Vienna, Austria Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Vienna, Austria - Essay Example The researcher of this essay aims to provide a brief description of Vienna, that is the capital of Austria and also one of the nine States of Austria. The population of Vienna is 1.6 million today, so that Vienna is the largest city of Austria as well as its cultural, economic and political center. The city lies on both sides of the River Danube, and only 60 kilometers off Austria's Eastern border. Vienna lies in the South East corner of Central Europe and is close to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The Wienerwald (Vienna Woods) and the foothills of the Eastern Alps begin shortly after the western suburbs of Vienna. The city was the capital of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy between 1867 and 1918. Today, Vienna city is composed of 23 districts, which though have their own names, are also numbered. However, the elections in these subdivisions are held on the district level, which gives the representatives the political clout. The researcher states that Vienna is famous for bea utiful architecture and breathtaking buildings, history and culture. Cafà © Society, the place to take a break from sightseeing, was invented in Vienna. One of the attractions of Vienna is State of Opera, that was built in the late 1800s. At once the Inner city was surrounded by defensive walls known as Innere Stadt, today it is within Ringstrasse, that is a broad boulevard, lined with imposing buildings, monuments, and parks, such as Gothic St Stephen's Cathedral, which has 113 m steeple that can be seen from most parts of Vienna. (Austria, 1) In Vienna a number of United Nations offices and various international institutions and companies are located. Some of these major institutions are: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) (Vienna, 1). Vienna has a long tradition of art and culture in the areas of theatre, opera, classical music and fine arts. Burgtheater together with its branch, the Akademietheater, is considered to be one of the best theatres in the German-speaking world. The other theatres offering high quality entertainment are: Volkstheater Wien and the Theater in der Josefstadt. There are also other many theatres offering excellent quality in performing arts like modern, experimental plays or cabaret. Two theatres, Staatsoper and the Volksoper offer great opportunities to the Opera lovers. At Wiener Musikverein, the well -known theatre, concerts of classical music are performed. The Theater an der Wien has become famous in the recent years for hosting premiers of the musicals. Even in many Roman Catholic churches in central Vienna a number of religious and other music is organized. Vienna is famous for its glorious architecture. The buildings are made with beautiful designs of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and typical Austrian Biedermeier styles. The Secession, Karlsplatz Metropolitan Railway Station, and the Kirche am Steinhof by Otto Wagner rank among the best-known examples of Art Nouveau in the world. The Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School, the Vienna Boys' Choir (Wiener Sngerknaben), Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and various pastries, including the bagel are some of the other special features of Vienna. Viennese Kathreintanzn is the best-known folk dancing of Vienna. In the Vienna city, also located are a number of educational institutes, universities, professional colleges and gymnasiums. There are a number of museums in Vienna of which the most famous is Hofburg, the former imperial palace that was built during the 13th century (Austria, 1). The treasury of this museum holds the imperial jewels. Kunsthistorisches Museum is located directly opposite to Hofburg; it houses a number paintings made by the old masters. Then there is Leopold Museum that displays works of the Viennese Secession, Viennese Modernism and

Is Abortion Immoral Essay Example for Free

