Ethical Issues in International Business Essay Example for Free

Ethical Issues in International Business Essay Tip usually refers to an offer made after services have been rendered. It is not of a legal concern. However, bribing is something of serious concern and it is questionable. Bribing to get a business contract is to secure favor against a party. However, when tip is offered in large amount in order to get a bigger table, it cannot be said as similar to bribing. But it has very little ethical concern compared to bribing for securing a business contract. Securing a better table is having a favor by offering a heavy tip but it does not stand equivalent to bribery. Bribing is more serious because it can affect business dealings and contract loss of the opposing party against which bribe is offered. For example, if two parties wanted to have same contract, but one of them bribed to gain the contract then the other party is a looser and lost their contract and business. So just securing a good table is not of very serious concern as compared to securing of business contract. Bribing is to harm others and gain favor when other party was strong enough to beat the competition. Securing a better table is much less serious issue and it does not involve any legal concerns and does not harm others. But though, it is just getting an advantage over others and getting better place than others. But now-a-days people have started offering heavy tips to have a better table. The moral here is this that thinking of oneself as more important than others. Though in both cases it somewhat looks the same that you’re offering money to get favor and advantage over others. But deeper consequences, legal issues and ethical issues are involved in case of bribing. Securing a table does not involve any legal issues or ethical issues of deeper concern. Tipping cannot be said compatible to bribing. Bribery is far more immoral attitude compared to securing a table. It involves breaking a deal with one party when it already had 90% chances to secure the deal before bribery. Hence, the company who actually deserved the right to have a contract looses it and the one who were not qualified get the deal by offering bribe. Thus, it is an immoral approach, promise breaking, and snatching of rights of other party. It may also involve some legal issues when damages incurred are severe because of bribe. Alienation of agency is one of the worst immoralities, and it happens when bribe-taker’s company breaks the deal or contract with another party after receiving the bribe. There are several other severe consequences of bribe apart from alienation of agency (Andrade, 1985). Therefore, it is understandable that bribe is totally an immoral act. And sometimes it becomes so necessary to bribe that in certain countries nothing gets done if you don’t give bribe (Koukl, 1996). Bribe also results in injustice and prevent justice among the parties. Securing a good table at restaurant, though, to seek a better place in restaurant and to have better service and favor over others is not a severe case as bribery is. Many restaurant owners admit that there is ‘little choice between the tables and only to make more money we reserve some fancy tables. ’ Our morals and ethical issues are not much of concern in having better table. But bribery has several and immoral consequences.

RES Subglacial Mapping for Extraterrestrial Colonization

RES Subglacial Mapping for Extraterrestrial Colonization RES Subglacial Mapping Used to Assess Extraterrestrial Colonization Eric Phelan Successful colonization of another planet involves countless variables being addressed prior to mission launch. Water, being essential to sustaining human life, must be available in sizable quantities in order to establish a fruitful, long-term colony. But even with water filtration systems operating at one hundred percent efficiency, a viable native source of water must be identified on the planet if the colony is ever expected to prosper. Radio Echo Sounding may provide a solution to this problem. Introduction Radio Echo Sounding, Ice Penetrating Radar, or more commonly Radioglaciology, has been used for many years to map the subsurface of glaciers all across the globe. From massive canyons to pockets of trapped volcanic ash, RES has been a valuable tool in understanding how glaciers form and what they contain. In more recent years, studies have been conducted on the identification of subglacial lakes. These results may prove valuable when locating viable and continuous sources of water on otherwise desolate planets. We have already identified large ice caps on Mars [1] and that Jupiter’s Satellite, Europa, is covered in water ice [2]. We have even discovered small pockets of ice in craters on the moon [3]. The issue is that we must somehow extract usable water from these locations. It would be too costly and inefficient to continuously melt ice for use, so the next option is to identify pockets of fresh water in the ice. Radioglaciology gets us one step closer to identifying ideal colony locations by first locating large subglacial lakes. These subsurface fresh water bodies could provide just enough water for a colony to grow steadily and flourish. While scientists utilize RES here on Earth, we get one step closer to colonization of other planets. Greenland: Beneath the Ice As early as 1964, advanced RES techniques were being used in Greenland to map the subsurface beneath the mile thick ice sheet. [4] Just last year, RES surveys helped make a discovery of massive proportions. A canyon 50 percent longer than Arizona’s Grand Canyon was discovered snaking its way north toward Petermann Glacier [5][6]. This allowed scientists to extrapolate subsurface river data proving that looking beneath the surface of the ice on our own world delivers extremely valuable information that we otherwise would have failed to acquire. If we can find ancient river systems and lakes on Earth using this technique, it should be viable on other planets. Antarctica: The Hostile Habitat As more research teams explore Antarctica, the use of RES surveying is becoming more extensive. The concept that is being tested here is that liquid water can form beneath these ice sheets due to the bed being above water’s pressure melting point. These surveys have found 379 lakes in Antarctica nearly 4000 meters beneath the ice [7]. While scientists are currently more interested in finding life that miraculously escaped extinction 35 million years ago, these lakes also are important in determining whether other planets may have enough liquid water housed in their ice caps to support a human population. Although the popular and most commonly used methodology of RES surveys employs airplanes with radio equipment, satellites are also viable tools for the job. A satellite deployed in orbit around a planet can map elevation changes in ice sheets that are indicative of subsurface water movements. The more movements there are, the more active the lakes and rivers are beneath the surface. Knowing this can help us determine whether lakes are replenishing quickly or have a limited source of water. As Antarctica is arguably the most hostile surface environment on Earth, it is a good training ground for setting up an extraterrestrial colony. Exposure to the inclement weather can cause irreversible damage to the human body within minutes, testing the boundaries of what our technology and