Popular Music, Television, and Film Stars Essay Example for Free

Popular Music, Television, and Film Stars EssayEvery superstar at all ages have grown up admiring and compositionlizing at least on celebrity, be that an actor, singer or any other famed person. What they do not ask while they be young is whether our idols be people we should be seeing up to. Usually when people become older they realize that their role models at the time are not soulfulness they would want their children idolizing now. They come to the conclusion that the person they looked up to wasnt who they truly were, it was all an act. So should a celebrity be considered a true attracter? That is worth debating. By using trinity characteristics of celebrities it will be known whether or not a celebrity has the potential to be a upright loss leader. To begin, a celebrity can be known for many things, but a leader and great role model is not always one of them. One characteristic of a celebrity is being perfect. Is being perfect possible? No, but Paris Hilton is a n example of someone who thinks they need to diet uncontrollably and get plastic surgery to make them seem perfect. This is not nearly close enough to be a true leader, because she is giving children the wrong idea that its okay to be unhealthy and to bad things to your body scarcely to look perfect so everyone likes them.The opposition may argue that its not always their fault. An example of this would be Demi Lavato. She suffered from bulimia and dieted because she didnt like the way she looked. However they are wrong because although she couldnt control her disease, there is no causal agency she should have hated herself in the beginning. We need to teach the children of this generation that its okay to look different. Not everyone needs to wear tons of makeup and be stick thin. A celebrity who can show all of these ideas is one who is truly a leader. Subsequently, everyone is ungenerous in their life for their own reasons, but should children look up to people who are selfish all the time? A successful celebrity gets money, fame, and anything they virtually want, but that is not a reason they should be selfish. An example of a selfish celebrity would be Kim Kardashion. Everything she does is related to how she can get more(prenominal) fame.Her tv show, her clothes line, her perfume, even her marriage was to give her more publicity. This is not what a leader would do. The opposition would argue that everyone is selfish so why cant celebrities be who they are however, they are wrong because although everyone is selfish its not as bad as celebrities and non-famous people arent the ones trying to get children andfans to be just like them. Children need to learn that it is beta to set aside time to help those who need more help than they do. John Cena is a great example of this. He is a famous wwe grapple who gets paid a lot and has many fans, however, he takes the time to support the American Red Cross and goes to see children with diseases and cancer to try and make their twenty-four hour period better. This is a great way to show how to be a leader. Lastly, something very common in the celebrity world is failed marriages. How are the newer generations children so-called to know that, although what they see on the tv and in magazines, they are really supposed to marry someone because they love them and want to be with them for the rest of their lives? manger death do us part. right? Wrong the tv, music, and famous world is showing that its okay if marriages dont work out, that they can just find someone else or someones at that matter. These celebrities like Kim Kardashion and Kris Humphries were married for 10 months. The only reason they got married was because marrying a famous basketball player with lots of money would defiantly give Kim the publicity she wanted. The opposition may argue that its their life and theres no reason they should be judged by their private life however, they are wrong because when someone is brough t into this industry, their private life is all everyone hears about.Just because they are famous doesnt mean they cant get married because of love. An example of a good couple that shows a leader quality would be Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. They are both country singers and have been married for 16 years with three children. Who said that marriage in showbiz had to end so soon? A leader isnt someone willing to stage a fake marriage for a bigger fan base. Concisely, these days it is getting increasingly hard to retell the difference between a true leader and role model from a fake one. In the celebrity business there are three characteristics such as, perfection, selfishness, and fakeness that results in, are once role models turning into people who we look down upon. It is important to look at people for who they are as a person and what they can do for the people around them, rather than idolizing people for their fashion, money and fame.

Analyzing the functions of music in upcoming Rappers Essay Example for Free

Analyzing the functions of medication in upcoming Rappers EssayPrach Lys Power grease and Rice functions as a link between his heritage as a Cambodian and his ambition to give back to those who became targets in the tragedy of Cambodia. He communicates the lyrics in a provocative rhythm which sets the tonality for the listeners in a grave and arguably concerned poise deeming his lyrics to be of a serious nature. His solicit therefore takes a distinct tone that is akin to the musical function of early(a) rappers who compose lyrics around their precarious lifestyles in the ghettos and their fight for survival amongst the ill will they are faced with everyday. As Prach relays in the telephonic interview, his urge to make music was met with a purpose around the time he discovered the authentic extent of the tragedies that were faced with the Cambodian people (Ly, 2004). Even though he was born at the time of the Cambodian massacre, his memory was only riddled with thin recolle ctions of the chaos, and through the eyes of his brother he managed to piece them together and write about it, his lyrics reconnecting with the adults who understood and the kids who appreciated alike.His intention was to use his music for emotional expression, a function that allows the artist to communicate more effectively than normal speech. While this sat well with the adult listeners, the song also redemed to incorporate the function of diversion for the younger listeners. On a bigger picture, the powerful lyrics also contribute to the integration of society, largely educating the people of the struggle of the Cambodian people and reinvigorating their sense of pity for them. Mandeep Sethis Adair Sethi is more focused on hip-hop as an art form that educates as well as entertains (Sethi, 2009).While he considers music as a tool for the oppressed, Adair shows that he intends the song to function primarily as a fusion of entertainment and emotional expression given the beat it follows and the lyrics that knell the regular questions about life and religion. His intention is only made vivid by the line Music has its own sound, as it invites the listener to indulge further into the entertainment function while still engaging in the mystical side of the rhythm that each artist utilizes in order to communicate a message. Sikh Knowledges Ch-ChingThe music here functions primarily as a form of emotional expression. The slow beat and rhythm perfectly complements the wit that Knowledge is trying to set, and his lyrics, which discuss the conflict in Palestine, particularly the ruins of Gaza, aim squarely to inform those who do not know and those who sympathize equally. This function of music is of course a utility that highlight matters of grave concern to the public or a specific community and Knowledge reinvigorates the feeling by mentioning other more entertainment oriented music such as two-step bhangra and declaring that this song is nothing like them.Thus, he expresses himself in rap of matters that he finds late emotional putting himself on the Palestinian side of the battle. Conclusion One prevailing characteristic of the aforementioned rappers is their Asian American ethnicity, and it is evident that their origins greatly encourages their listeners to see their viewpoints, just like their chosen genre sets them up against stigmas of being unable to thrive in a field dominated by African Americans. The qualified matter of the song, thus, becomes very important and the function of music in turn plays a much more important role in determining winner.It is raise to note that the rapper acquires acceptance a lot easily amongst people of his race before anywhere else as was the case with Prach who became a no. 1 hit in Cambodia whereas he composed the album elsewhere. It can easily be concluded from the popularity of these rappers that their ethnic origins account for a large percentage of their success, since that success takes root in first instance amongst the people of their own race. References Ly, P. (2004). Art of faCt An Interview with praCh. (S. May, Interviewer) Sethi, M. (2009, October 26). The Brown Underground. (N. Dhillon, Interviewer)

A Christmas Carol Essay Example for Free

A Christmas Carol EssayCharles Dickens writing has had a colossal twist on millions of muckle by using what Victorian capital of the United Kingdom and major cities of succession were like. Through his bracings he campaigned for the poor. Charles Dickens puerility was blighted by his fathers financial problems but by the end he was lecturing close his works to large and enthusiastic audiences. Driven by a need to separate himself from early poverty and by a desire to help those children who were as poor as he had been. Charles Dickens was born on Friday, February 7th 1812 at No. 1 Mile End Terrace, Landport when the Industrial Revolution was congregation pace. As Charles Dickens grew up many large family groups living in villages were breaking up and moving to towns either singly or as nuclear families. Perhaps Dickens had a fear of the breaking up of the family group in the changing times. The bond of the family is shown for example when the Cratchits gather at Christmas p hrases like bob hugged his daughter to his teachts content. be used.At age of 12 Dickens was removed from school and sent to work in a boot-blacking factory earning sextette shillings a week to help support the family. Charles considered the period to be the most terrible time in his animation and would later write that he wondered how I could eat up been so easily cast away at such an age despair in his tone. This childhood poverty could have been an enormous influence on Dickens later views on social reform and the world he created through his novels. Dickens emphasised the big difference between family life and those who lived alone.He seems to try and show that happy people live in families for example this is shown when Mrs. Crachit greets Martha with obverse joy. Why hallow your heart alive, my dear, how late you are. He suggests that sad people live alone. He starts the book A Christmas Carol with death Marley was dead. This is a grim start. He shows barbarian as th e sole executor, administrator, assign, legatee, friend and mourner. He withal adds about the death of Hamlets father to increase the gloom.The book starts by pouring on the solitude and gloom of scrooges situation with the absence of a families love. Charles Dickens chose the Christmas time of year because it is a family time where many families split up by work join together to see and rejoice with one another. In the novel the Christmas season and children the families are linked to one another. The first cheerful words are from the Christmas greetings from Scrooges nephew cried a cheerful voice. This is followed by an argument of the value of Christmas between the Nephew and Scrooge.Scrooge talks of boiling people who like Christmas in their own pudding. Scrooges nephew then argues how much a slap-up thing Christmas is I believe that it has done me good Scrooges nephew believes Christmas even though an expensive time for the rich is a good time for the poor families in the ma jor