Student Loan Crisis

Student Loan Crisis Beginning in the 1960’s the distribution of federal and non-profit funds have given students all over the United States the opportunity to pursue post-secondary educations. Although this method has given students the ability to go to college financially, the majority of the students are not able to pay the money back when finished causing debt. Currently students in the United States owe more than $1 trillion dollars worth of federal and private student loans.Surprisingly this number has surpassed the country’s credit card debt which is $852 billion dollars. This years presidential election has many serious & interesting topics being discussed such as gay marriage & immigration, but the topic of student loan debt is of high importance and relates to the majority of the country. More specifically student loans are affecting African Americans more than any other race today. Due to the economic state of the country and their lack of knowledge on student loans the majority of African Americans are unable to repay their loans.Student loan debt is one of the biggest issues facing African Americans in the 2012 presidential election due to their limited knowledge on student loans, cost of college, and the economy of the United States. The lack of knowledge on student loans combined with the cost of college causes numerous burdens on young black individuals but at the same time affects the country as a whole. One factor that African Americans frequently ignore or are unaware of is their ability to pay back their loans on time.Sophia Kerby says, â€Å"Studies show that only 37 percent of students are able to repay their loans on time. † (Kerby 1). Black students are borrowing tremendous amounts of money not knowing if they have the ability to pay the money back on time. Student loans are also causing the increased rate of African American dropouts in the country. For example, Ann-Marie Adams explains, â€Å"that 69 percent of bla ck students listed debt loads as a key reason for dropping out of college†.The inability to pay and the realization that they will not be able to pay off their loans causes them to end their academic pursuits. This is astonishing because according to Adams 60% of jobs in America require a college education, and due to their enormous student loans they will not get that chance to receive a college education. In order for blacks to succeed and compete in corporate America they need to receive some form of post-secondary education. Not only is receiving an education important to the black community, but it is also important to the overall country as a whole.The country’s economy needs educated individuals coming into the workforce, and if students are not able to finish their education then the economy will suffer. Ann-Marie Adams says, â€Å"America cannot have a  vibrant democracy and a robust economy with an uneducated populace† (Adams 1). The cost of college u ltimately causes black students to never get the chance to receive a post-secondary education or place unnecessary burdens on their lives. Either way these young bright minds do not have a fair chance to contribute to the resurrection of this once dominant economy.The educating of aspiring black college students and their parents on the dangers off student loans is imperative, so these young individuals will have the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s economy. The high rate of unemployment doesn’t give the majority of African American graduates the ability to pay back their student loan debt causing lingering affects to the black community. According to Ann-Marie Adams, up to 80% of the blacks in the graduating class of 2010 graduated with some form of student loan debt (Adams 1).With this high rate of African Americans leaving school with debt there is a demand for employment, but there are not enough jobs for them to obtain. The margin of â€Å"African Americ an youth at 30 percent†¦compared to the white youth unemployment rate of 16 percent† shows that African American graduates have a distinct financial burden (Kerby 1). The youth unemployment rate for African Americans is almost doubled compared to the youth unemployment rate for white Americans. This makes it that much more harder for black Americans to find sources of repayment since white Americans are able to get jobs easier.According to Adams, the average African American graduates with roughly 30,000 dollars worth of student loan debt (Adams 1). As the younger generation of blacks leave college with student loan debt that they are unable to payback, their ability to become homeowners and their ability to increase their wealth has diminished. Charlene Crowell explains, â€Å"The domino effect of debt begins with a student loan and then delays the ability to qualify for a mortgage†¦the ability to gain wealth is limited if not stymied†. The domino effect is t he main reason he majority of the black community is unable to reach the middle class. A college graduate in debt and not having the ability to pay their loans off in time because no jobs are available is the scenario for many blacks causing them to experience poverty. Julie Margetta Morgan says, â€Å"With high unemployment and underemployment and so few options for dealing with debt, it should come as no surprise that the delinquency rate on student loans is so high† (Morgan). The below average economic state of the United States doesn’t give African Americans the ability to successfully pay their debt back on time.Student loans are not only a detriment to African Americans individually, but they are affecting the economy as well. Like preciously stated, student loan debt is preventing African Americans from finishing college and being able to be an educated contributor to the country’s workforce. There are many methods that can be used to help prevent and fix the crisis. For example, probably the simplest method but the most effective will be informing young African Americans and their parents about the dangers of student loans and the steps used in taking out a reasonable loan.For example: There was an approximate 16 percent increase and 12 percent increase among black and Hispanic students, respectively, that took out private loans, from the 2003 ­Ã¢â‚¬â€œ04 to 2007 ­Ã¢â‚¬â€œ08 school years. While federal loans have lower interest rates than private loans, doubling the rate will bring the two closer together, making students of color more vulnerable to defaulting on their loans (Kerby) This shows how simple information on the benefits of a federal loan over a private loan could have prevented these families from taking on private loans.Holding seminars and presentations for high school students & parents would increase their knowledge resulting in better judgment. Another way of helping the African American community with the stud ent loan crisis is consistently funding aid programs for the low-income students. Kerby states, â€Å"Students who will lose eligibility or be cut from the Pell Grant program†¦will likely turn to loans to make up the difference† (Kerby 1). If these programs are funded properly then this will decrease African American’s need for student loans and ultimately decreasing the average student loan debt post-graduation.These two solutions will of course not completely fix the crisis, but they will jumpstart the needed repairing. Student loans have been a part of this country’s history for roughly fifty years and it has not caused any problems until this recent decade. This topic should be of high importance in the presidential election because it affects every citizen in someway. Whether it’s a parent unable to send their child off to college financially or a college graduate living in their mother’s house with $20,000 worth of debt, it affects us al l.The country needs to hear the truth and the facts about this crisis because this debt will keep increasing unless the individuals at risk are informed. The fact that this is the number one form of debt in our country today surpassing credit card debt is shocking. Every student planning to go to college or parent sending their child off to college should know the basics of student loans because one small signature can ruin the rest of their lives. Works Cited Adams, Ann-Marie. â€Å"Student Debt in the Black Community: Hampering Our Ability to Enter the Middle Class. Washington Post. The Washington Post, 13 Nov. 2012. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. . Crowell, Charlene. â€Å"The Domino Effects of Debt: Student Loans Trigger Financial Stress from Students To Retirees. † The Domino Effects of Debt: Student Loans Trigger Financial Stress from Students To Retirees. N. p. , 24 Aug. 2012. Web. 26 Nov. 012. . Harkin, Tom. â€Å"The Debt Crisis In Higher Ed. † Time 180. 18 (2012): 44-51 . Print. Kerby, Sophia. â€Å"How Student Debt Impacts Students of Color. † Center for American Progress. N. p. , 26 Apr. 2012. Web. 26 Nov. 2012. . Morgan, Julie

