Sunday, July 26, 2020

The 3 Books I Buy for My Friends Babies

The 3 Books I Buy for My Friends’ Babies I seem to be hitting that phase in life where everyone around me is having babies. Typically I am far out of my comfort zone when it comes to small humans. Though I was once a babysitter/nanny extraordinaire, that was over a decade ago, and I’ve lost my knack for it completely. Now, I’m that awkward adult who tries to make small talk with a two-year-old as if they were coworkers at the officeâ€"how was the traffic getting here, child? This is probably why I turn to books in these situations. Because as it turns out, even without any children (or plans for them) in my future, I have very strong   opinions on the books you should be collecting when you’re expecting. Shall we? Go, Dog. Go by PD Eastman This is the apparently lesser-known title from Are You My Mother? author PD Eastman, and another wonder of non sequitor storytelling, featuring dogs of all colors and sizes in an unpredictable range of delightfully absurd situations. Beyond that is a saga of a dog and her hat that is bound to stick with you. This book inspired at least one essay on individualism, and in my family, it also inspired the longstanding quip, “Go around again,” for no particular reason that any of us can really identify, other than that it is a line that exists in this book. Eloise by  Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight No book collection is complete without a few standout misbehaving girls. Eloise is the queen of these characters. From her wild imagination, brash attitude, and penchant for crossing the line, she has no respect at all for authority in any form. Most of all, I like to think about what happened to Eloise when she grew up. A collection of traits that may not make her a model young woman by society’s measure but would damn sure be great to have as a boss. Hopefully she found her corner office. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by  Laura Numeroff I once thought this book to be as ubiquitous as the Cat in the Hat. Sadly I have discovered over many very awkward references that no one understood that an “if you give a mouse a cookie situation” is really not something understood by just anyone. It continues to be an excellent measuring stick for identifying kindred spirits, however. Sign up to The Kids Are All Right to receive news and recommendations from the world of kid lit and middle grade books.