Is Abortion Immoral Essay In Carol Levine’s book, Taking Sides, the debate discussing whether abortion is considered immoral or not raises questions about the relationship between law, society, and ethics. When discussing abortion, there are typically two polar opposite views in which to categorize the argument: the pro-life view and the pro-choice view. From a conservative point of view, the â€Å"pro-life† stance is one that sees abortion as the taking of an innocent life of a child. The pro-lifers would also argue that life begins at conception and are in favor of supporting the life of the child in the womb. However, abortion has been legal since 1973. The 1973 Supreme court decision of Roe v. Wade declared that a woman has a constitutional right to privacy, which includes an abortion. † (p 121) Even though abortion is legalized, it does not make the choice to abort the child morally right. â€Å"Patrick Lee and Robert P. George conclude that being a mother generates a special responsibility and that the sacrifice morally required of the mother is less burdensome than the harm that would be done to the child, causing his or her death, to escape responsibility. † (p 121) The first question to be raised is whether the human embryo/fetus should be considered a complete human being or not. The human embryo is considered to be distinct from any cell of both the mother and of the father because it is growing in its own direction. The human embryo is obviously human, with DNA characteristic of human beings. Most importantly, the human embryo is a complete organism even though it is said to be an immature one. â€Å"Rather, an embryo (and fetus) is a human being at a certain (early) stage of developmentthe embryonic (or fetal) stage. † (p 123) Therefore, it is arguably said that aborting the child, at any term, is considered feticide and objectively immoral. In abortion, what is killed is a human being, a whole living member of the species homo sapiens, the same kind of entity as you or I, only at an earlier stage of development†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p 124) Another argument in the debate is that abortion is justified as non-intentional killing. Some pro-choicers argue that it is not so much intentionally killing the child, but rather not choosing to provide the child with assistance or a home during the gestation period, all while knowing that evicting the child will almost certainly cause death. The â€Å"bodily rights rgument† states that â€Å"a woman is not morally required to allow the fetus the use of her body. † (p 124) By describing abortion as choosing not to provide bodily life support is a misconception, when the ultimate side effect is death, however unintentional it may be. â€Å"There is a significant moral difference between not doing something that would assist someone, and doing something that causes someone harm, even if that harm is an unintended (but foreseen) side effect. † (p 125) Most women that chose abortion do not want their child to die or to commit feticide, they simply want to terminate pregnancy. Death of their child is merely a horrible side effect. However, does it morally justify their choice? â€Å"Abortion is the act of extracting the unborn human being from the womb- an extraction that usually rips him or her to pieces or does him or her violence in some other way. † (p 125) From a Christian perspective, Ramsey would argue against abortion stating that the sanctity of life should be preserved. He respects the nature of human parenthood that calls for a sphere of love union and a sphere of procreation. When a woman becomes pregnant, whether it is by choice or not, it is from then on viewed as her responsibility. â€Å"So, the burden of carrying the baby, for all its distinctness, is significantly less than the harm the baby would suffer by being killed; the mother and the father have a special responsibility to the child; it follows that intentional abortion (even in the few cases where the baby’s death is an unintended but foreseen side effect) is unjust and therefore objectively immoral. † (p 128) Ramsey opposes an ethic based on goals or ends which from a Christian viewpoint will ultimately be destroyed anyway. This is one of his bases for an independent ethic of means. The Roman Catholic Church argues against direct abortion stating that we must treat the child with same rights as a person. A direct killing is an act that by the nature of the act or the intention of the agent aims at the killing either as a means or as an end. Ramsey would also support this argument. â€Å"Those who condemn abortion as immoral generally follow a classical tradition in which abortion is a public matter because it involves our conception of how we should live together in an ideal society. † (p 120)

Ocular Manifestations in Hansen’s Disease

