Mobile Phones For Agricultural And Rural Developments The WritePass Journal

Mobile Phones For Agricultural And Rural Developments Introduction Mobile Phones For Agricultural And Rural Developments ). Today, however, NITEL is no longer there and the number of mobile phone lines has increased to over 100 million (Ogunlesi 2012). A pyramid survey also projected that the mobile subscriptions in Nigeria will more likely surpass 129 million by the year 2014, making Nigeria Africas largest telecom market (Pyramid research 2010) More recently, the Nigerian government has undertaken a major project which involves the distribution of over 10 million mobile phones to farmers in rural Nigeria (Ebriku 2012). This project is intended at providing farmers access to market information. This will help enhance rural development and make the countrys agricultural sector more tech-friendly; thereby eliminating various challenges facing farmers on a daily basis such as the delay in information dispersion (Ebriku 2012). This massive project which is meant to enhance agricultural and rural development is scheduled for completion by 2013. The Nigerian government has also launched the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme which is expected to provide fertilizer and seed support to farmers through their mobile devices (NADS report 2011). This new scheme is expected to liberalize policies on fertilizers and seed distribution and to shift direction to value chain development (NADS report 2011). That is, the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme will help develop a value chain system that supports distribution of farm inputs, particularly seeds and fertilizers to farmers (NADS report 2011). Among several other initiatives which have been developed by Nigerias Ministry of Agriculture to streamline the complex distribution of farm inputs is the Integrated Cassava Project (UNDP report 2012). This initiative enables cassava growers to access market information via their mobile phones. It uses Agri-Business Information Points and trade agents to disseminate market information (UNDP report 2012). Services provided by this initiative include: prices, offers, trainings, trade assistance, technical messages and SMS alerts among many others (UNDP report 2012). Undeniably, the diffusion of mobile phones in rural Nigeria has enhanced communication between farmers, extension agents, agricultural research institutes, input dealers and transporters. Farmers of today are better placed to receive accurate market information than before.   They no longer have to accept the first price but rather can negotiate for a better deal. Mobile phones have also enabled them ease of communication with other farmers, making it feasible to put in place cooperatives that can help them explore new markets. Additionally, mobile phones have enhanced rural connectivity in Nigeria as farmers can easily communicate with friends, families, and other rural inhabitants without the need to travel. Challenges facing the use of mobile phones in agricultural and rural developments in Nigeria. There are, however, a number of challenges inhibiting effective mobile phone usage in the rural areas. One major challenge is the lack of infrastructural facilities. It is a widely accepted fact that insufficient infrastructure impedes all aspects of the economy. In Nigeria, infrastructural inadequacies across the telecom industries have been suggested to result in poor connectivity and limited network coverage in the rural sector (Abel-Ratovo, et.al, 2012). Despite the increase in mobile phones usage in the rural areas of Nigeria, there remains a huge connectivity and infrastructure divide between the rural and urban areas. The rural sectors in Nigeria lag in terms of roads, portable water, electricity and fixed-line communications (Pyramid research 2009). A large proportion of the Nigerian population, however, continues to live in the rural areas hence making it a sizable addressable market for mobile services (Pyramid research 2009). Another challenge that impedes mobile application in the rural parts of Nigeria is language barrier and illiteracy. Nigeria is Africas most populous country with a linguistically diverse population comprising of more than 140 million people (Ofulue 2011). This populous country has about 510 spoken languages and 66% literacy rate (Ofulue 2011). Given this multilingual society and the relatively low level of literacy rate, it becomes particularly challenging for mobile phone users especially in rural Nigeria to communicate and access market information through these electronic gadgets. Other factors which have been suggested inhibit the use of mobile phones for rural and agricultural developments include: the constant interruption of power supply, unaffordable tariff rates and lack of wider network coverage (Pyramid research 2009). In addressing these challenges, the Nigerian government is collaborating with mobile operators and international institutions to bridge the connectivity gaps. Infrastructure sharing and a multitude of initiatives have been developed to help these efforts (Pyramid research 2009). The Federal government is also looking to invest in improving literacy levels in order to spur greater use of mobile phones for rural and agricultural developments (Abel-Ratovo, et.al, 2012). Conclusion There is no doubt that mobile phones have become the clear choice of communication with most of the Nigerian population using this technology to send and receive information. Not only does this mode of communication facilitate effective interaction and exchange of vital information among the rural and urban dwellers, but it also holds a significant potential for advancing agricultural and rural development in Nigeria. Yet, despite the increase in mobile phones usage in the rural areas of Nigeria, there exists a huge connectivity and infrastructure divide between the rural and urban areas. Moreover, Nigeria is home to a linguistically diverse population with a relatively low level of literacy. In addition, factors such as unaffordable tariff rates and poor network coverage have made it challenging to communicate and access market information through these electronic gadgets. In addressing these challenges, the Nigerian government is collaborating with mobile operators and international institutions to bridge the connectivity gaps. Infrastructure sharing and a multitude of initiatives have been developed to help these efforts. The Federal government is also looking to invest in improving literacy levels in order to spur greater use of mobile phones for rural and agricultural developments. Reference Abel-Ratovo, et.al, 2012. ‘Ownership and use of mobile phones for agricultural transactions by traders’.   Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development. Vol.4 (10), pp. 305-317 Donovan, K., 2011. Overview of ICT in Agriculture: opportunities, access and cross-cutting themes. InfoDev Ebriku, J.F., 2012. Nigerian government to distribute 10 million mobile phones to farmers. [viewed on 16th December 2012] available from communicationsafrica.com/mobile/nigerian-government-to-distribute-10-million-mobile-phones-to-farmers Nigeria Agro-Dealer Support (NADS) report, 2011. Growing Africas agriculture. IFDC Ofulue, C.I., 2011. ‘Literacy at a distance in multilingual contexts: issues and challenges’. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, vol.12 (6) Ogunlesi, T., 2012. Seven ways mobile phones have changed lives in Africa. CNNInside Africa. [Viewed on 16th December 2012] available from http://edition.cnn.com/2012/09/13/world/africa/mobile-phones-change-africa/index.html Pyramid research, 2010. The impact of mobile services in Nigeria: how mobile technologies are transforming economic and social activities. UNDP report 2012. The importance of ICTs in the provision of information for improving agricultural productivity and rural incomes in Africa. International Food Policy Research Institute, Addis Ababa. World Bank report, 2011. Mobile applications for agriculture and rural development. Washington, D.C.

