Kodak and Fujifilm

Kodak and Fujifilm Kodak and Fujifilm are well known companies in the households in the United States and across the world. Few people know the actual history of both companies and the competition they have been in over the years. It’s an interesting history on how both companies started and how they have developed and challenged each other over the years. George Eastman, who was the founder of Kodak, started his business career as a 14-year old boy when he had to quit school and work to support his mother and two sisters. Mr.Eastman had a gift for organization and management while his lively and inventive mind made him a successful entrepreneur by his mid-twenties. What sparked the idea of a simple camera was that his coworker suggested he make a record of his vacation to Santo Domingo. As a result, he became absorbed with photography and wanting to simplify the photography process. Eastman started Kodak in 1880 and built it on four basic principles: mass production at low co st, international distribution, extensive advertising, and a focus on the customer.Later on he added the following policies: foster growth and development through continuing research, treat employees in a fair, self-respecting way, and reinvest profits to build and extend the business. Mr. Eastman started the company by manufacturing dry plates for sale to photographers. One mishap almost shut down the company when dry plates that were sold went bad. Eastman came up with a quick solution to recall the bad plates and replace them with a good product. His quick thinking saved the company and the company’s reputation.Mr. Eastman began experiments that focused on the use of a lighter and more flexible support than glass. He began advertising to the public to look out for a new product that will prove an economical and convenient substitute for glass dry plates for outdoors and studio work. Once he started perfecting the transparent roll film and the roll holder, Eastman realized he would have to reach out to the general public and amateur photography. The Kodak camera debuted in 1888. They developed the slogan â€Å"you press the button, we do the rest. Kodak made the process of taking and developing pictures easy and accessible to nearly everyone. Kodak has led the way with a plentitude of new products and processes that makes photography simpler, more useful and enjoyable. The company Kodak has grown to be is known not only for photography but also for images used in leisure, commercial, entertainment and scientific applications. They are constantly developing technology to combine images and information which is creating the potential to greatly change how businesses and people communicate.Eastman’s goal was to make photography â€Å"as convenient as the pencil† while Kodak is continuing to expand the ways images touch people’s lives. Kodak continues to rank as a premier multinational corporation and with a brand that is recognized in nearly every country. Kodak has been involved in technological innovation throughout the motion picture industry as well as the health imaging industry, document imaging, printing and publishing, and space exploration. Mr. Eastman believed employees should have more than good wages. He believed that worker’s goodwill and loyalty contributed to the prosperity of an organization.Eastman started the â€Å"Wage Dividend† in which each employee benefited from the yearly dividend on the company stock above his or her wages. The wage dividends represented a large part of the company’s net earnings; the wage dividends were viewed as an innovation. To show even more appreciation to his employees, Eastman gave one-third of his own holdings of company stock to his employees. He also provided them with a retirement annuity, life insurance and disability benefit plans. (History of Kodak) Fujifilm was established in 1934 in Japan.Fujifilm has established itself as a leader in in the motion picture photography, videotape, audio tape and floppy disc industries. The company is also involved in still cameras, camcorders, photofinishing equipment, paper and chemicals, imaging and information products for office and medical use markets. The company first started out producing motion picture film, dry plates and photographic paper. It was hard to develop brand recognition at first partly because of the competition with Eastman Kodak. Because of this, Fujifilm focused on improving the quality of the products it developed.Since the company was focused on the quality of the products, it developed its first film product and a motion picture negative film which proved to many in Japan that Fujifilm was technically proficient in the motion-picture industry. After World War II, Fuji was able to begin exporting film and optical products to South America and Asia. The postwar boom was a great advantage to Fuji with the demands for new products to be developed. One d ownfall for Eastman Kodak but an advantage to Fuji was when Kodak agreed to let Fuji produce black and white amateur roll film during 1952 and three more black and white roll film products by 1958.The company became the number one manufacturer of consumer films in Japan. Because of the agreement with Kodak this opened doors for Fuji and they were able to make more export agreements and opened sales offices in other countries, including the United States. (Photography Type – The History of Fujifilm, Part I, 2010) Fujifilm still had to overcome two major challenges: Eastman Kodak and Fujifilm’s reputation for below-par film product. Fuji tackled the challenge of film product and developed film and paper that was compatible with the processing systems mostly used worldwide.In 1969 all of their films, photo paper and chemicals completely matched the processing systems. They saw a significant upsurge in their exports. The other challenge was going head to head with Kodak wh ich they took on full-force. When Fuji entered the US market, it introduced a cartridge-film eight-millimeter home movie system. Kodak retaliated with introducing their system which swept Fuji aside and took control of the world market. The market started to notice that Fuji’s film was faster than Kodak’s and produced warmer tones.Fuji advertised making sure amateurs and professionals knew the difference while Kodak continued to concentrate on the beginner/amateur consumers. In 1972, Fuji marketed a film in the US with their name on it. Fuji gained its first significant market share with this product. To try and stay ahead of Kodak, Fuji had to develop, manufacture and market equivalent products quickly before Kodak released new products. By 1980, Fuji was the third largest film producer and stayed competitive by increasing its prices a lot less than the other manufactures.The also took advantage of the growing consumer demand for audio and videotapes. Their early mark eting to amateur and professionals paid off since many amateurs wanted to shoot pictures with high quality film. This boosted Fuji’s status to the second largest film manufacturer. A major advantage Fuji had was researching electronic technology before Kodak. Fuji beat Kodak out for a 1984 Olympics sponsorship which was a huge breakthrough for Fuji. Fuji also took full advantage of the untapped market of disposable cameras. They sold 1. million cameras in 6 months which took them to the top as the number one global camera manufacturer in 1992. Fuji introduced the first digital camera in 1988 which was a historical moment in the camera industry. Fuji has been an innovative competitor since the start of the company. (Photography Type – The History of Fujifilm, Part II, 2010) Kodak failed to grasp the importance of the complex environmental changes that were occurring in the industry. They didn’t react fast enough to stay as the leading company in the industry and Fujifilm took advantage of that.While Kodak had the technological skills to develop products, their rigid leadership culture prevented them from adapting with the changes taking place. Kodak had the â€Å"mentality of perfect products, rather than the high-tech mindset of make it, launch it, fix it. † Fujifilm embraced the changes that were occurring in the photographic market. They diversified through acquisition and changed its business model to conquer digital photography with a commitment to innovation and new technologies. Fuji showed a technological discontinuity by developing the first digital camera.This shows they are innovative and creative in their thinking and think ahead of what is happening in the industry. (Integrated Company Analysis, 2009) One major management concept that has impacted both Fuji and Kodak are their marketing strategies. While Kodak was focused on marketing to amateur photographers, Fuji took it a step beyond and focused on amateurs and profes sionals. This has had a huge impact on both companies. Kodak is focused on positioning itself as providing user-friendly products while the quality of some of their products contradict that claim.This has kept Kodak from advancing as they should have while Fuji has seen a huge benefit from their marketing strategy. I view Fujifilm as a prospector since they think outside of the box and look at what is needed in the future. Kodak started out originally as a prospector but has turned to be a reactor. Kodak is at the point where they are developing products in response to products being released from their competitors, mainly Fujifilm. I believe that Kodak needs to look at their current situation and assess what they need to do to become more profitable again and rebuild their reputation.I can see Kodak using the retrenchment strategy for the redevelopment of the company. One action that leaves it questionable about Fujifilm’s ethical approach is when Kodak filed a complaint wit h the United States that Fuji was blocking their products from entering the Japanese market. Looking at the situation, it could be the Japanese government that had the ethical and social responsibility for these actions. The blocking of Kodak entering the Japanese market maintained the Fujifilm’s profits while it stopped potential revenue for Kodak.Even if the Japanese government would let Kodak sell its products in Japan, the Japanese citizens would most likely still purchase Fujifilm since that is the product that they recognize and are familiar with. Kodak over the years has slowed down it’s adaptation to the market condition changes. When Mr. Eastman was in charge, the business stayed ahead of the industry and adapted well. As the years have gone by that situation has changed to where Kodak reacts after changes have been made. Their reactions are to produce a product so fast that it makes inferior products, which has affected Kodak’s reputation in the indust ry.Fujifilm adapts well to the change in the market conditions. In fact, they are in the forefront of anticipating what is needed next by the consumers. One way a company should build in flexibility is to have openness. Company executives need to be open to new ideas, information sources, and roles. Typically companies stick with the routine processes and don’t consider ideas that may be suggested by people and other sources outside of the company. Some companies are not receptive to ideas that are internally suggested by their own employees either.In order to prosper and advance, company executives need to be able and willing to take ideas and suggestions into consideration. Another way to build in flexibility is the processes of decision making. Companies need to analyze how and if their decision process works. They need re-examine the assumptions that bring the decision to a given point. Executives also should refine their plans according with the brief feedback they recei ve. Companies have to be careful not to develop a competitive inertia where they are reluctant to change their current strategies because they want to keep their current processes which have been successful so far.A third way is to develop a shadow strategy task force. Companies need to analyze themselves and determine what their weaknesses are to be able to make adjustments to strengthen them. One way to look at your weaknesses is to think like your competitors and try to determine how the company can be exploited for competitive advantage. The company should have a wide range of employees on the task force to provide opinions, suggestions and information instead of the task force being only executives.Companies can learn a lot from researching Kodak and Fujifilm’s history. Their history shows how strong companies can be and the bumps in the road they encounter by not adapting to change and competition. There is definitely a lesson in what to do and what not to do as you are building your company and making it stronger throughout the years. References: 1. History of Kodak. Retrieved November 5, 2012, from http://www. kodak. com/ek/US/en/Our_Company/History_of_Kodak/Imaging-_the_basics. htm 2. Photography Type – The History of Fujifilm, Part I (2010).Retrieved November 5, 2012, from http://www. photographytalk. com/photography-articles/1682-photography-tipthe-history-of-fujifilm-part-1 3. Photography Type – The History of Fujifilm, Part II (2010). Retrieved November 5, 2012, from http://www. photographytalk. com/photography-articles/1686-photography-tipthe-history-of-fujifilm-part-2 4. Integrated Company Analysis – Kodak. Fall 2009. Wisconsin School of Business. Retrieved from http://business. library. wisc. edu/resources/kavajecz/09%20Fall/kodak_rep. pdf