Ocular Manifestations in Hansen’s Disease Christina Samuel1, Sundararajan D2 1Postgraduate, 2HOD. Department Of Ophthalmology, Meenakshi Medical College, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India ABSTRACT Background: Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is a chronic mildly contagious granulomatous disease of tropical and subtropical regions caused by the rod shaped bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, peripheral nerves in hands and feet, mucous membrane of nose, throat and eyes. When left untreated it is capable of producing various deformities and disfigurements. Aim: To study the ocular involvement in patients with Leprosy under the parameters of age group, sex type and duration of leprosy. To study the different ocular manifestations and identify the potentially sight threatening lesions and provide early management. Methods: A prospective study of 50 cases diagnosed with Hansen’s disease were included. Detailed history and thorough clinical examination done. Potentially sight threatening lesions were managed conservatively or surgically. Results: Out of 50 cases of Leprosy, 58% had ocular involvement and majority were of the age group 21-40years. Ocular involv ement was predominantly seen in Lepromatous type with 35% having ocular lesions. The most common ocular manifestation observed was superciliary madarosis(48%). Potentially sight threatening lesions accounted for 72.4% of which lagophthalmos was common. No cases of blindness seen. Conclusion: Visual impairment is preventable in Leprosy if detected early. The risk of ocular complications increases with the duration of the disease, despite being treated with systemic anti-leprosy drugs. Keywords: Leprosy (Hansen’s disease), lepromatous, tuberculoid, slit skin smear, ocular involvement INTRODUCTION Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is a chronic infectious disease caused by an intracellular rod shaped acid fast bacilli Mycobacterium leprae which affects the skin, nasal mucosa, peripheral nerves and the anterior segment of the eye.1 Mycobacterium laprae was discovered by a Norwegian physician G.Armauer Hansen in the year 1874.1 The most ancient writings of ‘’SUSHRUTA SAMHITA’’ compiled in 600BC refers to leprosy as Vat Rakta or Vat Shonita and Kushtha2,3. Leprosy occurs in all ages and both sexes. Male: Female ratio is 2:14. Leprosy bacilli has a predilection for neural tissue and their target is Schwann cell. The fate and type of leprosy depends on the resistance and immunity of the affected individual5 ( Jopling, Mc Douglass 1996). There are 11million cases throughout the world and about 1/3rd have ocular manifestations.6 Prevalence of blindness due to leprosy is 4.7% of the population in India.7,8 Various studies shows ocular involvement in Leprosy patients. The frequency and types of involvement depends on the duration and form of the disease.2,9 Ocular lesions are common in lepromatous type of leprosy and presents with lepromatous nodules, conjunctivitis, keratitis, pannus, scleritis and uveitis. Lesions are rare in Tuberculoid type of leprosy and are secondary to the involvement of branches of facial nerve which presents with paralytic lagophthalmos, exposure keratitis and neurotrophic keratitis. Acute iridocyclitis and scleritis are seen in type 2 lepra reaction occurring in lepromatous leprosy.6 Blindness has been reported in 7% of patients secondary to lagophthalmos, uveitis, exposure keratitis and cataract8. Proper attention and early detection can prevent potentially sight threatening lesions. MATERIALS AND METHOD The present study was carried out in the out patient Department. of Ophthalmology and In patient department of Dermatology at Meenakshi Medical College and Hospital, Kanchipuram from March 2012-May 2014. In this study a total of 50 patients were taken, 38 males and 12 females of the age group 20years and above . Prior to the study an informed consent form from the patients and ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Inclusion Criteria: All diagnosed cases of leprosy. Old and new cases, both genders and age group of 20 years and above. Exclusion Criteria: Non compliant patients, Patients with pre existing ocular disorders due to other causes than leprosy. Type of study: A cross sectional descriptive study for a period of 14 months. Procedure: Relevant details of both ocular and systemic history, including details of lepra reaction and clinical examination of patients was recorded on a proforma. A detailed slit lamp examination of the anterior segment of eye was done. Visual Acuity recorded with help of Snellen’s chart10. Corneal sensation