International Business Country Analysis China Essay Example

International Business Country Analysis: China Essay At 9.6 million square kilometers, China is one of the biggest countries in the world. It contains the worlds biggest city, Shanghai, and is ruled from the capital of Beijing in the east. China has been the worlds most populous country for centuries and it makes up one-fifth of the worlds total population. Over 1.3 billion people live in China, which makes every five people in the world Chinese. China is the scene of the most extraordinary economic, social and political transformation of our time. However, it is a nation that continues to struggle with its enormous population, a strained environment, and an unequal distribution of wealth and opportunity. This paper will cover in-depth areas that explains the reasons for Chinas low fertility rate and how this ensures rapid population aging in this century, how open markets and trade have widen income and health gaps, and how policy changes and economic growth have spurred labor migration in China and how its attracted the worlds attent ion. Background and Cultural Environment Though there is a misconception that China and its 1.3 billion people have a common culture, China is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Chinas rich cultural environment is important for foreign companies to understand and take into account to ensure profitable business in China. In China and many other countries, culture plays a large role in how business is carried out with domestic or foreign companies. Whether it is the many dialects that the Chinese people speak or the proper etiquette to use with Chinese businessmen and women, foreign companies are challenged to briefly assimilate as a Chinese company of their own. We will write a custom essay sample on International Business Country Analysis: China specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on International Business Country Analysis: China specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on International Business Country Analysis: China specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer By far the largest cultural obstacle for foreign businesses to hurdle is the Chinese language and its many dialects. The Chinese people speak seven different dialects across twenty-three provinces, five autonomous regions, and four municipalities. Mandarin is the predominant dialect of the Chinese people and is spoken by over seventy percent of the population. Mandarin itself has eight different dialects of its own, spread across the regions of China. It is no wonder why many companies strive for employees fluent in Chinese dialect, especially Mandarin. China is also very rich in nationalities amongst its people. The Han people account for 91.9% of the population, while the other 8.1% account for fifty-five other nationalities. Businesses must understand the vital differences among the Chinese people to prosper from Chinas growing economy. Cultural differences between the Chinese and the rest of the world are even more present in the behaviors of the Chinese people. For example: it is common practice for gift-giving among business partners, but in China a clock should never be given because clocks represent death in Chinese culture. Also, being on time and having appointments are some other important facts that foreign companies must know about. There are numerous behaviors and communication practices that businesses must study in order to prosper in China. Having the knowledge and skills to smoothly execute foreign business will guarantee continued partnerships with Chinas emerging markets. Chinas Politics, Economic and Legal Environment, and Geography China has come a long way to be the world power that it is today. It is the worlds third largest country and certainly the most populous. The land is very diverse consisting of rainforests, mountains, valleys and plateaus and similarly has very different climates. The country borders fourteen other countries and is split into different regions. (Geography of China) Now known as the Peoples Republic of China, the countrys legal makeup is rooted in ancient culture and beliefs dating back to Confucian teachings, (Legal History of China). Confucius teachings stated, man was by nature evil and had to be controlled by strict rules of law and uniform justice, (Legal History of China). Chinese law now has developed in part due to the globalization of markets and the growing economy. Laws have been created to enforce rules and regulations as well as protecting Chinas industries. (Legal History of China). Doing business in China is much different than doing business in the United States or other western countries. When meeting with Chinese businessmen it is important to remember that their culture is much different than ours. In China the business matter comes second to the person. To the Chinese businessman taking the time to form lasting relationships is crucial. The relationships potentially could outlive the business. Having relationships in another country also helps the American businessperson to network. Another difference is the way they value time. Here it seems that we hold getting the job done to be the first priority. They are far more liberal in their time management, and the time it takes to do business is irrelevant. It is important to know the ins and outs of your business before doing business in China. They are sure to study your business before you arrive, and you must do the same. Having