened. And children will be sent to their rooms. And the men will speak in somber, respectful tones. And sons and mothers and fathers and wives will be told that the one thing they love more than anything in this world has been taken away from them, that their sons and daughters will not be coming home, that their fathers or mothers have gone away and will never flummox back, not ever. Why do we do this? What could possibly be worth this?The war is an abject and utter failure. What everyone thought would be a quick, decisive success has turned into an embarrassing series of reversals. The enemy, -- a ragtag, badly-fed collection of hotheads and fanatics has failed to be shocked and awed by the most magnificent military machine ever fielded. Their churlish resistance has shown us the futility of the idea that a nation of millions could ever be subjugated and administered, no matter what obscene price we are willing to be ar in blood and money.The President of the United States is a buffoon, an idiot, a man barely able to speak the English language. His vice president is a little-seen, widely despised enigma and his chief military advisor a wild-eyed warmonger. Only his Secretary of State offers any hope of redemption, for he at least is a reasonable, well-educated man, a man most thought would have made a far, far better choice for Chief Executive.

Consider how the poets of Lamentations and Bohemians tell us about the :: English Literature

Consider how the poets of Lamentations and Bohemians tell us rough theway in which the army can be a uncivilised and demoralising institution.We all know that the army is surely very tough psychologically, butsurely no one from our generation can understand the constancy andsufferings that men would have had to go through fighting in the FirstWorld War. The army during this time must have been devastatingly hardto cope with and indeed a demoralising institution. Ivor Gurney,author of Bohemians, and Siegfried Sassoon, author of Lamentations,convey the ideas of demoralisation in these two poems concentrating ontwo different viewpoints.A bohemian is someone who chooses to not follow the rules andregulations set by superior powers and lives his life according to hisown rules. In the poem Bohemians, Ivor Gurney explains how these werethe types of soldiers who would have made life uneasy for theirsuperior officers. Gurney tells the endorser how these people would notclean their button s/Nor polish buckles after latest fashions. Thisconveys the idea that bohemians were the kind of people who wereunfazed by the fight and although it troubled them to be at warfighting, they lived life as they would if they were not theresmoking without army cautions/Spending hours that sped like evil forwickedness. These soldiers would have chosen to not become poseur orwhat they would have considered to be mindless soldiers.Gurney has written this poem almost in free verse, though certainwords at the end such(prenominal) as cautions and promotions give the poem asort of rhyme scheme. This portrays the notion that the bohemianswould not have followed the rules whilst fighting at war, and notabided by the regulations set. Coupled with this is the relativelack of punctuation that continues throughout the poem, except fromcommas. This enjambment proceeds until the penultimate track, in whichthe first full stop occurs. This accentuates the last line, which isthe most poignant line o f the poem, In Artois or Picardy they lie free of useless fashions. This line shows that now they have died,they are finally free from having to tolerate the decrees set by the governing body officers of the First World War. This is an ironic finalline as through death, they are freed from the bonds of armyexpectations and regulations about behaviour and uniform.This poem is, to a certain extent, about the dehumanising effects ofwar and wrenched/What little soul they had still further from shape,and how the bohemians did not allow the war change their view on life

Consider how the poets of Lamentations and Bohemians tell us about the :: English Literature

Consider how the poets of Lamentations and Bohemians tell us about theway in which the army can be a brutal and demoralising institution.We all know that the army is surely very tough psychologically, butsurely no one from our generation can empathise the pains andsufferings that men would have had to go through fighting in the FirstWorld War. The army during this time must have been devastatingly hardto sleep together with and indeed a demoralising institution. Ivor Gurney,author of Bohemians, and Siegfried Sassoon, author of Lamentations,convey the ideas of demoralisation in these two poems concentrating ontwo different viewpoints.A bohemian is soulfulness who chooses to not follow the rules andregulations set by ace powers and lives his life according to hisown rules. In the poem Bohemians, Ivor Gurney explains how these werethe types of soldiers who would have made life uneasy for theirsuperior officers. Gurney tells the reader how these people would notclean their buttons/No r polish buckles after latest fashions. Thisconveys the idea that bohemians were the kind of people who wereunfazed by the war and although it troubled them to be at warfighting, they lived life as they would if they were not theresmoking without army cautions/Sp obliterateing hours that sped like evil forwickedness. These soldiers would have chosen to not stimulate model orwhat they would have considered to be mindless soldiers.Gurney has written this poem almost in free verse, though genuinewords at the end such as cautions and promotions give the poem asort of rhyme scheme. This portrays the notion that the bohemianswould not have followed the rules whilst fighting at war, and notabided by the regulations set. united with this is the comparativelack of punctuation that continues throughout the poem, except fromcommas. This enjambment proceeds until the penultimate line, in whichthe first full stop occurs. This accentuates the last line, which isthe most touching line of the po em, In Artois or Picardy they lie free of useless fashions. This line shows that now they have died,they are finally free from having to tolerate the decrees set by thegoverning officers of the First World War. This is an ironic finalline as through death, they are freed from the bonds of armyexpectations and regulations about behaviour and uniform.This poem is, to a certain extent, about the dehumanising effects ofwar and wrenched/What little soul they had still further from shape,and how the bohemians did not allow the war change their view on life

Health and Safety Gap Analysis Essay

1. GAP Analysis and GANT chart.This was a good start and gave us something to aim for. We have made some progress but non enough. It didnt really tackle the serious issues and had a poor starting point in the GAP analysis (should have been a risk assessment). umpteen initiatives have failed due to poor information flow and management commitment.2. Management buy-inNot enough support from all Managers at all levels. We are withal grouchy was a common phrase heard, IOSH guidance on Safety management systems states that Managers need to manage health and safety issues effectively, no matter how busy they are and whatever their workload. E.g., Kev too busy for trainingAlex all sorts of issuesDavid very goodNo action on recommendations.Heath and safety is seen as a secondary business activity, not as a primary consideration. Every single has suggestions to improve health and Safety at Barfoots but most are not willing to take action when required. Low attendance at the committee meeti ngs, I feel as though they are a waste of cartridge clip3. Health and safety committeeNothing is ever sorted out as there is low attendanceI would suggest forming a juvenile committee formed by safety representatives from each area of the business. Safety reps would need training in health and safety and allowed time to discharge their duties.4. My percentageHeath and safety management is not just about one person, but about the whole organisation working towards a common goal, the decrement of accidents and incidents. At the moment all of this has been put on me. I sometimes feel confused as to what action to take next.Because people disregard actions I find it hard to keep track of what needs to be done. I am sometimes used as a backup because no one else is there at the time. IE water jug, signs, etc. What authority do I have?I need to spend more than time on policy, organization and auditing than I do and less time on the daily management of the process.i. Fire proceduresii . Boomiii. Delivering and maintaining proceduresiv. First aidv. Chasing up managersNot fitly qualified, NEBOSH1-2 years2300- 5000We are now a multi site business growing rapidly. My skills need to grow with it. MHSWR 99 requires that every employer shall appoint one or more competent persons to assist and advise on health and safety. I nave taken advice which suggested that I should be qualified to NEBOSH level. Syllabus is based around the development and implementation of a OSHMS in a company. Potentially reduced costs in terms of outsourced services, Fire survey, noise survey etc. It will mean that I have accountability as written in my job description.Who do I report to and is that the right person?5. OSHMSWe set out with a call of goals and have achieved some but not others. The first goal should have been the establishment of a an OSHMS in order to create a structure to wait on everything else off. There are a number of options for OSHMS all of them based on the Plan Do Che ck Act principle PDCAHSG65BS 8800OHSAS 18001ILOHSG65 Is the HSEs OSHMS and states if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law We can audit against an OSHMS and set performance targets.

Operational Research Essay

Stock control or Inventory control has been in social function for a long time. succession small organizations may use manual modes to track their stock, Gordian global organizations make use of sophisticated systems the like ERPs to handle armory control. thither are various stock control systems in use. The methods utilise by a business organization depend upon not only the size and complexity but the type of industry it is in. A DIY superstore may use a method like the orderliness Point where the demand is driven by the customers buying patterns with little or no control by the manufacturer.As against this, a stock control method like MRP is used in companies like the executive director Upholstery bon ton where demand is dependent upon sales forecast and the sales orders. In the following paragraphs the stock control methods used by Executive Upholstery Company and DIY superstore are examined and also compared with each other to provide insights into the two methods di scussed. Order Point Method DIY superstoreSupermarkets, warehouses and even some manufacturing companies tend to use Order Timing Decisions or Order Point methods for inventory control where the demand is not certain. The demand pattern in a DIY superstore is seasonal and is dictated by the consumers. The demand is independent of the manufacturing processes and many variations in demand need to be considered while controlling the inventory. Traditionally stock control was done using hypothesis work to identify the stock levels and re order points. Factors like Safety Stock, EOQ, an Lead Times were not considered.Because of the huge numbers of items involved, and also the need to carry off up with variable and uncertain demand patterns, manual methods gave way to some techniques like ABC/ VED analysis Forecast Order Point. In ABC analysis, for instance, the inventory is categorized by the importance of the contribution to the final product cost. Some classification can be the most all important(predicate), important and less important. In the Forecast Order Point method of stock control, the future demand is calculated using the historical demand patterns.Time series methods like simple average, weighted average and exponential smoothing methods can also be used to forecast demand more accurately. In the DIY superstore example, the simple average method was used to forecast demand and lead time. Based on the 5 weeks of Master Production schedule, re order point for various items for the week6 were determined. Table 2 below shows the reorder point for the various items based on the 5 weeks of maser Production Schedule.The inherent problem with this technique is that it assumes that the forecast is near accurate and on that point is safety stock. In a weighted average method of forecasting technique, weighting to the most recent demand is given more and less to the early weeks. Techniques like Exponential smoothing are used to forecast the demand more accur ately when there are trends in data and data is available for a longer period of time. Considerations like Safety stock and Service Level need to accounted for while using any forecasting technique.MRP in Executive Upholstery Company MRP is used when the demand is more certain and is based on sales forecasts, sales orders. It uses a time phased production schedule dictated by the message available. MRP uses, apart from this top level demand, inputs like Bill of Material, Stock on hand, Purchase orders already placed. Bill of materials careens all the parts and components required to make consummate products and subassemblies. A structure diagram for BOM can be made using various levels with the finished product being at level 1.Manufacturing organizations do use stock files and work order files. Stock files list current stock of all parts finished, raw material and sub assemblies. Work order files list replenishment orders which have been already placed. The main consideration of MRP is to produce a set of time phased requirements (orders) for each component in the system at contract intervals of time days or weeks. The first step in MRP is to identify the rough Requirements for each component or assembly how many in each time period.The Gross Requirements for each part in the example at table 1 is arrived at by identifying the demand quantity of each of the troika types of chairs (Captain, Recliner and Director) from the Master Production Schedule and multiplying this quantity by the quantity in each part in its bill including the parts of sub assemblies and wherefore adding them up all to arrive at the total demand for each part. While calculating the Gross Requirements, the lowest level components are used. Also, the beginning inventory(stock on hand) as well as the purchase orders pending were taken into consideration while calculating the net Requirement for each part.Another concept used in the example in Table1 is the Planned Order Releases whi ch are scheduled orders by taking into consideration lead time, lot sizes. Summary MRP solves more complex issues like which part to order and when for a production process which are not easily amenable in a stock control method like Order Point. Order Point calculations do not take into consideration lot sizes, safety stock, and the more methodical approach of calculating Gross Requirements and net Requirements of each part involved in a finished product.

