Tolkiens Lord of the Rings as a Catholic Epic :: Lord of the Rings Essays

Tolkien's Lord of the Rings as a Catholic Epic It will be the contention of this paper that much of Tolkien's unique vision was directly shaped by recurring images in the Catholic culture which shaped JRRT, and which are not shared by non-Catholics generally. The expression of these images in Lord of the Rings will then concern us. To begin with, it must be remembered that Catholic culture and Catholic faith, while mutually supportive and symbiotic, are not the same thing. Mr. Walker Percy, in his Lost in the Cosmos, explored the difference, and pointed out that, culturally, Catholics in Cleveland are much more Protestant than Presbyterians in say, Taos, New Orleans, or the South of France. Erik, Ritter von Kuehnelt-Leddihn, points out that the effects of this dichotomy upon politics, attributing the multi-party system in Catholic countries to the Catholic adherence to absolutes; he further ascribes the two-party system to the Protestant willingness to compromise. However this may be, it does point up a constant element in Catholic thought---the pursuit of the absolute. Here we must make an aside in regard to the U.S. Catholic culture in America is practically non-existent, except in attenuated form among such peoples as the Hispanos and Indians of Northern New Mexico, the Cajuns and Creoles of Louisiana and the other Gulf States, and the old English Catholic settlements of Maryland and Kentucky. Elsewhere the Faith was brought by immigrants, and its attendant culture has, like all imported ones in the States, veered between preservation and assimilation. This was exacerbated by the fact that Catholic leadership in the United States was early committed to a programme of cultural melding. In addition, this leadership was primarily Irish, a nationality which had been deprived of much of its native culture by centuries of Protestant Ascendancy. Hence it has been extremely difficult for Americans, even American Catholics, to understand or appreciate the Catholic thing (as Chesterton described it) in a cultural context. I am reminded of the astonishment of a classmateof mine (from a typical American Catholic High School) at seeing an anthology of Catholic poetry. This situation has been greatly accentuated in the past twenty years by the changes occurring after Vatican II. This being so, it will be necessary to describe a little of the uniquely Catholic world view. In fine, it is a sacramental one. At the heart of all Catholic life is a miracle, a mystery, the Blessed Sacrament.

Grandmother as Head of Household in Katherine Anne Porters The Old Order :: Free Essays

Grandmother as Head of Household in Katherine Anne Porter's The Old Order In her short story, "The Old Order", Katherine Anne Porter's creation of Miss Sophia Jane--The Grandmother-- illustrates the embodiment of patriarchal power within a matriarchal figure. What intrigues me is Porter's reversal of personality traits between the Grandmother and her husband. Porter's depiction of the Grandmother paints her as the undisputed head of house-- she "wears the pants" beneath the many layers of lacy petticoats and heavy skirts. The contrast between the Grandmother and her husband strike me as a reversal of typical gender-assigned personality traits. The Grandmother is "altogether just, humane, proud, and simple", in and of itself, I would attach these traits to a masculine man (not just any man!) (20). In contrast, the terms Porter uses to describe the Grandmother's husband, in and of themselves, are gendered, "hysterical" traits: "lack of aim, failure to act at crises, a philosophic detachment from practical affairs" (21). In the marriage of these antithetical personalities, Porter illuminates the problems faced by a headstrong women stifled by her gender-defined role in life. Atypically, the Grandmother was the head of the household, undeniably the dominant figure-- for virtually everything. Her husband "disliked and feared her deadly willfulness, her certainty that her feelings were not only right, but beyond criticism", and in doing so he loathed the traits that normally sit with a male head of house (21). In doling out her authority, the Grandmother may have been perceived as unwavering, but "her own doubts and hesitations she concealed . . . as a matter of duty" (11). There was no "female" emotionality behind the Grandmother's actions, what was rational was right; the Grandmother's husband took care of any illogical thinking and foolhardy ventures. The Grandmother was undeniably "before her time". While she embodied the persona of a patriarch, she was unable to fully assume her role-- and I'm not talking the male sexual role.

