The Influx Of International Migrants - 1687 Words

Christelle Julien Summer 2015 Mr. Premisler AP U.S History Peopling The influx of international migrants resulted in an ethnically diverse society, giving rise to the concept of a melting pot. Though the first wave of immigration resulted in heightened ethnic tensions, the second wave of a more distinctive groups resulted in even more ethnic prejudice and xenophobia. The increase of immigrants also resulted in the worsening of life for African Americans. Ultimately, the large populations of immigrants caused cultural pluralism to take place in which ethnic differences were embraced rather than suppressed. During the early 1800s, there was a rapid increase of international migrants that would continue well†¦show more content†¦Large populations of migrants would later come from Asia, particularly China, and from Latin America. By 1990, minority groups made up 25 percent of population. 47 percent of immigrants came from Latin America, 37 percent from Asia and 13th percent from Europe and Canada. America by the end of the 20th century started to dispel their ethnic-based quotas and opened immigration to all parts of the world. Home to many immigrants, America earned the label of a melting pot. African Americans were the most adversely affected by the influx of international migrants. African Americans’ position socially suffered greatly as their importance in society dwindled due to their displacement in society. They were already restrained by economic and political inequality and their misfortune only amplified with the rapid flow of migrants. Racial prejudices prevented them from obtaining skilled professions so they resorted to unskilled jobs. As immigration heightened, they were pushed from jobs they held since the revolution. The Irish, especially, competed with them for domestic work and unskilled labor. Instead, African Americans resorted to being strikebreakers who were usually dismissed after the strike ended. The first wave of immigrants had little impact on the social culture of America as they simply were absorbed into society. The second wave of migrants, however, implanted themselves distinctly into American society and came to embrace their

Overview of Bulimia Essay - 2050 Words

Throughout history, women have proved their intellectual strength. Whether it be gaining the right to vote and breaking the gender barrier from 1848-1920, or standing-up against racial injustice, women have been some of the most influential people. However, even after all this, women still have an increased desire to be thin because it is deemed â€Å"prettier† and â€Å"more desirable.† 40% of normal weight adolescent females regard themselves as â€Å"fat† and aspire to a thinner body, but â€Å"do not have time to watch what they eat or exercise† (Wade, Keski-Rahkonen, Hudson, 2011). It appears that the pursuit of thinness may have emerged as a way through which women could compete amongst themselves and demonstrate self-control. Yet, in turning to†¦show more content†¦Thus, because there is no outward symptoms, it is not uncommon for someone to know a women who has been affected by bulimia. â€Å"What you eat in private is what you wear in p ublic.† This common twenty-first century quote is plastered all over social media sites as a â€Å"motivational† quote and a â€Å"friendly reminder† for women to eat healthy and workout. Yet, the quote also seems to define an episode of binge eating by bulimics, which is the consumption of an amount of food that is larger than most individuals would eat in a similar period of time under similar (American Psychiatric Association, 1980). The excessive consumption of food must also be accompanied by a sense of lack of control and usually occurs in secrecy or as inconspicuously as possible. An indicator of loss of control is the inability to refrain from eating or to stop eating once started. The consideration of an episode is subjective to the occasion too, as the quantity of food that might be regarded as excessive for a typical meal might be considered normal during a holiday meal. Individuals often do not stop binging until they are to the point of being uncomfo rtably full (American Psychiatric Association, 1980). The larger the amount of food ingested, the more rapid the emptying rate which is why bulimia is rarely successful as a means of weight control; however, bulimic activity can result in gastric ulcers and otherShow MoreRelatedHelping Teens Avoid Bulimia And Anorexia1028 Words   |  5 PagesApril 2017 How to Help Teens Avoid Bulimia and Anorexia Even though some teens have health conditions that make them very skinny or problems going on at home does not mean they have to hurt themselves. Teens need to avoid bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa. Some teens do not have self confidence in themselves. Many teens have died or get other medical conditions for becoming bulimic or anorexic. Bulimia nervosa is a life threatening eating disorder. Bulimia nervosa is where an individual bingeRead MoreEating Disorders : Social, Genetics, And Psychological1702 Words   |  7 Pagesboth symptoms is bulimia nervosa. Unfortunately, â€Å"between 1.1% and 4.6% of females and 0.1% to 0.5% of males will develop bulimia†(Overview). This may not seem like a lot but .1% is approximately 7.125 million males developing bulimia. Victims of bulimia nervosa have the same thoughts of an anorexic person and the actions of a binge eating person. Opposed to an anorexia victim, the bulimia nervosa victim will eat an unnatural amount of food; however, unlike a binge eater, a bulimia nervosa victim willRead MoreBulimia Symptoms And Treatments Of Bulimia972 Words   |  4 Pages â€Å"Bulimia† Have you ever looked at the cover of a magazine and seen a beautiful woman that just looked so thin, and thought â€Å"How in the world did she get that way?† Well like me I’m sure millions of girls have wondered the same thing. Many of them becoming self-conscious, what with our society placing so much emphasis on being thin in order to be attractive. But how thin is too thin? Many girls in this country use some kind of diet or exercise plan but, others take it too far. Bulimia is exactlyRead MoreJocelyn Bennett. Mrs. Gallos. English 3 Honors. 6, April1741 Words   |  7 Pagesboth symptoms is bulimia nervosa. Unfortunately, â€Å"between 1.1% and 4.6% of females and 0.1% to 0.5% of males will develop bulimia† (Bulimia). This may not seem like a lot but .1% is approximately 7.125 million males developing bulimia. Victims of bulimia nervosa have the same thoughts of an anorexic person and the actions of a binge eating person. Opposed to an anorexia victim, the bulimia nervosa victim will eat an unnatural amount of food; however, unlike a binge eater, a bulimia nervosa victim willRead MoreEating Disorders Essay929 Words   |  4 PagesPeople with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorders should seek help because of the major health risks, such as: malnutrition, muscle atrophy, paralysis, cancer, heart attack and death. When someone has an eating disorder, they usually have underlying mental health issues. Only one in ten people with eating disorders receive treatment (Eating disorder statistics). These eating disorders are the most common eating disorders and affects 1 out of every seven women (UnderstandingRead More Anorexia and Bulimia Essay1116 Words   |  5 Pages Anorexia and Bulimia: A Concise Overview nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;As many as 20% of females in their teenage and young adult years suffer from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa (Alexander-Mott, 4). Males are also afflicted by these eating disorders, but at a much lower rate, with a female to male ratio of six to one. Those with anorexia nervosa refuse to maintain a normal body weight by not eating and have an intense fear of gaining weight. People with bulimia nervosa go through periodsRead MoreSociety’s Influence on Young Girls: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa1296 Words   |  6 Pagesthe articles. (Recovery and Support Network, 2008) I believe it is these influences of society that are leading to more and more young girls being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. You may be saying to yourself, â€Å"I have heard of those, but what exactly are they?† Well the terms anorexia and bulimia are often confused with each other. Though they are both eating disorders, they are different, and if someone has one they do not necessarily have both. It is also a common misconceptionRead MoreSociety’s Influence on Teenagers: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa1294 Words   |  6 Pagesthe articles. (Recovery and Support Network, 2008) I believe it is these influences of society that are leading to more and more young girls being diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. You may be saying to yourself, â€Å"I have heard of those, but what exactly are they?† Well the terms anorexia and bulimia are often confused with each other. Though they are both eating disorders, they are different, and if someone has one they do not necessarily have both. It is also a common misconceptionRead MoreEating Disorders Among Teenagers: Annotated Bibliography1915 Words   |  8 Pagesrelatable topic. I am interested to find out about the prevalence of eating disorders in my school and ultimately in helping the girls who are suffering from a disorder and are not getting the sufficient help that is needed when one if suffering from Bulimia or Anorexia Nervosa. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Definitions 1. Eating disorder Source A Source: Internet dictionary Written by: Oxford press Word in dictionary: Eating disorder Date of access: 06/05/2014 The oxford dictionary states thatRead MoreThe Dangerous Effects of Eating Disorders1100 Words   |  5 Pagesyou weigh, you often focus on little else (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/basics/definition/con-20033575 ). There are three main types of eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is the fear of gaining weight. If you have bulimia nervosa, you eat large amounts very quickly, and then you purge. Lastly, binge eating is where you feel out of control and you eat, and eat, and eat, and you cannot stop. Eating disorders can cause serious physical problems and can be life-threatening

Contraception in Africa free essay sample

Discusses the subject of contraceptive use in Kenya. In this essay, the subject of contraceptives in Kenya is discussed. This includes why Western medicine will not work in a society that basis wealth on the size of the family, the lack of understanding on both parties involved, the failure of family planning programs and the lack of follow up procedures. Before seeing the western trend of smaller families as the ideal, the paper argues that one must look at the notion of children as a form of wealth in the African family. Children remain valuable assets, even when the family is faced with economic hardship. Furthermore, in advance of implementing western knowledge of contraception, both sides must be educated in each others levels of understanding. Finally, to be educated, these women must have adequate resources. If high fertility rates want to be lowered, than there needs to be access to knowledgeable programs. We will write a custom essay sample on Contraception in Africa or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The West fails on the absence of understanding why these contraceptives are unavailable, and when they are, why the Africans do not use them. The lack of understanding falls on the East when one realizes that they have no education on contraceptive issues. Absence of understanding of the African culture plays a part in the misconceptions of a high fertility rate.