Friday, May 22, 2020

Causes And Effect Of The Debt Crisis Essay - 1297 Words

What is the European Debt Crisis? The European Debt Crisis is the failure of the Euro, a currency that ties seventeen European countries together. In this paper, I will be describing the cause and effect of the debt crisis along with what would happen if the European Union stayed with the economy they have. Then what I believe is the best solution to fixing the debt crisis. Causes †¢ Formation of European Union †¢ Adoption of the Euro †¢ Increasing Debts †¢ Large Amounts of Borrowing †¢ High Interest Rates †¢ Large Government spending †¢ High Taxes †¢ Paying Debts with Barrowed Money †¢ Monetary Inflexibility †¢ Greece on the brink of defaulting There are many causes for the debt crisis to start. Before world war II Europe had very strict trade barriers between countries examples being currency exchange fees and trade tariffs. Then World War II happened and was so detrimental to Europe they couldn’t continue to have such strict trade barriers. The barriers were then slowly removed with the first barrier removal being steel and coal. This worked well enough that it caused twenty-seven countries to sign the Maastricht Treaty thus forming the European Union (UN). This made trading throughout all Europe easier which caused more trade to occur within Europe. In 1999 seventeen countries in the European Union adopted the Euro forming a Euro Area. With the adoption of the Euro these seventeen countries discontinued their old currencies and monetary policies. Monetary PoliciesShow MoreRelatedAn In-Depth Analysis of the European Debt Crisis908 Words   |  4 Pagesanalysis of the nature, causes, economic consequences, prevention as well as control of the European Debt crisis. A definition of the debt crisis is also provided. Recommendations on the way forward are also provided. Introduction Debt crisis is noted by Pescatori and Sy (306) to be a term that had before 1990s been used to typically refer to defaults in debt serving. This definition however became very problematic with the emergence of the sovereign bond markets. Debt crisis therefore generallyRead MoreFinancial Crisis Of A Single Country1671 Words   |  7 Pages Table of Contents Summary 2 Financial crisis 3 Impact of financial crisis 4 Effect of financial crisis on different on the economies of different countries 5 Mathematical problems 6 Conclusiom 8 References ..................................................................................................................................................9 Summary Financial crisis has long been a part of global economic recession throughout the history. Here, the purpose of this assignmentRead MoreThe European Crisis Of Greece, Spain, And The United States1587 Words   |  7 Pagesconflict and human rights abuses. Recently, the European economy experienced an enormous debt crisis. The crisis created unstable economic and social situations in many countries. The Eurozone crisis negatively affects Greece, Spain, and the United States. First, the European Union crisis elicited a health crisis in Greece. Second, the European Union crisis caused unemployment and stress in Spain. Third, the EU crisis generates negative implications for the United States’ economy. Evidently, the fallRead MoreThe Unethical Traders Are Not The Only Factor For Causes The Financial Crisis1297 Words   |  6 Pagesfactor to causes the financial crisis. They are playing an important role along with other factors and further encourage the financial crisis to arise . The unethical traders exist in the asymmetric information problems, and their unethical activities cause the asymmetric information problems even worse in the financial market. Once the asymmetric information problems is severe enough in those factors, the financial market collapse. For the 6 main factors of causing the financial crisis are the followings:Read MoreStudent Debt Is A Significant Social Problem Essay1297 Words   |  6 PagesExamining Student Debt When we think about college and a college education, it seems as though our first initial thought is the student loans and debt that can result in achieving a college degree. Looking back, student debt has risen drastically and has made it extremely stressful for students and families. Many people go through their entire life in debt, especially from being a student. Student debt has always existed; however, now, it is so extreme, almost all students who attend college findRead MoreThe Greek Sovereign Debt Crisis1418 Words   |  6 PagesThe Greek sovereign debt crisis has required multiple controversial bailouts; due to deflation and tense political that have caused Greek citizens to unsatisfied current economic condition. This is a large problem of economic stability and political unity facing the European Union. This study seeks to answer two main questions. Firstly, why should European Union help Greece bailouts its economy woes? Secondly, should Greece change its domestic econ omic policies in response to demands from the EURead MoreStudent Loan Crisis1592 Words   |  7 PagesStudent 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 thisRead MoreFederal Reserve Bank Of New York Essay1620 Words   |  7 Pagesfor example physical asset such as land, and non-produced assets, which are needed for production but have not been produced, like a mine used for the extraction of diamonds. The capital account is broken down into the monetary flows branching from debt forgiveness, the transfer of goods, and financial assets by migrants leaving or entering a country, the transfer of ownership on fixed assets such as equipment used in the producti on process to generate income, the transfer of funds received to theRead MoreWhat Is The Extremity Of The European Financial Crisis789 Words   |  4 Pages The European Financial Crisis Alexis Farin ECON 335-07 Fall 2017 The European Financial Crisis As many countries are part of the European Union and heavily rely on the EU to financially keep their nations afloat, the shared economy must do what it can to aid those European nations with weak economies. Mentioned in Chapter 16 of lecture, a number of European economies struggled financing government debt, boosting interest rates on government bonds. Such countries includedRead MoreThe Balance Of Payment ( Bop ) Essay1621 Words   |  7 Pagesfor example physical asset such as land, and non-produced assets, which are needed for production but have not been produced, like a mine used for the extraction of diamonds. The capital account is broken down into the monetary flows branching from debt forgiveness, the transfer of goods, and financial assets by migrants leaving or entering a country, the transfer of ownership on fixed assets such as equipment used in the production process to generate income, the transfer of funds received to the