Breast cancer and possible solution of Mammograms

Breast malignant neoplastic disease occurs when chest cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably. It is the most common malignant neoplastic disease in the UK. This is indicated in the pie chart below where chest malignant neoplastic disease histories for the highest per centum happening among adult females, that is approximately 26 % . An estimated 46 000 adult females are diagnosed every twelvemonth. [ 1 ] The two chief hazard factors for chest malignant neoplastic disease are gender – being a adult female and age – turning older. [ 2 ] In fact 8 out of 10 of the diagnosed patients are adult females above 50 old ages old. [ 1 ] 90 % of chest malignant neoplastic disease is caused by environmental factors while the staying 10 % is due to familial defect. [ 2 ] Breast malignant neoplastic disease can be treated if it is detected at an early phase, doing the patients ‘ opportunities of endurance greater. Among the symptoms of chest malignant neoplastic disease are th e presence of a ball or thickener in the chest tissue. Figure 1: Cancer occurance among adult females.A Possible Solution – MammogramIn my sentiment all adult females particularly those above the age of 50 and those with a strong household history of chest malignant neoplastic disease should travel for regular mammographic showing. A mammogram is really of import for chest malignant neoplastic disease showing and early sensing. It is an X-ray exposure of the chests where consequences are studied to observe any abnormalcies or locations of leery tissue. Harmonizing to the National Health Service ( NHS ) UK, 1 400 lives are saved because of testing. [ 4 ] There are a few differences between testing mammograms and other mammograms. Screening mammography is carried out when there is no ball or seeable marks of malignant neoplastic disease. However, if a specific ball demands to be looked at, so a diagnostic mammography is done. Here my research is based on testing mammography. [ 25 ] There is a important difference in sentiment sing how frequently adult females should travel for mammograms. The American Cancer Society ( ACS ) suggests that all adult females over 40 should travel for mammograms one time every twelvemonth while the National Cancer Institute ( NCI ) of the US advises adult females to travel every 1-2 old ages. [ 5 ] I agree with NCI as their suggestion would intend that adult females are non exposed to radiation excessively frequently. Increased exposure to radiation increases the hazard of acquiring malignant neoplastic disease. Figure 2: Woman undergoing mammogram. ( hypertext transfer protocol: //i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2006/06/mammoREX020606_228x179.jpg ) ( 396 words ) A mammogram is conducted on an outpatient footing and stopping points for about 30 proceedingss. [ 6 ] During the process, a qualified radiotherapist intially places merely one chest on a little level home base that has an X-ray home base under it. Above the chest there is another level home base. The machine presses the chest down between the home bases keeping the chest in place and bettering the acuteness of the image. When the chest is compressed, there is a small uncomfortableness. [ 7 ] Small explosions of radiation, something like wireless moving ridges is produced by the tubings in the machine and is passed through the chests. The image formed is recorded on photographic movie or a particular digital image entering home base. The chest is less heavy in comparing to the tumour. Therefore the chest appears in grey sunglassess on the mammography while the tumour is white and the air is black as it is the least dense. Figure 3: Breast malignant neoplastic disease tumour shown( hypertext transfer protocol: //breastcancer.about.com/od/mammograms/ig/Mammogram-Images/Breast-Tumor.htm )( 556 words ) A radiotherapist will analyze the images and look out for any marks of malignant neoplastic disease. A signed study is sent to the physician who will explicate the consequences to the adult female. When a adult female goes for this process, she is told non to have on any deodourant, pulverization or lotion in her axillas or her chest as these would look as calcium musca volitanss on the mammogram. [ 6 ] Sometimes alternatively of tumours physicians may happen cysts, calcifications and fibroadenomas on the mammograms. Calcifications are non breast malignant neoplastic disease but can be an indicant of precancer. They are little measures of Ca that appear in the soft tissue of the chest. Fibroadenomas are benign tumours made of hempen and glandular chest tissue that are removed as a precautional measure. Cysts are benign unstable – filled pouch that are non related to malignant neoplastic disease. [ 8 ] ( 693 words )EffectivenessFigure 4: Breast malignant neoplastic disease rates by phase Figure 5: Breast malignant neoplastic disease mortality rates( hypertext transfer protocol: //mole.health.state.ny.us/diseases/chronic/screening.htm )From the first graph, it is observed that the rate of early diagnosing of chest malignant neoplastic disease had significantly improved because of the addition in the figure of adult females who underwent mammography. Consequently, the rate of late diagnosing of chest malignant neoplastic disease decreased. The 2nd graph shows that when chest malignant neoplastic disease is detected early, there is a diminution in the mortality rate. [ 9 ] I strongly believe that naming chest malignant neoplastic disease early through mammography helps better adult females ‘s opportunities of endurance. ( 836 words ) A newspaper article by Reuters in Washington, US dated October 6th 2009 stated that a survey conducted by US research workers found that 75 % of adult females who died of chest malignant neoplastic disease ne'er had a mammogram, or were diagnosed after their first of all time mammogram. [ 22 ] Dr Blake Cady of Cambridge Hospital Breast Cancer and Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts said: â€Å" Womans who are in testing programmes have merely a 4.7 % mortality. Womans who are non screened have a 56 % mortality. †( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0644662320091006 )To further turn out mammogram effectivity, below is a drumhead from a existent life chest malignant neoplastic disease subsister. [ 10 ] Pam ‘s narrative ‘Diagnosed at 46 with chest malignant neoplastic disease, after holding skipped her mammogram for a twosome of old ages, Pam ‘s intervention involved mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. She wants adult females to acquire an one-year mammogram, get downing at age 40, to catch malignant neoplastic disease early and avoid extended intervention like hers. ‘( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.mammographysaveslives.org/Stories.aspx? pl=stories & A ; item=1 # narratives )( 969 words )DeductionsWhile carry oning this research, I encountered one societal issue that is, non all adult females realize the importance of acquiring a mammogram. This degree of consciousness varied due to different degrees of instruction among the adult females. The graph below supports my statement. Percentage of US adult females aged 40 and older who Have Had a Mammogram in the last 2 old ages by Education Level Figure 6( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/screening.htm )Based on the graph adult females with more than a college instruction are most likely to hold had a mammogram in the last 2 old ages compared to adult females with lower degrees of instruction. [ 11 ] I think these adult females are cognizant of this of import showing tool. I besides feel at that place should be more public wellness instruction because a deficiency of information can take