Research on any CEO Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

On any CEO - Research Paper Example He attended Cupertino Junior High School and  Homestead High School. At Homestead, he became friends with Bill Fernandez as they same same interests in electronics. Through Bill he came to know Steve Wozniak, with whom he would later co-found Apple. After his high school, Jobs opted to go for Reed College, a private liberal arts institution located in Oregon. The cost of the college was extremely expensive but his parents consented to send him. He had to struggle a lot at the college. He did not have enough money to buy himself a room in the dorm so he used to sleep on the floor in his friends’ room. It was also at Reeds that he was attracted towards the Eastern mysticism and other different philosophical beliefs. Unable to bear the expenses, he eventually decided to drop out. In his own words, "If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple  typefaces  or proportionally spaced fonts." He got a Job in Atari in 1974 which relieved some of the financial burden on him. For Jobs, Atari Company was an inspiration as it was the first video game Jobs had become friendly with Wozniak despite a big age difference. Wozniak had an idea of building a personal computer because he was unable to afford an Altair 8800, a personal computer kit famous at that time. ... Meanwhile Wozniak worked on the better design and came up with Apple II. The Apple II was a computing device unlike the world had ever seen before. It had a color display and was compatible with a variety of different programs. Jobs knew that this product would be a revolution in the personal computers industry and he set out to find investors. A retired Intel executive, Mike Markkula decided to invest a huge amount of $250000 in their product and predicted that they would be a part of the Fortune 500 list within the next two years which did happen. Apple II was a huge hit and the company went public in December 1980, just four years after its creation. He was only 25 at that time but his total worth was more than $200 million. Apple’s existence however was soon threatened. IBM, a very renowned name in the industry was planning to venture in the personal computer market which could move Apple out of business if it did not come up with something new. Steve jobs started a projec t named Lisa, which was the name of the daughter of his former girlfriend; even though he refused to agree that he had fathered her. Steve Jobs however started to have conflict with the managers of the Company due to his volatile behavior and he was kicked out of the team that administered the Lisa project. As retaliation, he started to work on the development of Macintosh by hiring extremely bright and talented engineers in his development team. Although initially it was meant to jeopardize the Lisa project and the sales of Apple II, the Company soon started to depend on it after Lisa failed to make its mark in the market. Macintosh was a success for a little time but its demand continually declined. The Company was in a state of chaos because

Wild Animals As Pets Essay Example for Free

Wild Animals As Pets Essay How many of you have ever said you wanted a pet monkey when you were at the zoo last time? Or imagined how great it would be to have a tiger sleep at the foot of your bed instead of just a dog? That all sounds wonderful at first but how many people do you know that have ever had an exotic pet and not regretted it immediately? Its not really as great as you think. According to the Human Society of the United States in one of their recent surveys, 90% of exotic pets die within the first year and 90% of the remainder die in the second year. That means that only 1% lives past the age of two. Every year wild animals seriously hurt or kill people, usually their owners or family members. Big cats have killed many children and even grown men, not to mention the dogs’ people think their cougar will be friends with, they never survive. Monkeys are always the pet people wish they could have. However, they can never be trained, tamed, or basically domesticated like people think. Take Louie for example, a Black-capped capuchin born in August 2004. He was bought by a family in Chicago when he was just a baby. Within months he had bitten their daughter several times severely, but when he finally bit a child outside the family, his life was in danger. Louies owner found herself in court fighting against the parents of the child who demanded that his head be sent off for rabies testing.

The Patriot Act Infringes on American Freedom Essay -- Argumentative P

The Patriot Act Infringes on American Freedom September 11, 2001 started off as a beautiful, sunny day, like many other countless days in America; however, it will now be a day that will live on in infamy. As the news played the shot of the planes driving into the sides of the twin towers, fear was driven into the hearts of all Americans.   People became panicked and demanded that there be a better way for the United States government to protect its people from any future attacks the terrorist might have planned.   This fear was the main contributing factor to the birth of all kinds of new legislation, giving the government new rights to â€Å"fight the terrorist.† The most powerful, and therefore the most controversial, legislation passed by Congress was the U.S. Patriot Act.   It was passed on October 26, 2001, and it is an acronym for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (Fahrenheit 9/11).   It is composed of over 1,000 sections giving the government many new powers that they’ve utilized before in other wartime situations (Lithwick).   However, with the war on terrorism Americans are not fighting a clear cut â€Å"enemy† and there is no foreseeable end for this war in the near future.   Once the immediate fear of another attack calmed down around the nation, people began to realize the rights they were losing to the government that were once granted to them by our founding fathers in the Constitution (Townshend).   There are many sections of the Patriot Act that infringe on the rights of the American people and there is no way for the public to know how the government is using these new found powers; because the Freedom of Information Act requests have been... ...ive up other people’s records (Lithwick). Whether someone is for the Patriot Act or against it, it is clear that the Patriot Act dips into the freedoms once allowed in our nation.   Are these lost freedoms really going to protect America from another terrorist attack or is it finely the great excuse the government has been waiting for to have public support for spying on its citizens?      Works Cited * Egan, Timothy. "State Of The Union: Opposing the Patriot Act." BBC NEWS 3 June 2003. 8 November 2004 <http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/new.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/36515.html> * Fahrenheit 9/11. Dir. Michael Moore. Videocassette. Dog Eat Dog, 2004 * Lithwick, Dahlia, and Julia Turner.   "From a Guide to the Patriot Act."   Slate.   1994.  Ã‚   * Townshend, Mike, and Maddie Trier. "Patriot Debate." State News 10 Nov. 2004, sec. A: 2+8.

Zara: Fast Fashion Case

Create a diagram that illustrates the linkages among Sara's competitive choices. Firstly, everything is connected through centralized hubs. Ezra has its main operations in Spain, but with each expansion into a new country, that country has its own centralized Ezra facility. This allows for local factors to be considered in each market, but gives Ezra an excellent line of communication and ultimate control of all operations. The in-house designs are sourced this way, through representatives in each country bringing forth new fashion concepts for the upcoming season.These incepts are then whittled down by cost, feasibility, and market trends. Then the designs are prototyped and manufactured. The manufacturing is also mostly owned by Sara's parent company, helping reduce costs and lead times. From manufacturing, products are then packaged and labeled back at headquarters for shipping. Most of the shipping is via trucks. Overseas shipping is by air, which meaner the prices are adjusted s o that overseas customers bear this cost. The retail storefronts are setup so that products aren't on the shelves for more than 3 weeks. This along with careful inventory control create the illusion of scarcity.The marketing is also related in that Ezra only places ads twice a year, around the sales seasons. This helps to prevent over-exposure, so that the fashion-forward customers feel trendy. The scarcity factor also helps reduce loss. If a product bombs in one store, it's pulled immediately, to either be sold in another location or discounted to local partners. This meaner that if a product isn't doing well, it doesn't sit forever in the store wasting space that could be used to display a profitable product. 2. How do the distinctive features of Sara's business model affect its operational structure?The interconnectedness of these systems in Sara's operations gives it a hive-like structure. Every employee in every store works together to support the â€Å"queen† central hu b in Spain. Keeping most operations internal allows for very fast response times in each system. The speed meaner mistakes are learned from quickly and corrected. Owning the meaner of production is more cost-effective for Ezra, which allows the firm to maintain reasonable prices for its target market. Ezra also takes care of its employees and is socially responsible, which draws forth enthusiastic loyalty in all interactions. Why might Sahara â€Å"fail†? How sustainable is its competitive advantage? Sara's capable of failing Just like anyone else. I believe if the company loses its cohesion, makes major fashion blunders, raises its prices, begins to make customers or employees feel cheated, missteps in a Joint venture, loses its quick turnaround, or enters a market that is not suited to its business model, it could easily have unrecoverable loss. It's wise for the decision makers at Inedited to maintain the other companies, and not Just focus on Ezra. Ezra: Fast Fashion Case By knish_sass