Dead People Rule

Dead People Rule I write about dead people. And get paid. But I didn’t set out to write about dead people. Mitty Ann Medlin captured my attention at a local historic cemetery. She arrived in Texas in 1848, at the age of 18, in a covered wagon train from Missouri. She married here and died in childbirth in 1850. I was intrigued. I wanted to write her story. I researched. And researched more. Yet, I didn’t feel ready to write the book. But, as with most writing, it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing venture. Mitty Ann, and a Texas full moon, was the inspiration for a blog hop a few years ago. That blog led to a request from the city of Trophy Club for an article. Medlin Memories: Winds of Change appeared in Discover Trophy Club. A few months later, Guardian Angel Kids published Sarah’s Journey in their ezine. I chose Mitty’s younger sister, Sarah, to tell the story to a younger audience. Another month, Guardian Angel Kids ‘Aviation’ theme stumped me. Story ideas were fleeting. But †¦ I had a list of remarkable Texas women from another project. Katherine and Mary Stinson, two sisters, had numerous flying records in aviation’s early days. Sisters with Wings was born. I got paid again for writing about dead people. A set of 1934 quilt squares I acquired at a yard sale ten years ago filled another niche. The blocks had names embroidered on them. I discovered their origins a small, now nonexistent, town in Iowa. Calico Connections appeared as another children’s story. With some supplemental quilting information, the story was reborn as Doris’s Christmas Legacy for Quilters World. (A follow up about delivering the quilt squares to Iowa will appear in the Summer 2015 issue.) Queries are out to other publications, such as Our Iowa, and Iowan. Short stories were also submitted to Ladies Home Journal and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Writing about people from the past is more than

Can Minnesota justify taking the grey wolf off the endangered species Research Paper