to misinformation. For illustration, Indian adult females with chest malignant neoplastic disease have to utilize separate utensils because of the mistaken believe that the disease is contagious. [ 24 ] ( 1133 words ) I would besides wish to turn to an economical issue refering the usage of mammograms. The American Cancer Society suggests that adult females above 40 should acquire a mammogram every twelvemonth but many adult females are forced to jump their mammograms because they merely can non afford it. Research workers at Brown University in 2002, discovered mammograms bing US $ 400 is a challenge for many adult females. [ 20 ] Despite this, conditions in the US are still non every bit bad as in some underdeveloped states as seen in quotation mark below. â€Å" The United States spends about US $ 8.1 billion to name and handle chest malignant neoplastic disease, but in the metropolis of Poona, India, place to 3.5 million adult females, merely one medical installation provides comprehensive chest malignant neoplastic disease diagnostic and intervention services. †( Masilamany J. , February 5th 2009, page 12 )Besides, adult females populating in destitute states like Kenya feel incapacitated and merely wait to decease because they can non afford to travel abroad for intervention. It is expected that by 2020, 70 % of all chest malignant neoplastic disease instances will be in hapless states. [ 24 ] This is why I think authoritiess should seek to happen a manner to guarantee all adult females get their mammograms done. ( 1325 words )Benefits and Risks of MammographyA picture by ‘NHS picks ‘ entitled â€Å" Having A Mammogram † highlights the advantages of holding a mammography as it can observe abnormalcies which are 3-4 millimetres in size. These abnormalcies are impossible to experience if a individual were to analyze her ain chests. [ 21 ] Sometimes a mammogram is more accurate than other diagnostic processs. A specific form of Ca sedimentations known to do chest malignant neoplastic disease can merely be seen clearly on a mammogram. [ 25 ] Having a mammography would non go forth any radiation in a patient ‘s organic structure. X raies usually have no side effects in the diagnostic scope. A tumour detected early is more likely to be cured. [ 6 ] Mammograms have certain defects nevertheless. Sometimes false-negatives can happen. This is when chest malignant neoplastic disease is present even though the mammograms appear normal. It happens largely in immature adult females because they have denser chests compared to older adult females whose chests are more fatty devising tumours easy seeable on mammograms. At the same clip, false-positives besides occur because radiotherapists erroneously decide the mammograms are unnatural when really there is no malignant neoplastic disease nowadays. This causes unneeded anxiousness and emphasis for the adult female. To avoid false-positives, an ultrasound and a biopsy is conducted. The doses of X ray in mammograms is really little but when it is done repeatedly it is harmful and can increase the hazard of acquiring malignant neoplastic disease. [ 13 ] ( 1546 words )Alternate SolutionsNew ‘Breast Pap Smear ‘An article titled New ‘Breast Pap Smear ‘ was written by Duke Medicine News and Communications. This trial is presently undergoing three clinical tests countrywide in the US. It works by utilizing a really narrow acerate leaf to take cells from subdivisions of the whole chest. [ 15 ] The quotation mark below farther explains the trial. Dr Victoria Seewaldt, a scientist and chest oncologist at the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center said: â€Å" Merely as we do with a cervical pablum vilification, we can now study cells from the whole chest, analyze them under the microscope and trial for early alterations that frequently precede breast malignant neoplastic disease. Then we can give adult females a preventative agent to see if we can eliminate her unnatural cells and therefore prevent malignant neoplastic disease from developing. †( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/7450 )A specific cistron known as RAR beta controls how breast cells use vitamin A to guarantee their good wellness. Research done has shown that the cistrons in chest malignant neoplastic disease patients lose its ability to map. This ‘pap vilification ‘ trial can observe the presence or absence of this cistron. Without it, the possibility of developing malignant neoplastic disease is higher. Hence RAR beta Acts of the Apostless as a molecular marker to find the oncoming of malignant neoplastic diseas e. [ 15 ] I strongly believe that the new chest ‘pap vilification ‘ is an first-class discovery in the battle against chest malignant neoplastic disease. Once the clinical tests are deemed successful, this should be carried out on all adult females. ( 1785 words )Ultrasound ImagingUltrasound Imaging, besides known as Ultrasound Scanning provides images of the internal constructions of the chests. During an ultrasound, a doctor may utilize Doppler Techniques to measure the blood flow or deficiency of blood flow in a chest mass. At times it is possible to find the cause of the mass. Doppler ultrasound is a technique used to measure blood flow through a blood vas. Breast ultrasound maps to assist name breast abnormalcies detected during a physical scrutiny and to qualify possible abnormalcies seen on a mammogram. A chest lesion detected and classified sometimes can non be interpreted adequately through mammography entirely. An ultrasound can besides distinguish if an abnormalcy is solid or fluid-filled ( benign cyst ) or both solid and cystic. A solid may be a benign or malignant tumour. Ultrasounds show extra characteristics of the unusual countries on the chest. [ 14 ] Figure 4: A patient undergoing a chest ultrasound.( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.radiologyinfo.org/en/photocat/gallery3.cfm? image=LbreastMR-vnr-009.jpg & A ; pg=breastus & A ; pid=1, )( 1936 words )Beginning EvaluationIn my sentiment, the ‘National Health Service Choices UK ‘ web site ( nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-breast-female ) is really comprehensive and factual. This beginning aims to give nonsubjective information and counsel to the populace on chest malignant neoplastic disease. It is approved by a clinical expert and is funded by the Department of Health. It has been certified as a dependable wellness and societal attention information beginning by The Information Standard and has to run into certain editorial policies. So I think this is a reputable beginning. I retrieved information on the importance of holding a mammogram for early diagnosing of chest malignant neoplastic disease as stated on page 9. The undermentioned two web sites ; hypertext transf er protocol: //www.mammographysaveslives.org/Stories.aspx? pl=stories & A ; item=1 # narratives and hypertext transfer protocol: //www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm? pg=mammo # part_one besides provided the same information. An article from the Time magazine entitled The Changing Face Of Breast Cancer, volume 170 published in October 2007 is another dependable beginning. I believe this article was good researched because it has included positions from adult females across the universe. This article gives facts and figures supported by other beginnings. For illustration, the quotation mark on page 8 by Masilamany J, from the Sun newspaper can be found in this article. Besides, the information that chest malignant neoplastic disease is the most common disease among adult females is besides found in: hypertext transfer protocol: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File: Most_common_cancers_-_female, _by_occurence.png ) . ( 2143 words )