Race Essays - American Culture, Cultural Assimilation, Melting Pot

Race Of Devil "The white race is a race of devils created by their maker to do evil, and make evil appear as good; The white race is the natural unchangeable enemy of the black man, who is the original man, owner, maker, cream of the planet earth." This paragraph is taken from Soul on Ice written by Eldridge Cleaver. I think that the white race is not just the enemy of black men. It is even the enemy of immigrants. Although America is supposed to be a melting pot, immigrants seem like a problem in many peope's eyes. I was born in Hong Kong. Before I came to this country, I thought the U.S was the most beautiful country in the world. I thought people always had freedom and joy in their life in America. But my imagination is not the same as in the real world. People always stare at you when you are a different colors. Especially if you are Chinese, you are segregated from others. Foreigners are always discriminated against by black and white men. How would you feel if someone threw cookies at you because you were Chinese in the subway? How would you feel if someone told you that you cannot sit there because of your race? I wanted to be an American, but they just did not give me a chance, or even a chance to sit next to them. It was my first day of school in America. The school was called New Utrecht. I did not even know how to pronounce it on my first day. Although that school was a little bit smaller than my secondary school in my country, I also felt proud of it. It was because I could try to become an American student. The first thing I had to do on my first day was to go to see my adviser. She was a very nice lady that helped me in New Utrecht. "Americans are nice." This was what I thought at that time. " It is time to go to your first class now." She said. Therefore she led me the way to my first class, a history class. I looked through the window on the door and I did not see any Asian students in there. I was afraid to sit in the classroom. It was not because it was my first day, I just seemed isolated. I knocked on the door several times. The teacher opened the door and asked " May I help you?" Therefore I told him that I was a new student. Then he let me in and he pointed to a seat just in front of his desk. When I looked at the other students, they stared at me without a word. After class the teacher held on to me and said, "If you do not understand what I lectured, talk to me each time after class. Okay?" Then I said I appreciated that. It happened in my all the classes. I just felt I was segregated and isolated from other students. "Ring...ring...ring... " It was the lunch hour. I went to the cafeteria which was on the top floor of the building. Students were separated in three groups, black, white and Asian. I followed the category and sat in the Asian group. Suddenly, there were french-fries thrown in the air. There were several white students throwing their lunch on Asian students. Those Asian students just sat there without any response. Other Chinese students just never had a word. Then white students began to laugh and cheer. They liked that they had won the war. Security guards just stayed there silent. Asian students were treated like slaves or even like animals. Those 40 minute lunch hours just took too long. This was the first time I really felt discriminated against. And it really was very bad. The United States is supposed to be a melting pot, but that melting pot is boiling over with racism, prejudice, intolerance, and ignorance. People are classified by skin color. The Chinese should live in China town. Black people should live in the Bronx and Queens. White should live in Long Island and Manhattan. That's what people always think. I really agree with what was written in the Soul on Ice. The white race is a race of devils. White people think that they are dominant over the other colors. However, the Black Power Movement tried to put an end to the shame of humiliation of being black.

Movie Review of Dirty War

This movie takes a different turn from the conventional movie plots. Most American movies plots culminate in â€Å"happy ending† in which the protagonists engage a number of witty moves and maneuvers to prevent some bad action from the villain(s) and consequently bring them into account.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Review of Dirty War specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The plot in this movie details how an imminent terrorist attack is being responded to by the British government operatives. Cast on two fronts, Dirty War trails a team of terrorists who plan, ship, assemble and ultimately explode a bomb in the financial district of London (Percival). On the second front, the government authorities are planning on how to stop the impending attack. Several terrorist cells are operating in Britain. Following several years of planning an attack by Muslim extremists, it is ready to be executed. The Britis h authorities namely the Scotland Yard race against time to foil the attack but they seem to have no idea of what the attack would be (Percival). This team comprise of the head of the anti terrorism unit who has been charged with protecting London from any attacks. In a strange twist, the team also consists of a woman, a Pakistani Muslim operating under the Scotland Yard and charged with investigating another Islamic terror cell. Alongside this team are the first responders namely the firemen and other emergency service personnel. Ironically as preparations by terrorists strike reach top notch, this team is conducting a routine drill to simulate how they would respond to an attack oblivious of the unfolding realities. The drill exposes serious flaws and shortcomings in their response system. The response team has inadequate training, equipment, manpower and lack proper coordination (Percival). Lastly, there is the political class of the authorities that invariantly keep on assuring the public that all is in place to combat any terrorist threat despite these obvious shortcomings. Meanwhile, unknown to the British authorities the terrorist cell operating in London has smuggled radioactive materials namely uranium in packages disguised as cooking oil. In addition, they have devised some means to explode it my making a dirty bomb from conventional explosives.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As several of these dirty bombs are exploded in London’s subway entrances by the suicide bombers on one morning, the whole area goes chaotic (Percival). Scores of commuters are left dead, more are injured but even more dangerous is the radioactive plumes that have been dispatched to the environment, with a potential of killing and adversely affecting more people in the contaminated environment. The Scotland Yard is taken unawares. As they are joined by the police, the MI-5 and MI-6 to prevent further attacks and seize any more bombs and perpetrators, the firefighters are indulged in a risky search and rescue operation. Meanwhile, another team is working to neutralize the radioactively contaminated area before the menace takes its toll on any more victims. As the operation intensifies the joint Scotland Yard, MI-5 and MI-6 team manage to intercept several more bombs before being exploded as well as arrest several of the terrorists (Percival). As the authorities eventually take charge of the situation, the health care facilities find themselves in this lack of preparedness. They can hardly handle the huge number of casualties seeking treatment. As the plot takes us through various terrorists and suicide bombers and their cells, the director of the movie allows us to understand their personal lives. In the movie, we see the terrorists as real people who have their own families, extremely smart but consumed by loyalty to their cause. The terrorists are portrayed as realistic people with intend in causing destruction (Percival). This movie, unlike many others dwelling on Islamic terrorism takes the issue of terrorism very seriously. This depiction allows us to take terrorism as serious as we should. By allowing us to see the terrorists this way, a benefit many other filmmakers would not allow us, the movie evokes a great deal of empathy for the terrorists. Although this does not necessarily mean that we feel bad when they die for their actions, the scenes become scary when the villains are being punished. The movie largely avoids the circumstances that give rise to international terrorist cells and focus on the vulnerability of the homeland. Scarier is the inability of the Scotland Yard’s finest to crack the terrorist cell before the perpetration of the attacks. This focus also sends a message that, each city is prone to a terrorist attack and how difficult it is to stop an impeding attack. In this real world of terroris t threat, the plot shows how hard it would be to deal with a nuclear attack as well how difficult the job becomes for the relevant authorities. The last issue that probably emerges from watching this movie is the issue of preparedness. Could assurances by the political class on security of the citizen be trusted? Could any country or city claim to be prepared for any kind of terrorist attack and especially nuclear attack? How well is London prepared for the security of all the citizens from around the world participating or attending the London 2012 Olympics to be held in several months time?Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Movie Review of Dirty War specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Works Cited Percival, Daniel. Dirty War. HBO Films, 2004. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrDqG_ex2dQfeature=channel This essay on Movie Review of Dirty War was written and submitted by user Tristin Aguilar to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The eNotes Blog Scholarship Spotlight January2016

Scholarship Spotlight January2016 Every month, we select some of the best scholarships around and post them here on our blog. When you are ready to apply, check out our tips on How to Write a Scholarship Essay. Visit   Essay Lab if you’re looking for a writing expert  to review and provide feedback your scholarship or college application essays! EditRevise $10,000 Scholarship Essay Contest Amount: Up to $10,000 Eligibility:  You must be applying for an undergraduate degree for enrollment at an accredited institution within the United States or Canada in 2016 (or 2017 if taking a gap year).  Your application must be received by 11:59PM ET on January 15th, 2016 to be eligible.  Recommendations can be from anyone. They will read the 500 essays with the most recommendations. Requirements:  Submit ANY essay you used for a college application. Due Date: January 15, 2016 at 11:59PM ET Learn more and apply Northwest Perspectives Essay Contest Amount: $750 stipend Eligibility:  Oregon Quarterly Northwest Perspectives Essay Contest welcomes nonfiction, personal essays of up to 1,500 words on any topic related to the Pacific Northwest. The contest is open to all nonfiction writers, except: (1) first-place winners from previous years’ contests; (2) authors who have written a feature forOregon Quarterly in the past calendar year; and (3) staff of Oregon Quarterly, the UO’s University Communications division, and their family members. Requirements: They strongly prefer that essays be submitted via our online form.  Hardcopy entries can be mailed to: Oregon Quarterly, 5228 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon   97403-5228.  Authors name and contact information (email address, phone number, and mailing address) should be listed on the first page, but not on other pages of the document. Judges are not given the authors’ names when reading the essays.  One entry per person.  Maximum length is 1,500  words.  Entries will not be returned. Those that do not meet these submission guidelines are automatically disqualified. Due Date: January 20, 2016  (online submission and postmark date). Learn more and apply Microsoft Scholarship Program Amount:  Up to full tuition. Recipient will be required to apply for a summer internship and if offered, must complete the internship at Microsoft Corporation in Redmond, Washington. Eligibility:  Applicant must be enrolled full time in a Bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Applicant must be working towards an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline such as electrical engineering, math, or physics. Requirements: Submit your application  here! Due Date: January 31, 2016 Learn more and apply Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship Amount: $1,000 Eligibility:  You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Requirements:  Complete the application form below including a 140-character message about technology addiction. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full length 500- to 1,000-word essay about technology addiction. Due Date: January 30, 2016 Learn more and apply

Post-war Economy in Japan and China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Post-war Economy in Japan and China - Essay Example General Douglas MacArthur held the fort of the Supreme Command of Allied Powers (SCAP), thereby commencing the reformation process that was essential for rebuilding the devastated nation (Caprio & Sugita, 2007). MacArthur endorsed an extensive series of social, political, militaristic and economic reforms that got rid of the feudal society. In 1945, the International Allied Council for Japan, whose creation was essential for assisting the United States, presided over the disbanding of Japan’s naval and military forces (Dower, 2000). Conversely, the Council controlled the dissolution of the colonial empire that was still in existence in Japan. The occupation policy by the Americans was not only essential for demilitarizing the country, but it was vital for destroying the existing conditions that had made Japan into an aggressor country (Dower, 2000). It was necessary for America to destroy these conditions to transform Japan into a democratic and peaceful nation that could not threaten other countries or international peace. The most apparent changes experienced were political. The political democratization focused on revising the Meiji constitution, leading to the promulgation of a new constitution in 1947 (Dower, 2000). Apart from expanding the electorate to accommodate every adult, including women, the new constitution guaranteed the citizens fundamental political and civil rights. Other guaranteed rights were inclusive of the rights to collective bargaining and the right of labor. Economically, America instituted land reforms, which was an essential consideration that could support the political changes made. The provision took away land from big landowners, thereby distributing the large tracts to the farmers who constituted approximately 50% of the labor force in the country (Dower, 2000). The Japanese inhabitants welcomed the changes implemented.