Black&Decker Corporation Essay

Black & Decker was incorporated in 1910. Begun by Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker, Black & Decker’s first power tool was an electric drill in 1916. They went on to develop and offer the first portable screwdriver, electric hammer, as well as finishing sanders and jigsaws all the way up to the hugely successful dust buster in 1978. Over the next 70 years, the company established itself as dominant name in power tool and accessories, first in the United States and then accros a broad global front but particularly in europe. Growth was achieved by adding to its lineup of power tools and accessories and by increasing its penetration of more and more foreign markets Symptons, Issues and Problems Issues in this case is diversification strategy runned by Black & Decker corporation. As a diversified global manufacturer and marketer of household, commercial, and industrial product, Black & Decker need to develop and choose the right strategy for diversification. This case particularly discuss diversification of Black & Decker corporation during late 1980’s to early 1990’s, where Black & Decker which is established as dominant name in power tools and accessories, began to pursue diversification. It is because the continuing maturity of its core power tools business. During the 1980’s Black and Decker had established themselves as a leader in the power tool industry. However, they were feels that the market for such tools was maturing to the point where expansion within the industry would provide little or no additional revenues so they decided to diversify. Black and Decker began their expansion operation by acquiring General Electric’s housewares business, the leader in the industry, for $300 million in 1984. The success of the GE deal, and the reorganization efforts of their new CEO Nolan Archibald, led Black and Decker to continue on this path of acquisitions and diversification in other areas. Then, various acquisitions and acquisition attemp made by Black & Decker in their strategy to diversified. But the biggest and most noticed was the acquisition of Emrat Corporation, a diversified manufacturer of industrial product, for a $2.8 billion in March 1988. This steps is considered to be very bad decisions made by Black & Decker. Analysis Change in strategy In the mid 1980s, Black & Decker feels that the power tool market had matured to the point where there is no much room for further growth. Black & Decker then decided to change their corporate strategy from single business firm into diversified company. In 1984 they began to diversify. First they tried to get into the small household appliance market. Rather than create their own line, Black & Decker decided to acquire General Electric’s unit of household appliances for $300 million. Although it was a small part of GE’s company, it held more market share than other houseware distributors (25 percent of the market and the leadership position). That acquisition gives an additional $500 million a year in revenue for Black & Decker because it was able to offer products like irons, coffee makers and toasterswhich. This began a trend of acquisitions by Black and Decker expanding into various related and unrelated markets with varying levels of success. This various acquisitions allowed Black & Decker to offer even more new products such as portable woodworking tools and stronger drill bits. After all the new changes, Black & Decker Manufacturing Company also changed its name to Black & Decker Corporation to help market those changes The successful story of GE’s household appliance division acquisition in 1988, has triggered Black & Decker to tried again. Only this time the company of interest was American Standard Inc. American Standard had an impressive $127 million profit in 1987, which towered above the mere $70 million for Black & Decker. But then, the acquisition was unsuccessful. The Emhart acquisitions The failed attempts by Black & Decker in 1988 did not stop Black & Decker moves to acquiring other company. In 1989, Black & Decker acquiring Emhart for the price of $2.8 billion, a price that 33% premium over Emhart’s preannouncement value. This acquisition may not have been the best move for Black & Decker because its stock price dropped 15 points after the announcement of the acquisition. After difficult negotiation of exactly how the acquisition would occur, Black & Decker decided to pay for Emhart for the next 48 years. The deal put over $2 billion in goodwill on Black & Decker’s books and increased debt to over $4 billion just before the credit markets were about to contract severely. With the exception of a few businesses like Price Pfister faucets and Kwikset locks, which represented just $600 million in sales, Emhart made no sense for Black & Decker. Several of its subsidiaries were quickly placed on the block. But then suddenly the economy became sluggish and the market slowed down, Black & Decker stock slumped from a pre-acquisition $25 to $8 per share. Archibald (Black & Decker’s CEO at that time) had to scramble to keep the company solvent. Archibald’s plan was to sell off about $1.8 billion of Emhart assets to pay down debt while merging the company’s line of Kwikset locks and Price Pfister Inc. plumbing fixtures with Black & Decker’s offerings. According to Archibald, the plan would have been successful enough under normal economic conditions. However, he failed to sell the Emhart businesses for the set prices leaving a long term debt of a hefty $3 billon and annual interest payments of more than $300 million. Black & Decker initially sold $1 billion in Emhart assets to reduce the interest costs. It met this demand by selling whole divisions of Emhart and also by selling equipment and other assets. By 1991, Black & Decker reduced the debt acquired by more than 25%. From 1993 to 1996, Black & Decker sold off three segments of Emhart that did not prove to be strategic parts of the acquisition. By 1997, Black & Decker was able to meet its liquidity requirements and management chose to amortize the costs on a straight-line basis for the next 40 years. This shows that the acquisition of Emhart Corporation is a Black & Decker’s bad move. Black & Decker’s decision to acquire a company that was larger than $2.3 billion (revenues) Black & Decker itself, (the Emhart Corporation were $2.7 billion in revenues), was too risky and apparently Archibald didn’t too aware about it. The purchase and acquisition of Emhart had proven a lack in the synergy required to make such purchases profitable. Also the company had not been able to reduce its amount of debt (primarily from the purchase of Emhart) over the subsequent 10 years. Archibald made poor decisions in the Emhart acquisition, which impacted its profit margin, lowered its competitive advantage, and killed any chance of creating above-average returns. There are things that has to be done in order to ascertain whether the acquisition may create value for the shareholders, which is the CEO’s primary responsibility. Effort should have concentrated on three essential tests:  · The attractiveness test. The industries chosen for diversification must be structurally attractive or capable of being made attractive.  · The cost-of-entry test. The cost of entry must not capitalize all the future profits.  · The better-off test. Either the new unit must gain competitive advantage from its link with the corporation or vice-versa. Conceding the point that the purchase provided some benefits, such as increased market share and well-known consumer brands, the cost-ofentry and better-off tests provide evidence that the Emhart purchase was very risky. Black & Decker SWOT Analysis Strengths  · Brand recognition is a strong attribute for Black and Decker. Black and Decker has a reputation for producing electrical engines, power tools and appliances.  · Black and Decker produce a variety of products in its respected industry, and it is involved in constant research and development (e.g., developing cordless appliances and tools, rechargeable batteries that are compatible with both tools and small appliances).  · Black and Decker have penetrated the market causing it to dominate market share in the industry. Weaknesses  · Black and Decker’s reputation for quality tools and appliances has been decreasing. This was likely due to the fact that Black and Decker was busy dealing with its non-strategic businesses. Opportunities  · Opportunities to gain more market share by sponsoring home improvement shows.  · Gain more market share with industrial market, by offering quantity-based deals and advertising the quality of its products. Threats  · Sears is the strongest competitor in the power tools division with 13.4 percent of the US market share.  · Black and Decker needs to be aware of new items that the consumer can use and develop them before their competitors. Conclusion and Recommendation When an industry became mature and not offered enough room for further growth, it is important for a company to change their strategy to keep growing continuously. This is what Black & Decker did, although being a dominant player in power tools and accessories for many years, Black & Decker realized the industry is being mature, so they decided to change their strategy into a diversified company. To be successful, a diversified company should have a portfolio of product with different growth rates and different market shares. The portfolio composition is a function of the balance between cash flows. High-growth product, that important for company to keep growth in the future, need lot of cash inputs. Low-growth product, product that already in maturity growth, should generate cash. How to balance between this two is the most important things in managing multi-business (diversified) company. The Emhart acquisitions is an example of bad acquisitions from Black & Decker in their strategy to diversified. There can be many reasons that an acquisition strategy fails to earn its cost of capital. An acquirer may have no real strategy to begin with and thus pay an unjustified acquisition premium right from the beginning. Or there may be a complete failure in executing a fundamentally sound strategy. One major risk in acquisitions is the failure to close the gap that may exist between the strategic objectives and organizational design of the new organization and those of the old. Issues such as new information systems and channels, management succession, new decision rights, and incentive systems must be planned carefully in light of where competitive performance gains are expected to result. This case is also an example of the problems where mismanaged growth can bring diversification away from core businesses and core competencies rarely creates value for the shareholders. High leveraged acquisitions put the firm at higher financial risks, particularly when the firm’s products depend on business cycles. Shocks to the economy may result in insolvency and possible bankruptcy. The company may have to sell assets at low prices to meet debt obligations. As financial markets become more and more sophisticated, investors may diversify more easily, thereby making corporate diversification less attractive. Firms must continue to strengthen their core competencies and sustain their competitive advantages. In conclusion, the fundamental reason for the failed acquisition is due to lack of long term planning, forecasting and predicting of the return on investment relative to cost. The highly leveraged acquisition of Emhart placed Black & Decker at higher financial risks, primarily when the firm’s products depended on business cycles. As result of the inherited debt and the unanticipated market fluctuations and weak economy may result in collapse or possible bankruptcy of the corporation. Black & Decker Executives’ lack of strategic direction and poor application of funds may lead the corporation to sell of assets at low prices or lay off employee to meet debt obligations. Our recommendation for this case is, Black & Decker should stick with its original vision that includes the consolidation of their portfolio. The company should continue in investing in, and strengthening, its core products within its existing portfolio, so that these products will generate cash flow that will enable the company to embark upon expansion opportunities. In the future, Black & Decker should consider international companies with strong recognition in the countries that they plan on expanding into, considering either acquisition, merger, or creating a joint venture. The affiliation between Black & Decker and these companies must create synergy in order to justify such deliberate moves and expansions. These planned executive decisions and actions will help Black & Decker to obtain competitive advantages which will result in aboveaverage returns, leading to greater investor wealth and value to its employees.

Analyze oral history Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Analyze oral history - Research Paper Example It is also imperative to note that he was an enthusiastic environmental conservationist according to his conversation. According to Ansen Adams, photography constitutes of all communicable aspects and the whole of photography technical attributes. The most interesting aspect of this interview is that Alsen relays his personal opinions childhood and his emotions. The interview is an important source since one is able to understand his viewpoints on life and other aspects of photography. The interview brings to light important aspects about Alsen philosophy, and one gets the feeling that music and photography are the same. â€Å"Conversation with Ansen Adams† explains the photography works of Adams equivalent to his experiences, emotions, and transmission of his concepts that has shaped today’s history. Adams made photography an important aspect in representation of historical events. Photographs have a unique way of communicating information that would otherwise not be feasible orally. â€Å"Ansel Adams conversation† refers to interviews held in twenty- six sessions with Adams Ansel (Harroun and Teiser 4-8). These interviews portray various topics, personal life and feelings of the photographer. It is interesting as to how Adam Alsen compares yester education systems to current systems. In his narration, one gets the feeling that yester year’s education systems were superior. However, is this truth? The camera that Alsen used back then would not be relevant in today’s photography. He examines yesterday’s technology to details, but such technology will not be relevant in the 21st century. Therefore, humans are in a constant state of progress and this means that things have to change. We may look at t his works with great pleasure, but we know well we cannot change the world’s geography or nature. Adam narrates of his education and points out that he was not that a good student. He went through different schools

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment Rights and USA Patriot Act Assignment

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment Rights and USA Patriot Act - Assignment Example According to the research findings, in the case Katz V. United States the petitioner was disturbed by the following two issues: 1) The Court was asked to determine whether a public telephone booth is a constitutionally protected area so that evidence acquired by attaching an electronic listening recording gadget to the top of such a booth is done in a violation of the right to privacy of the user of the booth. 2) In addition, the Court was to consider whether physical penetration of a constitutionally protected area is required before a search and seizure is said to be in violation of Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In their rulings, the Judges declined to adopt the formulation of the issues. In the first formulation, the Judges held that the correct solution to the Fourth Amendment challenge is not necessarily promoted by incantation of the phrase, ‘constitutionally protected area.’ In addition, the Fourth Amendment cannot be translated into a genera l constitutional ‘right to privacy.’ The Fourth Amendment is solely meant to safeguard individual’s privacy against some kinds of governmental intrusion with its privacy stretching and has no attachment to privacy. The governmental invasion of individual privacy is protected against by other provisions in the Constitution. However, the protection of a person’s general right to privacy alludes to the protection of one’s right to his property and his life that solely determined by the law of the individual States. The issues were formulated in a misleading manner, and hence the parties attributed great significance to the characterization of the telephone booth from which the petitioner placed his calls. The strenuously suggested that the booth was a constitutionally protected area while the government held that booth was not a constitutionally protected area. The government activities in electronically listening to and recording the petitionerâ€℠¢s words violated the privacy upon which the defendant justifiably relied while using the telephone booth and hence constituted as search and seizure as regard to the Fourth Amendment. The concern is to determine whether the search and seizure conducted complied with the constitutional standards. The Court found it plausible to argue that language aimed particularly during searches and seizures of things that can be searched and seized might safeguard privacy by being employed to eavesdropped evidence of conversations that can neither be searched nor seized.

