Competition Freaks Essay Example for Free

Competition Freaks Essay According to Dr. Phil, Everybody likes to be a winner, but some people are competition freaks who have to be first, be the best or win at everything they do. This overly competitive nature oftentimes causes tension in their personal relationships. Love and competition are oil and water, they do not mix, Dr. Phil warns. He offers the following advice for competitive people who want to overcome their need to compete, and learn to relax and enjoy what they have. Being competitive in our academic, working and personal lives can be good for achieving success and moving into the ranks of glory and glamour. Competitive attitudes can help you to feel energized, able to take on challenging tasks and ready to achieve many things in life. However, competitive behavior that is not considerate of your well-being or well balanced in its application can take its toll, leading to self destruction and perhaps ostracizing the very people you care about the most. REFERENCE: http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/510 http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Competitive-in-a-Non-Destructive-Way 1. SELFISHNESS B. EFFECTS OF COMPETING 1. NEGATIVE EFFECT 1.1 SELF- HATRED Another risk of burying our competitive feelings is that we may turn them around and use them to feel bad about ourselves. A straightforward competitive thought like, â€Å"I hate that he is so smart and always says the right thing,† may turn into an attack toward our selves like, â€Å"You are so stupid. You never know what to say. He is so much more engaging than you.†Ã‚  When we turn against our competitive feelings, we turn against ourselves. We feel ashamed of who we are and what we want. Instead of seeking to emulate the people we admire, we simply tear ourselves down in relation to them. With so many negative manifestations of suppressing our direct competitive feelings, how can we face them more honestly and make sure to use them in healthy ways? First of all, we have to remember that feeling competitive is not about letting these emotions take over or ruminating in negative thoughts. It’s about accepting our naturally occurring competitive responses, feeling them fully and moving on. We can accept that we have these feelings a lot of the time. We can even have fun with them, letting ourselves have the nastiest thought possible, then letting that thought go. Doing this as an exercise can feel clean, healthy and even refreshing. As illustrated by the above examples, when we suppress our competitive feelings, they have a way of seeping into and influencing our behavior. Yet, each time we acknowledge that we have these thoughts, we can consciously choose how we want to act. We can be much more proactive in becoming the best version of ourselves, both accepting ourselves and evolving, as the motivated (and competitive) individuals that we inherently are. 1.2 JEALOUSY/BEING ENVY Competitive feelings can be full of jealousy. Allowing ourselves to have competitive thoughts will not leave us falling victim to unstoppable fits of envy or suspicion. When we hold back our healthy and natural competitive feelings, we strengthen the negative parts of those feelings –jealousy included. Instead of building a case against someone, we can face the reality of our feelings and adopt a healthier attitude. For example, a guy I know recently revealed to me a thought process he went through at a party with his girlfriend. He noticed that she was happily chatting with other people, including a few men throughout the night. At first he thought, â€Å"She is totally flirting with my friend. Why does she light up around him? Is she more into him than me? I should just dump her before she makes a fool out of me.† At a certain point, he realized that what he was really feeling was competitive. He wanted her to respond to him the way she was responding to other people at the party. His thinking quickly changed to, â€Å"I love when she is fun like this. I want to share that with her.† Instead of listening to  the voice in his head that told him to pull away and act cold to her, he joined her and engaged in joking around with her. By being lighthearted and fun himself, she was naturally drawn to him, and they were both able to feel closer and happier with each other. If he’d acted on his jealous insecurities, rather than admitting he felt competitive, he would have achieved just the opposite. 1.3 SELF-DENIAL One of the worst results of denying our competitive feelings is that it can cause us to reject what we really want in life. Because feelings of desire or jealousy make us uncomfortable, we may pretend that we don’t want whatever we once longed for anymore. If someone we had a crush on goes out with someone else or if a job we interviewed for falls through, we can easily turn against ourselves and become self-denying. Instead of thinking, â€Å"I really wanted that, and I’m furious that I didn’t get it,† we might think, â€Å"I don’t even care. I never really wanted that. I’m not going to put myself out there to embarrass myself again.† When we engage in this pattern, we become increasingly passive. Rather than going after what we desire, we avoid it, all in the interest of denying our â€Å"unacceptable† competitive feelings. REFERENCE: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/compassion-matters/201309/the-benefits-feeling-competitive 2. POSSITIVE EFFECT 2.1 MAKES YOU PERSEVERE When you look at someone ahead of you and you do whatever it takes to catch up to them†¦that is the essence of perseverance. You don’t give up until you are at the top. Without competition, we would have no reason to persevere. We wouldn’t know our limits and how far we can stretch them. The rewards of perseverance are priceless and to experience such rewards, you need a reason, and competition is that reason. 2.2 HELPS ASSESS YOUR STRENGHTS AND WEAKNESSES Following up from my previous point, what you do notice is what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong. With competition, you have a way to measure how well or how poorly you are doing. Knowing what you are good at and what you are not is extremely important, because success is all about accentuating your strengths and hiding your weaknesses. How well you accomplish this determines how far you go. REFERENCE: http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/7-positives-of-competition/

The Environmental Problems Of Guwahati Environmental Sciences Essay

The Environmental Problems Of Guwahati Environmental Sciences Essay Guwahati, the largest city of Northeastern region of India with an area of 216 sq.km, It is the fifth fastest growing city of India in terms of urbanization. Guwahati being the only city of North eastern region, the city witnessed many changes like rapid increase of population, depletion of forest cover, spread of diseases which resulted many environmental problems akin to land, air, water and society. Most of the changes have taken place due to the effect of changing natural environment, tremendous growth of population particularly after shifting of the capital from Shillong to Dispur, hill slope destabilization due to construction of roads, dwelling houses, public institutions and also for encroachment in wetlands and low lying areas. As the city of Guwahati is bounded on three sides by hills and the other side by the mighty river Brahmaputra, the horizontal expansion is restricted for which many multistoried buildings have come up in recent years just to accommodate ever increasing population (1991- 2001 decadal growth rate is 38.6%) . On the other hand, required infrastructure and city amenities necessary for city dwellers and city us ers have not developed accordingly. As a result many problems arisen in the city, such as traffic congestion, water logging, dusty atmosphere, water borne and airborne diseases etc. In this study an attempt has been given to highlight the environmental problems arisen in Guwahati, their causes and consequences. Introduction The city of Guwahati is said to be the legendary Pragjyotispur, the city of eastern light. Guwahati is said to be the gateway of Northeast India. The city is situated between 260 1025 north latitude and 910 450 east longitude. The southern, eastern and a part of western sides of Guwahati are surrounded by hills and hillocks. The mighty river Brahmaputra in the north is flowing in north-east to south-west direction. Other important rivers in and around Guwahati are Bharalu, Mora-bharalu, Basistha-bahini etc. The city is dotted with swamps, marshes and water bodies