Spread of Christianity Among People Groups Essay -- Research Papers Ge

Spread of Christianity Among People Groups From the very beginning times of Christianity, its message has identified with and transformed communities of people. Christianity itself grew out of a people group who had an identity that stretches back in time thousands of years. The worship of Yahweh, geographically born in ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) has spread through history to the farthest islands of the seas. Born into the people of Israel, Jesus gathered a small group of followers living and working with them until his ascension to heaven. From these few, the Christian faith spread to other Jews in Israel and the further reaches of the Roman Empire, including parts of southern Europe and Southwest Asia. As Christianity was later adopted by the Roman Empire, much of Europe became the focus of conquest for Roman Christianity, though much of this was due in part to the fall of Western Rome. Rome and beyond Justo L. Gonzalez documents this spread of Christianity into Europe through the avenue of Rome’s influence. He quotes from a Roman Citizen, Paulus Orosius who condenses this historical phenomenon into his own words. He thoughtfully writes, "If only to this end have the barbarians been sent within Roman borders,†¦that the church of Christ might be filled with Huns and Suevi, with Vandals and Burgundians, with diverse and innumerable peoples of believers, then let God’s mercy be praised†¦even if this has taken place through our own destruction."(1, p231) The various people groups documented by Gonzalez are primarily groups who claim a common ethnic and political identity in the form of a kingdom. These were at times conversions of coercion through political structures and at times conversions of conveni... ...cepted the gospel. Some of these groups have either made the mistake of claiming the Christian religion as their own, while others have sought to make it their own. Rather, the truth is that the gospel becomes yours when you share it with another. (3) Works Cited: 1. Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity. San Francisco: Harper Publishing, 1984. 2. Winter, Ralph D.; Hawthorne, Steven. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. Pasadena, CA: The Paternoster Press LTD, 1992. 3. Coptic church, http://pharos.bu.edu/cn/, (5/6/99) 4. Frumentius, http://www.catholic.org/saints/saints/frumentius.html, (5/6/99) 5. Vikings, http://www.csn.net/advent/cathen/11115b.htm, (5/6/99) 6. Crusades, http://orb.rhodes.edu/encyclop/religion/crusades/Crusade.html, (5/6/99) 7. St. Patrick, http://wilstar.com/holidays/patrick.htm, (5/6/99)

Being A Teenager Essay

Is hard, harder than some can imagine, harder than some can even remember. It’s those years you’ll never forget, though sometimes you wish you could wipe away. They seem to last forever, but when you look back, they went by so fast. Being a teenager is falling in love too fast, and too hard, talking for hours on the phone to your best friends, being talked about and talking about others. It’s being guilty when you’re innocent, it’s standing out and fitting in, it’s when you have a million questions that will N-E-V-E-R be answered. Being a teenager isn’t something you can really describe, unless you’re living it at the same time. It’s dealing with life when it crashes down on you, and trying your hardest to live through it. Everyone has their tough times, everyone goes through something, but being a teenager, that’s when you feel everything at once. When you’re in love you’re R-E-A-L-L-Y in love, when you hate someone you â€Å"despise† them, when you’re lonely, you’re miserable. Being a teenager is something you always have to go through, and it the best and worst years of your life. Being a teenager isn’t anything- it’s everything. It isn’t a big deal- it’s a HUGE deal. And while you’re being a teenager, you ought to live it up, because this is the one chance, the one time, you’ll fall in love for real, you’ll be really and truly happy. You’ll be young, and free, and careless, as teenagers usually are†¦When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us n a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief , who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face us with reality of powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.

