Swicky Essays - Fisheries, Fishing, Step Dad, Catching Fish, Stepdad

I went fishing one day with my stepdad and were out On the lake fishing when my stepdad got a big fish. He was reeling it in and it turned out to he a log.then we were Still out there fishing. We went fishing all day long It was so boring because we weren't catching anything. We were getting so mad so we docked the boat and we Started catching fish like crazy it was so much fun And at the end of the day we caught over 100 Fish! The next day we went again and weren't catching Anything So we decided to go hunting for small game and we hunted all day and shot At rabbits and squirrels and what ever else we could shoot at. I did this with My step dad every single thing we could possible do we did and we also Got to go and ride quads!

Identifying Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

Identifying Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences The two main types of series/sequences are arithmetic and geometric. Some sequences are neither of these. It’s important to be able to identify what type of sequence is being dealt with. An arithmetic series is one where each term is equal the one before it plus some number. For example: 5, 10, 15, 20, †¦ Each term in this sequence equals the term before it with 5 added on.   In contrast, a geometric sequence is one where each term equals the one before it multiplied by a certain value. An example would be 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, †¦ Each term is equal to the prior one multiplied by 2. Some sequences are neither arithmetic nor geometric. An example would be 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, †¦The terms in this sequence all differ by 1, but sometimes 1 is being added and other times it is being subtracted, so the sequence is not arithmetic. Also, there is no common value being multiplied by one term to get the next, so the sequence cannot be geometric, either. Arithmetic sequences grow very slowly in comparison with geometric sequences. Try Identifying What Type of Sequences Are Shown Below 1. 2, 4, 8, 16, †¦ 2. 3, -3, 3, -3, ... 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, †¦ 4. -4, 1, 6, 11, 16, †¦ 5. 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, †¦ 6. 9, 18, 36, 72, †¦ 7. 7, 5, 6, 4, 5, 3, †¦ 8. 10, 12, 16, 24, †¦ 9. 9, 6, 3, 0, -3, -6, †¦ 10. 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, †¦ Solutions 1. Geometric with common ratio of 2 2. Geometric with common ratio of -1 3. Arithmetic with common value of 1 4. Arithmetic with common value of 5 5. Neither geometric nor arithmetic 6. Geometric with common ratio of 2 7. Neither geometric nor arithmetic 8. Neither geometric nor arithmetic 9. Arithmetic with common value of -3 10. Either arithmetic with common value of 0 or geometric with common ratio of 1

Two-party system in Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Two-party system in Texas - Essay Example a growing challenge to the Democrats in Texas even though the characteristics of the state today lean towards the side of the Democrats more than the Republicans (Young, 2008). The leaning towards the Democratic Party was evident even during the times of Andrew Jackson since the earliest politically motivated individuals working in Texas were close friends of Jackson with strong ties to the Democratic Party. Even though the elections at the time were dominated by personality and charisma issues more than political leanings, those who won elections in Texas were more likely to be democrats than anything else. Even after the civil war and the reconstruction era, the individuals who settled in Texas were Democratic Party sympathizers and the Republicans could do little to gain a lot of power in Texas (Young, 2008). Even through the progress of the First World War and the depression, democrats held on their power base in Texas due to â€Å"the oil, land and financial barons who traditionally kept conservative Democrats in power (Time Magazine, 1966, Pg. 1)†. However, things changed after the Second World War when the increasing importance of oil placed the Texas democrats in a conundrum. While the democrats suggested greater control of the federal government and the improved need for looking at the greater good, the Republicans presented a different picture with regard to the natural resources of the state (Young, 2008). The rights of the state with regard to the natural resources found in the state were supported by the Republicans who offered the idea of less federal interference in state matters. This idea became quite attractive to many people in Texas as they did not appreciate the democrats handing over the resources of the state to the federal government. Further, the issue also weakened the Democratic Party in Texas as factions within the party had different ideas as to how the issue should be handled. From 1976 to 1992, the democratic presidential

Complexities of the U. s financial system Assignment