Employer Policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Employer Policies - Essay Example Based on ethical basis, an employer should provide retirement plans for the employees. An example is the 401 (k) plan or the IRA plan that is most suitable for small businesses (Steingold, 2015, p. 118). An employer, however, should not promise an employee a specific income level after retirement. Instead, an employee earns his or her contribution to the plan. Based on good managerial skills, an employer should consider all the administrative requirements. That complies with the ERISA that requires employers to have plan administrators. Participating employees must have a copy of the summary plan description, summary annual report and survivor coverage data. An employer must not fail to file Form 5500 with the IRS, annually (Steingold, 2015, p. 122). A key employer policy in the field of technology management is the Affordable Health Care Act. The Act has diverse legal, ethical and managerial dimensions. It is beneficial to women through because it provides insurance options for women covering preventive services at affordable costs. It is suitable for young adults through its coverage provided to them up to when they are 26 years of age. There are several benefits from the various annual wellness visits provided under the Act. In addition, there are preventive services offered for seniors who have Medicare. Front-line supervisor or manager benefits from provisions of the Act that places accountability to insurance companies for any increase in premium by

Evolution And Extinction Essay Example for Free

Evolution And Extinction Essay Evolution describes the progressive stages by which organisms existing today have emerged through processes of specialization, adaption and natural selection, from their pre-existing ancestors; it is the significant change in the traits of a population over several generations. On the other hand, extinction of a species of organism is the total disappearance of such forms of life from the surface of the earth due to inability to adapt. Â  The concept of f extinction and fossil development are closely interwoven. It is so important to the support of evolution that Charles Darwin expects that the ‘missing fossils’ would one day emerge as the ‘strongest support’ for the theory he propounded; the theory of evolution by natural selection. The point is that without extinction, there would be no fossils. In the absence of fossils, it readily becomes difficult to relate species ancestor to the existing organisms for the purpose of establishing an unequivocal evolutionary link. Evolution has generated a lot of controversy in contemporary times as it attempts to remove the Creationist theory from its vantage and highly exalted position. It is a thoughtful concept on the origin of living organism that has been supported by Developmental similarities [ascribed to the work of Ernest Haeckel], chromosomal similarities among mammals and primates [e.g. man and chimpanzee], fossil records, biochemical and anatomical similarities such as vestigial organs. Of these, fossil records are the most important since they create the needed link to substantiate evolution. Before reaching forth to connect and disconnect evolution and extinction, it is essential to note that: In the beginning, life was simple and over time, complexities came into view. As a result organisms perpetually attempt to become better suited to the prevailing environmental conditions and demands. Organisms who can effectively develop appropriate features survive i.e. they adapt and those who can not, die. This is the concept of ‘the survival of the fittest’. The newly evolved organism with better adaptation mechanisms produce offsprings much better suited by transfer of such positive and inheritable characters encoded in genes. When conditions change again, evolution occurs for the sustenance of life. Those who do not cope, die and their species progressively disappear. It is this cycle of evolution and extinction that is acclaimed to have maintained living organisms on the Earth. EVOLUTION VERSUS EXTINCTION From the aforementioned facts, it is clear that the two concepts are in a way, mutually interdependent. The progressive emergence of present-day horse from its evolutionary ancestors has been confirmed by fossil discovery and analysis. Same applies to man’s appearance as Homo sapiens. Â  In the examples, the ancestral species have gone into extinction. Their fossils were however discovered. A detailed analysis of these fossils, placing them side by side has made it possible to trace the evolution of horses and man; for man, from extinct Homo habilis through H. erectus to the present day Homo sapiens. This complementation has been achieved thus: detailed study and analysis of the different aspects of the fossil [anatomical, biochemical, and sometimes pathological], and comparing of findings to same properties of existing species has led to the conclusion that speciation and specialization occurred, necessitated by the need for survival. In contrast, if extinction points to the fact that evolution has possibly occurred, what about the ‘missing links’. This is an area that has made the belief in evolution a rather Herculean adventure. If organisms are claimed to have evolved over time, then, there has to fossils for the proposed ancestors. This is particularly important in the case of links i.e. species that combined the properties of two related members of a genus. If these links are absent, evolution raises more questions than it can answer. In this vein, one may look at Extinction as a natural solution to the problems of congestion. It appears to relieve the ecosystem of the burden of many lives. Imagine the congestion and its concomitant intense competition for space that would have resulted if extinction did not occur. The earth would have been in serious turmoil and life would intolerable. On the other hand, evolution shows the capacity that nature has to become suited to sustain life. It evidently relates a potent idea: nature is self-sustaining. It can adapt to changes effectively, and produce same or better results from prevailing conditions.