was checked with a wisp of cotton. IOP was recorded with help of Schiotz tonometer10. Fundus examination with 78D and IDO done. Lab investigations like haemogram, ESR, Urine routine and RBS done. Slit skin smear and skin biopsy from the ear lobe was performed by the Dermatologist and report obtained as positive for M.leprae (Ziehl Neelsen technique)11. Patients were started on systemic anti leprosy drugs(multi drug therapy) and treatment for lepra reactions. Patients with ocular manifestations were treated accordingly to their need of Lubricant eye drops, topical antibiotic with steroid drops, eye ointments, frequent blinking exercises, physiotherapy, lid taping at nigh t time and spectacle correction. RESULTS: In this study of 50 patients with leprosy, majority belonged to the age group of 21-40years (46%). 76% were males and 24% were females. Out of 50 cases, 30% were tuberculoid type, 22% lepromatous type and 48% borderline type. Out of 50 cases 58% had ocular involvement in which 45% were within the age group 21-40years. Out of the 29 cases with ocular involvement 72% were males. 35%with ocular manifestations were of lepromatous type of leprosy. 41.4% gave a positive history of lepra reaction. The ocular involvement was directly proportional to the duration of leprosy. 55% had leprosy more than 5 years. Superciliary madarosis (48%) was the most common ocular manifestation. The potentially sight threatening lesions were Lagophthalmos(35%), seen more in lepromatous type(14%). 28% had corneal hypoesthesia, 21% with exposure keratitis, 17% had corneal opacity, anterior uveitis and conjunctivitis each accounted for 7%. It was interesting to note that 60% of patients with lagophthalm os had exposure keratitis. DISCUSSION: The involvement of eyes in leprosy is due to infiltration of the tissues by the bacilli and damage to the nerves12. In this study 58% of the patients had ocular involvement. This can be compared to other studies of Wani.S.et al 2005 which showed 69% of ocular involvement, Gnanadoss A S et al 1986 showed 59.2% 13. Studies conducted by Shields shows 33% of potentially sight threatening lesions which included keratitis, iritis, lagophthalmos and secondary glaucoma14. In our study the potentially sight threatening lesions were lagophthalmos, exposure keratitis, uveitis, corneal hypoesthesia and corneal opacity which accounted nearly for 72.4%. Majority of the patients in our study were of the age group 21-40 years and male predominance was seen in both for, affected eyes with leprosy(76%) and ocular involvement (72%). This can be compared with the study by Wani.S et al (82.6%)12 which also showed predominance for men. This study further shows that ocular manifestation were se en more in lepromatous leprosy (75.36%) followed by borderline(14.49%) and tuberculoid leprosy(10.14%)12. In our study conducted, ocular involvement was 35% in lepramotous, 31% in borderline and 17% in tuberculoid type. The reason being that M.leprea has a favourable environment in the anterior segment of the eye and the bacilli is found more in lepromatous type of leprosy. Madarosis was the commonest ocular manifestation in our study which was about 48% when compared with Shield’s 1974(54%)14 and Acharaya B P (59.2%)15 and Wani.S. et al (72.46%)12. Lagophthalmos accounts for 35% in our study when compared to Wani.S et al (28.98%)12 , Acharaya B P (34.3%)15 , Lamba et al 1983 (13%)16 , Shields 1974 (29%)14 and Weerekon 1972 (27%)17. Lagophthalmos is commonly associated with lepra reaction in the face and damage to the facial nerve and also depends in patients with lepromatous leprosy(14%) which is similar to the observation by Wani.S et al (18.84%)12. In this study corneal in volvement was seen in 66% of the patients, corneal hypoesthesia 28%, exposure keratitis 21% and corneal opacity in 17%. In the study conducted by Wani.S et al corneal involvement (36.23%)12 . Radhakrishnan N et al observed that the major cause of blindness in leprosy was exposure keratitis due to lagophthalmos(23%) and leucoma (25%)18. Cataractous changes in lens was seen in 17% of the patients, but it was not a complication due to leprosy or MDT but merely due to senile lens changes in the older age group of the patients in our study. This is also supported by the study from Gnanadoss A S et al13. Iris pearls seen in anterior uveitis are said to be the pathognomic of leprosy19,20. But in our study uveitis was observed only in 7% of the patients when compared to Wani S et al12 which showed 