potential colonists can handle. Establishing drilling projects to extract water from these subglacial lakes may be the natural â€Å"next step† in determining our capacity to survive on other planets. If we can manage to transport liquid water from 2.5 miles beneath the surface to an outpost above, we will have tested and proved a technology that could someday be used on other worlds. Space Colonization Figure 3: Artist’s conception of a moon base http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_colonization The moon is a likely first candidate for space colonization. With the discovery of large concentrations of frozen water in deep craters on the moon in 2009 [3], humanity may have more incentive than ever before to establish a colony there. With the ability to find pockets of water in these ice pits, we are well on our way to finding a viable location on the lunar surface to establish a new home. RES surveys of the moon can be conducted from Earth’s surface, but for greater resolution we must get closer. Placing RES satellites in orbit around the moon would allow us to pinpoint liquid water access spots. The same technique would be viable on Mars and, eventually, Europa. If we can establish a stable colony on the moon first, though, we will be one step closer to reaching our full potential as a species. Conclusion The number of planets out in space is immeasurable. If only a fraction of them had water ice on the surface, it would open us up to countless possibilities. With the advancement of RES technologies, we will one day be able to detect water in places that we would have otherwise missed. Finding pockets of water buried deep beneath the ice on Mars or Europa using RES techniques would go a long way toward expanding humanity’s reach into the known universe. We could finally establish colonies on planets that were once thought to be impossible to access. It may be the stuff of science fiction today, but someday in the future this data will be used by engineers and architects to plan out large scale cityscapes that support thousands of lives. It would be the dawn of a new golden age for human civilization, and all of it made possible through the advancement of RES technologies. [1] Bibring, J., Langevin, Y., Poulet, F., Gendrin, A., al, e. (2004). Perennial water ice identified in the south polar cap of mars. Nature, 428(6983), 627-30. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204531038?accountid=14503 [2] Chyba, C. F., Phillips, C. B. (2002). Europa as an abode of life. Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres, 32(1), 47-68. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1013958519734 [3] Cowen, R. (2009, Oct 24). The damp moon: Team finds water on lunar surface. Science News, 176, 10. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/197505984?accountid=14503 [4] TURCHETTI, S., DEAN, K., NAYLOR, S., SIEGERT, M. (2008). Accidents and opportunities: A history of the radio echo-sounding of antarctica, 1958-79. British Journal for the History of Science, 41(3), 417-444. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007087408000903 [5] Wayman, E. (2013, Oct 05). Introducing. Science News, 184, 4. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1441704876?accountid=14503 [6] Oskin, B. (2013, August 29). Grand Canyon of Greenland Discovered Under Ice Sheet. LiveScience. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/39289-greenland-longest-canyon-discovered.html [7] Davies, B. (n.d.). Antarctic subglacial lakes. antarcticglaciers.org. Retrieved from http://www.antarcticglaciers.org/modern-glaciers/subglacial-lakes/ [8] Space colonization. (n.d.). Princeton University. Retrieved from https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Space_colonization.html

New Business Report On Nail Salon

New Business Report On Nail Salon In October 2004, Nails magazine conduct a survey and learnt that 87% of women have had their nails done at a salon (2). The magazine also stated that 42 % of the respondents have their nails done at least once a month and Nail-only salons are the preferred choice over full- service salons or spas for nail care (1). Almost all women go to nail salons in order to look good. Nicer Nails salon is a beauty service establishment that supply a personal service to predominantly female clientele. The salon offer nail care like pedicures, manicures as well as nail enhancements which involve applying false nails, nail extensions, and decorating fingernails according to requirements including nail parties. We are knowledgeable about hygiene and health issues relating to their profession. The desire to have beautiful nails first began during the Ming Dynasty of China, long artificial nails were worn by noblewomen as a status symbol indicating that, unlike commoners, and they did not do manual labour. In the early 19th century in Greece, the upper class women wore empty pistachio shells over their nails, then slowly spreading the artificial nails trend across Europe. In the late 20th century, artificial nails for women became widely popular all over the world (4). The fascination with beautiful nails has grown over the centuries and become a multi-billion pound industry. Extension nail is now a thriving market. Exploiting the development of technological and procedural advancements, Nicer Nail salon will provide a full-service nail technician with high customer satisfaction by delivering speedy, excellent service, an enjoyable atmosphere at an acceptable price. The demand for nail technician service is growing since women have increasing the disposable income which they are keen to spend on treatments that will reduce the stress of everyday life. At Nicer Nail salon, our high qualified technicians will offer a comfortable and relaxed environment. We are the true cut above other nail shops. Our mission is to supply services that enhance our clients physical appearance and mental relaxation. The timing is right for starting new venture; one perfect location was found in Kingston shopping centre. To achieve our objectives, Nicer Nail salon is seeking  £40,000 in loan financing. This loan will be paid from the cash flow from the business and will be secured by the assets of the company. 1.0 Introduction Beauty industry in the U.K is booming, there is a lot of money to be made in this industry more than ever, making today a great time to join the industry. Salons and spas have become a cure to the fast-paced lifestyles nowadays. It has been estimated that the average person spends one third of her cosmetic budget on nail care. Because todays fashion regards professional nail care services increasingly important. However, this billion pound industry can be influenced by changing in politics and economic. The report will show how important it is for business to react with the change of environment. This report is not only an environmental analysis that supports the nail salon but also a financial plan to help the prospect of opening Nicer Nail Salon. Product service: 2.1 Target customer: female over 16 year olds. According to the Nail magazine, nail salon patrons begins their habit early. 