Friday, May 8, 2020

Project Finance for Managers - 1579 Words

Project: Finance for Managers Table of content 1. Mission Statement 2. Company’s profile 3. Market Dynamic: SOTW 4. Case 1 amp; results 5. Case 2 amp; results 6. Evaluation Mission Statement We are committed to provide an outstanding experience in Automotive and associated businesses to all our customers through superior value products and services. | | | | | SSFF as a company is one of the reliable importers and distributors of automotive spare parts in Pakistan. Currently we are giving our services in Pakistan only, but in future, we are looking forward to extend it to the Afghanistan and other neighboring countries. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Hafeez Motors is a very†¦show more content†¦Tax Saving | | 96,250 | 96,250 | 96,250 | 96,250 | Net Cash Flow | | 600,813 | 638,659 | 981,851 | 899,745 | Change In W.C | (301,875) | (114,713) | (115,719) | 73,192 | 459,114 | Net Cash Flow | (1,401,875) | 486,100 | 522,940 | 1,055,043 | 1,358,859 | Discount @ 12% | 1 | 0.893 | 0.797 | 0.712 | 0.636 | Discounted Cash Flow | (1,401,875) | 434,018 | 416,885 | 750,959 | 863,580 | NPV @ 12% | 1,063,566 | | | | | | | | | | | Discount @ | 1.5 | | | | | | | | | | | Cash Flow After Tax | | 486,100 | 522,940Show MoreRelatedThe Case of Unidentified Risk1249 Words   |  5 PagesThe Case of the Unidentified Risks This project takes place in South Australia. In September 2000, ACME Fabricators advised its staff that their new factory and offices out in semi rural Angle Vale would be ready for completion by the end of April 2002. ACME was responsible company and liked to keep their premises clean and tidy and their staff happy. The new premises at the Angle Vale were developed on a 4.5 hectare site, previously used for grain crops. Consequently, ACME decided that significantRead MoreThe Case of Unidentified Risk1241 Words   |  5 PagesThe Case of the Unidentified Risks This project takes place in South Australia. In September 2000, ACME Fabricators advised its staff that their new factory and offices out in semi rural Angle Vale would be ready for completion by the end of April 2002. ACME was responsible company and liked to keep their premises clean and tidy and their staff happy. The new premises at the Angle Vale were developed on a 4.5 hectare site, previously used for grain crops. Consequently, ACME decided that significantRead MoreThe Impact Of Earned Value Analysis Of Managing Project Cost Control919 Words   |  4 Pagesof Earned Value analysis in managing project cost control is undeniable. When EVM is implemented on a project, there are significant benefits to the project manager and the customer. Project manager benefits include increased visibility and control to proactively respond to issues that can impact project schedule, cost and objectives. Customer benefits include increase confidence in the PM’s ability to manage the pro ject and track the progress of their project. Additionally, EVM provides a wealthRead MoreShouldice Hospital637 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction Capital budgeting is very important in decision making for the financial manager of any firm. Most new projects take time in developing because of the research analysis required in opening a new addition to the company. The cash flow is a huge factor in making the decision of a project. For instance, capital expenditures require firms to outlay large sums of funds to initialize the project. Second, firms will need to formulate ways of generating and repaying these funds once theyRead MoreImproved Compressed Air Quality At Addington Depot Essay1135 Words   |  5 PagesIMPROVED COMPRESSED AIR QUALITY AT ADDINGTON DEPOT Project Title Compressor Air Receiver for Addington Depot within six months to reduce current Health and Safety issues and equipment water damaged. Introduction This project addresses the issues that lie with the air supply and installation of a new air pipework at Addington Depot. The risk of not doing this project is that the compressor will have to be replaced in the future. The amount of moisture in the system will eventually cause theRead MoreMonitoring And Control Project Finances1554 Words   |  7 Pagesability to optimally monitor and control project finances, make recommendations and describe how the recommendations will improve monitoring and control of project finances. The identification of areas that require new approaches have been discovered by examining historical project documents, gathering information from project finance specialist and interviews with project managers. The three main areas that will allow for better control of project finances are â€Å"measuring, evaluating, and correcting†Read MoreProject Management at Deep Blue Seaways880 Words   |  4 PagesProject Management at Deep Blue Seaways Deep Blue Seaways (a UK based company) currently outsources all its IT works to a number of leading consultancies. Your firm, Supreme Financial Solutions, have just won a  £3 million contract from Deep Blue Seaways that will require you – the Project Manager – to execute. You are pretty certain from your experience with Deep Blue Seaways that this project is seriously underfunded by possibly as much as  £1 million. You are to replace their outdated financeRead MoreAnalysis Of The Acquisition Of Koko Black1670 Words   |  7 Pagesand boost Koko’s sales, we propose to undertake a project to investigate and develop a sustainable marketing mix, comprising of Product, Place, Pricing and Promotional strategies. The expected duration of the project is 3 months, with a budget of $55,000. The project will be led by the Marketing Manager, who will be appointed as Project Manager. We hereby seek your approval to proceed with the above project. Thank you best regards, Marketing Manager 1. Introduction In January 2016, KokoRead MoreThe Relationship Between Finance and Accounting Essay948 Words   |  4 PagesAlthough finance and accounting are both involved with the financial aspect of a business or organization, the managers and employees in these departments deal with finances in completely different ways. Accounting deals mainly with preparing and examining financial records and ensuring their accuracy, making sure taxes are paid on time and properly, and assessing financial operations to help ensure that organizations run efficiently. On the other hand, finance deals primarily with making importantRead MoreMemo: Management and Spa Works1056 Words   |  5 Pagescommittee members are presented below: 1. Information Systems Manager. The objective of this project is to develop an integrated system to improve day-to-day operations of Spa Works as well as to offer better reporting in the accounting and human resources. As a result, the IS manager of Spa Works has been chosen to serve on the committee to ensure the strategic IS planning is aligned with the company’s overall strategy. IS manager will advise on the hardware and software (software upgrades) that

