Summary HOPE on Earth Essay Example

Summary: HOPE on Earth Essay He is an Australian trial scientist, explorer and writer who devotes his Intelligence on environmental sustainability and conservation. This book highlights Impacts of human activity to the environment. The actually already disadvantages the earth. It advocates that people do need to change their behaviors for a healthier environment. In the following paragraphs, it will present this book summary to explain how human being affects the environment with theories; it will also present the critique (strength and weakness) to this book. Book Summary Here On Earth: An Argument For Hope is an informed book to advocate environmental conservation. It presents rich history to explain a progress that species activity Impacts on environment. It provides amassing arguments that explore the relationship between human beings survival and environment. It also explains what the sustainability Is. The author expects to raise an environmental concern to people, it makes them thoughtful in dealing with environmental protection. The book begins with a series of prominent natural-scientific theories. Charles Darwin invented his influential theory species evolution in 1858 after the voyage of Beagle. The main idea in the theory states that human being has to change its habits, behaviors and characteristics, in any minute, it is to better off itself to a better condition and adapts the changing environment for survival. The theory elucidates the relationship between the survival and environment; surrounding of human being is changing over time, for the purpose of survival, it needs to change based on the dynamic environmental condition. We will write a custom essay sample on Summary: HOPE on Earth specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Summary: HOPE on Earth specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Summary: HOPE on Earth specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Richard Adkins was regarded as Darnings predecessor, It developed Its selfish-gene theory derived from Darnings contribution. Adkins theory believed species had the be ruthless selfishness to environment. The theory illustrates a serious consequence that the selfish gene leads to a situation overproduced resources for the survival. Richard Adkins theory is looked like a cruel tragedy in environmental consequence, in contrast to this idea, there is a win-win theory that is created by Alfred Russell Wallace, a British naturalist and biologist. Wallachs theory focuses on whole universe. It states that rain, air, atmosphere dust these natural elements are essential sources or conditions for living. His discovery presents that this world is not the survival of fittest (Darnings idea), rather, it is an interdependent community. Underlying this theory, the author put forward that cooperation between human being and environment is a condition to coexist. Based on these theories, it brings out an argument about species survival and environment. Made hypothesis and Gaga hypothesis represents two different explanations in this argument. In Made hypothesis, species extreme competition in survival would lead to catastrophe. Likes, human being exhausts all resources in the earth, the exhaustion can prompt the species extinction and environmental catastrophe. Gaga hypothesis explains earth has its self-regulated mechanism to change environment constantly. If human being destroys a place, earth would revenge, likes desertification. Therefore, it suggests human being should be friendly and cooperative with environment for sustainable survival. Subsequently, the author illustrates humans activities has influenced the environment. Such as utilization of nuclear energy, atomic bomb can produce substantial irradiative pollution in environment. The emerging issue Green House Gas is a representative example to illustrate how human beings activities affect the temperature change. The author appeals human being does need to change its environmental-harmful behaviors for sustainable survival. Critique Weakness One thing in this book needs to improve. The thing is about the inferences of Gaga hypothesis. One of beliefs in this hypothesis, the earth has self-regulated system that can adjust environment to species survival. Author states Green House is an example to explain that environment change can affect temperature. Therefore, author concludes human being should cooperate with earth for better survival. However, there is no credible evident to prove the self-regulated system existed; it would be skeptical, whether the self-regulated system really exists and it really affects the environment. If one of things in this hypothesis is skeptical, the reliability of analysis to prove this point, rather than depending on enormous qualitative explanation. It can strengthen the point by the relevant evident. Strength Even though there is a weaknesses, this book is very convenience, credible and arguable. It has strong theoretic foundation to analyze origin of species, evolution and environment, such as profound development of Darnings theory, Made hypothesis and Gain system. It has concrete cases to support its argument. Likes, the author set up cases to demonstrate artificial toxic substance exacerbates the environment; the BPCS (polycarbonate phenyl) is a toxin to ruin the Gain system. It also has the sound development in social reasons that affects the ecosystem. It states the overpopulation, poverty, overcompensation, great inequality between rich and poor ND so forth, these social problems are obstacles to greener and healthier environment. There is a point from a Journal also enhance the argument. It concludes two main threats to environmental sustainability are population growth and economic growth (York et al 2003). China is the largest population country in the world, and its population is still intense growth per year; it means that it supplies huge resources (such as food) to sustain people survival (York et al 2003). American economic growth causes pollution also, the car polluted emission in America every ear is terrible (York et al 2003). Conclusion In conclusion, this book delivers a rich theoretic foundation and cases to address environmental issues. It begins with Charles Darnings evolution theory to explain species survival affected by dynamic environment. Subsequently, Made and Gaga hypothesis present two different views of the species survival. Author applies the theories to cases to explain how human beings activities change the environment. Overall, this book is very convenience and arguable, audience is persuaded to really to act in protecting its only home earth.