55% were under 25s when they first starting having their nails done professionally (1). Moreover, result from 2010 Survey of Hours and Earnings show Women salary is highest in the age group within 30-39 (12). On the other hand, nails art parties are on the rise in popularity, particularly for hen nights and teenage parties. Therefore, the need to offer an array of services to attract clienteles of all different age and income groups is necessary. For example, high-end clients are looking to be pampered. Although we cannot ignore the segment of customers, who would still want to have their nails done, dont want to spend out of their comfort areas. Services: Principally, the salon will generate revenues from the direct nail technician services. A nail technician provides painting, nail filing, manicure, pedicure and artificial nails services including acrylics, airbrush nails and nail jewelry. The most popular new foot service which is gel toenails also be provided. To a lesser extent, the salon generates revenue from sale of nail care and hand cream products. Furthermore, a deluxe service involves playing around with colored gels and dabbling in 3-D art will also be offered. Location: the salon will be located on Fife Road, Kingston -upon-Thames, U.K. the location is strategically situated on one of the busiest street in Kingston next to a hairdresser; importantly, there is a big car park nearby the salon. This is a high profile area and easy access from all parts of the town. It is also very convenience for clienteles to locate our salon. Pricing: According to nail magazine survey, 11% of respondents have stopped having their nails done at a salon due to the expense (3). Thus it is important to offer service that available for customers who cant quite afford high-end luxury salons. After sales service: our customers will leave with tips on how to make their nails healthier. To gain the clienteles trust, clean and safe quality products are used. In addition, clients are always welcome to question about our products. We are confident that word-of-mouth about such a salon would be the best advertising for this type of business, it is not only attract local clienteles but also reach customers far outside the boundaries of Kingston. A creative and innovative fashion always applies to generate very high levels of customer satisfaction. Providing customers with the option of booking appointments and consultations online. 3.0 The Business environment (PESTLE analysis): Like any other business, the Nail salon has to act and react to external factors influences it. Since markets are changing all the time. Customer develops new needs and wants, new competitors enter a market, new technology means that new product can be made. Government introduces new legislation e.g. increase minimum wage means that the disposable income increase it may lead to higher level professional service. Therefore, it is essential to know the influence of external factors include political, economical, socio-cultural, technological, legal and ethical environment is (13). The political environment: is one of the most important factors affecting the operation of a business. It is part of the macro-environment which is external to an organisation and completely beyond its control. The effect of political on business in general: Politic affect business in varieties of levels. Business is affected directly by tax policy; high tax rate will attract less investor (chart 8 in appendix1). Policies of government are very important. For example UK is the democratic country, people have full voting authority; they would be able to choose government that would work for the betterment of the country. It helps businesses to thrive because of the good policies of the government. In contrast, if there is no democracy, there is no respect for the chosen government. Instability and uncertainty in the country arise, government comes and goes and so will their respective decisions and policies. Business will suffer in such case as they do not know what will be their future. An example of instability political causes negatively influencing is the effects of anti-government protestors on hotel operators in Thailand in December 2008. Chart 9 (Appendix1) shows a loss of room revenue during period of peak tourist season. It is clear that the political instability is negatively influences travelers decision making (7). Furthermore, a stable political situation will attract more and more investors from other nations. The effect of the political environment on nail salon: Tax policy: as a sole trader Nicer Nail salon owner has responsibility to pay for local business tax, VAT, corporation capital income tax for business and national insurance for employees. Because by doing so the government know the presence of the business. The conservative government recently announced a new austerity plan. It causes higher interest rates, more business failures, lead to shaper rise in unemployment, directly affect the bank and national disposable income. As a result, the salon revenue may reduce significantly. Economical environment : It is believed that the level of demand for nail treatments can change depending on consumers level of disposable income. Businesses are in areas hard-hit economically will suffer because people lost jobs they have to tighten their belts and take control of their spending habits. Since many people are of the opinion that having nails done is not a necessitate thing. As a service industry, many beauty salons are being hit severely. Retail Sale is another example of industry that suffers when the surrounding economy turns down. Chart 11 (appendix 1) shows a lot of retailers report losses and in fact go out of business. Fortunately, the economy in the UK is in fast recovery (Chart 5 appendix 1). Additionally, chart 6 (Appendix 1) show household expenditure and total employment rose (5). Increasing in disposable income means that people can spend on luxuries like nail treatments. Furthermore, The British Lifestyles report by research group Mintel found that in the last decade we have spent 50% more on trips to hairdressing and beauty salons. This proves that the beauty market increases continuously despite the fact that the economic market condition in the UK is still in recession. Regardless of the recession, there are still people who enjoy being pampered. It makes professional nail care is a business with many good advantages. Socio-cultural environment: Every business works in society and consequently is subject to a variety of social influences. These influences include demography, social class and culture (13). For example, result from 2010 Survey of Hours and Earnings (chart 10 appendix 1) show that median earning of female employees grew. Increasing number of career women trends developing a high maintenance notion towards beauty regimes. This is reflected in the increasing amount of nail bars and services available. Nicer Nail Salon is the place where hard working people can come to get away from their daily stresses and be truly spoilt, a place that had the look and feel of a posh city salon. Nail arts can be a fashion statement and express individual for young clienteles who follow the latest trends and styles with a desire to be fashionable. Other services such as ear piercing, facial, and waxing eyelashes treatments are also offered to attract new clients. On the other hand, UK population is ageing (chart 4 Appendix I), ageing population means that the need to provide for a wider age range of clients is essential. Nodaway, Women earn more they will spend more money to look good. Plus the influence of fashion and changes in attitude toward health make professional nail care become booming