like Dipor beel, Dighali pukhuri, Silsaku bill etc. The city falls under humid, subtropical region characterized by warm humid climate with heavy rainfall (average rainfall 1600mm) and a relatively cool winter with rather scanty rainfall. The maximum and minimum temperature recorded in the city is 38 degree and 16 degree respectively with relative humidity of more than 76.6%. As the city is the commercial nerve centre of the Northeast has developed road (National Highway No31, No37 and No 40), rail and air connectivity with rest of the country. Main problems identified in the city are different types of pollution caused due to man induced activities, increase of population, water logging, soil erosion etc. Aims This study aims at creating such an environment in Guwahati that the city could be made livable and lovable one. With this aim the objective this study has been designed Objectives To analyze the geo-ecological setup of Guwahati. To highlight the environmental problems associated with planning process of the city. To examine the cause and effect of various problems, and To throw light on the remedial measures to be taken to minimize the miseries of the city dwellers and city users. Methodology Here, in the study both primary and secondary sources of data have been used. Primary data were collected by spot visit and direct observation of the phenomena. On the other hand secondary data have been collected from various published works such as books, journals research articles, reports etc. Topographical maps (No 78N/12 16) and satellite imageries (SPOT MLA P-238, R-298 Dated 18/10/1990 and Landsat TM P-137, R -042 Dated 10/06/1988) have been used to examine the nature of the city growth, understand the environmental issues and to find out solutions for minimizing the miseries of the city dwellers. Collected data have been summarized, analyzed and presented in various forms like graphs, tables, maps etc. for easy understanding of the content of the paper. Data Analysis and Findings 1. Locational peculiarity of the city invites many environmental problems. Back in time the city was known as Pragjyotishpur, which finds mention in Mahabharata, Ramayana, Raghuvansha of Kalidas. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited the city in 640 AD and described in details about the customs and manners of the people of Guwahati. Located on strategic point the city has always been a bone of contention between rival political powers. A number of bloody wars were fought between Ahom and Mughal rulers for Guwahatis possession. Deforestation Increase in surface run off HILLS Hill slope destabilization Soil erosion Land slide/ land slip Rock fall Hill land Siltation in low lying areas and storm water encroachment drains PLAINS Decrease in water Wetland retention capacity Inundation of new areas encroachment Hampers free flow of water Degeneration of water WETLANDS bodies Dwindling Flora Fauna Fig. 1 : Schematic Diagram showing impact of human activities on the environmental problems of Guwahati With the weakening of Ahom power in Assam, the city passed into the hands of British in 1826. During the British days political pre-eminence of Guwahati shifted to Shillong, which they chose as State Capital. In 1971 with the reorganization of Assam State and shifting of capital to Guwahati (Dispur) it again recovered its political pre-eminence in north east region [1]. Since then Guwahati has made a rapid progress as far as demographic, commercial and industrial activities are concerned. All these activities are responsible for many environmental problems in the city (Fig.1). . 2. Geographical and geological setups are responsible to a great extent for the problems like water-logging, landslide etc. in the city. The general shape of the city is just like a bowl surrounded by hills and hillocks in three sides and river side roads on the remaining side. The altitude in the plain areas of the city varies from 49.5m to 55.5m. . There are a number of small hillocks in the city of which Sarania (193m), Nabagraha (217m), Nilachal (193m), and Chunsali (293m) are important. The hills are composed of Granite, Quartzite, Hornblende-Biotic-Schist, Pegmatite and Quartz. On the other hand the plain areas of the city covered by old and new alluvium. Most part of the city composed of light yellowish to red soil. When the soils completely water saturated during the monsoon months accelerate the rate of landslide hazards. The granitic rocks on the hills gradually exposed due to hill soil erosion. Quite often rock fall occur during the end part of the monsoon months and take precious human lives and damage property. Since August 1987 to August 2005 as many as 22 cases of landslide and rock fall cases recorded in different locations of Guwahati. 3. Climatic condition particularly rainfall concentration in monsoon months from June to September cause many inconvenience like water-logging, dusty atmosphere, spread of water borne and airborne dieses . Usually June rainfall is always alarming but the downpour absorbed by soil. At this stage landslide, rock fall and water logging etc. do not arise. But from July onwards in each heavy shower cause water logging in the areas like Narengi, Satgaon, Saimail, Khanapara, Noonmati, Bamunimaidam, Chandmari, Silpukhuri, Guwahati Club, Uzanbazar, Panbazar, Fancy Bazar, Paltan Bazar, Athgaon, Bharalumukh, Maligaon, Adabari, Jalukbari, G.S. Road, Zoo Road Tinali, Rajgarj Road, Bhangagarh, Dispur. When hill soils become saturated landslide and rock fall occur. Again, immediately after water logging, road surface become muddy and roadside drains clogged with silt derived from the hills. Soon after, dry mud on the roads create dusty atmosphere and increase air pollution. Moreover, storm water ca use mixing of drain water and septic tank effluents with drinking water sources aggravate the health hazards in the city. 4. Almost all the problems of the city related to the population growth. The decadal growth of population in Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) clearly indicates how population may create problems in the city (Table- 1) The urban sprawl map since 1911 also indicate how city has been expanded (Fig-4). This has drastically changed the land use pattern in the city (Table-2).More particularly slums and squatters have increased manifold in last few years. As a result many inconvenience and problems have arisen in the city. 5. Defective planning and lacuna in executing the development schemes aggravate the problems in the city. In this regard, inadequate road space, lack of parking facility, undersized roadside drains, haphazardly laid utility wires and pipes are worth mentioning. Almost all the important roads, viz. GNB Road, GS Road, MG Road and most of the traffic point face acute traffic congestion. Up to 1975 the number of motorized vehicles in the city was only 27,000 which has increased to 1,29,856 in the year 1990. After that the rate of increase accelerated and by 2003 it records 3,13,387. As such around one lakh motor vehicle added to the roads of Guwahati every year [2]. On the other hand the city area has increased by only 46 sq km in last twenty years. Most of the streets in the city are only 4.8m wide. There are many lanes, which have only 3.6m or even 3.0m width. Theses should be at least 8.0m for light and medium vehicles and at least 9.0m for heavy vehicles [3]. The results of the vehic ular emission show the violation in emission limit by 53 percent and 81 percent in case of petrol and diesel vehicles respectively [4 5]. It clearly indicates the magnitude of pollution level in the city. 6. Lack of awareness and tendency of violating the norms and rules in constructing houses, disposing household wastes and abiding traffic rules cause many problems in the city. 7. Slackness in enforcing laws also responsible for the problems of traffic congestion, waste disposal, hill slope destabilization, wetland encroachment and various types of pollution in the city. Table- 1: Population Growth in Guwahati (from 1971 to 2001) Year Population 1971 2,93,219 1981 4,51,200 1991 6,93,660 2001 10,67,400 1200000 1000000 800000 600000 Population 400000 200000 0 1971 1981 1991 2001 Fig. 3: Population Growth in Guwahati (from 1971 to 2001) Land Use Category 1990 2001 Residential 8904 (71.04%) 6600 Commercial 202 (1.62%) 660 Industrial 516 (4.14%) 1375 Public Semi Public 1504 (12.08%) 2475 Transport 1053 (8.47%) 3399 Communication Parks Recreation 14 (0.11%) 1450 Special Use/Others 257 (2.06%) Table- 2: Area under Various Land Uses 1990 to 2001

Would Universal Basic Income Reduce Inequality?