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Should Society and Parents control the diets of School Aged Kids Free Essays

â€Å"The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese† according to the article on Kids Health. org ( Overweight and Obesity). Over weight children tend to carry the unhealthy trait over into their adult years. We will write a custom essay sample on Should Society and Parents control the diets of School Aged Kids? or any similar topic only for you Order Now The responsibility of healthy eating and physical activity begin with the parents at home. The parents/guardians are responsible for the well-being of the child. Parents are responsible in teaching their children good eating and excersise habits. Parents are suppose to teach their children portion control along with self control. Many parents don’t demand physical activity from their children, which in turn leads to obesity most children today indulge in video games and highly saturated fatty foods. Society plays a part but it starts at home. The parents, are responsible for incorporating fruits and vegetables into ones diet. Children are a product of their environment are surroundings. If children are not taught at home, how can healthy choices be incorporated any where else. In order for a child to make wise descions it has to be taught from home. Obesity also leads to different types of health issues. The health of children today is gradually declining in rapid numbers. It’s time for the parents to put healthy living in action starting with themselves. According to (Division of Adolescent and School health, National center for chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion) During the last 3 decades, the prevalence of obesity has tripled amoung persons aged 6-19 years. Multiple Chronic disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels are related to obesity. In today’s society the disease that were was acquired in older adults, are in rapid rates being diagnosed by younger individuals due to obesity. Its time for a change people. In conclusion, as far as children goes it is the responsibility of the parents to make sure they are eating healthy, and are active physically daily. Parents must stress the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyles. In order for children to live healthy productive lifestyles, it must be practiced at home first. It’s time to get fit. Today is the perfect day to start. How to cite Should Society and Parents control the diets of School Aged Kids?, Papers

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Why Smoking in Public Places Should Be Banned free essay sample