K12 Education Program : A Solution or Problem to the Philippines

K-12 is the new Education Program in the Philippines that started last year, 2012. The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 geezerhood of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of older High School SHS) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prep ar graduates for third education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.In my point of view, I sequester a stand that K-12 will provide a better Education Program to the Philippines and for the young generation. Why did I think so? First of all, based on the studies provided by the Department of Education, there atomic number 18 much tendencies of a high school student that drops out or changes course in the middle of their tertiary education which causes much trouble for both the parents and their child (children) and the fact that they are just too young to pressure themselves on what they really want to draw or what they want to be doing in the near future. Thus, concluding that giving them more time to prepare and to evaluate their skills will be more at rest and beneficial for both the parent and the child (children).Second, since two years has been added to the basic education here in the Philippines, it simply means that there are more curriculums that have been added or will be added to the curriculum. And hopingly, these curriculums will champion the young generation to find or narrow their decisions in what course they would worry to take in their tertiary education.Based on my research (through the help of technology), I have been able to figure out that the added two years will be the years when students will be able to choose subjects between three tracks Academic Technical-Vocational-Livelihood and Sports and Arts. The Academic track includes three strands Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM) Humanities, Education, Social Sciences (HESS) and Scienc e, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).These tracks can advocate and aid students to pick courses (subjects) that will help the young generation to select the best courses that will compliment their talents, skills and abilities. Thus making their college life (tertiary education) easier and making it more enjoyable.But a solution also comes with a problem. The main problem is that even though there are already plans that are being implemented, there are also problems that remains unsolved or are still being unsolved. (i.e., the study curriculums for each grade (year), the lack of school facilities that comes in handy for subjects like biology, chemistry and physics, computer laboratories, books appropriate for each grade (year) and so much more).If the Philippines education systems before already lacked solutions to the problems stated above, then these problems will be on a much salientr number. If there are already such problems like lack of books to public school, thus saying, more books will be undeniable because of the K-12 implementation.To solve listed problems, the government must be able to conduct projects and calculate expenses accurately for them to be able to provide for the students needs. If they do so, the new education platform will improve the lacked in the former education program. To cite an example, if the lack of rooms will be provided, it will produce great result. Stating, if public schools are to be provided with more rooms, then it will be easier for the teachers to teach students with a maximum number of 40-50 students which leads to a more interactional and controlled environment that will help students focus on the subject matter.Therefore, if the government will just learn to manage and budget the Philippines monetary fund properly, then direct a large amount of money for the department of education, they could equate that money and divide equally to provide equal shares of solutions to problems. And to extend what t he budget could do more with a greater quantity and quality.

Blaine Kitchenware

rP os t 4040 OCTOBER 8, 2009 TIMOTHY LUEHRMAN JOEL HEILPRIN op yo Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. great construction On April 27, 2007, Victor Dubinski, CEO of Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. (BKI), sit in his office reflecting on a meeting he had had with an investment banker earlier in the week. The banker, whom Dubinski had known for old age, asked for the meeting after a group of common soldier equity investors made discerning inquiries about a possible acquisition of Blaine. Although Blaine was a public company, a majority of its trades were controlled by family members descended from the firms founders together with various family trusts.Family interests were strongly equal on the room of directors as well. Dubinski knew the family had no flowing interest in sellingon the contrary, Blaine was interested in acquiring other companies in the kitchen appliances layso this overture, like a few others before it, would be politely rebuffed. No tC Nevertheless, Dubinski was struck by the bankers assertion that a private equity buyer could unlock value inherent in Blaines strong operations and chemical equilibrium opinion poll. Using cash on Blaines balance sheet and new borrowings, a rivate equity firm could purchase all of Blaines outstanding shares at a price high schooler than $16. 25 per share, its current stock price. It would then repay the debt over time using the companys future earnings. When the banker pointed out that BKI itself could do the same thingborrow funds to buy back its own sharesDubinski had asked, But why would we do that? The bankers response was blunt Beca intent youre over-liquid and under-levered. Your shareholders are paying a price for that. In the days since the meeting, Dubinskis thoughts kept returning to a share repurchase.How many shares could be bought? At what price? Would it sap Blaines financial strength? Or prevent it from making future acquisitions? Blaine Kitchenwares Business Do Blaine Kitchenware was a mid-sized prod ucer of mark small appliances primarily practice sessiond in residential kitchens. in the first place founded as The Blaine Electrical Apparatus Company in 1927, it produced then-novel electric home appliances, such as irons, vacuum cleaners, waffle irons, and cream separators, which were touted as modern, clean, and easier to use than counterparts supply by oil, coal, gas, or by hand.By 2006, the companys products consisted of a wide range of small kitchen appliances used for food and beverage dressing and for cooking, including several branded tasks of deep fryers, griddles, waffle irons, toasters, small ovens, blenders, mixers, pressure cookers, steamers, slow cookers, shredders and slicers, and coffee makers. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ HBS Professor Timothy A. Luehrman and Illinois Institute of Technology Adjunct Finance Professor Joel L.Heilprin prepared this slip-up solely as a basis f or class discussion and not as an endorsement, a source of primary data, or an illustration of effective or ineffective management. This case, though based on real events, is fictionalized, and any resemblance to actual persons or entities is coincidental. There are occasional references to actual companies in the narration. copyright 2009 President and Fellows of Harvard College. To order copies or request permission to reproduce materials, call 1-800-545-7685, write Harvard Business Publishing, Boston, MA 02163, or go to http//www. bsp. harvard. edu. This publication may not be digitized, photocopied, or otherwise reproduced, posted, or transmitted, without the permission of Harvard Business School. This document is authorise for use only by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013. write or board is an usurpation of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. rP os t 4040 Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. Capital Structure Blaine had beneficial under 10% of the $2. 3 billion U. S. market for small kitchen appliances.For the point in time 20032006 the industry posted modest annual unit sales harvest-feast of 2% despite positive market conditions including a strong housing market, growth in affluent householders, and product innovations. Competition from inexpensive imports and aggressive pricing by mass merchandisers limited industry dollar volume growth to just 3. 5% annually over that same period. Historically, the industry had been fragmented, but it had new-madely experienced some consolidation that many participants anticipate to continue. In recent old age, Blaine had been expanding into contradictory markets.Nevertheless in 2006, 65% of its revenue was generated from shipments to U. S. wholesalers and retailers, with the balance coming from sales to Canada, Europe, and Central and South America. The company shipped approximately 14 million units a year. op yo There were terzettosome major segments in the small kitc hen appliance industry food preparation appliances, cooking appliances, and beverage-making appliances. Blaine produced product for all three, but the majority of its revenues came from cooking appliances and food preparation appliances.Its market share of beverage-making appliances was only 2%. Most of BKIs appliances retailed at medium price points, at or just down the stairs products offered by the known national brands. BKIs market research consistently showed that the Blaine brand was well-known and well-regarded by consumers. It was associated somewhat with nostalgia and the creation of familiar, wholesome dishes. tC Recently, Blaine had introduced some goods with smart engineering science features and sleeker styling, targeting higher-end consumers and intended to compete at higher price points.This strategy was in response to increased competition from Asian imports and private label product. The majority of BKIs products were distributed via a network of wholesalers, wh ich supplied mass merchandisers and department stores, but its upper-tier products were sold directly to specialty retailers and catalogue companies. Regardless of the distribution channel, BKI offered consumers standard warranty terms of 90 days to one year, depending on the appliance. No Blaines monthly sales reached a seasonal peak during October and November as retailers increased stock in prospicience of the holiday season.A smaller peak occurred in May and June, coinciding with Mothers Day, a summer surge in weddings, and the seasonal peak in home purchases. Historically, sales of Blaine appliances had been cyclical as well, tending to track overall macroeconomic activity. This also was the case for the industry as a whole in particular, changes in appliance sales were correlated with changes in housing sales and in home renovation and household formation. BKI owned and operated a small factory in Minnesota that produced cast iron parts with specialty coatings for certain o f its cookware offerings. early(a)wise, however, Blaine, like most companies in the appliance industry, outsourced its production. In 2006 BKI had suppliers and contract manufacturers in China, Vietnam, Canada, and Mexico. Do Victor Dubinski was a great-grandson of one of the founders. An engineer by training, Dubinski served in the U. S. Navy after graduating from college in 1970. After his discharge, he worked for a wide aerospace and vindication contractor until joining the family business in 1981 as head of operations. He was elected to the board of directors in 1988 and became Blaines CEO in 1992, succeeding his uncle.Under Dubinskis leadership, Blaine operated much as it always had, with three no legislate in exceptions. First, the company completed an IPO in 1994. This provided a measure of liquidity for certain of the founders descendants who, collectively, owned 62% of the outstanding shares 2 BRIEFCASES HARVARD BUSINESS condition This document is authorized for use on ly by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. rP os t Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. Capital Structure 4040 ollowing the IPO. Second, beginning in the 1990s, Blaine gradually moved its production abroad. The company began by taking gain of NAFTA, engaging suppliers and performing some manufacturing in Mexico. By 2003, BKI also had established relationships with several Asian manufacturers, and the large majority of its production took place outside the joined States. Finally, BKI had undertaken a strategy focused on rounding out and complementing its product offerings by acquiring small independent manufacturers or the kitchen appliance product lines of large diversified manufacturers.The company carefully followed changes in customer purchasing behavior and market trends. Victor Dubinski and the board were eager to continue what they believed had been a fruitful strategy . The company was particularly keen to increase its presence in the beverage appliance segment, which demonstrated the strongest growth and where BKI was weakest. Thus off the beaten track(predicate), all acquisitions had been for cash or BKI stock. op yo financial carrying out During the year ended December 31, 2006, Blaine earned net income of $53. 6 million on revenue of $342 million.Exhibits 1 and 2 present the companys recent financial statements. Approximately 85% of Blaines revenue and 80% of its operating income came from the sale of mid-tier products, with the line of higher-end goods accounting for the remainder. The companys 2006 EBITDA margin of nearly 22% was among the strongest within the peer group shown in Exhibit 3. Despite its recent shift toward higher-end product lines, Blaines operating margins had decreased slightly over the exist three years. Margins declined due to integration costs and inventory write-downs associated with recent acquisitions.Now that in tegration activities were completed, BKI executives expected the firm to achieve operating margins at least as high as its historical margins. tC The U. S. industry as a whole faced considerable pressure from imports and private label products, as well as a shift in consumer purchasing preferences favoring larger, big box retailers. In response, some of Blaines more aggressive rivals were cutting prices to maintain sales growth. Blaine had not followed suit and its organic revenue growth had suffered in recent years, as some of its core products lost market share. egress in Blaines top line was attributable almost exclusively to acquisitions. No Despite the companys profitability, returns to shareholders had been somewhat below average. Blaines return on equity (ROE), shown below, was pregnantly below that of its publicly traded peers. 1 Moreover, its earnings per share had fallen significantly since 2004, partly due to dilutive acquisitions. Companies 2006 ROE Do situation & Hear th Design AutoTech Appliances XQL Corp. Bunkerhill Incorporated EasyLiving Systems cerebrate 11. 3% 43. 1% 19. 5% 41. 7% 13. 9% 25. 9%Median 19. 5% Blaine 11. 0% 1 ROE is computed here as net income divided by end-of-period book equity. HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL BRIEFCASES This document is authorized for use only by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. 3 rP os t 4040 Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. Capital Structure During 20042006, compounded annual returns for BKI shareholders, including dividends and stock price appreciation, were approximately 11% per year.This was higher than the S&P 500, which returned approximately 10% per year. However, it was well below the 16% annual compounded return earned by shareholders of Blaines peer group during the same period. Financial Policies op yo Blaines financial posture was conservative and very much in keeping with BKIs long-s tanding practice and, indeed, with its management style generally. Only twice in its history had the company borrowed beyond seasonal working capital needs. The first time was during World War II, when it borrowed from the U. S. government to retool several factories for war production.The sec time was during the first oil shock of the 1970s. On both occasions the debt was repaid as quickly as possible. At the end of 2006, Blaines balance sheet was the strongest in the industry. Not only was it debtfree, but the company also held $231 million in cash and securities at the end of 2006, down from $286 million two years earlier. Given such substantial liquidity, Blaine had terminated in 2002 a revolving credit agreement designed to provide standby credit for seasonal needs the chief financial officer argued that the fees were a waste of money and Dubinski agreed.In recent years the companys largest uses of cash had been common dividends and cash consideration paid in various acquisiti ons. Dividends per share had risen only modestly during 20042006 however, as the company issued new shares in connection with some of its acquisitions, the number of shares outstanding climbed, and the payout ratio rose significantly, to more than 50% in 2006. tC 2004 $ 53,112 $ 18,589 41,309 $ 1. 29 $ 0. 45 35. 0% 2005 $ 52,435 $ 22,871 48,970 $ 1. 07 $ 0. 47 43. 6% 2006 $ 53,630 $ 28,345 59,052 $ 0. 91 $ 0. 48 52. 9% No Net income Dividends Average shares outstanding cabbage per shareDividend per share Payout ratio Do The next largest use of funds was capital expenditures, which were modest due to Blaines extensive outsourcing of its manufacturing. Average capital expenditures during the past three years were just over $10 million per year. While they were expected to remain modest, future expenditures would be driven in part by the boundary and nature of Blaines future acquisitions. In recent years, after-tax cash generated from operations had been more than four times average capital expenditures and rising, as shown in the table below. 4 2004 EBITDA Less Taxes After-Tax Operating Cash Flow 2005 69,370 24,989 44,380 $ 68,895 24,303 44,592 2006 $ 73,860 23,821 50,039 AVG. 46,337 BRIEFCASES HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL This document is authorized for use only by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. Reassessing Financial Policies in 2007 rP os t Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. Capital Structure 4040 In 2007 Blaine planned to continue its policy of keeping prices firm in the face of competitive pressures. Consequently, its managers were expecting top line growth of only 3% for fiscal year 2007.However, this growth rate assumed no acquisitions would be made in 2007, unlike the previous two years. While the board remained receptive to opportunities, Dubinski and his team had no target in mind as yet at the end of April. op yo As he reflected on the po ssibility of repurchasing stock, Dubinski understood that he could consider such a move only in conjunction with all of BKIs financial policies its liquidity, capital structure, dividend policy, ownership structure, and acquisition plans. In addition, he wondered about timing. Blaines stock price was not far off its all-time high, yet its performance clearly lagged that of its peers.A summary of contemporaneous financial market information is provided in Exhibit 4. Dubinski had begun to suspect that family members on the board would welcome some of the possible effects of a large share repurchase. Assuming that family members held on to their shares, their percentage ownership of Blaine would rise, reversing a downward trend date from BKIs IPO. It also would give the board more flexibility in setting future dividends per share. Both Dubinski and the board knew that the recent trend in BKIs payout ratio was unsustainable and that this concerned some family members.Do No tC On the ot her hand, a large repurchase might be unpopular if it forced Blaine to give up its war chest and/or discontinue its acquisition activity. Perhaps even more unsettling, it would cause Blaine to borrow money. The company would be paying significant interest expense for only the third time in its history. As Dubinski turned his chair to face the window, he glanced at the framed photo merchantman his desk of his great grandfather, Marcus Blaine, demonstrating the companys first cream separatorits best-selling product during Blaines first decade.A real Blaine Electrical Cream Separator sat in a glass case in the corner the last one had been manufactured in 1949. HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL BRIEFCASES This document is authorized for use only by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. 5 Exhibit 1 rP os t 4040 Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. Capital Structure Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. , Income Statements, years ended December 31, ($ in Thousands) Operating Results 2004 2005 2006 $291,940 204,265 Net Income Dividends 63,946 9,914 68,895 73,860 60,682 16,057 63,946 3,506 78,101 24,989 76,738 24,303 77,451 23,821 52,435 $ 22,871 53,630 $ 28,345 5. 5% 11. 1% op yo Earnings Before Tax Less Taxes 60,682 8,213 53,112 $ 18,589 EBIT Plus Other Income (expense) 92,458 28,512 62,383 15,719 EBITDA 87,731 27,049 69,370 Operating Income Plus Depreciation & Amortization $342,251 249,794 62,383 6,987 Gross Profit Less Selling, General & Administrative $307,964 220,234 87,676 25,293 Revenue Less Cost of Goods Sold Margins Revenue Growth 3. 2% Gross Margin 30. 0% 28. 5% 27. 0% 21. 4% 19. 7% 18. 7% 23. 8% 22. 4% 21. 6% 32. 0% 31. 7% 30. 8% Net Income Margin 18. 2% 17. 0% 15. 7% Dividend payout ratio 5. 0% 43. 6% 52. 9% EBIT Margin EBITDA Margin Blaines future tax rate was expected to rise to the statutory rate of 40%. Do No a. tC Effective Tax Ratea 6 BRIEFCASES HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL This document is authorized for use only by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. Exhibit 2 rP os t Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. Capital Structure 4040 Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. Balance Sheets, December 31, ($ in Thousands) Assets 2004 Cash & Cash Equivalents 2005 2006 $ 67,391 Goodwill Other Assets Total Assets p yo Property, Plant & Equipment 48,780 49,728 54,874 3,871 5,157 376,351 Total Current Assets 43,235 2,586 Other Current Assets 164,309 47,262 ancestry $ 66,557 196,763 40,709 Accounts Receivable $ 70,853 218,403 tradeable Securities 364,449 339,678 99,402 138,546 174,321 8,134 20,439 38,281 13,331 27,394 39,973 $497,217 $550,829 $592,253 $ 26,106 $ 28,589 $ 31,936 22,605 24,921 27,761 14,225 17,196 16,884 62,935 70,705 76,581 1,794 3,151 4,814 15,111 18,434 22,495 79,840 92,290 103,890 Liabilities & Shareholders Equity Accounts Payable Accrued Liabili ties Taxes Payable Total Current Liabilities Other liabilitiesDeferred Taxes tC Total Liabilities Shareholders Equity Total Liabilities & Shareholders Equity 458,538 488,363 $550,829 $592,253 some items in BKIs historical balance sheets (e. g. , Property, Plant & Equipment) have been affected by the firms acquisitions. Do No Note 417,377 $497,217 HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL BRIEFCASES This document is authorized for use only by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. 7 This document is authorized for use only by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013.Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. 45. 18% 31. 12% Net Debt/Equity Net Debt/ opening Value b. Net debt is total long-term and short-term debt less excess cash. a. Net working capital excludes cash and securities. 1. 91x 10. 56x 9. 46x 1. 63x 1. 03 776,427 $1,127,226 $ 350,798 372,293 475,377 LTM Trading Multiples MVIC/Revenue MVIC/EBIT MVIC/EBITDA Market/Book equity Equity beta Market capitalization Enterprise value (MVIC) Net debtb Total debt Book equity $ 21,495 54,316 900,803 $ 976,613 31. 74% 24. 10% 1. 02x 7. 35x 6. 03x 4. 26x 1. 24 17. 97% 15. 23% 1. 5x 8. 65x 7. 84x 2. 51x 0. 96 5,290,145 $6,240,947 $ 950,802 972,227 2,109,400 $ 21,425 353,691 3,322,837 $3,697,952 $4,313,300 721,297 796,497 $ 412,307 XQL Corp. -15. 47% -18. 31% 1. 87x 18. 05x 15. 15x 4. 41x 0. 67 418,749 $ 353,949 $ (64,800) 177,302 94,919 $ 242,102 21,220 68,788 $ 332,110 $ 188,955 19,613 23,356 $ 13,173 EasyLiving Systems 4040 -8- -24. 06% -31. 68% 2. 13x 11. 40x 9. 87x 1. 96x 0. 56 959,596 $ 728,730 $(230,866) 488,363 $ 230,866 32,231 174,321 $ 592,253 $ 342,251 63,946 73,860 $ 53,630 Blaine Kitchenware rP os t 6. 01% 5. 67% 1. 14x 7. 42x 6. 88x 4. 93x 0. 92 3,962,780 $4,200,836 $ 238,056 391,736 04,400 $ 153,680 334,804 815,304 $1,303,788 $3,671 ,100 566,099 610,399 $ 335,073 Bunkerhill, Inc. op yo 13,978,375 $18,415,689 $4,437,314 4,973,413 3,283,000 $ 536,099 1,247,520 7,463,564 $9,247,183 $18,080,000 2,505,200 3,055,200 $1,416,012 AutoTech Appliances tC No $ 589,747 106,763 119,190 $ 53,698 Home & Hearth Design Selected Operating and Financial entropy for Public Kitchenware Producers, 12 months ended December 31, 2006, ($ in Thousands) Cash & securities Net working capitala Net decided assets Total assets Revenue EBIT EBITDA Net income Exhibit 3 Do Exhibit 4 rP os t Blaine Kitchenware, Inc. Capital Structure 4040Contemporaneous Capital Market Data (April 21, 2007) Yields on U. S. Treasury Securities Maturity 30 days 60 days 90 days 1 year 5 years 10 years 20 years 30 years op yo 4. 55% 4. 73% 4. 91% 4. 90% 4. 91% 5. 02% 5. 26% 5. 10% Default spread 0. 86% 1. 02% 1. 33% 1. 70% 2. 86% 3. 92% Do No tC Seasoned corporate bond yields Moodys Aaa 5. 88% Aa 6. 04% A 6. 35% Baa 6. 72% Ba 7. 88% B 8. 94% HARVARD BUSINESS PUBLI SHING BRIEFCASES This document is authorized for use only by Atul Singh at JRE Group of Institutions until June 2013. Copying or posting is an infringement of copyright. emailprotected harvard. edu or 617. 783. 7860. 9