Genetic modification Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Genetic modification - Essay Example This may be to express a gene that is not native to the plant or to modify endogenous genes.† They have given full detail on the scientific procedure that is used in genetic modification of plants. DNA is transferred into the target plant; and, although DNA is not harmful to human health in itself because humans consume it with every plant they eat, yet the risky aspect is that scientists only transfer the genes of interest in the food. Also, the genetically modified plants hold more mutations than other plants, which may mean that the level of nutrients has been reduced or the level of allergens and toxins has been increased. However, this depends upon the procedure and intentions. Genetic modification can be used to increase nutritional content of crops, and also increase food production on the whole. If tightly regulated by government and food agencies, the genetically modified crops are safe to eat. The second article regarding genetic modification is, ‘Genetically mo dified humans: here and more coming soon’, written by Nick Lane (2008). Here, it is about humans and not plants. The thesis statement of this article is that a baby can be created by two mothers genetically which can save him from inheriting dreadful diseases, and this procedure can lead to the development of designer babies. In his article, Lane has illustrated the genetic modification of human beings and has described the procedure that can be used to create babies using the eggs of two women. He tells about the research work that is being carried out by a research team in UK whose purpose is the creation of an embryo with the participation of three parents and without any chance of the baby inheriting dreadful diseases. Lane further tells the role of mitochondria in the procedure. He tells that if the egg from one woman contains defective mitochondria, then these can be replaced by those attained from the donor egg from another woman, and since a mitochondrion itself conta ins DNA, this would mean that the baby is going to have genes from two different women or mothers. This variation in genes, on one hand, eliminates the chance of delivering mitochondrial diseases to the baby, and on the other, can affect the baby’s whole personality. However, Lane states that this procedure gives the baby chance to live with the healthiest genes. Moreover, the article tells about the fact that male mitochondria has nothing to do with the procedure as these are only present in the sperm tail and do not get the chance of penetrating the egg. Lane further talks about the ooplasmic transfer technique that was used in 1990s to control infertility but was afterwards banned by the FDA due to its vague consequences. He tells that the researchers from UK’s Newcastle University are trying another technique that involves the transfer of cell nucleus only and not the mitochondria. The nucleus of the egg with defective mitochondria is transferred to the donor egg. Male infertility can also be cured by injecting healthy mitochondria into the sperm tail which helps in sperm motility. However, scientists are not sure whether the complete elimination of serious diseases is possible by this technique or not. Comparing and contrasting the two articles shows that although both of these talk about genetic modification, but Key, Ma and Drake (2008) have talked about its impact upon plants