Poh Kong

1. 0 COMPANY PROFILE POH KONG founded in 1976, as a pioneer jeweller has transformed itself from a traditional jewellery until the middle of the recognition of the most important jewellery brand as synonymous with excellence associated with the design, quality and superior craftsmanship. Listed on Bursa Malaysia since 2004, POH KONG has been hailed as the largest jewellery retail chain in Malaysia with a network of 100 branches across the country with manufacturing facilities. It has been successful in developing and promoting its own brand and become the sole distributor for many international brands.POH KONG in-house brands including Tranz, Happy Love, Anggun, The Art of Auspicious, Bunga Raya Gold Bar, and many more to come. POH KONG is the licensee for Disney Collection is the sole distributor for luxury Schaeffer pearls from around the world. POH KONG using a differential image of the brand and retail concept to meet the needs of different customers. Apart from POH KONG and Diam ond & Gold outlets, retail concepts such as POH KONG Gallery, Diamond Boutique, Jade Gallery, Tranz Boutique and Oro Bianco are available. 2. The General Environment 2. 1 Political Jewellery retail chain Poh Kong Holdings Bhd expects the price of gold to be on an upward trend this year(2012), fuelled by demand for the precious metal as investment. Movement of gold prices would depend on the political stability in Iran, where Poh Kong gets its supply. Poh Kong’s AGM expect that if war starts in iran, gold prices may increase by 30%. Last year, gold hit above US$1,900 per ounce but has since fallen to US$1,620 this month. Demand for gold globally is still on upward trend.The company are still seeing double-digit growth globally on gold bullion and bars, so there is still a potential for the company to move forward. Besides that, the high price of gold would bring higher margins for Poh Kong as the cost is passed down to retail customers. On bank offering gold investment, althou gh there is a bit competition, Poh Kong’s sales are not affected as customers still come bak to them. 2. 2 Economic Poh Kong Holdings Bhd is expecting a better financial year ahead, spurred by increased demand for gold from the public.When the price of gold escalates, the company’s selling price to retail customers increase in tandem. A higher gold price, therefore, has a positivr impact on the revenue. The biggest jeweller in the country by the number of outlets says its sales are not affected by the volatility in gold prices. Instead, sales of gold bars increase, as the rich look for a safe investment. Analysts say the company can ride the increased appetite for gold as a â€Å"safe investment class†, especially amid economic and financial uncertainties.The US Federal Reserve’s decision to pump more money into the financial system with a second round of quantitative easing will also mean more money going into commodities like gold, which will drive pric es even higher. However, this would also mean higher inflation, which would fuel the upward trend of gold prices. For FY2010, Poh Kong reported an 11. 24% rise in net profits to RM31. 61 million on the back of a smaller 3. 62% increase in revenues to RM561. 24million. EPS was 7. 7 sen, up from 6. 93 sen the year before. Net profit and operating margins increased in FY2010 to 5. 63% and 9. 8%, respectively, from 5. 25% and 9. % in FY2009. 2. 3 Social Poh Kong Group's CSR initiatives are in line with Bursa Malaysia's framework centered towards the workplace, marketplace, community and environment. As a socially responsible company, the corporate citizenship is integrated into a sustainable business model that goes beyond shareholders interests, for the betterment of society. Corporate’s CSR programme embraces responsibility for the Company's actions and encourages a positive impact through its activities by its employees, caring for consumers, giving back to the under privilege d through societal welfare work and environmental protection.The Group aligns its corporate activities to social causes with the various target publics as we endeavor to create a more caring community and make a significant difference in the lives of many in society. In this respect, Poh Kong recognizes its CSR is to foster mutually beneficial relationships with our stakeholders and society through active participation and help improve the living standards of the surrounding communities. 2. 4 Technological Science and technology are closely related in the gold mining process, especially in the extracting and processing of the metal. Gold is a golden ellow metal, which is solid at room temperature. Gold can be extracted in many ways. Mining for gold is only worthwhile financially where there is a significant concentration of it found in ore. The fixed price of gold in 1934 increased from $20. 67 U. S. to $35 U. S. per troy ounce. This price remained fixed until 1968 which discouraged hard rock mining for gold because increased inflation (which raised the cost of mining production) prevented the mining companies from making a profit. 3. 