Intermediate accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Intermediate accounting - Essay Example Houston and Brigham (2009) state that, the outcome of the evaluation determines whether investors and other external users of financial information decide to retract or extend financing to the organization. The shareholders level of commitment to the organization may also fluctuate based on the outcome of the evaluations. There are several categories of ratio, each designed to assess a different aspect of an organization’s performance. The five categories are; liquidity ratios, profitability ratios, asset activity ratios and debt ratios. Liquidity ratios assess the ability of a business to convert its current resources into cash and payoff the company’s current obligations (Houston and Brigham, 2009). They include the quick ratio, also known as the acid test, the current ratio, cash coverage ratio and liquidity index. Quick ratio evaluates the ability of a company to fulfill any short-term obligations with assets that can be converted into cash quickly (Houston and Brigham, 2009). A quick ratio greater than 1 is an indication that the firm is able to liquidate all of its accounts. Current ratio examines the ability of a company to pay off its financial obligations in one year (Houston and Brigham, 2009). Current ratio accounts for current assets like account receivables and the company’s liabilities like account payables to help the manager understand the solvency of the company. A ratio lying within 1.5 and 3 indicates strong financial performance (Houston and Brigham, 2009). A current ratio of less than one is an indication that the firm might not be able to meet all of its financial liabilities if they are needed to be paid at the same time (Houston and Brigham, 2009). Current ratio that is relatively high and may indicate that the company is resting on a huge amount of money, rather than spending it in the company. Current ratio provides

Article review and summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Article review and summary - Essay Example Their population is also closely regulated by the presence of predators that are feeding on these bacteria like protozoa and nematodes. But also the opposite is true where the presence and activity of the rhizosphere bacteria determines the root growth patterns and concentrations of plant roots (Bowen 1999) (Gryndler 2000). This is because the plants and the rhizosphere flora are interconnected and they are dependent on the bacteria in the rhizosphere. There are bacteria from different species (Bradyrhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium and others) for example that posses the nitrogenase enzyme and are able to reduce the atmospheric nitrogen into soluble ammonia that can be used by root plants. These bacteria also secrete root factors that promote the growth of root nodules that are N2 fixating symbiotic organs of the plants. Other way of interaction between thee roots and the rhizosphere bacteria is the antagonistic effect that some bacteria have on other bacteria that are pathogenic and harmful for the plant (Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora etc.). The ability of the bacteria to antagonize the growth of organisms that are pathogenic to plants is researched on many prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms (Bacillus species, Pseudomonas species, Agrobacterium species etc) (Whipps 1997). Pseudomonas fluores cence one of the most effective bacteria that colonizes the roots and has important function in antagonizing the flourishing of pathogenic bacteria that can have significantly negative effect on the rot health and agricultural impact. This is why there is a substantial interest about the effect of different fertilizers and additives that are used in the agriculture today and the impact of these materials on the rhizosphere (Kennedy 1998). The normal population of Pseudomonas spp. has important role in the normal functioning of the plant roots and this is why it is a subject of a number of studies that are trying to explain the mechanisms of growth for this

The Clock Essay Example for Free

The Clock Essay A ‘clock’ is an instrument used to specify, record, and manage time. The word ‘clock’ comes from the French word â€Å"cloche† meaning bell, came into use when timekeepers were kept in bell towers in the Middle Ages. Historians do not who or when mankind â€Å"invented† a time-keeping device or a â€Å"clock†. Probably thousands of years ago when someone stuck a stick in the ground and saw a shadow of the sun move across the ground, known as the sundial. (Cummings, 1997-2012). After the Samarian culture left little knowledge behind, the Egyptians were next to divide their day in two parts. A vertical stick, or obelisk that is used to cast a shadow is known as a sundial. They were used as early as 3500 B.C.. Another shadow clock or sundial, possibly the first portable timepiece, came into use around 1500 B.C. to measure the passage of hours. As