The 22 Best Colleges in the Midwest

The 22 Best Colleges in the Midwest SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you from the Midwest and want to stay close to home for college? Do you want to experience life in the heartland or in one of America's underrated flyover states? If you’re considering going to college in the Midwest, you should have an idea of which schools are the best in the region. In this article, I’ll provide my rankings of the best colleges in the Midwest and explain how you should use my ranking list of the top Midwestern schools. Which States Are in the Midwest? For my rankings, here are the states that I considered to be in the Midwest: North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Missouri.There is some argument about which states are in the Midwest. My apologies if you disagree with my assessment. How I Ranked the Best Colleges in the Midwest While rankings can be subjective, you can get a general idea of which colleges are better based on their reputations and objective statistics.I placed the22 topcolleges in the Midwest into four tiers, with tier one including the highest ranked schools.I determined my rankings by looking at the rankings from US News, Forbes, and Niche.Each ranking list uses different variables to determine its rankings, but here are some of the most important factors that are considered when determining college rankings: Academic Reputation- The academic reputation of a school is what education experts think about the academics at a particular college. US News gives a peer assessment survey to university presidents, provosts, and deans of admissions to help rate academic quality. Additionally, it surveys high school counselors across the country. Freshman Retention Rate- The freshman retention rate is the percentage of freshmen that return for their sophomore years. Typically, better colleges have higher retention rates. A high retention rate shows that students at the school are satisfied with the school and receiving the necessary support to succeed. Graduation Rate- The graduation rate is the percentage of students that graduate within 6 years. Better schools have higher graduation rates. If a higher percentage of students is graduating, then the students are seen as being more capable, and the college is providing the necessary support and resources to enable students to successfully finish college. Student Selectivity- Student selectivity refers to the qualifications of the students and the competitiveness of the admissions process. Better schools have students with higher high school GPAs and standardized test scores. Also, better schools tend to have lower acceptance rates. More selectivity generally equates to a higher caliber of student. Financial Resources- Ranking lists consider schools’ per student spending. More spending per student is indicative of having more resources and positively influences a school’s ranking. I weighted the US News rankings a little more heavily because US News has the most prestigious ranking list; therefore it has the greatest impact on a school’s reputation.All of the schools were among the top 25 Midwestern colleges in at least two of the three ranking lists I looked at.Honorable mention schools made the top 25 in at least one list. I included the average standardized test scores, acceptance rates, and US News ranking for each school. Because US News ranks national universities and liberal arts colleges separately, after the ranking, I put NU for national university or LA for liberal arts college.I also put public colleges in bold. Ruby.W./Flickr The 22 Best Colleges in the Midwset, Ranked Here are my rankings of the best colleges in the Midwest. Enjoy. Tier One The first tier of the best universitiesin the Midwest is composed of extremely selective private schools.Their acceptance rates range from 9% (University of Chicago) to 22% (University of Notre Dame). Also, their graduation rates are between 93% and 96%.They’re all top 15 schools in the country in their respective categories in the US News rankings, and all of the first tier schools meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.The only liberal arts college in the group is Carleton College. School Location Average SAT Average ACT Acceptance Rate US News Ranking Carleton College Northfield, MN 2135 31 21% #8 LA Northwestern University Evanston, IL 2170 33 15% #12 NU University of Chicago Chicago, IL 2228 33 9% #4 NU University of Notre Dame South Bend, IN 2130 33 22% #18 NU Washington University in St. Louis St. Louis, MO 2220 33 16% #15 NU University of Chicago (supafly/Flickr) Tier Two The second tier is composed of very well-regarded, selective colleges.All of the second tier schools are small liberal arts colleges, except the University of Michigan, which is considered to be one of the top public universities in the nation.Their acceptance rates range from 30% (Oberlin College) to 38% (Kenyon College), and their US News rankings are all in the top 30 in the country in their respective categories.Their graduation rates range from 86% (Grinnell) to 91% (University of Michigan).They all meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, except Kenyon (95%) and Michigan (85%). School Location Average SAT Average ACT Acceptance Rate US News Ranking Grinnell College Grinnell, IA 1375 (on Math and Critical Reading only) 30 35% #19 LA Kenyon College Gambier, OH 1988 30 38% #25 LA Macalester College St. Paul, MN 2015 31 34% #23 LA Oberlin College Oberlin, OH 2059 30 30% #23 LA University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 2041 30 33% #29 NU Tier Three The third tier is composed of a mix of private and public colleges from five different states.Their acceptance rates range from 42% (Case Western) to 62% (University of Illinois), and their US News rankings are between37 and51 in their respective categories.Their graduation rates range from 80% (DePauw) to 89% (St. Olaf).They meet from 69% (Illinois) to 99% (St. Olaf) of demonstrated financial need. School Location Average SAT Score Average ACT Score Acceptance Rate US News Ranking Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH 2032 31 42% #37 NU DePauw University Greencastle, IN 