Mobile application Essay Example for Free

Mobile application Essay The rapid growth of Web 2. 0 introduced a number of new design patterns and architectural styles in web development. One of the notable techniques involves the mashing up of information from existing services to deliver value-added new services. This process effectively includes the drawing of content from several sources in order to create a new content or service. The resulting web page Is finally referred to as mashup of the existing content. While mashup services bring flexibility and speed In delivering new valuable services to consumers, the legal Implications of his technology are significant. The term mashup originates In the music branch, especially from mixing songs or samples from two or more songs, lyrics or background music to produce a new soundtrack . ln case of the World Wide Web, mashups are websites, web pages, web services or applications which combine data, Information, music, geotracks from more than one source Into one application, service or website. This is generally achieved by using third party application programming interfaces (Apr s) or open technologies such as Ajax, PHP or syndicated eds like RSS or ATOM. Based on service composition in Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) concepts, mashups are flexible and dynamic services.. Web 2. 0 takes us to a deeply service-oriented world, where we can exploit everyday services such as news, instant messaging and blogging via our desktops, mobile phones, PDA, BlackBerry and soon. Most of the time people are not aware of the actions behind the scenes in terms of the massive network of service interactions. Such services occasionally seem as if they are re writing the existing services. In fact they are mart compositions (mashups) of the existing ones. Known as Web application hybrid this smart way of combining the content from more than one source into an integrated experience is called mash up technology. One of my favorite Mashup Websites is Neibex. com. Neibex. com is a neighborhood explore. sing this tool you can specify the country that you are situated in and then the City, the postal code and the radius you want your search to take into account. You can look up just anything: find local events, cars, Jobs, real estate, twits, classifieds, restaurants, stores, pa and beauty, theaters, banks, ATM, hotels, auto, household services, doctors, clinics, hospitals and health services, businesses and web resources. It stands as a quick and direct way to find an ything you might be looking for in your close vicinity. Nelbex Is a conjunction of several APIs. First we can observe the use of The Google Base API that makes it possible to get Items In and out of Google Base; a free service for submitting various content for Google to host and to make searchable online. The service allows content providers to upload structured data (Including Jobs, vehicles, recipes, events, products, reviews, and otheirs) to Google, surface It across Google search properties, and syndicate It Vla apls, gadgets and gadget ads. Next we see the use of the Google Maps API, which allows for the embedding of Google Maps onto web pages of outside developers, using a simple JavaScript Interface or a Flash Interface. It Is designed to work on both mobile devices as well as traditional desktop browser applications. The API includes language localization for over 50 languages, secure (HTTPS) connection by Google Maps API Premier customers. Furtheirmore ,Neibex takes the use of Yahoo Local Search APIs that give users access to a comprehensive database of information and content in Yahoo. Local ranging from business information, to user comments, to ratings. Data includes business address and phone, category, rating, distance, URL and traffic alerts. Yahoo Local makes a great addition to any mashup, bringing in location-based relevancy and the additional context of what real people have experienced in these places. Moreover we see the use of The Twitter micro-blogging service that includes two Restful APIs. The Twitter REST API methods allow developers to access core Twitter data. This includes update timeliness, status data, and user information. And the Search API methods give developers methods to interact with Twitter Search and trends data. Also Neibex. com with The Google Friend Connect API gives developers an easy way for one-click user authentication using any of Google, Yahoo, AIM, or Open ID accounts. Google Friend Connect APIs enable developers iintegrate social flows and data directly within a pages mark-up, via the Open Social standard pacification. Integrate existing login systems, registered users, and existing data with new social data and activities. Create social gadgets and services that are embeddable within millions of Friend Connect enabled sites. The main point is that every mashup website generally does not require programming skills and makes existing data more useful, for personal and professional use. There is a hug digit of mashup coming up every day, conjoining photos, videos, maps, social, music, and information. You Just have to explore your needs!