industry. Technological environment: Advances in technology can have a major impact on business success. For example, one of the easiest and quickest way to let high-end class clienteles know that the salon are dedicated to serving them with luxurious pampering is creating a website that speaks to their needs and wants. Since, today the internet has major influence on the way consumers research and purchase products. By registering the nail salon with online portals the potential customers can easily reach the salon website which provide company name and contact information with online directories. Furthermore, option of consultants online 24/7 shows the salon is dedicated to deliver professional service. Moreover, electric nail file, unlike manual tool, enables a nail technician to filling acrylic nails much easier since the areas that were once hard to reach when filing manually such as cuticle areas and undersides of nails are now easily accessible. The electric nail drill is a time saver; it allows the salon to serve more clients in a day and this should increase profit. In 2010, 19.2 million households had an Internet connection in the U.K. This represented 73 per cent of households and an increase of 0.9 million since 2009 (15) an enormous increase in the number of home computer. This makes internet becomes one of the best ways to advertise the salon. On the other hand, improvements in technology will reduce the costs of nails equipment and products for example nail varnishes, jewellery. This should increase salon revenue. The legal environment Health and safety is important when working as a nail technician. Health and safety legislation is part of criminal law. Failure to comply with the law has serious consequence for example if there is a severe risk to health and safety, the salon will be closed down until improvements have been made. The salon has to work within the legal and professional frameworks that set the standards for employment. The law demands that every place of work is a healthy and safe for clients, workers, and other visitors. For example, potentially hazardous substances like glues or acetones should be carefully handle. The salon must follow the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (10). My salon also looks forward to Legal requirement such as accident insurance and safety disposable products. The salon will keep to the Health and Safety guidance produced by Habia for nail technicians (9). This involves controlling and minimizing skin exposure to nail products, disinfecting equipment for manicuring, cleaning and minimizing inhalation exposure to nail products A nail technician should provide a service with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable space of time and at a reasonable charge (The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982). The nail technician will commit a criminal offence if published misleading advertising that deceives another trader (The Business Protection from Misleading Regulations 2008). Hence, it is crucial to know about the laws. Ethnical environment: Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a monomer used in nail enhancement application but it should not be used in the salon due to its dangerous effect such as blister and nail loss for natural nails or respiration problem and asthma for some people even though it is still legal to use in the UK. Acrylic contaminated materials should be sealed in a bag before disposal in the bin reducing the amount of chemicals in the air. Gauze pads, cotton wool etc. that have been soaked in chemical should be disposed of in a sealed bag. The intended legal entity for my company: The salon operates as sole trader. I have look and found that being a sole trader is the easiest way to start a small business like a nail spa. Accounting is much easier hence bills for accountants are lower. Plus no complicated paperwork is required. Importantly, decision can be make quickly and close contact can be kept with clients and employees. However, you have to make decisions and provide all finance by yourself. The business income is the owner income therefore it is harder to reduce tax bill. Registration and regulation: Nail technicians are required to register their business and apply for a license to trade. The licence is known as a special treatment licence. The fee to register will depend on each local authority. As a Sole Trader, the salon owner needs to register with Her Majestys Revenue and Custom (HMRC) as self-employed at the moment the business has started otherwise the financial penalty will be charged. Financial plan The startup capital of  £45,000 (appendix II for details) is required to use for the design, leasehold improvement, and equipment of the salon. There are many ways to raise finance for examples borrow from family, get a bank loan or from outside investors. I did research and found that the best way to raise capital for Nicer Nail Salon is borrowing from my parent because they provide with better terms than the bank or private loan guarantees. In order to have successful business with family an agreement letter (Appendix II for details) between me and my parent is necessary in case thing dont go as planned. This also helps to protect everyone from each other and eliminate all conversations that start with you never said that. This note emphasizes that my parent lend me  £45,000 as a debt loan rather than equity. The interest will be paid quarterly to my parent account. Borrowing from parent is better than borrowing from private loan guarantees as the limit time frame stems is much longer. Compare to bank term loans, the interest rate is also much lower. Conclusion: Based on the result from 2010 Survey of Hours and Earnings and British lifestyles I can conclude that Nicer Nail Salon is a necessary service nowadays. Owning a nail salon is promising as little start-up cost is needed and importantly, it is never out of season. , it will be a good start of going somewhere with nail business. Explain in greater details of executive summary how and why the conclusions were reached. This is based on result of findings Appendix I: Table 1: shows the places where customers have their nails done. Table 2 shows how often they have their nails done Table 3: show the main reason stop customers having their nails done at a salon Chart 4: Estimated and projected population and percentage of population by age group, UK, 1984, 2009 and 2034 (3) Chart 5: show the economy from 2006 to 2010 (2) Economy grows by 0.7% in Q3 2010 Chart 6:show consumer Spending trend from 2006 to 2010 Household expenditure grows by 0.3% in Q3 2010 Household final consumption expenditure percentage change, quarter on previous quarter Chart 7: GDP and the Labour Market (5) From recession to recovery The labour market in recession and recovery The UK continues its path of recovery from recession(5) The UK economy over the past three recessions According to the latest figures, UK GDP grew by 0.7 per cent in quarter three 2010. GDP grew by 0.7 per cent in quarter three 2010. This was the fourth consecutive increase since the end of the recent recession. The 0.7 per cent growth stemmed from: Service sector (0.4 per cent) Construction sector (0.2 per cent) Production sector (0.1 per cent) Growth in the Service sector was driven by the government and other services, transport storage and communication and distribution hotels and restaurants Chart 8: Higher tax rates discourage investment by lowering investments return (6) Chart 9: Daily hotel reservation requests in Thailand from 16/10/2008 to 16/12/2008(7) Chart10: Earnings 2010 survey of Hours and earnings (12) Chart 11:UK Retail Sales during recession Appendix II: Below is the summary of money needed to start up Nicer Nail Salon Start-up Expenses Rent deposit  £1,500 Legal  £500 Brochures  £500 Stationery  £1,000 Sundry salon equipment  £2,500 Total Start-up Expenses  £6,000 Start-up Assets Needed Cash Balance on Starting Date  £15,000 Other Current Assets  £24,000 Total Assets  £39,000 Total Requirements  £45,000 This is an installment promissory note between me and my parent Instalment Promissory Note (17) Full Names ____Kim Anh Tran_____ Address___Kingston -upon- Thames , UK, KT2 7SB (Hereinafter referred to as the Borrower/s) Full Names ____Kim Pham____________________________ Address: Kingston -upon- Thames , UK, KT2 7SB (Hereinafter referred to as the Lender) For value received, the Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay to the order of Lender the sum of __ £45,000 together with interest accrued at the rate of __ten six_percent (_6%) per year on any unpaid balance. Payment Terms Borrower will pay ______one__payment of __ £2,000___each at uninterrupted quarterly intervals on the __first day of each month, starting on the 11/01/2011 until the Principal amount and accrued interest is paid in full. All payments shall first be applied to outstanding late fees, then to interest and the balance to the Principal amount. Prepayment The Borrower may prepay this Note in full or in part at any time without premium or penalty. All prepayments shall first be applied to outstanding late fees, then to accrued interest and thereafter to the principal loan amount. Place of Payment Payment shall be made at the above stated address of the Lender or at such place as may be designated from time to time in writing by the Lender or holder of this Note. For ease of payment the Borrower may exercise the option to effect payment by direct deposit or electronic transfer of funds into the account of Lender as specified in writing. Late Payment Fees If payment is not made within _10___ days as stipulated in the payment terms the Borrower shall pay an additional late fee in the amount of  £__500. Acceleration of Debt upon Default If the Borrower fails to make any payment when due for whatever reason and the Lender provides notice of such failure, the Borrower must effect payment of the amount due within __30__ days, failing which the Lender can demand immediate payment of the entire outstanding Principal amount and accrued interest. Collection Fees In the event of default this Note may be turned over for collection and the Borrower agrees to pay all reasonable legal fees, collection and enforcement charges to the extent permissible by law, in addition to other amounts due. Security This Note is secured by a Security Agreement which will remain in full force and effect until this Note and the Security Agreement are released in writing by the Lender. Transfer The Lender may transfer this Note to another holder without notice to the Borrower and the Borrower agrees to remain bound to any subsequent holder of this Note under the terms of this Note. Replacement of Note The Borrower agrees to execute a new Note with the same terms and conditions and remaining value in the event that this Note is lost, stolen or mutilated. The Lender shall release the Borrower of all obligations under the lost, stolen or mutilated Note in lieu of a replacement new Note. Joint and Several Liability All Borrowers or Co-signors identified in this Note shall be equally liable for the repayment of the debt described in this Note. Borrowers Waiver The Borrower waives demand and presentment for payment, notice of non-payment, off-set, protest and notice of protest and agrees to remain fully bound until this Note is paid in full. Lenders Indulgence No relaxation, indulgence, waiver, release or concession of any terms of this Note by the Lender on one occasion shall be binding unless in writing and if granted shall not be applicable to any other or future occasion. Binding Effect The terms of this Note shall be binding upon the Borrowers successors and shall accrue to the benefit and be enforceable by the Lender and his/her successors, legal representatives and assigns. Jurisdiction This Note shall be construed, interpreted and governed in accordance with the laws of the U.K and should any provision of this Note be judged by an appropriate court of law as invalid, it shall not affect any of the remaining provisions whatsoever. General Where appropriate words signifying one gender shall include the others and words signifying the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. Paragraph headings are for convenience of reference only and are not intended to have any effect in the interpretation or determining of rights or obligations under this Note. Signed on 10/01/2011 (1) Borrowers Name ___Kim Anh Tran__________________________ (2) Lender Name _____Kim Pham________________________

Fuzzy Logic :: Essays Papers

Fuzzy Logic "So far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain. And so far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality." -Albert Einstein, Geometry and Experience â€Å"It’s funny how when we’re the recipients of pain we’re clear that it’s black and white. But when we’ve got something to gain there are shades of gray.† – Dr. Laura Schlessinger Fuzz adds extreme choices of black and white, between shades of gray. Claim ness is given with fuzz; it does not make us choose. Fuzzy logic is a superset of conventional (Boolean) logic that has been extended to handle the concept of partial truth -- truth values between "completely true" and "completely false". It is also reasoning with vague concepts. There is a new math behind fuzzy logic and it took many years to find it. With this logic there is a goal, the goal is to get computers to work out just the round off black and white concepts. The Fuzzy Theory- A branch of logic designed specifically for representing knowledge and human reasoning in such a way that it amenable to process by computers, Thus fuzzy theory is applicable to *experts systems knowledge of engineering and * artificial intelligence. The fuzzy theory is concerned with the stud of *sets and * predications of this kind. There emerge such concepts as fuzzy sets, fuzzy relationships, and fuzzy quantifiers.[1] â€Å"There are certain rules and theorems that the fundamental concepts of a binary systems which are known as Boolean algebra. The understanding of Boolean algebra is considered very vital because its applications directly lead to the techniques that are essential in designing efficient digital systems. Boolean algebra serves as the basis for moving form verbal descriptions of the functions of the desired digital device to an unambiguous mathematical description.†[2] We shouldn’t regard the fuzzy theory as a single theory, rather the process â€Å"justification† as a methodology to generalize any specific theory from a crisp (discrete) to a continuous (fuzzy) form. Thus recently researchers have also introduced "fuzzy calculus", "fuzzy differential equations", and so on. We us binary numbers to represent the mathematical and logical operations that circuits perform. These Binary numbers allow us to represent everything as two states.