the sun moves from east to west, the shadows predict the time of the day. They also showed the years longest and shortest days when the shadow at noon was the shortest or longest of the year. The Greeks used a sundial called â€Å"pelekinon†. These sundials are marked to predict time accurately throughout the year. They built a more accurate sundial based on their knowledge of geometry. An ancient Egyptian sundial from the 8th century and a Greek sundial are still in existence today. Water clocks along with sundials are known to be the oldest time-measurements devices. The bowl-shaped outflow is the simplest form of a water clock and is known to have existed in Babylon and in Egypt around the 16th century BC. Other regions of the world, including India and China, also have early evidence of water clocks, but the earliest dates are less certain. Some authors, however, claim that water clocks appeared in China as early as 4000 BC. (Cowan, 1958) Ctesibius or Ktesibios or Tesibius (Greek: ΚτÎ ·ÃÆ'ÃŽ ¯ÃŽ ²ÃŽ ¹ÃŽ ¿Ãâ€š) (fl. 285–222 BC) was a Greek inventor and mathematician in Alexandria, Ptolemaic Egypt. (As of 2008, 1768–2010) He improved the clepsydra in the 3rd century by B.C. by which water that dripped into the container raised a float that carried a cursor to mark the hours. He attached a toothed rack with a float switch that when raised would turn a wheel where he installed mechanical signing birds and bells to signify certain hours of the day such as noon or midnight. In the 16th century A.D.  clepsydras were used by Galileo to time his experimental falling objects. A candle-timepiece is also of ancient origin. No one knows exactly when it originated. It was used to measure the transitory of time by marking intervals along the span of the candle. Ancient Egyptians used tallow, an animal substances to make candles. The Romans were the first to use a wick inside of a candle. Beeswax was used to make candles during the middle ages, however it was very expensive. It was said that the Romans and the Chinese would use candle-timepieces as alarm clocks. They would stick a nail in a certain point of the candle depending on the desired time. Whenever the candle wax melted down to the nail, the nail would then fall onto a tin pan and make a noise. An hourglass or sand clock was a commonly used time device. Its consist of two glass compartments connected by a narrow neck containing an certain amount of sand that slowly trickles from the bottom chamber to the lower in a set amount of time, often one hour or so. Hourglasses were very popular on board ships, as they were the most dependable measurement of time while at sea. Unlike the clepsydra, the motion of the ship while sailing did not affect the hourglass. The fact that the hourglass also used granular materials instead of liquids gave it more accurate measurements, as the clepsydra was prone to get condensation inside it during temperature changes. (Balmer, (Oct., 1978)). In the early-to-mid -14th century A.D., large mechanical clocks begin to appear in towers of several large Italian cities. These clocks were weight driven and very inaccurate. One of the first clocks to strike the hour was in Milan in around 1335 A.D. These clocks only had one hand, the hour hand. In 1510, a man by the name of Peter Henlein, a locksmith and clock maker of Nuremburg, Germany, invented the spring driven clock. He is often considered the inventor of the watch. (Dohrn-van Rossum Dunlap, 1996). In 1557, the minute hand was invented. However, it wasn’t until the invention of the pendulum in the late 1600’s that the minute hand became useful. As electricity was introduced, clocks began to use an electrical impulse to operate the dials of a master clock. The electrical current replaced the spring and weight as a power source. The piezoelectric effect given by the quartz crystals was discovered by the  Curie brothers, Pierre and Paul-Jacques Curie in 1880, but wasn’t applied into a clock until 1929. This effect exhibited by certain crystals generating a voltage when subject to an electric field, induced an electric potential to nearby conductors, therefore powering the clock. These clocks can have an accuracy of one second every 10 years. Along with these inventions, Charles Dowd introduces the idea of time zones in 1870 dividing the United States by meridians one hour, and 15 degrees apart using Greenwich, England as zero meridian. In 1883 the railroads adopt the four time zones for the continental United States. And in 1918 the United States Congress passes the ‘Standard Time Act’, authorizing The Interstate Commerce Commission to establish standard time zones within the United States, and establishing daylight saving times. Finally, In 1949 The National Institute of Standards and Technology built the first atomic clock, using ammonia. A second is formally defined as 9,192,631,770 vibrations of the cesium atom. Atomic clock NIST-7 has been the main atomic time standard for the United States, and is among the best time standards in the world.