cities of the time and gives Scrooges nephew a happy disembodied spirit of what goes on at Christmas. A few pages deeper into stave 2 Scrooge is taken back to his childhood by the Ghost of Christmas Past and sees all of his childhood friends and remembers the road they are on.The Ghost asks if Scrooge recollects where they are and Scrooges reply is a surprise I could walk it blindfold said Scrooge strange to have forgotten it for so many years Replied the Spirit Scrooge had blocked out his childhood because it was a sad and poor time for him. Scrooge was perceive these boys were in great spirits. This implies that children represent joy and have appreciation for life making everything happy. Scrooge was thinking that he had watched these boys but had never been one himself.He was the solitary child, neglected by his friends. The importance and affection of families is shown when his sister takes him home. Also the joy of children is shown. As she is bending down to laugh she t alks of, home be quote homes like heaven. An important figure in the story is his sister a child who Scrooge has affection for in his memory, this laughter pops up again. To hear Scrooge expending all the earnestness of his nature would have been a surprise to his business friends.Suddenly emotions are pouring out of Scrooge and he is excited because his inner child has had a slight play. Skipping to stave 3 and Tiny Tim who is a atrophied boy with the power of delivering the message of Jesus. God bless us everyone. The picture of Tiny Tim greatly affects Scrooge who now sees the prejudice in his opinions. When the Crachit family celebrates Christmas they revel in each others company love and appreciate the things they have. They are unlike the stereotypical Victorian image of the working class commonly held at this period of time.Alas Tiny Tim he bore a dinky crutch his limbs supported by an Iron Frame Tiny Tim, their small crippled son will die with out the treatment needed. H e is a small symbol of ordination failing to provide for the poor. The picture of Tiny Tim greatly affects Scrooge and he begins to realize how prejudice his opinions really are. The irony of his own words, speak to him by the Ghost of Christmas Present if he is to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus population. Children are yet again used to show social problems in society.A boy and girl called Ignorance and Want are used to show the problems they were wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable Scrooge is also shocked by the sight of Ignorance and Want, twain children so named because of the treatment they received from society. Dickens is speaking to the reader at this point. Society is ignorant of the peoples needs. People are in want of basic supplies of forage and drink, clothing and shelter. One example of this change in Scrooge is when he realises Tiny Tim has died. Tell me what man that was whom we saw lying dead? This then leads to a demonstration b y the spirit of Christmas yet to come of Scrooges own death, this part of the text increases Scrooges realization of the significance of Tiny Tims death. Throughout the story, Scrooge has numerous warnings of his succeeding(a) from the people he meets, his nephew, Marley, the spirits, Belle etc. Although from the beginning of his acquaintance with the first Ghost, Scrooges gradual change is clearly perceptible, it is the spectacle of his own death, which makes him realize he must change his ways. On Christmas morning Scrooge wakes up and is cheerful.I am as happy as an angel Scrooge has Christmas fever and acts as if he was a child, he becomes generous sending Bob Crachit the prized turkey and promising the boy half a crown for buying the turkey. Does this show the sort of attitude Dickenss wants in society? The end of the novel contrasts well with the beginning. The story has a very typical fairy tale ending and a clear moral to the story. Scrooge has nether gone a metamorphosis. Does Scrooges change symbolize the change in society that Dickens wanted?. Tiny Tim will live and so will everyone else, blithely ever after. By Thomas Bailey 10CHB English Coursework 5/8/2007.

Strategic Organizational Leadership in Capstone Paper

Strategic Organizational Leadership in Capstone PaperOverviewChrysler Group LLC is the third largest American Automobile manuf take onurer and ordinal largest in the American market place with an 8.79% market component part on sales of 931,402 units. (Chrysler, 2010)The Chrysler Group LLC was created in 2009 through a 20% purchase of Chrysler LLC by The order Group. The Chrysler Group LLC consists of Chrysler, landrover, jam, Dodge, Mopar and Global Electric drivecars (GEM) brands of vehicles and parts. The recent alliance amid the Fiat Group and Chrysler Group LLC is said to better position both companies in the global market (Chrysler, 2010). Chrysler Group LLC dates date to 1925 when it was founded by Walter Chrysler. The original Chrysler skunk united with Daimler-Benz in 1996 to ashes Daimler-Chrysler. In 2007 the Chrysler division of Daimler-Chrysler was purchased by Cerberus Capital vigilance to form Chrysler LLC, the precursor to the current Chrysler Group LLC. F iat Group was started in 1899. Both companies have a unique history of innovative and storied outputs (Chrysler, 2010).Having survived a brief Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization in 2009, the company position is positioning itself for an machinemotive resurrection by choosing a back-to-basics alliance with Fiat. The collaboration spend a pennys Chrysler access to the Italian companys small-car expertise and global markets, while still manufacturing its Chrysler brands, including Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. Chryslers trademarked MOPAR (MOtor PARts) division, with its 30% market share, carries over 280,000 parts, options, and accessories for vehicle customization it expanding to incorporate Fiat parts. Chryslers GEM (Global Electric beat back Cars) suffers neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs).Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLCs product lineup features some of the worlds some recognizable vehicles models, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler and Ra m Truck. Fiat pass on contri juste world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium- coatd cars, allowing Chrysler Group to continue an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.HistoryIn 1920, the president of Buick and Vice President of familiar Motors (GM) resigned his positions in the GM Corporation following political differences with founder and then-president of General Motors William Durant. This former automotive Vice President was promptly approached by a mathematical group of investors to focus his business acumen in the fledgling automotive industry on a small, financially troubled New York company called Max comfortably Motor Corporation. The one-time automotive vice president was installed as president of Maxwell Motor community (Hyde, 2003). The mans name was Walter Percy Chrysler.In short order, Walter Chrysler brought the Maxwell Motor Corporation break through of bankruptcy. The financial improvement was due in l arge part to Mr. Chrysler introducing a naked Maxwell model- the Chrysler Six (Hyde, 2003). This car was very well received by the automobile buying public and went on to sell 32,000 units in its graduation exercise year, generating a profit of over $4 million for the small company. On the heels of the winner of the Chrysler Six, Walter Chrysler changed the name of the Maxwell Motor Corporation to the Chrysler Corporation. Capitalizing on the success of the initial Chrysler model, Walter Chrysler introduced 4 additional Chrysler models k instanter as the Chrysler 50, the Chrysler 60 the Chrysler 70 and the Chrysler Imperial 80. interestingly the model deems were derived from the top speed of these new vehicles as gauged on level ground. As a point of reference, Fords Model T was, until the introduction of the new Chrysler models, the fastest road car with a top speed of 35mph. It was these new Chrysler models that caused Henry Ford to notoriously shut the doors of the Ford Motor Company for 9 months to create a replacement for the Model T. By the time Ford close its doors to redesign its offering, Chrysler had established itself as formidable competition. With sales of 192,000 of these new models, Chrysler formally became the fifth largest automobile manufacturing company in the industry (Hyde, 2003).Walter Chrysler determined that to achieve the greatest manufacturing cost efficiency, he would have to build his own plants to produce the unlike parts needed for his vehicles. The capital expenditure required to do this was estimated at $75 million. While successful, the Chrysler Corporation could not afford this capital expense and so Walter Chrysler contacted the banking family of Dillon Read and Company in New York a firm that fatefully had just purchased the Dodge Corporation from the widows of the late Dodge Brothers. Dillon Read and Company was eager to do business with the well known Chrysler Corporation. As part of the ar hunt downment, the Dodge Corporation became a division of the Chrysler Corporation. This amalgamation effectively increased the size of the Chrysler Corporation fivefold. Shortly subsequently the merger, the Chrysler Corporation unveiled its new, low cost Plymouth and Desoto models.In a reversal of strategy, Walter Chrysler ended his drive to bring all manufacturing in-house. He was wise to see that the speed with which the automotive industry was growing demanded greater flexibility that in-house manufacturing could provide. Outsourcing automobile components was much expensive but allowed for greater flexibility and a more rapid development cycle in designing new models. In this same period, Walter Chrysler made research and development a budgetary priority. look for and Development persevered at the presidency of Chrysler was This foresight allowed Chrysler to weather the Great Depression and emerge in a more sound financial position than umteen others in the automotive industry (Curcio, 2000) In 1931 , Joseph E. Fields assumed the presidency of Chrysler from Walter Chrysler and in 1936 Walter Chrysler fully handed of the daily operation of the company.At the beginning of the mid-forties the Chrysler Corporation, a longsighted with most other large American manufacturers switched to wartime production. The Chrysler Corporations Dodge, Plymouth and Chrysler models were put on hold while the company contributed to the production of wartime necessities including small ammunition, submarine nets and, perhaps most notably, B-29 bomber engines (Hyde, 2003).As American industry adjusted to post-war production needs, the Chrysler Corporation started to falter and performance began to wane. The vivacity and forward momentum that Walter Chrysler imparted to the company were no longer present. after(prenominal) the automotive technology boom of the 20s and 30s, the rate of innovate in the industry began to slow. Post-war Americas tastes began to change toward streamlined, nontraditional mo dels and, at times, at the expense of reliability and built spirit (Hyde, 2003). To some extent, flashy advertising was influencing buying decision more than quality, features and nameplate. Chrysler was detrimentally slow to react to this new America.In 1950, a long-time legal counsel for the Chrysler Corporation by the name of L. L. Colbert became president. He immediately took the reins of the company to institute managerial reforms with the help of a professional centering consulting firm. Colbert concentrated on three areas expanding into worldwide markets, centralizing corporate management and refocusing the engineering department on innovation. Despite his decisive changes, Colberts efforts did little to improve Chryslers position in the industry. In two short years, Colbert was replaced as toss of Chrysler by Lynn Townsend.In charge of the struggling company, Townsend proved to be more successful in his revival attempt. He sold, closed or otherwise divested of unproduct ive manufacturing facilities and downsized the labor military strength