Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Corporate finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Corporate finance - Essay Example Therefore, the depreciation for the last is uniform and equal to $ 9,143. In the second scenario, a brand new control system at a cost of $600,000 is installed. The revenue remains the same, but the operational costs are reduced to $1,020,000. The calculation of revenue, operational costs, tax depreciation, and pre-tax profit, company’s tax, after tax income, cash flow, present value and net present value are calculated as in the first scenario. In the two scenarios, overhauling mark 1 would take it out of service for 6 months and it would resume commercial operation after an year. In the calculation done, the revenue is obtained starting second year and the operational costs are calculated from second year. The tax depreciation however, starts from the first year and the after tax income for the first year is seen to be negative meaning a loss is incurred in the first year since investment have been made yet no revenue is earned. The amount obtained after selling Mark 1 is assumed to be part of the cash used to purchase the new plane and is therefore, deducted from the initial cost. The total operating cost is the sum of annual operating costs incremented by 2.5% inflation rate every year for 20 years. There is no operating cost in the first year as the plane is delivered in the second year. From the analysis done above and the calculation of Net Present Value of the two scenarios involving overhauling of Mark 1 plane and buying a new plane, the following recommendations are hereby presented. The investment that gives a higher Net Present Value is the best provided they have the same lives (Hill 26). Overhauling Mark 1 without purchasing new control system gave an NPV of $ 150,050 while if a new control system is purchased, the NPV is $365,942.10. From the two results, inclusion of a new control system gave a higher NPV and hence considering the two options, the best investment is to purchase a new control system for the plane. When annual

Monday, October 28, 2019

Media Is The Most Prevailing Tool Of Communication Media Essay

Media Is The Most Prevailing Tool Of Communication Media Essay What is media and how does it has turned out to be our biggest friend in the world to change our perception about the very world that we live in? There has been a dramatic change as far as media in concerned in Pakistan. It has evolved during a short span of time.  Ã‚  Media is the most prevailing tool of communication and it would be fair to say that it has influenced lives of millions of people in Pakistan. Media anywhere is considered to be a vital tool now and has been associated with people lives whether through radio, television, newspapers, books or magazines. Whatever medium you choose, one cant simply deny the fact that it has been all around us. It serves the purpose of providing the exposure and awareness to its audience in the right manner and on the right time. You dont need to spend a lot of time if you want to be updated about what is going all around us both nationally and internationally. All it takes now is to sit in your home in front of the television and switch through different channels to see all the updates. So it would be fair to say that we are so hooked on getting information through television that it has finally invaded out homes. Where is has given us an opportunity to be updated with awesome invention, it certainly has invaded our minds and changed the patterns of how we use to think. Media these days is used in shaping and molding public opinions in the way these huge multimillion corporations wants. There are times when our media has denied the very rules and regulations it needed to be governed with. On various occasions it has shown us bodies blown to pieces in suicide attacks, blood, honor killing cases, burned faces and God knows what. But the fact of the matter is who decides what to show? There is no doubt that public has every right to know about things happening all around us but sometimes it shows people a lot more than they needed to hear or listen and thus reflects their own opinion and agenda. Television is the most popular medium of communication in Pakistan today.  Ã‚  There was a time when newspapers were all over the place. They were considered to be the most vital and pro efficient tool of communication with the masses. But Over a short period of time it has left behind other modes of communication like newspaper and radio which once enjoyed the complete attention of its audiences. What turned out to be an experimental transmission, finally gained the attention of the whole country and started to gain attention and importance in spreading awareness among masses. The transmission initially started from Lahore but soon spread its infra-structure all across the country. It was the year 1964 when the era of TV transmission in Pakistan finally began. It was only because of people acceptance of the this new medium of spreading information and awareness, that what started with a black and white transmission ,turned into a full-grown  Ã‚  colored transmission in the year 1976. It was huge break down in the as far as the technology was concerned that took the shape of the media that we see now our television screens. Television is one medium that surely has matured over a large period of time. Back in the 70s there was only channel that the whole country could watch and learn from. It was only Pakistan Television (PTV), a single state owned channel which was most popular back in those day. The whole country use to look upon it for political, social and cultural news. However , it was the era of non-other  Ã‚  than our ex-President of Pakistan General (rtd)  Ã‚  Pervez Musharraf when privately owned channels came into being and completely changed the whole scenario of how television use to operate in our country. Now we have more than 70 privately owned channels, each with their own agenda and purpose. This revolution paved a new era for the technical enhancement in the television industry and gave freedom to press as well as to media which governs according to the rules of PEMRA. Globalization Although, everything that has a beginning has it end but with the increased awareness and demand of the public the revolution of television channels in Pakistan paved a path for globalization. People are exposed to a multi-dimensional medium where news isnt just coming from around them but from all across the globe now.  