Macrobiotics: A way of Life Essay -- Food Eating Vegan Essays

Macrobiotics: A way of Life WHAT IS MACROBIOTICS? Macrobiotics is not just a diet, but a holistic approach to living that takes into account all aspects of human life, including the inter-relationship between body, mind and spirit. Macrobiotics stresses the importance of a balanced diet because one's diet creates the foundation for a happy, healthy and harmonious life. Macrobiotic philosophy teaches practitioners to lead a balanced lifestyle based on the Chinese yin-yang principles. The actual macrobiotic diet closely resembles a vegan-like food pattern with virtually no animal food consumed. Practitioners also avoid "nonorganic" or "processed" foods. The macrobiotic movement has become increasingly popular during the past decade due to various survival stories from chronically ill persons who used the macrobiotic way as an alternative approach to medicine. WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND MACROBIOTICS ? The "Process of Disease" explained through the seven stages of symptomology is the basis of macrobiotic theory with regard to people's eating habits and its effect on the human body. Macrobiotics applies yin-yang principles to explain the relationship between food and the human organism and a balanced diet. Macrobiotic philosophy defines a healthy person using three natural life processes as criteria: urination, bowel movements and breathing. When the body ingests toxins, as a result of an unbalanced diet, its natural healing process produces abnormalities in one or all of these three life processes. Most people naturally react to the situation by taking medicine to relieve the symptoms. According to practitioners of macrobiotics, the ingestion of pharmaceuticals only inhibits the body's ability to heal i... ...d be sufficient. Works Cited: Cambell, T.C., Parpia, B. & Chen,J. (1982). Diet, lifestyle and the etiology of coronary Artery disease: The Cornell China study. American Journal Cardiolog~v. 10B, 18T-21T. Dwyer, J.T., Dietz, W.H., Andrews, E.M. & Suskind, R.M. (1982) Nutritional status of Vegetarian children: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 35(2), 204-216. Furnham, A. & Forey, J. (1994).The attitudes behaviors and beliefs of patients of conventional vs. complementary (alternative) medicine: Journal of Clinical Psvchologv. 50(3), 458-469. van Stavern, W.A. & Dagnelie, P.C. (1988). Food consumption, growth, and development of Dutch children fed on alternative diets: American Journal of ClinicalNutrition. 48 (3 Suppl), 819-821. Weitzman, S. (1998). Alternative nutritional cancer therapies: International Journal of Cancer. 11(Suppl), 69-72.

Mass Media and Violence

Mass Media and Violence Is it hard to believe that just forty years ago only a few privileged American families had televisions in their home? In recent years, it is estimated that a whopping ninety-eight percent of Americans have one or more television sets in their home. Motion pictures, televisions, video games, and the internet are just some forms of mass media that have emerged since the last century. With the rise of mass media, the increase of violent behavior has increased as well. Mass media influences many factors of people’s lives such as moral beliefs, behavior, and values.Violence in mass media is greatly dominating our society and continues to do so. It causes aggression and is a growing epidemic among the youth. Scott Barbour praises the American Academy of Pediatrics: â€Å"The vast majority of studies conclude that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between media violence and real-life violence. This link is undeniable and uncontestable. † It is n o lie when they say the average American child witnesses 200,000 acts of violence on TV by the age of eighteen. Watching violent TV shows or movies promotes aggression.People want to follow what everyone else is doing so they will follow and may even