thereby improving efficiency. He purchased a single early model IBM computer which helped workforce reducing efforts by eliminating the need for almost 800 employees. The early 1950s saw the dawn of Total Quality Management Theory lead by pioneers in the compass including W. E. Deming and A. V. Feigenbaum (Kreitner, 2007). Townsend seemed to take notice of this movement as his most notable achievement was a focused quality improvement effort that did boost sales and allowed Chrysler to offer a warranty unprecedented in the industry thus far. To further the momentum,. Townsend undertook an aggressive marketing campaign touting the new, improved quality of Chrysler vehicles. Where Colbert had failed, Townsend succeeded Chrysler was again a stable, financially healthy and expanding corporation.As might be expected, with this new success came growth. In the midst of the American space age of the 1960s, Chrysler ex panded to include an aerospace division and became a principal subcontractor for NASAs Saturn rocket program. Townsends consistent push to grow international business resulted in Chrysler plants in 19 countries by the end of the decade.At the onset of the 1970s, the American car market was feeling the effects of a rising consumer price index, increasing competition from foreign auto manufacturers, and the first signs of the crude oil crisis. In 1969, Chrysler describe losings of almost $5 million dollars and, with an infrastructure to support he growth of the 1960s, was operating at only 65% of capacity. Chrysler met this changing market climate with a product stable that included large, expensive, gas thirsty vehicles as well as smaller more economical cars. The company seemed more content to contend with the traditional American competition than to assess the changing market demand and consequently, Chrysler was faced with an excess inventory of the vehicles the market wasnt buyi ng and a severe shortage of the vehicles the market was demanding.Despite significant price reductions to move its excess inventory, Chryslers financial fortune continued to slide. Chryslers presidency was assumed by prank Riccardo. Ricardo, with an accounting background was intent on moorage operating costs. Total employment, payroll and individual budget area were affected by the cost cutting measures. This period also marks the first efforts to import and sell vehicles manufactured overseas.Chryslers shortsightedness with regard to market demand was not over. Despite the inconsistency between what the company was manufacturing and the market was demanding, Chrysler continued to mother larger, slight efficient models right into the Arab oil embargo. In 1974, Chrysler describe an unprecedented budget deficit of over $50 million. In 1975, the damage was five times as great at over $250 million in ventes.The American auto market was severely impacted by several(prenominal) fac tors including inflation and the Arab oil embargo but Chryslers significant foreign interests were still showing a profit. This profit served to offset the domestic losses however, in 1978 Chrysler again reported losses of over $200 million. Riccardo continued to cut costs, consolidate the various divisions of the Chrysler Corporation and direct manufacturing efforts toward smaller, more efficient vehicles but the Chrysler Corporations financial health continued an unsustainable slide.Chrysler ended the 1970s on the brink of bankruptcy. The company was spared bankruptcy proceedings by national intervention in the form of a $1.5 billion lifeline loan guarantee. This loan came with conditions including the requirement that Chrysler raise $2 billion in additional money on their own and they make significant management changes. This last requirement ended the tenure of J. J. Riccardo as president of Chrysler. Riccardo was replaced by charismatic industry veteran Lido Anthony Lee Iacocc a.Where Riccardo was an accountant, Iacocca was adept at public relations and marketing. He employed these skills in communicating to both the workforce at the Chrysler Corporation and the public at large the need for federal interventionBy the mid-eighties, the company was back on track and stronger than ever before. Chrysler benefited from the combined impacts of strong industry demand and shifting consumer preferences toward pickup trucks and minivans, products that dominated Chryslers lineup.By 1997, Chrysler reported annual sales of 2.9 million vehicles, record revenues of $61 billion, and record earnings of $2.8 billion. Chryslers year-end market capitalization was $22.8 billion and its US market share crossed over 16%. Chrysler had become one of the most remunerative automotive companies in the world and had roughly $7.5 billion in cash on hand.2 Nick Colas, an analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston, declared Chrysler has a better business model for building and selling c ars than General Motors and Ford do.3As profitable as Chrysler was, however, the company was not capitalizing on the growth of the global automotive industry. Since the company had made limited investments in overseas markets up to this point, finding a partner made the most strategic sense.On May 7, 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler, the leading German luxury car manufacturer, for $36 billion of Daimler stock, the largest trans-Atlantic merger in history. The merger was orchestrated in order to create an efficient and lean automotive powerhouse that would better compete in the global marketplace. The transaction was reported as a merger of equals in the business press. The combined company would have a market capitalization close to $100 billion.In 1997, Daimler reported revenues of $62 billion and net income of $1.8 billion. Though Daimlerwas soundly profitable and had a strong foothold in the European market with its Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, and Smart Car brands, Daimlers US mark et share was less than 1%.4 Daimlers management hoped that Chrysler would give the company greater inroads into the lucrative US automotive market with its extensive dealership cyberspace and powerful brand name.During the early 1980s, Iacoccas skills as a superb television salesman were of crucial importance as Chrysler lost nearly $1.8 billion in 1980the largest loss ever for a U.S. companyand another $475 million in 1981, before returning to the black in 1982. In August 1983 Chrysler was able to pay off the government loan guarantees seven years early, with the government making a $350 million profit on its investment. Chryslers road to recovery was a difficult one, demanding the closure of several plants and the reduction of the companys workforce. Once restructured, Chrysler scrapped its plans to diversify and divested the Gulfstream Aerospace unit it had purchased five years earlier, selling it to a New York investment firm for $825 million in early 1990. twain other units in the companys Chrysler Technologies subsidiaryElectrospace Systems and Airborne Systemswere slated for divestiture as well, which underscored Iacoccas intent to create a leaner, more sharply focused company. Meanwhile, there were two key developments in the 1980s that helped form the foundation for the mid-nineties resurgence the introduction of the minivan in 1984 and the acquisition three years later of American Motors Corporation and its Jeep brand for $1.2 billion. reorganise as such, Chrysler entered the 1990s braced for a full recovery, but the economy did not cooperate. The decline in automotive sales during the fourth quarter of 1989the companys first fourth quarter decline since 1982portended a more crippling slump to come, as an economic recession gripped businesses of all types, both domestically and abroad. Net income in 1990 slipped to $68 million, then plunged to a $795 million loss the following year, $411 million of which was attributable to losses incurred by the companys automotive operations. Mired in an economic downturn, Chrysler appeared ordain for more of the same, rather than headed toward recovery as Iacocca had hoped, but part of the reason for 1991s losses also led to the companys first step toward genuine recovery.Partly to accuse for the $795 million loss in 1991 were the soaring preproduction and introduction costs associated with Chryslers new Jeep Grand Cherokee and increased production costs at the companys St. Louis minivan plant. These two types of vehiclesminivans and recreation utility vehiclesrepresented the key to Chryslers recovery. The popularity of these vehicles, coupled with significant price advantages over Japanese models, fueled Chryslers resurgence. In 1992, Chrysler turned its $795 million loss the year before into a $723 million gain. It was a signal achievement, accomplished in Iacoccas last year as CEO. Taking over during 1992 was Robert Eaton, who was hired away from GM, where he was head of European o perations. Chrysler then went on to enjoy its most successful year ever, with 1994 earnings of $3.7 billion on revenues of $52.2 billion.The good news at Chrysler continued into the late 1990s, after the company managed to fend off a $22 billion buyout proposed by billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian in 1995. The long prosperity and low gasoline prices of the middle to late 1990s created a massive demand for large vehicles, and Chrysler was producing hot models in each of the hottest segments the Dodge Ram pickup truck the Town Country minivan and several free rein utility vehiclesthe Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Wrangler, and the Dodge Durango. Questions about the quality of Chrysler products continued to pop up, but the companys share of the U.S. auto market reached as high as 16.7 share in 1996, the highest level since 1968. In 1996, the year Chrysler moved into new headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, sales reached $61.4 billion.The Creation and Early geezerhood of Daiml erChryslerDaimler-Benz Chief Executive Jrgen Schrempp had concluded as early as 1996 that his companys automotive operations needed a partner to compete in the progressively globalized marketplace. Chryslers Eaton was drawing the same conclusion in 1997 based on two factors emerging around the same time the Asian economic crisis, which was cutting into demand, and worldwide excess auto manufacturing capacity, which was looming and would inevitably lead to industry consolidation. With annual global overcapacity as high as 18.2 million vehicles predicted for the early 21st century, it became clearer that Daimler-Benz and Chrysler could survive as merely regional players if they continued to go it alone.After several months of negotiations, Daimler-Benz and Chrysler reached a merger agreement in May 1998 to create DaimlerChrysler AG in a $37 billion deal. The deal was consummated in November 1998, forming an auto behemoth with total revenues of $130 billion, factories in 34 countries on four continents, and combined annual unit sales of 4.4 million cars and trucks. The two companies fit well together geographically, Daimler strong in Europe and Chrysler in North America, and in terms of product lines, with Daimlers luxurious and high-quality passenger cars and Chryslers line of low-production-cost trucks, minivans, and sport utility vehicles. Although this was ostensibly a merger of equalsthe company set up co-headquarters in Stuttgart and Auburn Hills, naming Eaton and Schrempp co-chairmenit short became clear that the Germans were taking over the Americans. DaimlerChrysler was set up as a German firm for tax and accounting purposes, and the early 2000 departures of Thomas Stallkamp, the initial head of DaimlerChryslers U.S. operations, and Eaton (who was originally slated to remain until as late as November 2001) left Schrempp in clear command of the company.During 1999 DaimlerChrysler concentrated on squeezing out $1.4 billion in annual cost savings from the integration of procurement and other functional departments. The company organized its automotive businesses into three divisions Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars/smart, the Chrysler Group, and Commercial Vehicles. In November 1999 DaimlerChrysler denote that it would