knowledge and looking into their business practices and the role they have in the community is a must before sitting down with them. Your partner must also have the same level of knowledge; if they appear weak to the Chinese chances are that that would signify the end of any business endeavor. To make meetings run smoothly it is recommended that all materials be translated into both Chinese and English. If you choose to have an interpreter, present him/her with the materials prior to meeting with the Chinese company. (Chinese Etiquette) The Chinese economy has changed greatly from the complete communist control in the 1950s. Chinas economys progress is due in part to their Five Year Plans which are a series of economic planning and goal setting characteristic of communist governments. (China and the First Five Year Plan). Whereas the government controlled all aspects of the economy before the country has moved into a new period that has been called a socialist market economy categorized by focusing on modernization and improving the quality of life throughout China, (Economy). The rapid growth of the countrys economy has lead to it becoming a major world economic power. However, this growth has come with many problems the country now faces. Due to the overwhelming population and its aging population the country is still relatively poor when it come to per capita terms, (Chinas Economy). Although rapidly growing the country has presented the country with challenges that China must face if it wants to have the worlds largest economy, (CIA World). China must find a way to gain new entrants to the work force and correct for the environmental damage that the rapid growth has caused. Prospect as a Trading Partner, Government Policies for International Trade, Direction and Terms of Trade, And Foreign Direct Investment for China China would be a great prospect for a trading partner. With the numerous trading opportunities, a potential trading partner will surely profit. Chinas economic reforms have introduced the economy to international trade and investments. As noted in an article in the International Monetary Fund, Chinas increasing integration with the global economy has contributed to sustained growth in international trade. Now, it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world! China is the United States third largest trader and is one of the largest Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) recipients. According to an article from The China Business Review, the United States exports to China have hit a new high. It has been said that during the last seven years, exports to China have surged dramatically, topping $65 billion last year (2007). You may notice that the store shelves in the United States are overflowing with products that are made by the Chinese. As stated earlier, China is the United States third largest trader. This is because of many reasons. First, the trade liberalization that followed Chinas entry into the WTO (World Trade Organization) was a key attribute. Another significant motive is that Chinas currency, which is called the renminbi, has appreciated about 20% against the US dollar since the year of 2005. That makes U.S. exports cheaper for importers and consumers. China continues to grow rapidly. Their imports and exports have grown faster than world trade for over twenty years. Chinas share of exports to industrial economies has increased and has become more diversified. They have become very important to regional economies because of their exports. Chinas diversification has caused them to become very important within the Asian economy. As a result, Chinas international trade has inflated progressively since the opening of the economy in 1979. Diversification has enhanced Chinas exporting. In the early 1990s, products such as footwear, clothing, and toys accounted for more than 40% of their exports. Today, most of their exports include electronics such as office machines and automated data processing equipment, telecommunications and sound equipment, electrical machinery, furniture, travel goods, and industrial supplies. Just as Chinas exporting is vital, their importing is crucial as well. Chinas trade has developed rapidly with imports from almost all trading partners. They are the third largest importer of developing country exports after the United States and the European Union. As a significant step toward normalizing its trade relations, China has been permanently granted most-favored-nation (MFN) treatment by other World Trade Organization members. As of result, many trading partners have eliminated many of their restrictions on imports from China. Chinas economic reforms have been instrumental in significantly reducing its barriers to trade and foreign investment. They are the largest livestock producer in the world and its energy use and reliance has increased swiftly in recent years. They have a governmental policy on international trade with the United States. The Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) was established in 1983 as a forum for high-level dialogue on bilateral trade issues (www.exports.ga.gov/china). In 1994, the United States and China governments strengthened the JCCT by establishing working groups covering trade and investment issues, business development, and commercial law. After the December 2003 meeting with President Bush and Premier Wen, the two agreed the Commission would be co-chaired on the United States side by the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative. It