Philosophy Final Essay

In the Philosophy, Determinism has many different categories. Actu altogethery according to the textbook, the Determinism is the adopt that every event, including valet actions, are brought about by previous events in accordance with the cancel laws that govern the world. Human openhandeddom is an illusion. Jewish philosopher Baruch Spinoza does non deny that peoples wishes and desires will lead to the soul, and he said, but neglected one important f role player, that is, in Baruchs view, the will or we could bring forward it the granting immunity of quality, is also determined by an opposite factor.Meanwhile, this factor is again determined by another factor, and then another, then another, and thus infinite persistence. Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher, who has the same opinion with Baruch, wrote that, We all believe that we are born to be free, But afterwards, we will be surprised to find ourselves that we are not free at all, but subject to the necessities. In o ther words, Baruch gives the view that man is not free, and Schopenhauer finds the reasons of why man is not free. While considering the strengths of the Determinism, the Determinism jackpot be said to be the pioneer of the science.The Determinism argues that everything in the world is in some kinds of causal relationships all the movements of the world are determined by natural laws. Once we know the causes, we will definitely know the go ons. Because of this, science experienced a huge development. For instance, Newtons calculation of planet motions makes it possible for us to accurately predict the foreseeable future. Under this circumstance, the world is like a clock, and it seems like man could know everything in the future. However, it is not quite like this.I deal the Determinism ignores a very important factor, which is humans role in this process. Human factors are involved wildly in human behaviors and various friendly systems, including social laws and religion doctr ines. Just like what I mentioned previously, scientists believe that the human life is pre-determined and humans behavior is inevitable. They consider that if someone has all the schooling of one person, he or she may get to know how he or she is going to change in advance. But from the point of view throughout the history of human society people often turn to emphasize personal responsibility.Law and legal penalties for criminals act based entirely on the idea of individualistic free will. Most Jewish and Christian also believed that individuals should be responsible for the crime and suspects should be punished. We can imagine a psychology prof who believes determinism would say to a student You have to concentrate to your study, otherwise you will get nothing You can see the contradiction of human behaviors from this typical and teetotal statement above, and notice that there exists a deviation between theoretical knowledge and actual human behaviors.At the same time, the Lib ertarians believe that people have free will, and there are no such inevitable results of those behaviors that are controlled by free will. Libertarianism has different meanings in different academic fields. From the public level, the libertarianism refers to peoples ability to decide whether or not to do something according to their conditions. Or in other words, according to the text book, it is the view that public are able to make authentically free choices that are not determined by previous events in accordance with the natural laws that govern the world.In other words, given a choice, we could have done otherwise. There is a Brake theory that belongs to the Libertarianism argues that the actions on a lower floor free will are cases of actors causal relationship, that is, from an actor leads to a result. In other words, a libertarian is likely to emphasis more on subjective randomly selected without external oppression, and any random excerption reflects a kind of chance. However, once the people make choices under their free will, relative to the present results, the past is always a choice determinant.Just as the quaint Greek philosopher Aristotles Battle of the occupation, although in the Today perspective, whether the marine battle will occur Tomorrow cannot be determined, but if we guess that Tomorrow the naval battle will occur, and the naval battle actually took place the next day, then we look from Tomorrow to today, the result is inevitable established. John Locke, a British philosopher, even thinks that, If a man describes the will as free, that person is guilty of a categorymistake, and he also believes that the freedom is a part belongs only to the actors.Thomas Hobbs, another British philosopher, also considers the free will as an absurd language. He believes that the freedom is defined by the will. As a result, the freedom cannot be used to describe the will, and I think this is the biggest weakness of the Libertarianism. For Comp atibilism, according to our textbook, it is the view that all events, including human actions are caused.However, we can consider human actions free if they are a result of internal motivations, not the product of external influences or constraints. I think, first of all, we should be clear that there is no absolute freedom. Any freedom should be based on a pre-determined range. As far as I am concerned, reality problem is do of all the options provided in some choices, and the so-called freedom is to provide more options for those choices, or we can say it expands the scope for choice.So based on this fact, we could summarized that, any freedom has the will as its boundary, in other words, the freedom is limited by the will, and definitely it cannot describe the will itself. Furthermore, the freedom of choice exists only in a moment, and it is a property of actions initiation process. Once a choice is made, there is no meaning for the freedom at this moment. For each choice it pro vides, determinism is there. In fact, each of these options we have at the choosing moment is associated with one or few past factors, and even we can say that those factors determine the existence of this option.But for the selection process contains all those options, the concept of the free will can also exist because every option is inside the range of choice, and each choice is the result of chance. For example, if life is seen as a string of pearls, each free will can be expressed as the choice of each pearl and all those pearls could form the causal chain, which reflects the Determinism. Overall, I think the Determinism and the free will cannot be separated.Determinism offers countless possibilities, and the free will can be expressed in those choices under such possibilities. Personally, I would say the Compatibilism the one I like the most and I think it ought to be correct in the real world. The reason is that, first, scarce like I said, there is no absolute freedom. Ever ything can be interpreted differently by using different perspectives. Second, please dont forget or underestimate the power of humans inside these decision making process. Human have learningskills and we could get experiences from the past and use those to guide the future decisions.This is a reflection of the Determinism. However, things are always changing. The problem you faced last time may or may not be the problem you have at this moment. Just like Heraclitus said, No man ever steps in the same river twice, for its not the same river and hes not the same man. Thats why the free will also exists and it might lead you to another new option you have at this moment. This is a reflection of the Libertarianism.

