Theory of Constraints Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Theory of Constraints - Research Paper Example Once the organization defines its goals and there is agreement on how to evaluate the achievements toward the identified goals, it possible to apply the TOC’s five focusing steps. From the case scenario, the primary goal of the HMC is to develop a lean production system that considers the expenditure for any purpose other than value creation for the end customer is wasteful. The TOC’ five focusing steps are applied to the HMC’s supply chain below. Identify the constraint: Even though HMC generates majority of its sales from the assembly area, the assembly side of the company is not very efficient currently. Another constraint to the HMC’s supply chain is that it does not have adequate space capabilities to maintain its large scale assembly operations. In addition, the company has never modified its initial layout since its establishment and this issue causes a series of ongoing production inefficiencies. Exploit the constraint: In this phase, the organizat ion has to cut down its inventory volume to the targeted level. Evidently, this practice would assist the organization to improve space utilization in the plant. Subordinate to the constraint: In order to improve the production cycle time, the firm has to replace its weaker labors with highly developed technologies. In addition, the HMC may make some special arrangements with its suppliers to reduce its expediting and obsolescence costs. Furthermore, the organization has to identify and eliminate any supply chain activity that does not create value for the end customer. Elevate the constraint: It is better for the organization to develop its plant capacity so that it can bear more assembly operations efficiently. Identify the new constraint: Once the HMC finished the above steps, the management has to watch for new constraints developed. 2. Theory of constraints in logistics The process of logistics is of vital importance in a lean production system because a lean system is specific ally concerned with elimination of wastes (Lean logistic understanding). Logistics can be simply referred to the management of resource flow between the point of origin and point of distribution. The TOC is very helpful to detect any constraint that affects the effective flow of resources. Timely identification of constraints in resource flow would aid the firm to remain competitive in the automotive industry. In case of HMC, constraints in logistics create some other potential operational challenges for the organization. The TOC can be applied to logistics to timely identify some other needs in supply chain management. For instance, lack of plant layout upgradation is a potential constraint that reduces the efficiency of logistic management. By applying the TOC, it is possible to identify such plant modification needs and thereby keep the plant unaffected of production inefficiencies. In addition, the TOC would assist the logistics management to improve the organization’s pr oduction cycle time through identifying inefficient labors and malfunctioning machineries. The organization can compare current logistics activities with those of previous years with the help of TOC. This practice would benefit the organization to clearly identify areas of improvement and enhance its market share growth. Lucent Technologies Lucent Technologies is a US based multinational telecommunications corporation that has applied the TOC to its supply chain. Like other

Leadership and Change (Love) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leadership and Change (Love) - Essay Example Kotter (1996) proposes eight steps of management, which can be significantly essential in managing change. As Kotter demonstrates, the first step entails creating urgency. In this step, leaders develop urgency on why the organization needs change. Managers should identify probable threats and predict what might happen in the future. Therefore, this step focuses on identifying opportunities that can be exploited. Kotter argues that more than 75% of the organization’s management should buy into the new proposed change. Dubrin (2008) notes that the second step involve forming a powerful coalition; leaders should convince employees the necessity for change. Therefore, a team or a coalition of influential people should be brought together to succeed in leading change. The third step comprises of creating a vision for change; a clear vision helps members of the organization understand why they should embrace change. Thus, developing values centered to change and strategy for achievi ng the vision is particularly crucial in this step. The fourth to effective change management involves communicating the vision (Kotter, 1996). The vision should be communicated strongly and frequently. Based on this, the vision should be applied to all aspects of organizational operations from reviews on training to performance. The fifth step entails removing obstacles to achieve the proposed change. Thus, leaders