1780 27 61% #51 LA St. Olaf College Northfield, MN 1919 29 59% #51 LA University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL 1970 28 62% #41 NU University of Wisconsin Madison, WI 1916 28 51% #41 NU Case Western (OzinOH/flickr) Tier Four The fourth tier is composed of sevencolleges, four liberal arts colleges and three large public universities.Their acceptance rates range from 44% (University of Minnesota) to 73% (Lawrence University), and their US News rankings are from 55 to 66 in their respective categories.Their graduation rates range from 74% (Purdue) to 89% (Wheaton).They meet from 71% (Ohio State) to 97% (Denison) of demonstrated financial need. School Location Average SAT Score Average ACT Score Acceptance Rate US News Ranking Denison University Granville, OH 1264 (on Reading and Math only) 29 46% #55 LA Kalamazoo College Kalamazoo, MI 1854 28 67% #66 LA Lawrence University Appleton, WI 1900 29 73% #57 LA Ohio State University Columbus, OH 1864 28 56% #52 NU Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 1773 27 60% #61 NU University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 1920 28 44% #69 NU Wheaton College (IL) Wheaton, IL Not Available Not Available Not Available #57 LA Honorable Mention Beloit College College of Wooster Drake University Earlham College Indiana University Michigan State University Wabash College The menacing Michigan State mascot (John Martinez Pavliga/Flickr) How Should You Use This List? If you want to go to one of the best colleges in the Midwest, research the schools on the list that interest you to determine if you want to apply to them.Think of the factors that are important to you in a college including cost, size, selectivity, location, and the majors offered.Look at the school’s website and use guidebooks, college finders, and search websites to help you in the college selection process. If possible, consult with teachers, counselors, parents, current students, and alumni. Also, just because a school didn’t make the list doesn’t mean it’s a bad school. In your college search, you should identify the school that’s the best fit for you. Some schools may not rank well because they’re not as selective or have fewer financial resources. However, they may have academic programs, professors, and a campus environment that will enable you to have a high quality of life while you’re in school and reach your academic and professional goals. What's Next? Do you want to go to one of the best colleges in the Midwest, but you're worried that your standardized test scores are too low? Check out the Ultimate SAT Prep Study Guideor15 ACT tips and tricks to help raise your score. Are you worried about the cost of attending a great college? Find out how much college really costs, learn how to save for school, and read this post abouthow to pay for college. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Group types and group characteristics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Group types and group characteristics - Essay Example However, not all groups are formally authorized by the management. Nevertheless, well-managed groups can mean the difference between successful and unsuccessful organizations. According to Robbins and Coulter (2002), most teams are either, temporary or permanent, functional or cross-functional, and self-managed or supervised. Primarily, groups are mainly classified into formal and informal groups. Formal groups and teams are those that are created by managers (Jones and George 2009, 599). These include top-management teams, cross-functional teams, self-managed work teams, command groups, cross-cultural teams, task forces, virtual teams, and project teams. Informal groups are those that may be created organizational members. Informal groups like friendship groups and special interest groups, however, serve more of a social and recreational purpose (DuBrin 2012, 471). The top management team is a sort of cross-functional team that consists of members from each of the functional units or departments from across the organization, including finance, human resource, marketing, and so on. Cross-functional teams contain specialized members from each functional unit, who work together on a variety of tasks. Cross-functional teams may be assigned for a particular process that requires members from different areas of expertise. Self-managed work teams are formally recognized and consist of team members, generally employees, who are responsible for an entire project such as product or service development. Self-managed work teams are based around the concept of job enrichment which is why self-managed work teams are characterized by greater control and autonomy over their tasks and duties. Self-managed work teams also include self-directed teams and work teams (DuBrin 2012, 471). Members of a self-managed work team work together on an ongoing basis as opposed to members on a task force. Members are usually led by a team leader who is

Mobile Banking Factors why consumers are resisitng the new technology Essay

Mobile Banking Factors why consumers are resisitng the new technology - Essay Example Hence, better technology will lead to quicker and more enjoyable mobile transactions. This report focuses on the customer response to mobile banking in California, US. Through one-on-one interviews with 100 young consumers (ages ranging from 15 to 25 years old) the nature of consumer resistance to mobile banking is explored and explained. This strategic report also offers a hopeful examination of the future prospects of mobile phone banking applications in California. Mobile banking represents a daring and emerging innovation with currently relatively low usage rates among American consumers. However, this segment is expected to have a high usage rates in the future with the implementation of improved features by the service providers. The first applications of mobile banking were implemented in the mid-nineties which enabled bank customers to make payments and request account balances via mobile phone as an SMS service. However, compared to Internet banking in developed countries, mobile banking adoption rates in developed and developing countries have been rather low and slow. When mobile phone banking was first launched in the US market in mid-2002, the US consumers had a lukewarm response to the new technology during that time. Only a few percentage of the customers were open to mobile phone banking. ... 