The Threat Of Global Warming - 1779 Words

We are paying the consequences from past generation’s inability to make the right but hard choices, in order to protect and preserve our environment. The NRDC website lists the top global warming symptoms as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, severe weather patterns, the human health, and wildlife. (Consequences of Global Warming). Drilling in ANWR would cause horrifying situations for the wildlife ecosystem and inescapable affects on life in America and around the world, as we know it. In the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s annual report and recommendations to the US Congress, they revealed the astounding fact that, â€Å"The Artic Refuge is the only conservation system unit that protects, in an undisturbed condition, a complete†¦show more content†¦8). The wildlife and undisrupted wilderness is interwoven in their culture, daily lives, and sense of themselves (Inkley, Kolton, p. 8). Sarah James, a member of the Neets’all Gwich’in, Art ic Village Gwich’in Steering committee, emphasized this connection, stating, â€Å"We are the Caribou People†¦Caribou are not just what we eat; they are who we are. They are in our stories and songs and the whole way we see the world. Caribou are our life. Without caribou we wouldn’t exist† (Inkley, Kolton, p. 8). As oil drilling in ANWR would inevitably disrupt and threaten the safety and existence of the caribou, it would disrupt and threaten the safety and, as Sarah emphasizes in her last statement, herself and her villages’ existence. The abundance of wildlife within the diverse ANWR ecosystem is the beating heart of our natural global environment, with an immeasurable amount of importance with regards to our environments interconnectivity. With over 8 marine mammal species and 42 species of fish, the robust ANWR ecosystem provides the uninterrupted conservation and preservation required for these species spawning rituals, in order to maintain the fish population necessary for our mass fishing industry, that we have become so accustomed to in the lower 48 (Inkley, Kolton, p. 8). An enormous portion of the fish we consume is Alaskan salmon; whose spawning ground environment ANWR oil

Analysis Of The Significance Of Islamic Banking Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 5 Words: 1645 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Analytical essay Did you like this example? 5.1 What is the significance of Islamic Banking in a post recession world? Islamic banking is gaining popularity in emerging markets after helping some financial institutions avoid the worst of the economic meltdown.  [1]  Islamic banks have been less affected than many conventional banks in the current global recession.  [2]  This is mainly because unlike conventional banks, the Islamic banks have not been exposed to losses from investment in toxic assets nor have they been dependent on wholesale funds since these practices are not in accordance with the principles set out in the Sharia Law. Moreover, recent years have already indicated that there is an interest in Islamic banking beyond Islamic investors. The UK is one of the leading centres for Islamic banking in the world, yet only 5% of its population is Muslim. And lastly, governments and regulators in a variety of countries have already recognized the importance of Islamic banking as a feasible a lternative to conventional banking.  [3] The global recession brought about by the collapse in credit supply saw many of the globally accepted models of investment disappeared almost overnight with the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008. It is well accepted that the credit crunch was essentially caused by gambling and inadequate regulation.  [4] The radical change in the investment dynamics of the market and a clear question of the morality of the investment industry signify a clear turning point in the development of regional and global investment markets. That will provide new boost to the already burgeoning Islamic private equity and venture capital industries.  [5] Thus, surely a system in which gambling is banned, where everything must be backed by tangible assets should be significant in a post recession world. In this era of scarred savers and investors, everyone shall move their money over to this low-risk system.  [6] A post-crisis market is m ore realistic and searches for an ethically based approach to investment. The new investment markets, after the crash, will see a growing demand for a far more partnership approach to private equity and venture capital investment. In private equity, the investor shares both the risks and the rewards, which replicates the basic principles of Islamic investment. Even before the full attack of the global downturn, the characteristics of Islamic private equity and venture capital ensured the sectors enjoyed increasing attention from regional and global investors.  [7] The merger of companies, as a means of meeting the operational and strategic challenges of the economic downturn, will show a growing demand for a far more partnership approach to private equity and venture capital investment. Islamic investment should be made on the basis of partnership and investment also to be made in largely infrastructure-orientated projects, such as transport, energy, healthcare and education, a s these sectors not only offer asset backed investment but also long term investment into societies.  [8]  Thus, in the post recession world, where the market and society is demanding that the investment industry provide a responsible form of investment, Islamic private equity and venture capital are both ideally suited to meet this demand. 5.2 Impediments to the growth of Islamic Banking: Although the market has recognized the importance of Islamic Banking to the post recession world there are many obstacles to be overcome. The following are some of the impediments to the growth of Islamic Banking. An important deterrent to continued growth in the Islamic Banking sector is a shortage of investment outlets with acceptable risk/ reward trade-offs.  [9] The main obstacle to the growth of Islamic banking is that various Shariah boards give contradictory rulings on the permissibility of different types of products developed within different Islamic banks. .  [10]   This causes utter confusion and misunderstanding among individual customers as to the permissibility of various products. The unfamiliarity with the Islamic Banking system and the lack of knowledge among normal consumers is a great obstacle to be overcome by Islamic banking. The lack of adequate liquidity instruments is a major hindrance in Islamic banking. For instance, treasury bills and other marketable instruments.  [11] The lack of prescribed global standards for Islamic Finance Law is disabling the banking community to create a truly global product line.  [12]  The conventional banking system globally places huge importance on data protection and zero tolerance on money laundering. This is an example where a global standard can govern the smooth functioning of the conventional banking system. Islamic financial and banking system cannot be set up nor grown without government involvement. This is clearly evident even in predominantly Muslim countries where succ essive governments have a hostile attitude towards the growth of Islamic banking. The lack of awareness especially among Muslim people about the practicality and knowhow of Islamic banking is a widespread issue that needs to be addressed.  [13] As far as conventional banking system is concerned there are some international supervisory standards and practices but in Islamic Banking no such standards or practices exists.  [14] A major weakness in Islamic banking is that there is no lobby to persuade the regulators to make an environment suitable for the smooth functioning and development of Islamic banking.  [15] The lack of a uniform regulatory and legal framework globally is a major drawback within Islamic banking.  [16] The shortage of scholars and qualified managers locally and internationally shows a lack of adequate manpower to run the Islamic banking system.  [17] The absence of a strong Branch network even among countries that have adopted the Islam ic banking system shows the lack of growth and encouragement for Islamic banking.  [18] 5.3 Some suggestion for the growth of Islamic Banking: In order to operate and grow in the global market effectively, the following suggestions are desirable. The creation of a global association of Shariah boards is essential to equip various Shariah scholars with the knowledge and skills to develop new Islamic banking products and to ensure continued growth in the Islamic banking industry.  [19] It is vital that adequate promotion of the Islamic banking industry products takes place on a regular basis in order to generate interest and loyalty from Muslims and non Muslims. The promotion of various products can take place through advertisement, awareness, road shows, speeches, programmes and various print and visual media for targeting potential customer base.  [20]  This will help to spark awareness on Islamic banking among Non Muslims as well. Though it is hard and not pr acticable in the near future, the banking system in various Muslim countries should transfer to the Islamic Banking system.  [21]  Please read ITC, à ¢ÃƒÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¬ÃƒÆ'†¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Islamic Banking: A Guide for Small and Medium-sized Enterprisesà ¢ÃƒÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ , International Trade Corporation, Geneva, page no 46. Similar to the recent unrest in the Middle East, if one Muslim country adopts the Islamic banking industry then other countries can follow suit and reap the rewards of the Islamic banking industry. The proponents of Islamic banking must educate and negotiate with government regulators to clear some of the complexity regarding the operational viability of Islamic financial instruments in an economy and create a favourable environment for the smooth functioning of the Islamic financial system. It is essential that the latest technological developments are incorporated into Islamic banking so that Islam ic banking can also provide the convenience offered by conventional banking system. Example the development of telephone and internet banking has seen a dramatic shift in the way people conduct their banking needs in the conventional banking system. Thus Islamic banking must also incorporate these ideas into their product portfolio to attract additional interest in the system and to offer convenience to the various users.  [22] Sharing the knowledge on Islamic banking system within the countries that is working to develop the system.  [23] The research and development effort that develops new services that is compliant with Islamic teachings needs to be improved.  [24]  Currently the research and development effort in this area is inadequate and not in a position to develop innovative products necessary for the expansion of the Islamic banking industry. For the growth of Islamic banking in the near future it is important that the existing Islamic banks form mergers with each other and form strategic alliances with other major banks like HSBC to compete on the same level similar to a bank in the conventional banking system.  [25] 5.4 Conclusion: In a nutshell, this study makes it clear that Islamic banking is not a negligible or merely temporary phenomenon. Islamic banking is an area that has mushroomed to become an increasingly substantial segment within the global financial market. It has been recognised as a viable and competitive form of financial intermediation not only in Muslim countries but also outside the Muslim world and offering a wide range of financial products and services.  [26] Although the assets of the largest Islamic bank are equal to only 1 percent of the assets of the largest bank in the world, Islamic banking is one of the fastest growing industries, having posted double-digit annual growth rates for almost 30 years.  [27] From the ongoing recession, we have understood that the bankà ¢ÃƒÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¬ÃƒÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¾Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ ¢s role is no longer to give and collect money but to be a true entrepreneur who engages in the effective management of a business and share in the risks associated with the business.  [28]  Thus, in this study we have seen that in a post recession world when it comes to financing the economy, the profit loss share contracts under Islamic banking are significant because they have strict regulations as to the conduct of business activities within the company. The author believes that Mudharabah under Islamic banking can aid in minimizing defaults within the banking system due to its unique feature of profit-sharing, and thus, assist in averting a severe banking crisis situation. It can be concluded that the market for Islamic banking shows rich potential and has reached its mature stage. But as discussed throughout this study, there are several problems and challenges within Islamic banking in relation to its operations, regulations , clarity of its concepts and the practicality. All these issues must be addressed and a viable solution must be found immediately to secure the future of Islamic banking. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Analysis Of The Significance Of Islamic Banking Finance Essay" essay for you Create order

Music Therapy Free Essays

Professor Yankee 11/19/12 Music Therapy Why do people use this type of therapy exactly? Well music has been used as medicine for thousands of years and there’s a growing field of health care known as music therapy, which uses music to heal. Those who practice music therapy find benefits in using it to help cancer patients, children with ADD, and others, and even hospitals are beginning to use music therapy to help with pain management, to help ward off depression, to promote movement, to calm patients, to improve communication, to ease muscle tension, and for many other benefits that music and music therapy can bring. A lot of people don’t understand what kind of therapy this is, people have different assumptions about it but it is a real profession that takes a bachelor music degree. We will write a custom essay sample on Music Therapy or any similar topic only for you Order Now Music therapists work with a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. It is often used in cancer treatment to help reduce pain, anxiety, and nausea caused by chemotherapy. Some people believe music therapy may be beneficial to the health care of children with cancer by promoting social interaction and cooperation. There is evidence that music therapy can reduce high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, depression, and sleeplessness. There are no claims music therapy can cure cancer or other diseases, but medical experts do believe it can reduce some symptoms, aid healing, improve physical movement, and enrich a patient’s quality of life. Ancient Greek philosophers believed music could heal both body and mind, Native Americans used singing and chants to heal millennia. More formal approaches begin in World War two when hospitals started using music to help soldiers with shell shock. In 1944, Michigan State University established the first music therapy degree program in the world. Music therapists design music sessions for individuals and groups based on their needs and tastes. Some aspects of music therapy include making music, listening to music, writing songs, and talking about lyrics. Music therapy may also involve imagery and learning through music. It can be done in different places such as hospitals, cancer centers, at home, or anywhere people can benefit from its calming or stimulating effects. The patient does ot need to have any musical ability to benefit from music therapy. Most peoples reaction to music is a burst of energy upon hearing an upbeat song or a sense of calm during a soothing classical piece. Music therapy uses this connection between music and mood. It has also been shown to lower amounts of the hormone cortisol, which becomes elevated under stress, and to increase the release of endorphins, the body’s natural â€Å"feel-goodâ₠¬  hormones. Researchers have found that music therapy, when used with anti-nausea drugs for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, can help ease nausea and vomiting. A number of clinical trials have shown the benefit of music therapy for short-term pain, including pain from cancer. Music therapy works by stimulating parts of the brain that are associated with music in a person with Alzheimer’s disease, the section of the brain that allows direct recall of memories is damaged. Musical memories, however, are associated not only with the music itself but also with the circumstances surrounding the musical experience. Listening to music can indirectly stimulate the recall of memory fragments that otherwise could not be retrieved. The ability to retrieve some memories can be comforting to people with dementia. In a different manner, music therapy can assist those with Parkinson’s disease. In a person with Parkinson’s, the part of the brain that organizes thoughts and movements into action is damaged. Music with a strong, rhythmic beat can stimulate motor control, movement and coordination. Studies show that gait training that uses music improves walking speed and coordination for people with Parkinson’s. In general, music therapy done under the care of a professionally trained therapist has a helpful effect and is considered safe when used with standard treatment. Musical intervention by untrained people can be ineffective or can even cause increased stress and discomfort. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health consequences. Besides that there are no real risks or dangers to using music to heal. But how far can music heal you? There was a study that examined 200-300 patients with diabetes participants in a three year study starting this April. Although we do know that music can help vasculature, mental states and mood, there is little to no evidence to suggest that music therapy will help the outcome of diabetes. Perhaps there will be some miraculous benefit for patients suffering from diabetes to engage in extreme music therapy, however previous research indicates that it is not the music itself that determines the benefits, but the emotional responses to the music that is the key. Even though there is little evidence to support that music will help diabetes. Scientific studies have shown the value of music therapy on the body, mind, and spirit of children and adults. Researchers have found that music therapy, when used with anti-nausea drugs for patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, can help ease nausea and vomiting. A number of clinical trials have shown the benefit of music therapy for short-term pain, including pain from cancer. Some studies have suggested that music may help decrease the overall intensity of the patient’s experience of pain when used with pain-relieving drugs. Music therapy can also result in a decreased need for pain medicine in some patients, although studies on this topic have shown mixed results. Studies have shown that students who take music lessons have improved IQ levels, and show improvement in nonmusical abilities as well. Other studies have shown that listening to music composed by Mozart produces a short-term improvement in tasks that use spatial abilities. Studies of brain circulation have shown that people listening to Mozart have more activity in certain areas of the brain. This has been called the â€Å"Mozart effect. † Although the reasons for this effect are not completely clear, this kind of information supports the idea that music can be used in many helpful ways. What can be improved ? Verbal nonverbal communication, Gross and fine motor movement,Range of motion, Relaxation techniques, Anger management skills, Expression of emotion, Sensory integration, Academic skills, and Leisure skills. We use music to make your life better. Whether you need help socially, cognitively, physically, emotionally, or developmentally, music can help you get better and music therapists trained on how to do that. What’s more interesting, though, is why it works. When used properly, music can be an incredibly powerful treatment tool. And not just because it’s fun, relaxing, and motivating, but because music has a profound impact on our brains and our bodies. First off music is the core function of our brains, we have physiologic responses to music,Our brain is primed early on to respond to and process music. Every time your breathing quickens, your heart-rate increases, or you feel a shiver down your spine, that’s your body responding physiologically to music. Qualified music therapists can use this to help stimulate a person in a coma or use music to effectively help someone relax. Music often has a predictable steady beat, organized phrases, and a structured form. Most country/folk/pop/rock songs, they’re often organized with a verse-chorus structure. They’re organized in a way that we like and enjoy listening to over and over again. Even sound waves that make up a single tone or an entire chord are organized in mathematical ratios–and our brains really like this predictability and structure. Music is in our everyday lives, we hear it in the store, at school, church, music is part of our thoughts, how we speak, even when there’s none around we can still it in our heads. With all these benefits that music can carry, it’s no surprise that music therapy is growing in popularity. Many hospitals are using music therapists for pain management and other uses. Music therapists help with several other issues as well, including stress. While music therapy is an important discipline, you can also achieve many benefits from music on your own. Music can be used in daily life for relaxation, to gain energy when feeling drained, for catharsis when dealing with emotional stress, and in other ways as well. Music therapy has been proven to be an effective form of therapy in a variety of areas for a multitude of ailments. However, there is still much more theorizing, discussion, and research that needs to be done in this area, and that fact makes it all the more interesting. Through technological advances and constantly evolving musical styles as well as cross-cultural influences, this is one form of therapy that will never cease to be innovative and topical. Hopefully, researchers will continue to treat this topic as a serious area of psychology and one that deserves to be molded into a more scientific pedagogy through advancement and refinement of research and therapeutic techniques. I believe there is much more to be discovered about music and its effect on humanity. How to cite Music Therapy, Papers

Conservative American Presidents free essay sample

A study of the American Republican president Ronald Regan and the conservative ideal that paralleled with President Harding. This paper discusses the return to conservatism in the American presidency after the 1980s. It compares the similarities to earlier periods in the 19th and 20th century, and discusses the relationship there is between this return to conservatism and the continued struggle for U.S. military dominance and economic globalization. The paper describes the foreign policy and military actions of President Regan in the 1980s. Many Americans also felt Regan used too much force in his foreign policy, and could bring the country to war very easily. The March 1986 raid on Libya and Moammar Khadafys headquarters in retaliation for terrorist activities was popular with most Americans, but illustrates his use of force and might in American foreign policy. Contributing to the global peace process, Regan met with Soviet premier Gorbachev in 1987, and together they signed the INF (intermediate nuclear force) arms control treaty, limiting and controlling the use of nuclear arms in both countries, a major step in demonstrating Americas global political dominance. We will write a custom essay sample on Conservative American Presidents or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page