0 Task Environment Analysis Gold mines tend to have a huge impact on the environment.From digging out a huge pit, to disposing of the left over chemicals and tailing. If a gold mine isn't managed properly it can have some very negative impacts on the environment. A common impact is when water used in the mining process is polluted with chemicals from the factory and then put back into rivers and streams. Cyanide used to extract gold can pollute the rivers and kill fish and other. 3. 1 Green Awareness In contributing to the environment, Poh Kong believes in green awareness activities and eco-friendly measures that reduces the carbon footprint generated by the organization's infrastructure and working towards reducing wastage. . 2 Energy Conservation Through the combined effort and dedication of each employee, environment-friendly lifestyles that promote green technology are practised. This include using light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) for energy saving lighting, the automatic shutdown of desktop computers while not in use, maintaining air-conditioning at comfortable, but lower temperatures, switching off non-essential lights and equipment, and the recycling of materials have all reduced costs savings. 3. 3 On a Green QuestWe help minimise the impact on the environment by restricting the use of hazardous substances, undertaking the safe disposal of waste discharge and the monitoring of pollution levels for a clean environment. Poh Kong believes in minimum wastage and is working towards a zero waste discharge policy in the jewellery manufacturing process. The Company takes back gold products at end-of-use or end-of-life for responsible reuse, recycle, remanufacture or recovery of the gold in the refining process.The Company's aim is to provide and maintain a clean environment for sustainable development for current and future generations. It strives to fulfill the social, environmental and ethical obligation which is vital in global environmental sustainability. 4. 0 SWOT Strength POH KONG is a well-know brand and is attractive for those who admire beautiful jewelry. The POH KONG is successful in designing, provided quality product and the hardware to make the jewelry. POH KONG also listed in BURSA MALAYSIA, so the company succeed attract many customers buy their products.The different design and different concept is set to target the different market segmentation as to fulfill the customer requirement. POH KONG Holding Berhad offered jewelry to wedding, jade, international, diamond or gems and many else according to customers taste. POH KONG has its own expert to designing the product to make it more luxury. The price offer is based on the government policy, so the price is not so expensive and everyone is affordable. Weakness Some POH KONG company branch is not selling all products, because the shop offer limited space.So, the customer just can take an order through cataloged or browser. As a result, it might lose some customer or decrease customers’ satisfaction due to take time in sending the stock to the customers. Besides that, some customers also complain the POH KONG is less option if compare with other competitors. Consequently, majority customers move to support other company. Opportunity Using the latest technology might help the company growing faster. POH KONG can save their production cost by used new technology and produce large quantity jewelry.The company can perceived it as cost advantage and offer a reasonable price for the customers. POH KONG also received the payment method by credit card, this is convenience to the customers when they buy expensive jewelry. Moreover, they also used the online marketing to market their product, the costumer can visited the website to get the latest information. POH KONG has a big business formulation, such as distributor to the international brands such as Tranz, Happy Love, Anggun, The Art of Auspicious and Bunga Raya Gold Bar.Also, they distribute for Schoeffel Luxury Pearls from German, Luca Carati and Verdi from Italy, Angel Diamond from Belgium and Cocoro from Japan. Threats The strict of government policy might influence POH KONG gain profit in business. Next, due to the increasing number of competitors, POH KONG was facing the problem of pricing war. This is because majority customers will choose the company which can provide reasonable price with good quality products. As an existing many competitors, they will purposely offer lower price to attract more customers.The problem of pricing war between competitor had lead to POH KONG frequently innovation unique and special design product in order to attract and maintain customers. The competition has result in POH KONG more power used several ways to become a big retailer in the industry, the subjective is to increase their profit and market share. 5. 