Contemportary Developments in Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Contemportary Developments in Management - Essay Example This essay stresses that the high technology firms like Microsoft, Dell, Cisco, PeopleSoft, Oracle, Accenture, Ernst & Young and IBM, were under pressure to reduce costs. In the beginning of the 21st century the labor market was relatively poor. The business success of the large and medium corporations in the US is largely dependent on the consumer. Thus because of poor labor market, there was a downturn in the stock market. Investor sentiments were low and firms experienced reduction in trading volume. This affected the demand for computers and ultimately put pressure on the high technology companies to reduce costs. This is how offshoring increased during this period which was considered to be exporting good American jobs to low-wage nations. This paper discusses that the protectionists in the US allege that job losses are inevitable. The US high-technology industry is increasingly reliant on sub-contracted, non-unionized and illegal labor as well as exploitation of cheap labor in third world countries. The authors allege that the industry is centered on profit maximization with little or no concern for the nation. Based on various theories and business models, studies suggest that offshore outsourcing is preferred to domestic outsourcing or vertical integration of the firm. Global integration provides further reasons for outsourcing like thicker markets due to combining of economies.

Logic and critical thinking class Research Paper

Logic and critical thinking class - Research Paper Example This paper, therefore, discusses children as victims or media victimize offenders in a crime. As a result, it discusses the manner in which media conduct interviews and news coverage, whether they stick to legal requirements, and access the manner in which children are victimized in the reporting processes. Victimization of Children Currently, media is seen as a source of all social problems in the world. Media not only provides access to but also constructs social problems in view of their multiple effects on people. It has been blamed by wide group of people including critics and theorists for promoting crimes against humanity such as violence, sexism, racism, homophobia, and other oppressive phenomena. Media has caused social harm by negatively influencing children and youth, pornography, degradation of women, and promotion of excessive materialism (Tandon, 2007). There is rising concern over issues to do with media interviewing victims at the wrong time, recording and airing clip s of bodies, revealing the negative sides only, revealing identity of juveniles, and inappropriate digging into the past of victims. The media coverage on crime gives rise to increased responses from community, which include vigilance, sorrow, revenge, and caution. A critical exploration of social media coverage of crime victims is crucial in the development of crime policy and popular imagination. Not all victims of a crime receive equal treatment in the social media news. In most cases, intense media coverage is devoted to victims with a questionable past are regarded as ‘ideal’. The ideal victims refer to a person or individuals who receive a legitimate status of being a victim upon being hit by a crisis (Tandon, 2007). This category of victims includes defenseless, innocent, vulnerable, and worthy of sympathy victims. Elderly women and children categorically fit into this group. On the contrary, young men, homeless people, drug addicts, and others marginalized in th e society may find it difficult to attain the status of legitimate victims (Nielson, 2003). In addition, media may misrepresent, under-represent, or over-represent victims of crime. Since children and adolescents are seen as future leaders, any engagement in deviant practices is viewed as declination of the society into moral chaos. The concentration on children means that deviant behaviours lead to more victimization than would have been involved if adults were involved. Under the law, children are not deviant from birth. Their behaviour is influenced by socio-economic factors and psychological problems. The law therefore, protects children and provides them with facilities for rehabilitation. The Rights of the Child in the UN Convention states that one is regarded a child until he or she reaches the age of 18. Consequently, the juvenile Act of 2000 also mentions that 18 years is the age of children. Therefore, it is illegal to publish or air any information regarding persons less than 18 years in the media. However, it is common to spot violation of this law in the media. The analysis below proves the claim (Fritz, 1992). In an article that appeared in Times of India in 2003, two children were published as being responsible for heinous crimes. Indeed, their actions were strange and needed condemnation; however, the media should have exercised some strain in reporting the crimes since the victims were minors. The article portrayed a very negative

Root Metaphors in Understanding Organisational Behavior Essay

Root Metaphors in Understanding Organisational Behavior - Essay Example Metaphors give a clearer understanding of the paradoxical and complex characteristics of organizational behavior. Some of the metaphors that have been used over time in reference to organizational behavior include organism, culture, machine and political systems. This paper will analyze some of the root metaphors that have been used to describe organizations. Organizations as Cultures Culture refers to a way of a people hence organizational culture denotes a pattern of basic assumptions adopted within a group. These assumptions act like the norm and any new member has to learn them (Phegan, 1996: pp. 25). These norms govern the interaction of people within an organization and the working relationship with those outside the organization. They define conduct for various situations (Parker, 2000, p.56). In analyzing organizations as cultures, the Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory proposes that organizations adopt a culture as determined by the region they are located in (Hofs tede, 1991, p. 43). Organizational culture varies from one nation to another. An awareness of multiculturism is important for any organization. For instance, if an organization based in Britain chooses to extend its operations to the Arab nations, then it has to take into consideration the aspect of religion that is an important part of the lives of the Arabians. Hence, the organization will adjust its culture to accommodate its Arabian employees. According to Hofstede (1980, p. 67), national and regional cultural groupings affect organizational behavior. Different analysts have described organizational culture in various ways. Deal and Kennedy have four cultures (Deal and Kennedy, 1982, p.34). The ‘work-hard, play hard’ culture is one where the members of an organization put a lot of time into their work to be among the best. Such organizations are result oriented. Organizations like restaurants have adopted such a culture. The ‘tough guy macho’ culture is a high risk and reward oriented culture. In addition to this, such organizations focus on the present rather than long term goals. An example of this would be the police force. Process culture works for low risk and slow feedback oriented organizations. These organizations, observe a lot of bureaucracy. Banks and insurance companies fall into this category. Lastly, ‘bet-the-company’ culture is common with organizations that are involved in high risk business that gives slow feedback (Hartnell et al. 2011, p. 12). A lot of planning and work is put into the realization of goals. Oil companies and aircraft manufactures are some of the organizations with such a culture. An organization’s culture determines its output as pointed out by Denison et al. (2004, p. 98-109). A strong culture is one where the staff aligns themselves to the norms and lives up to the expectations. In such cultures, work progresses smoothly and the organization easily realizes its goals and ob jectives. Furthermore, a strong culture organization benefits in that the employees have high motivation (O’ Reilley et al., 2006: p. 487). Moreover, organizational culture increases team cohesiveness. Different departments and divisions within the company closely work together. This fosters harmony. This in turn promotes consistency. The staff finds their niche and can easily coordinate their activities. Once they adopt the norms, they know what is expected of them and work effortlessly in keeping up with the norms. Hence, it also shapes

Prepare for a meeting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Prepare for a meeting - Essay Example Apparently, Nasbitt is abusing her position. After episodes of conflict with her co-workers , Nasbitt told Mr. Robbins that she had been a victim of discrimination since she is gay. This was a revelation that surprised Mr. Robins . In such case, the HR is the authority in resolving these type of issues since sexual discrimination is a serious matter. However, the HR cannot conclude anything since there is no investigation yet. Because of these two issues, meeting is called for by the Director, Ms. Wilkinson, so that the situation can be analyzed and decisions can be made. The structure of the meeting is focused on officials who can make decisions regarding Nasbitt’s case. The concerned employee would not be invited in the said meeting since a separate investigation would still be conducted on a sensitive issue. Therefore, the meeting intends to review the behavior of the employee and its implications to the business. The meeting is formal since the issue is serious. The dissemination of the agenda would be immediate as the Marketing Director would send an email to those concerned. Moreover, an office assistant would confirm the attendance of those invited to come in the meeting. It would be a close-door meeting at the conference room. First issue is Jaynes unsatisfactory work performance which is evidenced by her behavior toward an advertising agency. She threatened the agency with an authority she does not have. ( Problem analysis ) What will happen after this meeting : Certain set of actions must be delivered such as decision-making and investigation. Thus, a meeting would be called for to assign people certain tasks that would clarify the issues of Ms. Nasbitt. Ms. Wilkinson called for the meeting since she is the Director for Marketing. Even at the start of Nasbitt’s case, she was consulted by Mr. Master’s on actions that can be taken against Ms. Nasbitt. She needs to resolve the issue carefully