Complexities of the U. s financial system - Assignment Example Efficiently operating financial markets play a part in the health of the economy (Fabozzi, Modigliani & Ferri, 1994). Economic growth is underpinned by financial market development. Financial markets guide the flow of individual and business savings and investments, within the economy to improve the buildup of capital and enhance effective production of products and services. The price of returns on investments and credit plays a part in signaling financial market participants such as consumers and producers to channel funds, particularly from businesses and households to investors, governments, consumers and businesses. Financial markets link those who need the funds with willing lenders (Demirguc-Kunt & Ross, 2001). Strong financial markets and institutions and a wide array of financial instruments and products, meets the needs of both lenders and borrowers, therefore, the entire economy. Moreover, strong financial markets enhance the flow of funds among countries, thereby enhancin g the economies. Additionally, financial markets also reduce transaction and search costs within the economy. Through the provision of a wide array of financial products with differing pricing and risk structures and maturities, financial systems provide products to participants, which offer borrowers and lenders with close matches for their needs. Persons, businesses, as well as governments that need funds can effortlessly discover which financial markets or institutions offer funding and the costs imposed on the borrower (Pryor, 1996). This enables investors to compare financing costs to their anticipated returns on investment hence making the most effective investment choices suited to their needs. Therefore, financial markets influence the allocation of credit within the economy, facilitating production of products and services. The key rationale for creating the Federal Reserve was to deal with banking panics. Other roles are provided in the Federal Reserve Act. The Federal Res erve furnishes an elastic currency, allowing for the rediscounting of commercial paper and establishes an effective supervision system of banking in the US. The Chairman of the Federal Reserve serves as the head of the country’s central banking system and is the executive officer of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors (Demirguc-Kunt & Ross, 2001). Conversely, the Federal Reserve Board, conducts the country’s monetary policy, supervises and standardizes banking institutions and protects consumers’ credit rights. The Board also ensures the financial system’s stability and offers financial services to the government, official foreign institutions and the public. Today, the Federal Reserve serves as the country’s central bank, striking a balance between the government’s role as a centralized institution and banks’ private interests. It also monitors and regulates banking institutions and protects consumers’ rights. Thro ugh a monetary policy, the Federal Reserve manages the country’s money supply in order to attain stable prices by deterring deflation and inflation, maximum employment and minimal long-term interest rates. Moreover, the Federal Reserve maintains the US financial system’s stability and acts as a banker and lender of last resort to commercial banks and the US government (Pryor, 1996). The reserve

Overview Of Mitsui OSK Lines Commerce Essay

Overview Of Mitsui OSK Lines Commerce Essay Introduction to Mitsui OSK lines Mitsui OSK lines (MOL) are a Japanese transport company which has wide range of business. OSK lines were a shipping company which was formed in 1884 and Mitsui was formed in 1942. During the major consolidation in Japanese shipping markets Mitsui OSK lines was formed in 1964, following the mergers of two companies OSK lines and Mitsui. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010). After the formation in 1964 they launched specialised car carrier in 1965 and then full container ships in 1968. Later on they also entered the LNG market and also launched the double hull VLCC in 1995. As a strategy to expand their container services covering North America, Asia and Europe MOL joined a global merger know as The New world alliance (TNWA) with American president lines and Hyundai Merchant Marine. (Panama Canal authority, 2009). In one of the biggest mergers in Japan Mitsui OSK lines (2nd largest in Japan) merged with Navix lines (4th largest in Japan) in 1999. After the merger with Navix lines, MOL became one o f the biggest maritime carriers in the world (Japanese Times, 1998). The groups headquarters are in Tokyo, Japan. The company has in total 533 subsidiaries and affiliated companies in 66 countries with a consolidated work force of 39,864 employees (Annual report, 2009). Its main areas of operations are shipping and shipping related activities. Source: Mitsui OSK lines, 2010. As seen from the above chart MOL has a wide range of ships such as containers, pure car carriers, Bulk carriers, Tankers, LNG carriers, and others. MOLs core business segments are its bulk ships, container ships. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010). In addition to ships they are in logistics services such as distribution and inventory control, air cargo transport, construction and engineering, real estate, trading and R D. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010). MOL has 861 ships as of 31st March 2009 with a carrying capacity of 59,643 thousand tons. In terms of number of ships and deadweight MOL ranks the worlds largest shipping company in the world ahead of NYK and COSCO (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010). Source: Mitsui OSK lines, 2010. It has the largest Dry bulk fleet in the world with fleet size of 356 ships with a combined deadweight of 31026 million tons (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010). MOL is ranked first in terms of operation of LNG ships. Even after the financial crisis, the bunker prices at sky high rates and a strong yen in FY 2008 MOL posted their second highest annual income till date. This was more due to the strong performance in first half of 2008. Their revenue for FY 2008 was 18,994,218 thousand dollars with net income of 1292752 thousand dollars. Source: Mitsui OSK lines, 2010. Source: Mitsui OSK lines, 2010. Innovations and other activities In 2001 MOL launched its corporate principles to promote and protect our environment by maintaining strict, safe operation and navigation standards (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010, p.1). As per their principles they launched the 24hour manned (SOSC) Safety Operation Supporting Centre in the Head Office which monitors all MOL vessels position all around the world. MOL is also heavily involved in research and development. In December 2009 it displayed its concept of new generation vessels. The car carrier which is environment friendly they call it a HBRID car carrier, i.e. it uses renewable energy for ships electricity supply. The current president of MOL is Akimitsu says he want to create an excellent and resilient MOL group that contributes to sustainable worldwide growth (Ashida, 2009, p.1) HYBRID CAR CARRIER Source: Mitsui OSK lines, 2010. Theory of SWOT analysis W = WEAKNESS S = STRENGTH T = THREATS O = OPPORTUNITIY Source: Author generated The central purpose of SWOT analysis is to identify strategies that align, fit or match a companys resources and capabilities to the demands of the environment in which the company operates (Hill Jones, 2001). The true sense of SWOT analysis lies in its efficient use of rendering the company with its true picture of internal and external threats to the organisation. The predominant usage of SWOT is by bifurcating it into external and internal factors. Internal factor comprises of strengths and weakness of an organisation and the people who set the organisation standards. External factors are its opportunity and threats that are from its competitors and fellow companies. (Wang, 2008). True analysis helps the company set its agenda and helps excel to sustain in the competitive market. It is the model that helps it restructure the organisation to be able to sustain the competition. SWOT matrix can be used by managers to create various kinds of growth strategies. In the matrix there are four set of combinations which can be used. (Wang, 2008). SWOT MATRIX Opportunities EXTERNAL FACTORS WO SO ST WT Threats Strengths Weakness INTERNAL FACTORS SOURCE: Wang, 2008 SO: It is a combination of using strength of an organisation to grab the opportunities. ST: Using the strength of a company and company members to fight threats. Threats can be internal or external WO: This combination helps fight weakness to open up new opportunities. WT: Weakness and threats; these strategies are defensive in nature and helps to act in the positive direction to accomplish the set targets of the organisation. SWOT Analysis Strengths: Strong revenue growth: Its core shipping business is its bulk shipping. These are primary responsible for the growth of the company. It contributed to 86% of the revenue for the group. This increase in its major divisions will fuel the companys growth and will also help it in expanding its market share (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Diversified business portfolio: MOL has a diversified fleet ranging from ship operations to logistics. The logistics division of the fleet supports its shipping division. Due to its diversified fleet it can cope up with short term market fluctuations and also it can influence them. It also helps the group to enter into a market with wider customer base. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Large fleet size: With respect to number of ships MOL has one of the largest fleet sizes. The group has the largest fleet of ships for Bulk and LNG. With this large fleet size it can service its customers better and also it improves the bargaining power in the market (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Weaknesses: Geographic concentration: MOLs main trade area is near the Japan coast and it is mainly catering to the Japanese market. For the FY 2007-2008 95% of its revenue was earned from the Japanese market. Over dependence on Japanese market makes its business risky as it is completely depend upon the economy of that country. It faces a competitive disadvantage over other companies due to its absence from the emerging markets in Asia. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Economic downturn will affect the company as it is solely dependent upon Japanese markets. Slow growth and minimum profit margins in container market will affect the companys net income, due to the presence of container market drivers such as Maersk and MSC. High debt burden: MOL suffers from substantial Debt for the year ending 31st March 2009. As MOL has such a high debt it will affect on the groups capacity to obtain funds for future working capital, acquisitions etc. which will hamper the growth of the group (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Opportunities Growing volumes of container market: Due to globalisation container market will keep on growing at high rate. Hence they can enter into new trade routes in emerging markets such as Asia and Middle East (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Growing demand for natural gas transportation: The demand of natural gas will keep on increasing over the years as industrial, commercial and residential consumption will increase. MOL is already into natural gas transportation, they can benefit themselves with the growth in demand (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Well-timed fleet expansion: New regulations in Bulk shipping are coming, which are setting an upper limit on the age of the ships. MOL has got new fleet of carriers and also it can expand its current fleet and make the most of the situation. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Threats Volatile oil prices: As MOL operates such a large fleet size fluctuation in the crude oil prices seriously affects the company. As the market is very competitive increased fuel prices burden cannot be passed on to the customer. This affects the companies operating expenses. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). Economic crisis is also a major concern due to major concentration of its trading in Japan. Competitive industry: There is a price war in between companies such as Maersk, NYK lines, MSC, Hanjin etc. Companies are coming up strategies such as low prices and faster delivery of goods. Hence the company has to make long term sustainability strategies which can help them stay in the market. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). MOL has a large fleet and in-spite of having policies, proper training and adequate precautions accidents are bound to happen. Oil spill accident can affect the companys image and can wipe out its business (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010). Global strategy Global strategy is a strategy which focuses on the world market and considers it to be a single market. This strategy is mainly adopted by companies which can compete on a global basis and their products are mainly standardized and offer services on a worldwide basis (Laudon Laudon, 2007). Global strategy is adopted mainly because of globalisation and liberalisation of trade all over the world. Some of the key drivers of globalisation are: There is a significant amount of reduction of barriers for trade in-between countries. The markets are liberalised and adoption of free market strategy. Industrialisation in developing nations such as India, China. Integration of world markets and cross border transactions have resulted in easy flow of capital. Technological advances are facilitating cross border trade and investments. The key participants in the global business are multinational enterprise (MNEs). MNE is a large company which have offices and subsidiary companies all over the world. Normally MNEs have inter-dependent members located all over the world, and all members work for a single system. MNEs normally carry out RD, manufacturing, procurement and marketing activities in whichever part of the world is economical for their business. Development of Information technology is giving the firms more flexibility to plan their global strategy. (Laudon and Laudon, 2007). Implementation of global strategy in a MNE is not easy at it seems. There is diversity in behaviour of people within countries. Companies when implementing their global strategies have to modify their strategies depending upon the regional markets. (Baird, 2003) Companies should also take into consideration regional differences, different life styles of people, cultures, and values. (Baird, 2003) In under-developed countries there may be other factors such as relation with government officials, language barriers lack of well trained people (Quickmba, 2007). Shipping by its nature is a globalised industry. Most of the large shipping companies operate on a global scale, and the above theory of global strategy fits perfectly for shipping lines. In terms of shipping global strategy means development of business through growth, acquisitions, alliances, creation of new capacity or a mix of all these things (Baird, 2003). The benefits to ship owners from a global strategy should be low cost and high efficiency. To gain the benefits of this strategy the key is to have a central decision making process which can handle such complex organisations (Baird, 2003). To gain competitive and comparative advantage over its rivals buying large vessels in the fleet such as containers or cape size bulk carriers is important. Mergers and alliance with companies is also a good option to increase the size of fleet and to share the