Can Minnesota justify taking the grey wolf off the endangered species list - Research Paper Example II. History and Current Status of Grey Wolf in Minnesota. a. Grey wolf is included in 1974 list of endangered Species. b. Grey wolf was on the brink of extinction in 1974. c. Grey wolf has surpassed Minnesota’s 1,400 maximum grey wolf population. III. Endangered Species. a. Minnesota wolf management program protects the grey wolves. b. Minnesota has set aside grey wolf conservation areas. IV. Prediction to the Future of the Grey Wolf in Minnesota. a. President Barack Obama signs the 2011 congress- approved law for the removal of the grey wolf from the endangered species list. b. Pro conservationist groups will sue the federal government. c. The grey fox population will decline to minimum levels. V. Endangered Species Act. a. The Endangered Species Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1973. b. The grey wolf was included in the endangered species list in 1974. VI. Conclusion a. Minnesota justifies the taking of the grey wolf off the endangered species. b. The re moval of the grey wolf from the endangered species list allows the hunters to hunt the grey wolves to extinction. c. The pro –wolf conservationist will sue the federal government using political action to a purely biological issue. d.

Analytical paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Analytical paper - Essay Example ocratic reshaping is proving to be a contradictory, uncertain, and conflict-ridden process, one that has provoked sharp debates both within Bolivia and among observers of Bolivia abroad† (Wolff 3). The problems inside and outside of Bolivia with respect to democratic reforms are certainly not easily definable. Most would also agree a move towards socialism by the current Evo Morales regime is troubling for democratic proponents. Though most would agree that democratic change in Bolivia could be sincerely philanthropic venture by democratic proponents, economic vitalization of Bolivia is usually the anticipated motivation and priority assisting any efforts for ‘changing’ governments, â€Å"†¦creating order is a central task for establishing the foundations of long term economic growth† (North, 1999). It is reasonable then to consider the perceived ‘value’ of Bolivia post-change in light of simple economic potential. The future does not look bright for Bolivian democracy with change as a constant drumbeat from Bolivia’s past. The geography of Bolivia suggests that independence, whether democratic or socialist, is always going to be a matter of dependence upon others. Bolivia is one of two ‘land-locked’ countries in the Western Hemisphere (Paraguay the other) and relies on neighboring countries for exporting its mineral resources (Bolivia’s primary export) throughout the world. This dependence upon neighbors, specifically Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Paraguay, is more significant than some may think. Bolivia once had access to the sea but lost this territory to Chile in the War of the Pacific in the late 1800’s. Bolivia has suffered poverty and government instability ever since the War of the Pacific. Bolivia’s main obstacle to ‘independence’ is Bolivia’s land-locked juxtaposition. The easiest and cheapest route for one of Bolivia’s chief exports, Bolivian crude oil, is directly through Brazil via a pipeline. Brazil also

Reasons I Choose Belmont University Essay Example for Free

Reasons I Choose Belmont University Essay One of the universities that have caught my attention was the Belmont University. Coming from a Christian Community, I felt that the university can help me develop into a more mature Christian. The schools mission is to provide an to its education that is academically challenging, that promotes the empowerment of both men and women. Their diverse backgrounds help hone the students to become engaged with current issues, and in the improvement of the society, through their compassion, courage, discipline, and faith in God. Since the university is centered on the needs of its students, the university provided an environment that helped its students grow spiritually and intellectually. With the help of their peers and professors, the students are able to help themselves become the best in their chosen field. In addition to this, the university offers a wide variety of courses that cater to each individuals interest and needs. Admission to the university definitely allows an individual to grow and mature to become a better person, both intellectually and spiritually. Other factors are also taken into great consideration, such as their social and physical needs. The diversity and artistic favor that this university has can help in the building of strong foundations for the future of its students. Belmont does not only offer a conducive environment suitable for learning, but also caters to an environment contributory to spiritual growth. In addition to this, the universitys location is beyond par. Since Nashville is known to be a â€Å"Music City†, the university can help hone its students to become excellent in their field by providing world class performances. After acquiring a degree form Belmont, anyone can easily find jobs just outside of the university, with the wide array of job offerings in Nashville. Church-related activities may still be practiced, through the number of churches near the vicinity. The Belmont University is definitely the answer to all our prayers.