Would Universal Basic Income Reduce Inequality? Could a universal basic income build the base of a fair society? In a world in which the rich are growing wealthier and the poor poorer, lower job security levels and technological advances, income inequalities are growing wider and becoming more challenging to reduce. Where once income distribution was seen as a collective responsibility and was part of political goals, today government intervention to achieve such distribution is seen as a threat to economic efficiency.[1] One proposal for a radical redistribution of income has been redesigned by Phillippe van Parijis, in the form of a Universal Basic Income (UBI), defined as â€Å"an income paid by a government, at a uniform level at regular intervals, to each adult member of society.†[2] This income is paid regardless of an individual’s income level, marital status, ability to work or citizenship status, as long as he/she is a permanent resident. It is not necessarily an income amount that would allow an individual to manage all of his or her basic needs. On the other hand, additional income from work, savings or government benefits can be added to it. [3] It is also argued that UBI would provide social justice, real freedom for all individuals, solve poverty and unemployment policy issues.[4] A UBI supports the unemployed by significantly reducing their financial uncertainty and the pressure to accept a job that may not meet their skill levels or that they find fulfilling.[5] Essentially it addresses the unemployment trap and the poverty gap, where household incomes fall below the poverty line. [6] Moreover, a UBI is also argued to be â€Å"the easiest way to fully harmonize income security and taxation andensure similar marginal tax rates for both the rich and poor.†[7] Additionally, the incidence of welfare fraud would be reduced if not eliminated, except where individuals claim basic income more than once.[8] In poor developing countries, millions of children have access to schooling but do not attend because the poor financial situations of their families force their children to work.[9] A UBI would provide sufficient income to provide at the very least a distribution of opportunity, especially to those with the least opportunities. Women disproportionately bear the labour in the household which in turn directly impact their job and income options. A UBI would therefore help to compensate women and also protects them in vulnerable times such as in times of marriage collapses. Finally, it is also believed that a UBI would provide an individual the freedom to choose unpaid care work and other autonomous activities. [10] The greatest issue surrounding the introduction of the UBI is its cost. Parijis argues that the cost can be offset by the increase in basic income, an increase in taxes for the working population, a reduction in lower income tax rates and an abolition of benefits. Parijis also believes that all of the richer nations can now afford to make a contribution to individual income. [11] Another argument against the introduction of a UBI is that there would be a reduced supply of labour. Parijis argues that by reducing their working time, families can take greater time to look after their children and elderly, which in the long-run may reduce public spending on prisons and hospitals. A final argument against a UBI is that it â€Å"gives the undeserving poor something for nothing†,[12] which runs contrary to the principal of reciprocity in which those who receive benefits should respond by making a contribution. John Rawls argues that â€Å"those who surf all day off Malibu must find a way to support themselves and would not be entitled to public funds†. [13] However, the state cannot coerce individuals to be productive, even by legally enforcing an obligation to work. Gutmann and Thompson add that the obligation to work applies to the poor as well as to the wealthy stating that: â€Å"those who choose to live off inherited wealth without contributing their own labour to society may deserve no more respect from their fellow citizens than the Malibu surfers†.[14] In such a case, respect is granted not by the state but by public opinion. Parijis adds that gifted talent, ambition and luck are not evenly distributed across a population and therefo re a modest but guaranteed financial gift is a human entitlement.[15] In conclusion, a UBI has the potential to provide social justice and a real freedom for all individuals. It could significantly reduce poverty gaps, unemployment traps and harmonise income security and tax rates across all income levels, whilst significantly reducing welfare fraud. In developing countries a UBI will have the greatest impact on income distribution, education and freedom, particularly where women manage and care for the family and household. It would also support individuals looking to invest their time in unpaid charitable activities either nationally or internationally. These efforts would eventually benefit individuals of all income levels as greater time is given to the development of solutions to problems. The main arguments against a UBI revolve around its cost, reciprocity of benefits and reduced labour supply and therefore productivity levels. In the case of the former, there are several options available ranging from increased income taxes to the abolition of benefits, with the richer nations being more able to implement it than the developing countries. With regards to reciprocity, it is difficult to coerce or legally require individuals to be productive in return for benefits received, regardless of their income levels. The only potential solution cited is a loss of respect for these individuals by society. Whilst there are many arguments against a UBI it the benefits to society and its poverty levels far outweigh them, and may prove to be a solution for worldwide poverty and unequal income distributions. Bibliography Blais, Francois and Hutchison, Jennifer (2002) Ending Poverty, James Lorimer Company Bloom, David et al. (n.d) Universal Basic and Secondary Education, American Academy of Arts Sciences http://www.amacad.org/publications/ubase_universal.pdf Groot, L.F and Parijs, P. (2004) Basic Income, Unemployment and Compensatory Justice, Springer Honohan, P. (10th January 1994) Basic Income as a Reform of Tax and Social Welfare, Economic and Social Research Institute Muirhead, Russell (2004) Just Work, Harvard University Press Parijs, Philippe Van (October/ November 2000) A Basic Income for All: If you really care about freedom, give people an unconditional income, Boston Review http://www.bostonreview.net/BR25.5/vanparijs.html Wright, Erik (2006) Two redistributive proposals – universal basic income and stakeholder grants, Focus, Vol. 24, No. 2, Spring-Summer (2006) 1 Footnotes [1] Wright, Erik (2006) Two redistributive proposals – universal basic income and stakeholder grants pg. 5 [2] Parijs, Philippe Van (October/ November 2000) A Basic Income for All: If you really care about freedom, give people an unconditional income [3] Parijis (Ibid) [4] Groot, L.F and Parijs, P. (2004) Basic Income, Unemployment and Compensatory Justice pg. 11 [5] Parijis (Ibid) [6] Honohan, P. (1994) Basic Income as a Reform of Tax and Social Welfare [7] Blais, Francois and Hutchison, Jennifer (2002) Ending Poverty pg. 17 [8] Honohan, P. (1994) Basic Income as a Reform of Tax and Social Welfare [9] Bloom et al. (n.d) Universal Basic and Secondary Education pg. 1 [10] Parijis (Ibid) [11] Parijis (Ibid) [12] Parijis (Ibid) [13] Muirhead, R (2004) Just Work, pg. 19 [14] Muirhead, R (2004) Just Work, pg. 19 [15] Parijis (Ibid) Walt Whitman: The Common Man with Revolutionary Poetry Walt Whitman: The Common Man with Revolutionary Poetry Born to a large, poor family in 1819, Walter Whitman was not thought to be anything special. Floating from job to job all around New York, he struggled financially for most of his early life. Through all this time, however, he was experiencing and learning things that would greatly inspire him as he began writing poetry. His first major publication, Leaves of Grass, earned him worldwide fame as many admired his practical writing style; they donned him The Common Man, a nickname that would survive the rest of his life. But Walt Whitman was a poet with contradictions and inconsistencies. In the infancy of America, pride was on full display. Inspired by these feelings, many pillars of nationalistic Transcendentalism is very prominent in his early