History of Stock Trading in India

History of Stock Trading in India Introduction Background of Exchanges The stock trading history in India is obscured in the mists of time. Historical records, as and where they exist, rarely speak about business and speculative activity except in passing. However, the origin of stock broking in the country may go back to a time, when shares, debentures and bonds representing titles to property were first issued on the condition of transfer from one person to another and the earliest record of dealings in securities in India is the East India Companys loan securities, way back in the 18th century. The first stock exchange in India, Tokyo Stock Exchange, which was founded in 1878. The countrys second stock exchange was established in Ahmedabad in 1894, followed by the Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE). CSE can also trace its origin back to 19th century. From a get together under a neem tree way back in the 1830s, the CSE was formally established in May 1908. Indias other major stock exchange National Stock Exchange (NSE), promoted by leading financial institutions, was established in April 1993. Over the years, several stock exchanges have been established in the major cities of India. There are now 23 recognised stock exchanges — Mumbai (BSE, NSE and OTC), Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhubhaneswar, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Patna, Pune, Rajkot, Vadodara, Indore and Meerut. Today, most of the global stock exchanges have become highly efficient, computerised organisations. Computerised networks also made it possible to connect to each other and have fostered the growth of an open, global securities market. Though Stock Broking was practiced in Calcutta as early as 1836, the members of the broking profession had neither any code of conduct for their guidance, nor any permanent place for congregation. The centre of their activity was near a neem tree, where at present, stands the offices of the Chartered Bank (now known as Standard Chartered) on Netaji Subhas Road, Calcutta. In 1905, Chartered Bank began to construct their own building, which led brokers to shift the arena of their operation, the neighbourhood of the recent Allahabad Bank. The brokers had no shelter and business was carried on in the open place. The inconvenience of such trading, prompted brokers to organise themselves and in May 1908, an association was formed under the name and style of the Calcutta Stock Exchange Association at 2, China Bazar Street. At the time of incorporation in 1908, the Stock Exchange had 150 members. Today the total membership has risen to more than 900, which contains several corporate and institutional members. The number of companies listed on the Exchange is more than 3,500. The Annual turnover of the Exchange in 1997-98 was to the tune of Rs, 1,78,779 crores. The Calcutta Stock Exchange has been granted permanent recognition by the Central Government with effect from April 14, 1980 under the relevant provisions of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, with a view to render useful service to investors. In December 1993, SEBI directed the stock exchanges to discontinue the traditional system of carry forward of transactions (badla). Subsequently, it proposed an alternative system in March 1994, but no agreement could be reached on implementing this system. In February 1995, SEBI set up the G. S. Patel Committee (GSPC) to review the system of carry forward transactions. The GSPC submitted its report in March 1995. SEBI adopted the system recommended by the GSPC with some modifications in its decisions of July 27, 1995 and October 5, 1995. This Revised Carry Forward System (RCFS) was implemented in the BSE in January 1996, but the other exchanges in which the traditional carry forward system had been prevalent before December 1993 did not come forward to adopt the RCFS. A year after the implementation of RCFS, the President of the BSE wrote to SEBI in January 1997 requesting a relaxation of certain aspects of the RCFS to make it more practical and efficient. In its meeting of March 27, 1997, SEBI reviewed the entire sequence of developments relating to the RCFS and specifically noted that while introducing the RCFS in July 1995, SEBI had decided that the implementation of the revised carry forward system would be reviewed periodically by the Board, the first review being after three months. History of BSE An informal group of 22 stockbrokers began trading under a banyan tree opposite the Town Hall of Bombay from the mid-1850s, each investing a (then) princely amount of Rupee 1. This banyan tree still stands in the Horniman Circle Park, Mumbai. The informal group of stockbrokers organized themselves as the The Native Share and Stockbrokers Association which, in 1875, was formally organized as the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). In January 1899, the stock exchange moved into the Brokers Hall after it was inaugrated by James M Maclean. After the First World War, the BSE was shifted to an old building near the Town Hall. In 1928, the plot of land on which the BSE building now stands (at the intersection of Dalal Street, Bombay Samachar Marg and Hammam Street in downtown Mumbai) was acquired, and a building was constructed and occupied in 1930. Premchand Roychand was a leading stockbroker of that time, and he assisted in setting out traditions, conventions, and procedures for the trading of stocks at Bombay Stock Exchange and they are still being followed. Several stock broking firms in Mumbai were family run enterprises, and were named after the heads of the family. The following is the list of some of the initial members of the exchange, and who are still running their respective business. D.S. Prabhudas Company (now known as DSP, and a joint venture partner with Merrill Lynch) Jamnadas Morarjee (now known as JM) Champaklal Devidas (now called Cifco Finance) Brijmohan Laxminarayan In 1956, the Government of India recognized the Bombay Stock Exchange as the first stock exchange in the country under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act. The BSE moved into its current premises the Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers in 1980. The Bombay Stock Exchange followed the familiar outcry system for stock trading up until 1995, when it was replaced by an electronic (eTrading) system named BOLT, or the BSE OnLine Trading system. In 2005, the status of the exchange changed from an Association of Persons (AoP) to a full fledged corporation under the BSE (Corporatization and Demutualization) Scheme, 2005 (and its name was changed to The Bombay Stock Exchange Limited). BSE-Sensex The BSE SENSEX (also known as the BSE 30) is a value-weighted index composed of 30 scrips, with the base April 1979 = 100. The set of companies which make up the index has been changed only a few times in the last 20 years. These companies account for around one-fifth of the market capitalization of the BSE BSE other Indices Apart from BSE SENSEX, which is the most popular stock index in India, BSE uses other stock indices as well: BSE 100 BSE 500 BSEPSU BSEMIDCAP BSESMLCAP BSEBANKEX The National Stock Exchange Of India The National Stock Exchange of India Limited has genesis in the report of the High Powered Study Group on Establishment of New Stock Exchanges. NSE was promoted by leading Financial Institutions at the behest of the Government of India and was incorporated in November 1992. It is a tax-paying company unlike other stock exchanges in the country. On its recognition as a stock exchange under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 in April 1993, NSE commenced operations in the Wholesale Debt Market (WDM) segment in June 1994. The Capital Market (Equities) segment commenced operations in November 1994 and operations in Derivatives segment commenced in June 2000. NSE Group NSCCL, The Organization NSE.IT Ltd. India Index Services Products Ltd. (IISL) Dot Ex International Limited National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) NSCCL, The Organization The National Securities Clearing Corporation Ltd. (NSCCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NSE, was incorporated in August 1995. It was set up with the following objectives: to bring and sustain confidence in clearing and settlement of securities; to promote and maintain, short and consistent settlement cycles; to provide counter-party risk guarantee, and to operate a tight risk containment system 2. NSE.IT Ltd NSE.IT, a 100% subsidiary of National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), is the information technology arm of the largest stock exchange of the country. NSE.IT possesses the wealth of expertise acquired in the last six years by running the trading and clearing infrastructure of largest stock exchange of the country. NSE.IT is an Export Oriented Unit with STP and plans to go global for various IT services in due course. In the near future the company plans to release new products for Broker Back-office Operations and enhance NeatXS / Neat iXS to support Straight Through Processing on the net. 3. India Index Services Products Ltd. (IISL) India Index Services and Products Limited (IISL), a joint venture between NSE and CRISIL Ltd. (formerly the Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited). It was set up in May 1998 toIt provides a variety of indices and index related services and products for the Indian capital markets. It has a consulting and licensing agreement with Standard and Poors (SP), the worlds leading provider of investible equity indices, for co-branding equity indices. It maintains over 80 equity indices comprising broad-based benchmark indices, sect oral indices and customized indices. Many investment and risk management products based on IISL indices have been developed in the recent past, within India and abroad. These include index based derivatives traded on NSE and Singapore Exchange (SIMEX) and a number of index funds. 4. DotEx International Limited DotEx was a joint venture between i-flex Solutions Ltd. and NSE.IT Ltd. Recently NSE has taken over the shareholding and management of DotEx. DotEx was formed to provide world-class internet trading platforms which allows members of NSE to offer online trading facilities to their customers. Members of NSE can service a larger clientele by using the automated risk management features and thus increase volumes. Investors get comprehensive and updated information necessary to trade, along with a single-click convenience to fulfill their obligations The initial offering of DotEx is DotEx Plaza where multiple market participants such as members of NSE, depository participants and banks can offer web-based services to their customers. As a neutral aggregator and infrastructure provider, DotEx offers choice and convenience to investors. DotEx products may be classified under the following broad categories: Equity Trading Module Trading Module 5. National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) In order to solve the myriad problems associated with trading in physical securities, NSE joined hands with the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) and the Unit Trust of India (UTI) to promote dematerialization of securities. Together they set up National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), the first depository in India. NSDL commenced operations in November 1996 and has since established a national infrastructure of international standard to handle trading and settlement in dematerialized form and thus completely eliminated the risks to investors associated with fake/bad/stolen paper. List of the companies in the sensex Scope and importance of the study RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Objective: â€Å"Comparative analysis of Religare Securities Ltd. online share trading and Religare Securities Ltd. offline share trading. Sub objectives To study the procedure, product and services of online and offline share trading. To know the preference of the factors which are important in online and offline share trading. To compare the online medium with Offline medium. To know the trading status of the Religare Securities Ltd. Clients. To know the service level of the Religare Securities Ltd. RESEARCH METHOLOGYS Define the problem. Planning a research design. Planning a sample. Gathering the data. Processing and analyzing the data. Formulating conclusions and preparing the report. Define the new problem. Problems online share trading As there are couples of good advantages there are also some technical disadvantages. As every coin have two sides. Disconnection from Internet In online share trading there is the possibility that your internet connection may get slow or get stopped, this may result in disconnection from share market. At such critical times you have to call your executive (from whom you opened your trading account) and place