31.88%. This probably is due to the small sample size of our study and also the duration of leprosy not being more than 10 years for all patients ,because uveitis is seen mostly in chronic cases o f leprosy. This is supported by various studies like Lamba 1983 16(14%), Hornblass 197321 (16%) and Gnanadoss A S et al 198613 (5.6%). In this study all patients with ocular manifestations were either treated formerly(58.6%) or presently (41.4%) with systemic anti leprosy drugs. Courtright et al suggested that ocular pathology will still occur in MDT treated leprosy patients22. Thus treatment does not prevent the occurrence of ocular lesions12. Moreover once the patient is on treatment the ocular reaction is seen more in the first 6-12 months due to reactions23. The progressive leprosy related lesions are the result of chronic nerve damage. CONCLUSION: The risk of ocular lesions increases with the duration of disease, lepra reaction and facial patches in this reaction. Screening of all patients affected with leprosy can help in identifying the potentially sight threatening lesions which can be treated earlier. Visual impairment if detected early is preventable. The Multi Drug therapy for leprosy has improved the outcome of the affected with leprosy but does not retard the development of ocular complication. LIMITATIONS: Owing to the small sample size in this study many other ocular manifestations could not be assessed. A relationship between uveitis, Complicated cataract and leprosy can be suggested if the patients presents with a longer duration of leprosy more than 10 years, as in this study we had only 4 patients in that category. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT It is with the sense of accomplishment and deep gratitude that we dedicate the work to all those who have been instrumental in its completion. We are greatly thankful to the RMO, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram. To our Associate Professors, Assistant Professors, Colleagues and Staffs of the Department of Ophthalmology and Dermatology for their timely help, support and constant guidance in our work. REFERENCE 1.Lewallen, Paul Courtright. An overwiew of ocular leprosy after two decades of multidrug therapy. International Ophthalmology Clinics world blindness. Sept2004, vol47(3):87-99. 2. Dharmendra. History of spread and decline of leprosy. Leprosy.Vol I, Bombay: Kothari Medical Publishing House,197;7-21. 3. Rastogi N, Rastogi RC. Leprosy in ancient India. Int J Lepr 1984;52:541-3. 4. Park K. Epidemiology of Communicable Diseases. Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine. 17thedn., Jabalapur: M/S Banarsidas Bhanot Publishers, 2002; 242-253. 5. The disease In: Handbook of Leprosy, 5th edn., Delhi CBS Publishers and distribution; 1996;10-53. 6. Sihota. Tandon disease of uveal tract. Chapter 17.Parsons’ Diseases of the Eye,20th Edition. New Delhi. Elsivier 2007;239-72. 7. Thompson Allardice et al, Patterns of ocular morbidity and blindness in leprosy: Leprosy review vol 77(2) June 2006. 8. Ffytche TJ. Residual sight threatening lesions in leprosy patient completing Multidrug therapy and Sulphone monotherapy, Lepr. Rev, 1991;62: 35-43. 9. Mark J. Mannis Mascai, Arthur. Leprosy, chapter 62. Eye and skin disease, Lippincott- Raven publishers, 1996;543-50. 10. Orthoptists and Prescribing in NSW, VIC and SA. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. Retrieved 29 July 2010. 11. PVS Prasad. Microbiology. In: all about leprosy. 1st edn. Jaypee brothers publishers,2005.pg 4-11. 12. Junaid S. Wani, Saiba Rashid M.S. Ocular manifestations in leprosy- A clinical study; JK- Practitioner 2005; 12(1): 14-17. 13. Gnanadoss AS, Rajendran N. Ocular lesions in Hansen’s (leprosy). IJO 1986;34:19-23. 14.Jerry A Shields; George O; Waring; AJO,1974,77;880-890. 15. Acharaya B P. Ocular involvement in Leprosy- A study in mining areas of India. IJO 1978; 26:21-4. 16. Lamba PA; Arthanariswaran: Leprosy India 1983,55;490. 17. Lloyd Weerekon: BJO. 1972,56;106. 18. Radhakrishnan N, Albert S. Blindness due to leprosy. IJO 1980;28:19-21. 19. Ffytche. T.J., 1981, Trans. Ophthal. Soc. U.K. 101:325. 20. Hogeweg, M. Leiker, 1983, Brit J Dermat.109:477. 21. Albert Hornblass: AJO.1973,75;478. 22. Courtright. P., Lu Fang Hu. Multi drug therapy and eye diseases in leprosy. A cross sectional study in People’s Republic of China. Int . J. Epidemiol. 1994;23(4):835-42. 23. Dr. Margreet Hogeweg, Prevention of Blindness due to Leprosy. ICEH, http://www.iceh.org.uk.