begin phasing out the aging Plymouth brand. The Debis services division was merged with Chryslers services arm to form DaimlerChrysler Services, while DASA was renamed DaimlerChrysler Aerospace. Late in 1999 the company reached an agreement to merge DaimlerChrysler Aerospace with two other European aerospace firms, the French Aerospatiale Matra and the Spanish CASA, to form the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). DaimlerChrysler would hold a 30 share stake in EADS, which would be the largest aerospace firm in Europe and the third largest in the world.In early 2000, DaimlerChrysler set the lofty goal of becoming the number one automaker in the world within three years. The companys most pressing needs w ere to bolster its presence in Asia, where less than 4 percent of the companys overall revenue was generated, and to gain a larger share of the small car market in Europe. Filling both of these bills was DaimlerChryslers purchase of a 34 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for $2 billion, a deal announced in late March. The company later increased its interest in Mitsubishi when it purchased a 3.3 percent stake from Volvo. In another key early 2000 development, DaimlerChrysler agreed to join with GM and Ford to create an Internet-based global business-to-business supplier change over named Covisint.DaimlerChryslers lofty goal would remain unrealized however, as the company faced a host of challenges. The Chrysler Group division was plagued by high costs and light-headed sales which ultimately cost James P. Holden his CEO position. Buoyed by its strong sales in the mid-1990s, Chrysler had spent heavily on product development in the late 1990s and bolstered its work force while costs were skyrocketing. By the second half of 2000 Chrysler lost $1.8 billion while spending over $5 billion. Dieter Zetsche was tapped to reorganize the faltering U.S. division. He launched a major restructuring effort in February 2001 that included cutting $2 billion in costs, making additional cuts in supplier costs, slashing 20 percent of its workforce, and making changes to Chryslers product line that included the elimination of the Jeep Cherokee (the Grand Cherokee remained in the product line) and the launch of the Jeep Liberty.At the same time, global economies began to weaken in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. To entice clients, car makers began offering buyer incentives that began to wreak havoc on profits. intentness analysts began to speculate that the 1998 merger may have been a mistakeSchrempps proclamation that the deal would create the most profitable car maker in world had so fallen short. In fact, the companys market capitaliza tion was $38 billion in September 2003. Before the union Daimlers market cap had been $47 billion.Meanwhile, the companys Mercedes division out of use(p) along launching the E-Class sedan, the SLK roadster, and the Maybach luxury vehicle. In 2003, Chrysler launched the Crossfire, a roadster developed with Mercedes components, and the Pacifica, a SUV/minivan. It also began to heavily market its powerful Hemi engine, which could be purchased for the Dodge Ram pickup and its passenger cars. In early 2004, Chryslers 300C sedan and the Dodge Magnum sports wagon made their debut.Competition remained fierce in the auto industry prompting DaimlerChrysler to make several changes in its strategy. In December 2003, the company sold its MTU Aero Engines business. That year the firm acquired a 43 percent stake in Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and great deal Corporation hoping to cash in on Asias growing truck market. Perhaps its most drastic move, however, came in April 2004 when DaimlerChryslers supe rvisory board voted against providing funds to bailout Mitsubishi Motors, which by now was struggling under losses and a huge debt load. Mitsubishi played a crucial role in Schrempps Asian expansion strategy and it developed the platforms for Chryslers ram and midsize cars. The failure to provide funds put a strain on the business blood between the two and threatened to result in huge problems for Chrysler, which had cut back on engineering capacity as it relied on Mitsubishi to develop its small and mid-sized cars.At the same time, DaimlerChrysler moved ahead in the Chinese marketwithout Mitsubishi and without another partner, Hyundai. To bolster is presence in the region, DaimlerChrysler restructured its joint venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd. and set plans in motion to tie up with Chinese Fujian Motor Industry Group and the Taiwanese China Motor Corporation to launch several cars in the Chinese market by 2005. Rumors circulated that DaimlerChryslers rela tionship with Hyundai was faltering as a result, and in 2004 the company signaled that it would sell its interest in the South Korean automaker.By 2004, Schrempps DaimlerChrysler was a far cry from what the 1998 merger promised to deliver. The companys financial record was lackluster, bogged down by Chryslers $637 million loss in 2003. DaimlerChrysler remained the worlds number three car maker, leaving the 2000 goalto become the number one auto company in the worldunfulfilled. Whether the merger would provide the hoped-for results remained to be seen.Literature ReviewLeadership is the process through which one individual influences the attitudes perceptions and motivations of other members of a group toward the achievement of a specific group or organizational goal (Greenberg Baron, 2008). Strategic leadership, by extension, is a leaders ability to foresee and proactively act on external conditions, and empower group members to implement change toward the strategic plan as necessar y (Kreitner, 2007). Strategic change therefore is that change that happens as an organization moves toward the attainment of their strategic plan. (Kreitner, 2007).Strategic leadership is serves several functions, includes extending managerial influence through other group members, and makes organizations more able to successfully light upon the need for change that is brought by ever quickening change in the market and market forces (Nickels et al., 2002). The ability to understand and analyze internal realities as well as market forces is a necessary component of strategic leadership. With this information in-hand, it is then necessary to perform complex information analyses. Appling a strategic management process successfully will aid in bringing about effective strategic leadership (Hitt and Keats, 1992).As this description suggests, strategic management is not without complexities, but it is critically necessary for successful strategic leadership. Many organization in todays business environment fall victim to the over-managed, under-led paradigm and so the understand and successful implementation of strategic leadership is more important than ever (Kreitner, 2007).The successful application of strategic leadership starts at the top. By virtue of his or her position, the CEO should not consider delegating this specific duty to lower management. Once the CEO is effectively practicing strategic management, his or her methods may be choose by other managers to effectively implement strategic management in the various divisions of an organization (Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson, 1995).Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson (1995) formulated a strategic leadership model which consists of sise components Determining strategic circumspection, exploiting and maintaining core competencies, developing human capitol, Sustaining effective corporate culture, emphasizing social responsibility and ethical practices, and establishing strategic controls.(1) Determining strategi c charge(2) Exploiting and maintaining core competencies(3) Developing human capital(4) Sustaining an effective corporate culture(5) Emphasizing social responsibility and ethical practices and(6) Establishing strategic controls.Determining strategic direction of an organization involves using all information available on market, competition, core competencies and well as foresight and vision to clearly define long range goals for the organization (Kreitner, 2007). Strategic intent means leveraging the firms internal resources, strengths, opportunities and core competencies to accomplish the goals that have been defined in the strategic planning process. Strategic directions give the members of the organization a clear path to attainment of the set goals (Kreitner, 2007).An organizations efforts can be considered strategic intent exists when all members of the organization or united in their pursuit of the specific benchmarks set forth by the strategic plan and belive that these goa ls are attainable and attainment will enable the organization to have a competitive advantage over other organizations in their industry. (Kreitner, 2007). Intel, Canon, and Xerox Microsoft are good example of corporations that have clearly discernable strategic intents (Loeb, 1993).Clear strategic intent requires effective strategic planning and effective strategic planning requires long range vision and foresight, usually five to ten years into the future. This long range vision must incorporate organizational and human resource strategy, design strategy, product planning strategy and information use and information governance strategy and, finally, it must provide for a system of strategic control (Hunt, 1991).Exploiting and Maintaining Core Competencies is the second of the six components. Core competencies are the internal and external resources and the frame of capabilities and expertise that give an organization its identity in the market and ultimately, its competitive adv antages. Usually, core competencies relate to an organizations ability to produce their main products, be they material of informational. whatever examples might include industrial manufacturing, research, customer interfaces and customer service, retail sales, technology or even specific patents held by the company. Unique market positioning, and unique customer benefits or product value are results of core competency and so, these things should be analyzed when determining core competency. A good question to ask is why do our customers do business with us?.A main responsibility of strategic leaders in business today is to first identify, and then confirm and grow their core competencies. Once core competencies are identified, they can then be utilized. As strategic leaders, corporate managers make decisions intended to help their firm develop, maintain, strengthen, leverage, and exploit core competencies. Exploiting core competencies involves sharing resources across units. In g eneral, the most effective core competencies are based on intangible resources, which are less visible to competitors because they relate to employees knowledge or skills. Effective strategic leaders promote the sharing of intangible resources across business units in their firms (Hitt and Keats, 1992).In many another(prenominal) large, diversified firms, core competencies are developed and applied across different units in the organization (economies of scope) to create a competitive advantage. Miller Beer, for example, has applied marketing and promotion competencies across its multiple businesses (Maruca, 1994). In many multinational corporations, the development, nurturing, and application of core competencies also facilitate managing complex relationships across business operating in different international markets. Whirlpool has emphasized competency across country borders (Lei, Hitt, and Bettis, 1990).3. Developing Human CapitalHuman capital refers to the knowledge and skill s of the organizations work force employees as a capital resource (Hitt, Ireland, and Hoskisson, 1995). Much of the development of American industry can be attributed to human capital. One-third of the gr

Abdullah Badawi’s Effect on Political Economy