(Zechariah Chafees publication). Freedom is one quality that identifies America, and most people think that freedom implies doing whatever they desire or they please. As this quote says, I think that our freedom has boundaries and we must know where our freedom ends. It has been proven that smoking in public places can be very harmful not only to the smokers, but also to the nonsmokers. Here is where we find the issue, when it comes to smoking in public areas, and one’s freedom. What I mean is that if I smoke in a public place I make the people around passive smokers. By doing this I force them to do something that they do not want. We all have the liberty to do what we like as long as our actions don’t affect others. According to the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services â€Å"Secondhand smoke causes numerous health problems in infants and children, including severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We will write a custom essay sample on Why Smoking in Public Places Should Be Banned or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Some of the health conditions caused by secondhand smoke in adults include heart disease and lung cancer†. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General). This should make us aware about the risks that smoking in public places has towards the nonsmokers. Smokers should understand the smoking hazards are not only for them, but for the nonsmokers as well. Being able to smoke should be banned in public areas because secondhand smoke hurts babies and children; it contributes to the development of heart disease, and lung cancer in nonsmokers. History of the Issue In the beginning tobacco was used by American Indians in many different ways, such as in religious and medicinal practices. It was believed that tobacco had healing properties and it was used to treat lesions, and as pain killer. During colonialism that belief made tobacco popular causing its agriculture and usage grow and spread. In the seventeenth century, an era known as â€Å"The Great Age of the Pipe†, tobacco became so popular that it was used like cash. This was also a time when many started to oppose it, and smoking in public areas bans and prohibitions begun, but this had more to do with moral beliefs than health concerns. In the 1600s: the Pope banned smoking in holy places, in 1604: the King James I of England in his â€Å"Counterblaste to Tobacco† described his objection to tobacco: â€Å"Smoking is a custom loathsome to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs, and in the black, stinking fume thereof nearest resembling the horrible Stygian smoke of the pit that is bottomless. † (Goldsmid 1884:32). In that same year he increased 4,000% tax on tobacco. In the 18th century smoking bans and prohibitions became uncommon; the tobacco industry was such an important source of revenue that it financed the American revolutionary war. At end of the 19th century smoking an anti-tobacco campaign by American people, disliking the excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco began to demand action from the federal and state legislators. Again this had more to do with moral beliefs than health concerns. In the beginning of the 20th century the anti-tobacco campaign continued growing. Some states were proposing a total ban on tobacco, and by 1922, 15 States had laws banning the sale, manufacture, possession and use of cigarettes, but this was unsuccessful and the bans were eventually lifted. In the 1930s smoking rates among female teenagers increased, and during World War II (1939 to 1945), cigarettes were included in soldiers’ C-Rations. This caused that the use of cigarettes increased among the population. During the 1950s, some evidence showed that smoking was linked to lung cancer, and even when the tobacco industry denied it, in 1964 health hazards were revealed. The Surgeon Generals report on Smoking and Health came out. This report was used by the government to regulate the advertisement and sales of cigarettes. In 1982, the Surgeon General reported that secondhand smoke may cause lung cancer, and as result smoking in public areas began to be banned. In recent years, more evidence of the secondhand effects on nonsmokers has been found, but it has not been enough for the government to completely ban smoking in places like workplaces, restaurants, and other public areas, instead the owners are who decide if smoking is or not allowed. Secondhand Smoke Hurts Babies and Children As adults we have the choice to move to a place where we can breathe clean air, but young children don’t have that capacity. Each year hundreds of thousands of children are exposed to second hand smoke which is very harmful for them. According to The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, â€Å"secondhand smoke causes numerous health problems in infants and children, including severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). † (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General). Also Secondhand smoke causes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The SIDS is the sudden, unexplained, unexpected death of an infant in the first year of life. â€Å"SIDS is the leading cause of death in otherwise healthy infants. Secondhand smoke increases the risk for SIDS. † (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General). As parents we need to be responsible for the care