Senior Paper on Building an Hacintosh Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Senior Paper on Building an Hacintosh - Essay Example The reason as to why this question is important is because there are several OS that people and companies have come up with, and which can be used interchangeably to ensure that the machines are compatible and can work effectively. The aim of the study will be to give information on the different reasons as to why different people and institutions use different OS instead of using the common OS from Apple. Before conducting the research, I knew that there existed several OS that have been hacked and most of them if not all are being used today. What I want to discover after the study is the reasons as to why people consider using the OS that have been hacked instead of using the OS from Apple that is considered real and proper. One of the reasons why people use different OS is because of the security that they find in using one type of the Operating System. People have a belief that the operating system they chose to use has a big probability of providing protection and security to t he files which have been stored in the computer (Chaubal 117). They believe a certain Operating System can be able to protect information that has been put in place by the users and thus view it as advantage of using the Operating System instead of the others which have been built to serve the same purpose. The government for example have their computers and machines used by several users, and have they may opt to use an Operating System that is not the same as that which an individual user may use. This is because the many different users who use the government facilities machines may tamper with the information that another person may have saved in the machine. There are systems which have been developed, and they cannot detect some of the viruses that come along with the surfing process. Therefore, people are coming up with various ways in which they are able to built operating systems that have trusted computing base that has software which provide security to the machines (Jaeg er 6). The Trusted Computing Base in the operating system depends on its level, which can either be formally verified, tested fully or which the community accepts and trusts to be effective. There are people who use the formally verified system because they believe that they can be able to protect their data which is stored in the computers (Franklin and Coustan 1). Each security problem should be accessed by the process which is allowed to do so. It means that the operating system is able to perform each of the functions needed to ensure that the problems occurring in any of the machines used can be well accessed and solved using the proper operating system (Spring 3). Some people view operating systems to have different capabilities of solving problems and thus this is the reason as to why they use different operating systems. Another reason as to why people choose one operating system over the other is the cost incurred in purchasing and installing the system into the computer. P eople and companies use the operating systems that reduce on the total cost incurred in using that specific operating system. Those people and companies who have fewer resources look for cheaper operating systems. Other institutions which have resources and lots of money such as government institutions will not mind giving in extra costs to get and purchase a fancy operating system (Bekman 1). Some of the

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movie 1974 Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974 - Movie Review Example First of all, it is a process of everlasting thinking and intention to broad own outlook. Without critical analysis, brainstorming and generation of own thoughts and emotions, any cultural event is pointless, as long as it does not compel person to accept provided information properly, developing knowledge base, forming private views and altering previous attitudes. Sometimes watching a play or visiting exhibition, a person is able to be pleasantly impressed and manages to learn a lot more than last several years of life can teach him with different situations, experiences, acquaintances and problems. It is not random when they say that a smart person studies life with a help of outside experiences, instruments and sources, which prevent him to make mistakes in own real situations. Therefore, cultural enrichment is imperative device of personal development and growth, which stimulates thinking activity and embellishes insipid days with bright and abundant emotions. One of such cultur al events that had managed to become not only entertainment but also educational element, encouraging to further communication, expression of own ideas and making of relevant conclusions, was a free presentation of legendary Toby Hooper’s movie â€Å"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre†, which took place on the lawn at Enzian theatre. The outdoor show occurred on the 19th of October at 8:30 PM. Word of mouth, especially my close friend, who is a passionate fan of horror movies, and Internet links on the official web site of the theatre have helped me to find out more about impending event, providing details concerning the venue, time and gist of gathering. Being not very impressed with such genre of movies, after my friend’s arguments concerning the significance and popularity of the mentioned film I was extremely intrigued, containing interest and intention to be able to appraise a picture that was totally out of my taste. Preliminary having read some reviews, among w hich there were as positive as critical comments equally, I realized the vagueness of horror movie that managed to create inner desire to form own point of view. That is why, being interested and rather skeptical about greatness of the picture, I decided to take my friend’s piece of advice into consideration and watch Hooper’s movie. In the beginning of â€Å"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre† a viewer can observe rather unusual fact when a teller emphasizes on the truthfulness of the current story. However, despite that during the creation of the Leather face’s image script writers have alluded to well-known in 1950s American slaughter Ed Gein, in the reality all characters are invented and the plot is fictional. Such disinformation of the viewers is able to evict considerable interest and attract people’s attention to the movie right from the beginning, keeping them in a huge tension and concentration to the plot until the very end. The movie starts w ith dreadful flashes of dead bodies and announcement of the radio speaker about the barbaric treatment of graves on the Texas cemetery. In the center of the movie there is a young girl named Sally and her disabled brother on invalid chair, who, being heard about tombs robbing, with other friends get a ride to investigate a grave of their grandfather. Driving near a cattle farm, Franklin explains everybody how farmers slaughter cows, while Pam interjects that â€Å"people should not kill animals for food†. That is the first push for thinking that a viewer meets with. Ordinary and

Active Directory Benefits Essay Example for Free

Active Directory Benefits Essay Active Directory is Microsofts trademarked directory service, an integral part of the Windows 2000 architecture. Like other directory services, such as Novell Directory Services (NDS), Active Directory is a centralized and standardized system that automates network management of user data, security, and distributed resources, and enables interoperation with other directories. Active Directory is designed especially for distributed networking environments. A better representation of the network Centralization sums up my primary reason for implementing Active Directory. The Active Directory structure makes it possible for you to achieve truly centralized management of users, regardless of how big your client’s network has become. If youve worked with Windows NT before, you know that in Windows NT a domain is a completely independent entity. While its possible to create a trust relationship between domains that exist on a common network, the domains are never truly integrated with each other because there is no higher authority that manages the domains. Forests Active Directory uses domains, but rather than each domain remaining independent, you can place multiple domains in an AD forest. This brings the entire network under the control of a single domain that oversees the others. AD allows an administrator of a forest to administer multiple domains, reducing cost and complexity while providing greater security. This also can help to reduce the number of domain controller servers in the organization. User Management Active Directory forest architecture allows communication between domains and facilitates centralized user management. The users in one domain are known to the forest domain controller, improving the flexibility of user credential management. This allows much more flexibility for employees who must travel from site to site, each with its own domain. An employee in Domain A that travels to Domain B can just log in with his normal  credentials and gain access to his network resources. Organizational Units The Active Directory structure includes support for organizational units (OU) that represent business units within the organization. AD allows an administrator to delegate some amount of authority for administering organization units. For example, an AD administrator can delegate the authority to reset passwords to the administrative assistant in the Sales department OU. This relieves the network administrator and the help desk of spending time on routine tasks. Rights Management AD provides Rights Management Services to protect files and other resources from unauthorized access. Administrators grant file access and control rights for authorized users and unauthorized users are prevented from accessing those files. This is an essential feature for organizations that require higher levels of security