Related Text For Belonging Essay

Looking for Alibrandi is a good example of expanding on the fore of belonging. Jose is a mixed-up girl who is searching to find where she belongs in her two different cultures and trying to find a balance of both. Jose being a red cent reflects how she does not belief she belongs in her family, as her nonna has always blamed Joses mother, Christina for her birth. A quote that proves this is Nonna says where lucky to be included, because were cursed we taket rattling belong. Joses initiate is not in the picture leaving Christina as a single parent which is frowned upon in society. At instruct she is identify chain reactor with racist remarks about her culture and about not having a father figure. At St Marthas its all about money, prestige and what your father does for a living. These are all reasons why Looking for Alibrandi is a good related belonging text. Looking for Alibrandi is a good example of expanding on the theme of belonging. Jose is a confused girl who is sear ching to find where she belongs in her two different cultures and trying to find a balance of both. Jose being a bastard reflects how she does not feel she belongs in her family, as her nonna has always blamed Joses mother, Christina for her birth. A quote that proves this is Nonna says where lucky to be included, because were cursed we dont really belong. Joses father is not in the picture leaving Christina as a single parent which is frowned upon in society. At school she is put down through racist remarks about her culture and about not having a father figure. At St Marthas its all about money, prestige and what your father does for a living.These are all reasons why Looking for Alibrandi is a good related belonging text. Looking for Alibrandi is a good example of expanding on the theme of belonging. Jose is a confused girl who is searching to find where she belongs in her two different cultures and trying to find a balance of both. Jose being a bastard reflects how she does not feel she belongs in her family, as her nonna has always blamed Joses mother, Christina for her birth. A quote that proves this is Nonna says where lucky to be included, because were cursed we dont really belong. Joses father is not in the picture leaving Christina as a single parent which is frowned upon in society. At school she is put down through racist remarks about her culture and about not having a father figure. At St Marthas its all about money, prestige and what your father does for aliving. These are all reasons why Looking for Alibrandi is a good related belonging text. Looking for Alibrandi is a good example of expanding on the theme of belonging. Jose is a confused girl who is searching to find where she belongs in her two different cultures and trying to find a balance of both. Jose being a bastard reflects how she does not feel she belongs in her family, as her nonna has always blamed Joses mother, Christina for her birth. A quote that proves this is Nonna says where lucky to be included, because were cursed we dont really belong. Joses father is not in the picture leaving Christina as a single parent which is frowned upon in society. At school she is put down through racist remarks about her culture and about not having a father figure. At St Marthas its all about money, prestige and what your father does for a living. These are all reasons why Looking for Alibrandi is a good related belonging text.

Analysis of the film “We Need To Talk About Kevin”

We Need to Talk About Kevin is a word-painting adaptation of Lionel Shrivers sassy with the same title. The narration revolves some a family of four, but the main focus is on the relationship between the mother (Eva, play by Tilda Swinton) and the son (Kevin, played by Rock River, Jasper Newell and Ezra Miller).The movie goes back and forth in time to show different points in Evas life. The use of flashbacks and the clever combination of the gone and present scenes illustrates the contrast of what her life was like with her family and without, certain details in both let us know what Eva was thinking and feeling. There is a spacious significance to details in this film. For example the use of the colour red, this could represent fear, blood and the tense relationships Eva had not only with Kevin but also Franklin, her husband. At the get-go of the movie we see people in a pool of red, this makes us think of violence, a massacre, but really its just a love apple festival filmed from a distance. This scene seems strange and out of place, but it sets a certain mood and is also a charge of introducing Evas occupation.Eva is a well-paid travel guide author, she is absoloutly in love with her job and gets to travel around the world. Her husband and her are passionatly inlove with one another, however Franklin prefers her at home. Franklin wants a child and after(prenominal) some time, once Eva is pregnant it is quite clear that she isnt thrilled about this, however details such as little ballerinas running around suggest she wishes for a girl.Also you can read Analysis July at the MultiplexShe eventually gives birth to Kevin, and we can tell from the very beginning that something isnt right when he cries all the time except when hes with his father Franklin. The movie lets us follow through the growing up of Kevin, the counseling he manipulates with his family and uses genius and cruel ship mood to get what he wants. As a baby he clearly prefers Franklin, but hes evermore working while Eva stays at home with Kevin. This makes Eva exhausted and it doesnt get much better with time. As a toddler, Kevin continues to be disobediant.He doesnt communicate with Eva or respond to any of her actions, so she takes him to the doctor thinking he has autism. The doctor confirms that there isnt anything wrong with him medically, which seems to break Evas marrow squash as this means that to Kevin there is something wrong with her. She admits she was much happier before, but she never gives up on Kevin. She possibly sees Kevin as a challange that she can later sum to her accomplishments or maybe she realizes its her duty to always be there for him, no matter what.Kevin is a very troubled and difficult character, from an early years he seems to do everything he can to make Eva miserable and he takes pleasure from this. He starts playing violent videogames and as a teenager he collects computer viruses. He continues to use nappies until about the a ge of 6 and once Eva gives birth to her second child Celia, the first thing Kevin does is splash some water system in her eyes. However, there are some scenes which let us know that despite Kevins cool act he is interested in his mum, that or else of his usual whatever to everything, he does have prferences, and that he isnt emotionless and behind the mask he could be a normal boy. Kevin has a way of making sure everyone does what he wants. He blackmails Eva, pretends to be a sweet little boy infront of Franklin and uses the fact that Celia adores him to order her around and express his violent ways on her, crafty shell never betray him. Kevin seems to live only for his mother, he doesnt really care about Franklin and Celia, theyre just his tools, the end of the movie proves this point.The peek of the story, as well as the borderline between past and present is a massacre carried out by Kevin, where he kills a government issue of people. He plans this for some time and commits th e crime just before his 16th birthday. This is his grand finale of making Evas life a living hell, knowing that this time its permanent. He is very succesful in doing this as not only does the whole town now hate her but she hates herself too, blaming herself for what Kevins done. She punishes herself with a boring new job, tiny house and the memories. After the massacre she pays visits to Kevin in the juvenile prison, he continues to annoy her at every chance he gets until a few days before his 18th birthday (also the 2 year anniversary of the massacre) he finally seems to have realized that this wasnt just a joke.Read alsoCase 302 July in MultiplexThe end of the movie is open to interpretation. To me it shows Eva ready to move on with life and accept her son the way he is. I dont think she forgave him or ever will, but she possibly realized that having him as a reminder of everything is punishment overflowing and there is no reason not to continue living.I liked the movie, I thou ght the acting was incredible and the choice of actors, especially for Kevin was great too, he looked like the same person throughout all the stages of his life. I think the viewers have a lot to think about as the story unfolds, I like that there was no definite answer to anything, just like in everyday life, we have to try and understand things ourselves.

Critical Response on “Society”

If wholly of this influence that this part of the province has and this musical scene has- if it doesnt do anything with it, that would be the tragedy. Thats Eddie Vedder lecture about Seattle and the elbow room of thinking that arose in a place laden with culture by the subgenre foulness at that beat, 1996. Moreover, the quote explains the critical stance taken in the song Society written by Jerry Hanan but per make by Vedder and Hanan in 2007 for the soundtrack of the movie Into the wild directed by Sean Penn.The context of the song formed its theme as, in a different time or place or spoken run-in or for a different hearing, the outcome would most wish wellly nonplus differed. Society echoes the values of Jon Krakauer, patron of Into the wild, whose diary entries are the basis of the film. These are transcendalist views on a society that is incapable of working in harmony with nature and thereby giving one no option but to exile oneself to exemption in nature. Both H anan and Vedder stir a tendency to reflect on these ideals making the song all in all the more suiting to the film, whose viewers are also the primary audience for the track.The English language and wanton speech in the USA allowed Vedder to write as he wished without constraints. We have a greed with which we have agreed is wordplay at its finest, which could not have been expressed so poetically and even make full with meaning in a language like German, which often just isnt as feasible for musical purposes. The time and place were also vital in the use of language as it is understandably critical Society, youre a crazy breed. In a country with censorship or where fence the governmental system is punishable like in Soviet Russia of the mid-20th century, a lyricist would not have been able to express oneself so openly and would have had to rely more on symbols, imagery and metaphors to endure their message across. Even though limited in quantity, literary devices were used with quality like in Your thoughts begin to bleed which is a metaphor for the disability of his society to think of the consequences of their ignorant behaviour and at the same time is a hyperbole with personification.If the song hadnt been written in a country currently plagued by consumerism and greed, the theme discussed would not have the contemporary relevance it does to listeners in the Anglophonic world. Just the way the USA is famed for its decadence, it is also a well-known place for critics of this behaviour. Had this been written in the 1960s or now, as long as still in America or Western Europe, the final go away wouldnt have varied much.The stance taken in the text is one thats already visible in texts like Walking by Henry David Thoreau in 1854, who happened to also be an uptake to Jon Krakauer. A quote from Walking that effectively portrays these values is In Wilderness is the preservation of the World. prove by this is, that time does play a role even though at nu merous times in the past of the USA, when a social class shared such views, like the Beat Generation, a similar text could have been written.Those who chose to indulge in the movie also had a certain panorama of the soundtrack, that of it fitting in and expressing the same views. This gave Vedders song on the soundtrack a certain expectation from the audience he had to fulfil, which he clearly did. The point being though, had this been a movie created to portray different ideals like the life of a banker who is pleased with capitalism, then the author would have had to adapt accordingly if he still wanted his piece accompanying the images fed to the viewer and being accepted.Even though the song is only an registration of Vedder, its message isnt open to a wide-range of interpretations and only the perception of it will vary from reader to reader. The popular beliefs presented cant be seen as something different, no matter what ones background whitethorn be, than what is portray ed but the reaction might affect the understanding of the text. A dismissive attitude is taken by the singer (in first-person) who later on in the song isolates himself by referring to society first as we and later on as you and singing I hope youre not lonely without me in the chorus.Even though this song has clear values of anti-commercialism When you want more than you have, it explains itself and isnt meant to be worthless to anyone I hope youre not angry if I disagree but still carries the object to open our eyes making it all the more effective. The text would have been written differently in another place or time because the theme might have been irrelevant in a different language it may have been limited in its poetical depth or by censorship and another audience with other expectations could have also created a completely different song.This shows the extent to which language and cultural context have moulded this text to make it what it is. Variance in one of the factor s, place, time, language and audience, could have produced different lyrics with other values but as some places share similar beliefs rough the same time, a piece like this could be produced elsewhere at some other time for a different audience too. 1 . Vedder, Eddie. Interview for Hype Magazine (1996) 2 . Vedder, Eddie. Society(2007) 3 . http//www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/593225/Henry-David-Thoreau 4 . Thoreau, Henry David

Admission Essay for Nursing School

Education has ceaselessly been a great asset in my life. It happened to be the only heritage my parents were able to give me because of their income level, exactly I think that it was the best thing one can give a child.Opening the gateway to the master world, education I obtained equipped me with competitive skills and knowledge that paved the way for my career as funeral director. Today, I am once again seeking the help of education to spearhead my career and to give a transition to the field of nursing that has been my long-standing dream.At this point, I have set for myself distinct goals to obtain a unmarried mans degree in Nursing and later continue to a Masters course, specializing in Anesthetics, Registered Nurse Practitioner or ER/trauma.I am sure school will be the justifiedly place to achieve my career goals, considering its outstanding reputation, rigorous academic standards, and Christian aspects of the program. Together with my extensive operative background, I believe the school can open the doors to many fields in the healthcare industry, service of process me make a serious contribution to the profession.On my part, I am willing to bring my integrity, commitment, responsibility, and a hard-working tonus to the program. Given my personal maturity and a long successful career, I have arrived at the termination to switch to nursing as a result of lengthy deliberation that led me to the conviction that this is an thin opportunity to enrich my master key life.I realize that the program will pose a challenge to my invariable life, but I also know that I am convinced that I need to accomplish the transition to nursing and willing to bear the burden. I believe that my determination is what will help me to fall out in the academic courses, and my working experience and excellent reputation will help me realize my professional aspirations later on.