Terry J. Allen, “Reach Out and Track Someone ” Summary Essay Example for Free

Terry J. Allen, â€Å"Reach Out and Track Someone † Summary Essay Allen discusses ethical and legal implications of cell phone tracking technology. He begins by noting how this technology benefits emergency responders tracing the source of 911 calls then moves to showing how cell phone â€Å"pings† have been used to solve murder cases. Allen discusses how telecom companies and the government do not divulge the extent of their monitoring activities and capabilities. The legality of wiretapping, collecting cell phone records, and tracing cell phones is already being debated. On one side of the debate are those that worry about protecting individual’s privacy. On the other side are those that find that taking the time to process a search warrant can delay bringing criminals to justice. The author notes that the invasion of privacy is not just on the part of the government, but also in the hands of entrepreneurs searching to create profitable businesses. Article 2: Kate MacAulay, â€Å"Technology’s Peril and Potential,† summary MacAulay compares and contrasts viewpoints of two authors, George Ritzer and Sherry Turkle, in order to examine how values and morals are shaped my technology. Both authors make note of the negative effects of technology. For Ritzer these problems trickle down to the individual from a larger societal movement (termed McDonaldization) whereas for Turkle technology poses a threat to an individual’s self-identity and relationships with others. In examining the authors’ overall views on technological advancement, MacAulay finds that Ritzer is almost entirely pessimistic while Turkle has a more positive, balanced view. As Ritzer and Turkle both warn of the dangers technology poses, MacAulay advocates that we become aware of these dangers in order to use this technology in a safe manner, ultimately finding a way to use technology to become better people. Main Themes The main theme that these writings share is the recognition of the power of technology to impact our lives, both for the positive and the negative. Allen and MacAulay are similar in that neither takes a one-sided view of the issue; they examine the issue from both sides. Allen, however, seems to be more cautionary in warning of the potential of the technology to infringe on people’s privacy. The writings differ with regard to the types of examples the authors use to illustrate their points. Allen uses information from diverse sources: popular advertisements, murder trials, government edicts, etc. His examples speak more directly to the reader. MacAulay, on the other hand, is comparing the views of two published authors, with whom the reader is most likely not familiar. How would Author A respond to Author B? Allen would largely agree with MacAulay but would likely argue that it is perhaps a bit to optimistic to grant individuals that much control over how they use technology. As he states, businesses and the government have the capabilities to monitor how we use technology. We cannot use technology entirely in a personal manner. My Own Views After reading these two texts, I agree with the authors that technological advances come with some strings attached (including loss of privacy). I also agree with MacAulay’s discussion of the implications of creating alternate virtual identities (with regards to Turkle’s writing). These writings have not so much changed my view on the subject as much as they have provided evidence supporting my pre-existent views. However, I was not aware of some of the legal implications of cell phone tracking discussed by Allen. This discussion raises the question of how laws must be changed or re-interpreted to deal with issues that result from technological advances. I had also never thought of these issues from a top-down approach (as MacAulay discusses with regards to the phenomenon of McDonaldization). Now, I see the main controversy as being who holds the responsibility for ensuring that technology is used responsibly. Is it the consumer? Is it the government? Is it the businesses that create the technology? Views I Wish to Share After much thought, I have come to realize that the regulation of technology cannot be left to any one individual or group. These writings have given me greater understanding of the complexities of the issue, and as a user of technology, I am very much interested in ensuring that I use technology safely. The new perspective that I wish to share with my readers is that using technology is not necessarily an individual’s right. It is a privilege, and as a privilege, there are some conditions attached. If one is to use technology to create virtual identities different from one’s own, one has to take responsibility for how that identity impacts one’s relationship with the self and with others in real life. Similarly, if one chooses to use a cell phone, one has to understand that the possibility exists for the usage to be tracked.