The influence of identity and values Essay Example for Free

The influence of identity and values Essay An individual’s sense of belonging is determined by their relationships with others and their ability to maintain their own strong values and morals whilst conforming to the requirements of the group. Those who refuse to compromise their values for the broader community may find themselves isolated, which in turn may affect their identity. In Shakespeares tragi-comic play As You Like It, the characters form unusual relationships in an alternative environment enabling their true values and morals to be revealed and furthering the development of their identity. In David Frankels film The Devil Wears Prada we see the refreshing nature of displacement from one’s natural environment and how following this alternate path exposes the challenges to one’s identity. Ultimately, both texts reflect the powerful impact of context on forming value driven relationships, resulting in changes to one’s identity and values. An individuals relationship with others impacts upon their ability to belong, revealing the powerful role of values when appealing to the requirements of the group. Some people choose to define themselves through individuality, while others require the presence of others in order to belong. Shakespeare cleverly contrasts the familial relationships between Oliver and Orlando in comparison with Rosalind and Celia in his play As You Like It. The strong connection between Rosalind and Celia condemns them into banishment where the allusion to an impregnable bond is formed, Dearer than the natural bonds of sisters. Their predicament is then juxtaposed with the disconnection between the brothers of Oliver and Orlando, which was created by the mistreatment and inequality experienced through primogeniture. Through emotive language Orlando enforces how the horses are better bred than him, alluding to animalistic treatment of him by his brother Oliver. It is Rosalind and Celias choice to depend on each other and therefore follow one another into banishment, when Celia claims through hyperbole she cannot live out of her company. However, in comparison Orlando chooses to be true to his values seeking individuality and independence from his negative relationships with Oliver. His destructive relationship with Oliver is due to a power imbalance and pure greed, driving Olivers actions. Orlando exposes Olivers mistreatment through the bold statement I will no longer injure it, foreshadowing future uprisings and further conflict in the play, before peace can be restored. The play reveals how the relationships between people can shape an individuals idea of themselves, affecting their ability to belong, whether belonging is gained through the positive connections or through the withdrawal from negative experiences. While place can nourish an individuals sense of belonging, it is dependent on ones values and relationships to determine which environment one chooses to connect with. Frankel’s film The devil Wears Prada develops two opposing settings, Andy’s personal life based around family and friends, such as homely Nate, in comparison to the elite fashion magazine Runway, whose editor in chief Miranda lives a more sophisticated life. In the scene following Andy’s arrival, her naivety leads her to question â€Å"who is Miranda?† in an innocent and unknowing tone, highlighting her ignorance of the fashion world. Andy’s personal values of justice continue to question the ethics and morals of the company when she smirks at the superficiality and triviality of Miranda and Nigel’s model preparations for the magazine. The Mid-shot with an eye level camera angle juxtaposed with the immediate full length body image to highlight Andy’s lack of appreciation for physical appearance, suggests Andy seeks importance in her personal values and morals rather than from looks. Similarly to Rosalind, Andy relies on her values and morals in an environment where she is isolated and alienated, in order to seek a sense of belonging. Andy’s initially strong relationship with Nate too determines which environment she chooses to connect with. Andy shows how her priorities change when she forms a flirtatious bond with Christian and misses Nate’s birthday. Nigel foreshadows â€Å"when your life goes up in smoke it’s time for a promotion† supporting the shallow ideas promoted by the fashion industry. The cake’s candles are blown out and the smoke rises exposing Andy’s sacrifice of her relationship in order to belong to her chosen environment. Thus, one’s values and relationships can have both a destructive and enriching effect on an individual’s sense of belonging to place – although Andy loses her connection to home and Nate, she gains one with Miranda and the Runway magazine. A connection to place enriches an individual’s sense of self, which can be altered or affected by the harsh realities of their current environment. As You Like It creates two alternative settings with the play, the envious court with the personification of the court to convey its hostility and the Forest of Arden, as a romantic idealized setting. When Rosalind is living in the court, she is deprived of her knowledge and perceived with lesser importance through the alliteration of bountiful blind woman, confirming that the world is unfair. juxtaposed when she is banished to the Forest of Arden, where she has to sacrifice her identity as a woman and disguise herself as Ganymede, she is able to expose her true morals and values. Similarly, the court conveys its hostility when the alliteration and plosive p in painted Pomp emphasizes the harshness of the court, is contrasted with Duke Seniors rhetorical question are not these woods more free from peril than the envious court? Illustrated as a place of nurturing, healing and change, the forest is shown through the courteous tone Oliver uses when he says Good morrow fair ones. Thus, it was truly the forest that encouraged this sense of renewal and enlightened him upon his developed identity. With the accumulation and onomatopoeia cleverly showcases that Duke Senior feels secure in himself and his environment when he states tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones and good in everything. Ultimately, an environment can both enrich and challenge ones sense of belonging, yet overall it will formulate an individuals identity through the changing of morals and values. An act of displacement from the individuals homely environment can expose ones dynamic identity and varied sense of belonging. When protagonist Andy is displaced from her natural, everyday life and directed to work as Miranda Priestley’s assistant, her changing identity greatly impacts on her sense of belonging within the environment. Andy tolerates Miranda’s humiliating treatment in the hope of receiving a job as a reporter or writer somewhere more prestigious. The photo montage of Andy’s new and fashionable clothing suggests she compromises her integrity and values in order to gain experience and a reputation at Runway, evident when Andy forgoes her former values for shallower, superficial ones, related to fashion and sex appeal. Antagonist Miranda represents values of superficiality and ruthlessness when she exclaims â€Å"you have no style or sense of fashion† preclude love and happiness as the key values of human existence. However, Miranda’s influence on Andy can encourage her to choose to align herself with values that do not represent her true identity, such as love, family and personal life. When Andy’s true values are juxtaposed with what Miranda has to offer, which means being lonely and isolated, Andy is forced to re-engage with her original values and rekindle her relationship with Nate, re-establish her familial and personal connections, which ultimately convey her real identity. Ultimately, the film reveals how the consequences of displacement can affect an individual’s connection to their environment, forcing the realisation of an unrealistic identity, encouraged by negative experiences.