9.2.1. Mobile Banking Questions 14 List of Tables 1. Introduction Mobile banking represents a daring and emerging innovation with currently relatively low usage rates among American consumers. However, this segment is expected to have a high usage rates in the future with the implementation of improved features by the service providers. The first applications of mobile banking were implemented in the mid-nineties which enabled bank customers to make payments and request account balances via mobile phone as an SMS service. However, compared to Internet banking in developed countries, mobile banking adoption rates in developed and developing countries have been rather low and slow. When mobile phone banking was first launched in the US market in mid-2002, the US consumers had a lukewarm response to the new technology during that time. Only a few percentage of the customers were open to mobile phone banking. Approximately, only 4% of US online consumers with a mobile phone use a feature of mobile banking. Another 5% of the consumers were interested, however, the remaining 72% of the customers were not interested at all. (Meyer, Thomas, 2007) 1.1. Background of the StudyMobile phone banking did not have a great beginning in the US banking market. For instance, the Wells Fargo shut down its mobile phone banking offering in 2002 give a skeptic response from the bank customers. In addition, Forrester Research found out that only 10% of American consumers indicated that they would consider mobile banking, versus the 35% or so who already bank online. The customer resistance for mobile phone banking has been persistent. A common reason for this is that the bank customers are conservative and security conscious with respect to their money. These

Individual case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Individual - Case Study Example urship and innovation challenges faced by the founder and the co-founder at the initial stages of operation and the strategies adopted by them to expand their business in the international markets (Stokes and  Wilson, 2010, p.65). Jeroen Glabeek and Gilbert Gooijers, the founder and the co-founder were classmates and shared same interest in academics during their college days with the activity of radio broadcasting as a commercial business. Glabeek and Gooijers considered the proposal of their customers to send ringtones and sms to the overseas European markets such as Spain and tying up with the telecom service providers in those countries. In the course of their step towards innovation and entrepreneurship, they also considered their failed venture in the past in Poland. Taking into account the prospects of the international markets, the company considered at the development of software in the mobile phones of the customers all over the world (Kumar, 2008, p.57). In order to attr act customers, they started to make their customers aware of the wide reach of the sms service and the response of the people after reading their sms. The clients of CM were able to send the plan of their activity to their customers and the overwhelming response of the customers led to the increase in sms traffic over the years as shown in Exhibit 1. The increase in the sms traffic and the growth of business reflected in the financial statements of the company. From the time the company started in 2000, the company has moved from a net loss position in 2000 to a net profit position of â‚ ¬1233602 in 2009. The income statement of CM over the years has been given in Exhibit 2. The decision criteria for success and sustainability of CM’s business are the analysis of the entrepreneurial and innovative measures in the business of sms service. The success and sustainability is decided by the impact of measures taken to meet the challenges in the competitive industry, the impact on the

The Amphawa Floating Market Of Benefit Tourism Essay

The Amphawa Floating Market Of Benefit Tourism Essay Heritage cultural tourism defined as the nostalgia tourism that places special emphasis on heritage and cultural attractions. Cultural tourism began to be recognized as a distinct product category in the late 1970s when tourism marketers realized that some people traveled specially to gain a deeper understanding of the culture or a heritage destination This paper concentrates on the area of Amphawa community. This community is composed of many cultural characteristics and themes which relate to the history of the area, cultures and lifestyle of Amphawa community, current situation problems and effects of tourism. Even though the benefits from tourism brought the development of infrastructure and the income from tourists expenditure, rapid development of community tourism may led to troubles and conflicts. Many people who came from Bangkok and neighbor had been interested in this area, so the local community had been adapted for new tourism. Cultural tourism with local people participating would make them realize the tourism management which could lead the community to real cultural tourism. Tourism has become the worlds largest industry as the tourism marketplace has become increasing dramatically, there has been a trend toward increased specialization among tourists with cultural tourism has becoming the fastest growing segment of the industry (Huh, Uysal, and McCleary, 2006). Cultural tourism began to be recognized as a distinct product category in the late 1970s when tourism marketers realized that some people traveled specially to gain a deeper understanding of the culture or a heritage destination (McKercher and du Cros, 2002). Sigala and Leslie (2005) define heritage and cultural tourism as the segment of the tourism industry that places special emphasis on heritage and cultural attractions The Travel Industry Association of America (Domestic Travel Market Report, 2003) also listed visiting historic destinations as one of the top five activities for tourists in North