Discussing Communications role in Palliative Care

Discussing Communications role in Palliative Care Palliative care is patient centred, death accepting, a relationship between the patient and the carers, concerned with healing rather than curing. Healing is about the right relationship with self, others, environment and god. Palliative care is concerned with patients quality of life, helping them reach their potential physically, psychologically, socially and spiritually, however ill they may be. Palliative care is best managed by a group of people working as a team interested with the total well being of patient and family. Co-ordination and communication is an important part of teamwork. Effective communication is the key to a therapeutic relationship (Edwards, 2001). Skills such as active listening, reflecting and using open and closed questions to obtain information sensitively, will ensure not only effective assessment and evaluation, but also palliative care as a whole (McEvoy, 2000). Problems with communication can make palliative care hard for patients, family, carers and professional care teams. Furthermore, interpreters do not always solve communication problems. Many care teams depend on family members to assist them interpret. Good communication requires a common understanding of religion and culture and the capability of a interpreter to understand a way of life (Randhawa et al,2003) The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that palliative care is compassionate care of patients when curing or prolonging life isnt attainable. Palliative care involves effective pain relief; psychological and spiritual care of the patient with the intention of improving self-esteem regardless of poor physical ability; working with the family, friends and carers to create a support network to help patients cope and remain autonomous and to live as happy and actively as possible until death; support for the family during the patients illness and in bereavement. PAIN MANAGEMENT AND COMFORT PROMOTION Alleviation of pain and symptoms Pain relief is an extremely important element of palliative care. (Simon , 2009). Accurate and comprehensive pain assessment is essential to providing effective pain management. Assessment that focuses on pain alone misses the other interrelated symptoms (Hemming and Maher, The nurse needs to set goals which are realistic. The nurse must monitor pain repeatedly and must not wait for the patient to complain of pain. Reassessment is also necessary as a patients condition and pain change with time. Brant(2003)states that inadequate assessment is a major problem in effective pain management. The World Health Organization (WHO)(1990) guidelines on cancer pain management stress the main principle is to choose the right drug treatment in accordance with pain severity, not the disease stage. Pain relief needs to be administered regularly to keep a constant therapeutic dose in the blood, or else peaks and troughs take place which cause suffering to the patient and unpleasant effects on their quality of life (Hemming and Maher, ) Pain and other symptoms are frequently not managed well enough, and continue to be a cause of anxiety for patients and their families(Fallon et al, 2006). suitable and sufficient pain relief should be provided. Clarke (2006) stress the importance of giving the patient effective pain relief as well as pain information, and involving patients in their pain management which help to reducing suffering. Some Hindus may request to avoid opiate pain relief, as they may believe it will decrease their ability to meditate or see unwanted visions (Wilkins and Mailoo. Existential distress is the term given to difficulties patients have in making sense of their life, particularly when facing pending death. ( Mok et al, 2010). numerous palliative physicians and pain specialists are aware that there is a link between existential suffering and pain (Strang et al.2004). If they are not addressed, they will both delay recovery and add to the overall suffering of the patient (Mako et al. 2006). Nurses, who have frequent contact with patients, are in a position to deal with the matter as part of holistic care. To solve the problem nurses need to involve the patient, carers and family. It also requires healthcare professionals sensitivity and genuine involvement in the care of the patient. Mr Chauhan has undergone stoma surgery in 2008 and faced several adjustments as a result of alteration in body image. The nurse caring for Mr Chauhan needs to be aware that as he is from an ethnic minority, the psychological and psychosocial effects of a stoma can have a huge impact on the cultural and religious aspects of their lives (Black, 2000) The caring of patients who speak no English has ethical, legal and professional implications for patients, relatives and health care staff. Appropriate communication between patient and the health care team demonstrates respect, and empowers the patient to make health care decisions (Black, 2008). CULTURALLY AND SPIRITUALLY APPROPRIATE CARE Hindus believe that, life is not as much about worshipping God and more about living a good life that will bring the individual closer to God. Hindus prefer to die at home. Home has a religious meaning and death outside the home can cause distress. A Hindu priest reads from the holy books and carries out holy rites which include tying a thread around the wrist or neck, sprinkling the patient with water from the Ganges or placing a sacred tulsi leaf in the patients mouth. Hindus believe that the body should be returned to nature therefore the dead body is cremated . A dying hindu patient may request to be laid on the floor during the final moments of death. Last offices Normally, it is only those of the hindu religion who touch the body and the family wash and prepare the body in the home. (Nazarko, 2006). There may be strict religious beliefs, strong cultural heritage, or the patient may have fled from torture and terror. Some patients with a stoma view it as a punishment or of confirmation as a wrongdoing in a previous