your order or square off your pending orders.] Computer Problem If your computer stops functioning then this may also result in disconnection from share market at this time also you have contact your executive. Other Problem Other problems like electricity disconnection. Solution for this is inverter or batter backup. Data collection Sources- Primary Data. Secondary Data. Primary Data Questionnaire. Secondary Data Magazines. Journals. Websites. THEROTICAL PROSPECTIVES RELIGARE Values that bind Religare : Company Profile Religare is a leading Financial Services Brokerage House with acknowledged industry Leadership in execution and clearing services on Exchange Traded Derivatives and cash market products. Key elements that place Religare amongst the leading Brokerage Houses and makes it the preferred service provider for value based financial services are: A Client-driven foundation and strategy committed to client-specific investment needs and objectives. Integrated and innovative use of Technology enabling clients to trade offline,online and Strategic tie-ups with latest technology partners to facilitate trading access and direct processing across 400 outlets in 160 cities Client-focused philosophy backed by memberships of all principal Indian Stock and Commodity Exchanges makes Religare a preferred service provider in the Industry for value based services. Religare confidently steers you through a challenging Financial and Trade Market every moment, whether you are present or not! Religare Group Religare Securities Ltd. Religare Finevest Ltd. Religare Wealth Management Services. Religare Capital Market Ltd. Religare Finance Ltd. Religare Insurance Holding Co. Ltd. Religare Realty Ltd. Religare Venture Capital Pvt. Ltd. Religare Insurance Broking Ltd. Religare Comodities Ltd. Religare Affiliation and Distribution Network Proven and accredited leaders in the Financial Services business, Religare provides you the unique opportunity to trade offline and online while cutting across all geographic barriers. Strategic Tie-ups that provide latest technology for access and processing Trading over 425 locations across 160 cities in India 24 hour access to Account Information via the Net or Electronic File Transfer (FTP) facilities. Membership of all Principal Indian Stock and Commodity Exchanges National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSEIL) Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Futures Option Segment of NSEIL BSE Dubai Gold Commodities Exchange (DGCX) National Commodity Derivatives Exchange Ltd. (NCDEX) Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) OTC Exchange of India Ltd (OTCEIL) Depository Participant with NSDL CDSL Corporate Agents for Life Non-Life Insurance (both foreign / private and state owned insurance companies) One of the largest distributors of leading Mutual Funds in India Religare Research Desk Philosophy â€Å"Investing means laying out money today to receive money in real terms after taking inflation into account, tomorrow† Thats because were realistic, experienced, backed by research and study and most importantly, client-driven. Empowering the Investor The Religare Research Desk has one key objective to empower you completely with Market Knowledge, Analysis and Advisory Services to help you prosper. Our team provides expert and timely analysis on equity and commodity to help you maximize your trading decisions. We offer value perspectives, suggest strategy, focus on opportunities for investment and growth, and endeavour to reduce risk potential. Trading Ideas Daily Market Strategies Monthly Updates Investment Ideas Trading Calls Commodity Views Religare as a trading partner Religare is driven by ethical and dynamic process for wealth creation. Religare Enterprise Limited through Religare Securities Limited, Religare Finevest Limited, Religare Commodities Limited and Religare Insurance Advisory Services Limited provides integrated financial services to its corporate, retail and wealth management clients. Religare operations are managed by highly skilled professionals who subscribe to Religare philosophy and are spread across its country-wide branches. Offline Service of Religare Se curities Limited R-ALLY RELIGAREs ALLY also known as R-ALLY is a perfect partner for savvy investers. Experience the comfort of our elite dealing rooms where all your trading requirements would be taken care of by experienced, well informed and contemporary dealers. You will also have dedicated relationship managers to take care of your multiple investments needs. Online Service of Religare Securities Limited R-ALLY Lite Brouser based plateform No software installation required NSE cash segment, NSE FO and BSE on single plateform Real-time streaming quotes Multiple watch lists Alerts and triggers Hot key functions Online transfer of funds through multiple banks Access your ledger balances and account information over internet, branch and call centre Trade online and over phone at branch Access to all your accounts through your customer relationship number (CRN) Dedicated Relationship Managers for assisting multiple investment needs R-ALLY Pro Application based plateform No software installation required NSE cash segment, NSE FO and BSE on single plateform Real-time streaming quotes Multiple watch lists Alerts and triggers Hot key functions Online transfer of funds through multiple banks Access your ledger balances and account information over internet, branch and call centre Trade online and over phone at branch Access to all your accounts through your customer relationship number (CRN) Dedicated Relationship Managers for assisting multiple investment needs How we will make trade easier Personal assistance Dedicated dealers for facilitating trading and post trade needs Dedicated Relationship Managers for assisting multiple investment needs Reasearch Advisory Regular news and updates on market Research services over SMS to keep you abreast Daily and weekly technical reports A complete information report on results and performance of individual companies. Complete reports on various economic sectors and their performance along with analysis of few major companies in that sector Trading calls in Future Opinion Daily capsule of market indices and index movement, national and international corporate news, bulk trade deals and market gains and losers, information on mutual funds and their performance along with forth coming IPO traker Add-Ons Access to all your accounts through your Customer Relationship Number (CRN) Access your ledger balances and account information over internet, branches and call centre What is a depository? A depository can be compared to a bank. A depository holds securities (like shares, debentures, bonds and units) of investors in electronic form. Besides holding securities, a depository also provides services related to transactions in securities. What are the benefits of depository system? The benefits of participating in a depository are: immediate transfer of securities; no stamp duty on transfer of securities; elimination of risks associated with physical certificates such as bad delivery, fake securities etc; reduction in paperwork involved in transfer of securities; reduction in transaction cost; nomination facility; change in address recorded with Depository Participant (DP) gets registered with all companies in which investor holds securities electronically, eliminating the need to correspond with each of them separately; transmission of securities is done by DP, eliminating correspondence with companies; convenient method of consolidation of portfolios/accounts; holding investments in equity and debt instruments in a single account. What is a DP? As an investor you open a securities account with a DP. DPs are attached to the depositories very much the same way as commercial banks are attached to RBI. All interactions including account opening, dematerialization, transactions, pledge etc are done through the DP. How do I select a DP? Are all DPs the same? You can select your DP to open a demat account just like you select a bank for opening a savings account. Some of the important factors for selection of a DP can be: Convenience: proximity to the office/residence, business hours. Comfort: reputation of the DP, past association, range of services etc. Find out if the DP is in a position to give the specific service you may need. Cost: the service charges levied by DP and the service standard. What should I do when I want to open an account with a DP? The process of opening an account with a DP is similar to the opening of a bank account. You can approach any DP of your choice and fill up an account opening form. At the time of opening an account, you have tosign an agreement with DP in a National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) prescribed standard agreement, which details your rights and duties and those of your DP. All investors have to submit their proof of identity and proof of address along with the prescribed account opening form. Proof of identity: your signature and photograph must be authenticated by an existing demat account holder with the same DP or by a bank manager. Alternatively, you can submit a copy of Passport, Voters ID card, Driving license or PAN card with photograph. Proof of address: you can submit a copy of Passport, Voters ID card, Driving license, PAN card with photograph, Ration card or Bank passbook as proof of address. You must remember to take original documents to the DP for verification. Passport-size photographs Dematerialization: Dematerialization is the process by which a client can get physical certificates converted into electronic balances maintained in his account with the DP. The dematerialization system is an alternative to the physical existence of securities. In this system securities are converted into the electronic form and deposited in a depository account in the investors name. In order to dematerialize certificates, an investor will have to first open an account with a DP and then request for the dematerialization of certificates by filling up a Dematerialization Request Form (DRF), which is available with the DP, and submitting the same along with the physical certificates. The investor has to ensure that before the certificates are handed over tothe DP for demat, they are defaced by marking Surrendered for Dematerialization on the face of the certificates. Features: Holdings in only those securities that are admitted for dematerialization by National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) can be dematerialized. Structure of holding in the securities should match with the account structure of the depository account. Now shares in different order of names can also be dematted. If the shares are in the name of X and Y, the same cannot be dematerialized into the account of either X or Y alone. However if the shares are in the name of X first and Y second, and the account is in the name of Y first and X second, then these shares can be dematerialized in this account. Only those holdings that are registered in the name of the account holder can be dematerialized. Physical shares which have not been transferred and are still there with a transfer deed cannot be dematted. Only a few companies have been given the permission to offer Transfer-cum-Demat. The list of these companies can be viewed here. Can I dematerialized any share certificate? You can dematerialize only those certificates that are already registered in your name and are in the list of securities admitted for dematerialization at NSDL. All the scrips included in SP CNX Nifty and BSE Sensex have already joined NSDL. This list has more than 2,800 companies and is steadily growing. Rematerialization: Rematerialization is the process by which a client can get his electronic holdings converted into physical certificates. The client has to submit the dematerialization request to the DP with whom he has an account along with a Remat request form. The physical shares will be posted by the company directly to the clients. Trades: For all sales made by clients, the shares will have to be given to the broker, so that the Pay In can be made by the broker to the stock exchange concerned. For that its essential that the shares be transferred to the account of the broker well before the deadline date. You must confirm with your broker the settlement date and settlement number and then submit your instructions to your DP. Alsoits important to give the instructions to your DP as early as possible. Pledge: Pledge enables you to obtain loans against your dematerialized shares. So you get liquidity without having to sell your shares. A highly simplified procedure may be availed of for pledging of securities in the electronic mode. The pledged securities continue tobe reflected in the DP account of the clients (pledgor) but the concerned securities are blocked and cannot be used for any transactions. As and when the pledg