The Lost Symbol Chapter 1-3

CHAPTER 1 The Otis elevator climbing the south pillar of the Eiffel Tower was overflowing with tourists. Inside the cramped lift, an austere businessman in a pressed suit gazed down at the boy beside him. â€Å"You look pale, son. You should have stayed on the ground.† â€Å"I'm okay . . .† the boy answered, struggling to control his anxiety. â€Å"I'll get out on the next level.† I can't breathe. The man leaned closer. â€Å"I thought by now you would have gotten over this.† He brushed the child's cheek affectionately. The boy felt ashamed to disappoint his father, but he could barely hear through the ringing in his ears. I can't breathe. I've got to get out of this box! The elevator operator was saying something reassuring about the lift's articulated pistons and puddled-iron construction. Far beneath them, the streets of Paris stretched out in all directions. Almost there, the boy told himself, craning his neck and looking up at the unloading platform. Just hold on. As the lift angled steeply toward the upper viewing deck, the shaft began to narrow, its massive struts contracting into a tight, vertical tunnel. â€Å"Dad, I don't think–â€Å" Suddenly a staccato crack echoed overhead. The carriage jerked, swaying awkwardly to one side. Frayed cables began whipping around the carriage, thrashing like snakes. The boy reached out for his father. â€Å"Dad!† Their eyes locked for one terrifying second. Then the bottom dropped out. Robert Langdon jolted upright in his soft leather seat, startling out of the semiconscious daydream. He was sitting all alone in the enormous cabin of a Falcon 2000EX corporate jet as it bounced its way through turbulence. In the background, the dual Pratt & Whitney engines hummed evenly. â€Å"Mr. Langdon?† The intercom crackled overhead. â€Å"We're on final approach.† Langdon sat up straight and slid his lecture notes back into his leather daybag. He'd been halfway through reviewing Masonic symbology when his mind had drifted. The daydream about his late father, Langdon suspected, had been stirred by this morning's unexpected invitation from Langdon's longtime mentor, Peter Solomon. The other man I never want to disappoint. The fifty-eight-year-old philanthropist, historian, and scientist had taken Langdon under his wing nearly thirty years ago, in many ways filling the void left by Langdon's father's death. Despite the man's influential family dynasty and massive wealth, Langdon had found humility and warmth in Solomon's soft gray eyes. Outside the window the sun had set, but Langdon could still make out the slender silhouette of the world's largest obelisk, rising on the horizon like the spire of an ancient gnomon. The 555- foot marble-faced obelisk marked this nation's heart. All around the spire, the meticulous geometry of streets and monuments radiated outward. Even from the air, Washington, D.C., exuded an almost mystical power. Langdon loved this city, and as the jet touched down, he felt a rising excitement about what lay ahead. The jet taxied to a private terminal somewhere in the vast expanse of Dulles International Airport and came to a stop. Langdon gathered his things, thanked the pilots, and stepped out of the jet's luxurious interior onto the foldout staircase. The cold January air felt liberating. Breathe, Robert, he thought, appreciating the wide-open spaces. A blanket of white fog crept across the runway, and Langdon had the sensation he was stepping into a marsh as he descended onto the misty tarmac. â€Å"Hello! Hello!† a singsong British voice shouted from across the tarmac. â€Å"Professor Langdon?† Langdon looked up to see a middle-aged woman with a badge and clipboard hurrying toward him, waving happily as he approached. Curly blond hair protruded from under a stylish knit wool hat. â€Å"Welcome to Washington, sir!† Langdon smiled. â€Å"Thank you.† â€Å"My name is Pam, from passenger services.† The woman spoke with an exuberance that was almost unsettling. â€Å"If you'll come with me, sir, your car is waiting.† Langdon followed her across the runway toward the Signature terminal, which was surrounded by glistening private jets. A taxi stand for the rich and famous. â€Å"I hate to embarrass you, Professor,† the woman said, sounding sheepish, â€Å"but you are the Robert Langdon who writes books about symbols and religion, aren't you?† Langdon hesitated and then nodded. â€Å"I thought so!† she said, beaming. â€Å"My book group read your book about the sacred feminine and the church! What a delicious scandal that one caused! You do enjoy putting the fox in the henhouse!† Langdon smiled. â€Å"Scandal wasn't really my intention.† The woman seemed to sense Langdon was not in the mood to discuss his work. â€Å"I'm sorry. Listen to me rattling on. I know you probably get tired of being recognized . . . but it's your own fault.† She playfully motioned to his clothing. â€Å"Your uniform gave you away.† My uniform? Langdon glanced down at his attire. He was wearing his usual charcoal turtleneck, Harris Tweed jacket, khakis, and collegiate cordovan loafers . . . his standard attire for the classroom, lecture circuit, author photos, and social events. The woman laughed. â€Å"Those turtlenecks you wear are so dated. You'd look much sharper in a tie!† No chance, Langdon thought. Little nooses. Neckties had been required six days a week when Langdon attended Phillips Exeter Academy, and despite the headmaster's romantic claims that the origin of the cravat went back to the silk fascalia worn by Roman orators to warm their vocal cords, Langdon knew that, etymologically, cravat actually derived from a ruthless band of â€Å"Croat† mercenaries who donned knotted neckerchiefs before they stormed into battle. To this day, this ancient battle garb was donned by modern office warriors hoping to intimidate their enemies in daily boardroom battles. â€Å"Thanks for the advice,† Langdon said with a chuckle. â€Å"I'll consider a tie in the future.† Mercifully, a professional-looking man in a dark suit got out of a sleek Lincoln Town Car parked near the terminal and held up his finger. â€Å"Mr. Langdon? I'm Charles with Beltway Limousine.† He opened the passenger door. â€Å"Good evening, sir. Welcome to Washington.† Langdon tipped Pam for her hospitality and then climbed into the plush interior of the Town Car. The driver showed him the temperature controls, the bottled water, and the basket of hot muffins. Seconds later, Langdon was speeding away on a private access road. So this is how the other half lives. As the driver gunned the car up Windsock Drive, he consulted his passenger manifest and placed a quick call. â€Å"This is Beltway Limousine,† the driver said with professional efficiency. â€Å"I was asked to confirm once my passenger had landed.† He paused. â€Å"Yes, sir. Your guest, Mr. Langdon, has arrived, and I will deliver him to the Capitol Building by seven P.M. You're welcome, sir.† He hung up. Langdon had to smile. No stone left unturned. Peter Solomon's attention to detail was one of his most potent assets, allowing him to manage his substantial power with apparent ease. A few billion dollars in the bank doesn't hurt either. Langdon settled into the plush leather seat and closed his eyes as the noise of the airport faded behind him. The U.S. Capitol was a half hour away, and he appreciated the time alone to gather his thoughts. Everything had happened so quickly today that Langdon only now had begun to think in earnest about the incredible evening that lay ahead. Arriving under a veil of secrecy, Langdon thought, amused by the prospect. Ten miles from the Capitol Building, a lone figure was eagerly preparing for Robert Langdon's arrival. CHAPTER 2 The one who called himself Mal'akh pressed the tip of the needle against his shaved head, sighing with pleasure as the sharp tool plunged in and out of his flesh. The soft hum of the electric device was addictive . . . as was the bite of the needle sliding deep into his dermis and depositing its dye. I am a masterpiece. The goal of tattooing was never beauty. The goal was change. From the scarified Nubian priests of 2000 B.C., to the tattooed acolytes of the Cybele cult of ancient Rome, to the moko scars of the modern Maori, humans have tattooed themselves as a way of offering up their bodies in partial sacrifice, enduring the physical pain of embellishment and emerging changed beings. Despite the ominous admonitions of Leviticus 19:28, which forbade the marking of one's flesh, tattoos had become a rite of passage shared by millions of people in the modern age–everyone from clean-cut teenagers to hard-core drug users to suburban housewives. The act of tattooing one's skin was a transformative declaration of power, an announcement to the world: I am in control of my own flesh. The intoxicating feeling of control derived from physical transformation had addicted millions to flesh-altering practices . . . cosmetic surgery, body piercing, bodybuilding, and steroids . . . even bulimia and transgendering. The human spirit craves mastery over its carnal shell. A single bell chimed on Mal'akh's grandfather clock, and he looked up. Six thirty P.M. Leaving his tools, he wrapped the Kiryu silk robe around his naked, six-foot-three body and strode down the hall. The air inside this sprawling mansion was heavy with the pungent fragrance of his skin dyes and smoke from the beeswax candles he used to sterilize his needles. The towering young man moved down the corridor past priceless Italian antiques–a Piranesi etching, a Savonarola chair, a silver Bugarini oil lamp. He glanced through a floor-to-ceiling window as he passed, admiring the classical skyline in the distance. The luminous dome of the U.S. Capitol glowed with solemn power against the dark winter sky. This is where it is hidden, he thought. It is buried out there somewhere. Few men knew it existed . . . and even fewer knew its awesome power or the ingenious way in which it had been hidden. To this day, it remained this country's greatest untold secret. Those few who did know the truth kept it hidden behind a veil of symbols, legends, and allegory. Now they have opened their doors to me, Mal'akh thought. Three weeks ago, in a dark ritual witnessed by America's most influential men, Mal'akh had ascended to the thirty-third degree, the highest echelon of the world's oldest surviving brotherhood. Despite Mal'akh's new rank, the brethren had told him nothing. Nor will they, he knew. That was not how it worked. There were circles within circles . . . brotherhoods within brotherhoods. Even if Mal'akh waited years, he might never earn their ultimate trust. Fortunately, he did not need their trust to obtain their deepest secret. My initiation served its purpose. Now, energized by what lay ahead, he strode toward his bedroom. Throughout his entire home, audio speakers broadcast the eerie strains of a rare recording of a castrato singing the â€Å"Lux Aeterna† from the Verdi Requiem–a reminder of a previous life. Mal'akh touched a remote control to bring on the thundering â€Å"Dies Irae.† Then, against a backdrop of crashing timpani and parallel fifths, he bounded up the marble staircase, his robe billowing as he ascended on sinewy legs. As he ran, his empty stomach growled in protest. For two days now, Mal'akh had fasted, consuming only water, preparing his body in accordance with the ancient ways. Your hunger will be satisfied by dawn, he reminded himself. Along with your pain. Mal'akh entered his bedroom sanctuary with reverence, locking the door behind him. As he moved toward his dressing area, he paused, feeling himself drawn to the enormous gilded mirror. Unable to resist, he turned and faced his own reflection. Slowly, as if unwrapping a priceless gift, Mal'akh opened his robe to unveil his naked form. The vision awed him. I am a masterpiece. His massive body was shaved and smooth. He lowered his gaze first to his feet, which were tattooed with the scales and talons of a hawk. Above that, his muscular legs were tattooed as carved pillars–his left leg spiraled and his right vertically striated. Boaz and Jachin. His groin and abdomen formed a decorated archway, above which his powerful chest was emblazoned with the double-headed phoenix . . . each head in profile with its visible eye formed by one of Mal'akh's nipples. His shoulders, neck, face, and shaved head were completely covered with an intricate tapestry of ancient symbols and sigils. I am an artifact . . . an evolving icon. One mortal man had seen Mal'akh naked, eighteen hours earlier. The man had shouted in fear. â€Å"Good God, you're a demon!† â€Å"If you perceive me as such,† Mal'akh had replied, understanding as had the ancients that angels and demons were identical–interchangeable archetypes–all a matter of polarity: the guardian angel who conquered your enemy in battle was perceived by your enemy as a demon destroyer. Mal'akh tipped his face down now and got an oblique view of the top of his head. There, within the crownlike halo, shone a small circle of pale, untattooed flesh. This carefully guarded canvas was Mal'akh's only remaining piece of virgin skin. The sacred space had waited patiently . . . and tonight, it would be filled. Although Mal'akh did not yet possess what he required to complete his masterpiece, he knew the moment was fast approaching. Exhilarated by his reflection, he could already feel his power growing. He closed his robe and walked to the window, again gazing out at the mystical city before him. It is buried out there somewhere. Refocusing on the task at hand, Mal'akh went to his dressing table and carefully applied a base of concealer makeup to his face, scalp, and neck until his tattoos had disappeared. Then he donned the special set of clothing and other items he had meticulously prepared for this evening. When he finished, he checked himself in the mirror. Satisfied, he ran a soft palm across his smooth scalp and smiled. It is out there, he thought. And tonight, one man will help me find it. As Mal'akh exited his home, he prepared himself for the event that would soon shake the U.S. Capitol Building. He had gone to enormous lengths to arrange all the pieces for tonight. And now, at last, his final pawn had entered the game. CHAPTER 3 Robert Langdon was busy reviewing his note cards when the hum of the Town Car's tires changed pitch on the road beneath him. Langdon glanced up, surprised to see where they were. Memorial Bridge already? He put down his notes and gazed out at the calm waters of the Potomac passing beneath him. A heavy mist hovered on the surface. Aptly named, Foggy Bottom had always seemed a peculiar site on which to build the nation's capital. Of all the places in the New World, the forefathers had chosen a soggy riverside marsh on which to lay the cornerstone of their utopian society. Langdon gazed left, across the Tidal Basin, toward the gracefully rounded silhouette of the Jefferson Memorial–America's Pantheon, as many called it. Directly in front of the car, the Lincoln Memorial rose with rigid austerity, its orthogonal lines reminiscent of Athens's ancient Parthenon. But it was farther away that Langdon saw the city's centerpiece–the same spire he had seen from the air. Its architectural inspiration was far, far older than the Romans or the Greeks. America's Egyptian obelisk. The monolithic spire of the Washington Monument loomed dead ahead, illuminated against the sky like the majestic mast of a ship. From Langdon's oblique angle, the obelisk appeared ungrounded tonight . . . swaying against the dreary sky as if on an unsteady sea. Langdon felt similarly ungrounded. His visit to Washington had been utterly unexpected. I woke up this morning anticipating a quiet Sunday at home . . . and now I'm a few minutes away from the U.S. Capitol. This morning at four forty-five, Langdon had plunged into dead-calm water, beginning his day as he always did, swimming fifty laps in the deserted Harvard Pool. His physique was not quite what it had been in his college days as a water-polo all-American, but he was still lean and toned, respectable for a man in his forties. The only difference now was the amount of effort it took Langdon to keep it that way. When Langdon arrived home around six, he began his morning ritual of hand-grinding Sumatra coffee beans and savoring the exotic scent that filled his kitchen. This morning, however, he was surprised to see the blinking red light on his voice-mail display. Who calls at six A.M. on a Sunday? He pressed the button and listened to the message. â€Å"Good morning, Professor Langdon, I'm terribly sorry for this early-morning call.† The polite voice was noticeably hesitant, with a hint of a southern accent. â€Å"My name is Anthony Jelbart, and I'm Peter Solomon's executive assistant. Mr. Solomon told me you're an early riser . . . he has been trying to reach you this morning on short notice. As soon as you receive this message, would you be so kind as to call Peter directly? You probably have his new private line, but if not, it's 202-329-5746.† Langdon felt a sudden concern for his old friend. Peter Solomon was impeccably well-bred and courteous, and certainly not the kind of man to call at daybreak on a Sunday unless something was very wrong. Langdon left his coffee half made and hurried toward his study to return the call. I hope he's okay. Peter Solomon had been a friend, mentor, and, although only twelve years Langdon's senior, a father figure to him ever since their first meeting at Princeton University. As a sophomore, Langdon had been required to attend an evening guest lecture by the well-known young historian and philanthropist. Solomon had spoken with a contagious passion, presenting a dazzling vision of semiotics and archetypal history that had sparked in Langdon what would later become his lifelong passion for symbols. It was not Peter Solomon's brilliance, however, but the humility in his gentle gray eyes that had given Langdon the courage to write him a thank-you letter. The young sophomore had never dreamed that Peter Solomon, one of America's wealthiest and most intriguing young intellectuals, would ever write back. But Solomon did. And it had been the beginning of a truly gratifying friendship. A prominent academic whose quiet manner belied his powerful heritage, Peter Solomon came from the ultrawealthy Solomon family, whose names appeared on buildings and universities all over the nation. Like the Rothschilds in Europe, the surname Solomon had always carried the mystique of American royalty and success. Peter had inherited the mantle at a young age after the death of his father, and now, at fifty-eight, he had held numerous positions of power in his life. He currently served as the head of the Smithsonian Institution. Langdon occasionally ribbed Peter that the lone tarnish on his sterling pedigree was his diploma from a second-rate university–Yale. Now, as Langdon entered his study, he was surprised to see that he had received a fax from Peter as well. Peter Solomon OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Good morning, Robert, I need to speak with you at once. Please call me this morning as soon as you can at 202-329- 5746. Peter Langdon immediately dialed the number, sitting down at his hand-carved oak desk to wait as the call went through. â€Å"Office of Peter Solomon,† the familiar voice of the assistant answered. â€Å"This is Anthony. May I help you?† â€Å"Hello, this is Robert Langdon. You left me a message earlier–â€Å" â€Å"Yes, Professor Langdon!† The young man sounded relieved. â€Å"Thank you for calling back so quickly. Mr. Solomon is eager to speak to you. Let me tell him you're on the line. May I put you on hold?† â€Å"Of course.† As Langdon waited for Solomon to get on the line, he gazed down at Peter's name atop the Smithsonian letterhead and had to smile. Not many slackers in the Solomon clan. Peter's ancestral tree burgeoned with the names of wealthy business magnates, influential politicians, and a number of distinguished scientists, some even fellows of London's Royal Society. Solomon's only living family member, his younger sister, Katherine, had apparently inherited the science gene, because she was now a leading figure in a new cutting-edge discipline called Noetic Science. All Greek to me, Langdon thought, amused to recall Katherine's unsuccessful attempt to explain Noetic Science to him at a party at her brother's home last year. Langdon had listened carefully and then replied, â€Å"Sounds more like magic than science.† Katherine winked playfully. â€Å"They're closer than you think, Robert.† Now Solomon's assistant returned to the phone. â€Å"I'm sorry, Mr. Solomon is trying to get off a conference call. Things are a little chaotic here this morning.† â€Å"That's not a problem. I can easily call back.† â€Å"Actually, he asked me to fill you in on his reason for contacting you, if you don't mind?† â€Å"Of course not.† The assistant inhaled deeply. â€Å"As you probably know, Professor, every year here in Washington, the board of the Smithsonian hosts a private gala to thank our most generous supporters. Many of the country's cultural elite attend.† Langdon knew his own bank account had too few zeros to qualify him as culturally elite, but he wondered if maybe Solomon was going to invite him to attend nonetheless. â€Å"This year, as is customary,† the assistant continued, â€Å"the dinner will be preceded by a keynote address. We've been lucky enough to secure the National Statuary Hall for that speech.† The best room in all of D.C., Langdon thought, recalling a political lecture he had once attended in the dramatic semicircular hall. It was hard to forget five hundred folding chairs splayed in a perfect arc, surrounded by thirty-eight life-size statues, in a room that had once served as the nation's original House of Representatives chamber. â€Å"The problem is this,† the man said. â€Å"Our speaker has fallen ill and has just informed us she will be unable to give the address.† He paused awkwardly. â€Å"This means we are desperate for a replacement speaker. And Mr. Solomon is hoping you would consider filling in.† Langdon did a double take. â€Å"Me?† This was not at all what he had expected. â€Å"I'm sure Peter could find a far better substitute.† â€Å"You're Mr. Solomon's first choice, Professor, and you're being much too modest. The institution's guests would be thrilled to hear from you, and Mr. Solomon thought you could give the same lecture you gave on Bookspan TV a few years back? That way, you wouldn't have to prepare a thing. He said your talk involved symbolism in the architecture of our nation's capital–it sounds absolutely perfect for the venue.† Langdon was not so sure. â€Å"If I recall, that lecture had more to do with the Masonic history of the building than–â€Å" â€Å"Exactly! As you know, Mr. Solomon is a Mason, as are many of his professional friends who will be in attendance. I'm sure they would love to hear you speak on the topic.† I admit it would be easy. Langdon had kept the lecture notes from every talk he'd ever given. â€Å"I suppose I could consider it. What date is the event?† The assistant cleared his throat, sounding suddenly uncomfortable. â€Å"Well, actually, sir, it's tonight.† Langdon laughed out loud. â€Å"Tonight?!† â€Å"That's why it's so hectic here this morning. The Smithsonian is in a deeply embarrassing predicament . . .† The assistant spoke more hurriedly now. â€Å"Mr. Solomon is ready to send a private jet to Boston for you. The flight is only an hour, and you would be back home before midnight. You're familiar with the private air terminal at Boston's Logan Airport?† â€Å"I am,† Langdon admitted reluctantly. No wonder Peter always gets his way. â€Å"Wonderful! Would you be willing to meet the jet there at say . . . five o'clock?† â€Å"You haven't left me much choice, have you?† Langdon chuckled. â€Å"I just want to make Mr. Solomon happy, sir.† Peter has that effect on people. Langdon considered it a long moment, seeing no way out. â€Å"All right. Tell him I can do it.† â€Å"Outstanding!† the assistant exclaimed, sounding deeply relieved. He gave Langdon the jet's tail number and various other information. When Langdon finally hung up, he wondered if Peter Solomon had ever been told no. Returning to his coffee preparation, Langdon scooped some additional beans into the grinder. A little extra caffeine this morning, he thought. It's going to be a long day.