works. However, later in his life, Whitmans poetry takes on a more Realistic approach as he explores the darker sides of American life. From rags to riches, Walt Whitman truly embodied the American Dream. In I Hear America Singing, he celebrates all the unique types of people that live in the United States, I hear America singing, the varied carols I hearEach singing what belongs to him or her and to none else (l. 1, 9) Whitman employed the use of catalogue when describing these people and how they each serve to create the very diverse society we have in America. James E. Miller Jr. writes of this poem, . . . I Hear America Singing presents an image of the nation that Americans would like to believe is true-an image of proud and healthy individualists engaged in  productive and happy labor. Mechanic, carpenter, mason, boatman, deckhand, shoemaker, hatter, wood-cutter, plowboy-from city to country, from sea to land, the varied carols reflect a genuine joy in the days creative labor that makes up the essence of the American dream or myth. . . . America singing emerges as a happy, individualistic, proudly procreative, and robustly comradely America (Miller 146-147). These uniquely American ideals that are prominent in Whitmans poetry are also present in his form; he was a trailblazer in a relatively new form of writing called free verse. In his stanzas, Whitman wrote in a very vernacular and unapologetic way. This break from the common form and tone of the time period is why many consider Walt Whitman to be revolutionary. In Song of Myself, Whitman wrote this excerpt through the mind of a young woman looking at many men bathing in a river, Where are you off to, lady? for I see you, / You splash in the water there, yet stay stock still in your room. / Dancing and laughing along the beach came the twenty-ninth bather, / The rest did not see her, but she saw them and loved them. / The beards of the young men glistend with wet, it ran from their long hair,/ Little streams passd all over their bodies. / An unseen hand also passd over their bodies, / It descended tremblingly from their temples and ribs. (l. 206-213) For the 19th Century, this poem was considered overtly sensual by some of Whitmans contemporaries. In fact, his own brother refused to read it. In this excerpt, however, the rough-and-tumble obdurate nature of Whitmans poetry is on full display. He did not care about following any form or common trend that was popular and accepted; Whitman simply wrote what he wanted. James Miller writes of this poem, Like most poetic works of genius, Song of Myself has defied attempts to provide a definitive interpretation. In a very real sense, no reading of the poem has clarified the sum of its many mysteries (Miller 99-100). In this way, Whitman is the epitome of the American man. He developed his individual style, and stuck by it. In response to the criticism, he kept a cool head. One of his favorite phrases during interviews was, In poetry, there is no such thing as good or bad subjects, but good or bad poets. In the last excerpt, there also is a little bit of Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was anothe r Transcendentalist writer who coined the term Transparent Eyeball, which essentially is just the quiet observation of nature. This idea exists in Song of Myself as the lady watches and fantasizes about the men. In I Sing the Body Electric, Whitman continues this while describing a woman, Hair, bosom, hips, bend of legs, negligent falling hands, all diffused-mine too diffusedBe not ashamed, woman-your privilege encloses the rest, and the exit of the rest; / You are the gates of the body, and you are the gates of the soul. (l. 57, 66-67). In this excerpt, Whitman is clearly celebrating the individual. By describing the traits of a woman in this positive manner, he is empowering women along the Democratic ideals of our nation. This philosophy aided in popularizing several progressive movements that sought womens suffrage and improved rights throughout the nation. In addition, the religious allusion of soul appears in this passage. Later on in the poem, Whitman begins a lengthy catalog ue of all the bodily and emotional features of a human body. He declares at the end, O I say, these are not the parts and poems of the Body only, but of the Soul, / O I say now these are the Soul! (l. 164-165) A major facet of Transcendentalism is the interconnectedness of nature and the soul. In this poem, Whitman is commentating on how The voice, articulation, language, whispering, shouting aloud, / Food, drink, pulse, digestion, sweat, walking, swimming (l. 153-154) and other daily functions we perform come together and form the basic fabric of our existence: our soul. At this time in the United States, the majority of people lived in rural communities. In this way, Whitman was writing for the Common Man, as the Soul and several other allusions to religion find their way into his works. Whitman took the pillars of Transcendentalism and implemented them in his poetry in a way that Americans would find applicable and enjoyable. During his adult life, Whitman witnessed the growing divide between the North and the South, and the terrible war that followed decades of hatred. Whitmans poetry was not always optimistic; several times his poetry took on a more pessimistic Realist point of view. In I Sit and Look Out, he describes many atrocities, I see, in low life, the mother misused by her children, dying, neglected, gaunt, / desperate; / I see the wife misused by her husband-I see the treacherous seducer of young / women; / I mark the ranklings of jealousy and unrequited love, attempted to be hid-I see these / sights on / the earth This rant could be a sign of Whitmans frustrations at the racism and hatred he is seeing on a daily basis. He ends the poem, All these-All the meanness and agony without end, I sitting, look out upon, / See, hear, and am silent. (l. 3-7) But why would someone not do anything about these horrible things if they know theyre going on? That is exactly what Whitman is criticizing here. The I that Whitman is writing this poem through is not his first-person, but a metaphor of the American public. Whitman includes that line at the end as a culmination of all the evils; he is saying how being a bystander and letting all of those things go on unabated is just as terrible as the deeds themselves. This is very applicable to the Norths tolerance and ignorance of slavery in the South. The main philosophy of Realism is telling the truth as it is without romanticizing anything. Having lived in New York for most of his life, Whitman saw many slaves being transported throughout the city and used that disgust he felt as inspiration for this poem. At the conclusion of the Civil War, Whitman was devastated by the assassination of President Lincoln. He wrote several elegies for him, including When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloomd, O Ca ptain! My Captain!, and O Me! O Life!. In O Me! O Life!, Whitmans poetry symbolizes the immense sorrow that the nation was feeling: Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined, / The question, O me! so sad, recurringWhat good amid these, O me, O life? (l. 6-7) It is clear that Whitman is in the middle of a crisis, endlessly searching for a faint idea of what life is actually about. This poem brings to focus the susceptibility of poets and authors to be influenced by current events. Especially for poets, whose works are generally inspired by personal emotion, Whitman likely used these intense feelings of despair as creative fuel. From the original 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass to 1867, the poetry collection grew from 12 poems to hundreds in just 12 years. Straying away from his earlier trends of Transcendentalism, Whitman turned towards Pessimism and Realism as the Union faced a political crisis during the mid-19th Century. After a long life, in 1891 Walt Whitman published the final edition of Leaves of Grass while he was on his deathbed; the final collection consisted of over 400 poems. These poems and the stories they tell are why critics today refer to Whitman as Americas Poet. He lived during a time when America was still struggling with its identity and showed these problems through a Realist lens. However, Whitmans Transcendentalist poetry embodied everything that America stands for today: diversity and equality. As long as America holds these just ideals in her heart, Whitmans poetry will live on.