life (Black and Stuchfield, 2005) For those with a stoma, arrangements for ritual cleansing before prayer should be discussed and appropriate stoma products should be used. If the nurse is unsure about the care and ritual of a patient they should ask the patient what their needs and expectations are. If unsure, talk to with the appropriate religious leader and seek advice (Black, 2008). Intercultural communication Retired Hindu parents hand over their responsibilities to their children. It is usually the duty the eldest son and his family to care for their parents (Wilkins and Mailoo, 2010). Devoted Hindu people pray numerous times daily; as early as 4:30am to as late as 9:30pm (ISKCon, 2009). The nurse should provide a place of prayer for Mr Chauhan which should be away from unclean facilities such as toilets, and if possible in the north-east side of the room. (Sahasrabudhe and Mahatm, 2000). Modesty issues are extremely important for Hindu people and they usually prefer same-sex staff for care of personal and hygiene needs. All those providing care for Mr Chauhan should respect Hindu beliefs as regards to touch when helping with with mobility, dressing and self-care (Wilkins and Mailoo, 2010) Hindus are very clean and prefer to be washed in running water. Many Hindus flush their nostrils with warm saline solution and some clean their tongues before meals. Nasal flushing is best given up if residents are no longer able to do it with assistance, because it may be unpleasant to receive passively. The right hand is customarily used for eating, and the left for toileting therefore the nurses involved in Mr Chauhans care should be aware of this when giving food, as the use of the left hand may cause offense. Many hindus wash themselves with water after using the toilet therefore Mr Chauhan may need a bowl of water or a shower after toileting (Wilkins and Mailoo, 2010). Thoughts at the time of death are believed to establish a patients reincarnation, therefore it is essential to let Hindus, and their families, know when they are dying. Hindus may request to hear mantras, see particular images or be in a specific place at the time of death (Holland and Hogg, 2001). The Hindu person may ask for the presence of a priest or family members. Alternatively, it could be a dying wish to be left in peace to centre their mind on spiritual thoughts A dying Hindu person may wish to lie on the floor to be closer to the Earth, and have their head facing east. They may also make a sacrifice by giving money to charity. Although facilitating these traditions could be interpreted as malpractice in the west. A natural, dignified death may be preferred to unnaturally prolonged life. Death carries over into the next life. Health and social care staff must discuss spiritual needs with Hindu patients on an individual basis to ensure quality of care. (Wilkins and Mailoo, 20 10). Caring for a dying patient in the community during the last few weeks or months of life requires an extraordinary commitment from the nursing team, not only in terms of human resource, but also in terms of capability, empathy and clarity of focus in caring for the needs of the patient, family and carers. Gold Standard Framework; communication, co-ordination, control of symptoms, continuity, continued learning, carer support and care of the dying( Melvin, 2003). Health care professionals are starting to be aware of the values, beliefs and practices of other cultures and faiths in order to provide culturally appropriate care (Black, 2008) In cancer and palliative care, it is evident that practitioners do not feel their training is sufficient in preparing them to care for the needs of those from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds ( Gunaratnam, 2007). FAMILY EDUCATION NECESSARY FOR THE RECOGNITION OF IMPENDING DEATH AND DEATH The role of the nurse is to understand how the individual with a cancer is affecting his or her family and, in turn, how family reactions and behaviours influence the patients experience. Furthermore, the goal of family care is to assess what can be done to strengthen the support available to them throughout stressful periods. Its important as the patient approaches death to find out what support is needed to meet the patientss spiritual and cultural needs. The patients preferences should be well-known before death, if possible. If the person is too ill to state their final wishes, family and friends may be able to provide the appropriate information. Spiritual needs are often part of the persons culture and its important to understand how culture affects expectations and behaviour in the persons last days of life. (Nazarko, 2006). emotional, physical and social stress; many of the carers felt that they needed respite from the physical and emotional burdens of caring, as well as time to relax and socialize with friends(Scot, 2001). For carers of people with complex and changing palliative care needs, coping with change, doubt and uncertainty can be a daily struggle. Palliative care nurses, the research team noted that professionals commonly choose to relate to one key carer, preferably the next of kin, who are first and foremost given information about the patient, regarding their health. Nurses can feel anxious and uncomfortable in the presence of a large family,as some may have different information needs and may not respond well to the information given (Scot, 2001) Patients and carers constantly criticise the lack of information given to them. Good, clear information helps in reducing anxiety, giving a sense of knowing, and regaining a sense of control. Patients do not always hear things the first time, so doctors need to be patient, being prepared to give information in bits, repeating messages, and checking in later to confirm that it was understood. Printed fact sheets and diagrams can be useful, as can referral to disease-specific community groups or websites. CONCLUSION Ensuring that the persons needs are met during and beyond death is an important aspect of caring and the contribution of nursing staff is invaluable.