Women in the Middle Ages Essay -- essays research papers fc

The medieval woman was allowed a larger measure of freedom and status than the usual image we have of the Middle Ages. Women were allowed to own property and inherit from their family. Some women were employed and some were in charge of businesses. Among the upper class, women were as educated as their male counterparts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Europe, women were allowed to inherit property from both their fathers and their husbands. In most cases, whatever the woman brought into a marriage in the form of a dowery was hers, even if her husband divorced her. If a woman was childless or her children were to young to inherit, she would control her husband’s property after his death. This was common because of the trend of women in their teens marrying men 10-20 years older.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some women gained control of their husband’s property because they left for the crusades and the wife ran the business in the husband’s absence. Some men were gone for years and some never returned.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women had control of certain areas of commerce of their own volition. Silk spinning was almost exclusively â€Å"women’s work† Women manufactured purses and ladies hats, too. And in some parts of Europe, such as Paris, they were allowed to run brothels and taverns.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the Hollister Sourcebook, there is a picture from a French manuscript depicting a woman as an artist painting a woman. The caption states women of the Middle Ages participated in the business world in a way that only men would be allowed to in later times, which included â€Å"trade, banking, the direction of business enterprises, textile manufacturing, brewing, tax collecting, money lending, illuminating and copying books,... and a variety of other activities.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women could even belong to guilds and some taught their knowledge, not only in artisan occupations, but also reading, writing and arithmetic. A woman could be as educated as her male counterpart. Women also were midwives and often served as a sort of doctor giving medical advice and dispensed medications.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The town of Sardinia provides an interesting look into the life of the medieval woman. In Sardinia, a woman could own property and retain a separate title to her own property she brought into a marriage. It was the custom of ... ...ld membership in guilds. They could conduct business and own property. Not only that but their status in the church changes in the Middle Ages to one of more acceptance and they become the subject for artistic expressions in pictures, poetry, songs and books. It was a unique period in history for women.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   BIBLIOGRAPHY   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Erler, Mary, and Maryanne Kowaleski. â€Å"Women and Power in the Middle Ages†. The University of Georgia Press. 1988.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hollister, C. Warren. â€Å"Medieval Europe: A Short History†. The McGraw-Hill Companies. 1998.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hollister, C. Warren, Joe W. Leedom, Marc A. Meyer, David S. Spear. â€Å"Medieval Europe: A Short Sourcebook†. The McGraw-Hill Companies. 1997.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  LeGoff, Jacques. â€Å"Medieval Civilization†. Basil Blackwell Ltd. 1988.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Shafar, Shulamith. â€Å"The Fourth Estate†. Methuen & Co., Ltd. 1983.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Tort Law: Stella Liebeck Report

Hot coffee spill worth cool award McDonald's may fork over $2. 9 million Denver Post Copyright 1994 Friday, August 19, 1994 The Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE – A woman, who was scalded when her McDonald's coffee spilled won a jury award of $2. 9 million – or about two days' coffee sales for the fast-food chain. Lawyers for Stella Liebeck, 81, who suffered thirddegree burns in the 1992 incident, contended that McDonald's coffee was too hot. A state district court jury imposed $2. 7 million in punitive damages and $160,000 in compensatory damages Wednesday.Ken Wagner, one of Liebeck's attorneys, said that he had asked the jury for punitive damages equal to two days' worth of McDonald's coffee sales, which he estimated at $1. 34 million a day. Testimony indicated McDonald's coffee is served at 180 to 190 degrees, based on advice from a coffee consultant who has said it tastes best that hot, Wagner said yesterday. The lawsuit contended Liebreck's coffee was 165 to 170 degree s when it spilled. In contrast, he said, coffee brewed at home is generally 135 to 140 degrees.Defense attorney Tracy McGee said the company will appeal. Juror Richard Anglada said the jury was trying to deliver a message to the industry. â€Å"The coffee's too hot out there. This happened to be McDonald's,† Anglada said Wednesday. Liebeck's lead counsel, Reed Morgan of Houston, said there have been several lawsuits nationally over the temperature of McDonald's coffee, but that he believes the Liebeck case was the first to reach the verdict stage. A California case was settled out of court for $235,000, he said. He said the woman's medical bills totaled nearly $10,000.According to testimony, Liebeck was a passenger in a car driven by her grandson outside a McDonald's in southeast Albuquerque when she was burned by a cup of coffee purchased at a drive-through window. The jury found, among other things, that the coffee was defective and that McDonald's engaged in conduct justif ying the punitive damages. Caption: PHOTO: Associated Press/Adolph Louis THE VICTIM: Stella Liebeck, who suffered third- degree burns when a cup of McDonald's coffee spilled on her, is shown with her dog at her residence in Albuquerque. Woman burned by coffee given $2. 9 million by jury Austin American-Statesman Copyright 1994 Friday, August 19, 1994 ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. – A jury awarded $2. 9 million in damages to a woman who suffered third-degree burns after spilling a cup of McDonald's coffee. Stella Liebeck, 81, said in her lawsuit she was riding in a car in 1992 when she put a cup of the coffee between her legs while she removed the cap. The coffee spilled, scalding her. Testimony indicated McDonald's coffee is served at 180 to 190 degrees, based on a coffee consultant's advice that it tastes best that hot. In contrast, the lawsuit said, coffee brewed at home is generally 135 to 140 degrees.Juror Richard Anglada confirmed the jury was trying to deliver a message to the fas t-food industry with the large punitive damages. â€Å"The coffee's too hot out there,† Anglada said. Coffee burns result in $2. 9 million award from McDonald's †¢ The Fort Worth Star-Telegram Copyright 1994 Thursday, August 18, 1994 Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. – A jury awarded $2. 