Abraham Lincoln Essay -- essays research papers

On February 12, 1809 a boy was born unto Thomas and Nancy Lincoln in a one room log cabin on Nolin Creek near Hodgenville, Kentucky. Who would know that this son of a farmer and a boy with not much education would grow up to be not only the 16th President of the United States but also one of the most famous speakers in history. I will chronicle for you some of the most remembered and effective public addresses of President Abraham Lincoln.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lincoln’s rise to presidency was a lengthy one. His first political speech came in 1830 after he and his family moved to Illinois where they settled on undeclared land along the Sangamon River; he was in favor of improving navigation on this river.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At age 24, Lincoln is elected to the Illinois General Assembly and begins his studies in law. Two years later he is re-elected to the Illinois Gen. Assembly and is now a leader of the Whig party. September 9th, 1836 Lincoln receives his law license and in June of 1840 he argues his first case before the Illinois Supreme Court. After being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, he delivers a speech on the floor of the House against President Polks war policy regarding Mexico. In March of 1849 he makes an appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the Illinois statute of limitations, but is unsuccessful and leaves politics to practice law. Lincoln’s aptitude in public speaking soon gains him a reputation as an outstanding lawyer and is nicknamed â€Å"honest abe†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1854 he decides to re-enter politics and is elected to Illinois legislature but declines the seat in order to try to become U.S. Senator; however he is again unsuccessful and does not get chosen by the Illinois legislature to be U.S. Senator.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Abe Lincoln was well known in history for his views on anti-slavery laws. On June 26th, 1857, he first speaks against slavery at the Dredd Scott ruling. Dredd Scott was an African-American slave whom was taken by his master, an officer in the U.S. Army from the slave state of Missouri to the free territory of Wisconsin where he lived on free soil for a long period of time. When the Army ordered his master back to Missouri, he took Scott back to that slave state where his master died. In 1846, Scott was helped by Abolitionist lawyers to sue for his free... ...shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.† The most famous and important Civil War Battle occurred over three summer days, July 1-3, 1863, around the small market town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Lincoln was outraged at the number of casualties and on November 19th delivers the Gettysburg Address dedicating the battlefield as a national cemetery. He spoke in his high, penetrating and in a little over two minutes delivered the address, surprising many by its shortness and leaving others quite unimpressed. â€Å"Over time, however, the speech and its words- government of the People, by the People, for the People- have come to symbolize the definition of democracy itself.† Unfortunately, Lincoln’s next tenure as President, is cut short by his untimely death. During the play â€Å"Our American Cousin† at Ford’s Theater on April 14, 1865, Lincoln was killed by a bullet to the head by John Wilkes Booth. President Abraham Lincoln dies at 7:22 in the morning on April 15, 1865. The public addresses of Abraham Lincoln allow us to learn fundamental aspects of public speaking. Due to his outstanding ability to communicate, teaches us still today, the effectiveness of great speech communication.