America. Furthermore, Andersen, Prentice and Guerin (1997) identified the important attributes of cultural tourism in Denmark as being castles, gardens, museums, and historical buildings, when tourists made a decision to visit the country. In a similar in China, Sofield (1998) identified history, culture, traditional festivals, historical events, beautiful scenic heritage, historical sites, architecture, folk arts (music, dancing, craftwork) and folk culture villages as the attributes of significance. Therefore, the increasing number of tourists and the corresponding trend towards cultural tourism that action must be taken to deal with the issues associated with quality tourism and the protection of a countrys cultural heritage places from improper and over-use. Moreover, the cultural tourism need to awareness of the variety of cultural heritage places and the preservation of environmental equilibrium in order to develop a compatible tourism (An Ethics Charter for Cultural Tourism, 2000). Tourism may strengthen some aspect by using culture and diminish others, even to the point of disappearance. The changing has relationship between cultural expressions under the influence of a change causing agent, such as tourism. However, it is possible that under the influence of an agent of cultural change, an expression will be substituted or adopted. The result can be no effect on other cultural expressions or varying degrees of effect (Carter and Beeton, 2004). In this paper, Amphawa community is located in Samutsongkhram province. It is an interesting case to study because of its real attributes of local settlement and community and their evolution through time from the early Rattanakosin period (the late 17th century) to the present. This community is composed of many cultural characteristics and themes which relate to the history of the area, ways of life, and ways of living. The aims of this paper are to study and analyze both positive and negative impacts of cultural tourism to Amphawa floating market destinations in areas of local history, attractions, economy and community. In additions, the paper looks for some solutions to resolve problems of cultural tourism to push tourism will become real cultural tourism that offer a lot of benefits to local community. Cultural Tourism For cultural tourism in India, it is prevailing factor of the tourism segment, because India has the land of ancient history, heritage, and culture. The government of India has launched the Incredible India campaign and this has led to the growth of culture tourism in India. One can see the influence of various cultures in dance, music, festivities, architecture, traditional customs, food, and languages. This richness in culture goes a long way in projecting India as the ultimate cultural tourism destination given boost to tourism in culture in India. Rajasthan is the most popular. The reason for this is that Rajasthan is famous for its rich cultural heritage. The state is renowned for many magnificent palaces and forts which showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The various folk songs and music also reflect the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. A large number of festivals and fairs are held in Rajasthan such as the camel festival, Marwar festival, and Pushkar festival (Cultural Tourism India). For cultural tourism in New Zealand, it provides tourists a unique experience into the indigenous people of New Zealand. Maori people live throughout New Zealand, and many are actively involved with keeping their culture and language alive. Within Maori community has focus on social, cultural and spiritual life. Traditional carvers also help to keep Maori culture alive by creating intricate works that pay respect to the past. Every pieces carved tells a story, which can be read by those who know how. Maori Tourism in New Zealand started over 130 years ago with local Maori guiding visitors through the Central Plateau region of (Aotearoa) New Zealand. Tourists can enjoy a Maori experience with a variety of options. The Maori people are the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and first arrived here in waka hourua (voyaging canoes) from their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki over 1000 years ago. Today, Maori has over 14 percent of the population. Their language and culture has a major impact on all facets of New Zealand life (NewZealand Tourism Guide). The Maoris mask is shown in the figure 1. Figure 1 The Maoris mask Source: http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/maori-culture.html For Thailand, it is a country of scenic diversity and ancient traditions, of tranquil temples and Thai rural style excitement. With independent history, it has managed to absorb a variety of cultural influences and blend them into something uniquely and memorably Thai. Each region of Thailand offers a distinctive experience for the traveler in search of discovery. In this case concentrate on the area of Amphawa community located on Samutsongkhram province. History of Samutsongkhram Figure 2 Samutsongkhram provincial Logo Figure 3 Samutsongkhram tourist map Source: http://www.tour.co.th/th/map.php Samutsongkhram province is located in the lower part of the central region of Thailand. The former name of Samutsongkhram province is Maeklong. Its name comes from the attribution of geography, which is the location that Maeklong River runs through. This river is very important to this province. Samutsongkhram province is around 72 kilometers west of Bangkok. It is assumed that Samutsongkhram might have been established in the Ayuddhaya period. The modern Samutsongkham province is a little province, 416 square kilometers, and is divided into 3 administrative districts. There are Muang, Bangkhonthi and Amphawa districts. There are around 200,000 people in this province which is composed of 36 sub-districts or 278 villages (Samutsongkhram). History of Amphawa community This paper concentrates on the area of Amphawa community. Originally, Amphawa area was named Kwang Bang Chang. There is no evidence to prove that when Kwang Bang Chang was formed. Even though it was a small community in the past, it was