would be co-chaired on the Chinese side by the Vice Premier that is responsible for foreign trade. According to the sta tistics and research, China is becoming the new America. China is booming in the areas of importing and exporting; therefore, their country would be a great potential trading partner. Cross-national Cooperation and Agreements, Regional Trading Blocks, and FTAs The Peoples Republic of China has many trade agreements, mainly with other Asian countries. These include bilateral agreements with Pakistan, Thailand, New Zealand and the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN. China also has trade agreements with South American countries Peru and Chile. In addition to these bilateral trade agreements, China has two CEPA, Closer Economic Partnership Agreements, with former independent colonies Macau and Hong Kong and several less formalized trade agreements with European countries and the United States. Chinas trade agreement with Pakistan began in 2006 and is expected to triple the amount of trade between the two countries to 15 billion US dollars. China will reduce tariffs on livestock, aquatic products, vegetables, mineral products and textiles, while Pakistan will reduce tariffs on cattle, lamb, chemicals and machinery products with the goal of reducing the tariffs by 85% in the first five years and making 36% or the products tariff free within three years with the aim of eventually making 90% of the products tariff free. In 2003 China signed a Free Trade Agreement with Thailand. This FTA covered fruits and vegetables and is expected to reduce tariffs to zero on over 200 fruits and vegetables. Bilateral trade in produce has exceeded 5 billion US dollars in recent years. The Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and China was signed in April of 2008 making New Zealand the first developed country to negotiate a free trade agreement with China. Products exported from New Zealand include dairy, wool, fish, minerals, scrap metal and some fruits. Products exported from China include carpet, clothing, footwear, textile products, steel, plastics and furniture. Its estimated that this will save 115.5 million US dollars in tariffs. The ASEAN plus three trade agreement is expected to be completed by 2010. Once completed, it will encompass 1.8 billion people in the countries of China, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It will be the third largest trade group in the world behind the European Union and North American Free Trade Area. China has two Special Administrative Regions, Hong Kong and Macau. These regions are governed by China but these SARs have more autonomy then the rest of the country. China has entered into CEPAs with both regions. These CEPAs reduce tariffs on goods exported to China, offer the SARs preferred opening to the Chinese market and facilitate the bilateral exchanges of goods and capital. The European Union sees bilateral trade with China as something of a mixed bag. For many countries, the opportunity to export their products to a market of billions has been a blessing but for those whose products must compete with low priced Chinese imports its been a difficult period. While some countries such as the Netherlands and Italy have found trade with China to be prosperous, others have raised questions about Chinese labor practices and a rising tide of Chinese exports to the EU. Overall though, trade between the two EU and China seems to benefit most. China has a large dynamic economy. In the past it sought to insulate itself from the outside world but in recent years has opened its markets to other economies. With billions of potential consumers and a GDP of 9.9% and rising, countries are lining up to develop regional trading blocks and free trade agreements with China. Even Chinas enemy, Taiwan, has signed a trade agreement with them. The future seems bright for China and its trade partners but some in the west think that the trade imbalance that these free trade agreements create will destabilize the economies of many countries around the world. Whatever the case may be, its clear that there will be no shortage of potential trading partners chomping at the bit to get into Chinese markets.

buy custom Malaria Disease essay

buy custom Malaria Disease essay This video talks about the malaria disease. Joseph DeRisi explains that malaria is a disease caused by a virus known as parasitic protozoa which is present in a certain type of female mosquito. Common characteristics that a person suffering from malaria may exhibit are periodic febrile episodes, chillness, sweat, aches, nausea, and body weakness especially in the lower and upper limbs. In many instances, a patients spleen may enlarge and this is very dangerous because it is not a physical symptom and patients may take some time to notice. In severe cases, a patient may suffer seizures and/or coma, which is very dangerous because it can result to death of the patient. Patients suffering from malaria are also likely to suffer from severe anemia lack of enough blood, which in the long run may result into organ failure, specifically the heart. Malaria still remains a huge problem even though it was discovered early in the1800s. This is because; the researchers have been unable to develop an effective vaccine to be used in prevention of malaria. In addition, many of the older ant-malarial drugs are losing effectiveness as the parasite evolves high level of drug resistance. Joseph explains that research for cure for malaria is something that researcher