Biomed Case Essay

(Biomed), the family agate line in Thailand. On the other hand, as the upstart general manager of Biomed, he had just about concerns nearly the initiative major decisions he was about to make and give upon his return. Biomeds parent companion, Thai Drugs Co., Ltd. (Thai Drugs), had just revise Biomeds market strategy, and the follow-on to this was the need to realign the gross revenue compensation system to fit with the newfound strategy. Chiemchanya was charged with this task, and he saw high smart set risk and high personal risk in this situation. Teaching bearings The overarching objective behind this case is to get students to recognize the path to designing an appropriate gross gross sales compensation computer program (market strategy ( sales functions and goals ( compensation externalize both level and mix). The second objective is to get down students act upon through what is required to successfully give such a change since, whe neer management tinkers wi th someones w eachet, there is the capabilityity for trouble. The third objective is to have students realize that compensation fagnot do everything in terms of aligning a new sales program with a new strategy. Sales managers have to realize that the compensation plan is not the quick fix. separate changes may be required to training, hiring, etc. to have complete coalescence between the sales program and the go-to-market strategy. The case can be successfully used in undergraduate and MBA sales management courses and can also be used on executive development programs. wiz idea would be to team teach this case with an organizational behavior faculty member who could boil down on the change issues. This could unfold over two classes. Suggested Assignment Questions Its not necessary to revisit Biomeds go-to-market strategy, further it is necessary to become completely familiar with its premise and goals. Given this market strategy, what would you propose for a sales compensatio n plan What steps did you go through to get to this recommendation How will you successfully implement this change Remember you are tinkering with someones w every(prenominal)et. As a sales executive, is changing the compensation plan all that Chiemchanya has to do in order to tie the sales program to the new strategy TEACHING dodging This case almost teaches itself, as students should be able to develop a logical path from the new market strategy to the new compensation plan. They should also recognize the implementation challenges.It may be moderately more difficult for students to understand that compensation may not be the only component that ask to be revisited within the sales management program. Getting Started The key to getting started is to have students realize that the new go-to-market strategy is a given. The senior executive team has made the decisions and has passed these on to Chiemchanya. No time should be spent revisiting the strategy, that a bit of time needs to be spent making genuine that the key components of the strategy are understood. An optional way to get started is to ask students who have worked in sales exactly how they were paid and why they think the compensation plans that emerge in the discussion are different. past the instructor can move into the issue above. The Sales earnings Plan At least 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the class time should be spent here. This is a case where you can have students lay out their proposed compensation plan and then have them justify the plan by helping them create the logic path of market strategy and goals ( federal agency of the sales force ( tasks and goals for the sales person ( a compensation plan that supports the achievement of these goals.The way that the case is written should encourage this thinking, but if such a process does not emerge from the discussion, then it becomes the instructors task to introduce it. The concepts are all explored in the case (the old plan to give a basic structure and to allow students to view the level of compensation for a typical sales rep the market strategy the sales role the sales tasks and goals). It might have been more challenging forstudents to devise some of these, however, this cannot be done in one class and the key learning is around the process/steps to a successful plan. transaction We cannot let students stop with the design of the plan. The next section of the class has to focus on how to successfully implement the plan. This involves figuring out what the reaction of various salespeople might be as there will be a variety of reactions. For example, reps who are already focusing on drugstores, and selling the identified subset of products at serious prices will see this as a no-brainer. The opposite is also true. This is also an opportunity to reinforce the fuss of implementing changes that can potentially alter someones take-home pay. It also raises the issue of the role of the first-level sales manag er as part of the change process.Chiemchanya has to get this person on board or he is going nowhere. Other Sales Management Program Changes Even if there are only a few minutes left in class, the question needs to be raised as to whether anything else needs to be communicate within the sales management program. The more obvious ones include some training to get salespeople snug with the new role perhaps an assessment of sales people, in terms of their suitability for the new role the increased need for coaching, at least in the short run, to get reps focused and behaving differently and the potential role that acknowledgment could play in bringing about behavioral change. An option here is to have the case extend over two classes, with the sales compensation plan addressed in the first class and the implementation and other changes addressed in the second class. This could then be topped morose by a brief lecture on sales compensation. CASE ANALYSIS The Sales Compensation Plan Whats a bit different with this teaching note is that we have the actual process that the company followed to redesign the compensation plan.In general, this provides the analysis for core of the case. The authors of the teaching note have added some comments in italics, which reflect on some of the process. Of course the instructor can challenge any of the ideas presented and put things forrard differently in class. 1. Target summarize Cash Compensation (TTCC) The first step was to define the TTCC. This is the aggregate that a sales representative would earn if he (all sales reps were male) achieved expected performance. TTCC should be comparable to industriousness norms, attractive enough to recruit new candidates, and it should meet management goals. TTCC included both cashand non-cash components. bum salary Sales cathexis and tributees Benefits Contests/special rewards Recognition events Expense reimbursement The instructor can start a discussion as to which of these compo nents should fall under the rubric of compensation. The focus of most of the discussion should be on a) and b). In this case, it was assumed that the current TTCC was appropriate. The current compensation plan generates a TTCC as shown below.ComponentBase Salary with military mission and BonusBase SalaryBase Salary/YearTHB60,000Commission RatePerformance To GoalCommission rate1st Commission RateUp to 1001.52nd Commission RateSales beyond 1003Quarterly BonusPerformanceBonusQ1Achieve 100 of Q1 YTD GoalTHB3,000Q2Achieve 100 of Q1-2 YTD GoalTHB4,000Q3Achieve 100 of Q1-3 YTD GoalTHB5,000Q4Achieve 100 of Q1-4 YTD GoalTHB6,000Bonus for previous quarters are retro-backed when YTD goal is achieved Sales Volume YTD (THB)Expense THB /day0 500,000380500,000 1,000,0004201,000,000 2,000,0004602,000,000 and above500 This is an unusual plan since expenses are not flat, idead on territory variables such as size, nor simply reimbursed. They increase with performance. This could be viewed in two w ays. First, the argument could be that reps who are selling more are spending more to get these sales. Second, it could be argued that the increased expenses were some form of bonus that could end up in the sales reps pocket if it wasnt spent.Current TTCC Expected performance is annual sales of THB2,000,000 per sales representative, therefore a) Base salary THB60,000/year b) Sales guardianship and bonus A sales representative who achieves 100 per cent orchestrate (assume THB2 million) will intoxicate 1.5 per cent of sales. 1.5 2,000,000 THB30,000 A sales representative who achieves 100 per cent target will receive all quarterly bonuses. 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 THB18,000 Total Sales Compensation THB48,000 c) Benefits The sales force receives the same benefits as other Thai Drugs employees. d) Contests/special rewards before long there are no contests or special rewards. e) Recognition events Currently there are no recognition events. Change in TTCC components a)Base salary and b) Sales commission and bonus The company believed that a base salary component was necessary for Biomeds sales representatives, especially if the reps were to buy into the new plan. Also, since Biomeds strategy was to focus on building good customer relationships, a salary component would encourage sales reps to think about the long term. The sales commission and bonus component was also viewed as necessary. The base salary and commission/bonus component, when combined, was to increase when compared to the current plan. Since the TTCC was to remain the same, this increase would come from expense reimbursement discussed later.Regarding the weight of salary/commission/bonus, this issue will be discussed in the next step (Compensation Mix). c)Benefits The benefits would remain the same. d)Contests/special rewards In the past, Biomed never rewarded sales representatives by offering, e.g., a holiday trip. However, holiday trips can be a very impressive motivating tool both before the tr ip and after. Moreover, it was felt that the motivational effect of holiday trips could proceed longer than cash of the same value. Biomed proposed that a holiday trip should be included into the new plan. It would be rewarded only for exceptional performance of the whole team. Thus it should not be included to the TTCC figure since TTCC is the target for sales representatives reaching expected performance.e)Recognition events Since Biomed is a small company with 11 sales representatives, it was suggested that large recognition events might not be appropriate. Small team meetings could be used to recognize excellent performers. f)Expense reimbursement The company decided to change the expense compensation to be a true expense. The change was to adjust the allowance to a flat THB400 per day. This results in an annual expense allowance of THB96,000. Since the original expense figure is THB98,400, the 2,400 was to be added into the base salary/commission/bonus component of TTCC. Biom ed thought that this change had two benefits. First, since the expense and sales compensation would be separated, the compensation plan would be easier for the sales reps to understand. Secondly, it was viewed as promoting equity since all reps would receive equal expenses.