prosperous with commercial and agricultural activities. There was rich traditional riverside living and classical architecture. It could be said that it was an important source of food and commodity for the capital city as Krung Thonburi and Bangkok. Most settlements are established near a waterway, which is the traditional settlement style of gardener communities, although, in the present, there is more convenient transportation systems such as main roads and sub roads. This style of settlement has been preserved as a unique characteristic of gardener communities showing that their way of living depended on rivers and canals. There was a cluster of structures at the side of Amphawa canal. The densest settlement was in the business area, which was the center part of the town. This was located near the Amphawa canal mouth. Usually, a community settlement was spread two-sides along the banks of the Mae Klong River, which is a major water route. In addition, there are small canals, creeks and irrigation canals such as the Amphawa canal, Bangjak canal and Dow-dung canal, which all join the Mae Klong River. As in many Thai provinces the spiritual center for Thais in this community has always been the temple. On the Amphawa canal there were plenty of boats which sold local fruits, vegetables, clothes, food and products necessary for living. At the mouth of the Amphawa canal there was a riverside single house having its cultivatable area along the canal. The Amphawa community was established at the intersection of Mae Klong River and Amphawa canal which is about 20 Km. from the Gulf of Thailand (Tourism Thailand). Characteristic of Amphawa floating market Amphawa floating market is located in SamutSongkram Province. Amphawa floating market  is an afternoon floating market by the canal near Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram and brings visitors back to a rural Thai lifestyle of years gone by. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, during 12.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m., the Amphawa Canal is occupied by vendors who pack their boats with food and drinks, such as fried sea mussel, noodles, coffee, O-liang (iced black coffee), sweets, etc. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable atmosphere and music broadcast by the community members, explores the market, have food, and hire a boat to see fireflies at night (Amphawa Floating Market, Thailand). Figure 4 Amphawa Floating Market, Thailand Source: http://www.amphawafloatingmarket.com/ Amphawa is the most significant community in Samut Songkharm province in terms of role model for the local communitys involvement in the community-based tourism that had beginning of community-based tourism (CBT) in Thailand since early 1990s (Richards, 2009). In 2008, there were 558,326 visitors who traveled to Samut Songkharm. Being short distance from Bangkok, tourists can make one day trip to travel to the Amphawa. The most preferred activities for tourist, was to stay in home stay and an evening trip to watch fireflies. The length of stay was average 2.63 days for Thais and 4.40 days for foreigners. The Expenditures per day were approximately 2,866 Thai baht. There were 96 homes stay and resorts that increased by 75% from 2007 (Office of Tourism Department, 2008). In addition, diverse biodiversity attracts tourists to come and travel about the nature such as fireflies that live in Lam Poo Tree along the canal of Amphawa. These natural and environment has been created as a tour program for tourists to visit and have sightseeing. Tourist can contact the counter to book the tour at the floating market themselves which cost 60 Baht per person (Amphawa Floating Market, Thailand). This community is also significant artists of traditional Thai arts and musical instruments prosper. In particular, it is generally acknowledged that the best coconuts for making fiddle are grown in this area. This is also a renowned center of excellent handicrafts made in time-honored fashion. The best way to get around in Ampawa is to walk or ride a bike because the roads and bridges are narrow. Most home stays have bikes available for hiring to guests at a nominal fee. Most of tourists are Thais, and ages under 25years. The main transportation is personal car. The purpose of visit is holiday, and they are independent tourists (TAT, 2008). This is playing as the heart of CBT, both as a movement and a shared their cultures for hosts and guests (Richards, 2009). According to UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award (2008) Amphawa canal community has successfully achieved public-private cooperation in the preservation of heritage structures in Thailand. This award demonstrates recognition of the cultural significance of Amphawa and an appreciation of both the architectural and living heritage of the historic canal community. Figure 5 Amphawa canal community Source: http://www.unescobkk.org/index.php?id=8109 All tourism involves the consumption of experiences and products (McKercher and du Cros, 2002). Cultural tourists want to consume a variety of cultural experience therefore cultural heritage assets must be converted into cultural tourism products that tourist can utilize. The transformation process should be sustainable management of the cultural product. Cultural heritage places are usually designated by communities for tourism potential. However, it is undeniable that cultural attractions are also for cultural tourism. However, since the Amphawa floating market has prospered progressively and reputation. The number of the home stay increased each year to support demand of tourists. Even though the benefits from tourism brought the development of infrastructure and the income from tourists expenditure, rapid development of community tourism may led to troubles and conflicts. The advantage impact by tourism Social Advantages According to ATTA (2010) tourism can help communities as tourism industry provides high standard of local people living. As a result of causing the income distribution and distribution of employment opportunities to local people directly such as employment in various business tourism industries as hotel staffs, transport