in the medical field have continued to put a lot of effort in the recent time. One of the common known malaria drugs is quinine. Quinine is one of the oldest malaria drugs to be developed by researchers. However, it has proven to be ineffective because of development of high level of drug resistance by the parasite. Another malaria drug which has been developed by the researchers is known as Warburgs Ticture. It is made of quinine and other herbs. Warburgs Ticture has proved to be more effective in treatment of malaria as compared to quinine. In fact, researchers say that it the most effective malaria drug so far. Researchers have also been trying to develop synthetic drugs for treating malaria. Even though it is hard to conclude that they have not been successful in this area, we are still hopeful that they will be able to develop an effective malaria drug or vaccine through synthetic method. So far, researchers are exploring application of genetic technology production of genetically modified mosquitoes that are unable to transmit malaria as a biological method of controlling malaria. Buy custom Malaria Disease essay

Fostering Student Success Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Fostering Student Success - Research Paper Example g concerns, to wit: (1) all aspects of the issue or problem; (2) what is known, what needs to be known, and how it can become known; (3) what quantitative or qualitative data is needed; (4) who will have the responsibility of obtaining the data about the issue or problem; (5) a formulation of a series of potential solutions to the issue or problem; (6) a selection of the most reasonable solution with supporting rationales; and finally, (7) a definition of how one’s decision will be evaluated. Various cultures have stressed the importance of education in the realm of an ever increasing competitive environment. Qualifications and competencies of individuals are developed with the advancement in theoretical and practical expertise. Higher education poses strategic differences from high school making students virtually insufficiently prepared for its diverse challenges. Fostering student success should therefore be the focus of school administrators to ensure that academic life would prove to be worth every student’s efforts. Students are expected to take accountability and responsibility for their academic performance through prioritizing compliance to requirements. In a book written by Gary L. Kramer (2007) entitled Fostering student success in the campus community, the author indicated several measures to direct students towards the triumphant path. Kramer averred that â€Å"addressing changing student demographics and needs†¦ aligning institutional and student expectations, connecting student-oriented services systemically, organizing and fostering student services for learning, and creating and delivering services for students†¦(are key issues) to achieve success on campus† (Kramer, 2007, xxix). The research aims to proffer issues which focus on the participation and involvement in student study groups as part of organizing and fostering student services for learning. As required, the discourse would provide a discussion of the following issues,

The Technological Advance of Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Technological Advance of Religion - Essay Example As people gain more technology they gain also a sense of independent conceit that there is no need to depend on God for provision, or to look to God for answers. The more people discover and learn about the things that surround them the more they take for granted they can control and be in charge of these things. Before the time science saved lives through medicine and people were instilled with a God complex because of such triumphs, there was a time when people had less answers, but more certainty; the type of assurance that came from the heart and not from experiments. The era of life lived with more emphasis placed on spiritual meditation than rational inquisition. Before Christianity came onto the scene, paganism was the primary religion which practiced an earth based worship of all aspects of nature. There was a god of rain, a god of sun, a god of harvest, and many other gods they prayed to for prosperity. Polytheistic religion is a religion that believes in multiple gods as pa gans did. This practice was the result of the human need to explain what could not readily be understood in the absence of science. Phenomena such as weather and fertility were attributed to these different gods and could explain the instability in nature. The separate deities needed to be persuaded to provide for humanity, or pacified into not harming them. Polytheistic religions, therefore, had many customs and rituals intended to accomplish this. Worship practices of all sorts were designed, literally, to manipulate pagan gods into making the world habitable, granting its people success. It was also necessary for everyone to follow those practices, since even just one person apparently snubbing their idol might cause that idol to become angry and lash out or fail to provide some needed gift to all humanity. As religion developed, science did too. Because of the exalted nature of religion, questions regarding its validity, especially in its earliest days of expansion were unwelcom e. As science advanced in its expeditions however, more questions regarding the validity of religion arose. One thing religion and science have in common is that neither has all the answers. In religion that is because faith is the platform it stands on. Science in their criticisms and arguments of religion continuously fails to appreciate this. Religion acknowledges a creator, science strives to recreate and comes up short at times in its endeavors to do so. Like Darwin when he proposed his theory of evolution to describe the origin of our species, how we came to exist! Evolution can be briefly summarized in five stages. 