and well-being of our children, and we should not have any excuse to protect them from the tobacco smoke. Protecting them from the tobacco smoke means that we will have more healthy children. â€Å"Studies show that older children whose parents smoke get sick more often. Their lungs grow less than children who do not breathe secondhand smoke, and they get more bronchitis and pneumonia. † (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General: Secondhand Smoke: What It Means To You). This is a fact: if our children breathe secondhand smoke we are going to have unhealthy kids, and who does want unhealthy kids? I think all of us want to have healthy kids, so it is important as parents to make sure our children are in a free tobacco environment. For this reason it is essential to create effective banning policies on smoking on public areas. Secondhand Smoke Contributes To the Development of Heart Disease in Nonsmokers According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), â€Å"heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and smoking is the leading risk factor for heart disease. † (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This is not only for people that smoke, but also for those around them. Tobacco is a poison and when we inhale secondhand smoke our body reacts to its effect causing our heart rate and blood pressure to go up, high blood pressure hurt our blood vessels and increase the risk of having a heart attack. It has been proven that â€Å"secondhand smoke can increase your risk of developing heart disease by 25-30%. †(U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General). As a consequence many nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke are suffering different illnesses related with the cardiovascular system that can lead to premature death. Knowing this fact, it makes necessary to take some actions in order to preserve the nonsmoker’s health. Secondhand Smoke Leads To Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers Statistics show that â€Å"Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their lung cancer risk by 20–30%† (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General: Secondhand Smoke: What It Means To You). Each year many people that have never smoked are affected by lung cancer, getting their quality of life destroyed. If the smoking addiction is a freedom, I believe that the freedom to live is a greater one. â€Å"Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals. Hundreds are toxic and about 70 can cause cancer. † (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General). Those 70 cancer-causing chemicals not only affect your lungs, but also all of your other organs. In other words, secondhand smoke can cause different types of cancer like mouth, nose, throat, larynx, trachea, esophagus, lungs, stomach, etc. The reason why this occurs is because secondhand smoke damages your deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). â€Å"The DNA is the cell’s â€Å"instruction manual. † It controls a cell’s normal growth and function. When DNA is damaged, a cell can begin growing out of control and create a cancer tumor. † (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General: Secondhand Smoke: What It Means To You). The simple act of inhaling some tobacco smoke can trigger changes in our body that can end up with some sort of cancer; this is something serious and disturbing, I could say that if no actions are taken to control the use of tobacco in public places in the future we could have a cancer epidemic. To protect the population in general, more actions in controlling the use of tobacco need to be taken. Conclusion As we learned, it is scientifically proven that secondhand smoke is harmful for smokers as well as nonsmokers. This makes us know that smoking is not a freedom act but a dangerous addiction, in health terms, banning smoking in public places would be beneficial for everyone, and for different reasons it would be appreciated for both smokers and non-smokers. One of the reasons that I say this is because banning smoking in public places will decrease the risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease in the nonsmoker. As consequence, health will increase in the population and we will have a better quality of life. Other reason is that banning smoking will change the way the smoker uses tobacco, making them lower their daily consumption of tobacco and in some cases helping them quit smoking. Reducing tobacco consumption probably will not improve their health but they will be able to save money that later could be used in a healthier way. Some people have declared that smoking bans have helped them quit smoking, this is something good because quitting tobacco will make an impact in their health and in the health of those around them. Smoking bans in public areas are necessary for everyone’s benefit. Work Cited 1. Zechariah Chafees publication Directly quoted: One person’s freedom ends where another person’s freedom begins. 2. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General 3. 1604: the King James I of England in his â€Å"Counterblaste to Tobacco† Goldsmid 1884:32). 4. Rich White â€Å"Previous Smoking Bans† 5. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General: Secondhand Smoke: What It Means To You.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Biography of Idi Amin, Brutal Dictator of Uganda