D&I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

D&I - Essay Example In communicating the vision for D&I, the post stressed that collaborative relationship should be fostered, and that the vision should be operationalized throughout the organization as a means of communicating the firm’s D&I policies. What is meant by â€Å"collaborative† relationship is, however, unclear as it relates specifically to D&I. Collaboration should be more explicitly fleshed out as to the parties, the activities, and the manner by which it is operationalized. â€Å"Collaborative relationship† could apply to all policies and initiatives of management, thus how it particularly advances D&I should be more thoroughly elaborated. The quotation from Anderson & Harris (2010) is well-taken, however, and would have been a good springboard for further discussion. Finally, the identified barriers to effective D&I implementation principally redound to resistance to change, which is a valid argument. However, the change sought to be implemented by D&I is more of a long-term transformation (Koch, McMillan & Peper, 2011). Response to the post of Student 2: John Kolojaco The post makes a salient point about the adoption of diversity practices as part of business norm, which this reviewer takes to mean the institutionalization of practices and behaviours which encourage tolerance of individual differences within the organization. The quotation by Rink and Ellemers (2008), however, is slightly misplaced as it assumes the acceptance of diversity among groups as a prerequisite to the adoption of more tolerant practices, not the other way around. That being said, the mentioned articulation of policies and a â€Å"living mission statement† are excellent but tentative first steps which must be followed by concrete action to ascertain effective leadership towards D&I. The answer to the second question (i.e., â€Å"making sure efforts expressed externally apply internally†) infers – validly, it appears – that most D&I efforts are ineffective because they result from a failure to internally apply what is externally promoted by the company. The implication is that so-called D&I corporate advocacies are used mostly as marketing slogans or catchphrases, to project a favorable image of the company that may engender stronger sales and greater profits. The principal issue therefore is the lack of credibility on the part of management as a result of the lack of transparency in its decisions and actions, which strains all facets of the management’s relations with its stakeholders (Tapscott & Ticoll, 2003). John’s sharing of his personal experience is well appreciated, and effectively delivers a first-hand justification of the contention that discrimination need not be ethnic, gender-based, racial, or one of the other attributes associated with D&I. Any perceived personal difference that sets an individual apart from the group (in this case, a difference in educational attainment) has the potential f or discriminatory acts – a very perceptive observation from John. Response to the post of Student 3: Soosai Xavier The post makes an excellent case for the â€Å"obligation, responsibility and accountability† of middle managers to ensure the effectiveness of what is initiated at the CEO level (i.e., corporate commitment to D&I) at the lower levels. Dovetailed with the earlier

Law 1183 for Washington Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Law 1183 for Washington - Essay Example â€Å"The main issue however concerns the taxation and distribution of liquor in Washington† (Smith, 2010). There are proponents who argue that privatizing the liquor sales and distribution and availing the liquor on groceries would greatly increase the availability of the liquor sales, which will be another important part of the income to the city authority or the state government. The opponents of this initiative on the other hand advocate for state control in obtaining revenue as well as streamlining the drinking patterns within the community. Initiative 1183 is a measure that is aimed at directing the liquor board to close down all the state owned liquor stores, terminate the contracts offered by the state to private stores selling liquor, and allow the state to issue private licenses that would allow the liquor to be sold, imported and distributed by private parties in groceries and other easy access points (Mercier, 2010). This initiative is aimed at repealing the unifor m pricing as decided by the state liquor board, and other requirements that are required in sales and distribution of hard liquor. In fact, stores that previously had contracts from the state controlled liquor distribution under this initiative might be converted to retail licenses. About 1,428 retail outlets in initiative 1183 would be licensed compared to3, 357 in initiative 1100 (Mercier, 2010). A study carried out by the Office of Financial Management (OFM) has been the impetus to the proponents of this initiative. There are estimations that upon implementing this initiative, the State General Fund revenue would increase from $216 to $253 million, while the local revenues are expected to improve from $186 to $227 million (Mercier, 2010). This report has been used to consolidate proponents to vote for the initiative. In addition the initiative would retain the tax structure and license issuance would be about 17% of all liquor sales and an annual fee of $166 (Corte, 2010). One as pect in states protectionist monopoly is to reduce the overuse of hard liquor among its citizens. This makes the state to control not only the sales but also the consumption of the liquor. There are however, certain contradictions: â€Å"does state monopoly control the patterns and trends in alcohol intake? State protectionism on alcohol consumption might not directly affect the alcohol consumption patterns in the state† (Smith, 2010). For example, California has an average consumption of 2.34 gallons of alcohol per an average person, while Washington has an average of 2.35 gallons of alcohol consumed per an average person, as per the National Institute of Health figures 2007 (Smith (2010). California has a full privatized hard liquor licenses and sales and distribution of other alcoholic drinks. This makes alcohol readily available at groceries and other near points, where consumers may access the alcohol with ease (Smith, 2010). Proponents have a view that there is no diffe rence between alcohol consumed in the two states, meaning that the protectionism in alcohol distribution would not be effective in controlling consumption. â€Å"Washington would be the fifth state in protectionism from the second position after initiative 1183† (Smith, 2010).This argument has been used to challenge the assertion that the use of alcohol would be a menace to good governance (Timberlake,

Assessment of drug Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Assessment of drug - Essay Example each year in interdiction efforts. Nevertheless, in 2004, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported about 166,000 heroin users in the United States, out of more than 19 million people age 12 and over who reported using an illicit drug within the past month (SAMSHA report, section 1.4). Chronic heroin users may resort to stealing, prostitution and other crimes to pay for their habit. New users turn to snorting and smoking the drug, giving them less of a high but also carrying less of a stigma and avoiding the telltale track marks. The tenacity of heroin's hold on humanity begs the question: Would the United States be better off if heroin -- or some form of poppy-derived opiate -- were legalized Would it be best to let the government, or approved non-governmental organizations and charities, handle maintenance and long-term treatment of heroin users, with the goal of curing them of their addiction The experience in other countries, coupled with medical evidence, shows that it is certainly worth exploring some form of legalization that removes the criminal profit motive and focuses on reducing demand for drugs by treating drug use as a public health concern, rather than a crime. Since Richard Nixon declared war on drugs in 1973, the United States has spent billions in a losing cause trying to eradicate the use of â€Å"illegal† drugs in America. For the 2007 fiscal year alone, the Bush administration requested $12.7 billion for federal drug control efforts (National Drug Control Strategy, 2006, 1), a figure that doesn’t begin to cover state and local law enforcement, court, prison and health care costs, or more esoteric costs such as lost productivity in the workforce. This paper focuses on the potential benefits and risks of partial legalization of heroin -- which, along with cocaine, particularly crack cocaine, probably faces the highest stigma of all illicit drugs. However, the same problems that make heroin so reviled, including its addictiveness and potential for harming the user, are what make heroin an ideal test case for "controlled legalization" along a medical/public health model. Rather than continuing to fight a war that cannot be w on, the United States should beat a strategic retreat -- and seek a true victory elsewhere, looking to actually solve the problem by acknowledging the medical and psychological reasons for drug use in the first place. Then, the nation could focus on addressing those issues head on, without apology, and with an eye on continuous improvement for the betterment of its citizens and communities. Legalization in any form is seen by many as a moral failure. The thinking is, if something is "wrong," it is wrong not to stop it or outlaw it. It has proven difficult, however, in almost a century of legislation, to curtail the use of drugs like heroin, cocaine and marijuana. Instead, the laws have created a pervasive and profitable black market controlled by criminals, who pocket the cash while the American taxpayer foots the bill. Legalization in some form, with the intent of controlling demand, could go a long way toward eliminating criminal trafficking, deaths and overdoses due to impure/too pure product and the spread of deadly diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis. Refocusing heroin as a sign of a medical condition, not a criminal or moral failing, would bring users into treatment where they