should overcome people and structures, which resist change (Beerel, 2009). According to Kotter (1996 p 104), the sixth step involves creating short term wins; success motivates people. When the change process starts, leaders should give the company an experience of victory. Leaders should not choose early targets that may be expensive. Targets have to justify the investments in all the projects undertaken. Therefore, it would be crucial to analyze the pros and cons of the targets. Building on the change is the seventh step; leaders should analyze what succeeded and what needs to be changed. Additionally, they should set goals and targets to attain in the future. Ideas should be kept fresh by involving new leaders and change agents for the coalition. In this step, managers recognize the successes and failures, which they have made. This helps them make the necessary improvements in the organization. The eighth step entails anchoring the changes in corporate culture. Change has to become part of the organization’s core; it should be incorporated in all aspects. To Kotter, leaders should address progress and experiences of success. Thus, Leaders should place emphasis on change values and ideals in hiring and training staff. All members of the organization should take part so that no one feels left out in the change process. Kotter notes that a people driven and people oriented approach can be good while implementing change. Careful planning and building proper foundation also improves the chances of success in management (Nanus, 1998). The Kilp atrick Model Kilpatrick has proposed five key principles of effective change management. First, the change program should gain support from key decision makers within the organization. Secondly, planning should be conducted before implementing the projects (Kilpatrick, 1998). The third principle entails measurement; leaders state the objectives of the

No Ordinary Sun and to Sea Essay Example for Free

No Ordinary Sun and to Sea Essay In The Sea, to the Mountain, to the River the use of simile establishes the perspective of the readers about the workmen, Tuwhare leads the readers to see them as despicable- destroying our environment for the sake of progress. Then, he uses personification for the same effect. The readers empathize with the environment and consider the sea, the mountain and the river as people like them who has feelings. By doing this, Tuwhare appeals at the readers emotions, making them see how terrible t is to destroy the environment. While in the first poem, Tuwhare appeals to readers by encouraging them to feel what the nature is feeling, in No Ordinary Sun imagery is used to show the effects of a man-made weapon, atomic bomb and make them realize what would happen to them and the environment. Tuwhare used adjective to create images in the minds of the readers. [G]allant monsoon flash and dashing trade winds blast are old- fashioned, positive sounding words that Tuwhare used to describe the monsoon and he wind. He wants the readers to know that compared to the bomb, these two are almost benign, almost nothing. Another example of imagery was in the last stanza: shadowless mountains, White plains and drab sea floor. This creates an image of a lifeless planet. Tuwhare is telling the readers, this is what happens. Everything will be destroyed- our lives, nature- all because we seek power and progress. Tuwhare also used symbolism to help people understand how devastating an atomic bomb can be. He explored the irony of the comparison to show the big difference between our sun and the not ordinary sun. Our sun gives us life, energy and warmth. We need it to live. The other sun, the one mentioned in the poem, is a monstrous sun. It kills people and annihilates the environment. By calling it monstrous, Tuwhare is implying that this sun is an unacceptable product of a merger between nature and man. Thus, what we created for power will destroy us. Also, by using sun as a symbol for atomic bomb, the readers are more affected as the sun is irectly related to our everyday lives. In this poem, Tuwhare made it clear how much we are affected when our environment is destroyed. We cannot live alone in this planet. Our hunger for power and progress blind us and we need to stop. Both poems used fgurative language to engage the readers and to show the effects of our actions. Tuwhares message is very important as in todays society, especially in New Zealand, destruction of environment for the sake of progress is not uncommon. Earlier on March, news of national parks becoming mining grounds sparked protest from all over the country. The government believes that this will help New Zealands economy prosper. But are we really going to forsake the environment for the sake of progress? Also, North Koreas nuclear testing hasnt stopped. To further their power, the government of Korea ignores the devastating effects of nuclear bombs. Tuwhares poems The Sea, to the Mountain, to the River and No Ordinary Sun urges us to open our eyes and stop destroying our environment.