Public Relations Interview

Kaiser Permanente is an integrated managed care consortium based located in Oakland, California. Kaiser Permanente evolved from industrial health care programs for construction, shipyard, and steel mill workers for the Kaiser industrial companies during the late 1930s and 1940s (â€Å"Kaiser Permanente,† 2013, para. 1). Kaiser Permanente is consists of three distinct entities, the Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, the autonomous regional Permanente Medical Groups, and the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan.Kaiser provides medical care throughout the eight regions, the Kaiser Foundation Health Plans (KFHP) works with the employee, employers, and individual members who offer prepaid health plans and insurance. The health plans provide infrastructure and are not for profit that invest to Kaiser Foundation Hospitals that provides tax exempt shelter to the for profit medical groups. The Permanente Medical Groups are owned by the physician organizations.They arrange, and provide medical care for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan members. The medical groups are for profit professional corporations, and partnerships that receive the funding from the Kaiser Foundation Health Plans. The flagship hospital for Kaiser Permanente is the Oakland Medical Center. The facility has : 761 physicians (between Oakland and Richmond Medical Centers), 341 beds, 14-bed perioperative department, and 60 critical care beds (â€Å"Kaiser Permanente,† 2013, para.3). The Oakland Medical Center is a specialty medical center that employed board certified surgeons, and physicians who teach at well-known universities like the University of California at San Francisco. They provide a wide array of highly specialized care units, including Comprehensive pediatric care program (â€Å"Kaiser Permanente,† 2013, para. 5).a.Cochlear implants b.Genetics c.Kidney stone and gallstone treatment d.Neonatal intensive care e.Pediatric neurosurgery f.Spine surgeryInstant worldwide communications make it m ore important than ever to manage a company's image and control how a company interfaces with its customers (Sardisco, 2013, para. 1). Public relations is an essence of any company whether a company is private or public, profit or nonprofit and its status will define its success. Modern public relations practitioners have faced more difficulties and challenges as the information for fast, and marketing globalization alter the pace and landscape of the profession.I interviewed the Public Relations Affairs manager of organization, she covers the East Bay Region of Northern California that includes Oakland, Richmond Alameda, and Pinole. I have worked with her in various projects highlighting the work we are doing in the nursing units to improve our patient satisfaction, and care experience. As a Public Relations Manager she plays a vital role in our communications, and marketing division. She works in collaboration with the national, regional, and local public relations department of o ur organization.One thing that I am amazed is how consistent and standardized their communications plan across the region; they are consistent with the message they are giving to the community, and to the public. As a PR manager she develops and implements strategic public relations programs to attain significant brand awareness. As a public relation affairs manager, she has the critical work of placing Kaiser’s hearts, and minds of the key stockholders that includes the patients, prospective members, clinicians, journalist policymakers, and executives.She is responsible in numerous interrelated departments dedicated in advancing the organizations mission by promoting, and protecting Kaiser Permanente brand by supporting a successful strategy that includes issues, and brand management, corporate communications, public relations, media, and stakeholders relations, public affairs internally, and externally. She supervises public relations staff that works on different areas; me dia relations, business – business communications, research, philanthropy, sustainability, health IT, and health care reforms. She also shared that Oakland Medical Center has a formal public relations plan.It has an effective print, media, broadcast media kit. The robust plan include news releases, public services, newsletter, community, and charity events, creation, and maintenance of website, webcasts, media tours, spotlight new programs, news monitoring, full use if social media, and internet by participating in the online forums. It is important for the organization to put forward important messages to the public to have an image, and good impression of the organization. They also have scheduled public relations program that regularly appear in the main community calendars.Planning for the unexpected crises is another important function of the public relation. An example was during the fire at the Chevron Richmond refinery last 2012 that happened near the Richmond Medical center that has the same license with Oakland. Kaiser Richmond Medical Center has served several dozen of people who came to the emergency room that complained shortness of breath and people were seriously ill. The fire has affected the quality of air over contra cost and El Cerrito Hills. They created public relations plan to handle the crisis and support the community by providing access with the media, local police, and government.She also shared some of the challenges as a public relations manager is keeping up with the rapidly changing media environment. To have the accurate current information and consistency in reaching the right contact, at the right time with the correct information is also important. Control the new media avenues in proper way like Facebook, twitters, and LinkedIn. How to work around the constantly changing views around the traditional approaches. Development of an effective process from a one – one media relation not in a one size plan.Marketing, and public relations; both are major external functions of the firm and both share a common ground in regard to product publicity and consumer relations, at the same time, however; they operate on different levels and from different perspectives and perceptions (Turney, 2001, para. 3). What I learned is that both public, and marketing relations has gone through intense growth, and evolution, it gained increased influence in the business world as they developed new strategies, and projects that projected positive, and aggressive communication in larger public.The traditional perception is that marketing exists to serve, sense, and satisfy customers’ needs for a profit. In Public relations assist its public and organization to adapt mutually to each other. In marketing it supports the transfer of services, and goods from the producer, and the provider to the consumer. The immediate goal of public relations is to achieve an understanding of the organization’s position wit h the public while marketing’s goal is sales. Public relations inherent goal is to have a positive perception and predisposition while marketing is to gain profit.Public relations measurement of success is evidenced by public support, and expressed public opinion’ while marketing’s measurement of success is the quantity of revenue, and sales it generates. Most organization use only one of these disciplines, some uses both. This depends on the degree that they use; it varies from organization to organization based on the size, purpose, and unique organizational background. Kaiser has three entities the hospital clearly has the public affairs and the health plan division uses the marketing strategy.If an organization is nonprofit like Kaiser Permanente Hospital Oakland Medical Center primary goal is to serve the public, and the community. Public relations are more prominent function because it builds relationship with its members. The public affairs department coo rdinates, and disseminates public information, community affairs, and relations. A business for profit and focuses on marketing, and sales, and gaining profit is the most dominant function. Public relations are the secondary function and are completed to enhance, and enhance the marketing efforts.