Abdullah Badawis Effect on Political Economy1.0 INTRODUCTIONTun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the fifth Malaysias Prime Minister (2003-2009), was born on twenty-sixth November, 1939 in Kampung Perlis, Bayan Lepas. He was coarsely influenced by his family religious background and further strengthened it through the subject of Islamic Studies in Universiti Malaya, and graduated in 1964. aft(prenominal) he was graduated from Universiti Malaya, Abdullah was working as a civil servant, including Assistant repository in the Public Services Department and Head Assistant repository in the National Operation Council (NOC) (Welsh, 2003). At that time, he also was also macrocosm a Director in the Ministry of Youth and Sports and since 1974, Deputy Chief Secretary in the same ministry. In 1978, Abdullah resigned in the civil service and had been elected as the candidate for Kepala Batas Parliament spotFor the year 1978-1987, Abdullah has won the 1978 elections for the Kepala Batas Parliament seat (Sivamurugan Rusdi Omar Mohd Azizuddin, 2010). He was then elected as Parliamentary Secretary and Deputy Minister in the Federal Territory Ministry. He was also been Minister in Prime Ministers Department (1981-1984), Minister of Education (1984-1986), Minister of Defence (1986-1987).From the year 1987 to 1990, it was climax in Abdullahs semipolitical leadership. The growth of Anwar Ibrahim and the straw man of opposition leaders in UMNO had not feared by Abdullah (Sivamurugan Rusdi Omar Mohd Azizuddin, 2010). By this, he finally get the highest position in the party and g everyplacenment. He was trusted by Dr.Mahathir to offer him for involving in 1990 General Elections. He was also elected as the part of Cabinet. The sponsor gained by Abdullah not only particularly on inner support but also because of his inner confidence and strength that had given him a trust by peoples (Sivamurugan Rusdi Omar Mohd Azizuddin, 2010)..Abdullah was served as the Minister of Foreign Affai rs during 1991-1999. At that time, Abdullah also succeeded in winning back the UMNO Vice President seat in the 1996 elections after the failure to win Vice President seat in 1993 (Case, n.d). He gained the Dr. Mahathirs trust and was finally elected as the UMNO Deputy President in 1999 and Deputy Prime Minister, the fourth under the leadership of Dr. Mahathir.In Jun 2002, Dr. Mahathir announced to retire, and announced to the public that he had given trust to Abdullah to be his successor of Prime Minister.The main objective to conduct this case study is to critically examine the political economy throughout his reign of nearly six years. The specific objectives are for the first timely, to critically review Abdullahs political performance by providing the election report between 2003-2009 and figure out the reason why the mass supported him secondly, to interpret the international economy oil impairment and its problems thirdly, to let on issues and challenges during his tenure, whether Abdullahs political constitution affects the Malaysias economy or vice versa or both.To complete our research, we will assess the data from books in library, journals articles, newspapers and electric sources to analyse whether our argument is valid or not. The research is conducted by 3 members, everyone from each will be divided to collect sources based on their induce task. Our decision will dramatically advance our understanding of political economy under the governance of Abdullah.2.0 LEADERSHIP OF ABDULLAH BADAWIDuring Abdullahs premiership, the government policies did not change much. To him, he was presiding over an individual change rather than regime change. Abdullah implemented his promise to address corruption. Abdullah is widely admired for his religious knowledge and credentials, and can confront Islamic radicals (in his own quiet way) while maintaining respect from mainstream society (McCreedy, 2003). Abdullahs personal stylemild, incremental, consensualwi ll differ from the fiery tone of his predecessor (Tun Mahathir), and likely emend relations with the West (McCreedy, 2003).Not having as Mahathir aggressive personality as Mahathir had, Abdullah showed an early willingness to listen and work as a team. He attempted to channel economic liberalisation, declared war on corruption, im proved governance, and opened up democratic space (Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid Muhammad Takiyuddin Ismail, 2012). To reform policy, he re-attached importance to agriculture, re-emphasized poverty eradication, highlighted human capital schooling, and shifted focus to regional development which was been practiced by the second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak.Abdullah was so much emphasing on religious and he attempted to establish Islam Hadhari, a progressive approach towards understanding and practising Islam as a modern rather than conservative religion.Thus, Abdullahs leadership style was soft-personality, but under his premiership, many plans were prove d to be more than just declare.3.0 ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY TUN ABDULLAH BADAWI3.1 The Global Financial Crisis (2008-2009)The global fiscal crisis (GFC), ca apply by the bursting of a speculative bubble in the US housing market in 2008, affected the capital flows, trade wind flows, and commodity scathes of the world (Athukorala, 2010). Different countries have been affected differently, depending on the nature of their financial/trade linkages with the rest of the world, the quality of financial institutions and polices. As we will see below, for Malaysia, the financial and economic development had worsened in 2008 and 2009. Our gross domestic product remained declining in the year of 2008, eventually 0.1% growth of GDP in third quarter of 2008. The GDP felt by approximately 3% in the fourth quarter of 2008, which was also the first time in negative territory since 2001 (figure 1) ( terra firma Trade Organization, 2011).From the data interpreting above, we could imagine tha t during Abdullah Badawis premiership, the main challenge affected by global financial crisis was the declining of GDP in Malaysia in 2008 and the exportation of Malaysia declined.3.2 International Oil Price CrisisThe second issue and challenge faced by Abdullah Badawi is international oil price crisis by 2008. The oil price has skyrocketed to levels never predicted by the strategists and economic planners, estimated from USD170 per barrel in end 2008 to USD200 in 2009 (D-8 Secretariat Istanbul, 2008). The increase of oil price at that time also caused the price of forage increased beyond the normal abilities to pay by the poor. Abdullah Badawi (2008) said that the oil price crisis was required global-level solutions, and Malaysia was needed to influence up this issue to international community to resolve together.It is undeniably that the oil price crisis also caused the most urgent challenge facing by Malaysia was the food shortage in the world. As the global oil price increased , the food price also increased, and believed to reach more than 75% since 2000 (D-8 Secretariat Istanbul, 2008). These had threatened to the Malaysias economic growth under Abdullah Badawis tenure. Thus, the methods that used by Abdullah Badawi to solve the issue were to slim down off the government bounty on fire (since the increase of oil price has burdened the government aid on fuel) and also suggested to produce or creating alternative sources of cypher, such as bio-fuels and agriculture.From Table 1, fuel subsidies had raised from RM2.4bil or 3.8% of total operating expenses (OE) and 0.7% of GDP in 2001 to RM7.3bil in 2006 or 6.8% of total OE and 1.3% GDP (Ministry of Finance, 2008). While in 2007, it rose further to RM8.8bil or 1.4% of GDP (Ministry of Finance, 2008).In estimated 2008, fuel subsidies would escalate to estimate RM15.5bil or 12% of total OE and 2.3% of GDP (table 1) (Ministry of Finance, 2008). From Table 2, the petroleum product subsidy had increased from RM16.0bil in 2005 to RM16.2bil in 2007, but had decreased from 43.7% of total subsidy in 2005 to 37.3% in 2007 (Ministry of Finance, 2008). It could be said that the government had begun to cut off the fuel subsidy due to the increasing of oil price in 2007 but had put more effort on gas price subsidy due to Abdullah Badawis recommendation policy on replacing the fuel energy.4.0 POLITICAL POLICY AFFECTS ECONOMY OR ECONOMY AFFECTS POLITICAL POLICY?During Abdullah Badawis tenure, whether his political policy had affected Malaysias economy or the economy had affected his political policy? Based on our research, we would critic that during Abdullah Badawis era, the economy had affected his politcal policy. We would proffer few positions at the following to support our critical analysis.The first fact is, the rising of world oil price to between US90 and US100 a barrel is expected to force Abdullah Badawi administration on reduction in fuel subsidies in 2008. According to Asia Times ( 2008), the fuel and gas subsidiaries approximately cost US12bil a year. The global oil price crisis had put increasing burdens on the family budgets, especially the middle-income family from developing country. Not only that, the oil price crisis also forced governments to curtail expenditures or reallocate resources for development in order to meet the more immediate needs of societies (D-8 Secretariat Istanbul, 2008). Thus, from our analysis, we could comment that the rising of oil price had affected Abdullah Badawi to reduce or cut off the fuel subsidies policy to societies. However, we could not find any other long-term solutions til now to stabilize the price of oil in the market. Perhaps, the reduction on fuel subsidies would be the best alternatives for controlling the government expenditures.However, Abdullah Badawis reduction fuel subsidiary policy had been implemented until today. It could be proven by Malayan government now (Najib Razaks era) is following Abdullah Badaw is step to cut fuel subsidy on ron95 fuel (Athukorala, 2010). In our opinion, there are pros and cons on abolishing fuel subsidy in Malaysia. The pros definitely would be the Malaysia takes advantages of falling global oil price and reduce the burden of government. If cut off fuel subsidy be implemented, the oil price would be followed international oil price, thus, if global oil price reduces, then Malaysia would pay lesser to import oil (McAleavey, 2014). Moreover, abolishing fuel subsidy could benefits government because government could save up the money to use it on other field of subsidiaries. The con on abolishing fuel subsidy in Malaysia would be widen the wealth gap issues. Dismissing fuel subsidy would be benefited to high-income households sooner of protecting the low-income workers (Palatino, 2014).Nevertheless, in our point of view, if the reduction on fuel subsidy policy would be announced and get opinion from the societies first, it would be more beneficial to both s ocieties and government to achieve a win-win situation.The second fact that we could provide to prove that the economy had affected Abdullah Badawis policy is the recommendation on Bio-Fuel Policy in 2006 (D-8 Secretariat Istanbul, 2008) by Abdullah Badawi as a renewable sources of energy to encounter the increasing of oil price issue. The goal to implement this policy is to promote the use of bio fuels as an alternative to petroleum in Malaysia. Examples of bio-fuel or bio-gas could be natural gas vehicles (NGV).Based on our finding, National Biofuel Policy (NBP) provided an alternative to reduce the dependency on petroleum in Malaysia. Palm oil is used as the alternative resource to replace the depleting petroleum as it is more environmental friendly and it could produce investments for it value added-finished products. Oil palm is an energy-efficient crop and the bridal of renewable energy resources started as the crisis of increasing oil price and depletion of crude oil reserve . Palm oil contribute the largest part in Malaysias economic. NBP was macrocosm launched to sustain the economic growth. Few objectives were formulated to mobilize the local resources for biofuel production and explore new technology to generate energy as an alternative resources (table 2).In 2009, the use of B5 blends (Envo Diesel) of 5% diesel biofuels and 95% petroleum diesel was introduced (Majid, 2015). This was to create an environmental friendly and renewable energy resources. The use of biofuel is definitely a great idea yet the