Solar Energy Informative Speech

Heather Smith Informative Outline Michelle Talasis Topic: Solar Energy General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose:To inform the uses of Solar Energy to my audience. Thesis:When all of our natural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. Introduction Attention Getter: Natural fossil fuels, such as coal used for burning, oil used for gasoline, and natural gas used to heat and warm houses, are a threat to the Earth and everything in it. Fossil fuels pollute the air and they are non-renewable and non-recyclable.We need different energy sources that are renewable and recyclable for our future existence. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is renewable and recyclable. When all of our natural fossil fuels are scare or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. With all of the technology we have today, we can develop different ways to use and harness these ener gy sources. Reason to Listen:Solar energy is making a big impact on lives today all over the world. The development of solar energy in all ways and technologies is making our world a cleaner, safer, and less dependent nation.A. Thesis Statement: When all of our natural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. B. Credibility Statement: My dad is an electrician that puts up solar energy plants for businesses. I had to research for this paper. C. Preview of Main Points: 1. First I will explain solar energy technology and how it can be used in houses. 2. Next, I will explain the uses of solar energy and how it will be helpful saving water. 3. Finally, I will explain the unique uses of solar energy in transportation and military weapons. II. Body A.People have created new technologies for others to use in their homes, vehicles or buildings. 1. One of the technologies that people have created to be energy effi cient is the photovoltaic cells or â€Å"solar cells† which use sunlight and convert it into electricity automatically. PVs can be used in anything from watches to an electric grid. They can also be used to provide energy to places where power lines cannot be attached to buildings. â€Å"Thermal technologies use the heat from the sun and use it directly in space or water heating in homes and buildings or it is directly converted into electricity,† says Fischer and Finnell.Thermal technologies are also used for agriculture needs that farmer’s livestock or crops require. With solar energy being used in electrical, heating, and transportation applications, the idea for an energy efficient house would be more probable. Energy efficient improvements can cut energy costs by over 40% in most affordable housing. They help reduce health risks from mold, dust mites, radon, and combustion by-products and other contaminants. These houses have less condensation, and better m oisture control and temperature. These energy improvements usually cost less than the savings they offer on utility bills.Increasing the value of a home is a great investment-paying high energybills are not. Transition:Now that I have discussed new solar technologies that people use in their homes, and for electricity, I will now explain the uses of solar energy in water. A. Solar power has helped with electricity and heat, but it can also help with the growing need for fresh water. 1. â€Å"Instead of using fossil fuels and electricity to desalinate water, engineers at the University of Florida have developed a system that uses a gravity-induced vacuum and solar energy. † (â€Å"Here Comes the Sun†) The desalination of water is the same process as nature. . A U-shaped pipe is place in two different containers, one side in salt water and the other in fresh water. ii. A vacuum is then surrounded by a circulator that heats the saltwater and the salt water is then evapora ted. iii. The evaporated steam is then condensed and finally the fresh water drips down into a tank. This system have been proved to be 90% efficient, while the solar â€Å"stills† only proved to be 50% efficient. Water has been desalinized by solar power for more efficient and inexpensive drinking water and fresh water supply, but it is also being detoxified by solar power for other usages around the house.Detoxification of water by solar power has proved to be one of the most promising methods to disinfect water, an earth-friendly operation and it does not create harmful emissions. â€Å"One way was ZED or Zero Effluent Discharge,† says Inamdar and Singh. i. ZED disposed of inadequately cleaned waste water that is contaminating fresh water resources, the waste water will recycle water properly if it is forced to generate fresh water from the waste water generated by them, and it is economical to use recycled water than to pay for consuming fresh water and wasting was te water.Transition:Now that we have learned the uses of solar energy in water, I will explain the uses solar energy in military weapons and transportation. Solar power is being used for disinfecting water and electricity, but for transportation and military weapons? 1. Solar power has been used in cruise boats and ferries. â€Å"The first boat that used solar power was in Australian waters that won a contract to build another ferry to carry passengers between San Francisco Harbor and Alcatraz Island,† explains Thwaites, a science writer and broadcaster in Australia. i.The guy who built the solar powered boat is Robert Dane. ii. He wanted to build a boat that was powered by solar power and wind power. iii. He called it the Solar Sailor, which has an electric motor they can power to drive the propeller properly, meaning the boat will be more efficient and easy to move and back up without stalling them. Solar Sailor technology also helped the Navy create UOVs or Unmanned Ocean Vehicles. i. These vehicles could be used to collect data for climate research, ocean exploration, offshore oil exploration and production and even surveillance of pipelines and telecommunications.Solar power is also being used in the US Military and even some weapons too. â€Å"The US Military have installed black and blue solar panels to use in solar-powered battlefield radios and even in tents with solar panels woven into their fabric to power military equipment,† says John Naish, an environmental campaigner. The solar panels are also being used for sensors and radars, which saves troops from being predictable targets when they regularly refuel generators. I. Conclusion Review of Main Points: Today, I explained how solar energy technology can be used in houses.Second, I discussed the uses of solar energy and how it will be helpful saving water. Finally, I talked about the unique uses of solar energy in transportation and military weapons. Restate Thesis:When all of our nat ural fossil fuels are low or gone, solar energy will be one of the leading sources of energy that we will need in the future. Closure: If we don’t continue to develop different ways and technology to lessen our needs on all of our natural fossil fuels, water, natural gas, and the environment, we will soon be living in our own human and mechanical waste.