Economics, Scarcity, and Choice :: Economics

Economics, Scarcity, and Choice Economics: is the study of choice under conditions of scarcity Scarcity: a situation in which the amount of something available is insufficient to satisfy the desire for it. - time and purchasing power are scarce As individual’s, we face a scarcity of time and spending power. Given more of either, we could have more of the goods and services that we desire. Resources: the land, labor, and capital that are used to produce goods and services - scarce labor – the time human beings spend producing goods and services capital – long lasting tools used in producing goods and services physical capital: buildings, machinery, equipment human capital: skills and training workers possess land – the physical space on which production occurs, and the natural resources that come with it As a society, our resources, land, labor, and capital, are insufficient to produce all the goods and services we might desire. In other words, society faces a scarcity of resources. Raw material – not long lasting tool Ex. Chalk What to produce? How much to produce? How to produce it? The World of Economics Microeconomics: the study of the behavior of individual households, firms, and governments; the Choices they make; and their interaction in specific markets What happens to the cost of movie tickets over the next five years? How many jobs will open up in the fast-food industry? Macroeconomics: the study of the economy as a whole Lumps all goods and services together and looks at the economy’s total output. Positive economics: the study of what is, of how the economy works (deals with the facts) Ex. If we lower income tax rates in the U.S. next year, will the economy grow faster? If so, by how much? What effect will it have on total employment? Normative economics: the study of what should be; it is used to make value judgments, identify Problems, and prescribe solutions. Normative analysis is based on positive analysis. Why Study Economics 1. To understand the world better - understand global and cataclysmic events such as wars, famines, epidemics - understand local problems; ex. Worsening traffic conditions in the city - tell us how many skilled therapists, ministers are available to help us 2. To gain self-confidence - when you master economics, you gain a sense of mastery over the world, and thus over your own life 3. To achieve social change - make the world a better place

Health Care Delivery Systems Essay

Bursting the Health Care Bubble A source states that, the 30 million uninsured Americans have forced the United States to put part of the responsibility of health care into the government’s hands (Terry 116). By 2014, the changes in the health care system will be life changing for some, while others will have little to no effect by the reform. A surgery specialist from New York states that, â€Å"†¦46 million people in America lack access to health care and†¦ has been based on a person’s ability to pay† (Goldberg 6). Since 2010, the Health Care Reform Act already started making changes in our economy and will continue to do so until for many years, or the election of a new President. These changes will allow each person to have little to no excuse on why they are not taking responsibility of their health. As I sat patiently in the waiting room for my doctor who was twenty minutes late, I sat and watched the clock every few minutes until a nurse came to greet me. I couldn’t help but look around at the other patients next to me thinking†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"right, privilege, or responsibility?† Was it my right to be here, my privilege, or my responsibility? Going through the scenarios in my head, I could think of examples that could fall under each. A small child ran about the waiting room while her mom sat in her chair reading â€Å"Country Living†, an elderly couple sat holding hands to my left, also waiting patiently for someone to greet them. I could hear the medical assistants at the front desk gossiping and discussing insurance matters. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them after learning what pain insurance companies could be. Originally, while sitting there unwearyingly for the doctor and watching the people around me, I thought it was a privilege to get to be one of the lucky ones that had insurance, which better allowed me to take care and responsibility of my own health. This then lead me to my next thought, the reason that I am here right now is because I am the one taking responsibility for my own health (†¦and maybe the help of my parents until I am 26†¦ hopefully). As the nurse called me back, I had finally come to a  conclusion. Health care in the United States is a responsibility, not a right and no longer a privilege. The responsibility of healthcare if shifting everywhere, whether it be changing into the hands of patients, medical personnel, or the government. According to www.dictionary.com, being responsible is being accountable. I feel that many American’s in the United States have trouble being accountable for their own actions, and like to put the blame on someone or something other than themselves. â€Å"Americans do not blame themselves for their health care problems†¦instead attributing the rising health care costs to the profits made by drug and insurance companies† (Blendon 636). Even from the standpoint of our country as a whole, many would like to believe that we don’t make mistakes and that we are better than the rest. Even on Google, there are many websites containing all the reasons that American’s think they are superior to other countries†¦ and sadly, there is a long list. Reality has to hit at some point, and someday I hope many of us can recognize that we aren’t perfect, and that in fact we do make mistakes, mistakes that can hold even the lives and the decisions of