Occupational Safety and Health Act Essay -- essays research papers

Introduction Workplace safety is a commonly used phrase that many do not consider until an accident occurs within the workplace. Throughout the U.S., workplace injuries occur on a daily basis. This has been an issue in the workforce for many years and is still an ongoing issue. Are there laws that protect employees from an unsafe work environment; what is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA); and how did the labor unions affect the law? In this paper these following questions will be addressed, as well as the background and driving force of OSHA. Definition of the OSHA Law According to the OSHA website, www.osha.gov , retrieved August 27, 2004, it states â€Å"OSHA's mission is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health†. In addition, as of the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970, each employer shall furnish his employees a place of employment free from recognized hazards that cause and/or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees; before the enactment employers were only bound by common law to provide a safe work environment for its employees. OSHA also enforces that employees are not exempt and shall comply with occupational safety and health standards under this Act. Employee conduct, must comply with the OSHA rules and regulations and orders which are applicable to their own action and conduct (Bennett-Alexander-Hartman: Employment Law for Business, Fourth Edition, p 690 p. 2-3). Background and Driving Force   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Getting started, the impetus to OSHA was to develop a new safety and or health standard in the workforce. Congress collected information indicating the status quo in the working environment included unacceptable hazards in the workplace. The OSHA act was passed through congress based on a series of information collected through sources such as the Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS); National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Substances Control Act (TOSCA) referral; public petitions; or requests from OSHA advisory committees.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Empowered with the knowledge of existing workplace hazards a... ...ed to workplace safety and are very personally involved, watching legislative decisions, protesting presidential nominees and lobbying. Conclusion While workplace safety and health standards have improved due to OSHA, the mission of the Act is still being carried out for America’s workers. Both employers and employees are responsible to be in compliance with the Act’s rules and regulations. References University of Phoenix. (Ed.). 2004. Employment Law [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-Resource]. Bennett-Alexander-Hartman: Employment Law for Business, Fourth Edition. Retrieved August 27, 2004, from University of Phoenix, Resource, MGT/434-Employment Law Web site: https://mycampus.phoenix.edu/secure/ resource/resource.asp OSHA Home Page August 27, 2004. http://www.osha.gov Retrieved from http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/oshafacts.html on Monday, August 30 University of Phoenix. (Ed.). 2004. Employment Law [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-Resource]. Bennett-Alexander-Hartman: Employment Law for Business, Fourth Edition. Retrieved August 32, 2004, from University of Phoenix, Resource, MGT/434-Employment Law Web site: https://mycampus.phoenix.edu/secure/ resource/resource.asp

Analysis of Sprint Nextel Essay

Sprint Nextel Corporation is principally a holding company operating principally through two divisions: Wireline and Wireless. Incorporated in 1938, Sprint is a communications company offering a range of wireless and wireline communications products and services that are designed and marketed to individual consumers, businesses, government subscribers and resellers. Its operations are organized to meet the needs of its targeted subscriber groups through focused communications solutions that incorporate the capabilities of its wireless and wireline services. Its services are provided through its ownership of extensive wireless networks, an all-digital global long distance network. The Company offers wireless and wireline voice and data transmission services to subscribers in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands under the Sprint corporate brand, which includes its retail brands of Sprint, Nextel, Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, and Assurance Wireless on networks that utilize third generation (3G) code division multiple access (CDMA), integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), or Internet protocol (IP) technologies. The Company also offers fourth generation (4G) services utilizing Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) technology through its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) wholesale relationship with Clearwire Corporation and its subsidiary Clearwire Communications LLC (together Clearwire) and, in October 2011, it announced its focus to deploy Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology as part of its network modernization plan, Network Vision. Sprint Nextel’s headquarters are located in Overland Park, Kansas, United States. Dan Hesse is the President and C. E. O.  Sprint is a tier 1 global Internet access service provider. Sprint Nextel is the United States’ third largest long distance provider by subscribers. In 2006, the Sprint Nextel exited the local landline telephone business, spinning those assets off into a newly created company named Embarq, which CenturyTel acquired in 2008. Sprint owns a 47. 