Ã‚  Masses have collaborated together when it comes to economies; cultures, social and living patterns and most importantly trade. The bond between different countries have resulted in a collaboration of news that flows from one part of the world and reaching at the other corner.  Due to globalization now people all over the world are connected and interlinked with each other. For example there are various content and news agencies that provides news ranging from finance, fashion, culture and heritage and many more that binds countries together. Flow of information is quicker and easy to access. Goods being produced in other countries are now easily available in any place of the world. International news as it happens and deeply analyzed information is available 24/7 and there is hardly any chance that news is broke without proper research so nothing gets overlooked. Globalization has made international travelling much more quickly. All you need is a television and remote in your hand and you can virtually see anything that goes around the globe. Countries have collaborated together to bring news to all parts of the world and the best part is, its all just a button away. Therefore business doing internationally is no more a problem. You can trade with international companies and therefore bring in foreign exchange to your country that eventually helps third world countries such as Pakistan. Globalization has posh the scenario of Pakistans TV immensely. Now with the accessibility privately owned channels, people are not just attentive of whats going in there cities but can simply contact information regarding anything they want through different provincial channels as well. Whether it is southern or northern countries everything is just a click away. All the Information is available on our screens. There are a number of channels in different languages like English .Sindhi, Punjabi, Arabic, etc. They are provided by our local cables as more and more spectators are now living abroad and as a result their needs should be accommodated. Globalization has not just given us a tool to stay connected to the world but also to learn and make suitable changes in the thinking and living pattern of the world that we experience all around is. With globalization you can communicate with each other irrespective of the time, area and language. You dont need to wait for countless hours to get yourself updated on any issue or matter that might interest you or holds a great importance in your life. Desperate time demands desperate measures. So as a result everything has been made so much easier. Nothing is impossible now. Audiences can view whatever they want to and give out their opinions and ideas as well. Globalization is playing a great role in creating public opinion as well. The public can now go through all the information, facts and figures available and then reach up to their conclusions. Now their thinking is not just bound to one country. They have the entire world in their hands. The audiences have become wiser now. Thanks to globalization people now know what they want and what is right for them. They are much more aware of their rights now and how they deserve to be treated. Now the number of audiences has increased not just with in the country but all over the world as globalization has allowed our local channels to be run on international TVs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By watching international media our local public has also learnt a lot from globalization. They are made aware regarding the life style of the people all over the world. To achieve such standards they have to have good education. Thus field of education has been affected in a positive way. More and more people are now made aware of the need of the education and knowledge. This is done by showing them that they can achieve a better life style by getting good education and then later better jobs. Technical changes in Television According to a research done by a master students last year and as a result of the research conducted between students of various universities and colleges , it can be concluded that in the last 5 years TV has gone through a number of changes. Not just technical but cultural as well. With the passage of time now and more developed technology has been introduced to enhance this mode of communication. For instance with the use of internet and satellites the flow of information has been increased and you can get to know what ever is happening around the world with just a click.   Cable TV has been the greatest invention in the last past 5 years. Cable TV took over the concept of buying dish antennas and expensive decoders in order to watch international channels which also required huge amount of subscriptions. Due to this development in television every one of us can now watch international channels without paying for any subscriptions it has not just increased the viewership but also we could see a great boost in the accessibility of foreign channels. Now more than 100 channels are available to watch from all over the world. Most of the new private channels are using latest technology in order to stay ahead in the market. Now we are using modernized equipments and more enhanced software which give better presentation of the programs. The change is not only visible in the cameras and microphones and software but their handling as well. Now better way of shooting, capturing and editing have been introduced which make the programs and TV shows much more appealing to the audiences. Pakistans channels are now available in foreign countries as well. This is with the help of the satellite TV. This helps in making Pakistanis living abroad aware about whatever is happening in their country. This way they can also be in contact with their culture