Discuss the view that American urban government was more corrupt but Essay

Discuss the view that American urban government was more corrupt but more democratic than its British equivalent in the late nineteenth century - Essay Example Apart from these considerations, questions of class, race and gender, through topics such as the roles of women, the impact of slavery and the experience of immigration, are dealt with. Before delving any further into the differences that marked the individual approaches of urban governance for these two nations, it would be imperative to indulge in a minor ‘scene setting’ exercise. Besides sharing obvious similarities in terms of language, a liberal and cultural heritage, and a democratic political system, Britain and the United States have also had pronounced differences, for their economic, political, and social structures have developed in distinctive ways. If we were to compare and contrast the historical course of the two countries and explore the significance of their similarities and differences over a period of two centuries, we would come up with wide ranging and up-to-date analyses of such issues as industrialization and urbanization, democracy and politics, class and gender, and citizenship and welfare. That brings us straight to the topic at hand: In the late nineteenth century, was American urban government more corrupt, yet more democrat ic than that of its British counterpart? To understand the relevance of the question and its subsequent answer, one would need to consider the social structure of the two countries and justify the description of Britain as a class and America as a status society since the 1870s. This prompts us to explore the responses of the two countries to social problems and, in particular the reasons following which the two countries took such different responses to the question of welfare. Finally, by considering the relationship between welfare, industrialization, democracy, class conflict, social control and ideological change in the two countries, the purpose of historical enquiry and explanation will be reached. A

Business Proposal In Clear Hear Scenario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Proposal In Clear Hear Scenario - Essay Example The decision will be based on the contribution earned or foregone by adopting an option. In the first option, the company looses a contribution of $11 and in the second option, the company can earn an additional contribution margin of $1 per unit. So, in order to maximize the revenue the company should accept OEMs offer to manufacture the remaining 30000 units. This will result in an additional revenue of $1500000. From the above figure, it can be seen that the companys contribution becomes negative, if Beta model is switched to Alpha. So, it is advised that the company should adopt the second option. This will help the company to maximize its revenue. By doing so, the company will also be able to make use of its excess capacity. For this, the company will not have to incur any further fixed costs. As a result of this the existing fixed costs will get distributed over the excess units. The utilization of the excess capacity will also lower the Average Cost (AC) of each unit. This is because the Total Cost will now be allocated over a large number of units resulting in a reduced AC. As the company does not have to incur any extra fixed cost for the excess 100000 units the profit will move up. For the additional units, the only cost that the company has to bear is the Variable Cost as the fixed costs remain fixed irrespective of the level of production. In order to reduce the cost of production, the company can lower the material cost by setting up production centers near the sources of supply. This will reduce the distribution cost and will thus lower the purchase cost of the material (Kobayshi, 2003). The company can also lower its overall costs by minimizing waste and ensuring efficient management of the available resources. By purchasing the goods in bulk quantity the company can avail the trade discounts which will reduce the cost of