commit what these actors are doing on the television. According to L. R. Huesmann, research shows that fictional TV and film violence contribute to both short and long-term increase in aggression and violence in young viewers. Children are in particular are affected by violence, aggression, or sexual abuse in our media because of their helpless psychology. Some forms of aggression include truancy, lack of social skills, and failing out of school. It is no doubt that the media that promotes violence and aggression is the same one to have an effect on society.This is a monkey see, monkey do world and people may not even know that they being effected, but they are. Especially with the next generation coming up, they sort of are growing up with the violence. It becomes more and more traumatic as they see it more. According to Mughal, children and teen’s values and beliefs will become more aggressive. He goes on to say that media portrays war as entertainment [in video games]. War is not entertainment and nobody wins in real war while real people are getting killed. This illustrates another problem: can ociety depict from reality and fantasy? Most of the recent shootings in the United States were committed by the youth. Is it just a coincidence or is it because of the hostility displayed on their television sets? Many people think that violence in media is entirely based on real life. They proclaim that since we live in the real world, the media cannot possibly be more violent than what we already know. Actually, it is impossible for people to know all horrific events that have taken place. Also, some would say that it is up to the individual to decide what to be exposed to. That is not true, since you are expos ed to cruel media whether you know it or not. Even on the news, â€Å"Crimes such as murders, robberies, and abuse are shown as deviant behavior† rather than actual violence. In conclusion, violence in media does affect society. It is a growing wave and teaches aggression. Some solutions could be placing regulations on TV and motion picture producers. If gun makers have regulations on guns they make, why not placing rules on producers? Also, parents should be aware of what their children watch.There is no way to be completely censored of the media but it can be kept at a minimum. Times have changed since the last show of Leave it to Beaver. If there was less violence in the media, there will be less violence in the real world as well. Works Citied Cline, Victor. â€Å"How the Mass Media Effects Our Values and Behavior. † . N. p. , n. d. 20 Dec 2012. Dean, Gregory. â€Å"A Mediated Culture. † Marketogrpahy N. p. 23 Nov 2010. Web. 19 Dec 2012. Barbour, Scott. â₠¬Å"What Causes Teen Violence? † Teen Violence, pg 49-51. San Deigo, CA. 1999. Print. Huesmann, L.R. and Taylor, Laramie. â€Å"The Role of Media Violence in Violent Behavior. † 2006. PDF. 21 Dec 2012. Mughal, M. A. â€Å"Mass Media and its Influence on Society. † Opinion Maker. N. p. , 18 Jan. 2011. Web. 22 Dec. 2012. Norton, Eric. â€Å"The Dangers of Violence in Modern Mass Media. † Center for Community Health Partnerships. N. p. , 22 June 2009. Web. 21 December 2012. ——————————————– [ 2 ]. Cline, Victor. â€Å"How the Mass Media Effects Our Values and Behavior. † . N. p. , n. d. 20 Dec 2012. [ 3 ]. Dean, Gregory. â€Å"A Mediated Culture. † Marketogrpahy N. p. 3 Nov 2010. Web. 19 Dec 2012. [ 4 ]. Barbour, Scott. â€Å"What Causes Teen Violence? † Teen Violence, pg 51. San Deigo, CA. 1999. Print. 4 Barbour, 49 [ 6 ]. Huesmann, L. R. and Taylor, Laramie. â€Å"The Role of Media Violence in Violent Behavior. † 2006. PDF. 21 Dec 2012. [ 7 ]. Norton, Eric. â€Å"The Dangers of Violence in Modern Mass Media. † Center for Community Health Partnerships. N. p. , 22 June 2009. Web. 21 December 2012. [ 8 ]. Mughal, M. A. â€Å"Mass Media and its Influence on Society. † Opinion Maker. N. p. , 18 Jan. 2011. Web. 22 Dec. 2012. [ 9 ]. Norton, Eric. [ 10 ]. Dean, Gregory.