0 TOWS Internal Factors (IFAS)ExternalFactors(EFAS)| Strength (S) | Weaknesses (W)| Opportunities (O) | SO strategies-POH KONG is a well-know company and distribute the jewelry into international market. The expertise enabling creates various products with new technology. -all the product price are according government policy, so the company successful gain cost advantage. -With the POH KONG operate outlet in all state, the company can gain the cost advantage when they selling large quantity with lower price to the customer| WO strategies- The company should use the latest technology to producing more quantity products. – POH KONG company distributes their product over the international market as to compete with competitors. POH KONG company selling various products with lower price as to fulfill customer requirement around the international market. | Threats (T)| ST strategies- POH KONG company set a goal to become a leader in jewelry retailers as to face the competition problem. -The price of POH KONG is according to government policy, so they can avoid pricing war between competitors. -POH KONG has follows the government policy to manage their business, as to gain their profit. | WT strategies-Due to many competitors, POH KONG had faced the pricing war. The strict of government policy lead to POH KONG branch unable to fulfill customer requirement. -As many competitors in market, POH KONG have to compete with others as to become a big retailer in market. | Strength and Opportunities (SO) POH KONG is a well-known company in jewelry industry, so they can use their reputation to distribute the products into international market. The expertise in POH KONG might useful to generate a creative idea in creates various products with the latest technology.POH KONG was comply with the government policy to gain their cost advantage and open outlet in all state by selling large amounts of products with lower price to the customers. Weak ness and Opportunity (WO) POH KONG company should be used the latest technology to produce large amount and more quality products, it is important for customers have more option from variety products. POH KONG develop a strategy plan by export their products into international market and selling various jewelry with lower price as to fulfill customers expectation.Strength and Treats (ST) POH KONG based their strength to set a goal as become a big retailer in jewelry industry. Otherwise, POH KONG also set their price based on government policy, so they can avoid pricing war from competitors. As to gain more profit and increase the market share, POH KONG have to comply the government policy. Weakness and Treats (WT) Due to existence competitors in market, POH KONG has faced pricing war between the competitors. Because pricing is an important asset for company to attract more customers in order to increase company.As the strict of government policy lead to some POH KONG branch was unab le to fulfill all customers requirement. As a result, POH KONG is require to set a goal to become a big retailer in jewelry industry. 6. 0 Ratio Analysis Formula: – 1. Liquidity Ratios| Current ratio = | Current assets Current liabilities| Quick ratio = | Current assets – inventory Current liabilities| Inventory to net working =capital | Inventory Current assets – current liabilities| . Profitability Ratios | Net profit margin = | Net profit after taxes Net sales| Return on investment (ROI) = | Net profit after taxes Total assets| Return on equity (ROE) = | Net profit after taxesShareholders’ equity| 3. Activity Ratios| Inventory turnover =| Net salesInventory | Net working capital turnover = | Net salesNet working capital| Asset turnover = | Sales Total assets| 4.Leverage Ratios| Debt to asset ratio = | Total debt Total assets| Debt to equity ratio = | Total debt Shareholders’ equity| Current liabilities to equity = | Current liability Shareholder s’ equity| Analysis 1. Liquidity Ratios ( i ). Current ratio 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 484,863,174 RM 198,367,638 = 2. 44 times| RM 419,387,537 RM 120,116,086 = 3. 49 times|For current ratio, year 2011 is 2. 44 times and 3. 49 times in year 2010. It is decreased 1. 05 times in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 484,863,174 – RM 443, 668, 132 RM 198,367,638 = 0. 21 times| RM 419,387,537 – RM 383,614,269 RM 120,116,086 = 0. 30 times| ( ii ). Quick ratio Fo For quick ratio, year 2011 is 0. 21 times and 0. 30 times in year 2010. It is decreased 0. 09 times in years 2011 if compare with year 2010. ( iii ). Inventory to net working capital 011 year| 2010 year| RM 443, 668, 132 RM 484,863,174 – RM 198,367,638= 1. 55 times| RM 383,614,269 RM 419,387,537 – RM 120,116,086 = 1. 28 times| For Inventory to net working capital year 2011 is higher than 2010, which is 1. 55 times (2011) and for year 2010 is 1. 28 times. It is increased 0. 27 times in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. 2. Profitability ratio ( i ). Net profit margin 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 41,204,606 x 100 % RM 487,653,434 = 8. 5 %| RM 32,516,897 x 100 % RM 389,023,737 = 8. 36 %| ( F For net profit margin, year 2011 is higher than year 2010, which is 8. 45 % and 8. 36 % in year 2010. And year 2011 is increased 0. 09 %. ( ii ). Return on investment (ROI) 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 41,204,606 x 100 % RM 576,408,981 = 7. 15 %| RM 32,516,897 x 100 % RM 509,641,678 = 6. 38%| For ROI, year 2011 is 7. 15 % and 6. 38 % in year 2010, which is increased 0. 7 % in year 2011 compare with year 2010. ( iii ). Return on equity (ROE) 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 41,204,606 x 100 % RM 345,996,853 = 11. 