Car Sharing Scheme To Encourage Sustainable Transportation Tourism Essay

Car Sharing Scheme To Encourage Sustainable Transportation Tourism Essay We have an increase of population size and people will have different needs to have successful healthy and happy lives. For example, a family staying with their aged parents may regard a car as a necessity to ferry his aged parents to their medical appointment. Due to growing need, without a car to provide the mobility they need, many are force to travel in a less desirable manner. Hence, we could see that the majority of mode of transportation used by most of people in Singapore is car. Car however has led to a series of problems including air pollution, congestion and growing greenhouse gas emission because a running cars engine produces large amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere every day. According to Katzev (2003), automobiles are also a major source of carbon dioxide, the so-called green-house gas, which many claim is the principle source of global warming. As such, we need to start as a group of community thinking about more sustainable form of transport in Singapore. One potential alternative to removing cars on the road is through car-sharing scheme. This research will focuses on the opportunities to present to Singapore through this car sharing scheme in our transportations. This is the more sustainable option in the long-run. In 2012, there were more than 520,000 private cars registered in Singapore. The motor vehicle population in Singapore which include private and company cars, rental cars, taxis, buses, motorcycles, goods and other vehicles were increased by 1.45% from 951,307 in 2011 to 965,192 in 2012 (Singapore Police Force, 2013). Such a large number of private cars reduce the efficiency of the transport system by taking up road space that is needed by public transport and commercial vehicles. The government had tried a series of measures to reduce car overpopulation and traffic congestion by heavily taxing the purchase and use of cars as well as with recently announced that COE prices increase to reach more than S$95,000. However, this had the unintended effect of pricing out people who are in need of a car as does not table the problem of overpopulation. This is because as the population grows, the numbers of cars on Singapore growth will continue to grow. The need of Singapore transportation become more sustainable In Singapore, despite there are a lot cars on the road, we need to decrease cars on the road to make the transport more sustainable, one potential ways by doing this is through car-sharing scheme. Singapore is a small island city-state country whereby we cannot afford to ignore the effects that transport that has on health and the environment. The environment is our priority and Singapore needs to keep the environment as pristine as possible. Our economy depends on an efficient transport system to delivery smoothly a flow of goods and personnel to where they are needed. Our limited supply of land also means that we have to allocate resources to transport system very carefully. Hence, its important to adopt a greener form of transport. Nevertheless, we understand that no matter how efficient Singapore public transport system are, can never fully meet every mobility need. Despite of an excellent MRT system and efficient taxi system, alternatives are required to allow for Singaporean to make different choices about going around on the island. Car-sharing scheme is such a choice for such opportunities to remove cars on the road while still allowing people to get around as they need to. Car-sharing scheme, a new approach to sustainable transportation in Singapore Car-sharing is a pay-as-you-drive transportation service introduced in many modern cities to build a sustainable urban transportation strategy and environment-friendly urban community. This amazing green business idea works because people save money, and lose the hassles of ownership, yet still able to access to a car when they need one. The car-sharing growth in Singapore is mainly boosted by the rise of COE price. Higher COE prices are driving people to look for cheaper and more flexible options and therefore would able to push people towards using public transport, or opt for car-sharing. Car-sharing allows individual to gain the benefits of using a private car without the costs of responsibility of owning a car. The benefits of car-sharing can include more careful consideration of the necessity, duration, and distance of automobile trips, resulting in decreased vehicle use and ownership, and reduced parking demand and traffic congestion. Besides, car-sharing will be greater consideration given to alternative mode, resulting in increase of MRT passengers. Car-sharing also provide cost saving to individual and employers, energy savings and air quality benefits as well as reduce the emission of carbon dioxide. Despite to its many potential benefits, car-sharing may gain in popularity in Singapore as demonstrated by increasing North American membership. Through car-sharing scheme, we are able to reduce cars on the road which led to less congestion, less pollution, less dependence on oil, and cleaner, fresher air to breath. Car-sharing Operators in Singapore There are about 300 car-sharing vehicles located in over 100 locations in Singapore. Land Transport Authority (LTA) is working closely with HDB and car-sharing operators to provide more locations across the island to make it more convenient for users to access a car-sharing service in the near future. In Singapore, currently have a few car-sharing service providers: Car Club, Whizzcar and Kah Share. Clean Mobility Singapore, an environmental start-up company that provides electric cars for hire launched in Buona Vista-Ayer Rajah area and have designated parking lots in Pixel Building, Biopolis, Fusionpolis, Insead Campus and Block 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent. Clean Mobility is part of the Energy Market Authority and Land Transport Authoritys three-year, electric-vehicle trial costing $20 million (The Straits Times, 2011). The Straits Times (2013) had reported that more than 150 people have plugged into a year-old electric car-sharing sharing scheme operated under the brand name Smove. Mea ntime, Kah Share, Whizz Car and Car Club have reported an increase of between 15 per cent and 35 per cent each in membership numbers (The Straits Times, 2011). Government Intervention Like many other cities, Singapore faces the challenge of managing traffic congestion. With a fixed quantity of road space, each additional vehicle adds to the demand of road space and increases congestions for every other vehicle and pollutes the environment. Singapore is a land of scarcity, the country does not have the luxury to allow everyone to own a car and that car ownership cannot be put under the same category as basic necessity such as housing (Channelnewsasia, 2013). As part of effort to reduce carbon emission from car, the Singapore government implemented the Vehicle Quota System (VQS) which allows the government to control the amount of cars on the road. Vehicle quota system The VQS is controlled by the Certificate of Entitlement. The purpose is to limiting the number of newly purchase vehicles and aims for sustainable growth in vehicle population. The buyer has to bid to purchase a COE which is valid for 10 years before the vehicle can be use on road. The government had decided to reduce the allowable vehicle growth rate from 3 per cent per annum which was the rate since vehicle quota system introduced in 1990, to 1.5 per cent per annum in 2009, and further reduced it to one percent per annum in 2012 and 0.5 per cent per annum in February 2013. The COE premiums for small cars (up to 1,600cc) breached the $90,000 mark, finishing the years first bidding session at $92,100 on January 2013. This is up 12.4 per cent from last months bidding where prices ended at $81,889. Prices for big cars in Cat B (above 1,600 cc) also reached a new high, ending at $96,210. The previous record-breaking price was $94,502 in August 2012 (icarsclub, 2013 ). Figure .1: COE Open Bidding Result (Source: sgcarmart.com, 2013) Taxes and fees on vehicles Every car in Singapore is taxed by an import (Customs) duty, registration fee, an additional registration fee, and road tax which make owning a car in Singapore very expensive. The import duty is 31% of the import value of the car, on top of that, a Registration Fee is charged for private cars and on top of that, an Additional Registration Fee (ARF) is charged. The (ARF) is 100% of the Open Market Value (OMV) of the vehicle. Public parking charges have been raised and also additional surcharges were levied to discourage car use. Others cost such as insurance, Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), petrol and maintenance cost which are extremely costly for an average earning individual and thus it helps to control car population. Hence, implementation of government regulations with soaring premiums for COEs, taxes and fees or charges, it had directly boosted the use of car-sharing for the people who need to travel around the island. For a successful car sharing scheme in Singapore, Singapore government has to play its part in addressing the problems of climate change and looking at ways and measures to reduce our emission. Research Question Our research will focus on the primary and secondary question in view of the solution to road congestion, pollution and other environmental and resource consequences of automobile dependence through car-sharing. 1.2.1 Primary Research Question Our research question is what are the benefits and opportunities for using car-sharing scheme to make Singapore transports system become more sustainable. 1.2.2 Secondary Research Questions The scopes that this research is focusing on: What is car-sharing scheme and how does Car-sharing works; What are the benefits of car-sharing scheme; Who benefits from car-sharing scheme; Which countries have already develop car-sharing scheme The Scope of the Research The study will focuses on the benefits of car sharing scheme in our transportation option for many people in meeting the transportation needs in an economically and environmentally responsible manner in Singapore. Research Method The research method we will be using is both qualitative and quantitative research approach. The quantitative method will be based on the research question analyses based on the current situation and analyses through literature review. The qualitative method shall be gathering information through sets of questionnaire on a focus group of employees, employers and retirees at a few point of location in Singapore. Research Objective The main objective of the research is to understand the problems of increasing car population which led to a serious problem of air pollution, congestion and growing of greenhouse gas emission and to identify the opportunities and benefits of car-sharing scheme as an alternative transportation mode towards sustainable form of transport in Singapore. Limitation This research will be discussing the benefits of car-sharing scheme using normal car and only within Singapore based on the knowledge and understanding gather from collected information sources and data. There will be limitation to forecast whether of the impact and growth car-sharing scheme by using electric car. It may impractical at this moment although electric car have the potential to reduce our carbon emission significantly if adopted on a large scale and government play its part promoting green vehicle by provide a range of incentives or rebates. However, the technology is still in the early stages of development. Beside, in order for electric car to have a positive impact on reducing emission, the energy grid empowering these cars need be from a sustainable source like solar or wind. Due to the cost of buying a hybrid vehicle is much higher than of a normal car, users, limited range of electric vehicle as well as the charging time. The information and data will be obtained f rom published news and journals except the information from questionnaires. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW Definition and explanation of car-sharing scheme Car sharing is a revolution in personal transportation urban mobility for the 21st century. Carsharing is designed to replace car ownership for people who do not need to drive to work every day, and to significantly reduce road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. It is a service that provides 24/7 self-serve access to a network of cars stationed around the city (and increasingly, cities world-wide), which can be reserved by the hour or day via smart phones, Internet and call centres (Carsharing, 2013). Automobile, despite its numerous benefits, is largely responsible for many of the environmental and social problems in the world today (Katzev, 2003), which Singapore is one of such countries. The dependence on automobile has contributed traffic congestion and pollution to the air of Singapore. Therefore, in order to reduce traffic congestion and reduce the environmental impact contributed by automobile in Singapore, numerous efforts have been made by the government to reduce vehicle population growth rate by increasing the Car of Entitlement (COE) prices for cars or reducing the quota for COE. Car-sharing is first introduced in Singapore by NTUC Income in 1997 since the rise of COE prices and over the years, the interest in car-sharing has risen as car-sharing is the ticket for drivers who cannot afford or do not want to own a car (The Strait Times, 2012). Differ from car-pooling, car-sharing is a process whereby people share or rent a car without having to bear the responsibilities of car ownership and costs. Whereas in car-pooling, it is a group of individuals taking the same car together to get to a common destination at the same time. In car-sharing scheme, the car-sharing companies pay all of the costs of vehicle maintenance, service, and repairs. This includes insurance coverage, parking, and the cost of fuel (Katzev, 2003). Also differ from conventional car rentals, car-sharing companies operate by placing cars near to members home or office when the needs to use the cars arise. (Martin Shaheen 2011). The pay-as-you-drive or pay-per-use transportation service which provided by the car sharing companies offer drivers another alternative and freedom of using the car. Drivers get to enjoy the benefits of a car without having to own one for a short period of time based on their travelling needs, such as hourly or daily basis. The d rivers are also allowed to choose the types of cars according to their needs. This scheme is introduced in many modern cities to build a sustainable and environment-friendly urban community (Land Transport Authority, 2013). A research done in the North America shows that one shared vehicle can take 6 to 33 privately owned vehicles off the road. This is made possible by reducing the number of private vehicle required to complete non-work trips (Green Business Times, 2013). Hence, car-sharing reduced congestion on the road as it reduces car ownership and people dependency on privately owned vehicles. Car-sharing also has environmental impact to the environment. According to the article stated in Green Business Times (2013), vehicle miles traveled by members dropped by 67%, yet they were able to maintain mobility and convenience of transportation while getting access to a wider variety of cars. The drop in vehicle miles traveled will have a huge environmental impact that results in a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from 39% to 64%. Since its inception, car-sharing has grown rapidly and it has become more common worldwide, especially in Europe and North America (Shaheen, Sperling Wagner 1999). Car-sharing membership has  increased by 360% worldwide between 2006 and 2010 (Carsharing, 2013) and as of January 2011, North American car-sharing companies served almost 604,000 members with about 10,000 vehicles. (Martin Shaheen 2011). 2.1.1 How car-sharing works in Singapore It usually takes less than 5 minutes from reserving to collecting a car-sharing vehicle and the whole process is automated and it is self-service just like having a own car. To use the car, the user can follow the steps listed below: Join as a member User who wishes to car-share must first join as a member at any of the car-sharing company. After which, members will receive a personal keyfob/ smartcard. The keyfob/ smartcard is use to unlock an electronic box where the car keys are kept. Making reservation for the car When there is a need to use the car, member can make reservation via smart phones, Internet and call centres. The reservation can be made within a few minute notice or few days in advance. The booking will be keyed into a computer and transmitted to the electronic box. Collecting the car The cars are normally parked near to users home or office in designated car park spaces.   The electronic box is located in the members estate and the member can unlock the box when the member slots in their keyfob/ smart card. His booking particular will be copied onto the keyfob/ smart card and he can then collect the key. Driving the car During reservation period, member will just use the car just like his own. Returning the car When member has finished using the car, he needs to return the car back to the same location where he has collected the car. He also needs to place the key back to the electronic box. The trip usage is automatically recorded and the member can view their usage record online. Payment The invoice is then generated and payment will be made through GIRO or credit card monthly to the car-sharing service companies. If a member does not return the car on time, he will have to pay a penalty, which will be used to compensate the next member who had booked the car but was inconvenienced due to late return from the former member (Carsharing, 2013). Benefits of car-sharing Due to recent high COE, it is getting more and more difficult for one to own a car in Singapore nowadays. Some of the major social benefits of car-sharing are such as lower emissions, ease traffic congestion, convenience and cost savings for individuals and businesses, better utilization of land and energy resources and reduce the demand for car park spaces. 2.2.1 Less pollution to the environment Motor vehicle usage is a major source of air and noise pollution in the world today. It has contributed 70% of the carbon monoxide, 45% of the nitrogen oxides, and 33% of hydrocarbon emissions in the world (Katzev, 2003). The combustion process of fuel in motor engines emit Carbon Monoxide (CO) will not only pollute the air quality, it also harm the human body through respiration (Sing Health 2013). Motor vehicles are also a major source of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, which many claim is the principal source of global warming (Katzev, 2003). Besides carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, other greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide, methane and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are also released from the combustion process of fuel in motor engines. These gases caused global warming to the Earth which the temperature will increase and trap the radiated heat from escaping out (Nutramed, 2011). In the United State, low emission motor vehicles contribute to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. AutoShare and U Car Share offer additional greenhouse gases reductions through partnerships with carbon-offset companies. Many customers report an increase in environmental awareness after joining a carsharing organization (Shaheen, North American car-sharing, 2008). Noise pollution is also an issue to the environment. With more motor vehicles on the road, the noises created from the engine revolutions can be a nuisance to the environment. Especially during traffic congestion, the noise level can be high and it may disrupt the concentration of ones mind. With fewer vehicles on the road through car sharing, the level to Carbon Monoxide (CO) will eventually be reduced, thus causing lesser carbon monoxide emitted to the environment. 2.2.2 Less traffic congestions http://driving-in-singapore.spf.gov.sg/services/driving_in_singapore/images/information/traffic_statistics/fatality.jpg Figure .1 : Fatal and Injury Accident Rate Per 10,000 Vehicle Population (Source: Singapore Police Force, 2013) Car-sharing helps to tame traffic because it reduces solo driving (Wang, 2011). According to the graph, Singapore has an increasing figure in vehicle population by 1.45% from 951,307 in 2011 to 965,192 in 2012 (Singapore Police Force, 2013). This is a great number for Singapore as our country is limited in land area and the increasing vehicle population creates more traffic congestions. Traffic congestion is an increasingly serious problem in many cities. For example United States, traffic tie-ups, especially during peak hours timing, are estimated to cost the United States 1.2 billion hours of lost time and 2.2 billion gallons of gasoline each year, to say nothing of the estimated $30 billion annual loss in productivity alone (Katzev, 2013). Due to the increasing numbers of motor vehicles on the road, the danger faced by the road users, especially motorcyclists are still an issue. Despite last years drop in the fatal and injury accidents, there are still a significant number of deaths on our roads. The increase in the number of traffic violations remains a concern as every traffic violation can potentially result in a fatal or injury accident and the loss of lives (Singapore Police Force, 2013). As an alternative measure of reducing the amount of vehicle population, car sharing can provide road users with a choice. Some of Singapore car sharing companies such as CarClub provides to their customers a wide variety of motor vehicles to choose from to cater for different kind of occasions (CarClub, 2013). Because the drivers of the car sharing scheme are charged accordingly to the amount of mileage logged, therefore drivers would plan their trip carefully in order to make unnecessary drive trips. The implementation of car sharing can also reduce the amount of motor vehicles on the road if 5 people sharing a car to the common destination rather than driving on personal motor vehicles. 2.2.3 Reducing the cost of traveling to destination Traveling to a destination by private vehicles can be costly. With Singapore implemented ERP (Electronic Road Pricing), It will be expensive to travel to CBD area during peak hours by personal vehicles. In addition, the cost of parking in business towers in CBD area can be costly too. The cost of owning a private car can be a burden in Singapore. As the price of Certificate of Entitlement (COE) is hiking, a measure by the Singapore Government in order to maintain or reduce the amount of motor vehicles on the road, which can be costly. According to report, a price of a Cherry QQ in Singapore with COE can match up for a Porsche Boxster Black Edition in the US (AsiaOne, 2012); this shows how the soaring COE price has turned the ownership of motor vehicle as a huge expenditure. Car sharing is different from rent a car from car rental, car sharing gives individuals access to a car for brief trips, in some cases as short as a half hour, charging only for the time and duration of each trip. In contrast, car rental companies charge the full daily rate, regardless of the duration or distance of travel. In addition, customers that rent a car must pay for the petrol cost required to fill the vehicles tank at the time it is returned, while the car-sharing companies pays all the costs of fuel, as well as insurance, vehicle maintenance, service, and repairs (Katzev, 2003). As car sharing scheme in Singapore, drivers can save amount money on the cost of owning a private motor vehicles including maintenance fees, annual road taxes and motor vehicle insurance payable. Car sharing not only offers to non-car owners the driving experience; it has also offers a much cheaper alternative to travel to their destination that in private motor vehicles. Car sharing has also provided Singapore a much cheaper alternative to travel than by taxi. Traveling by mode of taxi can be expensive. The rates and surcharges can add up to a high cost. Surcharges such as peak hour charges, midnight charges and location charges are included in different timing and location. Some of car sharing companies in Singapore such as CarClub provides to their customers with different price plans. CarClub comes with value plan and standard plan to cater to every customers needs. Value plan is cater for more for regular drivers whereas standard plan is cater more occasional drivers (CarClub, 2013). With different available price plans, drivers can choose the most appropriate plans to suit their driving frequency and save money. University students and low-income households also benefit from the flexibility and mobility that carsharing offers (Shaheen, North American car-sharing, 2008). With the recently tightening measure by the Singapore government, it has become more difficult for low and middle income group to purchase a private motor vehicle as buyers have to foot a down payment of 40 per cent or more for a new vehicle and have a maximum of five years to service their car loans (ChannelNewsAsia, 2013). Therefore, car sharing can be a more afford to the market for low and middle income groups. 2.2.4 Better connection Car sharing has provided users a better connection between different modes of transports, making it easier for the public to connect major transport nodes and therefore reducing the need to drive to their destination. Car sharing can provide better access to place where has limited access. For example, HDB residential area where the distance to the nearest public transport node is far away, it may be difficult for elderly or disabled people to travel. Motor vehicles in the car-sharing fleet are usually located close to the users residence, whereas those belonging to the rental companies are parked in central areas or major transportation hubs. Finally, those who want to rent a vehicle are required to complete time-consuming paperwork before they can drive the vehicle, whereas car sharers need only phone or go online to reserve a vehicle prior to using it (Katzev, 2003) In Singapore, CarClub has offered their customers with over 60 HDB car parks around Singapore to pick up the vehicles and available on 24/7 which provides ease and convenience (CarClub, 2013). Who benefits from car-sharing? The ultimate purpose of car-sharing are reducing the number of cars, increasing the efficiency of transport infrastructure and also changing behavior through alterations in mobility patterns. This has actually benefits to environment, social and government. 2.3.1 Environment 2.3.1.1 Creation a Potential for Better Quality of Life and Urban Form Car-sharing has proved its potential to reduce the negative impacts of social and environment. Monitoring of air quality takes place at stations around Singapore, and plays an important role in keeping the population up to date on haze conditions (National Environment Agency, 2013). Air emissions from the industries and motor vehicles are the two key sources of air pollution domestically (National Environment Agency, 2013). Each car-sharing vehicle can replace 4 privately owned vehicles (CarClub, 2013). Thus, car-sharing reduces the numbers of cars on the road; fewer cars equal fewer emissions of greenhouse gases. This means less pollution; decrease congestion on the road as well as reducing the amount of space used for parking and helps to regain space for environmental and other social uses. 2.3.1.2 Reduction of COà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ Burden of Transport Car-sharing is a pay-as-you-drive transportation service introduced to build a sustainable and environmentally-friendly urban community. This service provides an incentive for people to use car less and instead use public transport, a bike or walk. People have a greater variety of transport options available to them as when deciding the best way to reach their destination. Commuting by public transportation reduces your carbon emissions by 20 lbs per day, 4,800 lbs per year, which is more than if you weatherized your home, converted to fluorescent bulbs and replaced an old refrigerator, combined (PromotingPublic Transport, 2013). 2.3.1.3 Reduction of Energy Consumption An environmentally friendly car-sharing operator provides a wide range of vehicles to choose. They can choose different types of vehicles to fit their needs. Example, a small city car is usually most energy-efficient and less pollution; an estate cars are likely to be necessary for family trips; and a van may require for group travel. Users choose the vehicle type that best meets their needs for a particular trip. This benefits consumers, and may provide external benefits by reducing the use of oversized vehicles when smaller vehicles are adequate (Litman, 1999). 2.3.2 Society Car-sharing helps make communities more alive, attractive, safe, and less dependent on the private automobile, and contribute to a range of transportation, housing, economic development and social justice goals (City Car Share, 2013). 2.3.2.1 Save Money and Go Green Car-sharing is an ideal for people who only need a car occasionally and or when the need arises. By car-sharing scheme, people still can access to a private car without having responsibilities of ownership such as obtain a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), car insurance premium, car maintenance and repair costs, monthly installment, season car parking charges and road tax. In Singapore, 87% of members in NTUCs car-sharing co-op average only 2,000km in distance driven each year, which is much less than average mileage of the average private car owner (Singapore Environmental Vision, 2013). Car sharing saves you money, its greener, more affordable, and less stressful than driving and paying for a car you dont even need anymore (Cereplast, 2013). 2.3.2.2 Provide Mobility Car-sharing provides access to a vehicle for low-income households and others without a car, helping them to fully participate in the regions opportunities (CityCarShare, 2013). Low-income households may not be able to afford the expenses as a car ownership, thus public transport maybe their only option. Car-sharing can provide access for job interviews, serve as an emergency ride home, and meet the demand for occasional shopping and leisure trips (CityCarShare, 2013). With car-sharing scheme, they are now financially possible to join, in turn improving mobility by providing access to a vehicle. 2.3.2.3 Improves Commuting Options Car-sharing offers a commuter option that may work better than other methods of transportation. With a car-sharing option, a public commuter is empowered to decide the best way to reach his or her destination, i.e. by bus, MRT, taxi or to drive a car (CSAS, 2013). Currently, there are about 300 car-sharing vehicles located in over 100 locations in Singapore (Land Transport Authority, 2013). It is very convenient for users to access a car-sharing. Also, car-sharing provides the flexibility and convenience of a car when driving is a better choice compared to the buses, MRT or taxis. 2.3.3 Government Transport issues affect the average Singaporean in a very intimate manner.