Should Laser Eye Surgery Be Encouraged Essay Example for Free

Should Laser Eye Surgery Be Encouraged Essay What is laser eye surgery? Laser eye surgery or laser corneal sculpting is a medical procedure that utilizes a laser to reshape the surface of the eye in order to improve or correct eye vision (Better Health Channel, 2011). Laser eye surgery has become prevalence and there are several types of treatment available. The most popular laser eye surgery is known as LASIK, which stands for laser in-situ keratomileusis. LASIK is an eye surgery that permanently changes the shape of the cornea to treat the variety of vision problem (Linda, 2012). The first laser eye surgery was done on a patient who suffered astigmatism and it was successfully performed by E. Faber, a Dutch surgeon. Today as we walk into the streets, we can see many people wearing glasses. There is a study in some areas, such as China, India and Malaysia that up to 41 per cent of the adult population is suffering refractive errors (News Medical, n. d. ). Most of them depend on glasses and contact lenses because they are having eye problems such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, etc. It has reached a critical phenomenon in our neighbour country that is Singapore, where 90 per cent of young people are short-sighted, compared with 15 to 30 per cent in Europe and the U. S (Coghlan and Page, 2002). If they had the choice, they would like to be free of this dependence by correcting their vision. One of the solutions to solve eye problems is undergoing laser eye surgery. However, people still worry about the possible problems that will happen during laser eye surgery. Although laser eye surgery has many adverse effects, in actual it increases a patient’s living convenience and comfort, is highly effective and cost-efficient, and provides surgical patients an improved lifestyle. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to indicate the points of advocating laser eye surgery which could bring advantages in society. There is no doubt that wearing glasses or contact lenses has become a daily routine for many people. A normal eye vision has always been an unimaginable dream especially for those who are having eye sight problems. Therefore, it is common that people who are suffering from eye diseases consider the beneficial effects of having laser eye surgery to restore their vision back to normal. Laser eye surgery could free one from the hassle of wearing glasses. Especially for those who are active in sports, most of them prefer not to wear glasses or contact lenses because wearing contact lenses or glasses may affect their performance. For instance, people who engage in water sports such as swimming might not be able to enjoy themselves as water splashing is a problem. Apparently, taking up sports especially water sports are no longer suitable for people who need to wear glasses or contact lenses. Hence, laser eye surgery would be a favourable option for them. Contact lenses and glasses are no longer applicable in their lives after undergoing laser eye surgery. Furthermore, such activities as swimming and even spending a day at the beach become more pleasurable without the worries associated with corrective eyewear (Docshop, n. d. ). They do not need to worry about contact lenses drying off or glasses falling out, or need to prepare a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses after undergoing laser eye surgery. Patients are able to enjoy their life with a clear vision. In addition, people who have undergone laser eye surgery have found their vision improved. As a result, laser eye surgery improves convenience, comfort and productivity of their daily lives. For instance, people who suffer night-blindness are not able to drive at night. Also, glasses often steams up on cold nights. This has become a problem for people who are wearing glasses. People who are bothered by blurriness when driving a car are suitable to undergo laser eye surgery. As a result, they could drive easier especially at night. Ninety-nine per cent of all patients are able see well enough, independent of glasses, and able to drive a car by the next day of laser eye surgery (Laser Sight, n. d. ). They no longer need to rub their glasses while they are driving. Consequently, laser eye surgery could reduce the chances of car accidents. Besides, patients see increased confidence as their eye sight is nearly perfect after undergoing laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery can be considered not only for people who have eye problems but also for cosmetic purposes especially for those who do not like to wear glasses. Some people may think that they would look better without wearing glasses. Even though contact lenses have the same function as glasses, sometimes wearing contact lenses may dry off and irritate their eyes. Furthermore, laser eye surgery could improve their social life. After undergoing laser eye surgery, many patients find that the ability to see more clearly than ever before help them to be more outgoing socially (DocShop, n. . ). They feel at ease in dimly-lit atmosphere especially for those people who are formerly disoriented while trying to see in a dark place. They also would have a better appearance without wearing glasses as glasses always been a ‘barrier’ in front of their eyes. Next, laser eye surgery is also highly effective and safe for most people. LASIK has been proven to be safe and effective for most people (Randleman, n. d. ). Ninety-nine percent of people who have had LASIK have excellent results (Carollo, 2010, cited in Dr. Robert, 2010). Ninety per cent of patients in between the age range of forty to sixty years old who underwent the LASIK procedure said they were happy with the results (Laino, 2011). With the advancement of technology, surgical success rate has increased. The professional skills and modern precautionary measures in addition alleviate the risks of laser eye surgery since there are many safety measures available. Hence, people should not be too worried about the risks of laser eye surgery, but to put more trust in today’s technology. Furthermore, as laser eye surgery has become more prevalent, the surgical costs have become more competitive. Many clinics reduce the surgical costs of laser eye surgery to a reasonable price so that it is affordable. Instead of comparing the qualification and standard of surgeon, usually people who are considering laser eye surgery will make price comparison so that they would not waste much money. There are also several parties that provide financial assistance and subsidies to help with those who need to undergo eye surgery. For instance, Lions Club International, Mission Cataract USA, Knights Templar Eye Foundation and many other organizations give out financial help to those who are having financial problem (Helaine, n. d. ). Government also gives subsidies for patients to undergo eye surgery at government hospitals or health institutes. With the aid by government and organizations, patients no longer worry about lack of insurance and they are able to undergo eye treatment. Apart from the costs of laser eye surgery, the efficiency of laser eye surgery is also considerable. For some people, time can be as valuable as money. Therefore, it is very common that many people worry how long it would take for a laser eye surgery. With the rapid advancement of technology, actually laser eye surgery is not time-consuming at all. Nowadays, the procedure of this surgery is fast. In most cases, laser eye surgery can be done within fifteen minutes for both eyes (Wachler, 2012). This means that the surgery only takes few minutes for both eyes. Furthermore, the healing process after undergoing laser eye surgery is fast too. If patients listen to the instructions and take good care of their yes, the recovery will only take a few days (Hamilton, 2011). Besides efficiency of laser eye surgery, it can be also a life-changing chance for the deprived. Laser eye surgery can be a turning point for those who are having difficulty in seeing distant objects. Some people who are born with poor eye vision or eye diseases can be corrected by undergoing laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery may be necessary for those who are having se vere eye diseases to slow down the deterioration of eye vision. Their eyes will feel more comfortable after undergoing laser eye surgery. Most of the nearsighted patients who have undergone LASIK eye surgery will enjoy â€Å"good distance vision their whole life’ (Thau, 2011, cited in Dr. Salz, 2011). However, there are still groups of people who are against laser eye surgery. They strongly believe that going for laser eye surgery can lead to possibility of blindness. This could result from flap-related complications, equipment malfunction, infection, scarring, or extreme changes in corneal shape postoperatively (Randleman, n. d. ). Besides that, some of the patients who have undergone laser eye surgery might have their eye vision improved temporarily. Their eye sight problem might return after several years of surgery. This is more common in patients with hyperopia, or farsightedness (Randleman, n. d. ). Reading glasses are needed to prevent any changes in their vision after LASIK surgery. They may need to undergo an additional surgery after their initial LASIK. In actual fact, there are many safety measures available in this modern era, so people actually do not need to worry about the implications of laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery has proven to be safe. It is an effective alternative to eye drops as a first-line treatment for patients (NEI Press Release, 1995). Besides, laser eye surgery has been available since the late ‘80s in Canada and it was approved in the US since 1995 (Soyouwanna, n. d. ). The number of patients increases every year and it is expected that over one million people have undergone the surgery in the United States. Normally, laser eye surgery is done by a licensed surgeon. Therefore, patients have remote chances of having complications. Actually with any surgical procedures, there are risks. People should understand any possible side effects or complications that might happen by undergoing laser eye surgery. With the rapid advancement of technology, the invention of laser eye surgery decreases the complication into a very low rate and it brings hope for those who are having eye sight problem. Nowadays, many scientists have invented new technologies in order to change the way the world operates. However, new technologies are not trustable. This is because people are unable to enhance the new technologies since they are all new. Even the professionals need some time to learn to utilize the new installations. The ability of a surgeon is more important than promoting the technology. Lack of ability and practice in handling new equipments might cause disastrous consequences to the patients. Insufficient of standard professionals also remain a difficulty for the department of ophthalmology. The ratio of ophthalmologists to population was 1:200,000 and that of mid-level ophthalmic personnel was 1:229,126 (Husainzada, 2007). The lack of human resources in eye care makes it unable to provide efficient eye medical services to the patients. This will likely affect the quality in delivering the medical care to the patients. At the same time, patients should do preparations before laser eye surgery. If people want to undergo laser eye surgery, they should find suitable qualified doctors. They should do more researches on surgical providers’ credentials and qualifications. The surgeon should be an experienced specialist. On the other fact is that if patients follow the instructions strictly, the complications can be reduced. Patients should know what they have to do or don’t for their surgery. With careful patient selection, reasonable expectations, and in the care of an experienced surgeon, most of the patients will be happy with their results (Randleman, n. d. ). Next, there are also some problems to be faced while considering laser eye surgery. Laser eye surgery can be the best way to restore one’s vision back to normal. Somehow, it may worsen the vision after undergoing laser eye surgery. For instance, glare is experienced by many laser eye surgery patients which results in decreased night vision (Dlxguard, n. d. ). They could not drive at night as they could not see clearly while they are driving. This condition could not be corrected by wearing glasses and contact lenses. Laser eye surgery, like any procedure, carries with it some degree of risk. On the other hand, side effects are uncommon and only happen on a small percentage of patients. There will be no significant vision loss if the condition is treated early. The procedure is generally accurate and precise because the laser is guided by a computer. According to a study done by at ARVO reporting on 1,510 eyes that underwent wavefront-guided LASIK using VisX CustomVue technology and IntraLase flaps and the results showed that 95. 6% of the eyes were 20/20 or better in three months (Helzner, 2010, cited in Dr. Probst, 2010). If the patients are really involved in any complications, enhancements can be done. Further treatment can improve the vision if it is treated early. Patients have to undergo additional surgery after initial surgery for a better vision. Somehow, most of the complications can be solved if it is discovered early. All in all, laser eye surgery not only increases a patient’s living convenience and comfort, it also provides surgical patients an improved lifestyle. In addition to that, it is highly effective and cost-efficient because it can reduce expenses in the long run. Hence, it is worth to pay for the surgery as it could change how a person sees the world differently with a perfect eye sight. The false beliefs of the risks of laser eye surgery should be corrected as people should understand that every surgical procedure has its risks. Nowadays, the technology has developed in many countries. This shows that the technology is trustable to be utilized as many safety measures are available. Patients should follow the precautionary steps to prevent any possible complications occur. Complications are rare. Even if it really happens, further treatment can be done. Therefore, laser eye surgery has become safer. In conclusion, laser eye surgery has beneficial effects for society and it is a better way to return their vision quickly. Eye is a unique creation of God. It is like a window that keeps us stay connected with this beautiful world to let us see what is happening around us. Nobody would ever want to be without vision. Hence, people should not neglect the importance of eye care. The discovery of laser eye surgery has revolutionized the eye care industry. Ever since, the laser eye surgery has become increasingly popular and people are looking forward for further improvement of laser eye surgery. The government and relevant authorities should implement strict regulatory enforcement, so as to ensure surgical providers comply with the required standards and safety measures. Individuals contemplating the surgery should also be aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions. Therefore, laser eye surgery should be encouraged as there are some beneficial effects for society, such as being highly economical and effective, improving patient’s appearance and productivity, as well as enhancing patient’s lifestyle.