Biography of Idi Amin, Brutal Dictator of Uganda Idi Amin (c. 1923–August 16, 2003), who became known as the Butcher of Uganda for his brutal, despotic rule as the President of Uganda in the 1970s, is perhaps the most notorious of Africas post-independence dictators. Amin seized power in a military coup in 1971, ruled over Uganda for eight years, and imprisoned or killed at least 100,000 of his opponents. He was ousted in 1979 by Ugandan nationalists, after which he went into exile. Fast Facts: Idi Amin Known For: Amin was a dictator who served as the president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979.Also Known As: Idi Amin Dada Oumee, The Butcher of UgandaBorn: c. 1923 in Koboko, UgandaParents: Andreas Nyabire and Assa AatteDied: August 16, 2003 in Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaSpouse(s): Malyamu, Kay, Nora, Madina, Sarah KyolabaChildren: Unknown (estimates range from 32 to 54) Early Life Idi Amin Dada Oumee was born around 1923 near Koboko, in the West Nile Province of what is now the Republic of Uganda. Deserted by his father at an early age, he was brought up by his mother, an herbalist and diviner. Amin was a member of the Kakwa ethnic group, a small Islamic tribe that had settled in the region. Success in the Kings African Rifles Amin received little formal education. In 1946, he joined Britains colonial African troops known as the Kings African Rifles (KAR) and served in Burma, Somalia, Kenya (during the British suppression of the Mau Mau), and Uganda. Although he was considered a skilled soldier, Amin developed a reputation for cruelty and was almost cashiered on several occasions for excessive brutality during interrogations. Nevertheless, he rose through the ranks, reaching sergeant major before finally being made an effendi, the highest rank possible for a black African serving in the British army. Amin was also an accomplished athlete, holding Ugandas light heavyweight boxing championship title from 1951 to 1960. A Violent Start As Uganda approached independence, Amins close colleague  Apollo Milton Obote, the leader of the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), was made chief minister and then prime minister. Obote had Amin, one of only two high-ranking Africans in the KAR, appointed as first lieutenant of the Ugandan Army. Sent north to quell cattle stealing, Amin perpetrated such atrocities that the British government demanded he be prosecuted. Instead, Obote arranged for him to receive further military training in the U.K. Soldier for the State On his return to Uganda in 1964, Amin was promoted to major and given the task of dealing with an army in mutiny. His success led to a further promotion to colonel. In 1965, Obote and Amin were implicated in a deal to smuggle gold, coffee, and ivory out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A parliamentary investigation demanded by President Edward Mutebi Mutesa II put Obote on the defensive. Obote promoted Amin to general and made him chief-of-staff, had five ministers arrested, suspended the 1962 constitution, and declared himself president. Mutesa was forced into exile in 1966 after government forces, under the command of Amin, stormed the royal palace. Coup dEtat Idi Amin began to strengthen his position within the Army using the funds obtained from smuggling and from supplying arms to rebels in southern Sudan. He also developed ties with British and Israeli agents in the country. President Obote first responded by putting Amin under house arrest. When this failed to work, Amin was sidelined to a non-executive position in the Army. On January 25, 1971, while Obote was attending a meeting in Singapore, Amin led a coup detat, taking control of the country and declaring himself president. Popular history recalls Amins declared title to be His Excellency President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Sea, and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular. Amin was initially welcomed both within Uganda and by the international community. President Mutesa- fondly known as King Freddie- had died in exile in 1969, and one of Amins earliest acts was to have the body returned to Uganda for a state burial. Political prisoners (many of whom were Amin followers) were freed and the Ugandan Secret Police was disbanded. At the same time, however, Amin formed killer squads to hunt down Obotes supporters. Ethnic Purging Obote  took refuge in Tanzania, from where, in 1972, he attempted unsuccessfully to regain the country through a military coup. Obote supporters within the Ugandan Army, predominantly from the Acholi and Lango ethnic groups, were also involved in the coup. Amin responded by bombing Tanzanian  towns  and purging the Army of Acholi and Lango officers. The ethnic violence grew to include the whole of the Army, and then Ugandan civilians, as Amin became increasingly paranoid. The Nile Mansions Hotel in Kampala became infamous as Amins interrogation and torture center, and Amin is said to have moved residences regularly to avoid assassination attempts. His killer squads, under the official titles of State Research Bureau and Public Safety  Unit,  were responsible for tens of thousands of abductions and murders. Amin personally ordered the execution of the Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, the chancellor of Makerere College, the governor of the Bank of Uganda, and several of his own parliamentary ministers. Economic War In 1972, Amin declared economic war on Ugandas Asian population, a group that dominated Ugandas trade and manufacturing sectors as well as a significant portion of the civil service. Seventy thousand Asian holders of British passports were given three months to leave the country, and the abandoned businesses were handed over to Amins supporters. Amin severed diplomatic ties with Britain and nationalized 85 British-owned businesses. He also expelled Israeli military advisors, turning instead to Colonel Muammar Muhammad al-Gadhafi of Libya and the Soviet Union for support. Leadership Amin was considered by many to be a gregarious, charismatic leader, and he was often portrayed by the international press as a popular figure. In 1975, he was elected chair of the Organisation of African Unity (though  Julius Kambarage Nyerere, president of Tanzania, Kenneth David  Kaunda,  president of Zambia, and  Seretse Khama, president of Botswana, boycotted the meeting). A  United Nations  condemnation was blocked by African heads of state. Hypomania Popular legend claims that Amin was involved in blood rituals and cannibalism. More authoritative sources suggest he may have suffered from hypomania, a form of manic depression characterized by irrational behavior and emotional outbursts. As his paranoia became more pronounced, Amin imported troops from Sudan and Zaire. Eventually, less than 25 percent of the Army was Ugandan. Support for his regime faltered as accounts of Amins atrocities reached the international press. The Ugandan economy suffered, with inflation eclipsing 1,000%. Exile In October 1978, with the assistance of Libyan troops, Amin attempted to annex Kagera, the northern province of Tanzania (which shares a border with Uganda). Tanzanian president  Julius Nyerere responded by sending troops into Uganda, and with the aid of rebel Ugandan forces they were able to capture the Ugandan capital of Kampala. Amin fled to Libya, where he stayed for almost 10 years before finally relocating to Saudi Arabia. He remained there in exile for the remainder of his life. Death On August 16, 2003, Amin died in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The cause of death was reported as multiple organ failure. Although the Ugandan government announced that his body could be buried in Uganda, he was quickly buried in Saudi Arabia. Amin was never tried for his gross abuse of  human rights. Legacy Amins brutal reign has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and dramatic films, including Ghosts of Kampala, The Last King of Scotland, and General Idi Amin Dada: A Self Portrait. Often depicted in his time as an eccentric buffoon with delusions of grandeur, Amin is now considered one of historys cruelest dictators. Historians believe his regime was responsible for at least 100,000 deaths and possibly many more. Sources â€Å"Idi Amin, a Brutal Dictator Of Uganda, Is Dead at 80.† The New York Times, 16 Aug. 2003.Wall, Kim. â€Å"Ghost Stories: Idi Amins Torture Chambers.† IWMF, 27 Dec. 2016.