staffs and local guides etc. Including creating career indirectly as people who delivering newspapers to the hotel, textile workers, banker etc. Also it provides a comfort and convenient from the development of infrastructure tourism. This is an important outgrowth that the local people will be able more comfort and convenient along with tourism such as main road, electricity, water supply and buses etc. Furthermore, more and more tourists come that are inspiration of local people for preservation and cherish their owe culture as immaculate condition. All of Developing, managing and operating CBT (Richards, 2009) helps local people to develop new skills and knowledge which can assist them to communicate and to support effectively in support of their traditional cultures and ways of life. Economic Advantages The local tourism industry help reduce migration of population flows to capital that the nature of the local people if they could make money from the settlement and occupation of their hometown, they will not immigrate to another one. Also tourism gives the career opportunities in retail shop with local people. This may be an independent career such as local restaurant, souvenir shop and household industry. Moreover, the plentiful resources within community can bring to apply convert into souvenirs and also support folk wisdom. Include making another new career in local community. There are many tourist attractions that gain economical benefits from tourism. As a local resident of Plai-Pong-Pang Thai house tourism village, Samutsongkram province has been increased their revenue and job opportunities from tourism industry after applying cultural and eco tourism to promote their village (Wattanasukchai, 2002 and Sungwarn, 2003). The disadvantage impact by tourism Environmental disadvantages The number visitors have grown to more than 10,000 a week and the local environment is suffering as a result. Most of wastewater problem caused by effluent from hotel or home stays accommodation, followed by wastewater from restaurants and places of tourist attractions. Some places discharge wastewater directly to local river or cannel without any treatment before. This is causing water pollution. Moreover, the problems of rotting garbage, annoying noise levels and an increase in the cost of living in Amphawa (The Nation travel, 2008). All attractions have waste problems as garbage in different levels. That depends on cooperation between a host community and tourists who travel in reasonable way. Furthermore, Thai farming and fishing families who rely on earth, forest and water to survive often have to compete with the tourism industry for access to land, sea and other essential resources. This makes life even more challenging (Richards, 2009). Traveling receive a large number of tourists, mostly Westerners whove taken a motor-boat ride from the Chao Phraya River to see the exotic lifestyle of those living along Amphawa canal, which has served as a scene for the famous classic. This is bringing a great economic opportunity for the local community. However, this is the biggest problem right now for local people by deafening motor-boat noise that continues all day long from morning till evening for sightseeing firefly, in addition to the deprivation of privacy. A few years ago some angry villagers chose to chop down some nearby trees to dispel the fireflies (Bangkok Post, 2010). Economic disadvantages The career opportunity has changing from farmers to work in hotels, merchants or tour operators. That generate agriculture production will decrease dramatically while a demand increased. Due to the agriculture less profitable than business travels or hotels consistent with more number of tourists come to Amphawa. That makes people turn more interest to businesses hotels or home stay. This is a cause produces cost of living increase. Social disadvantages Many host communities, especially indigenous communities, trade cultural expressions for benefits that tourism can provide. As such, cultural expressions are a direct and observable link between a host culture and the tourist. Tourism may act on cultural character to effect change the community. Cultural attractions have a role in a community and provide benefits such as healing economy, spiritual enrichment and maintenance of social order (Carter and Beeton, 2004). However, there are people feel tourists have privileged that cause produce decrease friendly attitude to tourists and also increasing social conflict within community. Such as some people are against for sightseeing firefly tourism between boat operators that cause by tourism that could make money from tourists. This result show local people lack the voice and influence needed to negotiate a fair deal from tourism development (Richards, 2009). Also there is decrease local awareness of the need for sustainable development because even more visitors that means more income too. In addition, the success in home stay business has the impact for the community management. Increasing number of tourists caused the demand for the construction of home stay. Land-use pattern changed to serve for tourism, and caused increase in real property price in Amphawa. Without the awareness from stakeholder, purity of Amphawa will be destroyed. No control and standard makes community lost direction to use tourism as a tool to improve the quality of life. Environment and natural resources will be destroyed for commercial exploitation without concerning and restoration as well. Living Style Change Amphawa is crowded with people and cars on Friday-Sunday. Amphawa community is going to change and its integrity is threatened by tourism. However, this community still has living, prosperous entity to interpret for, and present to, visitors. It is in effect on outdoor living museum and cultural landscape. It represents living history with all its attractions for visitors which is full of cultural collective things related to Amphawa people and the prosperous time in the past. The issue facing the community is that of encouraging tourism and change without destroying or overwhelming the heritage value of what is there. The inclusive and cooperation of