1) Variation- there is variation in every population. 2) Competition- organisms compete for limited resources. 3) Offspring- organisms produce more offspring than can survive. 4) Genetics- organisms pass on genetic traits to offspring. 5) Natural selection- Organisms with the most beneficial traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. In every population a mut ation in the gene pool will cause a mutation in the development of the species resulting in a change of the species itself overtime. Survival of the fittest is a Darwin doctrine stating that the strongest will outperform the weaker for available resources such as food and habitat subjecting the weaker of its species to death. The more offspring you have, the more success for your genes to be passed down and to thrive in the specific environment. The claim Darwin makes from evolution suggests humans share its ancestry with apes. The theory of evoluti

Crops and vegetables Essay Example for Free

Crops and vegetables Essay Contribution of Crops in 1995-96 was 15. 03, in 1997-98 was 14. 59, in 1999-00 was 14. 59, in 2001-02 was 13. 75, in 2003-04 was 13. 23, in 2005-06 was 12. 19. Contribution of crops and vegetables is decreasing year by year. Though production of crops has increased our land has decreased, so our total production has decreased and thus contribution of crops on economy is decreasing. Contribution of Crops and Vegetables in total agriculture in 1995-96 was 58. 53%, in 1997-98 was 57. 58%, in 1999-00 was 57. 04%, in 2001-02 was 57. 32%, in 2003-04 was 57. 32%, in 2005-06 was 55. 99%. From these percentage amounts we can easily say that among the total agriculture sector, contribution of crops and vegetables is most and it is more than 5o% in each year. If we can not increase our crops production then it will have no contribution on GDP. Livestock Contribution of Livestock in 1995-96 was 3. 36, in 1997-98 was 3. 19, in 1999-00 was 3. 02, in 2001-02 was 2. 96, in 2003-04 was 2. 91, in 2005-06 was 2. 93. Though many firms are being established day by day livestock is not contributing enough on GDP. Contribution of Livestock in total agriculture in 1995-96 was 13. 08%, in 1997-98 was 12. 59%, in 1999-00 was 11. 81%, in 2001-02 was 12. 34%, in 2003-04 was 12. 61%, in 2005-06 was 13. 46%. From these above percentage amounts we can say that though our livestock production is not increasing. But contribution of livestock on total agriculture is increasing in recent years. Forestry As we are cutting down more trees to meet our daily need our forestry is gradually decreasing day by day and thus contribution of forestry on GDP is also decreasing. Contribution of Forestry in 1995-96 was 1. 90, in 1997-98 was 1. 89, in 1999-00 was 1. 88, in 2001-02 was 1. 88, in 2003-04 was 1. 83, in 2005-06 was 1. 79. Contribution of Forestry in total agriculture in 1995-96 was 7. 52%, in 1997-98 was 7. 46%, in 1999-00 was 7. 35%, in 2001-02 was 7. 84%, in 2003-04 was 7. 93%, in 2005-06 was 8. 22%. As other sub-sector is decreasing more than forestry, contribution of forestry on total agriculture has increased in recent years. Agriculture and forestry Fisheries Contribution of Fisheries in 1995-96 was 5. 36, in 1997-98 was 5. 67, in 1999-00 was 6. 09, in 2001-02 was 5. 40, in 2003-04 was 5. 11, in 2005-06 was 4. 86. We see that contribution of fisheries on GDP was increasing from 1995-96 to 1999-2000, but after that it has been decreasing. Though the contribution of fisheries is not much on GDP of Bangladesh, this sub-sector has become an important and major source of agriculture. Contribution of Fisheries in total agriculture sector, in 1995-96 was 20. 87%, in 1997-98 was 22. 38%, in 1999-00 was 23. 81%, in 2001-02 was 22. 51%, in 2003-04 was 22. 14%, in 2005-06 was 22. 32%. Which is more than livestock and forestry. Sector/ Sub sector 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 Crops 15. 03 15. 21 14. 59 14. 33 14. 59 14. 7 13. 75 13. 43 13. 23 12. 51 12. 19 In ( % ) 58. 53 58. 80 57. 57 56. 68 57. 03 58. 72 57. 31 57. 22 57. 32 56. 14 55. 99 Livestock 3. 36 3. 27 3. 19 3. 12 3. 02 2. 95 2. 96 2. 93 2. 91 2. 95 2. 93 In ( % ) 13. 08 12. 64 12. 58 12. 34 11. 80 11. 78 12. 33 12. 48 12. 60 13. 24 13. 45 Forestry 1. 93 1. 91 1. 89 1. 9 1. 88 1. 87 1. 88 1. 86 1. 83 1. 82 1. 79 In ( % ) 7. 51 7. 38 7. 45 7. 51 7. 34 7. 47 7. 83 7. 92 7. 92 8. 16 8. 22 Fisheries 5. 36 5. 48 5. 67 5. 93 6. 09 5. 51 5. 4 5. 25 5. 11 5 4. 86 In ( % ) 20. 87 21. 18 22. 37 23. 45 23. 80 22. 01 22. 50 22. 36 22. 14 22. 44 22. 32 Total 25. 68 25. 87 25. 34 25. 28 25. 58 25. 03 23. 99 23. 47 23. 08 22. 28 21. 77 Contribution of Agriculture in Employment The linkage between the agricultural sector and the economy in general is in terms of employment generation. This is especially important because agriculture is by far the largest employer of poor people, and therefore has a key role in poverty alleviation. According to the 1981 census, total employment was approximately 24 million people (Table 2. 7). Of these, more than 60 per cent were employed in the agricultural sector, representing 14. 