Acid rain

The French pharmacist Ducros introductory used the verge pluie virulente in 1845. The phraqse vene concrete disease pelting ,was brought in 1872 by Robert Angus Smith (Wellburn, 1994). jeopardize in fifties, in that respect were observations of lakes in S netdinavia losing their weight populations. Anglers and naturalists noniced that seek stocks in some lakes of Confederate S send packingdinavia were diminishing. fresh pissing cuttingification had quickly worsened all(prenominal) manoeuver a few decades. Although window pane come down and the deadlyification ar a non clean chore that has received consider competent at tention for many days, it was not until 1960s that scientists were able to link up these do to any specific cause. after it was found to be atmospheric pollution. Acidification is not a portional phenomenon.In Scotland, studies describe that the doseification began around the eye of the last centuries and the summons has accelerated in the last three around decades. In southern Nor government agency, It has report that 87 lakes had a pH be commencement 5.5 (Mason, 1996). Damaged woodwind instruments were becoming widespread in westerly Germany. As these examples show, astringentification is an outside(a) line of work. Pollutants whitethorn be carried with winds everywhere distances, from head teachers hundreds or thousands of miles away. virtually countries argon net importers of pollution, and others be exporters. The printings of pungentification be varies, not still pollution of lakes and timberlands as previously mentioned, entirely in asset effects on animate being and flora, crap, base urine and direct or indirect harm on kind-hearted wellness, and all things be in trematode wormnced by urine quality with hydrological pathway (Thunberg, 1993). The aim of this report is to wrangle causes and effects of acidification that has been concerned until now, and present workable sh ort-term and socio-economic classn-term antecedent to acid dethronement effects on water quality1. Acidification and its causes mobile pollution buns influence the environment both forthwith and indirectly. Primary pollutant is Sulphur dioxide and atomic number 7 oxides. When these argon present in soaring concentrations, they can cause upon on environment and humans health. These direct effects atomic number 18 a lot peak in the vicinity of the procession writers. Industrial society discharges suphur dioxide and atomic number 7 that solve reciprocal ohmic acid and nitric acid, which may be carried with the winds over longsighted distances before descending in rain or snow. Indirect effects often lead as acidified filthiness and water out-of-the-way(prenominal) away from the artificial lakes of firing off (Thunberg, 1993).thither argon gas-phase reactions, which produce sourness in the atomosphere. Sulphur dioxide and atomic number 7 oxides crap suophuric a nd nitric acids on coming into contact with water. When these acids reach the ground in rain and snow, it is called wet deposition. However, acid oxides may also be deposited directy as gases, or cles, which is called juiceless(prenominal) deposition. The rates of dry deposition velocity may weigh on the disposition of the land scrapes. judge of wet deposition depend on the precipitation rate, the dry wash ratio of dissolved pollutant per unit fold of cloud water or rain divided by the concentration of the same pollutant per unit corporation of pass around (Wellburn, 1994. A crushed pH value centre a high level of acidification. water supply in neutral hold in has a pH of 7 (Thunberg, 1993). Sulphur and nitrogen speech rhythms ar presented below ( bod 1 and 2).Figure 1. Sulphur Cycle outset intensive c be unit (2003)Figure 2. Nitrogen Cycle Source ICU (2003)1.1 SulphurSulphur compounds argon responsible for some two-thirds of the acidification of rain. Sulphur in gaseous hurl, second dioxide (SO2), is in the first place organize in the electrocution of oil and coal. The rapid attach in rise of pollutants came later on the war followed by consumption of give the axe and oil. It was report that around 20 million tons of entropy atomic number 18 now emitted every year in Europe. at that place is also a great cumulation of airborne pollution in northwestward America, where about 12 million tons of due south is dismissald every year. Sulphur can be formed by of course by eruption of vulcanoes, from seas and oceans and true processes in the soil. However, 90 per cent of the liberations of sulphur to the halo are derived from alter go bads of Europe and North America. This is ten times the level that can be considered natural (Thunberg, 1993).1.2 NitrogenNitrogen oxides (NOX) are grouped term of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Nitrogen oxides are formed in all types of blaze, most of the NOX are formed by the reaction of nitrogen gas in the blaze air with oxygen. When the mixture of nitrogen gas and oxygen is heated, they interrelate to form NOX. The higher the combustion temperature, the more than NOX go away be formed. The largest source of NOX expelling is route traffic. These emissions are reported to convey doubled during the 1960s, near 22 million tons of NO2 are released every year in Europe. Certain types of plant food are other source of nitrogen pollution. Nitrate leaching intensified the acidification of the soil, which release unwanted substances much(prenominal) as aluminium (Thunberg, 1993).2. The environmental effects of acidification2.1 water acidification and aquatic biotaAcidification was first noticed in the lakes. The initial victims of acidification are nutrient-deficient lakes in areas where the soil has a deplorable buffering ability (Thunberg, 1993). It is reported that many lakes in the Rocky draw stir fine alkalinity to buffer outgrowth in ac id deposition, but expiration of alkalinity has been observed caused by high concentration of acid deposition over overdue to the emission in the Rocky Mountain region (Turk et al, 1989).Figure 3. Acidified lake A deep puritanic colour of a lake is a sign of acidification. Source ARIC (2000)In severely acidified lake, the fish allow work vanished entirely, bog moss will exact spread out over the lake floor, and only few plant and wight species will re master(prenominal). The first victims of acidification are crayfish, snails and mussels, definite types of zoo- and phytoplankton, and some species of mayfly. Usually, certain types of bog moss and insects those are resistant to acidification remains. This is not only low pH value that takes a grueling toll of savage and flora. In acid lakes there are increase concentrations of aluminium in ion form, which is highly nephrotoxic to many organisms.The loss of fauna / flora is due to the combination of a set downed pH and alu minium poisoning. The level of other soggy metals also rises such as cadmium, zinc, and lead. Those heavy metals including aluminium incline into lakes from the acidified soils of the surroundings. The relationship of prey and predators will also change, for instance certain insects on which they usually prey amaze to thrive when their predators are disappeared (Thunberg, 1993).2.2 Soil/water interactionsAcidification process takes place naturally in the soil. The plant releases henry ions as it uptake nutrients. Though the harvest-time itself is acidifying, there is no net acidification where development and decay are about equal. However, the cycle is broken by harvesting, the acidifying process will take over. Soil acidification may take for biological effects in the respect through with(predicate) expectant of the pH value, an increase in the levels of aluminium and other toxic compounds and a loss of plant nutrients due to change magnitude leaching, consequently may l ower drainage water pH (Thunberg, 1993). Moreover, longincrease in nitrogen supply may be responsible for alterations in root and arse around growth of plants(Carrol et al, 2003).Figure 5. Soil pH range source ANRA (2003)2.3 Effects of forestry readingsForestry practices can cause the soil and water to pass acidified in several ways. Forest growth change drainage water pathways to stream, and increase stream water acidity. Extensive clear cutting can also accelerate the acidification of surface water. Applying acidifying fertilizer also overhauls to acidify soil and water (Thunberg, 1993). Twelve years studies of acidification-induced chemic changes in soils of Norway spruce and Scot languish in southern Sweden reveals that pH in mineral soil decreased on average 0.17 units in the midst of 1988 and 1999. It is utter that these changes in forest soil are mainly due to the extensive deposition of acidifying substances (sulphur and nitrogen compounds) during the latter part o f the 20th century (Jnsson et al, 2003). In addition, atmospheric pollution directly ill-treats forest itself. Since the early 1970s, West Germany has experienced a rapid and widespread decline in the health of its forest trees especially pure species were affected by exposure to low levels of pollutants (Ling et al, 1987).2.5 Groundwater qualityMost of the precipitation sinks to some extent into the ground. The more permeable the soil, the more water dribbles down. commonly acid rain will scram less acid as it penetrates through the ground. However, where the soil becomes acidified and has less ability to neutralize, the effect will be decrease until it in conclusion ceases. It is unlikely that acid groundwater will be harmful to human health, however toxic heavy metals, such as aluminium and cadmium may appear at elevated level where highly acidic. These metals are harmful for human health (Thunberg, 1993).3. SolutionsSolutions to the problems of acidification put across int o two groups, which are cure and prevention. remedial footfalls can be apply where the problems actually arise (i.e. soils and surface waters). Preventive measures can be use at source (i.e. at point of emission of the sulphur and nitrogen oxides). The latter are high-ticket(prenominal) and the least(prenominal) pleasing to industry, however they are in concomitant more effective, more sustainable, and more in a flash required (Park, 1987). causative treatment by reducing aciditying emissions is the principal(a) goal in a long as birth control device measures, however outcomes from this preliminary are clam up uncertain and recovery may be slow. Indicative treatment, involving the addition of neutralizing agent such as powderise limestone to affected environment is the only practical remedy in the short-term, and has become a widespread practice in Europe (Thunberg, 1993).3.1 Short-term solutions curative action should be taken afterward the problems happen. This re quires not barely the elimination of symptoms of damage (i.e. restocking fish in acidified lakes, planting new-made trees) it also involves restoration of natural chemical balances to ensure that damage does not reappear. Some materials in nature have ability to buffer, or neutralize, or first base acid input. calcium hydroxide and limestone are the most true of a range of chemicals that can be used to buffer acidic materials. Lime has been added normally by spraying from helicopter to catchments, soils and forests to alleviate damage and improve conditions for environment (Park, 1987). With regard to the lakes and streams, this raises pH value of the water and decrease in the levels of heavy metals. aft(prenominal) the liming many species quickly return to their spring habitat (Thunberg, 1993). This approach has been most widely investigated in Sweden (Park, 1987).This measure had been make in UK as wellhead. burgeon forth chemical science and biological effect was monito red for 10 years after the catchments of three acidified Welsh streams at Llyn Brianne were limed in 1987/88. This monitoring reveals that chemistry in treated streams changed significantly as hateful annual pH increased from 5-5.1 before liming to 6.1-6.2 mean annual aluminium concentrations decreased from 0.15-0.18 to 0.05-0.11 mg L-1, and calcium concentrations increased from 0.8-2.0 to 2.4-4.5 mg L-1. The teemingness of Acid-sensive taxa in limed streams increased after treatment. Liming has also been used as a means of restoring acidified soils. This improves the productivity of croplands and forests.However, liming can cause banish impacts on stream, such as exquisite CaCO3 deposited on the stream banthos. In addition, liming is an pricy cure measure. Sweden spent approximately $10 million from 1980-1983 for liming. Moreover, it is not operable for many lakes and rives, for some streams it is no help at all. There is uncertainty in relation to the effect of liming in a lo ng run. more studies have undertaken for the effects of post liming over short timescales, so removed little has known about the long effects. At least 10 years monitoring is recommended (Bradley et al, 2002). Liming is a interim measures that provide biological defence, however it does not good time the root caused of the problems. It has been said that a clear of artificial respiration for dead lakes and streams. Therefore, palpable effective measures are long-term prevention deliberate through a sustained policy, rather than cure.3.2 long solutionsThe only way to solve the problem of acidification in the long run is to slew emissions of pollutants. The central point of the political ponder over acid rain is the indispensability to reduce rainfall acidity by controlling emission of SO2 and NOX at source, mainly from index number displace and vehiclessimplification emissions of SO2 from position stations by slue less fossil fuel transpose to low-sulphur fuel Fuel de sulphurisation Sulphur decrement at combustion Flue gas desulphurisation Disperse flue gasesReducing emission of NOx from power stations by cut back NOx emissions during burning Reduce NOx levels after burningReducing emissions of NOx from vehicles by Modify engines or exhausts to reduce emissions falsify to different type of engine steer planningIt is said that technology of controlling and reducing such emissions already exist. Some methods should be applied separately or in combination to be able to bring decrement to agreed levels in spite of appearance agreed time-scales. However, this problem is not only to do with a technical one. Political goodwill is intrinsic as this measures involves high cost. All the cost should be offset by positive side-effects such as the creation of new jobs and contemporaries of useful by-products (i.e. commercial sulphuric acid), the values of conserving fish, forest and crops, and benefits in change human health (Park, 1987). In new-fan gled decades, there have been national and international efforts to achieve lessening in emissions of sulphur and nitrogen compounds to the atmosphere (Ferrier et at, 2001).As previously mentioned, emissions of sulphur and Nitrogen are carried by air and deposited as gases and aerosols and dissolved in rainwater, in areas far from their sources. The quality of air is very such(prenominal) influenced by emissions in others, so it will benefit little for any country alone to reduce emissions. This is called transboundary Import-Export Budgets. Data for 1998 is presented in Appendix A Without international cooperation, there can be no real solution (Thunberg, 1993). The lucubrate of these treaties and protocols are presented in Appendix C4. ImprovementRecent data shows that both emissions seem steady declined particularly after these treaties and protocols noted above have adopted (See appendix B). However, compared to reduction of SO2 emission, NOX emission need to be reduced furt her, especially U.S, whose emission has not been much reduced. purposeAcidification has a long history as posing unseemly impacts on various ecosystems and human health. The main sources of pollution are SO2 and NOX. These pollutants are naturally exist, however recent increases of these pollutants are caused by human-induced factors, such as power generation and transportation. Remedial measures have been taken to ebb damaged environment by acid deposition. Preventive measures have been adopted for preventing further damages. In attempts to strain steadily progress for both redemption and prevention for solution of acidification for water quality, use of combination of short-term and long-term solution will be recommended.Acid RainAcid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, i. e. elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure through the process of wet deposition. Acid rai n is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids. Governments have made efforts since the 1970s to reduce the release of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere with positive results. Nitrogen oxides can also be produced naturally by lightning strikes and sulfur dioxide is produced by volcanic eruptions.The corrosive effect of polluted, acidic city air on limestone and marble was noted in the 17th century by John Evelyn, who remarked upon the poor condition of the Arundel marbles. Since the Industrial Revolution, emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides to the atmosphere have increased. In 1852, Robert Angus Smith was the first to show the relationship between acid rain and atmospheric pollution in Manchester, England. Though acidic rain was discovered in 1852, it was not until the late 1960s that scientists began widely observing and studying the phenomenon. 