A Christmas Carol as an Allegory

A Christmas Carol as an allegory is a simple concept to grasp knowing the definition of allegory. An allegory is a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. The way Dickens was able to slip subtle messages into various character's persona is amazing. Using the mankinds children Ignorance and Want, the cheerful Fred, the infamous Scrooge, and many other characters, Dickens is able to create an allegorical masterpiece that delivers his message in a holiday-based setting— the perfect time to influence the masses.Ignorance and Want are, as referenced above, the metaphorical children of mankind. Dickens brings two traits that man will inherit to life; the affluent's incognizance and the poor's want. They are what has filtered down through generations, unchanged due to the negligence of the wealthy. The children's condition shocks Scrooge, he actually asks the Ghost of Christmas Present if the children happen to b e his to which the spirit replies, â€Å"‘They are Man's,' †¦ ‘And they cling to me, appealing from their fathers. This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want.Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased. Deny it!' †¦ ‘Slander those who tell it ye! Admit it for your factious purposes, and make it worse! And bide the end!'† This quote is an obvious depiction of a simplistic yet meanful message, the wealthy must change their ways for societies betterment.Not an upperclassmen, Fred is a representation of the middle class man who is not ignorant to the troubles of the poor and embraces the Christmas spirit. He is very similar to another – barely mentioned – character, Scrooge's old boss Fezziwig. The bring joy to their employees with a simple gesture, an invitation to a Christmas party. This shows that despite Fred is not a rich man he is still able to bring joy to his workers, dashing the concept that money brings happiness.Dickens uses Fred as a foil to Scrooge to display differences through both attitude and action. Fred's presence lightens the atmospere during the arguement between them and the fact that the ‘Man of Christmas Cheer' tops Scrooge in the squabble furthers his point. Through a well written novella Dickens delivers his message, that the wealthy must change, time and time again.Moving on to Mr. Ba-humbug himself, Scrooge is pictured as a parsimonious man even after he's changed. Scrooge symbolizes the wealthy, aristocratic society members who are ignorant to the poors suffering. Dickens goes far as humanly possibly to show how unforgiving Scrooge is towards the lower class, one quote says that Scrooge is so cold that, â€Å"No warmth could warm his soul.†Through a wordy tongue-lashing he gave to the men who asked for a donation for the poor Scrooge further shows his uncaring attitud e. Through his tirade he shows how truly ignorant and neglectful he, and the class he represents, is towards the poverty-stricken. Using such a detestable character gives Dickens the ability to call for a change of moral in the wealthy, thus putting a cherry on top of the allegorical sundae.Allegories have been written, read, forgotten, and remembered throughout the course of history but none such like A Christmas Carol. A strong moral message, simplistic with a deep impact, this novella embodies the meaning of allegory. By using well constructed characters and inlaid messages Dickens has thoroughly, and effectively, delivered a message to the masses.

White Collar Crimes (Embezzlement)

Introduction I’m here to talk about the dangers of embezzlement. Throughout my discussion I will discuss the underlying factor to the rise in the rate of embezzlement. We will also look at how a few big embezzlement schemes have influenced their business and their business’s industry. Because of this growing threat we will look at some factors that perpetrators are affected by that might influence him/her to commit company theft which can aid to help further prevent and detect company theft.Lastly I will discuss some preventable measures and steps companies can take to further detect criminal activity within their business, specifically employees who handle cash flow. What is Embezzlement? So what is embezzlement? The federal bureau of investigation defines embezzlement as the misappropriation or misapplication of money or property entrusted to one’s care, custody, or control. Embezzlement in Businesses (What is Embezzlement? ) – General and Relevant Facts All types and sizes of businesses can be victims to embezzlement (small/large businesses as well as non-profit and government entities).Businesses have to be vigilant when dealing with criminal activity which is especially true for small businesses. The Association for Certified Fraud has found that 39% of all fraud occurred in companies with fewer than 99 employees. Up to an astonishing 30% of small businesses fail due to criminal activity. It is estimated that small businesses faces on average $190,000 loss due to embezzlement compared to the $159,000 for average sized businesses. Why is it rising?It