91 %| RM 32,516,897 x 100 % RM 310,537,172 = 10. 47 %| In year 2011, ROE is 11. 91 % and 10. 47 % for year 2010. That is increased 1. 44 % if compare with year 2010. 3. Activity Ratios ( i ). Inventory turnover 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 487,653,434 RM 443,668,132 = 1. 0 ti mes| RM 389,023,737 RM 383,614,269 = 1. 01 times| In year 2011, inventory turnover for Poh Kong Holdings Berhad is 1. 10 times and 1. 01 times for year 2010. It is increased 0. 09 times for year 2011. ( ii ). Net working capital turnover 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 487,653,434 RM 484,863,174 – RM 198,367,638 = 1. 70 times| RM 389,023,737 RM 419,387,537– RM 120,116,086 = 1. 30 times|For net working capital turnover, year 2011 is 1. 70 times and year 2010 is 1. 30 times. It is increased 0. 40 times in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. ( iii ). Assets turnover 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 487,653,434 RM 576,408,981 = 0. 85 times| RM 389,023,737 RM 509,641,678 = 0. 76 times| For assets turnover, year 2011is 0. 85 times and year 2010 is 0. 76 times. It is increased 0. 09 times in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. 4.Leverage Ratios ( i ). Debt to asset ratio 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 230,412,128 x 100% RM 576,408,981 = 39. 97 %| RM 199,104,506 x 100 % RM 509,641,678 = 39. 07 %| For debt to asset ratio, year 2011 is 39. 97 % and 39. 07 % in year 2010. It is increased 0. 9 % in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. ( ii ). Debt to equity ratio 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 230,412,128 x 100% RM 345,996,853 = 66. 9 %| RM 199,104,506 x 100 % RM 310,537,172 = 64. 12 %| ( For debt to equity, year 2011 is 66. 59 % and 64. 12 % in year 2010. It is increased 2. 47 % in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. ( iii ). Current liabilities to equity 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 198,367,638 x 100% RM 345,996,853 = 57. 33 %| RM 120,116,086 x 100 % RM 310,537,172 = 38. 68 %| For current liabilities to equity, year 2011 is 57. 3 % and 38. 68 % in year 2010. It is increased 18. 65 % in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. 7. 0 STRATEGIC DIRECTION 7. 1 Expand on more outlets. POH KONG is planning to open more stores as part of local development. Continuous expansion channels out a several locations from urban center to small towns, is intended to create opportunities and revenue grow th of large and provide accessibility and convenience to their customers through its extensive retail network with owned or partly owned establish branches throughout Malaysia. 7. 2 Produce a new range productPOH KONG company has decided to produce a new range of platinum jewellery targets a younger age group. This new network will complement POH KONG Gold jewellery available and meet the needs and preferences more users. New machinery and equipment will be available to support expansion of the product. 7. 3 Expand retail operation in Australia and China POH KONG has a vision to expand its retail operations outside the country in Australia and China as the initial target market. The feasibility study will be conducted to assess the viability of setting up retail gold jewellery branch, taste and preference in new markets.If everything else goes well, they decided to set up branches in Australia and China. POH KONG’s vision is to spread its wings to local outside in order to in crease income. 7. 4 Planning to franchise the concept POH KONG is planning to franchise the concept to potential retail local entrepreneurs. This enabled POH KONG to open the lock brand and retail experience. New franchise outlets will bring POH KONG brands and potential locations such as Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak, in areas which do not have a personal faith establish a branch. This new revenue stream will increase the income of POH KONG. 8. 0 Board of Director YG BHG DATO’ CHOON YEE SEIONG (Executive Chairman and Croup Managing Director) * MR CHEONG TECK CHONG (Executive Director) * MADAM CHOON NEE SIEW (Executive Director) * MADAM CHOON YOKE YING (Executive Director) * MADAM CHOON WAN JOO (Executive Director) * DR CHOONG TUCK YEW (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director * ENCIK FAZRIN AZWAR BIN MD NOR (Independent Non-Executive Director) * DATIN SHIRLEY YUE SHOU HOW (Independent Non-Executive Director) The board of Poh Kong Holdings Berhad is committed to in still a corporate culture of good corporate governance which is practiced throughout the company and its subsidiary companies.The group acknowledges the importance of corporate governance in enhancing its business prosperity and corporate accountability with the absolute objective of realizing long-term shareholders’ and stakeholder’s value. The group will continue to endeavor to comply with all the key principles of the Malaysia Code Corporate Governance in an effort to observe high standards of transparency, accountability and integrity. This is to sustain optimal governance with conscientious accountability for continuous effectiveness, efficiency and competitiveness of the group.