9 million in damages to a woman who suffered third-degree burns after spilling a cup of McDonald's coffee. Stella Liebeck, 81, said in her lawsuit that McDonald's serves coffee that is too hot.Liebeck testified she was riding in a car in February 1992 when she put the cup of coffee between her legs while she removed the cap. The coffee spilled and she suffered severe burns on her legs, groin and buttocks. Reed Morgan, her attorney, said the woman's medical bills totaled close to $10,000. Juror Richard Anglada said the jury was trying to deliver a message to the fast-food industry. â€Å"The coffee's too hot out there,† she said. â€Å"This (just) happened to be McDonald' s. † Tracy McGee, McDonald's attorney, said the company would appeal. Coffee Spill Burns Woman; Jury Awards $2. Million †¢ The Wall Street Journal Copyright (c) 1994, Dow Jones & Co. , Inc. Friday, August 19, 1994 The Business of Law ALBUQUERQUE, N. M. (AP) — A woman who was scalded when her McDonald's Corp. coffee spilled was awarded almost $2. 9 million by a jury. Lawyers for Stella Liebeck, who incurred thirddegree burns in the1992 incident, contended that McDonald's coffee was too hot. On Wednesday, a state district court jury imposed $2. 7 million in punitive damages and $160,000 in compensatory damages. Defense attorney Tracy McGee has said the company will appeal.Ms. Liebeck's medical bills totaled almost $10,000, according to one of her attorneys. Testimony indicated that McDonald's coffee is served at between 180and 190 degrees, based on advice from a coffee consultant who has said the beverage tastes best at that temperature, Ken Wagner, one of Ms. Liebec k's attorneys, said yesterday. The lawsuit contended that Ms. Liebeck's coffee was between 165 and 170 degrees when it spilled. In contrast, the complaint said, coffee brewed at home is generally between 135 and 140 degrees. Woman spills coffee, sues, wins $2. 9 million The Fort Worth Star-Telegram Copyright 1994 Friday, August 19, 1994 Jennifer Packer Star-Telegram Writer A jury in Albuquerque, N. M. , awarded nearly $2. 9 million to an81-year-old woman who was burned by a cup of coffee that she spilled on herself while riding in a car. Stella Liebeck suffered third-degree burns on her buttocks, groin and legs after she removed the top from a cup of McDonald's coffee that she had placed between her legs while riding in a car being driven by her grandson, according to testimony. The incident occurred in 1992. The jury awarded $2. 7 million in punitive damages and $160,000 in compensatory damages Wednesday.Liebeck's medical bills totaled nearly $10,000, according to court documents. â€Å"She couldn't sit. Her butt was burned, her crotch was burned -if you could see the pictures . . . it was disgusting,† Tracey Salazar, an Albuquerque civil court clerk, told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. â€Å"She did deserve something, but $2. 9 million dollars? That's how it works in society today,† Salazar said. Testimony at the trial indicated that McDonald's coffee is served at temperatures between 180 and 190 degrees Fahrenheit under a corporate guideline based on advice from a coffee consultant.The woman's coffee was between 165 and 170 degrees when it was spilled, according to testimony. Liebeck's lawyer, Reed Morgan, told The Associated Press that Liebeck's isn't the first lawsuit filed over McDonald's coffee temperature. But it's likely the first one to reach a verdict, he said. McDonald's attorney Tracy McGee said the company will appeal the decision. â€Å"We will pursue all the appropriate remedies,† she said. Ray Waddell, a Texas Wesleyan Univ ersity law professor, said he believes that the heavy punitive damages were meant to serve as a lesson to McDonald's and other restaurants. It's their legal duty not to serve dangerously hot coffee,† Waddell said. â€Å"The $2. 7 million is to . . . get McDonald's attention so they won't make boiling hot coffee anymore. It's more than likely the jury just got mad at McDonald's and decided to punish them. † Waddell said the publicity surrounding the case could provoke copycat coffee-inspired lawsuits. â€Å"You can suppose that people all over the country will go around buying big cups of coffee and spilling it on themselves,† he said. Fort Worth Fire Department Lt. G. D. Wilder said any liquid hotter than 110 degrees can cause a burn.Water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. â€Å"The hotter it is, the less time it takes to burn,† Wilder said. The depth of the burn, he said, depends on how long the skin has been exposed to the hot substance. A small, unscient ific survey yesterday by the StarTelegram showed that coffee temperatures at Tarrant County restaurants ranged from 155to 175 degrees. The hottest coffee, at 175 degrees, came from a Dunkin' Donuts store. A 7-Eleven store served it at 170 degrees. A Whataburger restaurant's coffee was 160 degrees, and a cup of Texaco coffee registered 155degrees.One McDonald's manager in Fort Worth, who would not give her name, said company policy mandates that coffee be prepared at a temperature of about 195 degrees. But another Fort Worth McDonald's manager, who also declined to give her name, gave the official temperature as 170 degrees and said she has never had any complaints. â€Å"It's not a problem,† she said. â€Å"They always come back for more. † A Fort Worth Jack in The Box manager said company policy dictates that coffee be made with water that's about 195 degrees. â€Å"It's supposed to come out at 191 or better.We just want to make sure there's a minimum temperature,â⠂¬  manager Bobby Woodard said, adding that the staff checks water temperature daily with digital thermometer. â€Å"I've never had anybody saying that it was too hot. † At Grady's American Grill, a nationwide franchise whose parent company owns Chili's and several other chain restaurants, the only coffee temperature policy is an informal one: â€Å"As long as it's steaming, it's hot enough to serve,† said David Lalas, general manager of the chain's Helen Street restaurant. But Lalas said that he thinks the McDonald's verdict will change that soon. I'm sure there'll be some kind of stipulation on how hot it's supposed to be and to calibrate it,† Lalas said. â€Å"For true coffee drinkers,† Lalas said, â€Å"it's never going to be too hot for them. † Law Professor Waddell said he wouldn't be surprised if the verdict against McDonald's opens the door to a new era of food servers who will poke their fingers into cups of coffee before offering them to customers- all in the name of protecting their restaurants against legal complaints. â€Å"It would cost them millions of dollars a day to check their coffee,† Waddell said. The cheapest way to test it is to stick a finger in it. † Staff writer Chris Vaughn contributed to this report, which contains material from The Associated Press. LETTERS †¢ Austin American-Statesman Copyright 1994Friday, September 2, 1994 Take responsibility When are we going to make people responsible for their own actions? To blame McDonald's for serving hot coffee, let alone awarding $2. 9million for damages as reported Aug. 19, is ludicrous. It was Stella Liebeck who spilled the coffee, not McDonald's! McDonald's should not be held responsible for her bad judgment.I'm no fan of McDonald's but I am a senior citizen myself, and in good conscience I could not sue McDonald's for personal injury caused by mown carelessness. What's happened to our legal and jury systems? Is there no commonsense left in America? ROSE M. DONOVAN Austin, 78731-3918 Hot topic And lawyers wonder why so many view them as liars, cheats and corrupters of our legal system. Just look at the $2. 