5 million people. This figure represents those directly working in agriculture and does not include employment in agricultural-related manufacturing industries. According to the 1991 census, the number of employed in agriculture increased to 16. 3 million. While this figure shows that the share of agriculture in total employment declined over the 10-year period, agriculture still provided employment for well over half the total workforce (again excluding employment in agriculture related industries). Statistics of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) in 1989 and again in 1991 show a similar pattern, although they indicate a more significant role for agriculture in employment generation. The main difference between the two surveys is that the LFS includes household-based economic activity, and therefore perhaps provides a better picture of actual employment patterns and trends. According to the 1989 LFS, almost three-quarters of the all employment were derived directly from the agricultural sector, with 34 million employed. The 1991 survey showed that agriculture continued to provide a livelihood for the vast majority of Bangladeshis, although its share dropped slightly in comparison to non-farm employment. According to the last census which is took place in 2002-2003 the labor force working in agriculture is 51. 7% of the total labor force of the country. Women participation in Agriculture In the socio-economic context of Bangladesh, involvement of women in agriculture is very important. It would be easier to control rural-urban migration by engaging women in agricultural activities to a greater extent. Considering women. s involvement in agriculture, the following programmes will be taken up for enhancing their role under the scope of the National Agriculture Policy: Agriculture related activities like post harvest operations, seed preservation, nursery business, jute stripping, vegetable cultivation, homestead gardening, floriculture, production of horticultural seeds, establishment and management of cottage industries based on locally produced agricultural commodities, etc are very suitable for women. Extensive training programmes will be conducted and capital support will be provided to encourage women’s interest and improve their skill in such activities. the women are always a major employment force of agriculture. A large majority of the households in Bangladesh depend upon agriculture and related activities like livestock rearing, fisheries and forestry. In 1992-93, crops accounted for 77. 7% of the total agricultural production, fisheries 7. 8%, livestock 7. 7% and forestry 6. 7%. The agricultural sector accounted for nearly 36% of Gross Domestic Product . Despite their routine domestic work, women are very actively involved in agricultural production in Bangladesh. Women in rural Bangladesh are in general responsible for most of the agricultural work in the homestead. They traditionally undertake home gardening. Farm activities in the homesteads, ranging from selection of seed to harvesting and storing of crops, are predominantly managed by women. Despite womens important role in agriculture, the traditional social norms and customary laws combined with the purdah system deprive Bangladeshi women of equitable economic opportunities and access to resources.

Islam :: essays research papers

ISLAM   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There has been much talk about Muslim beliefs and the Islam nation altogether. The basis of the religion is peaceful and understanding. While people twist the belief around to fit their own needs. It is based on the teachings of Muhammad. He was born in Mecca, which is the capital of Islamic belief.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Muhammad was born and raised in the city of Mecca. He grew up as a merchant and had a wife. He would wander around outside of the city by himself often. He wandered so much that he had no job but his wife believed in him so she supported him. One day he had a vision of the angel Gabriel. Gabriel told him that he was a prophet and he should spread the word of god. He went back to Mecca and told everyone what had happened and decided to teach everyone the way of God. No one believed him and he was ridiculed for his beliefs. So he decided to go on a trip which was called the â€Å"Hijra†. When he came back to Mecca he had many converts. Then the people of Mecca started to believe him and became converts themselves. This is the story of Muhammad and his teachings. All this and more were written down in the Muslim holy book, the â€Å"Koran†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The five pillars are the five ways to be a good and decent Muslim. The first pillar is â€Å"Shahadah† which is to declare your belief by saying shahadah. Which means declaring god or Allah is almighty, and believing in the prophethood of Muhammad. The second pillar is â€Å"Salah† or prayer. Prayer must be done five times a day towards Mecca or the general direction of Mecca. The third pillar is â€Å"Zakah† or tax on the wealth. Everyone must give a percent of their earnings to the poor. The fourth pillar is â€Å"Sawm† which is fasting during the month of Ramadan. The fifth and last pillar is to at least once in their lives to â€Å"Hajj† or make a trip to Mecca when one is willing and able to.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is so much trouble in the world because of guys who like to change the meaning of some things in religion when it is obvious what they mean.