Operation Management Practices And Tactics Of Hotel Novotel Tourism Essay

Operation Management Practices And Tactics Of Hotel Novotel Tourism Essay Operation management plays an immense role in success of both manufacturing as well as service industry. The given project deals with operation management practices and tactics used by Hotel Novotel, a well known four star hotel in UAE. After providing required information about the hotel, its operation management process has been discussed in-depth. Later on, the competitive priorities of the hotel as well as analytical techniques used by the company have been analyzed. Using the required information, major challenges existing in the operation management process in the hotel has pointed out. Finally, some feasible solutions to mitigate the problems have been suggested. Information has also been given regarding the possible hurdles to be faced by the hotel while implementing the required changes in the operation management practices. The executive summary has to be rewritten in a professional way About the Company The project how come the project has chosen the Hotel Novotel in order to provide an in-depth analysis of the operations management in the company. It has around 400 hotels and resorts which are located at 58 locations all across the world. The company chooses the city centers of the important business destinations, tourist spots and business districts in the world. The hotel structures are based on modern and simple designs. The hotel provides the leisure travelers and businesses spacious and modifiable rooms for working and relaxing in standardized offers. Moreover, the companys restaurant meals and food services are offered throughout the day. Apart from these, it provides meeting rooms, an attentive group of staff and relaxation and fitness centers for the children. The company reflects immense sense of responsibility through its involvement in Accors Earth Guest program to achieve sustainable development. It has also committed to all its hotels to acquire the Green Globe certifi cation for environmentally responsible travelling and tourism by 2010 (Novotel-a, Nearly 400 hotels throughout the world). The most outstanding hotel of the group is the Novotel World trade Centre based in Dubai. The company provides the best location to conduct business from or to explore Dubai. The company is located very near the leisure and business hub of Dubai. This makes it the most preferred and attractive option for the professional travellers and holiday makers. Staying at the hotel one finds oneself very near the most attractive and popular tourist attractions, famous shopping malls and the best night spots in Dubai. (Novotel-b, Practical Information) A critical assessment of the operations management processes in the company, with an evaluation of the successful and not-so-successful aspects of the processes Operation management process in the company Dubais hospitality is one of the fastest growing sectors that have witnessed several changes in last few decades. Like any other company, the role of operation management is equally crucial in a hotel. It will not be wrong if one says that success of an organization operating in hospitality industry highly depends on efficiency with which operations are managed. The same is true of Hotel Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai. In general the role of operation management is to control and coordinate four vital functions in the hotel. Among these functions, the most vital one is food production. This function deals with purchase of products and planning the menu card. Therefore, this section is mainly related with the supply chain management and maintaining the hygiene. The second most function is food and beverage service. This deals with purchase of wines and beverages, meeting the guest and taking the orders and rendering services to the customers. Housekeeping is also equally vital function for a hotel. Apart from the above mentioned functions, there is one more function that needs to be managed efficiently; this is front office operation. This function deals with reception as well as accommodation of the guests and rendering them with further services. Hotel Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai is quite conscious about the quality maintained in its products and services offered to the visitors. The management has taken utmost care to understand the changing requirement of the guests that visit the hotel. Apart from the local guests, number of international visitors is also growing at a faster rate. Thus, the hotel prefer to retain international standards in terms of the foods and beverages served to the customers and the quality of the services offered to the customers. However, the essence of its local culture is distinctly visible at each and every part of the hotel. In Novotel, the responsibility of the customer relation management department is to determine the level of satisfaction among its customer base. This department work hand in hand to find out changing needs of the guests that visits the hotel. As per the data collected from the market, the management introduces required changes in the foods and beverages served to the customer, the internal environment and the efficiency level of the existing staff. For this, the hotel gives special emphasis on technology to maintain high level of coordination and fast flow of reliable information from one department to another. Competitive priorities of the hotel The term competitive priorities had its origin in manufacturing sector. It takes into account elements like price, quality, deliverability, flexibility