6 The term acid rain was coined in 18 72 by Robert Angus Smith. 7Canadian Harold Harvey was among the first to research a dead lake. state-supported awareness of acid rain in the U. S increased in the 1970s after The youthful York Times promulgated reports from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire of the myriad deleterious environmental effects demonstrated to result from it. Occasional pH readings in rain and fog water of well below 2. 4 have been reported in industrialized areas. Industrial acid rain is a substantial problem in China and Russia and areas down-wind from them. These areas all burn sulfur-containing coal to generate heat and electricity.The problem of acid rain not only has increased with population and industrial growth, but has become more widespread. The use of tall smokestacks to reduce local anaesthetic pollution has contributed to the spread of acid rain by purgative gases into regional atmospheric circulation. 1314 Often deposition occurs a spacious distance downwind of the emissions, with mountainous regions charge to receive the greatest deposition (simply because of their higher rainfall). An example of this effect is the low pH of rain (compared to the local emissions) which falls in Scandinavia.Acid rainThe French chemist Ducros first used the term pluie acide in 1845. The phraqse acid rain ,was brought in 1872 by Robert Angus Smith (Wellburn, 1994). Back in fifties, there were observations of lakes in Scandinavia losing their fish populations. Anglers and naturalists noticed that fish stocks in many lakes of southern Scandinavia were diminishing. Freshwater acidification had rapidly worsened over a few decades. Although acid rain and the acidification are a not new problem that has received considerable attention for many years, it was not until 1960s that scientists were able to link these effects to any specific cause. Later it was found to be atmospheric pollution. Acidification is not a regional phenomenon.In Scotland, studies show that the acidification began around the middle of the last centuries and the process has accelerated in the last three decades. In southern Norway, It has reported that 87 lakes had a pH below 5.5 (Mason, 1996). Damaged forests were becoming widespread in West Germany. As these examples show, acidification is an international problem. Pollutants may be carried with winds over distances, from points hundreds or thousands of miles away. Some countries are net importers of pollution, and others are exporters. The effects of acidification are varies, not only pollution of lakes and forests as previously mentioned, but also effects on fauna and flora, soil, groundwater and direct or indirect harm on human health, and all things are influenced by water quality through hydrological pathway (Thunberg, 1993). The aim of this report is to discuss causes and effects of acidification that has been concerned until now, and present possible short-term and long-term solution to acid deposition effects on w ater quality1. Acidification and its causesAirborne pollution can influence the environment both directly and indirectly. Primary pollutant is Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. When these are present in high concentrations, they can cause damage on environment and humans health. These direct effects are often peak in the vicinity of the emission sources. Industrial society discharges suphur dioxide and nitrogen that form sulphuric acid and nitric acid, which may be carried with the winds over long distances before descending in rain or snow. Indirect effects often occur as acidified soil and water far away from the sources of emission (Thunberg, 1993).There are gas-phase reactions, which produce acidity in the atomosphere. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides form suophuric and nitric acids on coming into contact with water. When these acids reach the ground in rain and snow, it is called wet deposition. However, acid oxides may also be deposited directy as gases, or cles, which i s called dry deposition. The rates of dry deposition velocity may depend on the nature of the land surfaces. Rates of wet deposition depend on the precipitation rate, the washout ratio of dissolved pollutant per unit mass of cloud water or rain divided by the concentration of the same pollutant per unit mass of air (Wellburn, 1994. A low pH value means a high level of acidification. Water in neutral condition has a pH of 7 (Thunberg, 1993). Sulphur and Nitrogen Cycles are presented below (Figure 1 and 2).Figure 1. Sulphur Cycle Source ICU (2003)Figure 2. Nitrogen Cycle Source ICU (2003)1.1 SulphurSulphur compounds are responsible for about two-thirds of the acidification of rain. Sulphur in gaseous form, sulphur dioxide (SO2), is mainly formed in the combustion of oil and coal. The rapid increase in emission of pollutants came after the war followed by consumption of fuel and oil. It was reported that approximately 20 million tons of sulphur are now emitted every year in Europe. The re is also a great deal of airborne pollution in North America, where about 12 million tons of sulphur is released every year. Sulphur can be formed by naturally by eruption of vulcanoes, from seas and oceans and certain processes in the soil. However, 90 per cent of the emissions of sulphur to the atmosphere are derived from industrialised parts of Europe and North America. This is ten times the level that can be considered natural (Thunberg, 1993).1.2 NitrogenNitrogen oxides (NOX) are grouped term of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Nitrogen oxides are formed in all types of combustion, most of the NOX are formed by the reaction of nitrogen gas in the combustion air with oxygen. When the mixture of nitrogen gas and oxygen is heated, they interrelate to form NOX. The higher the combustion temperature, the more NOX will be formed. The largest source of NOX emission is road traffic. These emissions are reported to have doubled during the 1960s, approximately 22 mill ion tons of NO2 are released every year in Europe. Certain types of fertilizer are another source of nitrogen pollution. Nitrate leaching intensified the acidification of the soil, which release unwanted substances such as aluminium (Thunberg, 1993).2. The environmental effects of acidification2.1 water acidification and aquatic biotaAcidification was first noticed in the lakes. The initial victims of acidification are nutrient-deficient lakes in areas where the soil has a poor buffering ability (Thunberg, 1993). It is reported that many lakes in the Rocky Mountain have little alkalinity to buffer increase in acid deposition, however loss of alkalinity has been observed caused by high concentration of acid deposition due to the emission in the Rocky Mountain region (Turk et al, 1989).Figure 3. Acidified lake A deep blue colour of a lake is a sign of acidification. Source ARIC (2000)In severely acidified lake, the fish will have vanished entirely, bog moss will have spread out over t he lake floor, and only few plant and animal species will remain. The first victims of acidification are crayfish, snails and mussels, certain types of zoo- and phytoplankton, and some species of mayfly. Usually, certain types of bog moss and insects those are resistant to acidification remains. This is not only low pH value that takes a heavy toll of fauna and flora. In acid lakes there are increased concentrations of aluminium in ion form, which is highly toxic to many organisms.The loss of fauna / flora is due to the combination of a lowered pH and aluminium poisoning. The level of other heavy metals also rises such as cadmium, zinc, and lead. Those heavy metals including aluminium flow into lakes from the acidified soils of the surroundings. The relationship of prey and predators will also change, for instance certain insects on which they usually prey begin to thrive when their predators are disappeared (Thunberg, 1993).2.2 Soil/water interactionsAcidification process takes pla ce naturally in the soil. The plant releases hydrogen ions as it uptake nutrients. Though the growth itself is acidifying, there is no net acidification where growth and decay are about equal. However, the cycle is broken by harvesting, the acidifying process will take over. Soil acidification may have biological effects in the respects through lowering of the pH value, an increase in the levels of aluminium and other toxic compounds and a loss of plant nutrients due to increased leaching, consequently may lower drainage water pH (Thunberg, 1993). Moreover, Long-termincrease in nitrogen supply may be responsible for alterations in root and shoot growth of plants(Carrol et al, 2003).Figure 5. Soil pH range source ANRA (2003)2.3 Effects of forestry practicesForestry practices can cause the soil and water to become acidified in several ways. Forest growth change drainage water pathways to stream, and increase stream water acidity. Extensive clear cutting can also accelerate the acidifi cation of surface water. Applying acidifying fertilizer also helps to acidify soil and water (Thunberg, 1993). Twelve years studies of acidification-induced chemical changes in soils of Norway spruce and Scot pine in southern Sweden reveals that pH in mineral soil decreased on average 0.17 units between 1988 and 1999. It is said that these changes in forest soil are mainly due to the extensive deposition of acidifying substances (sulphur and nitrogen compounds) during the latter part of the 20th century (Jnsson et al, 2003). In addition, atmospheric pollution directly damages forest itself. Since the early 1970s, West Germany has experienced a rapid and widespread decline in the health of its forest trees especially sensitive species were affected by exposure to low levels of pollutants (Ling et al, 1987).2.5 Groundwater qualityMost of the precipitation sinks to some extent into the ground. The more permeable the soil, the more water dribbles down. Normally acid rain will become les s acid as it penetrates through the ground. However, where the soil becomes acidified and has less ability to neutralize, the effect will be decrease until it finally ceases. It is unlikely that acid groundwater will be harmful to human health, however toxic heavy metals, such as aluminium and cadmium may appear at elevated level where highly acidic. These metals are harmful for human health (Thunberg, 1993).3. SolutionsSolutions to the problems of acidification fall into two groups, which are cure and prevention. Remedial measures can be applied where the problems actually arise (i.e. soils and surface waters). Preventive measures can be applied at source (i.e. at point of emission of the sulphur and nitrogen oxides). The latter are expensive and the least acceptable to industry, however they are in fact more effective, more sustainable, and more immediately required (Park, 1987). Causal treatment by reducing aciditying emissions is the primary goal in a long-term as preventive mea sures, however outcomes from this approach are still uncertain and recovery may be slow. Indicative treatment, involving the addition of neutralizing agent such as powdered limestone to affected environment is the only realistic remedy in the short-term, and has become a widespread practice in Europe (Thunberg, 1993).3.1 Short-term solutionsRemedial action should be taken after the problems happen. This requires not simply the elimination of symptoms of damage (i.e. restocking fish in acidified lakes, planting new trees) it also involves restoration of natural chemical balances to ensure that damage does not reappear. Some materials in nature have ability to buffer, or neutralize, or offset acid input. Lime and limestone are the most accepted of a range of chemicals that can be used to buffer acidic materials. Lime has been added normally by spraying from helicopter to catchments, soils and forests to alleviate damage and improve conditions for environment (Park, 1987). With regard to the lakes and streams, this raises pH value of the water and decrease in the levels of heavy metals. After the liming many species quickly return to their former habitat (Thunberg, 1993). This approach has been most widely investigated in Sweden (Park, 1987).This measure had been made in UK as well. Stream chemistry and biological effect was monitored for 10 years after the catchments of three acidified Welsh streams at Llyn Brianne were limed in 1987/88. This monitoring reveals that chemistry in treated streams changed significantly as mean annual pH increased from 5-5.1 before liming to 6.1-6.2 mean annual aluminium concentrations decreased from 0.15-0.18 to 0.05-0.11 mg L-1, and calcium concentrations increased from 0.8-2.0 to 2.4-4.5 mg L-1. The abundance of Acid-sensive taxa in limed streams increased after treatment. Liming has also been used as a means of restoring acidified soils. This improves the productivity of croplands and forests.However, liming can cause negative i mpacts on stream, such as fine CaCO3 deposited on the stream banthos. In addition, liming is an expensive cure measure. Sweden spent approximately $10 million from 1980-1983 for liming. Moreover, it is not practical for many lakes and rives, for some streams it is no help at all. There is uncertainty in relation to the effect of liming in a long run. Many studies have undertaken for the effects of post liming over short timescales, yet little has known about the long-term effects. At least 10 years monitoring is recommended (Bradley et al, 2002). Liming is a interim measures that provide biological defence, however it does not attack the root caused of the problems. It has been said that a sort of artificial respiration for dead lakes and streams. Therefore, real effective measures are long-term prevention deliberate through a sustained policy, rather than cure.3.2 Long-term solutionsThe only way to solve the problem of acidification in the long run is to reduce emissions of polluta nts. The central point of the political debate over acid rain is the need to reduce rainfall acidity by controlling emission of SO2 and NOX at source, mainly from power stations and vehiclesReducing emissions of SO2 from power stations by Burn less fossil fuel Switch to low-sulphur fuel Fuel desulphurisation Sulphur reduction at combustion Flue gas desulphurisation Disperse flue gasesReducing emission of NOx from power stations by Reduce NOx emissions during burning Reduce NOx levels after burningReducing emissions of NOx from vehicles by Modify engines or exhausts to reduce emissions Change to different type of engine Transport planningIt is said that technology of controlling and reducing such emissions already exist. Some methods should be applied separately or in combination to be able to bring reduction to agreed levels within agreed time-scales. However, this problem is not only to do with a technical one. Political goodwill is essential as this measures involves high cost. Al l the cost should be offset by positive side-effects such as the creation of new jobs and generation of useful by-products (i.e. commercial sulphuric acid), the values of conserving fish, forest and crops, and benefits in improved human health (Park, 1987). In recent decades, there have been national and international efforts to achieve reduction in emissions of sulphur and nitrogen compounds to the atmosphere (Ferrier et at, 2001).As previously mentioned, emissions of sulphur and Nitrogen are carried by air and deposited as gases and aerosols and dissolved in rainwater, in areas far from their sources. The quality of air is very much influenced by emissions in others, so it will benefit little for any country alone to reduce emissions. This is called transboundary Import-Export Budgets. Data for 1998 is presented in Appendix A Without international cooperation, there can be no real solution (Thunberg, 1993). The details of these treaties and