1% interest in Clearwire Corporation and also an 18% interest in NII Holdings, which operates under the Nextel brand in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru. Sprint Nextel was the first to offer a consumer available 4G phone, the HTC Evo 4G, in the United States on June 4, 2010. Prior to 2005, the company was known as Sprint Corporation. The company took its current name, Sprint Nextel Corporation, when it merged with Nextel Communications that year. Financial Performance for Periods 2008-2010 Over the three years under review, Sprint Nextel Corp. has revenue has dropped from $35. 6B in 2008 to $32. 2B in 2009, with a modest increase to 32. 5B in 2010. But overall Sprint revenue has been fairly consistent. Gross Profit margin has also been on a downward trend year over year; 2008 53%, 49% and 46%. Despite this trend Sprint has been performing better than the industry benchmark of 41%. EBITDA/Operating Income Margin has been consistently negative from -2. 44% in 2008 to -3. 15% in 2009, and -1. 63% in 2010. While this statistic is very worrisome, the company has been able to reduce selling, general and administrative costs over the three years from $11. 355B in 2008, to $9. 438B in 2009, to $9. 438B in 2010. Though this cost reduction imitative is very encouraging, Net Losses have been going in the wrong direction, increasing from-$2. 796B in 2008, to -$2. 436B, and -$3. 465B. Sprint’s debt ratio has hovered between 65% in 2008 to 71% in 2010. The company’s creditors would be concerned that there is not a greater cushion against losses in the event of liquidation, stockholders on the other hand would want more leverage because it magnifies expected earnings. Stockholders would be very concerned on the company’s return on common equity: which are -14. 03% in 2008, -13. 46% in 2009, and -23. 82% in 2010. From a cash perspective, Sprint has been managing it cash resources relatively well. There have been massive investments over this period most of which have capital expenditure ($3. 8B in 2008, $1. B in 2009, and $1. 9B in 2010). These investments in capital expenditure, highlights the firm’s serious emphasis on growing its product base, and improving the functionality and seamless integration of its technology. Stock Performance for Periods 2008-2010 Sprint’s stock price at the close of market in 2010 was $3. 77 which represents a 79. 31% drop from the period high price of $10. 53 at January 02 2008. The company’s stock price has reflected its struggling financial performance. The stock current 52 week range has been $2. 10-$4. 60, and beta of 1. 09. The stock beta measures the volatility of the security in relation to the volatility of the benchmark market indice (which in this case is the overall financial market) that the stock is being compared to. Beta measures the part of the asset’s statistical variance that cannot be removed by the diversification provided by the portfolio of many risky assets, because of the correlation of its returns with the returns of the other assets that are in the portfolio. Sprint’s stock Beta estimate Beta is calculated using regression analysis. A beta of 1 indicates that the security’s price will move with the market. A beta of less than 1 means that the security will be less volatile than the market. Sprint’s beta of greater than 1 indicates that the security’s price will be more volatile than the market by 9%. However three of Sprint’s major competitors have signficantly better beta estimates; AT&T 0. 58, Verizon 0. 51 & Duetsche Telekom 0. 71 (Average Industry Beta 0. 60). When measured against the Industry, Sprint’s stock has more volatility and is more susceptible market forces. Conversely, most high-tech Nasdaq-based stocks have a beta of greater than 1, offering the possibility of a higher rate of return, but also posing more risk.

David Cronenberg

David Cronenberg The director I chose to do my Analysis/Research paper on is was David Cronenberg. After screening The Dead Zone, Cronenbergs work impressed me. Prior to this class I had never heard his name, even though I had seen previous works such as The Fly. Since I had already viewed this movie I resorted to alternate movies he had directed. I was able to locate The Brood and Videodrome. The main reason I chose Cronenberg for my director had to do with his style. His movies are not the typical horror flick one has come used to today. When I was younger these movies were low budget and have a character such Jason from Friday the 13th running around with an ax and a hockey mask. Today the industry has progressed to Ben Wilson from I Know What You did Last Summer running around with a sharp hook for a hand. Somewhere between these two genres Mr. Cronenbergs work fits in. He is not obsessed with the body count as many other horror directors are and is also able to develop ! a plot rather rare in this type of a film. The three films I chose were able to walk a fine line between horror and science fiction, Videodrome in particular. While The Dead Zone was more of an action film with The Brood being the most true horror movie. I can tell that none of these films were high budget, they could even be considered a little cheesy leading to a cult status. Cronenberg definitely likes the use of blood, particularly when a person is shot by a gun, quite a lot of splattering. In The Dead Zone when Frank kills himself and the sheriff shoots his mother the use of blood is quite elaborate. Frank is covered in blood when he is discovered and the mother seems to almost explode when shot. In the Videodrome everyone Max shoots has the same exploding effect. And in The Brood when Doctor Raglan shoot the little freaky kids there is the same use of blood as in Videodrome. But when the freaks or creatures bludgeon Juliann and Barton to death ...