The Life of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest: Then & Now Essa

The Life of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest: Then & Now It has been estimated that the population of Native Americans living on or very near reservations in the United States ranges from about 1.1 to 1.3 million, and is distributed across more than 330 Indian nations in America (16). American Indian nations display an incredibly wide variety of social and economic characteristics. Although â€Å"American Indian† is identified as a single race category on the US Census, each tribe boasts its own culture and values. Members of two separate tribes may be as different as the populations of China and Africa. Long ago, the Indians of the Pacific Northwest depended entirely on their environment to support them. They were successful, self-sufficient groups who relied on their own means to sustain life. However, since the domination of Indian lands by the United States, these indigenous peoples have not had the resources to maintain their way of living. Not only were their lands invaded, but their culture was compromised as well. In response to their discontent with the sub-par living conditions, the US government has introduced laws to allow these groups to uphold their ancient values, while giving them the rights necessary to maintain the ability to support themselves. This includes the sovereignty of reservation lands, which has lead to the construction of casinos as a major money-maker for the Native American people, and a great deal of controversy to go along with it. From the ancient times of to hunting and gathering, to the invasion of Americans on Indian lands, to the modern c ompromises between the US and Native American governing bodies, the evolution of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest is astoni... ...//www.indiangaming.org/info/pr/presskit/statistics.shtml>. 11. Native American Expressions. 15 May 2004. . 12. Native American Resource. 2002. 15 May 2004. . 13. Native American Shelters. 9 May 2004. . 14. Northwest Coast Canoe. 15 May 2004. . 15. Office of Hawaiian Affairs. May 27, 2004. . 16. Vogeler, Ingolf. Map of Indian Reservations. 1996. 15 May 2004. . 17. Your Tribe/Community’s History. May 14, 2004. .

Provisional Voting :: essays research papers

Part I: Current Social Issues One social issue in my community that concerns me is that of provisional voting, which is proving to be an issue in many communities. The requirement that all states make provisional voting available was passed down by congress. Unfortunately, no guidelines were included with this requirement, and therefore the decisions on which provisional votes are counted and which ones are not differ not only from state to state but from county to county. As a result, provisional voting is beneficial to some and not to others. The main agencies involved with this issue would be the local election offices as well as the secretaries of state. Part II: Relevant Agencies Quite obviously, the main agency that would be involved with the issue of provisional voting is the local elections office. This agency devotes great energies to make sure that every member of the public is given the opportunity to cast their votes. Because this is the agency that determines whether or not each provisional vote will count, these are the individuals that play the most major roll. The Secretary of State’s office is also like to be involved in provisional voting. Each state is expected to be responsible for drawing up guidelines for the procedures to be followed for provisional voting. At present time, the guidelines are unclear, if existent at all, but at some point must be addressed by the Secretary of State. The local elections office and the Secretary of State represent the government sector. The final organization that I expect to see involved with provisional voting are the pollworkers. These are the individuals that volunteer their time on election day to officiate the polls where votes are cast. Since provisional voting is still quite new, the procedures can be somewhat confusing, and it is these people that must make sense of it. I would classify them as being part of the philanthropic sector. Part III: Final Paper Topic The issue I have chosen to further develop for my final paper is that of provisional voting and the guidelines by which the decisions are made as to which provisional votes will be counted and which will not. I have chosen to pursue this particular issue due to the fact that I work as an Elections Coordinator and I have recently experienced my first election from behind the scenes, so to speak. Provisional voting is a serious issue, required by Congress, but handed down with little or no guidelines. Provisional Voting :: essays research papers Part I: Current Social Issues One social issue in my community that concerns me is that of provisional voting, which is proving to be an issue in many communities. The requirement that all states make provisional voting available was passed down by congress. Unfortunately, no guidelines were included with this requirement, and therefore the decisions on which provisional votes are counted and which ones are not differ not only from state to state but from county to county. As a result, provisional voting is beneficial to some and not to others. The main agencies involved with this issue would be the local election offices as well as the secretaries of state. Part II: Relevant Agencies Quite obviously, the main agency that would be involved with the issue of provisional voting is the local elections office. This agency devotes great energies to make sure that every member of the public is given the opportunity to cast their votes. Because this is the agency that determines whether or not each provisional vote will count, these are the individuals that play the most major roll. The Secretary of State’s office is also like to be involved in provisional voting. Each state is expected to be responsible for drawing up guidelines for the procedures to be followed for provisional voting. At present time, the guidelines are unclear, if existent at all, but at some point must be addressed by the Secretary of State. The local elections office and the Secretary of State represent the government sector. The final organization that I expect to see involved with provisional voting are the pollworkers. These are the individuals that volunteer their time on election day to officiate the polls where votes are cast. Since provisional voting is still quite new, the procedures can be somewhat confusing, and it is these people that must make sense of it. I would classify them as being part of the philanthropic sector. Part III: Final Paper Topic The issue I have chosen to further develop for my final paper is that of provisional voting and the guidelines by which the decisions are made as to which provisional votes will be counted and which will not. I have chosen to pursue this particular issue due to the fact that I work as an Elections Coordinator and I have recently experienced my first election from behind the scenes, so to speak. Provisional voting is a serious issue, required by Congress, but handed down with little or no guidelines.