I am going to explain how I would direct the final part of Act3 in order :: Drama

I am going to explain how I would direct the final part of Act3 in order to highlight the dramatic tension and to show the audience Priestly's message concerning social responsibility! An inspector calls "An Inspector Calls" -Out Line- I am going to explain how I would direct the final part of Act3 in order to highlight the dramatic tension and to show the audience Priestly's message concerning social responsibility! -Introduction- In 1945 JB Priestly made a play called "An inspector calls". Priestly belived that tho's who were wealthier should pay more taxes. So the government could pay for a state wellfair like NHS and education. He believed this because he was a socialist and belived in fairness. He knew lower class people were not payed much but still had to give virtually all their money away. The state wellfair system would make it fairer! Lower classed people did much more for the country than the upperclasses. The play was written in 1945 but set in 1912. This was done so the audience would realise how arrogant the upper class was. This is shown by Mr Birling where he says; "The germans don't want a war. Nobody wants war, except some half civilised folks in the Bolkans." This shows how arrogant Mr Birling is as the audience knew there were two world wars between 1912 and 1945. And as I said it was the lower classed people who did more for the country, it was the lower classed people who fought in thos two world wars. -An Inspector calls- At the beginning before the inspector leaves they are all feeling increadibly upset and angry at each other. Priestly shows this in a stage direction. Mrs Birling is "Distressed" when she finds out about Erics involvement with Eva Smith. She is depressed because she said how she wouldn't let the inspector catch her as she has nothing to hide but when the Inspector tells her this information she is deeply upset. I would have Mrs Birling sit down at this point if she isn't already sat down and hold her head in her hands, crying and have Sheila showing no sympathy for her mother as she tried telling her that the inspector would get the better of her. -Dramatic Tension in ACT 3- The most dramatic part of the play "An inspector calls" is where the adults are feeling joyuss and happy with them selves, after a phone call to the police asking if the Inspector is real and that no girl is dead. This is shown by Mr Birlings reaction towards Sheila and Eric. As they are still feeling upset as they know each others personal