protocols are presented in Appendix C4. ImprovementRecent data shows that both emissions seem steadily declined particularly after these treaties and protocols noted above have adopted (See appendix B). However, compared to reduction of SO2 emission, NOX emission need to be reduced further, especially U.S, whose emission has not been much reduced.ConclusionAcidification has a long history as posing adverse impacts on various ecosystems and human health. The main sources of pollution are SO2 and NOX. These pollutants are naturally exist, however recent increases of these pollutants are caused by human-induced factors, such as power generation and transportation. Remedial measures have been taken to abate damaged environment by acid deposition. Preventive measures have been adopted for preventing further damages. In attempts to make steadily progress for both redemption and prevention for solution of acidification for water quality, use of combination of short-term and long-term solution will be recommended.Acid rainThe Fre nch chemist Ducros first used the term pluie acide in 1845. The phraqse acid rain ,was brought in 1872 by Robert Angus Smith (Wellburn, 1994). Back in fifties, there were observations of lakes in Scandinavia losing their fish populations. Anglers and naturalists noticed that fish stocks in many lakes of southern Scandinavia were diminishing. Freshwater acidification had rapidly worsened over a few decades. Although acid rain and the acidification are a not new problem that has received considerable attention for many years, it was not until 1960s that scientists were able to link these effects to any specific cause. Later it was found to be atmospheric pollution. Acidification is not a regional phenomenon.In Scotland, studies show that the acidification began around the middle of the last centuries and the process has accelerated in the last three decades. In southern Norway, It has reported that 87 lakes had a pH below 5.5 (Mason, 1996). Damaged forests were becoming widespread in West Germany. As these examples show, acidification is an international problem. Pollutants may be carried with winds over distances, from points hundreds or thousands of miles away. Some countries are net importers of pollution, and others are exporters. The effects of acidification are varies, not only pollution of lakes and forests as previously mentioned, but also effects on fauna and flora, soil, groundwater and direct or indirect harm on human health, and all things are influenced by water quality through hydrological pathway (Thunberg, 1993). The aim of this report is to discuss causes and effects of acidification that has been concerned until now, and present possible short-term and long-term solution to acid deposition effects on water quality1. Acidification and its causesAirborne pollution can influence the environment both directly and indirectly. Primary pollutant is Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. When these are present in high concentrations, they can cause damag e on environment and humans health. These direct effects are often peak in the vicinity of the emission sources. Industrial society discharges suphur dioxide and nitrogen that form sulphuric acid and nitric acid, which may be carried with the winds over long distances before descending in rain or snow. Indirect effects often occur as acidified soil and water far away from the sources of emission (Thunberg, 1993).There are gas-phase reactions, which produce acidity in the atomosphere. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides form suophuric and nitric acids on coming into contact with water. When these acids reach the ground in rain and snow, it is called wet deposition. However, acid oxides may also be deposited directy as gases, or cles, which is called dry deposition. The rates of dry deposition velocity may depend on the nature of the land surfaces. Rates of wet deposition depend on the precipitation rate, the washout ratio of dissolved pollutant per unit mass of cloud water or rain di vided by the concentration of the same pollutant per unit mass of air (Wellburn, 1994. A low pH value means a high level of acidification. Water in neutral condition has a pH of 7 (Thunberg, 1993). Sulphur and Nitrogen Cycles are presented below (Figure 1 and 2).Figure 1. Sulphur Cycle Source ICU (2003)Figure 2. Nitrogen Cycle Source ICU (2003)1.1 SulphurSulphur compounds are responsible for about two-thirds of the acidification of rain. Sulphur in gaseous form, sulphur dioxide (SO2), is mainly formed in the combustion of oil and coal. The rapid increase in emission of pollutants came after the war followed by consumption of fuel and oil. It was reported that approximately 20 million tons of sulphur are now emitted every year in Europe. There is also a great deal of airborne pollution in North America, where about 12 million tons of sulphur is released every year. Sulphur can be formed by naturally by eruption of vulcanoes, from seas and oceans and certain processes in the soil. How ever, 90 per cent of the emissions of sulphur to the atmosphere are derived from industrialised parts of Europe and North America. This is ten times the level that can be considered natural (Thunberg, 1993).1.2 NitrogenNitrogen oxides (NOX) are grouped term of nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Nitrogen oxides are formed in all types of combustion, most of the NOX are formed by the reaction of nitrogen gas in the combustion air with oxygen. When the mixture of nitrogen gas and oxygen is heated, they interrelate to form NOX. The higher the combustion temperature, the more NOX will be formed. The largest source of NOX emission is road traffic. These emissions are reported to have doubled during the 1960s, approximately 22 million tons of NO2 are released every year in Europe. Certain types of fertilizer are another source of nitrogen pollution. Nitrate leaching intensified the acidification of the soil, which release unwanted substances such as aluminium (Thunberg, 199 3).2. The environmental effects of acidification2.1 water acidification and aquatic biotaAcidification was first noticed in the lakes. The initial victims of acidification are nutrient-deficient lakes in areas where the soil has a poor buffering ability (Thunberg, 1993). It is reported that many lakes in the Rocky Mountain have little alkalinity to buffer increase in acid deposition, however loss of alkalinity has been observed caused by high concentration of acid deposition due to the emission in the Rocky Mountain region (Turk et al, 1989).Figure 3. Acidified lake A deep blue colour of a lake is a sign of acidification. Source ARIC (2000)In severely acidified lake, the fish will have vanished entirely, bog moss will have spread out over the lake floor, and only few plant and animal species will remain. The first victims of acidification are crayfish, snails and mussels, certain types of zoo- and phytoplankton, and some species of mayfly. Usually, certain types of bog moss and inse cts those are resistant to acidification remains. This is not only low pH value that takes a heavy toll of fauna and flora. In acid lakes there are increased concentrations of aluminium in ion form, which is highly toxic to many organisms.The loss of fauna / flora is due to the combination of a lowered pH and aluminium poisoning. The level of other heavy metals also rises such as cadmium, zinc, and lead. Those heavy metals including aluminium flow into lakes from the acidified soils of the surroundings. The relationship of prey and predators will also change, for instance certain insects on which they usually prey begin to thrive when their predators are disappeared (Thunberg, 1993).2.2 Soil/water interactionsAcidification process takes place naturally in the soil. The plant releases hydrogen ions as it uptake nutrients. Though the growth itself is acidifying, there is no net acidification where growth and decay are about equal. However, the cycle is broken by harvesting, the acidif ying process will take over. Soil acidification may have biological effects in the respects through lowering of the pH value, an increase in the levels of aluminium and other toxic compounds and a loss of plant nutrients due to increased leaching, consequently may lower drainage water pH (Thunberg, 1993). Moreover, Long-termincrease in nitrogen supply may be responsible for alterations in root and shoot growth of plants(Carrol et al, 2003).Figure 5. Soil pH range source ANRA (2003)2.3 Effects of forestry practicesForestry practices can cause the soil and water to become acidified in several ways. Forest growth change drainage water pathways to stream, and increase stream water acidity. Extensive clear cutting can also accelerate the acidification of surface water. Applying acidifying fertilizer also helps to acidify soil and water (Thunberg, 1993). Twelve years studies of acidification-induced chemical changes in soils of Norway spruce and Scot pine in southern Sweden reveals that p H in mineral soil decreased on average 0.17 units between 1988 and 1999. It is said that these changes in forest soil are mainly due to the extensive deposition of acidifying substances (sulphur and nitrogen compounds) during the latter part of the 20th century (Jnsson et al, 2003). In addition, atmospheric pollution directly damages forest itself. Since the early 1970s, West Germany has experienced a rapid and widespread decline in the health of its forest trees especially sensitive species were affected by exposure to low levels of pollutants (Ling et al, 1987).2.5 Groundwater qualityMost of the precipitation sinks to some extent into the ground. The more permeable the soil, the more water dribbles down. Normally acid rain will become less acid as it penetrates through the ground. However, where the soil becomes acidified and has less ability to neutralize, the effect will be decrease until it finally ceases. It is unlikely that acid groundwater will be harmful to human health, ho wever toxic heavy metals, such as aluminium and cadmium may appear at elevated level where highly acidic. These metals are harmful for human health (Thunberg, 1993).3. SolutionsSolutions to the problems of acidification fall into two groups, which are cure and prevention. Remedial measures can be applied where the problems actually arise (i.e. soils and surface waters). Preventive measures can be applied at source (i.e. at point of emission of the sulphur and nitrogen oxides). The latter are expensive and the least acceptable to industry, however they are in fact more effective, more sustainable, and more immediately required (Park, 1987). Causal treatment by reducing aciditying emissions is the primary goal in a long-term as preventive measures, however outcomes from this approach are still uncertain and recovery may be slow. Indicative treatment, involving the addition of neutralizing agent such as powdered limestone to affected environment is the only realistic remedy in the shor t-term, and has become a widespread practice in Europe (Thunberg, 1993).3.1 Short-term solutionsRemedial action should be taken after the problems happen. This requires not simply the elimination of symptoms of damage (i.e. restocking fish in acidified lakes, planting new trees) it also involves restoration of natural chemical balances to ensure that damage does not reappear. Some materials in nature have ability to buffer, or neutralize, or offset acid input. Lime and limestone are the most accepted of a range of chemicals that can be used to buffer acidic materials. Lime has been added normally by spraying from helicopter to catchments, soils and forests to alleviate damage and improve conditions for environment (Park, 1987). With regard to the lakes and streams, this raises pH value of the water and decrease in the levels of heavy metals. After the liming many species quickly return to their former habitat (Thunberg, 1993). This approach has been most widely investigated in Swede n (Park, 1987).This measure had been made in UK as well. Stream chemistry and biological effect was monitored for 10 years after the catchments of three acidified Welsh streams at Llyn Brianne were limed in 1987/88. This monitoring reveals that chemistry in treated streams changed significantly as mean annual pH increased from 5-5.1 before liming to 6.1-6.2 mean annual aluminium concentrations decreased from 0.15-0.18 to 0.05-0.11 mg L-1, and calcium concentrations increased from 0.8-2.0 to 2.4-4.5 mg L-1. The abundance of Acid-sensive taxa in limed streams increased after treatment. Liming has also been used as a means of restoring acidified soils. This improves the productivity of croplands and forests.However, liming can cause negative impacts on stream, such as fine CaCO3 deposited on the stream banthos. In addition, liming is an expensive cure measure. Sweden spent approximately $10 million from 1980-1983 for liming. Moreover, it is not practical for many lakes and rives, for s ome streams it is no help at all. There is uncertainty in relation to the effect of liming in a long run. Many studies have undertaken for the effects of post liming over short timescales, yet little has known about the long-term effects. At least 10 years monitoring is recommended (Bradley et al, 2002). Liming is a interim measures that provide biological defence, however it does not attack the root caused of the problems. It has been said that a sort of artificial respiration for dead lakes and streams. Therefore, real effective measures are long-term prevention deliberate through a sustained policy, rather than cure.3.2 Long-term solutionsThe only way to solve the problem of acidification in the long run is to reduce emissions of pollutants. The central point of the political debate over acid rain is the need to reduce rainfall acidity by controlling emission of SO2 and NOX at source, mainly from power stations and vehiclesReducing emissions of SO2 from power stations by Burn les s fossil fuel Switch to low-sulphur fuel Fuel desulphurisation Sulphur reduction at combustion Flue gas desulphurisation Disperse flue gasesReducing emission of NOx from power stations by Reduce NOx emissions during burning Reduce NOx levels after burningReducing emissions of NOx from vehicles by Modify engines or exhausts to reduce emissions Change to different type of engine Transport planningIt is said that technology of controlling and reducing such emissions already exist. Some methods should be applied separately or in combination to be able to bring reduction to agreed levels within agreed time-scales. However, this problem is not only to do with a technical one. Political goodwill is essential as this measures involves high cost. All the cost should be offset by positive side-effects such as the creation of new jobs and generation of useful by-products (i.e. commercial sulphuric acid), the values of conserving fish, forest and crops, and benefits in improved human health (Pa rk, 1987). In recent decades, there have been national and international efforts to achieve reduction in emissions of sulphur and nitrogen compounds to the atmosphere (Ferrier et at, 2001).As previously mentioned, emissions of sulphur and Nitrogen are carried by air and deposited as gases and aerosols and dissolved in rainwater, in areas far from their sources. The quality of air is very much influenced by emissions in others, so it will benefit little for any country alone to reduce emissions. This is called transboundary Import-Export Budgets. Data for 1998 is presented in Appendix A Without international cooperation, there can be no real solution (Thunberg, 1993). The details of these treaties and protocols are presented in Appendix C4. ImprovementRecent data shows that both emissions seem steadily declined particularly after these treaties and protocols noted above have adopted (See appendix B). However, compared to reduction of SO2 emission, NOX emission need to be reduced furt her, especially U.S, whose emission has not been much reduced.ConclusionAcidification has a long history as posing adverse impacts on various ecosystems and human health. The main sources of pollution are SO2 and NOX. These pollutants are naturally exist, however recent increases of these pollutants are caused by human-induced factors, such as power generation and transportation. Remedial measures have been taken to abate damaged environment by acid deposition. Preventive measures have been adopted for preventing further damages. In attempts to make steadily progress for both redemption and prevention for solution of acidification for water quality, use of combination of short-term and long-term solution will be recommended.