isn’t a disputed fact that the rate of criminal activity increases during a time of economic recession and in difficult economic conditions, businesses are struggling to compete for fewer business opportunities. This creates an incentive for companies to deviate from proper business practices and engage in fraudulent activity to maintain revenue. This idea can be depicted in t his quote, â€Å"Some individuals, especially small business owners, become obsessed with a failing business endeavor, cannot walk away from it, and will go to ‘extraordinary’ measures to keep the business going† (Lindquist & Goldberg, 2009)There was evidence of an increase in company theft during the economic downturns of 1987, 1991, and 2001. For example just after the savings and loans crisis in the 1990s arrests shot up by 52% and during the recession in the early 2000s criminal activity increased by 25% From this we can conclude that there is definitely a correlation between a recession and a rise in embezzlement. Impacts of embezzlement According to David O’ Friedrichs, a criminal justice professor at University of Scranton stated â€Å"white-collar crimes have further, reaching, deeper and more lasting impact than street crime. Thefts by employees are of the most costly problems facing new and existing businesses. Experts have shown company theft h as the potential to reach 240$ billion dollars which includes intellectual property stolen during that year. It isn’t a surprise that the cost of embezzlement is two to three times than that of street crimes. Also 30-50% of all businesses affected by embezzlement fail. Other potential effects include increase in taxes, lost investments, and increase in unemployment. Guarantee Building & Loan AssociationOn December 9th, 1930 Gilbert, the founder of Guarantee Building & Loan Association was found to have embezzled an estimated $8,000,000 which in today’s amount would be $100,000,000. Many local businesses and individuals were crushed by his embezzlement scheme. According to TIME Magazine â€Å"no less than 2,500 Guaranty depositors have gone to the poorhouse or the insane asylum, some 30 have committed suicide†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This example demonstrates the extreme ripple effects of a multi-million dollar scheme. Commonwealth Building & Loan AssociationDuring the winter of 1955, Minnie Magnum, the assistant secretary-treasurer was accused of misappropriated an estimated 3 million dollars (36 million dollars in today’s amount). This scheme was highly publicized because the scheme lasted for up to 22 years before detection. This demonstrates the evasive nature of embezzlement. In the end the Commonwealth Building & Loan Association had to file for bankruptcy. This is only one of the many businesses that fail due to embezzlement. Brunei’s Battle Royale Brunei is a small country that consists of 300,000.Their council consisted of people in royalty with high positions in their government and key businesses. It became a big story when Prince Jefri Bolkiah was accused of embezzling billions from the state treasury and his businesses. Not only was he the finance minister for his country, he also was the chairman of the Brunei Investment Agency, and head of Amedeo Group which pretty much increased his opportunity for criminal activity. John M. Ca llagy, a lawyer who represents Amedeo Hotels Ltd. , estimated Prince Jefri to have siphoned off $40 billion. The small country of Brunei needs the mission billions to help recast its economy.This example demonstrates how even government entities can also be vulnerable to theft. Behavioral Characteristics of White Collar Criminals Now that we have a better grasp on the dangers of a multi-million/billion dollar embezzlement scheme we can go onto discussing what exactly motivates perpetrators to steal from their company. Dr. Donald R. Cressey believes understanding factors that influence white collar criminals to steal from their company can manifest in helping society create better procedures to reduce the rate of embezzling during an economic recession.Dr. Cressey believes there are internal and other factors when it comes to why people violate company trust. The classic fraud triangle theory can also aid us in realizing the mentality behind company theft by employees. The fraud tria ngle theory states that there must be three basic elements for fraud to come about – they are opportunity, incentive/pressure, and rationalization/attitude. The classic fraud triangle theory can be linked to behavioral characteristics of white collar criminals. Internal Factors (Incentive/Pressure)An internal factor or conflict that an embezzler faces when he makes the decision to commit the crime is based behind the idea of personal failure. For example if an individual loses the majority of his savings because of a gambling addiction, Dr. Cressey believes that individual will commit to embezzling because he/she has too much self-respect and pride to tell his family, friends, and company (employer) of how he exhausted all his money. So