and religion of their roots. Another latest innovation is the running of the shows live on the TV. The coverage is done live with the help of the latest technology. For example a very famous morning show runs on ARY Digital and Hum TV every day. Not just that now more and more channels have emerged that started transmitting Chefs making various continental and intercontinental dishes and desserts on TV channels like Zaiqa TV. There the host receives live phone calls from the viewers as well. Live shows are not just run with in the boundary of the country but also from other foreign locations like GEOs morning show. In this show the host comes live from Dubai and deals with the callers from Pakistan. Many soaps and dramas are also shot at locations out of the country. This has been possible only with the help of latest technology. Its not just the locations which have been modernized but the sets, designs and the props of these shows have been transformed as well. Sets are made in such a way that they could be broken down and redesigned in just a few hours to make another set for another show. They are more flexible as well as enhanced. Due to this improved technology in the industry people have been provided with a vast variety of channels and even a larger variety of TV programs. Cable TV plays an immense role in this situation because of its accessibility and availability to the most of the population of the Pakistan as it is also cheaper and everyone can easily afford to get a connection. Cultural changes in Television Where everyone has accepted the new trends and technology in their favorite medium they have also criticized the changes being brought by it in our culture as well as society. Cable TV has faced a lot of criticism as it is considered the most important source of foreign content in TV. The critics say that due to this innovation western culture has taken over our norms and values.  Unfortunately with this progress cultural invasion is taking place. Especially in our society, most of the population is uneducated and therefore can be easily influenced. What is shown on our television channels is quite appalling. Indian soaps which portray the Indian culture and customs are run on our TVs day and night. As a result people especially women are taking up their way of living as well as dressing up.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Due to such exposure a society faces setbacks which prove to be detrimental. Other cultures should be shown on the television and should be talked about but in a way that they do not take over our own societys culture. There has to be a line drawn because a society can only progress when its people are aware of their own system and traditions. There is no point in having more information about other cultures than your own culture; which gives you your separate identity in the world.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The western media has also done a similar job in controlling ones society. In fact in the case of Pakistan it has played a colossal role in destroying the countrys image. After the Iraq war their perspectives have changed. They believe that Muslims are terrorists and as Pakistan is a Muslim country, international media has to point its finger there. It has not let go any opportunity to declare Pakistan a terrorist country directly or indirectly. Showing images and running news which have adverse effects on the countrys name has been done millions of times. Due to such reasons Pakistanis not only in the country but all over the world have to face a number of difficulties, which is quite saddening because we are blamed for the wrongdoings of others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The international media is no doubt quite influential and this is the reason that instead of being biased it should be more neutral and impartial in such situations where there is the name and image of a country is at stake.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As the popularity of foreign shows is more than our local shows Pakistani producers have also started making shows which are more westernized and contain lesser reflection our culture and society. For instance, Pakistan Sangeet Icon a Pakistani show by Indus TV Network was a ditto copy of American Idol. People aspiring to be a singer were selected from all over the country just like the way its done in American Idol. It did receive a lot of praise but not as much as American or even Indian Idol. It is so because singing is still accepted as a part of our culture by the society as its forbidden in our religion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Then there are local soaps and dramas which are also influenced by Indian culture. Women are more glamourized and made up and portrayed much more bold and outgoing. This is unacceptable again in our society because women are supposed to be modest and homely and a working woman is still considered inappropriate in our society. Its not just their characters but the way they are dressed up as well. They are wearing saris and jeans and heavy make-up and cosmetics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Whether the society likes it or not, however, women have loved this new portrayal of women. The way they dress up has changed and so the way they think. They are now working in the same fields as men do. The time of modest and homely women has gone and now they are much more aware of their rights and liberties.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another very valid point is the exposure given to homosexuality. If we look past the gone five years we can see that talking about such a topic openly on a national TV would have been impossible. But now its been discussed everywhere on every channel. They are not just discussing them but also they are being shown in TV soaps and dramas. Jhanjaal Pura was a drama serial which faced a lot of criticism 10 years back when it was run on PTV. But now thats not the case. A very famous late night show on Aaj TV Begum Nawazish Ali is a great example where the host is a homosexual and he invites celebrities for interviews. Topics like rapes, menstrual cycles, child birth, and infertility are openly discussed on our local channels. This is due to the awareness and exposure created by the international media. Theories: Media and Globalization Modernization theory Modernization theory sums up the transformation of social lives. It looks into the details of the countrys facts and figures and explains that a change can be brought about in a conventional country with the help of a modern country. Most of the emphasis is on the change and the way the change should be brought about. The response to change is also very important in modernization theory. This response could be by adapting new technologies, way of living, trade, etc.