Film Report on the Movie Signs Essay

I chose to do my film report on the movie signs. This movie featured Mel Gibson as Graham Hess, Joaquin Phoenix as Merrill Hess, Rory Culkin as Morgan Hess, and Abigail Breslin as Bo Hess. This movie takes place in Bucks County Pennsylvania which is about 45 miles from Philadelphia. It is about a Rev. whose wife passes away and he starts to deny his faith until he realizes that sometimes bad things aren’t as bad as this may seem at the current time. The movie starts off with weird things happening, crop circles being first. The crop circles are first noticed Graham Hess calls the local sheriff. They think that it is a prank by the Prichard brothers but they realize that it was too perfect and the stocks were bent over but not broken so it could not have been done by a machine. Then the dog starts barking ferociously at Bo and ends up dead because it falls on a grill fork that Morgan has in his hand. Bo is always asking for water because she says there are monsters keeps sitting glasses of water all over the house. They realize that something is wrong whenever Graham sees an alien looking creature on top of the barn then when they go out and runaround they cannot find anyone. The next day the news comes on and talks about crop circles popping up all over the world and Morgan says â€Å"extraterrestrials† pWhen they go to town and come home they start hearing voices on a baby monitor that Morgan found in the basement. Graham has a talk with his brother when his brother asks do you think this is the end of the world. He answers yes is that the answer you wanted. Graham says: People break down into two groups when they experience something lucky. Group number one sees it as more than luck, more than a coincidence; they see it as a sign, evidence that there is someone up there watching out for them. Group number two sees it as pure luck, happy, chance deep down they feel they are on their own and that fills them with fear†¦ Group number one deep down they feel that whatever is going to happen there will be someone there to help them and that fills them with hope. So what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you, the kind of see signs and sees miracles were just believe people get lucky†¦ Is it possible that there are no coincidences? (Gibson) Morgan got a book about Aliens when they went in town. The book depicts a house that looks exactly like his. The book says that the aliens are either coming to harvest resources or to invade and that one of two things will happen if it’s the latter, they will be defeated and return many years later or they will win. According to the book, crop circles are landmarks used for navigation. A cut scene depicts how Graham’s wife died and why he lost his faith. Ray Reddy, the man that fell asleep at the wheel and ultimately killed his wife apologizes and says why at that moment did that happen, why not before or after he passed her? He says he don’t remember the exact moment that it happened. Her last statement to her husband was; tell Merrill to swing away. At this point it makes no sense to anyone. Once they come to realize that an invasion is imminent, they start boarding the house up to keep the aliens out. This is after they decide to stay put and not go to the lake. They eventually head to the basement where they think they are safe until they realize that there is an old coal chute that accesses the basement from the outside. Before they can find where the old coal chute comes in at, an alien reaches from behind and grabs Morgan by the face causing him to have an asthma attack. His inhaler is upstairs where they cannot get to it. His dad keeps him calm and stable. After they think the coast is clear, Graham carries Morgan upstairs and lays him down so he can get his medicine. To their surprise when they come back into the room, Morgan is being carried by an alien. Graham says to Merrill, swing away, swing away. The statement by his wife finally makes sense to him. As Merrill grabs the baseball bat off the wall mount, the alien gives a puff of green gas into Morgan’s face out of something on its wrist. As Merrill smacks it with the bat it falls into a stand and a glass of water spills onto its shoulder and melts the skin off of it. They then realize this is why Bo has been sitting glasses of water all over the house. As Graham picks Morgan up, he says his lungs where closed, the poisonous gas did not enter his lungs. This is when he realizes that there was a reason that his son was born with asthma. The end of the movie shows him getting dressed as a Reverend, so I assume he was returning to Church as a Reverend. The characters in this film are Episcopalians. The father a Reverend and his brother and kids are devout followers. They cherish the value of family and being together. Graham questioned his faith and even quit practicing due to the death of his wife. It made him question if there is a god, why would he do this to him, a reverend. He got so angry at god that he denied him and blamed the death of his wife on him only to eventually realize that god has his reasons for doing the things that he does even if it is not popular with the people that it affects at the current time. Nothing is left to chance. He lost his wife in one sense, but god saved his son after praying, so this brought him back to his faith. The statement about there being two groups of people in the world has a lot of insight in the real world. If you believe in a higher power, then you will, or at least should always have hope. It is a great thing knowing that you always have someone there to talk to, even in the darkest hour, no matter what. I think another major point to the movie is that not everything is god’s fault and that he has reasons behind the things that he does. Sometimes people get lost from their faith, that is a normal occurrence, but hopefully you find your way back one way or another. I think that the movie gets its point of faith across pretty well in this movie, it shows both sides, losing your faith and reconnecting with it. It displays a reason why one might lose their faith.