and innovativeness. Corbett and Wassenhove (1993) pointed out that these elements are often used to measure external as well as internal competitiveness possessed by the company (Abdullah Bakar, p.21). Therefore, the term competitive priorities can be defined as a set of goals for manufacturing, consistent with the corporate or business unit goals (Abdullah Bakar, p.21). However, competitive priorities are applicable to the service sector also. Traditionally it has been noticed that a company or an organization can achieve competitive priorities mainly through four distinct manners; these are low cost, quality, delivery time and flexibility. Later on the fifth element in form of innovation has been added. With time, the hospitality industry in UAE has emerged out as one of the attractive sector for the new entrants. The government is taking special interest to flourish the UAEs hospitality industry and thus several international players are getting attracted to enter this sector. Such an environment has increased the degree of competitiveness among the existing hotels and they are using different strategies to gain a competitive edge in the industry. Hotel Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai has paid special attention on the quality of the service rendered to the visitors. To enhance the quality of the service, the hotel paid special attention towards information technology. The management decided to make utmost use of information technology to improve operations by coordinating the supply chain, making the staff member friendly with IT and a customer relationship management (CRM) system that is based on latest software and technology prevailing in developed nations. In the 2003, the hotel arranged IT training for the staff members so that they can get accustomed with three IT systems. Property Management System (PMS), Fidelio was introduced to the staff members so that they can have easy access to information regarding existing number of guests, availability of rooms and specification about rates. This software makes the process of booking through internet from any part of the world quite simple and fast. The staff members were als o make accustomed with Accor Groups Central Reservation Systems (CRS), TARS to make the booking process versatile. Novotels Yield Management System (YMS) was designed to help the streamline groups and the corporate groups so that they can have proper information about forecasted room occupancy and its availability. The hotel also introduced latest technology to fulfill requirement of the guests in best possible manner. The visitors can use internet to check mails, pay for bills, do high-tech conferencing and many more (United Arab Emirates, Novotel World Trade Centre Hotel, Dubai staff trained in latest information technology). Therefore, the management introduced technology to improve the quality of the service offered by upgrading the skill and knowledge of its staff members. Apart from developing the human resource, the hotel has taken utmost care to make the services flexible enough. This has been done to fulfill unique requirement of different guests who visit the hotel. For the corporate guests, the hotel has 8 fully equipped conference rooms with soundproof walls. The interior environment is quite refreshing and offers accommodation for 150 people to conduct conferences, seminars and meeting. To match with the requirement of its customers, the hotel provides 24 hour reception and availability of airport shuttle round the clock. Other facilities like ATM, baby sitting and banquet is also available to cater needs of its guests. All these facilities provide required competitive edge to the hotel. Analytical techniques used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations Hotel Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai relies highly on quantitative and analytical techniques for making decision. The hotel has a central data warehouse which has access to data from each and every functional department. This data is of great help as the management churns them to understand the performance and the changes taking place. As for example, the marketing department will use the data derived from the data warehouse to study changes taking place in the occupancy rate in past few years. Considering this information, they will forecast the future trends in coming months. Again this information will be used by the finance department to develop forecasted cash flow and cash management policies. Similarly, the data from central data warehouse is used to identify the change taking place in customer satisfaction level. If the management determines that number of customers complain regarding the service quality is increasing, then they ask the customer relationship management department to provide the reason behind and to take required action to find out the root cause so that the existing loopholes can be rigidified. Management also introduces changes in the rates, policies and services offered to the customers. Major challenges faced by the operations management in the company. Outline of the existing problems in operations management in the company and identification of potential causes of these problems One of the most important ventures of the company has been its attempt to join hands with Suitehotel. The idea was to merge the already good client base of both, which would result in the emergence of an enhanced business. However, it is obvious that Suite Hotel would gain greater advantage over the former and that Novotel would back the needs of the hotel and assist in its growing and taking up the market standards. (Accor, The new