usage of diesel biofuel in Malaysia is still low. Moreover, diesel engined-vehicles is more expensive than petrol engined-vehicles. Thus, less people supported the biofuel policy.It is in fact that until today, the Najib Razaks era, this policy was not implemented yet in Malaysia. The current prime minister could only implement the reduction of fuel subsidy policy, instead of carrying up the bio-fuel policy. Based on our research, there are a few we akness of this National Biofuel Policy which launched by Datuk Sri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in 2006. Ccsenet.org (2011) mentioned that the weakness of this policy is that the accept from market is small. There is only few diesel users compare to petrol users. Thus, the biofuel policy only benefits some of the populations. Figure 2 shows the difference of energy function between petroleum products and biodiesel in Malaysia.The minuscule domestic market could not gain much profits and supports from the people and lastly would fail to reach the objectives of the policy. in addition that, the biofuel infrastructure which could fulfill the basis of nation was not sufficient. People might feel interested and wish to try something which is new and environmentally friendly yet the lack of infrastructure had made the policy unsuccessful. According to Phys.Org (2009), 16 biofuel plants were built but due to low price of biofuel was not being operated. The infrastructure that being built was w asted and made the people feel not confident with the good side of biofuel.The lack of market opportunities of biofuel had also lead to the failure of this policy. nurture of biofuel always related to the rain forest deforestation which lead to biodiversity loss. Malaysia has chosen a solution of land-clearing to get plant oil-palm for biodiesel. Climate changes and global warming had perish the issue in few conferences and lead to the failure of this policy. Resources and skilled workers and research were not fully utilized to conduct the policy.Thus, National Biofuel Policy is indeed a good policy if we have sufficient manpower, resources and technology intelligence to make it successful and increase the nations economic growth. However, the lack of skilled lying-in and technology and high dependency towards petroleum had caused the implementation of the mandate of B5 biodiesel sale to be delayed in February 2010.5.0 CONCLUSIONThe difference in Abdullah Badawis leadership style with his predecessor brings about cause for some to consider it as a weakness and loss of control (Utusan Malaysia, 19 September 2006).Under his tenureship, Malaysia had see two big challenges, which are the global financial crisis and international oil price crisis during 2008-2009. These two challenges yet never came into a long-term solutions to solve these issues until today.Therefore, in our opinion, the international oil crisis, cut off subsidiaries on oil and increased of oil prices in Malaysia perhaps are the reasons to let him lose his mass support on general election in 2008.REFERENCESWelsh, B. (2003). Malaysias transition Elite contestation, political dilemmas and incremental change. Washington, D.C Asia Program limited Report.Sivamurugan, P., Rusdi Omar., Mohd Azizuddin. (2010). Work with Me, Not for Me Malaysia under Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (2003-2009). Asian civilisation and History, Volume 2, Issue 1.Case, W. (n.d). Abdullah Badawis first year as Malaysias Prime Min ister. Austrialia Griffith Asia Institute.McCreedy, A. (2003). Passing the mantle A new leadership for Malaysia. Washington, D.C Asia Program Special Report.Welsh, B. (2003). Malaysias transition Elite contestation, political dilemmas and incremental change. Washington, D.C Asia Program Special Report.Welsh, B. (2003). Malaysias transition Elite contestation, political dilemmas and incremental change. Washington, D.C Asia Program Special Report.Welsh, B. (2003). Malaysias transition Elite contestation, political dilemmas and incremental change. Washington, D.C Asia Program Special Report.http//www.energyglobal.com/downstream/refining/30102014/Malaysia-reduces-fuel-prices-1527/http//thediplomat.com/2014/10/why-malaysia-reduced-its-fuel-subsidy/http//www.twn.my/title2/ge/ge26.pdfAPPENDIXESFigure 1 Real GDP and trade growth of Malaysia, 2008-10Source World Trade Organization, 2011.https//www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres11_e/pr628_e.htmFigure 2 The Difference of skill Consumption betwee n Petroleum Products and Biodiesel in Malaysia. Source National Energy Balance 2012 (Retrieved from Malaysia Energy Statistic Handbook, 2014)Table 1 Malaysias Fuel Subsidies 2001-08Table 2 Malaysias Subsidies and Financial Assistance (RM bil) 2005-07Source Ministry of Finance, Bank Negara, Department of Information, Malaysia CIMB/GK Research, 2008.

The Doctrine Of God Theology Religion Essay

The Doctrine Of god Theology Religion EssayMany mint bring forth the study of the principals of deliverymanianity to be inte counterweighting and even intriguing. For some, however, the interest goes well beyond idle curiosity. For this group of truth seekers, a hunger for knowledge and truth drives them to give years of their brave outs to the pursuit of deeper and meaningful insight into what it each means. They dive into their studies reading, analyzing, listening, discus hellholeg, and debating the issues surrounding creation, divinity, and hu universe kinships with nature, one another, and deity. though their paths may be diverse, they share the universal commit that their efforts are fruitful that they are able to tell the story of Jesus rescuer, the history of the Christian perform, and share the pass along of a loving Creator in a way that give take a crap a positive imp wreak on valet and be pleasing to theology. This is where my colleagues and I find oursel ves today. We are supercharged with explaining what we have read, heard, learned, and agnise, and the magnificent task of doing so with clarity and authority. The greatest ch completelyenge of sharing this nitty-gritty of hope, that is some(prenominal) exciting and challenging, is to be able to t distri furtherively it (and live it) in a way that is not hypocritical or exclusive. While some are passionate and some are curious about the perform doctrine message, there is still an entirely different group of people who are affected by it those who are ignorant of Christian teachings and those who have nix feelings toward them. It is by chance the majority of society, whom we should be reaching out to. Those people who are life sentence right(prenominal) of religion and phantasmality are doing so because someone failed to share the message of god with them, or because someone failed to share it effectively. I moot there is more danger in being ineffective in sharing the me ssage than in not sharing it at all.I grew up a pseudo-Southern Baptist. I say pseudo because my familys attendance at church was very inconsistent. We were closelipped to attend church at least once a month, maybe twice in some months. I was never involved in youth activities, vacation bible school, or bible study groups. I did not have a close group of friends within the church. My experience with pew academic session included hellfire and brimstone sermons delivered by lectureers who were well-versed in salvation founded in fear quite an than faith. It is easy to imagine that, for me, church was not a rig where I felt heartsease or grace. I eventually stopped attending church altogether during my teens. I had not felt any argument or nurture during my church experiences, so for a long time, all I felt I was missing was the guilt and fear I associated with church membership. I stayed away for about fifteen years before I felt idol calling me to a relationship. Shortly afte r meeting Christi, who would soon give-up the ghost my wife, we visited the United Methodist Church with our daughters. It was then that I became deeply involved in a bible study for the first time in my life, and so much of the gospel message from my hit-and-miss church attendance finally began to make sense. We began to recruit in several church activities with our children, volunteering in youth events, sunlight School activities, mission projects, and small group bible studies. It wasnt long before I was drafted into the church praise band, leading idolisation on Wednesday nights and at the earlyish service on Sunday mornings. I had known for a musical composition that I had a desire to serve more fully, only if it was through a very unexpected event at church that I was rapidly introduced to full-time ministry. Stepping out on faith, I was hired as the youth attend and soon became a licensed local pastor. This served my purpose temporarily, but it did not provide fully for the kind of education I felt was necessary to preach and teach in pastoral ministry. The more that I learned during this time of rapid growth and awakening, the more I hungered for even more knowledge. My understanding of Christianity and church membership has since changed drastically from the narrow-minded perspective I had maintained throughout my childhood and well into adulthood. My perspective has shifted and my understanding continues to evolve. at that place are things which had no sizeableness to me at all, that have become priorities. I have grown passionate about social rightful(prenominal)ice and have gained a true appreciation for programs that recruit the wellness and interests of women, children and others who are oppressed or marginalized. I have felt a calling to be a verbalize of nominate for women in ministry to support their ministries and ensure that they are fully enabled to accomplish all of the good that they can, particularly in areas of ministry that they can be far more effective than a man could be. I feel strongly about the importance of encouraging inclusiveness in the church. I bank that it is important for all graven images people to have a focalize to participate in corporate worship. Church membership should not exclude members of the gay and lesbian community, as we all are in desperate requirement of feeling ever closer to immortal. There are several mainstream congregations within our communities that would not welcome gay or lesbian individuals into their churches. It is often openly and overtly preached against such blatant sinners becoming church members. I believe that none of our own sins can fairly or accurately be judged. Inclusiveness must be an overriding theme in all areas of the mission field. We are called to go make disciples and since we are all sinners, we would be hard-pressed to make disciples among those who are perfect. Our worship space and our church families should be places that are we lcoming and inclusive, rather than rejecting and exclusive. If we are to model ourselves after Jesus, the Christ, we must remember that our savior ate with sinners. In those examples of heat and forgiveness, Christ showed us the perfect model. If we are to be like Him, we must remember all those on the fringes not tho those who are victimized, but alike those who are marginalized of their own poor choices. I believe that Jesus is my example and I am to model myself after Him. This is my calling.Prolegomena-The central theme of the Bible is matinee idol calling us, divinitys people, back into a relationship with graven image. If we believe this, then we can only accomplish this restored relationship by ensuring that all of matinee idols people have not only the chance, but the understanding of what that relationship means. only when, for galore(postnominal), the Bible is a strange writing. It is change with stories and situations and language that are not easily understood. In fact, for many, it is like a foreign language. In addition, as I have come to experience in the world of theological education, there are so many equipment casualty that are indecipherable to the common someone. We outlet our knowledge of the Bible and continue to turn it into terms that are still not user friendly. I believe that as theologians and faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to clementity to give our best efforts to share theologys