to continue to support his friends and family financial he has a greater incentive/pressure to steal from his company to support his lifestyle.Other â€Å"personal failures† include shopping addiction, substance abuse, entrepreneurial f ailure, investment failure etc. â€Å"Other† Factors (Rationalization/Attitude) Other factors that influence employees to commit company theft is based on the idea behind entitlement belief – he/she believes they are more deserving of the money which ties in with the attitude element of the classic fraud triangle theory. Other factors also include financial need, supporting a personal business, and supporting a significant other which ties in with the rationalization element.How do we tie these factors to preventing and detecting? As of now there is not enough data to fully explain the embezzlement phenomenon in a psychological stand point. The psychologies behind these factors as well as the classic fraud triangle theory is essential and should be dissected further to better create procedures to help reduce the rate of embezzlement. I believe once enough research is done there can be changes to the hiring strategies for prospective employees. Preventing and Detecting: The Steps How society views white collar crimes have slowly been evolving.In the past many people viewed white collar crimes to be victimless; that perpetrator did not deserve a long prison sentence. Nowadays we understand how dangerous and harm a huge embezzlement scheme can inflict. The shift in society’s mentality behind white collar crimes emphasizes the need for polices to be implemented to safeguard against potential scandals especially during an economic recession. Step 1: Create a Policy Many companies think it is unnecessary to create a policy that states stealing is wrong.In reality this step is one of the most important and effective step a company can take to diminish company theft. Creating a policy against company theft helps creates the idea that the company is always aware of their employees and that they will not tolerate criminal activity within the workplace. Secondly, this is important because there are grey areas and company theft needs to be defined. Ex amples can include not knowing when to actually charge the company credit card to pay for meals or using the company phone for certain calls, etc.Step 2: Creating Checks and Balances One of the biggest reasons small companies are more vulnerable to embezzlement is because they do not have checks and balances that established businesses have. For example they could be a recently established business and there can be a few or one employee controlling the majority of the positions that handle cash flow. This creates a bigger opportunity for that employee to embezzle money from the company. Creating checks and balances decreases the opportunity element.One checks and balances procedures a company can commit to is a separation of duties as implied earlier. Meaning different people should handle different positions within the business. Companies should designate different employees who deal with cash receipts and deposits, cash disbursements and electronic fund transfer operations, and ba nk reconciliation. Another effective control procedure includes internal audit procedures for monitoring cash, accounting for transactions, and preparation of financial statement. Companies can also cross-train employees, require vacation time, reate a periodic financial check for their employees, and separate and monitor payroll functions to help decrease the overall rate of embezzlement in our economy. In general, the company should â€Å"follow the cash trail. † Step 3: Inspecting your employees Focusing on finding the right employee for a position is extremely important, especially for a position that handles cash flow. Some tools companies can use to help them along the hiring process would be using an employment agency. Administering drug and background checks. Of course monitoring employees does not stop there.Inspecting your employees should be an on-going process. Companies can hire an independent CPA to provide a periodic audit of dual controls and theft prevention which allows for better scrutiny of their employees because they will not know when they are going to be investigated. Lastly the company can review employee expense reports to check for illegal spending. Step 4: Setting an example/practicing zero tolerance Setting an example for people who have embezzled money can be an effective method to help deter others from doing the same.Conclusion Now that we realize there is a growing threat for the rise in the rate of embezzlement, there is a stronger emphasis for the need of companies to establish the controls procedures to help prevent and detect embezzlement. Hopefully in the future there will be more studies on the behavioral traits of embezzlers which can be a very important to helping finding the right candidate for a position. Companies without crime prevention and detection measures are sure to be more susceptible to business failure.