generation of Suitehotel is Suite Novotel). It is possible that this move would lead to the loss of market of Novotel. Moreover, Novotel already had a brand image which was operating successfully. This move would lead to the change in its brand image which would require new advertising strategies. One important challenge that the hotel might have to face is the rapid changes in technology. Technology in the form of communication, computers, mechanical instruments and personal devices has a critical effect on the operations of the hotel. Since the hotel is meant for travelers and businessmen, it would require highly advanced technological instruments. Most travelers would want high speed of information accumulation, transfer, storage and manipulation. People would expect that when they would rent a hotel room it would keep them as proactive as they would be in home or in office (OFallon Rutherford, p.2). The world is also witnessing changes in the travel patterns of people. Changes in the airlines regulations have also changed the number of visitors to the hotels or the frequency of visit of travelers. In fact hotels are increasingly choosing to locate themselves near the airline hubs. This is because it is known that business travelers would not want to move into the interiors of city. Meetings and conferences can be established in the hotels. Novotel must face the challenge to provide such prompt services to its travelers in order to stay ahead of its competitors. The company also has to keep changing its pattern of investments. Currently the hotel operations do not only depend on a single entrepreneurs vision. The management must design strategies and tactics in order to achieve any unanticipated financial goals (OFallon Rutherford, p.2). The following figure shows the changing pattern of residents of UAE. Figure 1: Change in spending pattern of UAE residents (Source: Zawya, UAE residents spending pattern increases in 2010) Recommendations provided to improve the situation. What would be the potential impact? What are the potential difficulties in implementation? First of all merging with another company requires complete restructuring of the present policies and strategies. It is recommended that there is no fall in the level of performance resulting from the merging. Merging is associated with combining two different cultures and strategies. The set of operations of Suitehotel would be different from that of Novotel. The company would have to develop and implement common cultures and operational procedures which would be followed by all. Today the world has become extremely competitive. It has been changing rapidly with the growing needs of businesses. The hotel is most frequently visited by businessmen and travelers who would require the most advanced instruments and devices. It must keep upgrading its technology according to the requirements. The people coming for business purposes should be given technological assistance which would not hinder their work progress. The rooms meant for meetings and conferences should be made available whenever required. Portable computing, PDAs or personal data assistants, and internet services should be made available which allows guests to have a transition from home, travel or business to the hotel. Since the company has several hotels across various places, the market for them would also be different. Situations vary between countries and regions. Each hotel has to cater to different types of customers. Thus it would be not be wise to follow the same pattern of operations and services in all of them. Each hotel must work towards meeting the demands of their particular customers. However, the hotels must also cater to the needs of foreign travelers. Recently the travelling pattern of travelers has also undergone a drastic change. The frequency of visits made by foreign travelers has also increased. It is also recommended that company undertake corporate responsibilities more aggressively as this would enhance its goodwill to a considerable extent. It must undertake social responsibilities apart from its businesses and revenue generation. The overall learning from the project While doing the project it was felt that operations management is a critical part of any business. It is more important for a business running across different nations. It requires coordination of activities for successful running of its business. Since the hospitality sector has been booming there would be many competitors for the company. It is crucial for the company to retain its market and continue achieving sustainable development. Businesses remain extremely vulnerable to the fluctuations in the economy. The changes in market conditions and consumer spending also need to be monitored regularly. The company needs to invest in research and development to address any unanticipated situations. The company also remains vulnerable to the changes in externalities, like the government rules and regulations. The government may implement changes in property prices which would adversely affect the company. It also requires alertness on the part of the company. It is important that the co mpany does not violate the rules at any cost, rather devise strategies to use them to its benefits. It must ensure to resort to ethical practices while doing business. Any fraud practices would be harmful for the company and would result in ruining its goodwill. Finally the company must make a feasibility study of its business before venturing. Every step that the company takes must be backed by a feasibility study. It should keep account of the any unforeseen situation which might confront the company.