risk (Baird, 2003). In container customer satisfaction is an important part of the business. (Baird, 2003) Hence companies tend to add value to their value chain by use of technology such as giving door-to-door service or by giving them faster service. MOL global strategy MOL is a shipping and transport company trading its ships all over the world. MOL has different types of ships and has offices and subsidiaries all over the world. MOL can be termed as a multinational enterprise. MOL launched its Mid-term management plan in 2007 known as MOL ADVANCE Action and Direction at the vanguard of creating excellence (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010).Their main theme is growth with enhance quality- Becoming the biggest and the best (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010,p.1). There are five overall strategies in the plan. One of the strategies in the plan is global strategy Their global strategy is to accelerate globalisation and enhance sales capabilities in emerging markets Develop business on a global scale to meet diversification of trade. To expand the business in emerging markets such as India, Middle east, Russia and Vietnam. To ensure that the fleet expansion is exceeding the growth of sea-borne trade. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2007, p.2). MOL in line with their global strategy has overcome their weakness by entering emerging markets in Asia and also has used their opportunities by investing in many projects such as the LNG market. Below are the detailed points mentioned how MOL has used their strengths, have tried to overcome their weakness, taken their opportunities and minimised threats. MOL expanded their fleet of ships from 2007 to 2009 by adding 196 ships, out of which 22 were container and 172 were bulkships. MOL is targeting the China markets which are importing iron ore from Brazil, Australia and India. Hence they are increasing their cape size bulk carrier fleet. With cape size ships such as Brasil Maru which are largest in the world, they get a competitive advantage in the cape size market. MOL will be building 53 iron ore carriers in future out of which 14 ships will be above 200 000 mt. (Nakanishi, 2008) MOL is also targeting the growth in the domestic coast trade in China and India which is expected to grow by 15% volume. (Open sea 2007) About 50% of small handy max and 20% of handy max fleet all over the world are 20 years and over. With strict regulations in force for old ships, joining of new ships in their fleet will add value to their fleet (Open sea 2007).This well timed expansion of new fleet will help the company to expand more in the bulk carrier market in the developing countries. Source: (Mitsui OSK lines, 2009). MOL will also launch their new class bulk carrier called Handy-Cape type which will be as per the specifications of the new widened Panama Canal. This will give them the versatility to serve ports all over the world (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010). In the container market they are expecting a steady rise in future, in-spite of the worse current market conditions. As a long term strategy they are ordering new container vessels as trade is going to increase because of globalisation and increase in population (Mitsui OSK lines, 2007). In order to increase its bulk fleet they are planning to take over few of the bulk shipping lines which went into bankruptcy because of recession. MOL recons that in-spite of having a high debt ratio funding will not be a problem due to its past record. MOL was one of the few companies which avoided the recession and posted profits in the FY ending 31st March 2009 (Seatrade Asia, 2009). To target the growing container market in India, MOL has just opened 6 new offices in India which will serve the container and car carrier business in India. These offices can respond faster to the needs of the customer and also provide them high service quality (Open Sea, 2007 Mitsui OSK lines, 2007). Global demand for LNG is going to increase many folds in the coming years. LNG will be used as alternative source of fuel as it emits less carbon dioxide than heavy oils. On basis of this future market MOL has grabbed the opportunity and placed order for 6 LNG carriers with an investment of 150 billion yen. (iStockAnalyst, 2010). MOL has launched its new LNG carriers which have a re-gasification system fitted on board. This system will give an advantage over conventional LNG ships as these ships can discharge cargo at off shore terminals. Hence when these ships will join the MOL fleet they will give a competitive advantage over other companies is terms of safety. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010) MOL car carrier division is suffered losses because of the global recession. Hence in order to sustain in the market, MOL initiated downsizing plan, in which they scrapped 21 ships, sold 4 ships and sent 11 ships in cold layup. While they are scrapping ships they have launched a concept car carrier Hybrid carrier which uses renewable energy. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010). As a strategy to boost up the market for car carriers MOL are going to transport machinery by dismantling them, and loading onto car carriers using Mafi-load trailers. Hence they are targeting heavy lift market by using car carriers and becoming Niche player. (Mitsui OSK lines, 2010) MOL will restructure its ship management companies so that they can meet the need of expanding fleet and global network. Six ship management companies will be restructured and they will be given individual responsibility as per the type of ship. The headquarters will stay in Tokyo. (MOL Inc, 2010). Source: (MOL Inc, 2010). Conclusion MOL launched its ADVANCE mid-term management strategy which covers the entire operations of MOL. Its global strategy for the next 5 years was to overcome its weakness and to make use of the new opportunities in the emerging markets. MOL has managed to sustain and make profits in the FY 2008 in-spite of economic downturn. This is mainly because of its diversified fleet and its core business which are its bulkships. It has success fully used its strengths to sustain in recession time. Its bulkships revenue has compensated for the loss making container and the car carrier divisions. To keep a strong hold on its bulkships, MOL is continuously striving hard by buying large new ships and phasing out the old ones. MOLs core business is secured and profit making, hence they can venture into other markets and overcome its weakness. MOL main weakness is its over reliance on the Japanese markets. It has overcome the weakness by marking its presence in the emerging markets in India and China. MOL is also increasing its LNG fleet to cope up with the rapid expanding LNG market and now it is the market leader in LNG transportation. MOL is also in the process of restructuring its ship-management offices, so as to keep up with the demands of growing company. With innovative designs for its car carriers and targeting heavy machinery market MOL is trying to gain a competitive advantage.

Legal Constraints Regarding the Usage of Customer Data :: essays research papers

1. PRIVACY WANTED 3 2. THE REGULATION – EU DIRECTIVE AND THE CAN SPAM ACT 3 2.1. Safe Harbor 4 2.1.1 Opt-in or Opt-out? 4 1. Privacy wanted Most of us have already asked ourselves who all owns the information about our name, our address and telephone number or the amount we keep in our checking account. Instinctively we feel that our names and other personal information belong to us and dislike the thought that someone else could profit from marketing them. However, it is the obvious reality that it happens very often. It is enough to look at our mailboxes to see big amounts of unsolicited mails with various kinds of offers for a number of products and services. Clearly, customer information is seen as a business asset that is acquired and utilized aggressively. To understand the dimensions of the privacy debate, it is valuable to remember that e-commerce allows marketers to advertise goods and services ever more accurately, in an increasingly personalized manner. Rather than relying on demographic statistics that lump consumers into broad target groups, or collating credit card purchasing data into marketing profiles, the Internet allows businesses to track profiles and information provided directly by the consumer — and then create automated marketing programs tailored specifically to that customer. By monitoring clicks made on the Web and leaving behind "cookies" on the computer to help the system remember an individual, marketers can gather a startling amount of personal information with which to sell goods and services. There is a lot of talk about the desired level of privacy regarding the wide range of customer data held by businesses. The consumers are becoming more displeased by marketers buying and selling their personal information, while at the same time the rise of e-commerce has raised fears about this issue, due to the ease with which all types of sensitive data may be gathered, copied, shared, and misused via the Internet. In response, the European governments have passed tough laws regulating how businesses manage and share personal information — including a prohibition on sharing data with businesses located in countries that fail to provide adequate data protection. Given the far less restrictive policies on privacy in the US, many in the business community feared that the new laws would effect e-commerce between the US and Europe. 2. The Regulation – EU Directive and the CAN Spam Act The view on how much protection consumers deserve regarding their data and how much control should they be allowed in the way businesses use that data depends on where one lives. Legal Constraints Regarding the Usage of Customer Data :: essays research papers 1. PRIVACY WANTED 3 2. THE REGULATION – EU DIRECTIVE AND THE CAN SPAM ACT 3 2.1. Safe Harbor 4 2.1.1 Opt-in or Opt-out? 4 1. Privacy wanted Most of us have already asked ourselves who all owns the information about our name, our address and telephone number or the amount we keep in our checking account. Instinctively we feel that our names and other personal information belong to us and dislike the thought that someone else could profit from marketing them. However, it is the obvious reality that it happens very often. It is enough to look at