others. Thinking I am being proactive and taking responsibility for my own health, I finally get to see the doctor after not only a thirty minute wait in the lobby, but a two to three week wait just to see my family physician. Marshall Kapp, the director of Florida State University’s Center for Innovative Collaboration in Medicine & Law, states that â€Å"†¦practicing physicians in the United States are already extremely busy† he goes on to say that adding new patients to practices will only result in either more hours to the day or a longer wait to get into your doctor, depending on the physician because of the reform (418). Marshall Kapp fears that â€Å"†¦affordable health insurance†¦ may still fail at actually providing medical care† (416). Because each physician will have more patients, will each patient be receiving the right quality of care? Or even the right medical care at all because of the long wait? In the same article he goes on saying,  "According to an official of the American College of Physicians, ‘newly insured patients can anticipate difficulties gaining access to primary care, particularly in undeserved communities’† (416). More patients will then  cause a shortage of physicians in the United States. Another source goes on to say that â€Å"Americans’ are far less satisfied with the availability†¦of health care in their country than Canada and the British are with theirs†¦ Nearly three-fourths of Americans in 2003 expressed dissatisfaction with the availability of health care in their country† (Blendon 629). Although Americans no longer have an excuse on why they aren’t taking responsibility, will the number of patients decrease the quality of care or the access to a physician? The Health Care Reform Act is predicted to reduce health care costs, which will then lead people to receive preventative care and will also allow Medicare patients to receive a physical with â€Å"no direct costs or low costs to patients† (Terry 116). Terry begins to then say that â€Å"preventative medicine and chronic illnesses-for instance, diabetic patients- are going to have incentives and better coverage (116). Edward J. Dougherty, Senior Vice President of B&D C onsulting in Washington D.C.†¦ says, ‘There is a greater focus on preventative care, on wellness, on patient education, and intervention before an acute event or episode occurs. That provides opportunities for anyone†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Terry 116). The wise words of Dr. Baker that will haunt my brain forever went a little something like this, â€Å"As I was shaving this morning, I looked in the mirror and saw the person who was responsible for high health care costs.† Every time I look in the mirror, I am now disturbed by these same words, as I’m sure many of my other class mates are as well. Dr. Davis Goldberg goes on to tell a story of Joe Skin, â€Å"Joe Skin died of metastatic malignant melanoma because he could not afford the $100 it would have to cost him to see a local dermatologist two years earlier, when he only had melanoma in situ. Unable to afford the original fee, he left his pigmented lesion untreated, until a seizure from metastatic disease ended with him having multiple surgeries at a cost of $350,000 to tax payers† (Goldberg 6). I wonder if Mr. Skin looked in the mirror while he was shaving that morning to realize that he would be one of the reasons for high health care costs in America. Unfortunately, because Joe Skin didn’t have health insurance he decided to not take responsibility for his health, which then resulted in more problems than before and even resulted in death. This seems to be a  popular trend in the uninsured Goldberg states, â€Å"The uninsured also tend to wait longer and get sicker before seeing a doctor† (6), he then states that a popular trend among the uninsured is that they are â€Å"†¦less likely to receive recommended preventative and primary care services, face significant barriers to care and ultimately face worse health outcomes† (6). The overall attitude toward health care changes dramatically when you bring those who are uninsured into the health care industry. â€Å"Americans’ attitudes toward the health care system are related to difference between those with secure and comprehensive coverage, and those without it† (Blendon 628). A source states that, one of the purposes of the Healthcare Reform act is to better allow each person to take responsibility into their own hands, as well as â€Å"†¦lower health costs† (Terry 116). The responsibility and the cost of health care have been taken out of the physicians and the medical staff’s hands, and into those of the governments. Nathan Kaufman, Managing Director of Kaufman Strategic Advisors states, â€Å"It is a brutal fact that hospitals can no longer afford to delegate the responsibility and accountability of cost and quality of care to an independent medical staff of physicians practicing†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (167). Like we have discussed earlier, the reform is supposed to help lower the costs, but Kaufman believes that â€Å"health care costs will contribute to the destabilization of the economy† (164). He then proceeds with Richard Foster, the chief actuary for Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services, who also states that â€Å"†¦the new law will increase the nation’s overall spending on healthcare by $289 billion through 2019† (Kaufman 164). This budget will then cut the spending in other important areas, which will then raise our taxes once again to pay back the borrowed money (Kaufman 164). Dr. Baicker also states that â€Å"†¦ there is much less to fund public schools, roads, and other necessary public services† (Goldberg 6). Although the Healthcare Reform or PPACA seems to be a good idea in many ways, this is where it all seems to be a little bit fishy, and when life seems to be all great and dandy with the reform, we will eventually be hit with the reality of the damage that our government and what our decisions have caused us. Dr. Katherine Baiker also questions the concept of the PPACA stating, â€Å"Yet the question remains: What will work? What is the most effective way to ration  health care?’ (Godberg 6). There are consequences to most every situation, and I do not know if physicians or patients are prepared for the consequences that the PPACA will bring us. The question is not if there are consequences, but when will we be affected by them? According to â€Å"Americans’ Health Care Views of Care, Access, and Quality† states that American’s have little to no faith in their government and were ready for some sort of reform (624). With the Healthcare Reform Act already facing high disputes and the non-support from many health care providers and some politicians, and because we spend so much time building the reform up, our nation is not aware of what is about to hit. At some point, Americans are going to be forced with higher taxes, and I fear health care providers who are also not prepared for the consequences will be faced with, and will not get the benefits of the reform to its fullest. Dr. Blendon says that, â€Å"†¦ when issues like health care rationing, increased taxes, and longer waiting times are raised, public alternatives fall sharply† (641). Later in the article, he also begins to say that †Å"less than half† of the people agreed to pay higher taxes to achieve the goal of a â€Å"universal health plan† (Blendon 642). Kaufman states, â€Å"Those who recognize the existence of a bubble and prepare for its brutal realities can benefit when the bubble bursts† (167). He also begins to say that, health care providers who do plan for the bubble bursting, â€Å"†¦will be able to treat higher volumes of patients at lower predictable costs per episode, demonstrating measurable high quality and providing an exceptional patient experience† (167-168). For those who do not prepare themselves for the â€Å"bubble burst† who will be responsible? Everyone involved in the health care system will be responsible for some of the â€Å"lack of thought† that has gone into this health care reform. One of the man purposes of the reform is to also help the quality of care, which is one of the many responsibilities that physicians face in the health care industry. Although doctors have many patients, if a patient is taking the responsibility of taking care of their own health, then it is th e responsibility of the physician to provide the best quality of care. A source states, â€Å"Health reform policies currently envisioned to improve care and lower costs may have small effects on high-cost patients who consume most resources. Instead, developing interventions tailored to improve care and lowering costs for specified types of complex and costly patients may hold greater potential for â€Å"bending the cost curve† (Kaufman 166). Changing the quality of care isn’t done at no cost, but a source states that â€Å"†¦health care organizations must contribute on some level to promoting the highest quality of care, the greatest safety of the patient, and the best patient experience† (Liang 1426). Coming from personal experience, if a patient is satisfied with their visit(s) and receives the best quality of care and experience possible, the likelihood of them returning is much greater. In the article â€Å"Quality and Safety in Medical Care: What Does the Future Hold?†, brought up some interesting points about physician to patient relationships during their medical stay or the decisions made about their health. Doing so will make the patient more understanding and responsible for their own health. It is important for the physician and the patient to make decisions together and understand the benefits, consequences, and the outcome of each procedure. A source states that â€Å"†¦less t han one-half of hospitalized patients stated they were always involved in the decisions about their treatment, and almost one-third of the patients indicated they did not know who handled their care in the hospital† (Liang 1426). Allowing a patient to take more responsibility for their health is a lot harder when they have no idea what is going on. The quality of patient care affects the quality of a patient’s life. Dr. Blendon says, â€Å"†¦most Americans are satisfied with the quality of medical care they and their families receive, and they do not see the issue as a top problem† (648). A source states that â€Å"†¦ the Institute of Medicine has defined quality as ‘the degree to which health services for individuals and population increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge† (Schuster 3). When dealing with health care I believe that it is always the patients responsibility, but if the physician giving incentive to the patient stay proactive and understand what is going on, than how can the patient be responsible? The thoughts on health care are constantly changing, whether its people’s right to be provided with health care, whether it’s a privilege to be able to receive health care, or whether it’s the respo nsibility of those apart of the health industry and the patients to receive the right kind of health care. A source states that, â€Å"Finding ways of doing more with less will continue to be hospitals’ biggest challenge†Ã‚  (Hospitals are expected to do more with less 4). The health care reform will be in full force before we all know it. As a citizen and patient, I know that it is my personal responsibility to keep proactive on my health, help make decisions for my fellow American’s to make the best health system possible. So every morning, when I stare into the mirror, I know that the reason the health care industry is the way it is, was because I made it that way. Health care is a responsibility, not a right and no longer a privilege.