MP3 :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  MP3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Subject: MP3   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most exciting and innovative ways to get music these days is not in the mall and not at a huge mega electronic store, it's not even by a mail order CD club, it sits right on a desk and can allow you access to almost any kind of music available right in our home. Technology is changing the way we listen to music now downloading an MP3 from the Internet is as easy if not a lot easier than going to the store and buying the CD. An MP3 is a near CD quality digital recording of a musical piece that is compressed so it can be distributed through the internet. It seems the high prices, new technology, and a big one is availability are causing most music lovers to turn to the internet to lister to their music. It's convenient to search a database for a song you've been wanting to hear by your favorite artist, download it, and copy it on to a CD. More and more people are doing this because with the help of search engines it's possible to find any song imaginable and download it for free. What most people don't realize is that the reproduction of a musical work, distribution of copies of a musical piece, and the public performance of the work without the copyright owner's consent are all violations of copyright laws. However, they do know that getting caught for the is very unlikely. Catching people who violate copyright laws is very hard to find out just who is a fault. Is it the web site promoting pirated music or is it the user who downloads it? Do to digital audio compression technologies and using special software that is readily available and free on the internet, one can download a MPEG 1 layer 3 or MP3 for short, play the music on there computer and with read/write CD's, even make a CD of there own. That would mean people can from there own home create illegal copies of the copyrighted material at or near industrial compact disc quality. Now they even have portable MP3 players so you don't even have to burn a CD, you can just download it to the player were it stores it digitally. Being so convenient and easy to do with such minimal risk of being punished the MP3 is destined to get bigger and bigger.

Agriculture in a Market Economy and Sustainable Alternatives Essay

Agriculture in a Market Economy and Sustainable Alternatives Imagine driving through any number of Midwestern states, passing acres upon acres of corn or soybeans, feeding lots in Kansas with thousands of cattle, or rows of poultry barns in Virginia that leave their memories in your nose for miles down the road. Today’s agricultural system in the United States is one that follows capitalism and demands competition, which usually means make as much as you can with as few resources as possible. These practices tend to be harmful to both environmental and human health, are not sustainable in the long term, and have forced many farmers out of the industry when they can’t compete with the big companies. Many people, including Christians, believe they are called to be stewards and protectors of the earth with a responsibility to act with justice towards other human beings. While there are Christians and other people who hold strong ethical beliefs involved in conventional methods of agriculture, others are seeking more just and sustainable methods of producing food. Modern agriculture in the United States followed in suit with the Industrial Revolution and searched for ways to become bigger, make more money, and be more efficient. Just as in factories, many farms began specializing in one crop or livestock, spreading onto more land, and using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to encourage growth. For many farmers, to participate in the market economy where the government subsidizes many crops and farm products and market prices are highly unstable, the only way to remain competitive is to produce a surplus. In addition, they are playing into an export economy, which has major implications for communities and the envir... ...â€Å"Linking Tables to Farms.† In Eric T. Freyfogle (Ed.), The New Agrarianism: Land Culture, and the Community. pp17-27. Washington: Island Press. Long, Cheryl. (1999) â€Å"Certified Organic.† Organic Gardening 46(6), 44-46. Retrieved November 19, 2004, from Academic Search Elite. Madden, Patrick. (1988). â€Å"Low-Input/Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education- Challenges to the Agricultural Economics Profession.† American Journal of Agricultural Economics 7 (5), 1167-1172. Retrieved November 19, 2004, from Business Source Premier database. Orr, David. (2001). â€Å"The Urban-Agrarian Mind.† Eric T. Freyfogle (Ed.), The New Agrarianism: Land Culture, and the Community. pp93-107. Washington: Island Press. Snowe, Olympia . â€Å"USDA Organic Food Standards.