How to Homeschool Art Instruction

How to Homeschool Art Instruction Are you one of those adults who claims to be unable to draw a stick figure? If so, you may be perplexed when thinking of how to homeschool art instruction. Many parents feel they can handle reading, writing, and arithmetic, but when it comes to more creative pursuits such as art or music instruction, they may find themselves at a loss. Adding creative expression to your homeschool doesn’t have to be difficult, even if you don’t feel particularly creative yourself. As a matter of fact, art (and music) can be one of the most exciting and relaxing homeschool subjects to learn alongside your student. Types of Art Instruction As with music instruction, it helps to define exactly what you plan to teach within the broad subject of art. Some areas to consider include: Visual arts. Visual arts are probably what  come to  mind first for most people when thinking of art. These are the art pieces created for visual perception and include artforms such as: PaintingDrawingSculptureCeramics Visual arts  also includes other artistic disciplines that we may not initially consider when thinking of art, such as jewelry-making, filmmaking, photography, and architecture. Art appreciation. Art appreciation is developing a knowledge and appreciation of the qualities that comprise great and  timeless works of art. It includes the study of the different eras and styles of art, along with the techniques of various artists. It will include study of various works of art and training the eye to see the nuances of each. Art history. Art history is the study of the development of art  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ or human expression  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚  through history. It will  include a study of artistic expression  throughout various periods in history and how the artists of the period were influenced by the culture around them  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ and perhaps how the culture was influenced by the artists. Where to Find Art Instruction With so many different types of artistic expression, finding art instruction is usually just a matter of asking around. Community classes. It’s not difficult to find art lessons within the community. We’ve found city recreation centers and hobby shops often offer art or pottery classes. Churches and synagogues may also have resident artists who will offer art classes to their members or to the community. Check these sources for classes: Library, church, or community center bulletin boardsArt studios and art supply shopsHomeschool newsletter classifiedsFriends and relatives - word-of-mouth among  homeschooling families is second to noneChildren’s museums Art studios and museums. Check with local art studios and museums to see if they offer classes or workshops. This is especially likely during the summer months when art day camps may be available. Continuing education classes. Inquire at your local community college or check their website for continuing education classes  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ online or on campus  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ that may be available to the community. Homeschool co-ops. Homeschool co-ops are often an excellent source for art classes since many co-ops focus on electives, rather than core classes. Local artists are often willing to teach such classes if your co-op is willing to host them. Online lessons. There are many online sources available for art lessons  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ everything from drawing to cartooning, watercolor to mixed media art. There are countless art lessons of all varieties on YouTube. Book and DVD lessons. Check your local library, bookseller, or art supply store for book and DVD art lessons. Friends and relatives. Do you have artistic friends and relatives? We have some friends who own a pottery studio. We once took art lessons from the friend of a friend who was a watercolor artist. A friend or relative may be willing to teach art to your children or a small group of students. How to Include Art in Your Homeschool With a few simple adjustments, you can seamlessly weave art into the other activities in your homeschool day. Keep a nature journal. Nature journals provide a low-key way to encourage artistic expression in your homeschool. Nature study gives you and your family an opportunity to get outside for some sunshine and fresh air while providing plenty of creative inspiration in the form of trees, flowers, and wildlife. Include art in other courses, such as history, science, and geography. Include art and art history in your history and geography studies. Learn about the artists and type of art that were popular during the time period you’re studying. Learn about the style of art associated with the geographic region you’re studying since most regions have a particular style for which they are known. Draw illustrations of the scientific concepts you’re studying, such as an atom or an illustration of the human heart. If you’re studying biology, you might draw and label a flower or a member of the animal kingdom. Purchase curriculum. There is a wide variety of homeschool curriculum available to teach all aspects of art  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ visual art, art appreciation, and art history. Shop around, read reviews, ask your homeschool friends for recommendations, then, make art a regular part of your homeschool day (or week). You may wish to choose loop scheduling to include it or make some simple adjustments to make time for art in your homeschool day. Include creative time each day. Offer your children time to be creative each school day. You don’t have to do anything structured. Simply make art and craft supplies accessible and see where your creativity takes you. Get in on the fun by sitting down and creating with your children during this time. Studies have suggested that coloring helps adults combat stress, making adult coloring books wildly popular right now. So, spend some time coloring with your children. You could also paint, draw, sculpt with clay, or recycle old magazines into creative collages. Do art while doing other things. If your kids have trouble sitting quietly during read-aloud time, occupy their hands with art. Most types of artistic expression are relatively quiet activities, so your children can create as they listen. Combine your study of art with your study of music by listening to your favorite composers during your art time. Online Resources for Homeschool Art Instruction There are a wide variety of resources for art instruction available on line. Following are just a few to get you started. NGAkids Art Zone by the National Gallery of Art offers a variety of interactive tools and games to introduce kids to art and art history. Met Kids The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers interactive games and videos to help kids explore art. Tate Kids  offers kids games, videos, and fresh ideas for creating art. Google Art Project  provides the opportunity for users to explore artists, mediums, and much more. Art History Basics  by Kahn Academy  introduces students to art history with a variety of video lessons. Art for Kids Hub  offers free videos along with a variety of art lessons in different media, such as drawing, sculpting, and Origami. Mixed Media Art Workshops by Alisha Gratehouse features a variety of mixed media art workshops. Homeschooling art instruction doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. On the contrary, it should be fun for the whole family! With the right resources and a little planning, it’s easy to learn how to homeschool art instruction and include a bit of creative expression in your homeschool day.

How to Use the Spanish Preposition Para

How to Use the Spanish Preposition Para Para is one of the most common Spanish  prepositions, But because para is usually translated as for, the same as por, it can also be one of the most confusing to English speakers. Unfortunately, for the beginning Spanish student, por and para are almost never interchangeable. So it is probably best to learn para and por separately and to think of para as a word that usually indicates purpose or destination, rather than simply as a translation for for. So in the examples of para usage that are given below, a translation (sometimes awkward) using a word or phrase other than for is given, in addition to a translation using for. By learning how para is used rather than how it is usually translated, you will eliminate much of the confusion. The preposition para should not be confused with the verb para, a conjugated form of parar, which means to stop. Para can also be a conjugated form of parir, which means to give birth. Para Meaning ‘In Order To’ When para is the equivalent of in order to, it is followed by an infinitive. Viajamos para aprender espaà ±ol. (We travel in order to learn Spanish. We travel for learning Spanish.)Para vender tu coche es importante que cuentes sus puntos fuertes. (In order to sell your car it is important to talk about its strong points. For selling your car it is important to talk about its strong points.)Vive para comer. (He lives in order to eat. He lives for eating.)Hay un plan maestro para destruir la civilizacià ³n como la conocemos. (There is a master plan in order to destroy civilization as we know it. There is a master plan for destroying civilization as we know it.) Para for Indicating Purpose or Usefulness The preposition can be used quite flexibly to indicate purpose, intent, usefulness, or need. It is often used in such a way that theres no simple one-word English equivalent. Estudia para dentista. (She is studying to become a dentist. She is studying for the dental profession.)Quisiera una bicicleta para dos. (Id like a bicycle for two. Id like a bicycle used by two.)Ganaron un viaje para dos. (They won a trip for two. They won a trip to be used by two.)Es hecho para nià ±os. (It is made for children. It is made to be used by children.)El poema fue escrito para su esposa. (The poem was written for his wife. The poem was written to benefit his wife.)Feliz cumpleaà ±os para ti. (Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday for you.)Tenemos agua para una semana. (We have water for a week. We have water to last a week.) ¿Para quà © estudias? (Why do you study? For what purpose do you study?) Using Para With Destinations One specific way in which para is used to indicate intent is with destinations. This is a specific way of indicating intention. In some of these cases, para can be used interchangeably with a, meaning to. Salimos para Londres. (We are leaving to go to London. We are leaving for London.)No voy para casa. (I am not going home. I am not headed for home.) ¿Para dà ³nde va el taxi? (Where does the taxi go to? Note that Spanish cannot end a sentence with a preposition in the way that English can.) Using Para for ‘No Later Than’ or ‘By’ In time statements, para can be used to indicate intent for completion of an action by a certain time. Translations can include no later than, around, about, and by. La casa estar lista para el sbado. (The house will be ready no later than Saturday. The house will be ready by Saturday. The house will be ready for Saturday.)Es necesario preparar el perro para la llegada de tu bebà ©. (It is necessary to prepare the dog for the arrival of your baby. It is necessary to prepare your dog by the time your baby arrives.)El pastel estar listo para la boda. (The cake will be ready by the wedding. The cake will be ready before the wedding. The cake will be ready for the wedding.)Llegamos para las cinco. (Were arriving around 5. Were arriving about 5. Were arriving for activities at 5.) Using Para To Mean ‘Considering’ Another use of para is to indicate perspective, the equivalent of words or phrases such as considering, in light of the fact or in view of: Para nià ±o, es inteligente. (Considering that hes a child, hes intelligent. For a child, hes intelligent.)Es caro para un papel. (Its expensive in view of the fact its a sheet of paper. Its expensive for a sheet of paper.) Using Para With Personal Reactions This is one way of indicating how a person feels or reacts to something: Para ella, es difà ­cil. (To her, its difficult. For her, its difficult.)No es justo para mà ­. (It isnt right to me. It isnt right for me.) Key Takeaways Para is a common Spanish preposition that is frequently used in indicating purpose, direction, intent, or perspective.Both para and another preposition, por, are often translated to English as for, but one of them can almost never be substituted for the other.Other possible translations for para include English prepositions such as to, at, and by as well as the phrase in order to.