Mersault and His Trial in Albert Camus’s “The Stranger” Essay

Is there truly any justice in the novel The Stranger, written by Albert Camus? This is a question that naturally protrudes throughout the novel, as it is not abundantly clear what Meursault, the protagonist, was, in fact, put on trial for. At the beginning of the second part of the narrative, it is understood that he is put on trial for the murder of an Arab; however, it later comes to our attention that the murder was not the primary reason of his trial, and perhaps not even an essential one for that matter. The fact remains that Meursault was undoubtedly put on trial, not for the murder committed, but for being the way he was: unemotional through the eyes of society, which was represented by the jury. To the reader it seems only natural that one should be put on trial, not for their personality, but for the harmful acts that one may commit to another person. Therefore, the idea is strongly implanted in the novel, as well as the mind of the reader, that Meursault was put on trial for murder. Nevertheless, throughout the course of the novel, it becomes apparent that he was, as a matter of fact, not put on trial for the murder of the Arab, but instead, for acting in such a stoic manner. Being the honest, straightforward man he was, he answered all questions in that same conduct. Once Meursault had been appointed a lawyer, his lawyer inquired over the events of Maman’s funeral. Meursault responded rather coldly when his lawyer had asked him if he had felt any sadness that day, saying that he â€Å"probably did love Maman, but that didn’t mean anything. At one time or another all normal people have wished their loved ones dead.† (p. 65) This quotation only demonstrates that he was unemotional. Now, one must ask the following question: how does this relate to the murder of the Arab? The answer is simple: it does not relate to the murder of the Arab. Being the representative of society, the jury opposes Meursault and accuses him of not conforming to society’s natural ways, and being what we nowadays refer to as the â€Å"odd one out†. They exclude him from society for his odd clear-cut and sincere demeanor, and for his manifestation of an inexpressive character. Another example is the moment in which the magistrate, a local member of the judiciary having limited jurisdiction, especially in criminal cases, questioned Meursault. In this particular scene, the magistrate changes the  topic rather abruptly from his love for Maman, to which he responded he loved â€Å"the same as anyone†(p. 67), to the murder scene. What followed was a vast discussion on Meursault’s belief in God, which he felt rather apathetic about; however, the magistrate, waving a crucifix to his face refers to him as the â€Å"antichrist† (p. 71). And later, during the trial, the judge and the prosecuting attorney seem more intrigued by the fact that Meursault did not grieve at his mother’s funeral and got involved with Marie the day after it, than the actual act that had been committed: the assassination of a man. The majority of the witnesses that had been called only supported the argument of his callous nature, as they very well knew that Meu rsault was frighteningly candid, and could not, or would not, create a perversion of the truth to suite his trial, as well as his need for freedom. Throughout the trial he is constantly asked about Maman, and whether she ever complained about him, or if she had â€Å"reproached him for having put her in the home† (p. 89), to which both, the answer was an affirmative. After a while, it becomes apparent that they are no longer inquiring over the murder, but instead, over his mother’s unfortunate death. It arrives at the point that the prosecutor declares â€Å"‘The same man who the day alter his mother died was indulging in the most shameful debauchery killed a man for the most trivial of reasons and did so in order to settle an affair of speakable vice.'† (p. 96) To which Meursault lawyer replies, â€Å"‘Come now, is my client on trial for burying his mother or for killing a man?† (p.96) This is the crucial point of the novel, as it is here that it becomes evident the true reason for which he is put on trial. This is the key question throughout the entire trial, and the answer is obvious as the prosecutor firmly responds, â€Å"‘Indeed (†¦) I accuse this man of burying his mother with crime in his heart!†(p. 96) This is a rather profound statement that affects not only the characters in the novel, but the reader as well, rather intensely. Thus, it becomes palpable that society, in other words, the jury attempted to fabricate and impose rational explanations for Meursault’s irrational actions. The fact that he was so straightforward and onest was disruptive and threatening to their society as they were not accustomed to it, and therefore, they saw no meaning, which would consequently create chaos in  their orderly lives. Meursault appears to do as he pleases, when he pleases, and therefore, follows no pattern throughout his life, hence, society becomes threatened by him, which ultimately leads to his execution.

An analysis of Ocean Park Essay

1. Introduction Hong Kong Ocean Park is considered as a one of world’s largest marine park, located on the south end of Hong Kong Island. The three sections are located on the headlands of Brick Hill, while the other two section is located in the Wong Chuk Hang Valley lowlands and Tai Shue Wan. It is considered as one of the largest ocean in the world, having an area of 870,000 square metres (2013). This paper will focus on analyze the external environment such as the economic and culture aspect that can affect the relationship of the organization to their customers, key to understanding their impact on the industry. Furthermore, it will focus on the internal environment of the organization such as its core competency, together with its strengths and weaknesses. There are various forces that influence the Marco Environment. Following is the detailed analysis based on the above dimensions: 2. Analysis of Ocean Park’s Environment Strategic position: To understand the business environment that Ocean Park is operating, we will examine it by the PEST Framework, and the SWOT analysis. 2. 1PEST analysis: 2. 1. 1 Political issues †¢Launch of individual visit scheme (Pos +) The Individual Visit Scheme was first introduced in four Guangdong cities on 28 July 2003 as a liberalisation measure under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. There were 4. 3 million Mainland visitor arrivals to Hong Kong under this scheme in 2004, mainland China become No. 1 source guest of Ocean Park (Table 1. 1). †¢ The railway scheme for the South Island Line1 (Pos +) The South Island Line (East) will be connecting the MTR network at Admiralty to the Southern District of Hong Kong, via new stations at Ocean Park. Construction of the South Island Line (East) commenced in 2011 for completion expected in 2015. In addition, there will be expanding tourism in the Southern District and link Aberdeen with Ocean Park. †¢Amendments to the Marriage Ordinance (Pos +) In 2005, the government approved a new policy on marriage registration. There is no limitation on choosing place for registering a marriage. The couples can registration on different place of worship with advance application for competent minister. All these provide new business opportunities for Ocean Park. 2. 1. 2Economic trends †¢ GDP Growth in China and Hong Kong (Pos +). While 2008- 2009 Hong Kong struggles with financial tsunami, one year after the gross domestic product (GDP) grew by a remarkable 9. 3% (Figure 1) in real terms and China’s GDP growth seen as stable. That’s able to provide a stable economic environment to Ocean Park which able to sustain its development. GDP growth (annual %) in Hong Kong and China Fig 1 GDP ANNUAL GROWTH RATE, Source form Census and Statistics Department and National bureau of statistics of china †¢ Employment rate in HK (Pos +) The unemployment rate fell from a high of 8. 6% in the second quarter of 2003 to a near three-year low of 6. 