Sunday, December 29, 2019

The Road to Hell - 1742 Words

Case Summary The case â€Å"Road to Hell† by Gareth Evans is a story that involved two characters with different backgrounds, personalities and points of view. John Baker, an English expatriate, is a successful western chief engineer in the Caribbean Bauxite Company of Barracania. Baker thinks he has an edge in working in a foreign country because he was experience in understanding a regional staff’s psychology and knowing exactly how to get along with locals. Bakers has been working hard to prepare Matthew Rennalls, on the other hand, is a young engineer who represents the new generation of patriotic, well-educated Barracania’s professionals. His four years as a student at London University made him highly sensitive to political, racial†¦show more content†¦His career development and his family background in political field might help the company in term of growth. Rennalls resignation might also create crisis communication within Barracanian and European which the Barracanian would think that the racism of European had caused the resignation of Rennalls. Therefore, the misunderstanding will continue to rise. Baker should also make another discussion or meeting with Rennalls before hiring him back. This step should be taken to explain the misunderstanding that happened and also to prevent another similar incident to happen again. However, the consultation is needed for Baker to build up a better communication skills before having a conversation with Rennalls again. Long term – Create a Diverse and Peaceful Work Environment The Caribbean Bauxite Company should organize the company in a diverse and fair working environment. Firstly, the company should evaluate the employees based on their performance but not their skin colour, culture and background. The company should give a chance to every employee that has high performance and high interpersonal skills without any bias. A diverse environment must be created by include people which from different culture and background. A consultation on communication skills to every employee also needed to improve the communication skills among them. Long term – HiringShow MoreRelatedThe Road to Hell Case696 Words   |  3 PagesCase 1: Road to Hell Description The â€Å"Road to Hell† case is about two professional engineers that came from different backgrounds, have different personalities, but with similar educational background as far as their work goes. Based on the description of the two professionals, John Baker comes across as a white man from either Europe or the Americas and Matthew Rennalls is a minority, presumably black, from a developing country. Diagnosis The problem is that there are apparent cultural differencesRead MoreCase Study : Road to Hell2176 Words   |  9 Pages1. CASE SUMMARY This case study analysis seeks to provide better solution to Caribbean Bauxite Company following the resignation of Matthew Rennalls, who is to be promoted to a position of chief engineer to replace John Baker. Rennalls cited cultural differences and Baker offensive racial comments for his resignation. Further, Rennalls’s resignation came a day after his interview with John Baker, his direct superior. Several issues Caribbean Bauxite company has to deal with following Rennalls’sRead MoreHawthorne s Young Goodman Brown899 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Young Goodman Brown† and the Road to Hell In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, â€Å"Young Goodman Brown,† he explores the downfall of the spirit of Goodman Brown and destroys the innocence and predestination of the title character by taking him down the metaphorical road to Hell. The road in the story passes into the forest surrounding Salem Village, and Hawthorne expresses the Puritan conclusion of all things evil to be found in the woods with the quote, â€Å"Come witch, come wizard, come Indian powwowRead MoreEssay on Religious Symbolism in Robert Frosts The Road Not Taken692 Words   |  3 PagesSymbolism in â€Å"The Road Not Taken†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In â€Å"The Road Not Taken† by Robert Frost, there are many religious analogies. Most people agree that in the poem Frost was expressing the belief that it is the road or path that one takes or chooses that makes him the man he is today and will be tomorrow. Everyone is a traveler on life’s roads. In the poem there is never just one road to take. Religion can be found in this poem by the decision the speaker must make, the road he chose, and the road not taken.Read MoreReligious Conflict Of Dante s Inferno1570 Words   |  7 Pagesbalance, Dante designates levels of Hell that correspond with levels of sin. The heaviest of all sins sends you plummeting to the depths of Hell. The themes of the Inferno have sinners following their sins in contrapasso, which is the resulting punishment fitting the sins (Hunt 11). Dante’s Inferno opens with him and the poet Virgil approaching the entrance to Hell. Virgil tells Dante that his deceased beloved, Beatrice, sent him to guide Dante through this tour of Hell. From the opening lines, DanteRead MoreAnalysis Of Dante Alighieri s Inferno 1556 Words   |  7 Pagesfrom the poem that can be taken from this epic poem apply currently. Dante’s Inferno, which is another word for â€Å"hell† in Italian, was a very important book in the 14th Century. Since Dante had been exiled recently at that point in Florence, he looked to give another perspective on what life after carnal death meant. In the poem, Dante scattered all political figures throughout Hell with whom he had disagreements with (Douglass, 2011). Not to mention, Dante predicts events in the future that eventuallyRead MoreLord Of The Sinner By J. M. Bradbury1026 Words   |  5 Pagesborder one that if crossed enters the realm of lust. It is a realm of carnal sin that paves the road to harsh and unrelenting punishment for all who follow it. Disgrace by J. M. Coetzee, demonstrates lust and the punishment that comes with it through several events befalling Byronic protagonist David Lurie. Given the horrifying assault scene of Disgrace, Coetzee is alluding to the second circle of hell in Dante’s Inferno and the punishment for the sin of lus t. The first allusion to hell’s secondRead MoreAnalysis Of What Dreams May Come739 Words   |  3 PagesWhat Dreams May Come Vincent Ward’s â€Å"What Dreams May Come† breathed brilliant life into the tragic story of a family pulled apart by death and the journey one man makes through heaven and even hell to save his soul mate, based from the book, What Dreams May Come by Richard Matheson. This movie is boldly beautiful and a rollercoaster of feelings that brings you to the emotional edge but sadly doesn’t quite get us all the way over. In the beginning of the movies, events occur rather quickly. ChrisRead MoreEssay on The Allegory of the Cave and Dante1251 Words   |  6 Pagesown,† because on the road to gaining knowledge and spiritual enlightenment, characters who learn valuable lessons from the misfortunes of others strengthen their own paradigms. Nonetheless, the only true way to gain knowledge is to experience it first hand. Dante’s character finds truth by way of his own personal quest. Dante’s poetry is rich in symbolism of light and darkness. At the beginning of Canto I, the narrator finds himself â€Å"in dark woods, the right road lost† (3). That is,Read MoreThe Monomyth And Temple Pattern941 Words   |  4 Pagesadventure in which there is bound to be a battle of some sort. The Monomyth and temple pattern has been seen throughout various movies and books around our culture. Dante’s The Divine Comedy is no exception to the pattern. Among the three compilations of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise we, as a reader travel through the monomyth journey alongside Dante in order to reveal moral truth. From the start of Cantos in book one, Dante is on the pathway of the departure, as described in the monomyth pattern as The