Cold War Vs. United States :: essays research papers

Cold War vs. United States The Cold War ended in 1991 after the Soviet Union fell apart. Since then, Russia's economy paralyzed, and the United States is three trillion dollars in debt, and both counties were weakened by the Cold War because of military spending. To have world peace does not mean that United States should increase its military strength. The Realist theory would argue that military strength is important to maintain peace both domestically and internationally. Even though the United States as the only superpower remains in certain perspective, the U.S can not be the peace keeper for the whole globe and every state on it. First of all, there are more than two hundred sovereign states in the whole world, and to have world peace requires every sovereign states' effort not only the United States but also every other states. A good example was the coalition force led by the United States under UN command which defeated Iraq's invasion army in Kuwait City in 1991. But the United States still respected Iraq's sovereignty under international rules. That was probably the reason why President Bush did not order the U.S army to invade Iraq after the U.S led coalition force expelled Iraq's force in Kuwait. Another example would be when Iraq's government massacred thousand of ethic minority Kurds when the Kurds rebelled against Iraq government in northern Iraq. The United States did not do a lot to help the Kurds because United States and the rest of the countries around the world recognized Iraq as a sovereign state in the international community even though that United States had a large military presence in the Persian gul f area during that time. More and more, non goverment organizations also play very important roles in world peace. Since 1945, the United Nations, a non government organization, has helped to bring cease-fire agreements to numerous hot spots around the globe in place like Cambodia or the Mid-East. Individual persons also play important roles in world peace. Such as former President Jimmy Carter, who helped negotiate the peace agreement that restored the democratic elected President Aristide back to his office in Haiti and avoided a direct military confrontation between the United States and the Haiti's military government in the last minute. Secondly, the cold war made former Soviet Unions bleed to white but also put the United States three trillion dollars in debt, and the debt is going up too. According to the IRS, the United States government is spending fifteen percent of gross annual revenue just paying off the interest of the three trillions deficits in 1996 (3).