5% in the fourth quarter 2004. Hong Kong consumer spending maintained notable growth throughout the year since they are optimistic of the economic outlook and improving labour market conditions. Underemployment rate (%)2006201020112012 4. 84. 43. 43. 4 Fig 2. Source from Census and Statistics Department2 2. 1. 3Cultural and social values and trends †¢ The demographic distribution of Hong Kong and China (Pos +) Ocean Park is geared toward families: parents, kids, and grandparents. From fig 3 it shows the family size of Hong Kong are getting smaller, that means parent are able to spend more money on their spoiled kids. On the other hands, China’s one-child family policy has had a great effect on living standards, the mainland traveler are willing to spend money on travel. Domestic Households by Household Composition and Household Size, 2006 and 2011 20112006 Household Composition Household size Composed of couple and unmarried children 1nilnil 2nilnil 3382 704344 436 4390 839400 360 5135 293140 382 6 and over25 37934 172 Fig 3, Source: Census and Statistics Department 2011 †¢ Annual event for attraction (Pos+) Events are the main reason of the attractions business. They recognized this early and hold different annual events such as Chinese New Year, Summer, Halloween and Christmas. The Halloween Bash has become an iconic Halloween event in the region and guests from Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas has shown biggest support in October and over the years. The showcase successfully spread Halloween culture to their visitors and bringing a new experience to the tourists from mainland. 2. 1. 4Technology Analysis †¢New web site to promote and events (Pos+) With the increasing use of internet, it becomes an important link for marketing and customer relationship. The internet can offer a great connection with huge and immeasurable possible market. The website will keep updating Ocean Park’s latest information, news, promotion and more interactive function can be added in. 2. 2SWOT Analyze Education, fun and safety are the values which Ocean Park stresses. Apart from that Ocean Park key also provides all tourists with an experience in natural scenic environment and exotics animals (Appendix 1). However, increased competition may result in a further downward price pressure and affect the company’s financial condition and result of operation. StrengthsWeakness †¢Unique animals are selling point in ocean Park. †¢Ocean Park is recognized as icon of Hong Kong. †¢Reasonable price of tickets †¢Limitations on land development as it’s hilly. †¢Facilities are relatively old an unattached. Opportunities †¢Individual Traveling Scheme was carried out in 2003. †¢Strong economy growing in China. †¢Support of local government. †¢Higher demand of entertainment from the public. Threats †¢Competition and challenges from HK Disneyland. †¢More attractive points in the neighboring countries. Strengths: †¢Unique animals are selling point in Ocean Park. Grand Aquarium, marine creature are unique selling point inside the OP. The main strengths of OP focus on their offering of animals, fun and education to the tourists. OP tries to present the natural behavior of animals to enable people to see them in a creative way. The key is finding a balance between human entertainment and natural environments. That makes OP different from a lot of theme parks in the world. They also offer a differentiation advantage because it is considered as bigger than the HK Disneyland, thus enabling OP to offer more and new features and shows than Disneyland. Compare with Disneyland, they are focuses on showing the reality regarding the nature, while Disneyland focuses on fantasy. †¢Ocean Park is recognized as icon of Hong Kong and has established a good image. OP is a Hong Kong park; it’s very local and they have generational values. It’s been around longer than 30 years and there is a connection to the market. People go to the park as children and now they are bringing their children. †¢Reasonable price of tickets Ocean Park offers cheaper ticket costs HK$280 for adult and HK$140 for children, compare to HK$450 for adult and HK$320 for child of Disneyland. Tickets are offered at a reasonable price which can be afforded for most people and attract more visitors easily. Theme ParkGeneral Admission TicketChild TicketSenior Ticket Disneyland$450$320$100 Ocean Park$280$140Free Fig. 5 Comparison of ticket prices of Ocean Park and Disneyland. Source form Ocean Park and Disneyland website. Weakness †¢Limitations on land development as it’s hilly. Structure of geographic location is the main disadvantage. This is due to the fact that they have the limitation on the land development because the location is hilly. †¢ Facilities are relatively old and unattached. 9 Although OP started the renovation works but it would not be completed in a short time. The maintenance expense is higher. The fact that they is considered as an oldest amusement park in Hong Kong, there are different facilities that are old and un-attractive. Opportunity: †¢Individual Traveling Scheme The main opportunity of Ocean Park is launch the Individual Traveling scheme. That had helped to improve the number of the visitors. (Table 1. 3) The stable economy growth in Mainland also improving middle class with strong purchasing power helped to increase the demand of outbound travel. Mainland traveler becomes a main guest source of OP. Now they have Chinese acrobatic shows, which are relevant to the market they serve. †¢Support of local government Ocean Park has a strong marketing support from the government that recommends to the foreign visitors. It is also important to consider the development of new transportation South Island Line that would cause convenience and fast access direct to the park for the visitors. †¢Higher demand of entertainment from the public as economic growth stably. Threats †¢Competition Disneyland In Hong Kong amusement park industry, one of the threats that must be considered is Disneyland. The main influences because they were bringing a world-class standard of entertainment and service that Ocean Park unable to match at that time. Furthermore, it targets the children, thus the whole family because of the different rides and attractions that focuses on different well-known Disney characters. On the other hand, the main disadvantage is that most of the mainland Chinese doesn’t have those strong attachments with Mickey and friends and other Disney characters. These aspects are important for the company because most of the visitors of the country come from mainland China. 3. Conclusion As of now, Ocean Park is enjoying a comfortable position in the amusement industry. The main reason for the success of Ocean Park is because the support from the government that can be seen the implemented for easy access of the said place. With the launch of Individual Visit Scheme, mainland China becomes a main source of Ocean Park. The Mainland market is driving Ocean Park’s growth. Increasing GDP and low unemployment rate provide a stable economic environment to Ocean Park which able to sustain its development. For all the positive factors, it shows Ocean Park will grow faster than average. OP was able to use the culture in order to attract more locals and foreign visitors, as well as the current spread of the environmental awareness, which enables the organization to incorporate education and thrill in their features and services. That is the reason why it is frequently visited by families from different part of the globe. Furthermore, the organization had been focuses on the cost and differentiation create as two important competitive advantages. It had been offer an affordable ticket with fun experience. It is also important for the company to use its unique innovative reform, competitiveness of enterprises and expanding the scope of business and achieved good results to against its competitor. This is due to the fact that Disneyland is currently into renovation process, in order to regain their competitive position in the market. Ocean Park has now entered the second phase of the expansion plan, the further enhance the competitive strength of the Ocean Park is expected to become a world’s best marine theme park. Reference: 1. MTR – South Island Line (East) – Key Information – Summary. 