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Sir Francis Galton s Views On Evolution, Exploration,...

Sir Francis Galton was, by in large part, a product of his environment. Through his family, Galton was well connected--he came from a wealthy, upper-class, lineage of academics. Having inherited a large sum of money, Galton was able to explore a variety of endeavours before making his mark on modern day psychology (Goodwin, 2012, p.151). Galton excelled in the fields of geography, exploration, meteorology, and science; it was not until Galton’s half-cousin Darwin wrote his 1859 book on evolution that inspired his interest in psychology (pp.151-152). Darwin was, unequivocally, Galton’s most notable relative and someone from whom he drew large inspiration. Darwin became influenced by economist Thomas Malthus who recognized, â€Å"that life is a constant â€Å"struggle for existence† and only those best suited for survival will do so† (Goodwin, 2012, p. 135). Malthus’ aforementioned belief was one that Darwin observed during his expedition on the Beagle--Darwin’s ship. Darwin recognizes that the finches he had studied during his voyage to the Galapagos islands varied from each other depending on island location and available food sources; he also notes that these variations assist the finches in survival (i.e. different beak shape to forage a specific food, stronger beaks) (p. 136). The concept that grew from Darwin’s initial findings was the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is defined as the natural process in which those that are better adapted to their environmentShow More RelatedGalton s Legacy : The Battle Of Nature Versus Nurture Essay2134 Words   |  9 PagesThe Battle of Nature versus Nurture Sir Francis Galton was, by in large part, a product of his environment. Through his family, Galton was well connected--he came from a wealthy, upper-class, lineage of academics. Having inherited a large sum of money, Galton was able to explore a variety of endeavours before making his mark on modern day psychology (Goodwin, 2012, p.151). Galton excelled in the fields of geography, exploration, meteorology, and science; it was not until Galton’s half-cousin