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Upmarket Fiction The Forgotten Middle Child of the Publishing World

Upmarket Fiction The Forgotten Middle Child of the Publishing World Upmarket Fiction: The Forgotten Middle Child of the Publishing World Calling something â€Å"commercial† can sound like an insult in some circles, as if it’s a trifling entertainment not worthy of the term â€Å"literature.† In other circles, the term â€Å"literary† results in a half-stifled yawn, and is considered pretentious. A question you might ask when you’re writing is, "Can a book be both literary and commercial?† The answer is yes: you've just described "upmarket fiction." Can a book be both literary and commercial? Yes: that's upmarket fiction. While this article won't settle any age-old commercial vs. literary debates, it will help you get a better grasp on how to distinguish both types of fiction - and, above all, it answer the question you’ve been wondering: what is upmarket fiction?A brief history of the novel - and how terms like â€Å"genre† and â€Å"literary† came to beIn the 17th and 18th centuries, the novel was considered a genre in itself. It was a relatively new form of narrative, a drawn-out prose detailing fictitious matters. As Joshua Rothman notes in The New Yorker: â€Å"When Catherine Morland, the heroine of Austen’s ‘Northanger Abbey,’ is rebuked for reading too many Gothic novels, the proposed alternative isn’t ‘literary fiction’ but non-fiction (a friend suggests she try history). ‘Northanger Abbey’ was written in 1799.† How did distinctions like commercial, literary, and upmarket come to be? Find out inside. 50 Book Marketing Ideas Every Author Needs to Know Read post Just like with choosing your degree, understanding the market from the outset of the process is crucial. If you’re hoping to make a career off of your novels, you need to study your market, your competitors, and to identify where your story will fit there. Why is it so important to be able to classify what kind of fiction you're writing? Find out here Even if your book is classified as commercial, that does not mean it has less merit as a piece of literature. Commercial and literary fiction both have their place: just like a spoon works better for ice cream and spaghetti requires a fork. This fiction is kind of like a spork, then: it can be used for either occasion.The classification is a sales tool - it’s important to know. In the end, if you can write a book that someone enjoys reading, that someone derives meaning from, that challenges someone to think, that helps someone unwind, that’s fun, or sad, or uplifting - in other words, if you can write a book that speaks to someone, then, well done. Not sure if your book is commercial, literary, or upmarket fiction? Take this quiz to find out http://bzfd.it/2xQofFP Are you still not 100% sure how to classify your novel? Take our quiz to find out!What are some of your favorite works of commercial, literary, or upmarket fiction? Share them with us in the comments below!