The Power is in the People :: essays papers

The Power is in the People Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. (The United States Constitution: The First Amendment). By the action taken on December 12, 1791 (when the Bill of Rights was adopted), the United States of America granted its people a power that would prove extremely potent one-hundred and twenty-nine years later. During the era of Prohibition (1920-1933), people took whatever action necessary to get their way, and did so through the rights afforded to them in the First Amendment. Individuals in favor of Prohibition, seeing the benefits of the institution, worked together to sustain it. Those against Prohibition, feeling a violation of their rights, acted just as intensely, if not even more so, to stop the movement. The government, ignoring the voice of the people, was primarily concerned with keeping Prohibition alive. However, the right to individual voice, a principle upon which the United States was founded, made it impossible for an institution such as Prohibition to exist successfully. In the years prior to and during Prohibition, many people did everything within their power to keep the nation free of alcohol. Numerous committees were formed for the purpose of pursuing the enactment and continuation of Prohibition. Church and religion also played a large part in the fight to keep the nation â€Å"dry†. Some individuals even entered politics and took office in the government in an effort to be heard. People made an united effort to reveal the virtues of Prohibition to the nation. The Anti-Saloon League of America was founded in 1893 at Oberlin, Ohio. Throughout Prohibition, its members went from town to town speaking out against saloons and alcohol (Merz 8). On January 16, 1920, they also declared, â€Å"it is here at last - dry America’s first birthday† (Kobler 11). Women established a group of their own as well. In 1874, Protestant women formed the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. They, like the Anti-Saloon League of America, cited the advantages of Prohibition (Kobler 10). As a whole, groups such as these utilized their First Amendment rights to the fullest to preach what they believed.

It Wasn’t War it Was Genocide in Rwanda Essay -- Essays Papers

It Wasn’t War it Was Genocide in Rwanda Never ending battles have occurred over the past sixty years in Rwanda due to their atrocious economy. It has been the Tutsi and the Hutu, two out of the three ethnic groups in Rwanda, that have been battling for the government spot. As the years went on, the fighting kept getting more brutal. This brutality ended up being an all out massacre in Rwanda from the Hutu. It has been argued whether if the killings were an act of genocide or an act of war. But what are exactly genocide and war, and which one relates to the conflict in Rwanda? Because of the way the Hutu went through with there harsh brutality towards the Tutsi provides enough evidence to prove that the Hutus actions were an act of genocide. Rwanda is a densely populated small landlocked country in Africa. In this small country reside three ethnic groups the Hutu, the Tutsi, and the Twa. The Hutu account for 85 percent of the population, the Tutsi make up 14 percent, and the Twa only make up about 1 percent. The Tutsi, even though they only make up 14 percent of the populations, have ruled Rwanda for years, which has stirred up many emotions from the Hutu being that they have the numbers while the Tutsi still has the power. Then there is the Twa who have no political effect in Rwanda. Before 1950 the Tutsi and the Hutu lived very similar lives growing cattle and cultivating their land. They even intermarried and shared the same language. Everything was great until a new type of economic system came into play, colonialism. There was always a little rivalry between the Hutu and the Tutsi but this rivalry substantially grew when colonialism came into the economic system in Rwanda. Not to say that Rwanda w... ...me against the rules of war, and since the actions of the Hutu was nothing less than atrocious the incident in Rwanda in 1994 was nothing less than a pure act of genocide. Works Cited - Destexhe, Alain. The Crime of Genocide. New York, NY: New York University Press, 1995. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/rwanda/reports/dsetexhe.html. - Kampfner, John. â€Å"The Journalist as God.† New Statesman. Jan. 26, 2004. Vol. 133 Issue 4672, p. 22, 2p - Lorey, David E. ed., and Beezley, William H. ed. Genocide, Collective Violence, and Popular Memory. Wilmington, DE: Scholary Resources Inc., 2002 - Robinson, Luke. â€Å"The Tragedy of Rwanda.† Monthly Review Dec. 2003. vol. 55 issue 7, pg. 52, 9p - Shaw, Martin. War & Genocide. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, 2003

Donnie Darko †English assignment Essay

Donnie Darko is a film by Richard Kelly from 2001, with Jake Gyllenhaal in the main lead. The film is supposed to look like it’s from 1988. The film is about a schizophrenic teen that lives in the American suburb of Middlesex. When an unidentified giant plane engine crashes into his room, a chain of mysterious events is triggered. Donnie is plagued by visions of an evil-looking rabbit named Frank. Who makes Donnie commit acts of violence, and tells him the world will end in 28 days. Frank is the boyfriend of Donnie’s sister Elizabeth. The Frank who speaks to Donnie is a kind of ghost Frank – a remnant of Frank, because Donnie shoots him in the eye within the Tangent Universe’s 28 days and can move freely in time throughout the Tangent Universe. Compare Donnie to one or two of the characters in the short stories we have read about the topic – In all the readings we have done in the other texts from Context, the subject have been â€Å"growing up†. All the other readings have been about different children growing up in different environments, though any of them haven’t got any psychological problems. I don’t think that any of the characters from all the other readings we have done, that there are any personalities like Donnie’s. Donnie is suffering from schizophrenic. People with schizophrenia often suffer terrifying symptoms such as hearing internal voices not heard by others, or seen things not seen by others. That is why Donnie often is seeing a therapist and why he is on medication. Though there is â€Å"The Sin Bin or Lucy’s Heart† reading where Lucy is been told to do mean things to a girl named Penny by Bethan. Which she regrets such as Donnie also does. Just like Donnie is been told to overflow the school. But I don’t think any of our readings can be compared to this movie. All the readings we have read takes subject in bulling, a hard way to grow up and so on. There is no greater meaning in texts. In Donnie Darko there is a meaning with everything he does and with every thing there take place in the film. Frank makes Donnie flood the school, giving the lucky students a break from classes. And then he walks Gretchen home and convince her to â€Å"go with him†, and says he is happy the school flood, or else he hadn’t had that conversation with her. So I believe Frank made Donnie do it, so he could meet Gretchen. How can the plot of the film be explained? Can it be explained in more ways? – The plot can definitely be interpreted in many ways. I also think many people doesn’t get it, in the way it’s supposed to be interpreted. Or maybe it’s actually supposed to be in a way, which can be discussed over a longer time and interpreted in many ways. I’ve myself used a lot of time discussing this movie. I would rather do some short but very interesting sites of some of the main characters, and what I think is the deeper meaning of some of the characters. I see Donnie as Jesus; he died to save mankind – just as Donnie did. Frank I see as Satan, deceived Donnie for his own benefit. Roberta Sparrow as God. I feel like she is the facilitator of all this. She once was a nun, she wrote the book on time travel and she knows Donnie’s letter is coming. Then there is the Chinese girl Cherita, whom you don’t see of follow that much, but I can’t stop thinking that she is Donnie’s â€Å"Guardian Angel?† She always seems to be behind Donnie watching over him, and she has a notebook about him. I don’t know if that is a right observation, but I can’t stop thinking that way – and I am not even religious. Comment on the ending of the film – how can it be interpreted? – Donnie is having a Halloween party, where Gretchen is with him. Donnie goes to the fridge where a note is saying, â€Å"Frank left to go get beer†. Then Donnie takes Gretchen to go see Roberta Sparrow, Grandma Dead, because times almost op. Two thugs then attack Donnie and Gretchen, which are two guys from their school. One throws Gretchen onto the ground; the other holds a knife to Donnie’s neck. Roberta is standing in the middle of the road and a car tries to avoid her but then hits Gretchen and kills her. The driver is Frank; this is the real Frank – Donnie’s sister’s boyfriend. Donnie gets scared and frightened and shoots him in the eye. With Gretchen’s body at his side, Donnie watches a storm begin. Donnie then remembers what Gretchen said about taking back all the bad things and replacing them with something good. Donnie then goes back in time trough the wormhole and changes the future with him staying in bed. With him staying in bed and the crashing hits their house Donnie gets killed. Gretchen lives on, without ever knowing Donnie. I think Gretchen feels some kind of dà ©jà   vu when she sees Rose. Gretchen actually doesn’t know Rose yet, but she did before Donnie went back in time. You get the feeling that Rose and Gretchen seem to recognise each other by _way they look at each other.