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If Pakistan tries to get help from developed countries it can surely prosper. Aid from the US, IMF and World Bank always proves to be helpful in order to develop and reach a level where each and every citizen of the country can live a good standard life. For instance Chinas offer to help in our energy crisis can surely help in the betterment of the country. Pakistan has been facing energy crisis since the past few years but still they did not take Chinas offer and tried to solve the issue themselves. New innovative technology is being introduced in the fields of information. Television for instance is now using satellites to communication with other countries. Internet, fiber optics are also now available which can help in keeping in touch with the developed world. However one should not get so much used to all the aid that they become dependent on the other country. It is important to work with in the country and try to figure out what can we do ourselves in order to achieve higher goals. Cultural Imperialism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Foreign satellite entertainment programs have drastically impacted our media cultural products including different categories of programs such as film, drama, music, fashion and film award shows. Cable TV network in our country is giving undue projection to foreign films based on taboo themes, obscene shorts, erotic and intrigued stories without any reciprocity at parallel level. Similarly Pakistani independent drama channels are presenting Indian drama productions which are undermining our drama industry. Our independent drama channels are not only confined to the display of Indian productions but also imitating and following Indians drama format which is not in harmony with our culture, norms and traditions. Fashion impulses originate from foreign channels and are followed blindly by our fashion industry as the fashion Pakistan fluctuates with Indian western fashions. In the field of music Pakistani channels are copying Indian music shows in which boys and girls sing and dance together. Pakistani media channels also arrange to show the frequently held Indian film festivals shows and present their actors and actresses as icons idols for our media industry. The co-productions have changed the face of today media industry. .Our independent media channels are not confined to the combine productions, they have taken the rights from (PEMRA) Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority to broadcast pure Indian productions from their own channels due to which the Pakistani viewers can hardly judge whether it is Pakistani channel or an Indian channel. Thus our media channels being influenced form foreign Indian channels serve as the trendsetter for our Pakistani viewers and society. When the viewers observe that our media is absorbing the change whether it is in the form of dresses, Jewelry, language or other cultural values such as male actors hugging and handshaking with female actresses then the viewers are easily persuaded to adopt these changes or at least they become mentally liberal which is an initial step towards change. Pakistani viewers whole life style is being eclipsed by foreign media. Cable TV channels have become the source from which the young viewers get the inspiration about new trends, fashion and dresses. In a way our language and literature are being adversely affected by the onslaught of foreign channels. So our youth is overawed with English language. People resort to ostentatious and lavish way of living. They love to dine out at expensive hotels and western food chains along with celebration of unnecessary events and festivals which in turn invokes the class consciousness in the society. Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is absolutely no doubt that Pakistan is an underdeveloped country as has yet to see the modern era that the other countries of the world are experiencing. However, through media which is the most powerful weapon when it comes to opinion shaping, should be used for the betterment of the people of Pakistan. Although there has been a lot of money poured in to achieve that status but that is just to increase the quality of transmission. There is no harm to that but the fact of the matter is that we need to educate the viewers and shape their opinions not for the betterment of their own lives but for the betterment of Pakistan as well. We have to see what perception we are giving to the world about a country whose media got freedom few years back. We are still in the making of becoming a responsible media. And if we want to compete with the rest of the world we need to make few choices that might sound and feel a little odd for the cur rent viewers but in the long term, it will help them to be a better and responsible citizen of Pakistan. Pakistani media needs to set priorities and the media controlling authority needs to play and important part in performing the task to make sure that all the privately owned channels controlled by cable operators abide by PEMRA rules. We need to introduce more channels that reflects positive image of Pakistan in front of the world so that more economy and wealth can be obtained through tourism and other prospect fields present in Pakistan. We need to collaborate with other international channels to promote healthy education. Since, it is an era or modernization; we need more channels for education like Virtual University offering online educations. There should be more debate on the TV channels where instead of fashion and cooking, we find ways to minimize the potential risks posing our nation that will have far more devastative effects on our culture, society, religion and Pakistan as whole that includes