Immortal Hopes of Animal Farm Essay -- English Literature Essays

Immortal Hopes of Animal Farm Communism is supposed to be a system under which all property would be held in common. The dignity of the poor workers oppressed by capitalism would be restored, and all people would live as equals in communism. This book, Animal Farm by George Orwell is an amusing story of allegory of the early history of the Soviet Union. Orwell wanted to make political writing into an art and to harmonize political concerns with artistry. As he became inspired by the Russian Revolution he wanted to show how some governments would do almost anything it took to succeed the rest. The book itself has acquainted many by providing a basis to describe the problems of communism as it was once tried in Russia during the 20th century. We have a deeply marked example in the history of Soviet Communism, where many were slaughter to only satisfy one person, Stalin. I believe George Orwell created Animal Farm with the goal of showing people that there is not a pure form of communism and to realize the mass amount of time, effort, energy, and lives it took for people (or animals) to realize that c ommunism (animalism) would not succeed. In Animal Farm Orwell verified the moral economic failure of the Russian Communist system. Mr. Jones symbolizes Czar Nicholas Romanov II, the leader before Stalin (Napoleon). Jones represents the old government (monarchy), the last of the Czars. Orwell implies that Mr. Jones (Czar Nicholas Romanov II) was losing his "edge". In fact, he and his men had taken up the habit of drinking. Old Major reveals his feelings about Jones and his administration when he says, "Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, and he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving and the rest he keeps for himself." So Jones and the old government are successfully uprooted by the animals. Just like in November of 1917, when squads of Red Guards, sailors, and factory workers overthrew the government and showed them that they no longer had support. The pigeons symbolize Soviet Propaganda to countries like Germany, England, France, and even the United States. The USSR was very enthusiastic about its achievements and its... ...on of the seven commandments and the '"'Beasts of England'"', Napoleon becomes more of a dictator. I deeply and truly believe communism will never carry out the way it is planned to. There are too many factors to support this. But what I"'"ve come to an understanding is that Communism does not give equality. If anything it only takes away the little freedom some may have. Thus it also demolishes all hopes and dreams for it sets a constant never ending future. There will always be an abuse of power towards the naà ¯ve proletariats who are constantly seeking to better themselves. No matter the quantity of efforts towards equality one may give, there will not be equality; for we as humans become obsessed with power once we are entrusted and only to become even more power-hungry. I can say I truly learned from this book that communism will never be an efficient part of any government. For freedom is taken away without a warning as people become one with faded dreams of the better tomorrow. I believe George Orwell carried out his goal of teaching people that communism would not be eff icient and if anything the most loyal like Boxer would die in immortal hopes of life ever progressing.

Olestra: or WOE? :: Dieting Diet Fat Argumentative Persuasive Papers

Olestra: or WOE? Introduction Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a way the diet crazed society of America could get around eating fat, but still enjoy the savory taste that accompanies it? Well, miraculously, it is possible through a product called Olestra. This seemingly perfect product created by Proctor and Gamble was recently approved by the FDA for use as a substitute for fat in snack foods such as potato and corn chips. â€Å"Olestra is a zero calorie fat replacement intended to replace 100% of the fat used in the preparation of savory foods and snacks† (http://www.olestra.com). This miracle creation seems to be the perfect answer to the nutritionists and health professionals’ recommendation of decreased fat in the diet. What better way to lower your fat intake than by not changing your diet and continuing to eat the foods you love? Proctor and Gamble focused on America's weak point: over-eating and their obsession with appearances to create a multimillion dollar invention: junk f ood that is â€Å"non-fat.† Although the hazardous effects of Olestra are still under intensive study, consumers everywhere are demanding products with this artificial fat substitute. Fat Substitutes Fat substitutes come in various different kinds. There are those that are absorbed into the body and those that are not absorbed into the body. Olestra is one that is not absorbed into the body. It passes through the digestive system and is excreted as waste and never used. These seem harmless, but in actuality the harm is not involved in the fat intake, it is in the nutrient absorption disruption. For those fat substitutes which are absorbed, the consumer needs to consider the elimination of the fat substitute, so the problem of absorbing fat does not seem to be resolved with that product. The Chemical Composition of Olestra Olestra is a sucrose polyester structure of six to eight fatty acids bound together by a sucrose core. It is a synthetic fat composed of sucrose and edible oils. Olestra can be used as a fat substitute virtually anywhere because of its flexibility of chain length and saturation levels on the sucrose molecule (http://www.cochrancorp.com/faq.htm). Why is Olestra Effective? Olestra’s effectiveness is due to the fact that it is not digested or absorbed into the body and therefore it adds no calories or fat to the diet.