9 million given to an Albuquerque, N. M. , woman by a jury that was somehow convinced that McDonald's makes their coffee too hot!Stella Liebeck, 81, was riding in a car in 1992, and spilled coffee between her legs when she removed the cup's lid and burned herself. Testimony indicated that McDonald's serves coffee at between 180 and190 degrees Fahrenheit, while home brewed coffee is between 135 to 140 degrees. Just for fun, I checked the temperature of our two noncommercial coffee pots – a Freeware percolator and a Militia drip. The perc serves its brew at 190 and the drip at 185. I'll bet by the Laws of Chemistry that if I served boiled coffee it would be around 212, egg shells included.When Ford Motor Co. purposely chose to let people die in Pintos and face injury in models with a C-4 transmission ins tead of spending pennies on prevention, that was criminal. When McDonald's or any restaurant serves you hot coffee you should get exactly what you order -hot coffee. I guess I want to ask the lawyers and plaintiffs what's next -insulated cups, Tabasco, the famous cry in Mexican restaurants â€Å"Hot Plate,† melted cheese on pizza? Maybe that woman was too old to be served hot coffee and we should withhold dangerous food and beverages from anyone over 65.I'll be real disappointed the next time I order Hot and Sour soup and can only get Vichyssoise instead. ROBERT D. ATKINSON Austin, 78753 THE COFFEE'S HOT, STUPID! A proud nation of pioneers has become a land of whining plaintiffs †¢ Atlanta Journal Copyright 1994 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Tuesday, September 13, 1994EDITORIALDebra Saunders San Francisco – Is it the job of the courts to protect Americans from themselves? Recent court cases suggest that many plaintiffs and jurors believe so. Last month's jury a ward in Albuquerque of $2. million in punitive damages to a woman scalded by McDonald's coffee is the first case. Stella Liebeck, 79, was a passenger in a car driven by her grandson whence bought her megabucks cup of coffee at a McDonald's drive-through in1992. She spilled the coffee on her lap after she pried the lid from the cup, which she had placed between her legs. It shouldn't take an Einstein to figure out that you don't open a full cup of coffee anywhere near your legs – never mind between them in a moving car. But in America, we reward such thoughtlessness and punish entities that don't treat people like mindless boobs.Juror Richard Anglada explained that the jury wanted to send the restaurant industry a message: â€Å"The coffee's too hot out there. This happened to be McDonald's. † It's true, restaurant coffee tends to be served at temperatures hotter than java brewed at home. So make McDonald's pay for Liebeck's medical bills. But reward her with $2. 7 mill ion for being careless wither coffee? Now some restaurants are considering putting warning labels on their coffee. Let them read: â€Å"Hot! Stupid. † Because in this litigious age, it's not enough to be hot, and everybody knows it, you have to shout â€Å"hot! † so that no one forgets it.In Sacramento and San Luis Obispo counties, separate lawsuits have been filed against authors Laura Davis and Ellen Bass, whose book â€Å"The Courage to Heal,† has become a self-help bible for incest survivors. Or, perhaps I should say, people who believe they are incest survivors. The book encourages readers to explore for retrieved memories of incest thus: â€Å"Even if you are unable to remember any specific instances of childhood sexual abuse but you have a feeling that something happened in your childhood, it probably did. † No doubt the book has prompted some desperate people to conjure up false memories, with tragic consequences.Last week, a Sacramento Superior C ourt judge dismissed the suit against the authors but let stay Deborah David's suit against her therapists, minister and health-care provider. As Neil Shapiro, who represents authors Davis and Bass, told the San Francisco Chronicle: â€Å"These are ideas, and you can't have liability for ideas. † While the court ruled correctly, it is disturbing that David asked the courts to shield her from the power of an idea. Her therapists and the authors through their books â€Å"convinced† David, the$4million-plus complaint argued, that â€Å"she was abused as a child, and that she had multiple personalities. The suit complained that while the book promised healing, it â€Å"failed to heal† David. She â€Å"relied on such representations and, in reliance thereon, purchased the book and the workbook and read them as directed. † There is an irony in this suit: Two priestesses in the cult of victimology have faced two suits based on the assumption that the plaintiffs were helpless before their rhetoric. Victimology has gone full circle. America has devolved from a country of pioneers to a nation of plaintiffs.

Everything Happens for a Reason †Jumakha Essay

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there. They serve some sort of purpose ,teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or you want to become. You never know who these people may be;your roommates,your neighour,professor,long lost friend,lover or even a complete stranger who,when you lock eyes with them,you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.[æ · ±Ã¥Ë† »Ã§Å¡â€žÃ¥  °Ã¨ ± ¡] And sometimes things happen to you and at the time they seem horrible,painful and unfair,but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never have realized your potential,strength,will power of heart. Everything happens for a reason.Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad-luck.Illness,injury,love,lost moments or true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of the soul. [æ„šè   ¢Ã¨â€¡ ³Ã¦Å¾ Ã§Å¡â€žÃ¤ ºâ€¹Ã¦Æ'…] Without these small tests,if they b e events,illnesses or relationships,life would be like a smooth paved,straight,flat road to nowhere.Safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet who affect your life and successes and downfalls you experience,they are the ones who create who you are. Even the bad experience can be learned from†¦Those lessons are the hardest and probably the most important ones†¦ If someone hurts you,betrays you,or breaks your heart†¦forgive them,for they have helped you learn about trust and the important of being cautious to whom you open your heart. If someone loves you,love them back unconditionally,not only because they love you,but because they are teaching you to love and opening your heart and eyes†¦to things you would have never seen or felt without them. Make every day count.Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can,for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before,and actually listen,let yourself fall in love,break free and set your sights high. You can make of your life anything you wish.Create your own life and then go out and live it.I wish you all the best in your endeavors as well as struggles in life.Have a fighting spirit and never hestitate to get back in the struggle!