5 Hacks to Improve Your Home Office Productivity

5 Hacks to Improve Your Home Office Productivity The experts at GlassDoor.com have put together a list of suggestions to improve your working-from-home productivity! The independence is priceless but the distractions are endless- these tips will help you make the most out of working from the couch or coffee shop in your sweats.1. Have an Office SpaceThe couch is your enemy when youre working from home. No, hear me out! The couch is where you watch TV, read, snooze, cuddle with loved ones, put your feet up. Your brain is wired to unspool when you feel its comfy embrace.Even if its just a basic dining room chair and a laptop desk, try to carve out a dedicated office space in your home. My husband and I each have ownership of a corner of the living room, and I rearrange my desk and bookcase configuration every 6 months or so to keep it fresh since I get tired of staring at the same walls all day.2. Schedule Your Work WeekThis one has been huge for me as I start a full-time freelance and teaching  schedule- I have to plot out deadlin es for my classes and fit freelance writing and editing projects in around those. If I dont know whats coming, I wont know when I need to pull a late night and when its okay to knock off early.Every week, take a few minutes to plan ahead- its vital time well-spent that will save you stress and scrambling down the line.3. Have a Regular RoutineThe beauty of working at home is that if I wanted, I could work from noon to 8 p.m. and lounge around every morning. But  Ive found that while I am the worlds crankiest morning person, getting up early, walking the dog, having breakfast and coffee, working diligently from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then doing smaller, less demanding projects in the afternoon hours is the way to go.Come up with some rituals that replace the morning commute (mine is an extra long shower), and reward yourself with a trip to the kitchen or the corner store when youve accomplished your goals for the day.4. Know Your MotivationThere is something about noise-canceling he adphones that immediately puts me in a ready-to-work mindset. Even if the apartment is quiet, confining my senses to my immediate surroundings helps me zero in on the work at hand.Figure out what motivates you to buckle down. Is it consistency? Variety? Do you need a different coffee shop table every day of the week or are you better off wearing a groove in your home office floor from sitting in the same spot?5. Get in a Working MindsetA tricky part about the omnipresence of Gchat or texting when you work from home is that you can actually stay just as connected to your friends at work as you could when you shared office space. Sometimes my husband works from home and I wind up relocating to the bedroom because Ive gotten so used to the empty space around me.Figure out how to filter out the distractions that might derail you- and remember, you are the only one responsible for getting your work done! Be gentle with yourself as you adjust, be realistic about what you can take on, and dont be afraid to draw firm work-life boundaries. Just because your home office is right next to your couch station is no reason you have to be on call 24/7!And truthfully, working from home isnt for everyone. There are likely co-working spaces near you where you can set up shop on a weekly or monthly basis if you find you need a background hum of things happening.

The Resurgence of Empire in East Asia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Resurgence of Empire in East Asia - Essay Example The Tang and Song Dynasties brought significant changes to China. The Tang Dynasty was significantly a period of stability and progress. The regime maintained and supported a service system through drafting officials by standardized examinations along with recommendations to the office. China’s culture also flourished during the Tang era, as it is regarded as the greatest age for Chinese poetry (Ebrey 35). The Song Dynasty, on the other hand, introduced banknotes as a form of trade to China (Ebrey 78). No other empire, all round the world, had done this. Banknotes improved the trade and commerce of China, which made the country, even up to today, be regarded as the best traders all round the world. A notable change, during the Tang Dynasty, was the development of the woodblock printing. Woodblock printing refers to a technique of printing images, texts or patterns (Ebrey 37). Woodblock printing was used widely in East Asia, and the Tang Dynasty could take credit for introducing this technique. In reality, woodblock printing boosted the Chinese art as the art could now be printed for people to view. Social living, during the Song Dynasty, was vibrant in that social elites gathered to trade and view precious artworks, the citizens intermingled at private clubs and public festivals, and towns had lively entertainment joints. The Song Dynasty improved the socializing of the Chinese citizens (Ebrey 78). The Tang Dynasty set out to resolve internal problems within the government that had constantly overwhelmed past dynasties. The Tang Dynasty, building upon the Sui legal code, provided a new legal code, which succeeding Chinese regimes would base theirs upon, as well as neighboring empires such as Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. The visual arts of the Song regime were heightened by new developments like advances in portrait painting and landscape (Ebrey 80). The gentry’s elite, with the help of the

Memorandum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Memorandum - Essay Example For instance, the 21st century has been hailed as the Asian century. China, followed by India, are powers that hold the position wherein they can influence international politics in a big way. In addition to this, the rise of international organizations, like the BRIC and the ASEAN, have great implications that challenge the role of the United States as the supreme nation. These organizations, often dominant players from the Developing World hold important implications for the United States, since they challenge the world order existent and the implications it holds for them. As a Policy Analyst, I would say, that a Multi-Polar world order is in the offing. Besides the rise of developing countries and middle powers, other factors, like the rise of non-state actors, besides international organizations, play a major role in deciding their implications for the United States. Terrorism, as a non-state actor is a major issue that continues to haunt the United States. The US policy in Afghanistan-Pakistan and the stand taken, are extremely important in this case. Besides this, religion and ethnicity have assumed a rather big meaning today, and this has considerable importance, since United States is largely a melting pot. In forums like the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, the United States’ dominant position is not welcome, among these actors. Nations like India and China and other South-Asian nations often resist such a position. In addition to this, the Af-Pak policy is often a bone of contention, besides the stand taken on Palestine. As a policy analyst, I would recommend that the United States should definitely look at directly countering

The Theory of Utilitarianism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Theory of Utilitarianism - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the actions of Cooper meet utilitarianism by the fact that the outcome of his actions benefits both himself and others. His liver donation helps the family of those who are in need of the organ and brings joy to that family. Cooper’s actions also make him and his family happy for the act of saving another person’s life through considering their previous experience. Furthermore, everybody who knows him acknowledges his action as the right thing. Our actions according to utilitarianism should emulate Cooper’s in ensuring benefits to the majority and not a single individual. In our daily actions and decision, we should consider benefits to others and not personal gains. Cooper does this and goes far enough to ensure that he saves the life an anonymous individual and feel right while risking his own. However, act like that of Cooper is too extreme in risking personal life while there are many other options that can benefit the majority. Co oper and his family passed through fear of all the risks before and during the surgery.

The 2007-2009 Financial Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The 2007-2009 Financial Crisis - Essay Example The study by the international monetary fund (IMF) indicated that macroeconomic policies, balance sheet fragilities, and financial boom were some of other greater contributors to the crisis. The macroeconomic causes of the financial crisis were in terms of low inflation and low rates because the previous years were characterized by high degree of macroeconomic stability which was seen as unusual (Kolb, 2010). This was as a result of the opening of communist countries to world trade which leads to low labor cost to the world economy.The role of credit rating agencies in the 2007-2009 financial crisis was their failure to fully evaluate and understand the risks of introduced complex products. This is because the credit rating agencies role was to serve as gatekeepers in the global credit market. Their monitoring and issuance of debts and other securities issued by governments cooperate they were to exercise influence over access to the capital market and terms of pricing on which borro wers receive credit (Hemraj, 2015). There were contributions by government policies which lowered credit control where government policy was focused on home ownership. This led to increase in sub-prime mortgage lending which turned to be the root of crisis later. There were education and implementation of programs to encourage home ownership by low-income and minority citizens and there was an encouragement by real estate and mortgage institutions to increase rates of minorities’ homeownership.

Court Case related to the topic Sexual Harrasment at Workplace Essay

Court Case related to the topic Sexual Harrasment at Workplace - Essay Example She had worked as a part-time lifeguard for the Marine Safety Section (Buchanan & Wiswall, 2009). During her tenure, her immediate supervisors were Bill Terry, David Silverman, and Robert Gordon. After her resignation in 1990, she took an action against Terry, Silverman, and the City. Faragher complained that both Terry and Silverman had repeatedly created a sexually unfriendly environment while at the beach. Also, she alleged that the duo had subjected fellow female lifeguards to offensive and uninvited touch by the use of prurient remarks and by speaking of women in decadent ways. The complainant said that at some point, Terry had vowed never to give a promotion to any woman. On the other hand, Faragher specified that at one point, Silverman asked her to date him and failure to which he would make her clean the lavatories for a whole year. Pointing out that both Terry and Silverman were agents of the City and that their conduct resulted in discrimination in their conditions, privil eges, and terms given by the employment, the complainant sought judgment against the City. Initially, Faragher had not complained to the higher management about both Terry and Silverman. At first, she reported the matter to Gordon, who was the training captain and was working with Silverman. However, Gordon reported the matter to his supervisor, Terry and afterward took no action since he felt that the City could not be concerned about such issues. Faragher’s bench trial realized that two months before her resignation, a former lifeguard had written to the City’s Personnel Director, with complaints of harassment she had faced from Terry and Silverman. After the complaints, the City concluded that the duo had misbehaved and were therefore reprimanded. They were required to choose between facing a suspension without pay and forfeiting their annual leave. From these findings, the District Court that was

The 2007-2009 Financial Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The 2007-2009 Financial Crisis - Essay Example The study by the international monetary fund (IMF) indicated that macroeconomic policies, balance sheet fragilities, and financial boom were some of other greater contributors to the crisis. The macroeconomic causes of the financial crisis were in terms of low inflation and low rates because the previous years were characterized by high degree of macroeconomic stability which was seen as unusual (Kolb, 2010). This was as a result of the opening of communist countries to world trade which leads to low labor cost to the world economy.The role of credit rating agencies in the 2007-2009 financial crisis was their failure to fully evaluate and understand the risks of introduced complex products. This is because the credit rating agencies role was to serve as gatekeepers in the global credit market. Their monitoring and issuance of debts and other securities issued by governments cooperate they were to exercise influence over access to the capital market and terms of pricing on which borro wers receive credit (Hemraj, 2015). There were contributions by government policies which lowered credit control where government policy was focused on home ownership. This led to increase in sub-prime mortgage lending which turned to be the root of crisis later. There were education and implementation of programs to encourage home ownership by low-income and minority citizens and there was an encouragement by real estate and mortgage institutions to increase rates of minorities’ homeownership.

Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 9

Marketing - Essay Example I feel so passionate about the motorbike particularly considering the shape which almost resembles the cheetah’s speed. The motorbike just seems comfortable and enjoyable to any rider who loves sporting. The Ducati monster would not be assumed by anyone who loves sports especially because of its unique sport nature. What interests me most is the styling of the motorbike which provides a comfortable feeling when the rider is exposed outdoors. The lovely color of the motorbike would actually attract attention of everyone who adores colors even if the person does not love motorbikes. The Ducati Monster motorbike makes me have a real natural taste of an animal ride thus prompting me to feel like it is actually a lifestyle I should adopt. The Ducati Monster motorbike seem to be the fastest motorbike from the advertisement and this makes me cherish it even more because I can ride faster than vehicles. The motorbike shape which looks like the Cheetah’s shape makes it look very flexible especially while moving past many vehicles. Motorbikes normally give me freedom and enjoyment I love more so when I bring things into focus while riding. I find it enjoyable to see nature around and appreciate the beauty of everything around me while riding. While on the motorbike, I really feel in control of almost everything around me. ... This shoe can really inspire and communicate a lot of information to the audience. The green color of the shoe simply makes it look very natural and nature friendly. The color makes it look very cool and comfortable to the wearer. The advertisement is very clear and the writings are too big to be avoided. I love the shoes because they are very comfortable especially while playing. I do cherish sports so much and any sportswear particularly from Nike Company. The company has a record of making some of the best brands of shoes and I am one of its loyal customers. Associating me with Nike Inc. is a good experience and privilege to me. I love being regarded as someone in the high status and that is exactly what I get from the shoes. These shoes’ comfort that is derived from their design and material used to manufacture it may really improve an athlete’s performance and reduce foot injury. These shoes are very flexible and simple thus enabling flexible performance as toes wi ll be able to stretch and clasp. The TOMS advertisement does not impress me but I have a friend called Sam who really loves stylish shoes. The guy is just crazy about fashion. He would always want to match the shoes with his clothes. He really enjoys going out with friends while in the latest fashion shoes or clothes. Sam loves recognition while in the group particularly if someone would just appreciate his attires. He is an individual who can take even 30 minutes thinking about what to wear for an occasion or on a weekend. These shoes are really the best fit for Sam and I have seen him with a few pairs of these kinds. The shoes actually match his casual wears such as jeans and linen trousers. The advertisement by TOMS can

Political Movement in Hong Kong Essay Example for Free

Political Movement in Hong Kong Essay A. Introduction Moral and national education is a school curriculum proposed by the Education Bureau of Hong Kong to replace the original civil and moral education which aimed at developing a positive value and attitude of students, building a well quality of moral and national sense.1 In 3rd October 2010, the Hong Kong Chief Executive, Donald Tsang stated in his policy address, the moral and national education will be introduced to the education syllabus of the primary school and secondary school in 2012 and 2013 respectively with the aim of strengthening the national education of students in Hong Kong. However, this curriculum brought to a large controversy among the society of Hong Kong. Organizations like the scholarism, national education parent concern group and the Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union, etc. opposed the need of proposing this curriculum for two main reasons, first, that is unnecessary to introduce this subject independently since the syllabus of Chinese history and Liberal studies have overlapped with moral and national education. Second, this curriculum is compulsorily introducing the sense of national patriot to students, education will come down to be the tool of political brain washing to students. Therefore, various social networks organized an anti-national education movement, which resulted in a great ring of the public and the concession of the government. In this movement, social networks play an important role, they facilitate the mobilization of people, bringing awareness of the people so as to enlarge the scale of the movement. In this paper, I will mainly investigate the role of social networks in strengthening and undermining the movement, and also the effort tin bringing participant with different or similar background together. On the other hand, I wll discuss the importance of internet in strengthening and undermining the movement in various aspects. B. Strength of social networks in unfolding the movement There are a few social networks that remarkably helped the development of the anti-national education movement, not only on their own work, but also in attracting the other social networks to join their work and charm the participation. 1. Scholarism The first social network strengthen the movement is scholarism, this  organization is founded by a group of post-90s in 2011, which aimed at opposing the implementation of national education curriculum in Hong Kong. They are the originator of the anti-national education movement and then raise the attention of the people. Early in the 1st July 2011, they have joined the Hong Kong 1 July protest to speak out their request to government to withdraw the implementation of national education in Hong Kong education curriculum. Their voice and popularity then rose with a chain of participation in different movements organized by other social networks, for instance, they have joined the petition demanding the redress the June fourth incident in China, attend the TV programme City Forum, etc. Scholarism tried their best to get the attention of the government and also the public, many other social network have then discover and aware this organizations, nearly 20 social networks, for instanc e, national education parent concern group and the Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union then joined together and formed the alliance of opposing national education. The theory mentioned by Della Porta, D. and Diani, M. can be applied to this, people can often become involved in a specific movement or campaign through their previous links, and their participation will forges new links. The alliance then took a great step to unfold the movement by organizing a demonstration with the slogan of â€Å"no brain washing† on the 29th July 2012. 2. National education parent concern group The second social network that remarkably helped to unfold the movement is the national education parent concern group. This organization is founded by Chen Shik Chi, a lecturer of the Hong Kong Chinese University. The aim of this organization is to request the withdrawal of national education from the education curriculum in Hong Kong. Within a month, the number of members of this organization has risen to near 1500. This organization is relatively not a political one, the participants are not political leaders or activists, rather is the parents of the students in Hong Kong, with a specific target concerned group, it is easier for them to attract the members. The organization has joined several social movements related to their opposition in national education. For instance, they are one of the member organizations of the alliance of opposing national education, and helped in the 729 demonstration, later collect signs of people in different  districts for their support of anti-na tional education. As we can see that the organizations that particularly active in the anti-national education movement are neither some traditional political organizations nor some large scale organization with a wide range of membership. Yet they are only freshly established organizations with relatively small base of membership and short history. Why they were success in bringing the anti-national movement that topic-catching is the nature of the organizations and the close contact with other social networks. Internally, the unity between members will be denser and more integrated since the base of membership is small, it will be easier for the members to contact with each other and get all-round information, the scale can prevent the situation that members in the group will easily get ideological distinctions and rivalries, the internal network will then be more fragmented. Secondly, with the same goal of requesting the government to withdraw national education from the curriculum, there are many organizations from different groups joined their movement which then formed the multiple affiliations. Multiple affiliations is meaning the linkages between different organizations. This helped a lot in boosting the unfold ing of the movement, for instance, this can facilitate the personal contact and the development of informal networks which can encourage the individual participation and the mobilization of resources. Leaders of different organizations can contact each other for the sharing of information and the plan of movement, most importantly, they can get a consensus on the representations of the movement, so that will form a stronger force of opposition to their enemies. Not only for the leaders, the members from different groups can cooperate with others, for instance, the elites of groups can work together and decide a better plan for the movement. Moreover, the wider range of membership will also increase the participation of the social movement. The overlapped members, that is the members that belongs to the different groups in the affiliation, takes an essential role in circulation of information which helps a lot since the more the information the group can get, the more they can control the speed of mobilization. C. Limitation of social networks in unfolding the movement Although the small scale of the organization can bring the higher efficiency of decision making, it also has some setbacks. Since the  membership base of the organizations is quite narrow, it is hard for them to expand their group internally. The people who intended to join an organization due to three main reasons, first, they will look at the number of individuals in the organization, especially some political ones. People seems to be attracted by the political leaders in the organization so as to join it, then both Scholarism and the National education parent concern group cannot fulfill this requirement. Second requirement is the amount of previous experiences of collective action which is meaning the effort of the organizations in joining or organizing collective actions. Both social networks again are freshly established two years ago, the experiences in participating in collective actions must be relatively less than the traditional groups like the political parties. As we c an see from the two requirements, it is really hard for the two social networks to expand their scale in terms of structure and membership which are crucial in the development themselves and participation in the movements they organized.