The Ethics of Gun Control Essay - 1770 Words

The Ethics of Gun Control The phrase Gun Control means different things to different people. One bumper sticker states that Gun Control means hitting your target. However one defines gun control, the mere mention of it brings controversy. Opposing sides have for years fought over the laws that govern firearms. For the purposes of this paper Gun Control is defined as policies enacted by the government that limit the legal rights of gun owners to own, carry, or use firearms, with the intent of reducing gun crimes such as murder, armed robbery, aggravated rape, and the like. So defined, gun control understandably brings favorable responses from some, and angry objections from others. The gun control†¦show more content†¦The arguments of the anti-gun lobby are generally based on so-called common-sense and emotional pleading, with relatively few statistics backing up their claims. They argue that the Second Amendment to the Constitution is only giving the states the right to regulate militia activity and therefore possess and bear arms (Rowland 3). Some of the more extreme anti-gun lobby advocate repealing the Second Amendment altogether. Since the most extreme advocates of gun control wish to ban guns regardless of the Constitution, it becomes necessary to not just examine the law of the land, and the courts interpretation, but also the underlying philosophies of both sides of the debate. This is not to say that the issue cannot be argued from a legal standpoint. In the past few years, as class-action lawsuits have become more prevalent, some lawsuits have been brought against gun manufacturers on the grounds that they produce and distribute a dangerous product. In some cases, juries decided for the plaintiffs, and thus set precedent for more anti-gun suits. This hardly sets an actual legal precedent against the legality of guns themselves. In fact, US v. Emerson, a case resolved just last Spring, a federal appeals judge upheld under the Second Amendment the right to own/possessShow MoreRelatedGun Control And The Ethics Of Gun Control1306 Words   |  6 Pageshomicide or mass shooting immediately leads to the discussion of a longley debated issue, which has divided Americans for many years: gun control. About thirty thousand Americans die each year as a result of firearms (Doeden 7). People begin to question whether it is morally right for civilians to own guns, and if so, what types of restrictions should be placed on guns. This year, the deadliest mass shooting in American history occurred, leaving fifty-eight innocent people dead and over five hundredRead MoreEthics of Gun Control1659 Words   |  7 PagesThe Ethics of Gun Control The phrase Gun Control means different things to different people. One bumper sticker states that Gun Control means hitting your target. However one defines gun control, the mere mention of it brings controversy. Opposing sides have for years fought over the laws that govern firearms. For the purposes of this paper Gun Control is defined as policies enacted by the government that limit the legal rights of gun owners to own, carry, or use firearms, with the intent ofRead MoreEssay On Teenage Gun Violence1314 Words   |  6 PagesAbstract Teenage gun violence is on the rise. Gun violence has become a major problem for America. We have more privately owned guns than any other country. This could be one of the reasons that guns are being used by teens, because of the access they have to guns. The availability of guns to our youth is making the world unsafe. Although lawmakers are working on gun control laws, I wonder is the problem too far gone. Social Welfare Issue: Teenage Gun Violence Teenage gun violence is caused by individualsRead MoreThe Issue Of Teenage Gun Violence1320 Words   |  6 Pages1 Teenage Gun Violence Nicole Minor Union University . Abstract Teenage gun violence is on the rise. Gun violence has become a major problem for America. We have more privately owned guns than any other country. This could be one of the reasons that guns are being used by teens, because of the access they have to guns. The availability of guns to our youth is making the world unsafe. Although lawmakers are working on gun control laws, I wonder is the problemRead More Guns and Violence Essay1548 Words   |  7 PagesGuns and violence have some long lasting effects on not only the crime rate, but the rights that people have to own guns themselves. Even though the violence is a factor in why many believe that guns should be banned, guns should be allowed and not banned because they should be allowed because of the laws and the rights of citizens allow them there rights. The ethics and laws that occur with the current and enduring debates are another meaningful point. As Supreme Court Cases rage on about how aRead MoreHunting : The Truth About Hunti ng Essay1372 Words   |  6 Pages If one is able to understand the benefits of hunting, but still has a hard time with the ethics behind it, take Neilson’s advice and accept hunting, so long as the hunter takes the time and steps to respect the animal he/she is hunting. Hunting is dangerous. Many people disrespect guns and end up putting themselves and others in danger(Hunting Safety and Ethics). This is absolutely true. Never give a gun to someone who is not capable of handling it or is not will to respect it for what it is. ItRead MoreThe Importance Of Gun Control950 Words   |  4 