† FDCH Press Releases 21/Oct/2002 . Retrieved November 10, 2004 , from Military and Government Collection database. Agriculture in a Market Economy and Sustainable Alternatives Essay Agriculture in a Market Economy and Sustainable Alternatives Imagine driving through any number of Midwestern states, passing acres upon acres of corn or soybeans, feeding lots in Kansas with thousands of cattle, or rows of poultry barns in Virginia that leave their memories in your nose for miles down the road. Today’s agricultural system in the United States is one that follows capitalism and demands competition, which usually means make as much as you can with as few resources as possible. These practices tend to be harmful to both environmental and human health, are not sustainable in the long term, and have forced many farmers out of the industry when they can’t compete with the big companies. Many people, including Christians, believe they are called to be stewards and protectors of the earth with a responsibility to act with justice towards other human beings. While there are Christians and other people who hold strong ethical beliefs involved in conventional methods of agriculture, others are seeking more just and sustainable methods of producing food. Modern agriculture in the United States followed in suit with the Industrial Revolution and searched for ways to become bigger, make more money, and be more efficient. Just as in factories, many farms began specializing in one crop or livestock, spreading onto more land, and using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to encourage growth. For many farmers, to participate in the market economy where the government subsidizes many crops and farm products and market prices are highly unstable, the only way to remain competitive is to produce a surplus. In addition, they are playing into an export economy, which has major implications for communities and the envir... ...â€Å"Linking Tables to Farms.† In Eric T. Freyfogle (Ed.), The New Agrarianism: Land Culture, and the Community. pp17-27. Washington: Island Press. Long, Cheryl. (1999) â€Å"Certified Organic.† Organic Gardening 46(6), 44-46. Retrieved November 19, 2004, from Academic Search Elite. Madden, Patrick. (1988). â€Å"Low-Input/Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education- Challenges to the Agricultural Economics Profession.† American Journal of Agricultural Economics 7 (5), 1167-1172. Retrieved November 19, 2004, from Business Source Premier database. Orr, David. (2001). â€Å"The Urban-Agrarian Mind.† Eric T. Freyfogle (Ed.), The New Agrarianism: Land Culture, and the Community. pp93-107. Washington: Island Press. Snowe, Olympia . â€Å"USDA Organic Food Standards.† FDCH Press Releases 21/Oct/2002 . Retrieved November 10, 2004 , from Military and Government Collection database.

Tom Ang

Tom Ang grew up playing the clarinet. His dream was to become the first clarinet for the London schools symphony orchestra. he never made his dream in the musical world so he turned to the world of Medicine. he stayed in the Nottingham medical school for 3 years before he decided that this wasn't his passion either. he traveled to Hong Kong many years later and saw the beauty that he has never seen before. he then decided that this was his passion. to photograph the things people pass by everyday and to have a new world seen from right under our noses.He traveled to mexico to see not the poverty that is riddled throughout the land but to see the happiness that the families share even in the dark times. to show that it doesn't matter how much money you have to care for your family but how much heart. In his trip to mexico he realized that people don't want to always see the darker things in life that may seem interesting. he saw past the mirror that makes other people resilient and ch ooses to take pictures of the obvious things that others won't see.Tom decided that these pictures are the ones that show true heart and are willing to break the boundaries of normal lifestyle and show the cultures of many other races and nations. he also visits New York in that same year and tries to show New York from the outside worlds perspective. this meaning the poverty that surrounds New York so that it seems similar to mexico and the other countries. he soon realizes that these people are not like the ones in his other photographs that these people are dangerous and are not fueled by heart and love but they are fueled by hate and greed.He tries to capture these pictures as best as he can but did not post many because he believed that they didn't show the true feeling he felt when taking the photos and it doesn't have the same effect if it doesn't feel the same. At this point in time Tom started working with Fay Godwin as his assistant. he was asked if he knew how to print be cause that would be his basic job, and of course he responded yes. He claims that he was a total amateur and did not want to admit it because he needed the job. Yet for some reason she kept him on the team and trained him to become a better printer so he can print for her book and galleries.Tom traveled back to Hong Kong and took many more homescape photos while on his vacation there. Tom had upset a large nest of bees when photographing there. they attacked him very vigorously and sent him to the operating table. he says that his life could have ended right there. after his battle with the bees he traveled to japan in search of a dream boat that kept appearing every time that he would dream. he searched through all of japan taking pictures of boats so he could find it. but sadly this boat was never found.