The interviews addressed buying attitudes

OBJECTIVE: Compulsive buying (uncontrolled urges to buy, with resulting significant adverse consequences) has been estimated to affect from 1. 8% to 16% of the adult U. S. population. To the authors’ knowledge, no study has used a large general population sample to estimate its prevalence. METHOD: The authors conducted a random sample, national household telephone survey in the spring and summer of 2004 and interviewed 2,513 adults.The interviews addressed buying attitudes and behaviors, their consequences, and the respondents’ financial and demographic data. The authors used a clinically validated screening instrument, the Compulsive Buying Scale, to classify respondents as either compulsive buyers or not. RESULTS: The rate of response was 56. 3%, which compares favorably with rates in federal national health surveys. The cooperation rate was 97. 6%. Respondents included a higher percentage of women and people ages 55 and older than the U.S. adult population. The estim ated point prevalence of compulsive buying among respondents was 5. 8% (by gender: 6. 0% for women, 5. 5% for men). The gender-adjusted prevalence rate was 5. 8%. Compared with other respondents, compulsive buyers were younger, and a greater proportion reported incomes under $50,000. They exhibited more maladaptive responses on most consumer behavior measures and were more than four times less likely to pay off credit card balances in full.CONCLUSIONS:A study using clinically valid interviews is needed to evaluate these results. The emotional and functional toll of compulsive buying and the frequency of comorbid psychiatric disorders suggest that studies of treatments and social interventions are warranted Source: American Journal of Psychiatry: http://ajp. psychiatryonline. org/cgi/content/abstract/163/10/1806

Lab Cojy Background (for Research Proposal)

Lab CoJY Background Cooperatives have been flourishing in the Philippines as early as the time of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Way back, cooperatives has been associated with the farmers who are the intended and original beneficiaries of the cooperative movement. But as time goes by, it is defined by the law as a vehicle for promoting self reliance and harnessing people power towards the attainment of economic development and social justice (Art. 2, R. A. 9520, Philippine Cooperative Code of the Philippines). Cooperatives is an institution that could be an instrument for socio-economic upliftment and sustainable development. With all the corporations owned by financially capable persons, cooperatives give people with limited resources to come together and pool out their resources and put up a business that they can call their own- member-owned. Although the cooperative is designed for legal adults, even the young ones nowadays are caught by the principle of cooperativism. Laboratory cooperatives are established as an affiliate of an adult cooperative to cater the needs of the minors and serve as a training ground for young entrepreneurs. Laboratory cooperative is a cooperative that is organized by minors and must be affiliated with a registered cooperative. It is a venue for students to develop the habit of thrift and savings, leadership competencies and business management. According to Sr. Leontina Castillo, OSA, founder of the cooperative program in ASOLC schools, in her guidebook Supervising Laboratory Cooperative Junior Youth, â€Å"Lab CoJY is one of the potent avenues in schools where the students learn and live values while at the same time hone their leadership and business skill. Operating and managing the Lab COJY is a challenging and enriching task that require the living out of values like thrift, wise use of money, orderliness, prudence, sacrifice, love for coop and honesty. A deep sense of responsibility, as fidelity to duties and responsibilities, is developed. †(2) Investing on people while they are still young is worthy in the long-run. According in an article by Gumban, NATCCO’s Aflatoun (Youth) Program Coordinator â€Å"investment requires the element of wait. Waiting could take weeks, months, even year. Truly, investing in the young people takes a lot of wait. Take for example the simple savings program. The money saved is actually secondary, but the values of thrift and responsibility slowly honed through constant practice are something of great value. The fruits of this cannot be seen overnight, and maybe not even in the adult cooperators’ lifetime, but certainly would manifest as they go through their chosen careers†(Services for Children and Teenagers, Why invest on Young Members? ). In the same article she made mention that exposing the young members to conferences, trainings and mentors, as well as the co-op environment would give them the chance to learn, to speak their minds, and share their dreams with their fellow youth cooperators in a wholesome and fun way. In some schools, DepEd puts up a co-curricular program that promotes entrepreneurship and cooperativism which aims to establish a shift from the employment creation culture by nurturing the entrepreneurial and cooperative environment, skills and competencies of the students.