our mailboxes to see big amounts of unsolicited mails with various kinds of offers for a number of products and services. Clearly, customer information is seen as a business asset that is acquired and utilized aggressively. To understand the dimensions of the privacy debate, it is valuable to remember that e-commerce allows marketers to advertise goods and services ever more accurately, in an increasingly personalized manner. Rather than relying on demographic statistics that lump consumers into broad target groups, or collating credit card purchasing data into marketing profiles, the Internet allows businesses to track profiles and information provided directly by the consumer — and then create automated marketing programs tailored specifically to that customer. By monitoring clicks made on the Web and leaving behind "cookies" on the computer to help the system remember an individual, marketers can gather a startling amount of personal information with which to sell goods and services. There is a lot of talk about the desired level of privacy regarding the wide range of customer data held by businesses. The consumers are becoming more displeased by marketers buying and selling their personal information, while at the same time the rise of e-commerce has raised fears about this issue, due to the ease with which all types of sensitive data may be gathered, copied, shared, and misused via the Internet. In response, the European governments have passed tough laws regulating how businesses manage and share personal information — including a prohibition on sharing data with businesses located in countries that fail to provide adequate data protection. Given the far less restrictive policies on privacy in the US, many in the business community feared that the new laws would effect e-commerce between the US and Europe. 2. The Regulation – EU Directive and the CAN Spam Act The view on how much protection consumers deserve regarding their data and how much control should they be allowed in the way businesses use that data depends on where one lives.

Metho Drinker

We have chosen this poem to analyse today as we thought that it would be one that you could all relate to. Not necessarily to the homeless man, but to the topic of addiction. Nearly every one here would have known someone who has suffered from an addiction, and knows the effect that it has on not only the addict, but their families. It also highlights the ignorance in today’s society, as many are unaware of their sad existence. Main Idea The poem Metho Drinker by Judith Wright tells the story of a homeless man and his addiction to Methylated Spirits, an addiction which is slowly killing him. Living in winter’s harsh conditions â€Å"under the death of winters leaves he lies† he hides away from society. He is alone and ‘cries to nothing and the terrible night’ as he has nothing and there is no one around him. So he turns to the one thing in his life that keeps him warm, methylated spirits. Personification The poem continuously uses personification, as a way of interpreting the man’s relationship with the bottle. The bottle is personified as ‘his girl’, his only companion. His woman of fire who creeps to his heart and sets a candle there†, this shows his love and affection for this ‘woman’. In the next two lines his addiction to Metho becomes evident, as Wright introduces the metaphor of â€Å"melting away his flesh†¦ to eat the nerve that tethers him in time† as the addiction is slowly killing him. the Metho burns him as he drinks it â€Å"to eat the nerve that tethers him in time†. He dr inks it to take his pain away. The candle burning keeps him warm inside and provides him with warmth that he can not find on the streets. Similes Light is compared to ‘knives; whose thrust I cannot turn’ which suggests the pain that light brings to the drinker. Time, to the man, is a never ending trouble. By drinking the Methylated spirits he feels like he is escaping time and escaping from the troubles in his life. â€Å"He is uneasy under her kiss/and winces from that acid of her desire†. This shows how the metho is killing him but the desire and need for ‘her’ or ‘it’ is too strong to stop and his addiction has taken over. Symbolism Symbolism is used in the poem as the woman and his apparent love and desire for her symbolises the bottle of Methylated Spirits and his addiction. Voice The voice of the poem is written in third person. This technique is used in a way to show an outsider’s perception of the homeless man. Structure The structure is a technique that has been used in this poem. The first stanza in the poem sets the scene for the reader, and helps to give the basic story of the man. It shows how the drinker ‘cries to nothing and the terrible night’ and shows his hate for time, light and society’s cruelty. Whereas in the second stanza introduces the drinker and his relationship with the bottle. Figurative language Figurative language is used in the poem when describing the effect that the Metho has on the drinker. It ‘melts away the flesh that hides the bone to eat the nerve that tethers him’, this is a non literal phrase, but again shows the feeling that the Metho creates in him, further causing his addiction.