Pagespossibility of a mentally unstable individual attempting to take their own life away. This is why gun control is a crucial debate within our society. Today, my colleagues and I will inform you on the importance of gun control, historical events that further increase the need for gun control, and ways California has already taken steps to further increase safety for our society. Gun control is important because guns are extremely dangerous and have the ability to harm individual rights. Every single one ofRead MoreReflective Letter:. What Worked For Me In This Assignment1153 Words   |  5 PagesReflective letter: What worked for me in this assignment was researching and learning more about gun control. what i found challenging was that i didn t know which sources to use for a majority of my information i used so i decided to break it up as evenly as possible. I don t know how well i did on this assignment i do know that when i think i did great i tend to do bad. I feel sure about summarizing and compelling, but i don t know if my research methods and strategies are working or are whereRead MoreThe Nra Essay928 Words   |  4 Pagesof hunting, self-defence, and gun ownership rights. The group bases its political position on the fact that firearm ownership is a civil liberty protected by the Second Amendment which comes from the Bill of Rights. American gun culture is based on the right to own a gun and to protect oneself. Gun culture originated in the early history of the United States, as the early settlers owned guns to protect their land and families primarily in the west. In America the gun acts as a symbol of power andRead MoreGun Violence Essay1050 Words   |  5 Pages Gun violence should be addressed in the United States because it is one of the leading causes of death facing Americans. According to the Center for Disease Control, over 33,000 people die in gun related deaths each year, nearly two-thirds of which are suicides. Since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, there has been great concern for the safety of children in schools. Other mass shootings like the recent Las Vegas shooting are making all Americans feel that they are at risk of becoming

How to Read an Italian Menu

If you’ve been to the Northern regions of Italy such as the Laghi region of Como and Garda and the Southern regions such as the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, you know that the items on restaurant menus won’t be entirely alike, and in some places they might be entirely localized and written in an Italian that isn’t standard. That’s because each region of Italy, and often even individual cities, have their own piatti tipici, or traditional dishes. Indeed, like some other European countries, the cuisine of each region of Italy reflects local history, the influence of different foreign cuisines, and local ingredients and flair. What’s more, sometimes what amounts to the same thing can be called by different names or have a slightly different twist. The well-known schiacciata in Tuscany is called ciaccia in some little towns and is called focaccia up north, or sometimes even pizza bianca, and its never quite the same thing. Despite the variations, when it comes to eating in Italy and making your way through an incomprehensibly vast menu and a palette of foods and restaurants, there are some standard words and rules that are helpful to know. Types of Eateries in Italy Of course, in Italy like any other place you will find the cheaper diner and the 5-star restaurant. Here are your options: Il ristorante: a restaurant. The upper echelon of this list, but not necessarily a luxury restaurant. The label just means restaurant; there are good ones and bad ones. In Italy they do observe the star rankings and, of course, restaurant review sites are popular there as they are in the States (eater, urbanspoon, cibando, foodspotting, and, of course, tripadvisor). Check them out online before choosing; of course, the rule of thumb is that if locals eat there, it means its good. Check for local faces. Losteria: an osteria is considered to be a less demanding, more informal restaurant and often medium-priced, though you should know that the name has now transcended its old meaning as a run-down hovel with decent food and cheap wine. Among the many osterie are places that are just as high-end and nice as any ristorante. Same for a trattoria. But, they are both considered to be places that reflect local flavor and friendliness, are often family-run, and often are the best game in town. La pizzeria: of course, you know what that is. Pizzerie often serve much more than pizza, but if you want a pizza, that is where you should go (though there are ristoranti that serve awesome pizza too). If you are looking for a snack, head for a bar (which, you know, is a cafà ¨ more than the American-style bar) for a little panino or stuzzichino (a tapas of sorts) or even a grocery store (negozio di alimentari) or a pizza a taglio place, where they sell pizza by the slice. An enoteca is a good place to get a glass of wine and a little stuzzichino too—enough to hold you until dinner. By the way, most bars of any sophistication in Italy, both in cities and little towns, have taken like crazy to the happy-hour trend and you can basically have dinner there pretty cheaply. Other options you see on the food horizon are la tavola calda—an informal, rather generic place like a cafeteria, and your