Strategies for Disaster Risk Management

Strategies for Disaster Risk Management INTRODUCTION I. Background Natural disasters have always posed a threat to development. Developing countries are usually far less well placed than industrialised ones to deal effectively with hazards that occur out of the blue. The first priority must be to reduce peoples (men, women and young people) vulnerability to natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods and storms and to avoid the emergence of new risks, in order to secure the progress of development. Disaster risk management is therefore crucial to sustainable development. It is closely linked with the overarching Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing poverty (M D G 1); in many parts of the world this goal cannot be achieved without it. In its report â€Å"Towards Halving Poverty† the German Government again emphasised this link: â€Å"Disaster relief on its own is not enough. In order to save human lives effectively and protect individuals and economies from physical damage in the long term, everything possible must be done before a natural disaster occurs to minimise the impact. Disaster prevention is therefore an important part of any sustainable development strategy†. (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (B M Z), 2004: page32) In recent years the need for disaster risk management has increased as a result of the rise in the number of damaging natural events. Some global trends (such as increasing population pressure on natural resources in some regions, urbanisation and widening economic disparities) are likely to further amplify the risks arising from an increase in the number and intensity of hazardous natural events. As a result of climate change, disaster risk management is facing challenges on an unprecedented scale. In conjunction with these developments, we are seeing a growing risk of crises and conflicts, in particular those arising from competition for vital resources. By dealing appropriately and gender-sensitively with natural disasters and climate change, however, we can go some way to defusing the conflict potential. Disaster risk management is first and foremost the responsibility of the affected country. It is particularly important in countries exposed to major natural risks. In such countries, elements of disaster risk management should increasingly be incorporated as standard practice into national development strategies (such as poverty reduction strategies) and other local, national plans. This presupposes that the statutory and institutional framework required is in place. Entry points for effective action must be identified for each sector. The examples presented in this publication have shown that their education of disaster risks can be addressed at many levels. However, it is always important that the people potentially affected are sensitised and given the information they need, so that they can react promptly; they are directly involved at the scene of the event. Natural hazards and disasters are events that are frequently result in high death tolls and large economic losses which is now becoming a major concerned to international community because of large impact of life losses and economic losses in developing countries. Why is natural hazards and disasters occurring so frequently now a days and how did man increases vulnerability. Population growth, run away organization, high rise building, uses of limited rescores, environment damage etc are just some of the factor explaining the sources of frequent natural hazards which leads to human and material casualties in case of disaster. If there is a risk of natural hazard then large population area is most vulnerable and the impact of disaster will also be high. The traditional way to cope with disaster was using warning before disaster strikes and emergency relief after disaster occurs and the government agency would only play its role in coping disaster. This approach is adequate to reduce l osses in disaster to acceptable levels Due to frequent natural disaster taking place and large of life and economic losses, international community came to the point that by implanting â€Å"Community Base Management Approach† is a process in which at-risk communities are actively engaged in the identification, analysis, treatment, monitoring and evaluation of disaster risks in order to reduce their vulnerabilities and enhance their capacities Disasters can become uncontrollable, once the event has got underway. If the community were not well prepared, control over the disaster event would be usually lost during its occurrence. If each individual in the community is familiar with ways of coping and precautionary measures, then the disruption by a disaster can be reduced. This â€Å"Community Base Approach† where community plays an anchor role with the support of Government, non-government institution agencies. The involvement of the communities is the key aspect for the sustainability of community for disast er reduction. External agencies, like government, non-government organizations may begin and implement community level programs before and after disasters. However, such initiative many times discontinue once the external support is ended. There can be many reasons behind this lack of sustainability, some of which may be the lack of partnership, participation, empowerment and ownership of local communities. All communities have some vitally important assets to deal with disasters. These may include knowledge of disaster warning signs, locally safe and vulnerable areas, experience of past disasters, methods of survival and social relations that are often vitally important in coping with crisis. Local communities have an active part to play before and after disasters so it is therefore important to involve people in decision making on policies and strategies that should be followed for their development in the community. The objective of this management is to prepare community develop hazards mitigation plans before disaster strikes. An effective plan will improve communitys ability to deal with natural disasters and most efficient and effective ways to reduce losses to life and property. Preparing a plan will provide the following benefits to the community: Reduce public and private damage costs Reduce social, emotional, and economic disruption; Increase access to funding sources for hazard mitigation projects Improve ability to implement post-disaster recovery projects by using risk management tools. More number of lives can be saved during the first few hours after disaster has occurred through local response teams, before help arrives from elsewhere. The numerous problems of survival and health resulting from a disaster are dealt with more efficiently, if the community is active and well organized. The social and economic cost of natural disasters has increased in recent years due to population growth, change in land use patterns, migration and unplanned urbanization, environmental degradation and global climate change.[16] In addition to the loss of lives and major destruction of economic and social infrastructure, natural disasters set back poverty reduction programs and cause diversion of government funds to pay for reconstruction and recovery efforts. There has been little formal analysis of the longer-term impacts of disasters in the Philippines but annual infrastructure losses and related diversion of scarce public resources must ultimately have an impact on the countrys long-term sustainable development II. Research Questions Following are the three research questions on which I will conduct my research. In the first part, I will identify the hazards and their impact on third world countries and then I will analyze what are the risks associated with the natural disasters in third world countries. In the second part, I will illustrate the case to support the discussion above, and impact of climate change and mapping of disaster prone area of each South Asian countries. 1. Research Methodology The research onion described by Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill (2006) is used to analyze the philosophy, approach and strategy of research. a) Philosophy The major philosophy used in this research used is ‘Realism. According to Saunders, Lewis Thornhill (2007), realism is a branch of epistemology which is similar to positivism in that it assumes a scientific approach to the development of knowledge. This assumption underpins the collection of data and the understanding of that data. Bhaskar (1989) argues that we can identify what we dont see through the practical and theoretical processes of the social sciences. The objective of the research is to assess the impact of climate change and mapping of disaster prone area of each South Asian countries. so ontology is not the right choice for this particular research as according to Saunders, Lewis Thornhill (2007), it is concerned with the nature of reality. b) Approach The research has employed inductive as well as deductive approach. Since, one of the main objectives of the research is to out the impact of climate change and mapping of disaster prone area of each South Asian countries, therefore inductive approach has been used extensively. Only where there is a requirement of analyzing the quantitative data, deductive approach will be used. The research approach influences design and gives the researcher the opportunity to consider how each of the various approaches may contribute to, or limit, his study (Creswell, 2003). For research theory there are two main approaches which are mainly used i.e. deductive and inductive approach. Firstly the analysis of the collected data, and then a theory or hypothesis is formulated, this is inductive approach. In contrast, a deductive approach is where, after reviewing the existing theory, hypothesis is developed which is then tested by conducting a research (Bryman, and Bell 2007) The study for will follow Inductive approach for two reasons. In the first place the research involves observation of past disasters, impact of this disaster with s of death and economic losses and currently number of people living in prone disaster areas. In the second place, the inductive approach appears more appropriate to the purpose of this study which is to gather the problem facing to implementing disaster management plan and roles of public and private sector in making strategy and policies with sustainability of the plan. c) Strategy There are two types of research strategies i.e. qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research strategy is the general orientation to conduct business research. It usually focuses on â€Å"words† instead of statistical analysis of data. It usually involves inductive approach to the relationship of theory and research. The main aim is to generate a theory. Interviewing the expatriate is the main purpose of this research (Bryman and Bell, 2007). On the other hand, quantitative research strategy focuses more on the â€Å"quantification† in collection and analysis of data. It usually involves deductive approach to the relationship of theory and research. Testing the theories in the main purpose in quantitative research (Bryman and Bell, 2007) Some common contrasts between qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative Quantitative Words Numbers Point of views of participants Point of views of researchers Researcher close Researcher distant Theory emergent Theory testing Process Static Unstructured Structured Contextual understanding Generalized Rich, deep data Hard, reliable data Micro Macro Meaning Behaviour Natural settings Artificial settings (Source: Bryman and Bell, 2007: 426) The strategy of this research will maintain both strategy but quantitative will be more domains on qualitative strategy. Quantitative strategy will provide base on which qualitative strategy will dependable on. According to Burgess, 1982 â€Å"There are several reasons for using the qualitative research. First reason is the belief of the researcher which is based upon the research experience. The other important point is that most researchers use this method, hoping that their work has direct or potential relevance for academic as well as non-academic audiences. All methods have advantages and disadvantages but some methods are still better than the other in order to obtain primary data. Small numbers of participants are used to obtain primary data in this research. In-depth interview is a form of conversation†. (Burgess, 1982) d) Data Analysis Approach The research is mainly comprised of qualitative data and will be inductive in nature; hence analytical induction approach will be used to make the critical remarks. Other theories do not cope with the philosophy, approach and strategy of the research and cannot be used for that reason. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools help to answer questions like who is vulnerable, where they are and why they are vulnerable. GIS was used to identify vulnerable areas using statistical tools. Although the data generated are usually integrated in the form of tables, graphs and/or charts, maps have the advantage of presenting data in an easily accessible, readily visible and eye-catching manner. The resulting maps combine information from different sectors to provide an immediately comprehensive picture of the geographical distribution of vulnerable group. By providing a visual overview on the major issues, maps highlight gaps and shortfalls in information and thus areas needing attention. A GIS based approach is helpful for highly disaggregated data; it can easily perform statistical analysis as well as graphic presentation. 2. Sampling Sample population consists of a number of third world countries such as India, Bangaldesh and Pakistan which are the focus of some of the key disaster in recent years will be under the main focus. Because of the special nature of this research, the data collection points are huge. Henry (1990) advised against using probability sampling technique for sample population of less than 50. Because of the short time span and financial constraints the research will employ homogenous sampling technique. Saunders, Lewis Thornhill (2007) argue that homogenous sampling technique focuses on one sub group in which all the sample members are similar. This will help us to cover the topic in detail. 3. Data Collection The research employees both qualitative and quantitative data techniques to draw conclusions. However, main emphasis will be given to collect and analyze the qualitative data. The plan of the research will be mainly to use primary data collected from both primary and secondary sources. In this approach different historical data were used to point out the areas and communities which experienced the disaster situation in the past and their present risk and degree of vulnerability. This is more like, learning from past mistake and applying new strategy and plan which was missing in the past. This approach is very helpful in making strategy, determining policies, identifying natural hazard area and communities and implanting plan. According to Jackson (1994) the value of a research is related to its data collection methods and importantly, whether or not it includes both secondary and primary data. Data for the study were collected in two sources: primary and secondary sources. Both primary and secondary data sources were analyzed together to strengths the material and minimize their weaknesses by combining them in respectable way. There are many methods to collect the primary data, but this research will more focus on Literature review, case studies, bibliography, questionnaire and GIS techniques. All these method can be qualitative and quantitative in nature Mostly secondary data of this study included records and latest reports available from the CRED disaster database. Other sources such as articles, textbooks, journals, annual reports, websites etc were also very helpful and used to support reports. Two types of data were used for obtaining data from different reports. Historic data and GIS (geographic Information System) based mapping data. a) Secondary Sources of Data Secondary data will be of utmost importance in this research. Information will be acquired from reliable sources. Priority will be given to government sources in order to provide accurate information. Online website such as Business Monitor Online will be used comprehensively because they contain most up-to-date information. Journals and articles will be used extensively as well because explanation of data from these sources will be more accurate. This research will also include statistical analysis where information will be easily accessible from company reports, IMF Reports, World Bank Reports and government websites. 4. Limitations of the Research There will be a lot of limitations and restrictions in carrying out the desired research. There are limitations associated with the available and up to date data on the third world countries. The questionnaire in research project is to support findings which will be drawn from secondary data but insufficient funds and time restriction may hold back the collection of primary data. The qualitative data analysis also poses threat because it may involve human judgment errors. 3. Literature Review 3.1 Introduction In this chapter the objectives of the study will focus on the impact of climate change and mapping of disaster prone area of each South Asian countries. Research of this mapping is mapped on the base of district level which covers whole region of South Asia. District is divided according to Administrative division of its related country. So the size, population, geological location and climate condition will vary each other although it is situated in same provinces. The mapping of these districts is related to high and medium level of risk to natural events is included in this table. Some district has been promoted to disaster prone district although there have been no evidence of such natural events in past but due to certain factors like rises of sea level, earth quake zone, change in climate condition etc, makes these districts highly exposed to natural events in future. Such as Maldives, although there have been no evidence of tsunami for past 100 years but due to rise in sea lev el and located in earth quake zone whole Maldives is at high risk to flood and tsunami. This table is made on the bases of related to human life and economic losses. So Natural event like wild fire which is very frequent in Nepal and Burma has been excluded from the table because the impact on human lifes and economic losses are very low, although its impact on environmental is very high. 3.2 Disaster The term disaster can be defined as A serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses which exceed the ability of affected society to cope using only its own resources. This notion of disaster draws a distinction between sudden and slow onset disasters. Amongst natural disasters extreme droughts are the only ones that are slow onset by nature. The causes and effects of a drought disaster are far more difficult to ascertain than sudden natural events such as earthquakes, tsunamis or landslides. Due to the gradual nature of the process, often taking place over months and even years, the causes are more complex and it is often only possible to identify the effects indirectly. However, not every extreme natural event is a disaster. A volcanic eruption in an unoccupied area is a natural event but not a disaster. Floods can also have many beneficial effects the soil is supplied with fresh nutrients and made more fertile again, resulting in higher yields. So, disasters always have adverse impacts but specific approaches to them must cater for the dual nature of such events, i.e. disaster risk management searches to maintain the positive impacts while reducing the adverse consequences of extreme natural events. 3.2 Disaster Risk Management Technical Cooperation defines disaster risk management as a series of actions (programmes, projects and/or measures) and instruments expressly aimed at reducing disaster risk in endangered regions, and mitigating the extent of disasters. Disaster risk management includes risk assessment, disaster prevention and mitigation and disaster preparedness. It is used in the international debate to underscore the current trend of taking a proactive approach to hazards posed by extreme natural phenomena. The intention is a comprehensive reduction in disaster risk accounting for all the factors that contribute to risk (risk management), as opposed to a focus on each individual danger. Disaster risk management consists of the following elements: I. Risk Analysis II. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation III. Disaster Preparedness and IV. Disaster Preventive Reconstruction There is a risk of natural disaster when a society is exposed to natural hazards but lack adequate means and ability to protect itself from potential negative impacts i.e. vulnerability. The risk management process analyzes the natural hazard in relation to the societys vulnerability, in order to first evaluate potential damage and losses. This involves calculating the probability that a natural hazard will occur, identifying vulnerability factors in society, drawing up damage scenarios and evaluating measures for rapid reconstruction in the even of a disaster. A societys ability to continue to function while dealing with a hazard is known as its resilience. Prevention and mitigation covers activities whose long term aim is to mitigate the possible adverse impacts of a natural even and its consequences and provide permanent protection against its effects. Prevention and mitigation measures may be constructional and non material. The process of preparedness enables the country to resp ond effectively in case of an imminent disaster. Important elements in the process of preparedness include making the emergency plans, the availability of rescue and emergency services, emergency medical care, rapid and efficient transmission of warnings and the availability of means of communication. An important component of preparedness is the early waning system which significantly reduces the impact of disaster. A good early warning system will promptly identify and assess a hazard. Warnings are issued to the affected population and institutions, who respond appropriately. Disaster preventive reconstruction aims to draw appropriate lessons from the natural disaster and to include disaster reduction criteria and measures directly in the reconstruction process. Disaster Risk Management Process 3.3 Vulnerability of South Asian Countries to Disasters Vulnerability can be defined as the inadequate means or ability to protect oneself against the adverse impacts of natural events and, on the other hand, to recover quickly from their effects. The South Asian countries of the world are vulnerable to a number of factors. These factors comprise of very diverse, often mutually reciprocal, factors that have to be taken into account to determine the vulnerability of a family, a village or a country. The main vulnerability factors of developing countries to disasters are summarized below: * Political-Institutional Factors One of the important vulnerable factors of developing countries to natural disaster is political and institutional factor. The role of legislation is lacking and also it is not commensurate with the hazard or is not implemented (regional development and land use planning, building regulations). The personnel and financial resources available for disaster risk management and preparedness are inadequate. Roles are not properly or clearly assigned and there is a lack of coordination in and amongst the responsible institutions (including centralism: insufficient power for local actors) in developing countries. The political culture is conducive to vested interests and corruption, which hampers consistent disaster risk management (e.g. in the building trade) and effective disaster preparedness. The Democratic institutions in developing countries are underdeveloped and also low level of participation of the population in democratic processes diminishes their self-help capabilities is very low. Also the mechanisms and instruments for spreading financial risks are lacking or inadequate (e.g. disaster funds, insurance). A culture of prevention is obstructed or insufficiently promoted. All of these above mentioned make the developing nation more vulnerable to the natural disasters. * Economic factors Another important vulnerable factor of developing countries to natural disaster is then economic factor. In developing countries the financial resources are insufficient for disaster risk management (e.g. for flood protection infrastructure). Also the level of poverty in general limits the self-help capabilities of large parts of the population, although very effective traditional mechanisms to cope with disasters still exist in many developing countries. In the developing countries poverty increasingly compels people to settle in endangered areas (on riverbanks and steep slopes, in gulleys or ravines or on the slopes of volcanoes). Partly through environmental degradation (e.g. unofficial garbage dumps or slash-and-burn clearance), poor people often contribute to their own higher disaster risk. The economies of developing countries also depend on a few products (low level of diversification) and the danger is particularly great if these sectors are vulnerable to disaster (e.g. agric ulture). Not enough account is taken of the influence of economic activities on disaster risk (e.g. consumption of natural resources). * Sociocultural factors Socio cultural factor also play an important role in making the developing countries vulnerable to natural disasters. In developing countries due to poor education and insufficient knowledge of the cause-effect matrix, people are less able to respond appropriately in a changing environment. Also fatalism is widespread as a consequence of the belief that natural disasters are willed by God and are therefore inevitable. In developing countries the tradition of slash-and-burn clearance or the application of out-dated production methods can result in greater vulnerability for people and their property. On the other hand it may result in greater hazard due to the adverse impact on the natural environment (e.g. erosion through deforestation). The population is not prepared to engage in mutual support schemes and organize themselves in order to negotiate competing interests in the search for greater levels of general welfare. These political, economic and cultural factors are interconnected in a complex way. They have a reciprocal relationship and often compound each other. Progress in individual aspects, therefore, may well also have a positive effect on other vulnerability factors. A general improvement in school education, for instance, can be expected to help reduce poverty, facilitate the application of appropriate production methods and raise organizational abilities. This in turn can motivate people for prevention, thus generating a positive influence on the political factors through greater participation. 3.4 Impact and Threat of Climate Change The major impacts and threats of global warming are well-known. Recent increase in global temperature as already experienced intensity and extreme events, for example frequent occurrence of flood and intensity of heat wave. On the other hand global warming will increase melting water from glaciers and ice sheets which will cause sea level to rise and also has the potential to influence global patterns of ocean circulation respectively. This causes thermal expansion of the oceans. Climate change will have wide-ranging effects on the environment, socio-economic and related sectors, including water resources, agriculture, food security, human health, global ecosystems, biodiversity and coastal zones. Some of the impact and threat had already been experienced and if this continued in current way which will affect the global ecosystem in the following way. Impact Threats 1. Changes in rainfall pattern 1. Will lead to severe shortage of water and causes drought around the globe 2. Will increase average rainfall and causes severe flooding around the globe. 3. It will have unpleasant impact on agriculture and traditional subsistence-based agriculture. This becomes more vulnerable and difficult which will eventually affecting the economic well-being of the local famers. 2. Melting of glaciers 1. Many rivers and lakes formed by melting of glacier water will grow in size and causes flooding recently which pose threat to nearby villages but very soon when there will be no glacial melt, this causes them to dry up and spread drought. 2. If the melting of glaciers continues on the current rate, all Farmlands which depend on glacial water will dry up and it will lead up to scarcity of food. 3. Sea level will rise and entire communities living on coastal zone always pose threat from increasing sea water level. 4. Many animals, birds, and fish that depend on fresh melting water from glaciers for survival will either reduce in numbers or get wiped out over a period of time. 3. Change in regional temperature Change in climate patterns will cause shift in crop growing seasons which affects food security. Crops will tend to fail or become unbeneficial where conditions are currently marginal for their production but on the other hand crops may tend to grow successfully in other area where conditions are suitable and has become marginal for other crops. 2. Increase in temperature will speed up the life cycles of both the mosquito and the disease viruses. This will produce smaller adult mosquitoes to feed more often to develop an egg batch, which in turn increases the chances for disease transmission which will put more people at risk from diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. 3. Temperature increases will potentially accelerate rates of extinction for many habitats and species (up to 30% with a 2 ° C rise in temperature). It will also affect coral reefs, boreal, forests and mountain habitats. 4. Increasing sea levels 1. It will greater the risk of storm surge, inundation and wave damage to coastlines, particularly in small island states and countries with low lying deltas. 2. Fresh underground water on coastal lines will get polluted with salty sea water making it unfit for drinking or irrigation Who is most Vulnerable to natural hazard? 98% of those killed and affected by natural disasters come from developing countries, underlining the link between poverty and vulnerability to disaster. Rich countries have a far greater ability to reduce the effects of extreme weather events (such as floods and droughts) than developing countries. Proof of this can be found in statistics produced by the Red Cross, which reveal that 22.5 people die per reported disaster in highly developed nations, 145 die per disaster in nations of medium human development. By 2025 over half of all people living in developing countries will be highly vulnerable to floods and storms. (World Disaster report, 2001) Natural hazards are a part of life. But hazards only become disasters when peoples lives and livelihoods are swept away. The vulnerability of communities is growing due to human activities that lead to increased poverty, greater urban dens Strategies for Disaster Risk Management Strategies for Disaster Risk Management INTRODUCTION I. Background Natural disasters have always posed a threat to development. Developing countries are usually far less well placed than industrialised ones to deal effectively with hazards that occur out of the blue. The first priority must be to reduce peoples (men, women and young people) vulnerability to natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods and storms and to avoid the emergence of new risks, in order to secure the progress of development. Disaster risk management is therefore crucial to sustainable development. It is closely linked with the overarching Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing poverty (M D G 1); in many parts of the world this goal cannot be achieved without it. In its report â€Å"Towards Halving Poverty† the German Government again emphasised this link: â€Å"Disaster relief on its own is not enough. In order to save human lives effectively and protect individuals and economies from physical damage in the long term, everything possible must be done before a natural disaster occurs to minimise the impact. Disaster prevention is therefore an important part of any sustainable development strategy†. (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (B M Z), 2004: page32) In recent years the need for disaster risk management has increased as a result of the rise in the number of damaging natural events. Some global trends (such as increasing population pressure on natural resources in some regions, urbanisation and widening economic disparities) are likely to further amplify the risks arising from an increase in the number and intensity of hazardous natural events. As a result of climate change, disaster risk management is facing challenges on an unprecedented scale. In conjunction with these developments, we are seeing a growing risk of crises and conflicts, in particular those arising from competition for vital resources. By dealing appropriately and gender-sensitively with natural disasters and climate change, however, we can go some way to defusing the conflict potential. Disaster risk management is first and foremost the responsibility of the affected country. It is particularly important in countries exposed to major natural risks. In such countries, elements of disaster risk management should increasingly be incorporated as standard practice into national development strategies (such as poverty reduction strategies) and other local, national plans. This presupposes that the statutory and institutional framework required is in place. Entry points for effective action must be identified for each sector. The examples presented in this publication have shown that their education of disaster risks can be addressed at many levels. However, it is always important that the people potentially affected are sensitised and given the information they need, so that they can react promptly; they are directly involved at the scene of the event. Natural hazards and disasters are events that are frequently result in high death tolls and large economic losses which is now becoming a major concerned to international community because of large impact of life losses and economic losses in developing countries. Why is natural hazards and disasters occurring so frequently now a days and how did man increases vulnerability. Population growth, run away organization, high rise building, uses of limited rescores, environment damage etc are just some of the factor explaining the sources of frequent natural hazards which leads to human and material casualties in case of disaster. If there is a risk of natural hazard then large population area is most vulnerable and the impact of disaster will also be high. The traditional way to cope with disaster was using warning before disaster strikes and emergency relief after disaster occurs and the government agency would only play its role in coping disaster. This approach is adequate to reduce l osses in disaster to acceptable levels Due to frequent natural disaster taking place and large of life and economic losses, international community came to the point that by implanting â€Å"Community Base Management Approach† is a process in which at-risk communities are actively engaged in the identification, analysis, treatment, monitoring and evaluation of disaster risks in order to reduce their vulnerabilities and enhance their capacities Disasters can become uncontrollable, once the event has got underway. If the community were not well prepared, control over the disaster event would be usually lost during its occurrence. If each individual in the community is familiar with ways of coping and precautionary measures, then the disruption by a disaster can be reduced. This â€Å"Community Base Approach† where community plays an anchor role with the support of Government, non-government institution agencies. The involvement of the communities is the key aspect for the sustainability of community for disast er reduction. External agencies, like government, non-government organizations may begin and implement community level programs before and after disasters. However, such initiative many times discontinue once the external support is ended. There can be many reasons behind this lack of sustainability, some of which may be the lack of partnership, participation, empowerment and ownership of local communities. All communities have some vitally important assets to deal with disasters. These may include knowledge of disaster warning signs, locally safe and vulnerable areas, experience of past disasters, methods of survival and social relations that are often vitally important in coping with crisis. Local communities have an active part to play before and after disasters so it is therefore important to involve people in decision making on policies and strategies that should be followed for their development in the community. The objective of this management is to prepare community develop hazards mitigation plans before disaster strikes. An effective plan will improve communitys ability to deal with natural disasters and most efficient and effective ways to reduce losses to life and property. Preparing a plan will provide the following benefits to the community: Reduce public and private damage costs Reduce social, emotional, and economic disruption; Increase access to funding sources for hazard mitigation projects Improve ability to implement post-disaster recovery projects by using risk management tools. More number of lives can be saved during the first few hours after disaster has occurred through local response teams, before help arrives from elsewhere. The numerous problems of survival and health resulting from a disaster are dealt with more efficiently, if the community is active and well organized. The social and economic cost of natural disasters has increased in recent years due to population growth, change in land use patterns, migration and unplanned urbanization, environmental degradation and global climate change.[16] In addition to the loss of lives and major destruction of economic and social infrastructure, natural disasters set back poverty reduction programs and cause diversion of government funds to pay for reconstruction and recovery efforts. There has been little formal analysis of the longer-term impacts of disasters in the Philippines but annual infrastructure losses and related diversion of scarce public resources must ultimately have an impact on the countrys long-term sustainable development II. Research Questions Following are the three research questions on which I will conduct my research. In the first part, I will identify the hazards and their impact on third world countries and then I will analyze what are the risks associated with the natural disasters in third world countries. In the second part, I will illustrate the case to support the discussion above, and impact of climate change and mapping of disaster prone area of each South Asian countries. 1. Research Methodology The research onion described by Mark Saunders, Philip Lewis and Adrian Thornhill (2006) is used to analyze the philosophy, approach and strategy of research. a) Philosophy The major philosophy used in this research used is ‘Realism. According to Saunders, Lewis Thornhill (2007), realism is a branch of epistemology which is similar to positivism in that it assumes a scientific approach to the development of knowledge. This assumption underpins the collection of data and the understanding of that data. Bhaskar (1989) argues that we can identify what we dont see through the practical and theoretical processes of the social sciences. The objective of the research is to assess the impact of climate change and mapping of disaster prone area of each South Asian countries. so ontology is not the right choice for this particular research as according to Saunders, Lewis Thornhill (2007), it is concerned with the nature of reality. b) Approach The research has employed inductive as well as deductive approach. Since, one of the main objectives of the research is to out the impact of climate change and mapping of disaster prone area of each South Asian countries, therefore inductive approach has been used extensively. Only where there is a requirement of analyzing the quantitative data, deductive approach will be used. The research approach influences design and gives the researcher the opportunity to consider how each of the various approaches may contribute to, or limit, his study (Creswell, 2003). For research theory there are two main approaches which are mainly used i.e. deductive and inductive approach. Firstly the analysis of the collected data, and then a theory or hypothesis is formulated, this is inductive approach. In contrast, a deductive approach is where, after reviewing the existing theory, hypothesis is developed which is then tested by conducting a research (Bryman, and Bell 2007) The study for will follow Inductive approach for two reasons. In the first place the research involves observation of past disasters, impact of this disaster with s of death and economic losses and currently number of people living in prone disaster areas. In the second place, the inductive approach appears more appropriate to the purpose of this study which is to gather the problem facing to implementing disaster management plan and roles of public and private sector in making strategy and policies with sustainability of the plan. c) Strategy There are two types of research strategies i.e. qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research strategy is the general orientation to conduct business research. It usually focuses on â€Å"words† instead of statistical analysis of data. It usually involves inductive approach to the relationship of theory and research. The main aim is to generate a theory. Interviewing the expatriate is the main purpose of this research (Bryman and Bell, 2007). On the other hand, quantitative research strategy focuses more on the â€Å"quantification† in collection and analysis of data. It usually involves deductive approach to the relationship of theory and research. Testing the theories in the main purpose in quantitative research (Bryman and Bell, 2007) Some common contrasts between qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative Quantitative Words Numbers Point of views of participants Point of views of researchers Researcher close Researcher distant Theory emergent Theory testing Process Static Unstructured Structured Contextual understanding Generalized Rich, deep data Hard, reliable data Micro Macro Meaning Behaviour Natural settings Artificial settings (Source: Bryman and Bell, 2007: 426) The strategy of this research will maintain both strategy but quantitative will be more domains on qualitative strategy. Quantitative strategy will provide base on which qualitative strategy will dependable on. According to Burgess, 1982 â€Å"There are several reasons for using the qualitative research. First reason is the belief of the researcher which is based upon the research experience. The other important point is that most researchers use this method, hoping that their work has direct or potential relevance for academic as well as non-academic audiences. All methods have advantages and disadvantages but some methods are still better than the other in order to obtain primary data. Small numbers of participants are used to obtain primary data in this research. In-depth interview is a form of conversation†. (Burgess, 1982) d) Data Analysis Approach The research is mainly comprised of qualitative data and will be inductive in nature; hence analytical induction approach will be used to make the critical remarks. Other theories do not cope with the philosophy, approach and strategy of the research and cannot be used for that reason. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools help to answer questions like who is vulnerable, where they are and why they are vulnerable. GIS was used to identify vulnerable areas using statistical tools. Although the data generated are usually integrated in the form of tables, graphs and/or charts, maps have the advantage of presenting data in an easily accessible, readily visible and eye-catching manner. The resulting maps combine information from different sectors to provide an immediately comprehensive picture of the geographical distribution of vulnerable group. By providing a visual overview on the major issues, maps highlight gaps and shortfalls in information and thus areas needing attention. A GIS based approach is helpful for highly disaggregated data; it can easily perform statistical analysis as well as graphic presentation. 2. Sampling Sample population consists of a number of third world countries such as India, Bangaldesh and Pakistan which are the focus of some of the key disaster in recent years will be under the main focus. Because of the special nature of this research, the data collection points are huge. Henry (1990) advised against using probability sampling technique for sample population of less than 50. Because of the short time span and financial constraints the research will employ homogenous sampling technique. Saunders, Lewis Thornhill (2007) argue that homogenous sampling technique focuses on one sub group in which all the sample members are similar. This will help us to cover the topic in detail. 3. Data Collection The research employees both qualitative and quantitative data techniques to draw conclusions. However, main emphasis will be given to collect and analyze the qualitative data. The plan of the research will be mainly to use primary data collected from both primary and secondary sources. In this approach different historical data were used to point out the areas and communities which experienced the disaster situation in the past and their present risk and degree of vulnerability. This is more like, learning from past mistake and applying new strategy and plan which was missing in the past. This approach is very helpful in making strategy, determining policies, identifying natural hazard area and communities and implanting plan. According to Jackson (1994) the value of a research is related to its data collection methods and importantly, whether or not it includes both secondary and primary data. Data for the study were collected in two sources: primary and secondary sources. Both primary and secondary data sources were analyzed together to strengths the material and minimize their weaknesses by combining them in respectable way. There are many methods to collect the primary data, but this research will more focus on Literature review, case studies, bibliography, questionnaire and GIS techniques. All these method can be qualitative and quantitative in nature Mostly secondary data of this study included records and latest reports available from the CRED disaster database. Other sources such as articles, textbooks, journals, annual reports, websites etc were also very helpful and used to support reports. Two types of data were used for obtaining data from different reports. Historic data and GIS (geographic Information System) based mapping data. a) Secondary Sources of Data Secondary data will be of utmost importance in this research. Information will be acquired from reliable sources. Priority will be given to government sources in order to provide accurate information. Online website such as Business Monitor Online will be used comprehensively because they contain most up-to-date information. Journals and articles will be used extensively as well because explanation of data from these sources will be more accurate. This research will also include statistical analysis where information will be easily accessible from company reports, IMF Reports, World Bank Reports and government websites. 4. Limitations of the Research There will be a lot of limitations and restrictions in carrying out the desired research. There are limitations associated with the available and up to date data on the third world countries. The questionnaire in research project is to support findings which will be drawn from secondary data but insufficient funds and time restriction may hold back the collection of primary data. The qualitative data analysis also poses threat because it may involve human judgment errors. 3. Literature Review 3.1 Introduction In this chapter the objectives of the study will focus on the impact of climate change and mapping of disaster prone area of each South Asian countries. Research of this mapping is mapped on the base of district level which covers whole region of South Asia. District is divided according to Administrative division of its related country. So the size, population, geological location and climate condition will vary each other although it is situated in same provinces. The mapping of these districts is related to high and medium level of risk to natural events is included in this table. Some district has been promoted to disaster prone district although there have been no evidence of such natural events in past but due to certain factors like rises of sea level, earth quake zone, change in climate condition etc, makes these districts highly exposed to natural events in future. Such as Maldives, although there have been no evidence of tsunami for past 100 years but due to rise in sea lev el and located in earth quake zone whole Maldives is at high risk to flood and tsunami. This table is made on the bases of related to human life and economic losses. So Natural event like wild fire which is very frequent in Nepal and Burma has been excluded from the table because the impact on human lifes and economic losses are very low, although its impact on environmental is very high. 3.2 Disaster The term disaster can be defined as A serious disruption of the functioning of society, causing widespread human, material or environmental losses which exceed the ability of affected society to cope using only its own resources. This notion of disaster draws a distinction between sudden and slow onset disasters. Amongst natural disasters extreme droughts are the only ones that are slow onset by nature. The causes and effects of a drought disaster are far more difficult to ascertain than sudden natural events such as earthquakes, tsunamis or landslides. Due to the gradual nature of the process, often taking place over months and even years, the causes are more complex and it is often only possible to identify the effects indirectly. However, not every extreme natural event is a disaster. A volcanic eruption in an unoccupied area is a natural event but not a disaster. Floods can also have many beneficial effects the soil is supplied with fresh nutrients and made more fertile again, resulting in higher yields. So, disasters always have adverse impacts but specific approaches to them must cater for the dual nature of such events, i.e. disaster risk management searches to maintain the positive impacts while reducing the adverse consequences of extreme natural events. 3.2 Disaster Risk Management Technical Cooperation defines disaster risk management as a series of actions (programmes, projects and/or measures) and instruments expressly aimed at reducing disaster risk in endangered regions, and mitigating the extent of disasters. Disaster risk management includes risk assessment, disaster prevention and mitigation and disaster preparedness. It is used in the international debate to underscore the current trend of taking a proactive approach to hazards posed by extreme natural phenomena. The intention is a comprehensive reduction in disaster risk accounting for all the factors that contribute to risk (risk management), as opposed to a focus on each individual danger. Disaster risk management consists of the following elements: I. Risk Analysis II. Disaster Prevention and Mitigation III. Disaster Preparedness and IV. Disaster Preventive Reconstruction There is a risk of natural disaster when a society is exposed to natural hazards but lack adequate means and ability to protect itself from potential negative impacts i.e. vulnerability. The risk management process analyzes the natural hazard in relation to the societys vulnerability, in order to first evaluate potential damage and losses. This involves calculating the probability that a natural hazard will occur, identifying vulnerability factors in society, drawing up damage scenarios and evaluating measures for rapid reconstruction in the even of a disaster. A societys ability to continue to function while dealing with a hazard is known as its resilience. Prevention and mitigation covers activities whose long term aim is to mitigate the possible adverse impacts of a natural even and its consequences and provide permanent protection against its effects. Prevention and mitigation measures may be constructional and non material. The process of preparedness enables the country to resp ond effectively in case of an imminent disaster. Important elements in the process of preparedness include making the emergency plans, the availability of rescue and emergency services, emergency medical care, rapid and efficient transmission of warnings and the availability of means of communication. An important component of preparedness is the early waning system which significantly reduces the impact of disaster. A good early warning system will promptly identify and assess a hazard. Warnings are issued to the affected population and institutions, who respond appropriately. Disaster preventive reconstruction aims to draw appropriate lessons from the natural disaster and to include disaster reduction criteria and measures directly in the reconstruction process. Disaster Risk Management Process 3.3 Vulnerability of South Asian Countries to Disasters Vulnerability can be defined as the inadequate means or ability to protect oneself against the adverse impacts of natural events and, on the other hand, to recover quickly from their effects. The South Asian countries of the world are vulnerable to a number of factors. These factors comprise of very diverse, often mutually reciprocal, factors that have to be taken into account to determine the vulnerability of a family, a village or a country. The main vulnerability factors of developing countries to disasters are summarized below: * Political-Institutional Factors One of the important vulnerable factors of developing countries to natural disaster is political and institutional factor. The role of legislation is lacking and also it is not commensurate with the hazard or is not implemented (regional development and land use planning, building regulations). The personnel and financial resources available for disaster risk management and preparedness are inadequate. Roles are not properly or clearly assigned and there is a lack of coordination in and amongst the responsible institutions (including centralism: insufficient power for local actors) in developing countries. The political culture is conducive to vested interests and corruption, which hampers consistent disaster risk management (e.g. in the building trade) and effective disaster preparedness. The Democratic institutions in developing countries are underdeveloped and also low level of participation of the population in democratic processes diminishes their self-help capabilities is very low. Also the mechanisms and instruments for spreading financial risks are lacking or inadequate (e.g. disaster funds, insurance). A culture of prevention is obstructed or insufficiently promoted. All of these above mentioned make the developing nation more vulnerable to the natural disasters. * Economic factors Another important vulnerable factor of developing countries to natural disaster is then economic factor. In developing countries the financial resources are insufficient for disaster risk management (e.g. for flood protection infrastructure). Also the level of poverty in general limits the self-help capabilities of large parts of the population, although very effective traditional mechanisms to cope with disasters still exist in many developing countries. In the developing countries poverty increasingly compels people to settle in endangered areas (on riverbanks and steep slopes, in gulleys or ravines or on the slopes of volcanoes). Partly through environmental degradation (e.g. unofficial garbage dumps or slash-and-burn clearance), poor people often contribute to their own higher disaster risk. The economies of developing countries also depend on a few products (low level of diversification) and the danger is particularly great if these sectors are vulnerable to disaster (e.g. agric ulture). Not enough account is taken of the influence of economic activities on disaster risk (e.g. consumption of natural resources). * Sociocultural factors Socio cultural factor also play an important role in making the developing countries vulnerable to natural disasters. In developing countries due to poor education and insufficient knowledge of the cause-effect matrix, people are less able to respond appropriately in a changing environment. Also fatalism is widespread as a consequence of the belief that natural disasters are willed by God and are therefore inevitable. In developing countries the tradition of slash-and-burn clearance or the application of out-dated production methods can result in greater vulnerability for people and their property. On the other hand it may result in greater hazard due to the adverse impact on the natural environment (e.g. erosion through deforestation). The population is not prepared to engage in mutual support schemes and organize themselves in order to negotiate competing interests in the search for greater levels of general welfare. These political, economic and cultural factors are interconnected in a complex way. They have a reciprocal relationship and often compound each other. Progress in individual aspects, therefore, may well also have a positive effect on other vulnerability factors. A general improvement in school education, for instance, can be expected to help reduce poverty, facilitate the application of appropriate production methods and raise organizational abilities. This in turn can motivate people for prevention, thus generating a positive influence on the political factors through greater participation. 3.4 Impact and Threat of Climate Change The major impacts and threats of global warming are well-known. Recent increase in global temperature as already experienced intensity and extreme events, for example frequent occurrence of flood and intensity of heat wave. On the other hand global warming will increase melting water from glaciers and ice sheets which will cause sea level to rise and also has the potential to influence global patterns of ocean circulation respectively. This causes thermal expansion of the oceans. Climate change will have wide-ranging effects on the environment, socio-economic and related sectors, including water resources, agriculture, food security, human health, global ecosystems, biodiversity and coastal zones. Some of the impact and threat had already been experienced and if this continued in current way which will affect the global ecosystem in the following way. Impact Threats 1. Changes in rainfall pattern 1. Will lead to severe shortage of water and causes drought around the globe 2. Will increase average rainfall and causes severe flooding around the globe. 3. It will have unpleasant impact on agriculture and traditional subsistence-based agriculture. This becomes more vulnerable and difficult which will eventually affecting the economic well-being of the local famers. 2. Melting of glaciers 1. Many rivers and lakes formed by melting of glacier water will grow in size and causes flooding recently which pose threat to nearby villages but very soon when there will be no glacial melt, this causes them to dry up and spread drought. 2. If the melting of glaciers continues on the current rate, all Farmlands which depend on glacial water will dry up and it will lead up to scarcity of food. 3. Sea level will rise and entire communities living on coastal zone always pose threat from increasing sea water level. 4. Many animals, birds, and fish that depend on fresh melting water from glaciers for survival will either reduce in numbers or get wiped out over a period of time. 3. Change in regional temperature Change in climate patterns will cause shift in crop growing seasons which affects food security. Crops will tend to fail or become unbeneficial where conditions are currently marginal for their production but on the other hand crops may tend to grow successfully in other area where conditions are suitable and has become marginal for other crops. 2. Increase in temperature will speed up the life cycles of both the mosquito and the disease viruses. This will produce smaller adult mosquitoes to feed more often to develop an egg batch, which in turn increases the chances for disease transmission which will put more people at risk from diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. 3. Temperature increases will potentially accelerate rates of extinction for many habitats and species (up to 30% with a 2 ° C rise in temperature). It will also affect coral reefs, boreal, forests and mountain habitats. 4. Increasing sea levels 1. It will greater the risk of storm surge, inundation and wave damage to coastlines, particularly in small island states and countries with low lying deltas. 2. Fresh underground water on coastal lines will get polluted with salty sea water making it unfit for drinking or irrigation Who is most Vulnerable to natural hazard? 98% of those killed and affected by natural disasters come from developing countries, underlining the link between poverty and vulnerability to disaster. Rich countries have a far greater ability to reduce the effects of extreme weather events (such as floods and droughts) than developing countries. Proof of this can be found in statistics produced by the Red Cross, which reveal that 22.5 people die per reported disaster in highly developed nations, 145 die per disaster in nations of medium human development. By 2025 over half of all people living in developing countries will be highly vulnerable to floods and storms. (World Disaster report, 2001) Natural hazards are a part of life. But hazards only become disasters when peoples lives and livelihoods are swept away. The vulnerability of communities is growing due to human activities that lead to increased poverty, greater urban dens