Explain How the ‘Ansoff Matrix’ Can Be Applied to Help Develop Strategic Marketing Options for an Enterprise.

Explain how the ‘Ansoff matrix’ can be applied to help develop strategic marketing options for an enterprise. What  other analytical tools and techniques can be employed to develop alternative marketing strategies? Table of contents 1. Introduction 2. The Ansoff Matrix 3. Market Penetration 4. Product Development 5. Market Development 6. Diversification 7. Limitations of the Ansoff matrix 8. Other analytical tools and techniques 9. Conclusion 10. References Introduction From my working experience I have discovered, an organisation that knows its shortcomings, and can make relatively strategic decisions to meet the right objectives, will achieve its desire to become successful and remain relevant. Successful organisations in Nigeria always attribute their success to unique strategies which they employed efficiently. Strategies are developed at different levels within an organisation, it therefore follows that objectives (what it wants to achieve) are also set at the different levels. The setting of these objectives will usually produce a discrepancy between what is currently being achieved and what needs to be achieved. Marketing strategies are the explanation of how this gap is going to be closed and the objectives realized. Ansoff matrix is a useful framework for looking at possible strategies to reduce the gap between where the company may be without a change in strategy and where the company aspires to be (Proctor, 1997). The Ansoff matrix which is the focus of this work is one of the models alongside others like the Porter matrix, BCG, SWOT, PESTEL, DPM matrix and Gap analysis etc used by marketers to set objectives which assist strategic decision making. The Ansoff matrix is also used in marketing audits (Li et al, 1999). I will attempt to explain within the limitation of word content, how the Ansoff can be applied to help develop strategic marketing options for an enterprise. Some of these other analytical tools and techniques will also be discussed in the second section this work. The Ansoff Matrix The Ansoff matrix presents the product and market choices available to an organisation. Herein markets may be defined as customers, and products as items sold to customers (Lynch, 2003). This matrix helps companies decide what course of action should be taken given current performance. The Ansoff matrix is also used in marketing audits (Li et al, 1999). The Ansoff matrix entails four possible product/market combinations: Market penetration, product development, market development and diversification (Ansoff 1957, 1989). Ansoff Product-Market Growth Matrix [pic] Source: Ansoff (1957, 1989) A market penetration strategy is used when and organization wants to achieve and increased share in the market. A market development strategy in contrast involves the organization searching for new markets in which to sell its current product. A product development strategy involves identifying new needs within the existing market and developing products to meet these needs while the diversification strategy involves the organisation entering new markets with new products. I will now elaborate on these four strategies to show how they help develop strategic marketing options for an enterprise. Market Penetration Market penetration occurs when a company penetrates a market with its current products. It is important to note that the market penetrations strategy begins with the existing customers of the organization. This strategy is used by companies in order to increase sales without drifting from the original product-market strategy (Ansoff, 1957). Companies often penetrate markets in one of these three ways: by gaining competitors customers, improving the product quality or level of service, attracting non-users of the products or convincing current customers to use more of the company’s product, with the use of marketing communication tools like advertising etc. Ansoff, 1989, Lynch, 2003). This strategy is important for businesses because retaining existing customers is cheaper than attracting new ones, which is why companies like BMW and Toyota (Lynch, 2003) and banks like HSBC engage in relationship marketing activities to retain their high lifetime value customers; same applies to Diamond bank in Nigeria which won the award for Bank of the Year in Thisday Awards 200 9 (Thisday Style magazine). Diamond bank is one of the market challengers in Nigeria’s banking industry and has consistently increased its market share by penetrating the market with targeted special promotions, very low interest rates on loans, and maintaining a highly receptive and comfortable atmosphere in its banking halls. Product Development Product development occurs when a company develops new products catering to the same market. Note that product development refers to significant new product developments and not minor changes in an existing product of the firm. The reasons that justify the use of this strategy include one or more of the following: to utilise of excess production capacity, counter competitive entry, maintain the company’s reputation as a product innovator, exploit new technology, and to protect overall market share (Lynch, 2003). Often one such strategy moves the company into markets and towards customers that are currently not being catered for. For example, McDonalds is always within the fast-food industry, but frequently markets new burgers. Another good example of the product development strategy is the constant innovation within the home computer market where products can become obsolete within a matter of years. Frequently, when a firm creates new products, it can gain new customers for these products. Hence, new product development can be a crucial business development strategy for firms to stay competitive. Market Development When a company follows the market development strategy, it moves beyond its immediate customer base towards attracting new customers for its existing products. This strategy often involves the sale of existing products in new international markets. This may entail exploration of new segments of a market, new uses for the company’s products and services, or new geographical areas in order to entice new customers (Lynch, 2003). For example, Arm & Hammer was able to attract new customers when existing consumers identified new uses of their baking soda (Christensen et al, 2005). Lucozade was first marketed for sick children and then re-branded to target athletes. Also, an organisation found that the gel they produced for removing residual oil from heavy machinery could also be used to clean domestic ovens and baking tins. This revelation enabled them to target a new market of professional cooks and baking enthusiast. These are good examples of developing a new market for an existing product. Diversification Diversification strategy is distinct in the sense that when a company diversifies, it essentially moves out of its current products and markets into new areas. It is important to note that diversification may be into related and unrelated areas. Related diversification may be in the form of backward, forward, and horizontal integration. Backward integration takes place when the company extends its activities towards its inputs such as suppliers of raw materials etc. in the same business. Forward integration differs from backward integration, in that the company extends its activities towards its outputs such as distribution etc. in the same business. Horizontal integration takes place when a company moves into businesses that are related to its existing activities (Lynch, 2003; Macmillan et al, 2000). It is important to note that even unrelated diversification often has some synergy with the original business of the company. The risk of one such manoeuvre is that detailed knowledge of the key success factors may be limited to the company (Lynch, 2003). While diversified businesses seem to grow faster in cases where diversification is unrelated, it is crucial to note that the track record of diversification remains poor as in many cases diversifications have been divested (Porter, 1987). Scholars have argued that related diversification is generally more profitable (Macmillan et al, 2000; Pearson, 1999). Therefore, diversification is a high-risk strategy as it involves taking a step into a territory where the parameters are unknown to the company. The risks of diversification can be minimised by moving into related markets (Ansoff, 1989). Virgin Cola, Virgin Megastores, Virgin Airlines, Virgin Telecommunications are examples of new products created by the Virgin Group of UK, to leverage the Virgin brand. This resulted in the company entering new markets where it had no presence before. Limitations of Ansoff Matrix While Ansoff analysis helps in mapping the strategic options for companies, it is important to note that like all models, it has some limitations. By itself, the matrix can tell one part of the strategy story but it is imperative to look at other strategic models like SWOT analysis and PESTLE in order to view how the strategy of an organisation is formulating and might change in the course of its future. For example, the Ansoff analysis of Virgin Cola shows that the brand has been launched in the UK and USA using a market penetration strategy, which essentially reflects that the brand needs to increase its brand recognition (Vignali, 2001). The SWOT analysis conducted by Vignali (2001) showed an opportunity that Virgin Cola could explore diversification into new ranges of Virgin Cola products. PESTEL analysis of Virgin Cola showed that there was need to constantly evaluate the soft drinks industry in all countries, in order to reflect customer trends, thereby allowing the brand to gain market share and also predict trends faster than the competition. Therefore, the steps to be taken while conducting a strategic analysis of an organisation include SWOT analysis, PESTEL and Ansoff matrix as fundamental models of analyses, which should be used in conjunction and not in isolation, to view the complete strategic scenario. Also, recommendations made on the basis on only one of the models are not concrete and lack in depth. While the role of analysis in making strategic choices cannot be undermined, it is imperative to note that judgment plays a crucial role in making critical strategic choices that may change the future of the firm (Macmillan et al, 2000). Lastly, the use of Ansoff matrix as a marketing tool may not be really useful as the matrix is critical for analysing the strategic path that the brand may be following, and does not essentially identify marketing options. Other Analytic Tools As mentioned earlier Ansoff matrix is not all exhaustive and so there are other analytical tools and techniques which are valuable to marketers for strategic decision making and can actually be used alongside Ansoff matrix. I will just throw some light on SWOT, BCG matrix and Porter’s Generic Strategy. SWOT Swot analysis is a simple framework for generating strategic alternatives from a situation analysis. Swot (sometimes reffered to as TOWS) stands for Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats. It is applicable to either corporate level or business unit level and frequently appears in marketing lans. Its advocates say it can be used to gauge the degree of ‘fit’ between the organisation’s strategy and its environment, and to suggest ways suggest ways in which the organisation can profit from strengths and opportunities and shield itself against weaknesses and threats (Adams, 2005). The internal and external situation analysis can produce a large amoun t of information, much of which may not be highly relevant. The SWOT analysis can serve as an interpretative filter to reduce the information to a manageable quantity of key issues. The SWOT analysis classifies the internal aspect of the company as strengths or weaknesses and the external situational factors as opportunities or threats. Strengths can serve as a foundation for building a competitive advantage, and weaknesses may hinder it. By understanding these four aspects of its situation, a firm can better leverage its strengths, correct its weaknesses, capitalize on golden opportunities, and deter potentially devastating threats. Because SWOT is such as familiar and comforting tool, many students use it at the start of their analysis. This is a mistake. In order to arrive at a proper SWOT appraisal, other analyses need to be carrier out first. BCG Matrix BCG matrix is a management tool that serves four distinct purposes (McDonald 2003; Kotler 2003; Cipher 2006): it can be used to classify product portfolio in four business types based on four graphic labels including Stars (Stars are leaders in high growth markets. They tend to/should generate large amounts of cash but also use a lot of cash because of growth market conditions) Cash Cows (), Question Mark (Question Marks have not achieved a dominant market position, and hence do not generate much cash. They tend to use a lot of cash because of growth market conditions) and Dogs (Dogs often have little future and are big cash drainers on the company as they generate very little cash by virtue of their low market share in a highly low growth market). [pic] According to experts (Drummond & Ensor 2004; Kotler 2003; McDonald 2003), surplus cash from cash cow products should be channeled into Stars and Questions in order to create the future Cash Cows. The BCG matrix can be used to determine what priorities should be given in the product portfolio of a company; to classify an organisation’s product portfolio according to their cash usage and generation; and offers management available strategies to tackle various product lines. It is based on two dimensional variables: relative market share and market growth. They often are pointers to healthiness of a business (Kotler 2003; McDonald 2003). In other words, products with greater market share or within a fast growing market are expected to wield relatively greater profit margins. Porter’s Generic Strategy Companies can achieve competitive advantages essentially by differentiating their products and services from those of competitors and through low costs. Firms can target their products by a broad target, thereby covering most of the marketplace, or they can focus on a narrow target in the market (Lynch, 2003). According to Porter, there are three generic strategies that a company can undertake to attain competitive advantage: cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. [pic] Source: Porter (1985) Cost Leadership; The companies that attempt to become the lowest-cost producers in an industry can be referred to as those following a cost leadership strategy. The company with the lowest costs would earn the highest profits in the event when the competing products are essentially undifferentiated, and selling at a standard market price. Companies following this strategy place emphasis on cost reduction in every activity in the value chain. Differentiation; When a company differentiates its products, it is often able to charge a premium price for its products or services in the market. Some general examples of differentiation include better service levels to customers, better product performance etc. in comparison with the existing competitors. Porter (1980) has argued that for a company employing a differentiation strategy, there would be extra costs that the company would have to incur. Such extra costs may include high advertising spending to promote a differentiated brand image for the product, which in fact can be considered as a cost and an investment. Focus; Porter initially presented focus as one of the three generic strategies, but later identified focus as a moderator of the two strategies. Companies employ this strategy by focusing on the areas in a market where there is the least amount of competition (Pearson, 1999). Organisations can make use of the focus strategy by focusing on a specific niche in the market and offering specialised products for that niche. This is why the focus strategy is also sometimes referred to as the niche strategy (Lynch, 2003). Therefore, competitive advantage can be achieved only in the company’s target segments by employing the focus strategy. The company can make use of the cost leadership or differentiation approach with regard to the focus strategy. Conclusion In conclusion, it has to be restated that the Ansoff matrix is a useful, though not an exhaustive, framework for an organisation’s objective setting process and marketing audits. The differences in strategic choices of organisations can often be attributed to the type of market in which the company operates. Changes in business environment play a crucial role in the strategic options that an organisation may pursue over its life stages. There are risks associated with all of the four strategic options entailed in the Ansoff matrix. Market penetration is generally considered as a low risk strategy while diversification, on the other hand, is deemed as a high risk growth strategy as it involves moving simultaneously into new products and new markets. Diversification remains a popular strategic option for firms in today’s competitive business arena. Lastly, Ansoff matrix as a strategic model has certain limitations. The use of SWOT and PESTEL analysis is recommended, along with Ansoff analysis, to be able to capture a holistic view of the strategic scenario of an organisation. I would have elaborated more on other analytic tools but for the word limit given me. References Ansoff Analysis. Website. http://university- essays. tripod. com/ansoff_analysis. html. 27th March 2009 Ansoff, I. H. (1957), Strategies for diversification, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 35, No. 2, p. 113-124. Ansoff, I. (1989), Corporate Strategy, rev. edn, Penguin, Harmondsworth BCG Growth-Share Matrix. Website. http://university- essays. tripod. com/bcg_growth_share_matrix_boston_consultin g_group. html. 3rd March 2009 Christensen, C. & Cook, S. & Hall, T. 2005), Marketing malpractice: The cause and the cure, Harvard Business Review. Hill, W. L. C. & Jones, R. G. (2007), Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach, 7th ed. , Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston: New York. Li, S. & Duan, Y. & Kinman, R. & Edwards, J. S. (1999), A framework for a hybrid intelligent system in support of marketing strategy development, Marketing Intelligence & Planning, Vol. 17, No. 4. Lynch, R. (2003), Corp orate Strategy, 3rd ed. , Prentice Hall Financial Times. Macmillan, H. & Tampoe, M. (2000), Strategic Management, Oxford University Press. Module 1, Unit 2, (2006) MN7002/D, Strategic Marketing, (ed. 10th), England. Pearson, G. (1999), Strategy in Action, Prentice Hall Financial Times. Vignali, C. (2001), Virgin Cola, British Food Journal, Vol. 103, No. 2. Porter, M. E. (1987), From competitive strategy to corporate strategy, Harvard Business Review. Porter’s Generic Strategies. Website. http://university-essays. tripod. com/porters_generic_strategies. html. 3rd March 2009 Proctor, T. (1997), Establishing a strategic direction: a review, Management Decision, Vol. 35, No. 2. Product-Market Growth Matrix. Website. ttp://www. businesspme. com/uk/articles/strategy/61/Product- Market-Growth-Matrix. html. 15th February 2009 Osime R. (2009), Thisday Awards ’09, Thisday Magazine, Volume 14: No. 5026 SWOT Analysis. Website. http://www. netmba. com/strategy/swot/ 27th March 2009 SWOT Analysis. Website. http://university- essays. tripod. com/swot_tows_analysis. html. 3rd March 2009 Thompson, A. A. & Strickland, J. A. (2003), Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases, Thirteenth ed. , McGraw-Hill. What is Ansoff Analysis? Website. http://www. coursework4you. co. uk/ansoff. htm. 15th February 2009