Friday, October 25, 2019

Auricular Acupuncture Essay -- Health, Alternative Medcine

Examining the Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture What is Auricular Acupuncture? Auricular acupuncture has a variety of uses, some with more documented success than others. Auricular acupuncture is an alternative medicine with some documented success in treating anxiety, insomnia, smoking, drug addictions and obesity. Not all studies have generated conclusive positive results and more research is needed to accurately evaluate the efficacy of the procedure in treating multiple ailments. Acupuncture is an ancient medicinal practice that originated in China. The name comes from the Latin acus, or â€Å"needle†, and from pungere, or â€Å"prick,† and involves the insertion of superfine needles into specific points on the body. Once inserted, the needles can be manipulated to stimulate the body for healing effects. Auricular acupuncture is acupuncture performed on the ear. The treatment of auricular acupuncture is preformed on the ear using stimulators such as different types of needles, staple-punctures, probes, magnetic beads, fingers, or harmless ele ctrical impulses. The most common is method is inserting needles. For auricular acupuncture, there are different type of needles that can be used such as a regular half or whole inch needle, press needles, and interdermal needles. Press and interdermal needles are pressed into an acupuncture point and tape is used to keep them in place, as well as give constant stimulation. The ear is thought to contain an innumerable amount of important and potentially therapeutic acupuncture points. This is why it is believed that by using these types of stimulators on acupuncture points in the ear, problems and/or dysfunctions will be revealed throughout the body. (Suen 135) Why is Auricular Acupunctu... ...this alternative medicine in reinforcing the legitimacy of their work is that there are even discrepancies between them on exactly how to achieve the desired results. â€Å"One of the many methodological problems with auricular acupuncture is that there are so many maps of the ear and little agreement exists regarding point location, lacking definite anatomic stud on the ear skin and its somatotopic correspondences† (Gori 16). In order for this alternative method of treatment to become more mainstream and accepted as legitimate, more conclusive evidence and more consistent results across multiple studies, and more consistent application of the acupuncture itself must be achieved. Until that point, auricular acupuncture will continue to help persons who have experienced its benefits, but it will not receive the attention that a more proven treatment would by the masses.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Personal Statement Prompt #2 Essay

PERSONAL STATEMENT Prompt #2: Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are? I’ve never been so interested in my spiritual life, my religion, and my service to others as I have been these past three years. One of the proudest moments of my life is when I was accepted into my school’s LIFE team, which stands for Living in Faith Experience. The trips, retreats, and activities that I have shared with my peers have formed me into a completely new person and have allowed me to experience things that I wouldn’t have been able to experience on my own. Being able to be a part of the LIFE team is an accomplishment that has given me many opportunities, and has showed me ways that I can go out into the world and grab hold of the millions of other opportunities that awaits me. This particular team isn’t like the sports a nd organizations that my school offers. You first have to be nominated by three teachers or administrators, which allows you to receive an application. The end of my freshman year, I received an application, and I was confused. I wasn’t too sure of what exactly the team was, except for the fact they were religious and helped the campus minister out. The application did not only involve basic information, it also required short answers for approximately 15 questions. I ignored the fact that it was so time consuming because I enjoyed having to think about the answers, which were new to me. Later in the week, I was called into our Campus Minister’s office and was interviewed. The questions allowed me, for once, to just be me and talk about what I’ve been through and what I want for my future. Just being myself paid off, in a way that changed my whole high school career and life. The person that LIFE team has helped make me is much more open, compassionate, and helpful. From small groups on the retreats, large group discussions in class, and getting guidance through liturgies, I have opened up to where I can more easily express myself. I learned the importance of trusting people and being trusted. From being a servant leader, I have deepened my qualities of compassion and being helpful. LIFE team is focused on being good leaders for others, while being a servant to them and to Christ. I’m able to learn something and actually feel anxious to go and teach others the same. I couldn’t be more proud of the way  that I’ve progressed in my spiritual knowledge, deepened in my faith, and have become much more willing to open up and try new things. Being a part of the LIFE team for these past 3 years is an accomplishment for myself, a contribution to our school and society, and has helped me to better portray the qualities that I want and need to expose in order to be the best person that I can be.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Eid vs Christmas Essay