2013. MTR – South Island Line (East) – Key Information – Summary. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. mtr-southislandline. hk/en/key-information/summary. html. [Accessed 14 May 2013]. 2. Overview | Census and Statistics Department. 2013. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. censtatd. gov. hk/hkstat/sub/so30. jsp. [Accessed 18 May 2013]. 3. Vision and Mission | Corporate Information | Ocean Park Hong Kong. 2013.. Available at: http://www. oceanpark. com. hk/html/en/footer/corporate-information/vision. html. [Accessed 13 May 2013]. 4. Hong Kong Economy – Hong Kong Economic Trends. 2013. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. hkeconomy. gov. hk/en/trends/index. htm#2. [Accessed 13 May 2013]. 5. Press Release | Corporate Information | Ocean Park Hong Kong. 2013 Available at: http://www. oceanpark. com. hk/html/en/footer/corporate-information/press/press. php? id=592. [Accessed 16 May 2013]. 6. Gross Domestic Product for the 4th quarter 2004 and the whole year of 2004 | Census and Statistics Department. Available at: http://www. censtatd. gov. hk/press_release/press_releases_on_statistics/gdp/gdp_4q2004/index. jsp. [Accessed 18 May 2013]. 7. Labour – Overview | Census and Statistics Department. 2013. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. censtatd. gov. hk/hkstat/sub/so30. jsp. [Accessed 18 May 2013]. 8. Ocean Park Corporation (2012), Annual Report, Page 96 9. EMSD completes investigation into helium balloon ride incident at Ocean Park. 2013. EMSD completes investigation into helium balloon ride incident at Ocean Park. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www. info. gov. hk/gia/general/201208/30/P201208300416. htm. [Accessed 18 May 2013]. Exhibit 1: Hong Kong tourism statistics Table 1. 1, An overview of the latest general tourism statistics. 2013 Visitor Arrivals (Year-to-date) : 12,742,332. Major Market AreasMar 2012Mar 2013Growth (%) All Countries3,709,4844,087,286+10. 2 The Americas167,827165,247-1. 5 Europe, Africa & the Middle East219,777235,706+7. 2 Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific66,14568,459+3. 5 North Asia210,918183,919-12. 8 South & Southeast Asia329,028351,684+6. 9 Taiwan154,942165,455+6. 8 Mainland China2,497,0612,842,002+13. 8 Source from: Hong Kong Tourism Board In 2011, Mainland China continued to be the largest visitor source market of Hong Kong with 28. 1 million arrivals (+23. 9%), accounting for 67. 0% of our total arrivals. Amongst all Mainland arrivals, 14. 5 million (51. 6%) were same-day visitors, up by 31. 7% year-on-year. 65. 3% or 18. 3 million visitors came to Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), up by 28. 8% over 2010. Table 1. 2 Total Tourism Expenditure Associated to Inbound Tourism Tourism Expenditure fromJan-Dec2011 (HK$Mn)Jan-Dec2012 (HK$Mn)Growth (%) Overnight Visitors166,694. 05185,841. 44+11. 5 Same-day In-town Visitors39,358. 0952,606. 33+33. 7 Cruise-in / Cruise-out Passengers 70. 8274. 935. 8 Total Tourism Expenditure Associated to Inbound Tourism258,722. 71296,563. 77+14. 6 Source from: Hong Kong Tourism Board. Table 1. 3 Hong Kong’s Top 5 tourist attraction (‘000) Leading Visitor Attractions2009201020112012 Total59,326. 261,438. 863,634. 165,774. 9 Other Visitor Attractions28,952. 529,286. 130,118. 030,789. 2 Victoria Peak9,150. 19,608. 89,990. 610,359. 5 Ocean Park4,985. 25,242. 85,472. 55,722. 4 Peak Tramways4,930. 95,434. 65,727. 16,051. 3 Disneyland4,664. 34,970. 25,218. 05,525. 1 Clock Tower2,178. 92,313. 72,399. 02,486. 3 Wong Tai Sin Temple1,989. 02,028. 72,080. 82,137. 7 Tian Tan Buddha1,544. 31,586. 21,629. 01,670. 7 Hong Kong Wetland Park456. 3470. 0477. 3486. 7 Noah’s Ark474. 6497. 7521. 8545. 9 Source from: Travel and Tourism: Euromonitor from trade sources/national statistics Table 1. 4 Tourist Attractions Sales HK$ million200620072008200920102011 Art Galleries 15. 115. 415. 816. 116. 917. 5 Casinos —— Circuses —— Historic Buildings/Sites 202. 1205. 7209. 4215. 7221. 0225. 5 Museums 48. 352. 368. 052. 353. 354. 6 National Parks/Areas Of Natural Beauty 633. 0662. 5685. 7713. 1738. 0765. 3 Theatres —— Theme/Amusement Parks 2,512. 02,007. 92,188. 63,434. 53,674. 93,940. 3 Zoos/Aquariums —— Other Tourist Attractions 296. 9325. 6332. 1345. 4357. 5372. 8 Tourist Attractions 3,707. 43,269. 43,499. 64,777. 15,061. 75,376. 0 Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews, trade sources Table 1. 5 Tourist Attractions Visitors ‘000 people200620072008200920102011 Art Galleries 748. 8775. 8791. 3795. 3827. 1851. 9 Casinos —— Circuses —— Historic Buildings/Sites 5,573. 25,701. 45,786. 95,931. 66,139. 26,323. 3 Museums 4,600. 04,839. 26,049. 05,202. 15,176. 15,251. 7 National Parks/Areas Of Natural Beauty 17,832. 018,402. 618,954. 719,618. 120,402. 821,263. 8 Theatres —— Theme/Amusement Parks 9,659. 29,141. 79,415. 09,516. 510,070. 810,684. 7 Zoos/Aquariums —— Other Tourist Attractions 15,783. 816,573. 016,854. 717,444. 617,968. 018,617. 2 Tourist Attractions 54,197. 055,433. 657,851. 658,508. 260,584. 062,992. 5 Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews, trade source Table 1. 6 Forecast Tourist Attractions Sales HK$ million201120122013201420152016 Art Galleries 17. 518. 118. 619. 119. 519. 9 Casinos ——. Circuses —— Historic Buildings/Sites 225. 5229. 5233. 2236. 5239. 3241. 7 Museums 54. 655. 856. 857. 858. 759. 4 National Parks/Areas Of Natural Beauty 765. 3789. 8811. 9832. 2850. 5867. 5 Theatres —— Theme/Amusement Parks 3,940. 34,176. 74,385. 54,561. 04,697. 84,801. 1 Zoos/Aquariums —— Other Tourist Attractions 372. 8385. 9397. 5407. 4415. 6421. 8 Tourist Attractions 5,376. 05,655. 75,903. 56,113. 86,281. 36,411. 4 Source: Euromonitor International from official statistics, trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews, trade sources Table 1. 7 Ocean Park Revenue Breakdown 2012 HK$ Million2011 HK$ Million Admission Income1,109. 4881. 6 Merchandise Income164. 0144. 9 Catering Income262. 3195. 5 Others32. 726. 7 TOTAL1598. 21,248. 7 Source: Ocean Park Corporation (2012). Annual Report Appendix 1: Background of? Ocean Park: Ocean Park has long been established as an iconic attraction in Hong Kong visited by both local residents and tourists. As a result the Park has become part of Hong Kong’s heritage. The Master Redevelopment Project of the Park, with its many new attractions, commenced in 2006 and was completed in 2012. With the implementation of ongoing expansion programme, the Park has been remaining very popular, with visitor number increasing to 7 million in 2012. With the completion of the Master Redevelopment Plan in 2012 and the planned opening of a number of new world-class attractions from 2014, one day is not enough to experience all that the Park has to offer. The Ocean Hotel will thus provide convenient accommodations for guests spending multiple days at Ocean Park, and transform Hong Kong People’s Park into a premier international resort destination. Vision: Ocean Park aspires to be a world leader in providing excellent guest experiences in a theme park environment connecting people with nature. Mission Statement: Ocean Park provides all guests with memorable experiences that combine entertainment and education, while inspiring life long learning and conservation advocacy. Our aim is to maintain a healthy financial status, while striving to deliver the highest standards of safety, animal care, products and guest service Key services of Ocean Park: Animals are the base of OP differential offering—how they present them in their natural environments. They try to showcase the natural behavior of animals to enable people to see them in a way they’ve not done before. The key is finding a balance between human entertainment and natural animal behavior. That makes us different from a lot of theme parks in the world. Target Market of Ocean Park: Target customers of Ocean Park are general public. In different occasion, Ocean Park would concentrate on specific targets. For example, in summer.