Product Development of LOreal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Product Development of LOreal - Assignment Example L'Oreal is involved in consumer-driven products especially the cosmetic products which are considered to be the neat business. Irrespective of the nature of the business, the company is committed towards its moral and ethical responsibilities. The objective of the company is to represent itself as "global citizen". The company has pursued reforms and plans to achieve sustainable development; the company was recognized as the top 100 sustainable companies in an international survey by Innovest and Corporate Knights. The company has received several acclamations; it has been listed among the leading ethical companies and is committed towards sustainable investment indices. The company has evaluated its business opportunities and has mitigated the economic risks and challenges of governance. L'Oreal took the major initiative by committing itself towards corporate social responsibility; the company is the signatory of the French Union of Advertisers' Charter (Sustainable Development Repo rt, 2007). The company has launched the L'Oreal Corporate Foundation; this foundation has taken significant initiatives for the promotion of education and healthcare. The foundation was launched with an initial budget of '40 million for a period of five years. The company has been a signatory of Bali Communiqu'; and has therefore undertaken measures towards carbon-dioxide emission reduction and water conservation (Sustainable Development Report, 2007). The precise introduction in actual interprets the product development strategy of the company. The cosmetic industry is regarded as a challenging market with several local and foreign brands; therefore the brand is always in a tough position to achieve market shares in countries where people with conservative approach survive. L'Oreal has realized that through international label it will never achieve market shares, rather for securing shares in distinct cultural society the company has to initially personify traditional approach. The initiatives undertaken by the company in the social, educational and healthcare sector is an attempt to seek acceptance among the distinct. The packaging of the cosmetic product is another crucial area to ensure and achieve product development. The packaging of the cosmetic products as per customer-specific requirements has influenced the product development strategy of the company. The core of the product development scheme is to achieve customer satis faction, and in special cases, it has been to direct the customer towards certain revelations for the improvement of living standards. The company has taken initiatives to ensure that manufacturing of the products includes environmental friendly items, and the recyclable items have been given ample focus. The major drift towards the environmental aspects by the company has been with the intent to secure acceptance among masses. The new and refined version of product development has brought laurels and success for the company. Â  

Portrait photographer interview Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Portrait photographer interview - Essay Example instructor. I come from a family of six children, I am the third born in the family, and I have three children, Sarah, Samuelle, and Susan (Somerstein 1). I am also a professional Portrait Photographer discovered as a little girl. I took my very first photos during the Vietnam War, and since then I have been hooked on photography (Somerstein 1). I became a professional photographer back in 1970, when the Rolling Stones magazine looked at my work and decided to sign me on as their photographer. the world. Photography is my life. When I take a photograph, I feel an essence of communication between me and the person am taking the photograph of. It is a new learning experience for me every time. publicly accepted photograph was that of John Lennon during my time at Rolling stones, it would be safe to say that I â€Å"made it† in the 1980s, which was ten years after I started working professionally. So it took me around ten years before I got my big break. because, when I like something or someone, I take a photo of them. To me portrait photography is the best way to get to know people better, to communicate with them, and learn more about them. Portrait photography is reality, which is what I want to experience when I take photographs to photography, photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Frank Robert were my biggest influence (Somerstein 1). They have a way of using their photography as a toll for personal reportage. The photographs they take are merely a report of what is, no additions, no subtractions, just a graphical representation of reality. Stones magazine and Vanity Fair. They have all been big projects for you and you have executed each project remarkably. Now, am curious, how do you get work? Do your clients look for you? Or are you the one who looks for them? and for that reason, I needed to gather as many customers as possible for my work. I still do up to date but at the moment, it is the clients who come

Restoring the Force of Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Restoring the Force of Life - Essay Example In this respect Magesa admits that to remediate various afflictions means to have a person mature in this area of expertise (Magesa 194). It is vital to have it with a leader of the tribe or within the larger community. In dealing with affliction, there should be much attention to the accuracy and focus so that to evade the hardships. The next step is to pray. Prayer lets various mystical forces to come into the life of a person with the goal of the release. However, African prayer is a bit different from that usually practiced in Christian churches. It is a manifestation of the unity as every member get involved into it. Mutuality is at stake: â€Å"Not to express oneself completely in prayer is dangerous, moreover, because it implies a further breach of trust between the visible and invisible worlds† (Magesa 197). Hence, the need for sacrifices and offerings is crucial to please the invisible powers and attract the mercy of spirits to the community instead. To have an idea of how African people evade the affliction through the curative medicine, there should a clear understanding of this medicine itself (Magesa 210). In this respect a special attention is grabbed to sà ©ances and dreams as the main sources for identifying the reason for the affliction. Each tribe has its spiritual advisor serving as a medium between two worlds (visible and invisible). In this case Magesa strictly notes that â€Å"their â€Å"spiritual† gifts render them capable of diagnosing what kind of spirit of â€Å"force substance† is causing what kind of affliction to the individual, the family, or the society† (214). Due to such persons the revelation comes easily. Furthermore, when talking about the force of life, it is necessary to have an idea of the methods of divination and reconciliation so as to keep the tribe and all its members in safety. Different objects are taken to perform the ritual of divination. Moreover it is