Admiral Edward Vernon of the Royal Navy

Admiral Edward Vernon of the Royal Navy A distinguished officer in the Royal Navy, Admiral Edward Vernons career commenced in 1700 and spanned a period of 46 years. This saw him learn his trade under Admiral Cloudesley Shovell before establishing himself as a rising star in the ranks. Vernon saw active service in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) and later in the War of Jenkins Ear and the War of the Austrian Succession. Though he won a triumph at Porto Bello in 1739, he is best remembered for his invention of grog, a rum and water mixture, that was provided to the sailors in his fleets. Grog would go on to become a staple of Royal Navy life until 1970. Early Life Career Born November 12, 1684 in London, Edward Vernon was the son of James Vernon, secretary of state to King William III. Raised in the city, he received some education at the Westminster School before entering the Royal Navy on May 10, 1700. A popular school for the sons of well-placed Britons, Westminster later produced both Thomas Gage and John Burgoyne who would play key roles in the American Revolution. Assigned to HMS Shrewsbury (80 guns), Vernon possessed more education than most his peers. Remaining aboard for less than a year, he shifted to HMS Ipswich (70) in March 1701 before joining HMS Mary (60) that summer. War of the Spanish Succession With the War of the Spanish Succession raging, Vernon received a promotion to lieutenant on September 16, 1702 and was transferred to HMS Lennox (80). After service with the Channel Squadron, Lennox sailed for the Mediterranean where it remained until 1704. When the ship was paid off, Vernon moved to Admiral Cloudesley Shovells flagship, HMS Barfleur (90). Serving in the Mediterranean, he experienced combat during the capture of Gibraltar and Battle of Malaga. Becoming a favorite of Shovell, Vernon followed the admiral to HMS Britannia (100) in 1705 and aided in the capture of Barcelona. Rapidly rising through the ranks, Vernon was elevated to captain on January 22, 1706 at the age of twenty-one. First assigned to HMS Dolphin (20), he shifted to HMS Rye (32) a few days later. After taking part in the failed 1707 campaign against Toulon, Vernon sailed with Shovells squadron for Britain. Nearing the British Isles, several of Shovells ships were lost in the Scilly Naval Disaster which saw four ships sunk and 1,400-2,000 men killed, including Shovell, due to a navigational error. Saved from the rocks, Vernon arrived home and received command of HMS Jersey (50) with orders to oversee the West Indies station. Member of Parliament Arriving in the Caribbean, Vernon campaigned against the Spanish and broke up an enemy naval force near Cartagena in 1710. He returned home at the wars end in 1712. Between 1715 and 1720, Vernon commanded various vessels in home waters and in the Baltic before serving as commodore at Jamaica for a year. Coming ashore in 1721, Vernon was elected to Parliament from Penryn a year later. A staunch advocate for the navy, he was vocal in debates regarding military matters. As tensions with Spain increased, Vernon returned to the fleet in 1726 and took command of HMS Grafton (70). After cruising to the Baltic, Vernon joined the fleet at Gibraltar in 1727 after Spain declared war. He remained there until fighting ended a year later. Returning to Parliament, Vernon continued to champion maritime matters and argued against continued Spanish interference with British shipping. As relations between the two countries worsened, Vernon advocated for Captain Robert Jenkins who had his ear cut off by the Spanish Coast Guard in 1731. Though wishing to avoid war, First Minister Robert Walpole ordered additional troops to be sent to Gibraltar and ordered a fleet to sail for the Caribbean. War of Jenkins War Promoted to vice admiral on July 9, 1739, Vernon was given six ships of the line and ordered to attack Spanish commerce and settlements in the Caribbean. As his fleet sailed west, Britain and Spain severed relations and the War of Jenkins Ear began. Descending on the poorly defended Spanish town of Porto Bello, Panama, he quickly captured it on November 21 and remained there for three weeks. The victory led to the naming of Portobello Road in London and public debut of the song Rule, Britannia!. For his achievement, Vernon was hailed as a hero and was granted Freedom of the City of London. Old Grog The following year saw Vernon order that the daily rum ration provided to the sailors be watered down to three parts water and one part rum in an effort to reduce drunkenness. As Vernon was known as Old Grog for his habit of wearing grogham coats, the new drink became known as grog. Some have argued that Vernon dictated the addition of citrus juice to the mixture which would led to much-reduced rates of scurvy and other diseases in his fleet as it would have added a daily dose of Vitamin C. This appears to be a misreading of his original orders and was not part of the original recipe. Failure at Cartagena In an effort to follow up Vernons success at Porto Bello, in 1741 he was given a large fleet of 186 ships and 12,000 soldiers led by Major General Thomas Wentworth. Moving against Cartagena, Colombia, British forces were hampered by frequent disagreements between the two commanders and delays ensued. Due to the prevalence of disease in the region, Vernon was skeptical of the operations success. Arriving in early March 1741, British efforts to take the city were plagued by a lack of supplies and rampaging disease. Endeavoring to defeat the Spanish, Vernon was forced to withdraw after sixty-seven days which saw around a third of his force lost to enemy fire and disease. Among those to take part in the campaign was George Washingtons brother, Lawrence, who named his plantation Mount Vernon in the admirals honor. Sailing north, Vernon captured Guantnamo Bay, Cuba and desired to move against Santiago de Cuba. This effort failed due to heavy Spanish resistance and Wentworths incompetence. With the failure of British operations in the region, both Vernon and Wentworth were recalled in 1742. A Return to Parliament Returning to Parliament, now representing Ipswich, Vernon continued to battle on behalf of the Royal Navy. Critical of the Admiralty, he may have authored several anonymous pamphlets which attacked its leadership. Despite his actions, he was promoted to admiral 1745, and took command of the North Sea Fleet in an effort to prevent French aid from reaching Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and the Jacobite Rebellion in Scotland. Having been refused in his request to be named Commander-in-Chief he elected to step down on December 1. The following year, with the pamphlets circulating, he was removed from the Royal Navys list of flag officers. An avid reformer, Vernon remained in Parliament and worked to improve the Royal Navys operations, protocols, and fighting instructions. Many of the changes he worked for aided in the Royal Navys dominance in the Seven Years War. Vernon continued to serve in Parliament until his death at his estate in Nacton, Suffolk on October 30, 1757. Buried at Nacton, Vernons nephew had a monument erected to his memory at Westminster Abbey.

How To Use Blog Comments For Content Marketing

How To Use Blog Comments For Content Marketing If youve been visiting some of the bigger blogs lately, youll notice an interesting trend: no more blog comments. Copyblogger  and  Michael Hyatt  are a couple  of the more popular bloggers who have pulled comments from their blogs. Other bloggers have entered the debate on why you should and shouldnt include comments with blog posts, or even the value of participating in blog comment sections. Weve even entered the fray, coming out with 10 reasons to have blog comments. What if we took a different look at the venerable blog comment tradition and viewed it as a form of content marketing? In some way, taking part in a blog comment section  is of similar  quality of some of the most common venues of content marketing. How To Use #Blog Comments To Become A Better Content Marketer  via @JulieNeidlinger Blog comment systems are much different than they used to be. Systems like Disqus and Livefyre act like a social network. Each user has a profile, and a record of all their comments across all the blogs theyve commented on that use these systems. Users can follow profiles, and vote on comments that they deem as valuable. Blog comments can also be fueled by social networks themselves, such as Facebook or Google+. In this way, participating in blog comments is quite similar as participating on a social network Blog Comments To Network And Connect Old school bloggers who were blogging years ago will fondly remember (and in some cases, not so fondly) the many connections they made in blog comment sections. Before there was social media, a blog comment section was the place to talk about a blog post. If you wanted to share it, you brought it back to your blog and packaged it for your readers. Now, social media has brought that to an end somewhat. For most blogs, the comment sections aren't as active, nor are they used the same way. Nevertheless, participating in a blog comment section is a way to find new bloggers to follow, and a way for them to find you. It also makes sense that you would meet and converse with people in the comments of a blog on a topic you were both interested in when otherwise, you'd not have connected. Blogs now are particularly niche-focused, making it more likely that you will meet relevant people you ought to network and connect with in the comments. You may never see them, otherwise, in social media. You might not end up in the same forum as they. But you are likely reading the same top blogs. Use #blog comments to connect with peers. Treat it like #socialmedia with unique  insights.Blog Comments For Generating Ideas A blog comment section is a fabulous place to get ideas for your next post. In fact, I've even written posts in response to discussions I've had in a blog comment section when I feel as if I need to flesh out my thoughts in greater detail. Then, once the post is finished, I go back to the discussion I was having and share the link and note that I wrote about it on my blog. As a blogger, the conversations happening in a blog comments section reveal more about what people want to read about than any daily perusal of your RSS feed reader. A feed reader tells you what other bloggers think ought to be written. A blog comment section has the questions and thoughts people are telling you they want written. When we published a post called How To Actually Plan Your Blog And Save A Ton Of Time, Ella had a great question for us. We used that inspiration from her blog comment to write a post called How To Start A Blog When You Have Absolutely No Audience to answer her question (and then we let Ella know when it launched). This is particularly the case on a popular industry blog, where people are turning to the expert for help. They will ask for clarification and help. Why not write a post and be that help? Pay attention to the words other blog commenters are using when they ask questions or comment, so that you use those same words in your own blog posts. Use #blog comments to find your best blog ideas. #bloggingBlog Comments Can Build Your Reputation There are some content marketers who don't actually  have a blog. They write on social media, such as Google+, participate in niche forums, or they focus their efforts on being a serious blog commenter. They build a reputation as an expert based on what they say in these non-blog locations. Reputation building can happen off of your blog. When people start to see your name across blocks in your industry, and see that you are leaving great comments, they remember. Your blog comments are building your reputation as someone with knowledge and expertise. People take notice. It may lead to requests for guest blog posts, an interview, or other avenues to participate in content marketing. Frankly, a knowledgeable post stands out in a blog comment section in this day and age. There is such a thing as building a bad reputation, of course.  One thing I do, when reading a cantankerous comment on a blog, is click on the commenter's name. If it is a comment system such as Disqus, I can quickly see what kind of comments they generally leave, and I assign them a reputation. Some people only leave comments to say disagreeable things. Even if they have their own blog and it is filled with great content, I'm not going to bother. The comments you are leaving are building your reputation. Make it a good one that shows you are knowledgeable and even-handed, instead of a disagreeable jerk with little to add to the conversation. Write knowledgeable and even-handed #blog comments, instead of being a disagreeable jerk.Blog Comments As Your Side Blog Depending upon how thoughtful and how much time you put in the comments section of a blog (going beyond the not-so-helpful "great post!"), you could view a blog comments section as a secondary method for blogging. We've talked about syndicating and repurposing your content on sites such as Medium.com, LinkedIn, et. al. In a sense, the blog comment section of a high-traffic blog can do some of the same. If you have written a great post that would really fit into the conversation in a comments section of a blog post, rework your blog post into a summary and share it in the comments section. This is better than simply saying "I wrote a post about this: http://blahblah.com" because people are tired of spammers leaving links without explanation in the comment section. Getting your content on Medium and LinkedIn works well because you expose it to a new audience. The same goes for a blog comment section, as long as you trim it down and provide a tidy quick-read summary. If you want to include the link at the end, you might say "I've talked about this in a bit more detail on my own blog" and use an inline link so it is visually appealing and seems less like link spam. Provide a unique perspective in #blog comments and link to a post to  flesh out the idea.Blog Comments As Your Daily Routine Most content marketers have a particular daily routine that they use to get ideas, stay active, and stay knowledgeable in their niche. These routines usually involve going through the day's RSS feeds in a reader, planning upcoming content on their editorial calendar, responding to social media, and so on. Why wouldn't you also block out time to leave one or two long comments on relevant blogs? That ought to be a part of your regular routine, too, if you are trying to build a reputation and a following. We talk a lot about long-form blog posts. Let's consider its cousin: long-form blog comment. You don't have to write a 1,000 word blog comment every day, but you can certainly leave a few paragraphs of relevant content to  meet other commenters and earn the appreciation of the blog owner where you left your comment.