Brrokstone’s business Essay

Brookstone is a nationwide specialty retailer that sells a variety of consumer products with distinctive function, excellent quality and design, which are not available in other retailers. The company develops strong positioning as a specialty retailer selling the â€Å"hard-to-find tools† in Popular Mechanics Magazine in 1965. The main concerns of Brookstone is to provide customers with the quality of products and quality of services, which served by the quality of people. The company first catalog is printed in black-and-white in the 24 pages that present the detailed and no-nonsense information regarding the product features, materials, measurements, capabilities, and any other useful information to guide customers in buying the suitable products for them (Brookstone, 2009). The successful catalog-type company has encouraged Brookstone to open their first retail store in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Right now, the company is headquartered in Merrimack, New Hampshire, which backed up by vast distribution center and customer service department that handle mail and telephone orders that located in Mexico, Missouri (Brookstone, 2009). The company also has over 305 retail stores within the United States and Puerto Rico. Mostly, the retail stores are located in leading shopping malls, the nation’s busiest airport, and lifestyle center. In order to cope with the demands, the company, on average, opens 10 to 15 new stores each year (Brookstone, 2009). As a catalog company, Brookstone employ a multifaceted Direct-Marketing approach by using two catalogs and Internet operation (www. brookstone. com) to help boosting the orders. The two catalogs are Brookstone catalog and the Hard-to-Find Tools catalog. The Brookstone catalog presents the branded products that available at stores and merchandise from key vendors of Brookstone. Meanwhile, the Hard to Find Tools catalog features customers with high-quality and unique solutions for the home. In addition, the corporate website (www. brookstone. com) acts as the combine catalogs that features all offering that placed in the two printed catalogs. Figure 1 shows the current offering in the corporate website. Figure 1 Brookstone corporate website Source: www. brookstone. com 1. Market Attractiveness Assessment 1. 1. Environment Overview Qatar is actually the country who has the highest per-capita income in 2007. This however, was effect of its overwhelming petroleum resources. Its high level of income nevertheless, has been influencing other aspects of people’s lives also. In this chapter, I will display short elaboration on several aspects of Qatar’s environment. 1. 1. 1. Political Environment Qatar is a politically active nation. The country is home to many Islamic activist and pro-Islamic views. Country officials however, refused to the confirmed of any connections with terrorist groups. Nevertheless, the country maintained very good relationship with the US government. The country is home to the largest US airbase in Middle East, outside of Iraq and it also support a US Naval base. The country has a large magnitude of gas projects, converging with Exxon Mobil and Royal Dutch/Shell. These businesses significantly enhanced Qatar’s importance to the vital Western Political interests and also economic interests. Many have said that Qatar’s ‘balancing’ political and economic programs are actually quite difficult to understand. However, analysts have also understood that this willingness to court both sides aggressively has given the country such a high political and economic profile compared to other nations in the Middle East. Despite the bomb attack that happened in 2005, Qatar’s political atmosphere is actually conducive for business. It is revealed that there are no ruling families holding control of the political activities, even though conservative elements of the society are still unease with recent foreign policy changes which have brought thousands of foreigners into the country. We should hold in our understanding however, that Qatar is still a eforming country. One of the good signs of positive developments is that the ruler of the country has been actively encouraging education and open political debates as key elements of his reform strategy. The latest banking environment also reveals that the country in overall, enjoy stable political conditions.