In the building with the blue windows and the diamond shaped roof tops, children dressed in red and green with rosy cheeks, were gaily singing: â€Å"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to ride in a one more hoppin’ slay! Hey! †¦ Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! † In the building across the street, with the pink windows and the mosque behind it, families were visiting each other in their newly bought clothes and shining shoes, wishing each other: Eid Mubarak, Dear Brother, Dear Sister May Allah’s blessings be bestowed upon you and your family! † The year 2008 is host to Christmas and Eid al Adha during the same month, only a few days apart. One would notice that decorations and celebrations favour one of the Religious Holidays over the other. Why have we chosen to commercialise Christmas and not the Islamic event of Eid? How is it that worldwide Christmas is rejoiced at an extreme point of merriment, whereas Eid al Ad ha is commemorated only within its Islamic communities? The historical references of the birth of Christ (As) and the sacrifice of Ibrahim(As) and his son are known within both religions and are testimonies of social gatherings. Actually, in our Islamic religion we learn that Ibrahim (As) would sacrifice his son Ismael (As) in Makah, while among the Christians, they believe that Ibrahim (As) would sacrifice his son Isaac (As), not Ismael (As), in Palestine. Artists painted the scenes, poets rhymed the stories, authors researched the history, all in tribute to the religious aspect of the culture of their upbringings. So, why is Christmas the prize of the globalization of the market, and not Eid al Adha? Why is Christmas more widely accepted as a commercial Holiday and not Eid? Throughout history, religion has been a battleground for the survival of cultures and traditions. Territory was fought for based on religion, international communications broke down because of different convictions. Yet, the holidays seem to unite even people who are the farthest apart. Thanksgiving, Easter, Ramadan, Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha and Christmas are celebrations that should be known worldwide; and for the most part they are. In the United States and Canada they honour Thanksgiving, also most westren countries have Easter and Christmas holidays; the Orient celebrate with some of these holidays. However, come Ramadan or Eid, and only the immediate Islamic based countries, like the Middle East and the South-Asian countries, know the details of the holiday. Abu Dhabi is an example of a multi-tradition and multi-cultural city. Every year, Ramadan is noticed and felt all over the city, even its peripheries. Usually, both Eids are just as important as Ramadan is. Nonetheless, this year, because Christmas and Eid al Adha are so close to each other, the shopping malls, hotels and other retail outlets are decorated with the spirit of Christmas and not the joy of Eid al Adha. The controversy is that this is an Islamic country, yet the atmosphere feels very occidental. There are Islamic countries that allow a one-day or two-day holiday scheme for Christmas, whereas Western countries don’t instigate the notion of respecting the religion of others in their society. This demonstrates the respect Islamic based governments have towards their inhabitants, what does it say about the Occident? The Islamic goverments does no justice to the foundation of its roots. It is quite disappointing when the nation’s leaders are not intervening and stating that Eid is as important as Christmas; maybe even more so! This is a country whose laws and government regulations are born from the Quran itself. True, Jesus’ (As) birth is a belief amongst Muslims, but so is the sacrificial symbol of the Adha a belief amongst the Christians and other religions in the world. Why can’t all cultures adopt the Islamic tradition of gifting children with new clothes and taking them out to restaurants and amusement parks? The government does not encourage Eid as much as it allows public places to be enveloped in Christmas decorations. In France, the Arab communities hold visitations and share in Islamic customs within their brotherhood, whilst around them Christmas carols are sung and the city is embellished in tinsel and goblins, awaiting the arrival of â€Å"Santa Claus†, or in their terms â€Å"Pere Noel. In Dubai, much like Abu Dhabi, hotels and restaurants have special Christmas luncheons. Shops and Malls give away special offers during the ‘Festive Season’. There is yet to be established an Eid theme blanketing the cities where Islam is the religion of base, like that of Christmas. What is even more upsetting is that Christmas is in itself less religious and more commercial than it was 500 years ago. Christmas has a face, a fi gure one can imagine when thinking of the Holiday: a jolly man, with a red suit and a white beard. He did not always look like this. â€Å"Santa Claus† acquired his red suit and the big belly through a Coca Cola advertisement in 1931. His image changed, distorted almost, into what we know now as â€Å"Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! † by many cartoonists. â€Å"Through the centuries, Santa Claus has been depicted as everything from a tall gaunt man to an elf. He has worn a bishop’s robe and a Norse huntsman’s animal skin. The modern-day Santa Claus is a combination of a number of the stories from a variety of countries†*. (Coca-cola. om) Children stop believing in him at a very early age, whereas before, they would reach the age of maturity and only then learn that â€Å"Santa Claus† is a spirit of St. Nicholas. Eid al Adha, was, is and always will be the same. The story never changes. The facts are facts, not subject to individual interpretation. Families pass on the same heritage that remains untouched, untainted, unpenetrated by social ref orm. In conclusion, I strongly believe that the injustice the Islamic governors does, the discrimination between religions should be educated to a halt. Eid al Adha is my upbringing. Within my family, an uncle has a Christian wife, their house is always decorated with Christmas twinkles during the season; this year, they waited with the decorations until after Eid al Adha. As a Muslim in an Islamic society, I have been brought up to respect all religions and beliefs by our Islamic governments; so why now can’t the Islamic governments respect their religion that they take oath to respect, protect, and maintain it?