message with others. We are called by perfection and by the scripture in Matthew to go out and spread the gospel in order that all people may have the Bible fond to them and to bring the message of scripture interpreted to them in a language that they might understand. When I use the phrase for the fringes, I am referring to those who are outside the church. For whatever reason, they do not have any affiliation with a church- perhaps from a bad experience, never having been exposed, or disbelief. I believe th at this is partially what we are being told in the passage from Matthew 25, the least of these. These children of God may be in the far corners of the earth, or in our back yards. They may be from the poorest of society, or they may be in the wealthiest ten percent. They may be pre-teen children, or they may be in the eve of their lives. In any case, I feel as though it is the responsibility of those who know the truth of scripture, the Christian community, to educate in common terms. More specifically, I believe that it is my responsibility, as a response to Gods amazing grace, to make it a priority to share Jesus with everyone that I can, in a language that everyone can understand. Dr. Rieger referenced our God as a fairly revolutionary God.1This God of creation and liberation is the radical God that can appeal to the masses of those who are believed to be on the fringes, those just outside the church. Some believe that God is only available to those who gather in community and i n relationships found within the furiousowship and experiences of like-minded persons. We characterize those outside established congregations with terms like unchurched, or underchurched, or lost. The fact that they are not incorporated into an organized body of believers does not make them wrong. too often the Christian community carries within itself, perhaps even in its doctrines, the belief that God can only be found inside the church. There are some who may even believe that they are the only ones who do church right. As theologians, we are faced with the challenge of depicting good God-talk, rather than bad. Unfortunately, many people experience theology as nothing more than anothers unlearned opinion or agenda, which could be limiting, damaging, or complete destruction. It is the responsibility of every person to seek knowledge and to share that knowledge.The Doctrine of God-Theology begins and ends with God. In an effort to firm our theological stance, we seek resources to support what we have learned and understand of God. The Bible and other historical documents are not written to provide proof of God, but to show what God has done, what God is doing, and what God is yet to do. They are, in fact, a documentation of Gods existence throughout history. Of these resources, there is no place better to start than with the Bible. In Genesis, we see that God stimulated the heavens and the earth. and God swept over the face of the waters.2We see evidence of Gods existence at the beginning of time. However, Gods existence in the lives of the individuals is measured not by the accounts of others, but in the relationships and experiences of the individuals.The book of Deuteronomy, chapter 26 carries a hidden creed showing that the God of mercy and love delivered the writer from captivity and bondage. We cried to the Lord..the Lord heard our voice and axiom our affliction, our toil and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt.with a terrifying disp lay of power.3Throughout the text, a merciful image of God is evident as God helped liberate a people from their captors. The Word shows that while being a God of great mercy and faithfulness, and love, that there is the existence of a God who can be terrifying. Both characteristics are contained within the same account. But, the testimony would not lend the same effect had it not been in a relational setting. The oppression and captivity were very real and very personal to the writer besides the action of God was also very personal. It is through these kinds of stories that the God of our Christian faith can be better understood.God has been presented to us with many attributes. These include Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, omniscient, omnipotent, holy, loving and forgiving, to name a few. Perhaps the best defining run-in for God would be self-existent. The fact that Gods existence does not rely on anything but God is somewhat overwhelming. The challenge is not only to gain a pers onal understanding of who and what God is, but to be able to effectively articulate God to others. This is the mystery of God. God can be described as everywhere, yet among us. God is state to be the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.4These terms provoke questions within those who do not have a relationship with God. God has been said to be all things to all people. It is through these examples that we begin to gain an understanding of the enormity of God. God is immeasurable through our human understanding. We cannot possibly have a complete understanding of God. To simply say that God is Christ leaves God somewhat boxed and therefore not the true God.Origen said that God is incomprehensible, transcending being itself. God is known only by inference from the created order.5We see the charge and existence of God through the world around us. God is seen in the actions of neighbors and strangers. The God of creation is seen through the beauty of natur e and in the faces of our fellow serviceman. God said in Genesis 126, let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness.6It is clearly seen that God is intentional in Gods communion with humankind. Biblically speaking, the image of God can be seen in each and every person. John Wesley referenced in his Sermon 111, the scripture found in Jeremiah 2324, Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? Says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth?7Both John Wesley and biblical scholars agree that we see through this scripture that God is both immanent and transcendent. God exists entirely in this world and beyond. But the way that God is divergence to be seen in each persons perspective is going to depend on where this person is in his or her life. God allow meet us where we are at. The circumstances that surround a persons life will shadow how God is viewed. A person who is suffering from loss, or poverty, or oppression might view God as uncaring, or distant. W hereas a person who is experiencing success- either socially, financially, spiritually, and relationally, may see God as very involved in their lives. It is those times where it is easier to see and acknowledge the existence of God. It is much harder to give God credit when times are hard. But the bridge to a better understanding of God is putting the two together and showing where God is present throughout. Trying to completely describe God would be failure. We cannot accurately speak of Gods splendour. Too many facets would be left out, and that would illustrate a God who fell short of the God that we have in our midst.Explaining the Trinity is equally difficult. As theologians, we are to be able to put into words that the three- God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all one. In our limited ability to understand, we seek to make sense not only to ourselves, but others. The Trinity may be likened to a full chord on a guitar. distributively note, or string, has equal responsibility and equal worth. Each has its own tone and depth. But when all the notes are played simultaneously, the chord makes a complete and beautiful sound- a harmony, a relationship. This is how the Trinity operations. As previously discussed, God the Father, Creator is with us endlessly, from the beginning of time. As Christians, we understand that each point of the Trinity is equal to the other two. There is no subordination. If subordination were the case, the idea of the Trinity would be pointless. A wonderful example of the Trinity in modern writing would be illustrated in the book The Shack. The main character has suffered loss and brokenness and experiences all three facets while dealing with his circumstances. Though based on a fictional account, the lesson of each point of the Trinity, being in harmony with each other rings true. Each point of the Trinity was able to help the character in a different way.Understanding God and the Trinity has and will be a around-the-clock journey. As we move and study and live, the presence and knowledge of God will move within. Our understanding will change daily, as will our maturity in explaining. By helping others to identify God in their own personal experiences and relationships, we have a greater chance of helping them to understand scripture and the greatness of God.The Doctrine of Jesus Christ-Jesus Christ the Son, born of a virgin, is both fully divine and fully human. Jesus came and lived among sinners and died for our sins. This is the general idea of what Jesus Christ is to the world. But, there is so much more to the idea of the Son of God. The Christian faith says that the most significant way in which it has been able to see God present within the world is through the life, work, and legacy of Jesus Christ. It is claimed that Jesus Christ is the physical embodiment of God in the world. Jesus himself is not all there is to God, but He is God as God has chosen to physically manifest Godself in the midst of Gods creation. The historical Jesus is the Jesus of today, playing in history. In Mark 829, Jesus asks, Who do you say that I am?8It seems that the world has been trying to answer the question since it was asked. The problem is that many different people have many differing answers. Or is that a problem. For some, He is simply a man who lived over two thousand years ago. To others, He was a prophet, much like Elijah. To some He was a politician, or a public figure that was well known and killed for His views. And yet to many of us, He was a man, who lived over two thousand years ago, who was able to tell us things that were of another dimension, who was political and stood for a cause greater than we could humanly imagine. And then, just as He said, He would be betrayed by a close friend, arrested for upsetting the higher political figures, and murdered- all the while, changing the course of history and the prox of the world.Jesus only had a short ministry, but the magnitude of things done in that time would shape a faith that give millions hope and peace all over the world. He began by assembling a group of men who were not in the upper crust of society. He never promised wealth or position, something that the average person might aspire to achieve, but instead offered life, unlike they had ever experienced before. These young men would have been the blue ternion workers of our times. They understood what it was like to work long hours for very little pay. Most of them were barely educated. But Jesus saw something in them and He chose them to help Him carry the message- His message. Much of the time, they did not understand the words or actions of this man. He spoke unlike anyone had ever spoken. He used parables to teach them how to live and how to love. He ameliorate the sick, gave sight to the blind, cleansed the lepers, raised the dead, ate with sinners, and basically drew outside all the lines of societal normalcy. Jesus spoke of a kingdom not of this world where we would go to be with the Father. Jesus spoke about loving their neighbor and forgiving them of their wrongdoings. He challenged them to carry His teachings to the world. And this message was for the multitudes of people who believed, and followed. We are the disciples of Christ who are called to take this message now.The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit-In the Old will, we see the Spirit connected with deep experiences, through which its power might overcome an individual, it may rest upon an individual, or might be poured out over many people.9In the unexampled Testament, this spirit is identified with Jesus Christ and is the bringer of justice, mercy, and the complete knowledge of God to the Jews and Gentiles alike. The idea that the spirit will