Can Sudan Split Without Falling Apart? Essay

1. The fact that families like Achai Chol’s are leaving northern Sudan indicates that the people would rather be in southern Sudan fighting for southern independenceto stopthe imminent war and creating a better life for them and their families. 2. The thesis of the article is that Sudan has been politically unstable over the period of its two long civil wars. The south did not identify with the Arab led Sudanese society and created a referendum on southern independence. The two halves of the nation fight in an imminent war killing millions while trying to resolve the issues. 3. The size of Sudan is big compared to other African nations. Sudan is Africa’s biggest country. 4. The two halves of the nation differ in culture, race and religion. 5. In Sudan’s history, the United State’s brokered a Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to end more than half a century of conflict, creating an autonomous southern region and holding out the option of secession if the south so chose. 6. The south chose to agree to the CPA to separate the south from the north. 7. The words of Kiir Mayardit, â€Å"This is the final part of our journey,† are inherent compared to the direct quotes in the first two paragraphs because they are saying that south Sudan is their home, the place where they belong, and the place that they want to fight for. 8. Mutual reliance is when two sides are interdependent on each other. Where there is a relationship in which each member is mutually dependant on the other. 9. The first sentence of paragraph six â€Å"But if Sudan’s history makes dividing the nation seem an obvious solution, drawing a line in the sand is not as easy as it sounds† is saying that it is obvious that Sudan should be divided, but it’s not possible to just draw a line between the north and the south. It requires negotiating, which they are not willing to compromise to. 10. Parts of the north wanting to secede along with the south is most likely going to stand in the way of a peaceful solution to dividing the country, because the north does not approve of it. 11. The chief method used to pursue a peaceful solution is to use Sudan’s oil as a force for peace. 12. The United States and other countries are willing to make diplomacy to ensure peace in Sudan. 13. â€Å"Divorce could mean a crushing alimony† is the analogy the author uses to illustrate that the division might be difficult. The author is describing the separation of the two sides as a divorce, and the expense that it’s going to cost the north as the alimony. The type of figurative language used in the analogy is a metaphor. 14. The most glaring divide between northern and southern Sudan is the government structure. 15. An agreement to share the prosperity of aid and oil exports will be required of all parties involved to reach a successful end. 16. When reading the quote in the concluding paragraph, â€Å"Damned if I know. There are an astonishing range of problems that are going to wash over this place,† I visualize a man of high power saying it. The inclusion of the quote keeps the meaning of the article by saying that the two sides are still going to have many problems and war even after they are separated. 17. The author uses the information in the last paragraph to describe how Sudan has problems and will still have problems and war. â€Å"Failure – in the form of war – will be easy to spot.† But the author also says â€Å"Success will be less obvious: slow, messy and with endless setbacks,† meaning that the problems are being resolved in a slow and unmannerly fashion.

Social Security 2100 Act

Social Security 2100 Act Potential Social Security Reforms on the Horizon Recently Congressman John Larson of Connecticut reintroduced a bill to increase Social Security benefits in the future. The Social Security 2100 Act would expand Social Security benefits, while extending future program solvency. There are both proponents and critics of the bill. Let’s take a closer look, and explore how this could impact Social Security Disability benefits.A Problem of SolvencyOne of the most pressing concerns regarding Social Security is ongoing solvency, as the cost of the program is growing faster than workers’ earnings can support. With Americans now living longer, they now collect benefits over a larger portion of their lives. At the same time, a lower birthrate in the U.S. means fewer workers are paying into the system.According to Social Security trustees, repairing the current shortfall would require an increase in the payroll tax rate from 12.4% to 15.2% on all workers. Other solutions indicate a 21% across-the-board decrease in benefits for al l future claimants. Even so, these measures may not be sufficient to sustain the program past 2034- the year Social Security experts predict insolvency.The Larson PlanThe bill would raise payroll taxes for employers and employees by 1.2% over 24 years. It would also cut income taxes on Social Security benefits, raising the income threshold at which benefits would be taxed. According to Larson, some 12 million of Social Securitys more than 63 million total beneficiaries would receive a tax cut.It would also subject any earnings in excess of $400,000 to Social Security payroll taxes. Currently, Social Security taxes only apply to a wage earners first $132,900 of income. Income between $132,900 and $400,000 is not taxed. Over time, the bill would eliminate the cap, subjecting all earnings to tax.Bill supporters believe that lifting the cap on income subject to payroll taxes and raising tax rates could finance generous benefit and cost-of-living adjustments and help ensure program solve ncy for more than 75 years, while reducing income taxes on benefits and closing Social Security’s long-term funding gap.However, critics are concerned the bill would worsen income losses for younger workers by expanding benefits and costs faster than current law allows. They also suggest that the increase in payroll taxes could hurt workers with lower incomes.Another main concern surrounding the Larson bill is a provision to merge the disability insurance trust fund with the retirement trust fund. Under the current policy agreement, the Social Security Disability benefits program  is not allowed to divert funds from the Social Security retirement program.We Can HelpIf you are disabled and unable to work, call Disability Attorneys of Michigan for a free confidential consultation. We’ll let you know if we can help you get a monthly check and help you determine if any money or assets you receive could impact your eligibility for disability benefits.Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping the disabled of Michigan seek the Social Security Disability benefits they need. If you are unable to work due to a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment; call Disability Attorneys of Michigan now for a free consultation at 800-949- 2900.Let Michigan’s experienced Social Security Disability law firm help you get the benefits you deserve.Disability Attorneys of Michigan, Compassionate Excellence. Michigan Social Security Disability Lawyer, Social Security 2100 Act, Social Security Reform