the local community is vital in future planning (Amphawa District, 2006). Some residents are eager to be part of tourism development and gain some of the benefits they are entitled to. Some owners modified their homes to serve as souvenir shops. There is an art gallery and cafe, such as Baan Silapin, which is affiliated to the Association of Siamese Architects and other conservation agencies (Bangkok Post, 2010). However, improvement of sustainable tourism wont happen if the dwellers refuse to abandon Thai-style submission and have no faith in their basic rights. Somehow, they also need help from the law leaders by leading the way as local community development plan. Solving way for problems and conflicts Before its too late, local community and local entrepreneurs should get together to come up with a common plan and agreement on what they wish to see their communities grow into. They must draw up a list of problems that need to be mentioning both long-short term challenges. Some order is needed to save these sites from becoming too freely developed, which would set a threat to the very structure of the uniqueness and charm of these places. On the other hand, tourists must be sensitive while visiting such sites and try, as much as possible, to support genuine local products and services (Bangkok Post, 2010) It would be encouraging if these tourists learn more about the unique history of the place they visit and bring back whatever aspects they see as positive to apply to their own city environment. Eventually, all places develop and its a challenge to ensure these unique markets or community evolves in a way that is sympathetic to way of ancestor living. Local community will benefit from encourage tourists more sensitive cultural tourism. Conclusions Cultural tourism as nostalgia for the past grows, many tourists lead to places like Suphan Buris Samchuk market, or the Amphawa floating market as the houses have architectural value for studying and travelling for the next generation. They are traditional wooden Thai style houses. An architecture style reflects way of life of people in Amphawa as river and canal since long time up to present based community. It is a uniqueness of riverside settlement of people in the past. Therefore, it is understandable why the yearning for something less efficient and retrospective is growing. Tourism provides a benefic to local community as high standard of local people living and also all of developing, managing encourage local people to develop new skills and knowledge which can assist them to support effectively in support of their traditional cultures and ways of life. The growth in the community also helps reduce the population in the capital due to they can own living by themselves. However, mostly of Thai framing communities who rely on earth and water to survive often have to compete with the tourism industry progressively for preserving to land and other essential resources. This makes life even more challenging if no control and standard makes community lost direction to use tourism as a tool to improve the quality of life. Environment and natural resources will be destroyed for trade exploitation without concerning and restoration as well. Therefore, this paper may make foreign and Thai visitors come to know and value cultural significance of historic setting in Amphawa community and protect traditional way of life as well as cultural structure from the past to present of riverside people.

The Desire for Intoxication Leads to Destruction Essay -- Marijuana Dr

The Desire for Intoxication Leads to Destruction Through time, people all over the world have looked for ways to feel intoxicated and alter their consciousness for different reasons. One of the most ancient ways people have reached this state of intoxication has been through the popular marijuana plant. Today this plant has become so widely accepted that it has been legalized in a few states and will most likely be legalized in other states, such as California and Maine, even though it is prohibited by federal law. Advocates claim it has medicinal properties, and that the drug may actually be beneficial to people’s health. But even though many people argue that feeling intoxicated relaxes them and alleviates their pain, research and past incidents have proven that the desire to be intoxicated has more damaging effects than positive ones. In his book The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan looks at four different desires: beauty, control, intoxication, and sweetness, each represented by a plant . Each plant has either evolved or has been modified to fulfill a desire craved by human beings. Pollan shows us how the desire for sweetness is represented by the apple, beauty by the tulip, control by the potato, and the desire for intoxication by marijuana. In this book, Pollan explains how marijuana became modified through time to fit the different needs and expectations of consumers worldwide. Putting it in Pollan’s own words, â€Å"cannabis had to do two things: it had to prove it could gratify a human desire so brilliantly that people would take extraordinary risks to cultivate it, and it had to find the right combination of genes to adapt to a most peculiar and thoroughly artificial new environment†( 130). Marijuana was here to stay... ... A. Kallen. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 26 Nov. 2010. Pollan, Michael. The Botany of Desire. New York: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2002. Print. Works Cited Hadly, Scott. â€Å"CHP Officer remains in critical condition. Ventura County Star. 21 Dec. 2007. Web. 29 Oct. 2010 Huff, Charlotte. "A risky decision: with marijuana, your good judgment may go up in smoke." Current Health 2, a Weekly Reader publication Feb. 2010: 20+. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 29 Oct. 2010. Marijuana Policy Project. "Medical Marijuana Should Be Legalized." Legalizing Drugs. Ed. Stuart A. Kallen. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2006. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 26 Nov. 2010. Pollan, Michael. The Botany of Desire. New York: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2002. Print.