be poured on the many- ie, Male and female, old and young, slave or free, as well as people of other nations, languages and cultures was radical considering the context of the time. The Spirit was granti ng knowledge to the outcasts. Not only were the wealthy and privileged receiving it, but so were the common folks.10We are told in scripture, beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.11In fact, considerable time and study has been spent in exploration of this topic. The subject of spiritual warfare comes to mind. There are spirits that work daily in our lives. Theses spirits are not for the good of us, rather the opposite. The Holy Spirit is that presence that is carried within us every minute of the day. It is often the commission that we seek when making a difficult decision. This Holy Spirit lives in contrast to the negative spirits. It is the spirit of both our God and Creator, as well as the spirit of Jesus Christ the Son. And this Holy Spirit will not act always the same way. Our individual needs and context will cause the spirit to respond in Its necessary capacity. Wisdom scripture say that the spirit has filled the world a nd holds all things together.12It is through our personal experiences that we see the Holy Spirit at work. It is often masked as the nudging to participate or to not participate in any given activity. It is the feeling or calling of reaching out to those who are in need. We see the holy Spirit at work in the actions of others who show grace and compassion when their situations would not ordinarily warrant it. The Holy Spirit is the third element of the trinity, and is God and Jesus both lively within our everyday lives. The Bible is a collection of all that God has said and done, as seen and recorded through the words of persons who were inspired to write by the Holy Spirit. It is a good example of how the Spirit works and speaks in their time and situation. The image of the spirit, in both the Old Testament and the New Testament is that of wind or breath.13In the Book of John, Jesus promises the spirit as encourager to come after He is returned to God. I will ask the Father, and H e will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truthhe abides in you and he will be in you.14The Holy Spirit is God dungeon in us. And the Spirit helps us in our weakness.15The work of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, just like in the lives of the Old Testament and New Testament people, helps to offer guidance even in our darkest hours. The battle that goes on within- should I or shouldnt I? is the direct activity of the Spirit, working against the loathsomeness and sin in our lives. It may be very complex and often difficult to explain, but the fact is that the Holy Spirit is simply our God, the Creator of all things, living inside, present at all times.The Doctrines of Creation and Providence-The doctrine of creation tells us that God is the source and the Creator of all things. God is the Creator of the universe as well as individual human existence. All life comes from God and all life returns to God. We are told in Genesis 1 that God create d and saw that everything was good. We have no doubt that God was pleased with creation.16Creation, however, is not simply a process that was. Creation is a continuous, ongoing process in which God is actively involved- a relationship between God and the world. Throughout Biblical history, we have seen the hand of God at work, primarily in the acts of creation. For example, this is evident in the story of the flood, through the imagery of the olive leaf returned to the hand of Noah by the dove. We saw God establish the covenant afterwards, the creation of Israel, and then the creation of a advanced community of faith through Jesus Christ. These are just a few examples of the love that God has continued to show for Gods creation. We have to be able to share that creation did not create itself. It is the gift of a God who is love, and through this gift, we are shown the magnificence of God.But why did God create the earth and everything in it? Some have pondered that God was lonely, so God created. We believe that God is complete in Godself. We have already established that God is self-existent and ultimately that Gods existence does not rely on anything but God. with that in mind, it does not make sense, even to or limited understanding of this all-loving God, that God would become lonely and subsequently create. Karl Barth believed that God was radically separate from this world. Barth said that the One who loves in freedom was acting out of no external necessity but freely creating simply because love seeks to share its goodness.17This loving God that we worship, and often fear, is seeking to share Gods greatness. Through creation, God begins the relationship with humanity, not out of need, but out of love.John Calvin said, Gods providence is not that by which God idly observes from heaven what takes place on earth, but that by which, as keeper of the keys, he governs all events.18According to Wood, in the Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology, we are not t o believe that we are tied to our situations simply because God has willed it that way. This God who sends pain has also sent the means to alleviate it. The God who sends flood and fire has given is the intelligence to prevent it from happening, or to minimize its harmful effects.19Providence is Gods divine guidance and care. God the Creator is continues as the sustaining force for creation and the guiding force for human destiny. But why would a loving God allow brutal into the world. Placher points out that often, we just dont have answers, but we might look at a few possible reasons. Sometimes good is not possible without evil, humanity abuses its freedom and the result is evil, evil helps refine our souls to be what God would have us to be, or simply that God allows some limited evil to act in the world.20It is only through Gods grace that humanity experiences free will. Sometimes, our choices through this free will cause us to be in harms way. Gods allowance of evil helps huma nity to become the people God would desire us to be. Plainly speaking, we learn from our mistakes and through trials, we turn our hearts toward God. In the end, our relationship to God is strengthened, as is our witness to others.The Doctrine of the Human Creature-The problem with the issue of human being is that we all believe that we have a complete understanding of human being. And because we already know about the human being, we tend to work from that assumption. Our human condition, or human creature, or human existence is based upon our relationship with God. When we have a relationship with and we follow Jesus Christ, we become more fully human.21We are told that the human creature is not just individual, but collective, as well.22Our humanness comes with both possibilities and limitations. There is something in the individual, and in that individuals desire for personal success that is adverse to the human creature. We are qualified by the claim that what distinguishes them as specifically human is that God creates them in the image of God.23The one who is created in the image of God seeks to form and sustain loving and caring relationships with God and other human beings. When the humans desire to achieve personal success overlaps the desires of another, conflict is created. Often in conflict, healthy relationships are not nurtured. This conflict is called sin.The Doctrine of the Church-The church is the people of God.24Though there are many divisions, facets, communities, denominations, the church stands as the people, the body of Jesus Christ, who founded the church and charged us with the task to go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.25God will speak where God will and the community will form around where God is. The role of the church is to re-present Christ to the world.26In a recent lecture, Dr. Rieger alludes to a personal struggle that was similar to the struggle of Luther, Wesley, Barth, and Bonhoffer. That struggle was not about the people not believing, but that the people were being taught wrongly and therefore believed wrongly. Rieger offers that rather than idealizing the church, we begin to analyze the church. To do this, we must look at the four attach of the church to function as a framework for our analysis.First, we look at the unity of the church- One holy, catholic, universal church. But we are not one church. We have both social threats to church unity, as well as theological threats. One threat is segregation. We are primarily segregated. Racially, church is referred to as the most segregated hour in America- from 11am to 12 on Sunday morning.27Class stratification is not easily overcome, especially in America. If we are really interested in the unity of the church, we have to address the issues that divide us. We are also divided by our differing doctrines. As a United Methodist now and formerly a Baptist for 35 ye ars, I appreciated the joke about a Methodist being a Baptist that can read. There is humor intended in the statement but the sad truth is that Baptists, United Methodists, Catholics, Presbyterians, Church of Christ, and Pentecostals have been divided in their beliefs for ages. In addition to these differences, we also create divisions with the Jewish people. We believe that the new covenant of Jesus Christ has somehow nullified the covenant of God with Israel in the Old Testament. Instead, we need to look to our similarities, oppose anti

Epilepsy Essay -- Neurology Neurological Disorders Essays

EpilepsyEpilepsy is a very common neurological disorder. Some reports estimate that five in one-thousand people suffer from this problem. Throughout history, people with epilepsy require been shunned or considered inferior. Even today, ignorance leads some(prenominal) people to treat the epileptic as abnormal or retarded. Although the etiology of epilepsy is still not fully understood, it is sooner treatable due to advances in modern medicine. Epilepsy is characterized by uncontrolled excessive activity of either a part of, or all of the central nervous system. A person who is predisposed to epilepsy has attacks when the basal level of excitability of the nervous system rises above a certain critical threshold. As unyielding as the grad of excitability is held below this threshold, no attack occurs. Basically, epilepsy can be classified into three major types grand mal, petit mal, and focal or partial epilepsy. Grand mal epilepsy is characterized by extreme neuronal discharges in all areas of the brain in the cortex, in the deeper parts of the cerebrum, and even in the brain stem and thalamus. Also, discharges into the spinal cord bewilder generalized tonic convulsions of the entire body, followed toward the end of the attack by alternating tonic and then spasmodic muscular contractions called tonic-clonic convulsions. Often the person bites or swallows the spiel and usually has difficulty in breathing, sometimes to the extent of developing cyanosis. Also, signals to the viscera frequently cause urination and defecation. The grand mal seizures lasts from a few seconds to as long as three to four minutes and is characterized by post-seizure depression of the entire nervous system the person remains in stupor for one to many minute... ...l. 16 S31-S38. Bleck, T. and H. Klawans. (1990) Convulsive Disorders Mechanism of Epilepsy and Anticonvulsant Action. Clinical Neuropharmacology 13(2)121-128. Cohen, P. G. (1984) The Metabolic Basis for the Genesis of Seiz ures The Role of the Potassium-Ammonia Axis. Medical Hypothesis, 13199-204. Craig, C. R. (1984) Evidence for a role of neurotransmitters in the mechanism of topical convulsant models. Federal Proceedings, 43(10)2525-2528. Fisher, R. S. (1989) Animal models of the epilepsies. head word Research Review, 14245-278. Guyton, Arthur C. Textbook of Medical Physiology, 8th Ed. ,Saunders Co. (1991) p.663-665. W.B. Schmidt, D., C. Cornaggia, and W. Loscher. (1984) Comparative Studies of the GABA System in Neurosurgical Brain Specimens of Epileptic and Non-epileptic Patients. Neurotransmitters, Seizures, and Epilepsy II, p.275-283.