They left all the weak ones here Essay Example for Free

They left all the weak ones here Essay Due to George thinking that Lennie may embarrass him, Lennie is in Crooks room. Slim an George an everbody [went into town]. George says I gotta stay here an not get in no trouble. I seen your light. This implies that George was telling Lennie to stay at the ranch. Presumably, George had Lennie to do this as he wanted some time away from George. As Lennie did not ask for a proper reason, and obeyed George, he simply stayed at the ranch. This shows that Lennie lacks the mental strength to question George, and the will to defy George and socialise with fellow ranch workers. In 1930s America, laws were set by the government which discriminated against coloured people, and there were laws which would now be considered racist and against the US Constitution. Crooks is not allowed in the bunk house because of this racism. [Im not wanted] Cause Im black. They play cards in there, but I cant play because Im black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you, you all of you stink to me. Crooks is not allowed in the bunk house solely because of his colour, which is why he lives in a house in the barn. Although he shows anger when speaking to Lennie, he doesnt stand up to anyone who is strong enough to have it backfire. This shows both Lennie and Crooks are week and are discriminated against, as Crooks soon realises. Crooks uses the companionship between George and Lennie as an example of his weakness as he is black. Spose you didnt have nobody. Spose you couldnt go into the bunk house and play rummy cause you was black. Howd you like that? This shows that Crooks has a pretty sombre and pessimistic attitude on life, and is jealous of the way that Lennie has a companion. It also shows that Lennie is angry and upset about the prejudice agenda that the USA had at that time. At that time in America, white people generally were de facto superior to black people. Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it aint even funny. When Curleys wife, who is white, says this, it shows that she was using her position as a white woman to stop Crooks from talking back to her, and slowly but surely make him feel diminished. When she says that she can have him strung up on a tree, it refers to lynching him and hanging him from a tree, which was rather common in the Southern United States in the 1930s. The use of the word nigger, which is a taboo word nowadays, shows that Curleys wife has the superiority to use that word in a derogatory manner. This also brings up the theme of racism, which is a recurring theme of Of Mice and Men. When Curleys wife made the racist retort, Crooks ego seemed to grow smaller and smaller. Crooks had reduced himself to nothing. There was no personality, no ego nothing to arouse either like or dislike. He said, Yes, maam, and his voice was toneless. This shows that in the toughest of times, Crooks is unable to fight back. It also shows another side of Crooks, that he is a sensitive and submissive man, contrasting with the side that we saw in the first part of the chapter where he seemed a confident man who can sometimes be a bully. This also shows that, in the 1930s, although black people were given the constitutional rights to defend themselves (in a court, although they did too have the right to bear arms for defence), white people frequently hung black people without a fair trial. Although it was becoming less frequent it still occurred, especially in the Southern United States, where California (the place in which the book is situated) is in. Crooks had been shaken by Curleys wife statement, which he regarded of as true. Candy said, That bitch didnt ought to of said that to you. It wasnt nothing, Crooks said dully. You guys comin in an settin made me forget. What she says is true. Although only a threat (albeit a very harsh one) Crooks knows that it is ultimately true. The way that Crooks said it can also be noted. He said it dully, which can be noted that he was upset by the statement, even if he has probably heard it before. Curley seems to strive to be treated normally, but eventually realises that in the end, because he is black, and because he is a cripple, he will probably never be treated well by anyone, and will have to have it tough until he dies, or, which is sadly a concept, is killed.