autogrill, for when you are traveling on the autostrada and you need a snack. How to Make a Reservation At peak tourist season, reservations are recommended for restaurants that tend to be busier, well-known, and well-rated (pià ¹ gettonati, the most popular). You will, of course, have to know some common Italian phrases and how to say the time in Italian for this. To make a reservation for two people at 8 p.m., use this phrase: Vorrei fare una prenotazione per due, alle 20.00. Or, if you are not at the conditional tense yet, you can say, Posso fare una prenotazione per due alle 20.00? If you are a walk-in, you have several ways of asking for a table: Cà ¨ posto per due (o quattro), per favore? Is there space for two? Or, possiamo mangiare? Siamo in due (o quattro). Can we eat? There are two of us. The Italian Menu and the Order of Italian Dishes Usually, you wont have to ask for the menu, but in case you do, its called il menà ¹, with your accent on the à ¹. Most places—even the most sophisticated—often have an English language version of their menu and you will not look like a fool to ask for it (though often its not very well written or detailed). Whether its pranzo (lunch) or cena (dinner), meals in Italy are served according to a long-standing and traditional order: Lantipasto, which includes such things as plates of prosciutto and other cured meats, crostini  and  bruschetta, cured vegetables, and again, depending on the region and the season, such things as snails or little polenta cakes, or small fish appetizers.Il primo, or first course, usually consisting of minestre, minestroni, and zuppe (soups), risotti, and, naturally, pasta in all of its glorious shapes and modes. Along the coast and on the islands, pasta with all sorts of fish is typical, while in the northern hinterland most everything is meat-based and cheese-heavy. Again, every place will feature their local pasta dishes, or piatti tipici.Il secondo, or second course, consists of fish or meat, served with a contorno, or side dish—anything from fried zucchini to braised spinach to a salad. If you want vegetables with your fish or ossobuco, you have to order a contorno. Remember, every locale has a way of doing things: in Milan you eat la cotoletta alla milanese, and in Fl orence la bistecca alla fiorentina.Il dolce, or il dessert, can range from such favorites as tiramisà ¹ or torta della nonna  to cookies with brandy. Of course, you dont have to get something in every category; Italians dont either. Unless you are starving and you want it all, you can have an antipasto followed by either a primo or a secondo, or followed by a secondo with a contorno. Sometimes people get a contorno in the place of an antipasto—say, if you want some greens or a little sformato (a custardy souffle-ish kind of thing). Italians do not eat a salad before their main meal unless its a very small salad-type antipasto. Get your salad with your secondo; it pairs well. Sample Local, Not Easy What is recommended, though, is that, if you are adventurous and you have no specific food aversions or strong dislikes, you try the local fare. Eschew your regular plate of pasta al pomodoro or something you can easily get in the States: Eating Italys regional cuisine is a way to get to know the country more than skin-deep. If you are on the coast, you can expect good fish; if you are in Bologna or in the northern mountains, you could expect good meat and cheeses and many special varieties of pasta. To express a desire to eat the local fare, you can ask for the specialità   della casa or the piatto tipico locale. And of course, you should end the meal with a caffà ¨ and some limoncello (often on the house, if you have been nice and spent a lot). Getting the Bill and Tipping To ask for the bill, you say: Il conto, per favore, or you can simply get the waiters attention and make a writing gesture. Unless you ask, or unless its a very busy touristy place, it’s not likely that they’ll bring the check to you. When you get your bill you will notice a charge called il coperto, a per-person cover charge that covers the expense of bread, essentially. It is charged everywhere and to everyone, so do not balk. About tipping: Most Italian wait staff are employed by the hour or the week (under the table or not) and paid by law a little more than they are in the States. There is no law or statute requiring gratuity and traditionally it has not been a practice. However, generally speaking, your cameriere or cameriera in an Italian restaurant does not make a lot of money, so if the service warrants it, a tip is a nice touch. Even a couple of euros per person will signify your appreciation for the food and the service (if they deserve it) and earn you a friend when you return. If you want the waiter to keep the change, say: Tenga pure il resto or put your hand on the bill and say, Va bene cosà ¬, grazie. Extra Tips In Italy, milky concoctions such as cappuccino and caffà ¨ latte are consumed only at breakfast, so before 11 a.m.Italians say Buon appetito! when they begin eating and Salute! when they toast.Most likely you will have to purchase water. You’ll have a choice between bubbly water, frizzante or con gas, or regular water, liscia or naturale (they also make something called leggermente frizzante now, which is less frizzy). If you want to buck the trend and you trust the local water (which you can do in most places), ask for lacqua del rubinetto. Buon appetito!