Financier Russell Sage Attacked in 1891 Office Bombing

Financier Russell Sage Attacked in 1891 Office Bombing One of the wealthiest Americans  of the late 1800s, financier Russell Sage, narrowly escaped being killed by  a powerful dynamite bomb after a visitor to his office threatened him with a bizarre extortion note. The  man who detonated a satchel packed with explosives  in Sages lower Manhattan office on December 4, 1891, was blown to pieces. The strange incident took a grisly turn when the police tried to identify the bomber by displaying his severed head, which had been remarkably undamaged. In the highly competitive era  of  yellow journalism, the shocking attack on one of the citys richest men by a bomb thrower and a madman was a bonanza. Sages dangerous visitor  was identified a week later as Henry L. Norcross.  He turned out to be an outwardly ordinary office worker from Boston whose actions shocked his family and friends. After escaping the massive explosion with minor injuries, Sage was soon accused of having grabbed a lowly bank clerk to use as a human shield. The badly injured clerk, William R. Laidlaw, sued Sage.  The legal battle dragged on throughout the 1890s, and  Sage, widely known for eccentric frugality despite his $70 million fortune, never paid a cent to Laidlaw. To the public, it just added to  Sages miserly reputation. But Sage stubbornly maintained he was simply adhering to principle. The Bomber in the Office On December 4, 1891, a Friday, about 12:20 p.m., a bearded man carrying a satchel arrived at Russell Sages office  in an old commercial  building at Broadway and Rector Street. The man demanded to see Sage, claiming he carried a letter of introduction from John D. Rockefeller. Sage was well-known for his wealth, and for his associations with robber barons like Rockefeller and the notorious  financier Jay Gould. He was also famous for frugality. He frequently wore, and mended, old clothing. And while he could have traveled with a  flashy carriage and team of horses, he preferred to commute by elevated trains. Having financed New York Citys  elevated railroad system, he carried a pass to  ride for free. And at the age of 75 he still arrived at his  office every morning  to manage his financial empire. When the visitor demanded loudly to see him, Sage emerged from his inner office to investigate the disturbance.  The stranger approached and handed him a letter. It was a typewritten extortion note, demanding  $1.2 million. The man said he had a bomb in his bag, which he would set off if Sage didnt give him the money. Sage tried to put the man off by saying he had urgent business with two men in his inner office. As Sage walked away, the visitors bomb, intentionally or not, detonated. Newspapers reported that the blast frightened people for miles. The New York Times said it had been clearly heard as far north as 23rd Street. In the downtown financial district, office  workers ran into the streets in a panic. One of Sages young employees, 19-year-old stenographer and typewriter Benjamin F. Norton, was blown out a second floor window. His mangled body landed in the street. Norton  died after being rushed to the Chambers Street Hospital. A number of people in the suite of offices received minor injuries. Sage was found alive in the wreckage.  William Laidlaw, a bank clerk who had been delivering documents, was sprawled on top of him. A doctor would spend two hours pulling shards of glass and splinters out of Sages body, but he was otherwise uninjured. Laidlaw would spend about seven weeks in the hospital. Shrapnel embedded in his body would cause him pain for the rest of his life. The bomber had blown himself up. Parts of his body were scattered throughout the wreckage of the office. Curiously, his severed head was relatively undamaged. And the head would become the focus of much morbid  attention in the press. The Investigation The legendary New York City police detective Thomas F. Byrnes took charge of investigating the case. He began with a ghastly flourish, by taking the bombers severed head to Russell Sages house on Fifth Avenue on the night of the bombing. Sage identified it as the head of the man  who had confronted him in his office. The newspapers began referring to the mysterious visitor as a madman and a bomb thrower. There was suspicion he may have had political motives and links to anarchists. The next afternoons 2 p.m. edition of the New York World, the popular newspaper owned by Joseph Pulitzer, published an illustration of the mans head on the front page. The headline asked, Who Was He? On the following Tuesday, December 8, 1891, the front page of the  New York World  prominently referred to the mystery and the weird spectacle surrounding  it: Inspector Byrnes and his detectives are still completely in the dark as to the identity of the bomb-thrower, whose ghastly head, suspended in a glass jar, daily attracts crowds of curious people to the Morgue. A button from  the bombers  clothing led police to a tailor in Boston, and suspicion turned to Henry L. Norcross. Employed as a broker, he had apparently become obsessed with Russell Sage. After Norcrosss  parents identified his head at the New York City morgue, they released affidavits saying he had never shown any criminal tendencies. Everyone who knew him said they were shocked at what he had done. It appeared he had no accomplices. And his actions, including why he had asked for such a precise amount of money, remained a mystery. The Legal Aftermath Russell Sage  recovered and soon returned to working.  Remarkably, the only fatalities were the bomber and the young clerk, Benjamin Norton. As Norcross seemed to have no accomplices, no one was ever prosecuted. But the peculiar incident moved into the courts following accusations by the bank clerk who had been visiting Sages office, William Laidlaw. On December 9, 1891, a startling headline appeared in the New York Evening World: As a Human Shield. A sub-headline asked Was He Dragged Between the Broker and the Dynamiter? Laidlaw, from his hospital bed, was claiming that Sage had grabbed his hands as if in a friendly gesture, and then pulled him close just seconds before the bomb detonated. Sage, not surprisingly, bitterly denied the accusations. After leaving the hospital, Laidlaw began legal proceedings against Sage. The courtroom battles went back and forth for years.  Sage was ordered at times to pay damages to Laidlaw, but he would stubbornly appeal the verdicts. After four trials over eight years, Sage finally won. He never gave Laidlaw a cent. Russell Sage died in New York City at the age of 90, on July 22, 1906. His widow created a foundation bearing his name, which became widely known for philanthropic works. Sages reputation for being a miser lived on, however. Seven years after Sages death, William Laidlaw, the bank clerk who said Sage had used him as a human shield, died at the Home for the Incurables, an institution in the Bronx. Laidlaw had never fully recovered from the wounds suffered in the bombing nearly 20  years earlier. Newspapers reported that he had died penniless and mentioned that Sage had never offered him any financial assistance.

PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING - Coursework Example These aspects govern greater significance in the wake of the large scale competition which has emerged after globalisation where firm are trying to expand their reach beyond geographical boundaries. Customers come with a varied range of needs and wants. Products come in different categories and for customer’s having different preferences. Hence it becomes important for firms to segregate customers so as to effectively target them and prepare customised products for target markets. This can only be achieved if a firm follows an effective segmentation, targeting and positioning strategy. Segmentation is defined as â€Å"the process of splitting customer, or potential customers in a market into different groups, or in segments† (Mc Donald & Dunbar, 2007, p.34). Segmentation helps in segregating customers into groups so that the firm can prepare customised products that cater to the needs of specific segments. Segmentation segregates customer based on different characteristics which enables firms to cater to the needs of different individuals. Segmentation can be done in different ways which may be based on demographics, geography, marketing channels or products and services. Different firms segregate their customer on different basis depending on the product offering. The success of a segmentation strategy depends upon the following factors. Firstly, the segmentation strategy should cluster the market segment into a broad set of distinct customer groups. Mathematically, a customer segment must comprise of approximately 1.25 percent of the total volume of sales . Secondly firms must also look out for segments with a manageable size so as to effectively cater to the needs of the segment. Thirdly the constituents of a particular segment must display homogeneity i.e., they should have similar needs and wants and externally heterogeneous in nature which implies that the members of different segments must have different needs and wants. Fourthly the market