Friday, December 13, 2019

For music consumers, the shift to the computer-file medium Free Essays

For music consumers, the shift to the computer-file medium happened years ago. This is particularly true with demographics that have essentially come of age through the evolution of the personal computer, the internet and ecommerce.   Over the course of the early 21st century, â€Å"online buying was most popular among 25-34 year olds and least attractive to the 65+ seniors. We will write a custom essay sample on For music consumers, the shift to the computer-file medium or any similar topic only for you Order Now † (Vargas, 1)   This same demographic is composed of individuals who, over more than half a decade of unrestrained music downloading access, have come to expect a number of opportunities. Specifically, there is an immediacy to this access that transcends traditional music buying methods, with the click-and-download process bypassing the need to go to a store or wait for an online-ordered item to arrive in the mail.   Songs instantly appear on the consumer’s hard-drive and may subsequently be listened to and burnt to a Compact Disc.   With literally infinite peer-to-peer communities emerging constantly to improve the organization, presentation and reliability of such acquisition methods, users still have countless ways to find music for free. Students   at the University of Maryland reflect this exact pattern, and have thus become part of a pattern which runs afoul of music industry needs and legal perceptions.   The proposal here will seek to resolve the impasse by researching the prospects for a partnership with legal music downloading services which will allow students to continue to download for free but under more lawful terms. 2. Introduction and Background The University of Maryland, like all major universities and campuses across America, is faced with an interested and difficult challenge with regard to the issue of illegal music downloading.   It is a well-recognized fact that many students use the high-speed internet provided by the campus itself in order to use peer-to-peer trading programs that allow for the free downloading of pirating music, movies and other unauthorized digital items which are characterized as intellectual property. The opportunity for students to engage in this activity represents a distinct conflict of interest for the university, which does not permit the use of its channels for the piracy of music, but which also supports the entitlement of individuals to use the computer technology at their disposal with relative freedom within the limitations of the law.   This proposal will call for a research investigation which effectively determines the best way for the university to improve the legal adherence of its students while simultaneously preserving the student body’s ability to use downloading services according to their desires. The background history of this problem concerns the expansion of technological opportunities and a relative inability of music companies and campuses alike to remain abreast of resulting expectations amongst average music consumers such as those spotting college campuses.  Even prior to the complicating arrival of internet technologies, the issue of preserving intellectual property has long been a morass of legal and philosophical entanglements for both the originators and the consumers of said property. On the college campus and in the music industry, this issue takes particular precedence as we struggle today to find balanced ways to compensate artists, entertainers and the portals through which they are delivered to us while simultaneously serving our appetites as consumers who are not being treated well by music gatekeepers.   Bootlegging, a term used throughout history to describe all manner of counterfeiting and marketing of ill-gotten or illegal contraband, today almost automatically conjures up thoughts of the internet. This new frontier for the exchange of intellectual properties has evolved into an abyss of piracy forums and file-sharing operations, as online discussion forums, weblogs and business reports on the subject, culled from the internet, will reveal in the resulting research project.   As we seek to devise an appropriate mode for study, we can note that there is a very clear sociological divide on how parties involved perceive the implications of this music downloading frontier. For music retailers, who to this juncture have offered hard-copy packages of music at ever-growing industry controlled rates and in the medium defined by current industry standards, the sudden transition to a setting where this content could be acquired for free and at a bypass of conventional media and gate-keeping channels was a shocking one for which most were wholly unprepared.   On the opposite end of the spectrum, the independent ability for users to develop digital exchange technology and to compile digitally stored data such as that available on purchased compact discs represented a new and desirable means of obtaining music. In part a direct product of the evolution of information technologies and in part a natural response to a music industry where output was increasingly over-priced and diminishing in artistic quality, consumers have begun not only to expect but to actively claim a new means to acquiring music.   The new digital medium, which compresses songs into computer files called MP3s, has become the commonly accepted medium for music possession amongst consumers.   In contrast, the industry is struggling only now to catch up.   The proposal here will seek to devise a university approach that inherently acknowledges this gap, and attempts to play a mediating role in bringing only presently emerging paid file-sharing programs into contact with student populations. Key terms which will be considered in the proposal are those of ‘file-sharing,’ ‘intellectual property,’ and ‘online piracy.’ 3. Proposed Program or Plan of Work In the current online file-sharing context, everyday university students have essentially become bootleggers, according to legal research and assertion by both the music industry and the United States Congress.   These are sources which appear to favor the music industry institutions, but in actuality, take a narrow perspective that is damaging to compromise for all parties.   The program proposed here will be informed by a desire to overcome this hindrance to cooperation through a carefully constructed mediation whereby the university determines the best possible way to initiate an ability for students to continue to download music for free without sacrificing a relationship to industry and law. Namely, this process of information gathering and research examination will require a consultation with the music industry in particular.  Ã‚   The music trade, represented by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has insisted that downloading communities are costing the industry millions of dollars in declining sales.   Since the inception of the Napster online music swapping forum in popular culture, there is a broad awareness and exploitation of new and limitless internet resources for the acquisition of free music, with millions of American students logging on everyday to take part in the newly proliferated field of bootlegging. If one is to take the music industry as a case study of the changing nature of commerce with the integration of internet technology, there may be evidence to suggest that the retail approaches traditionally taken by many industries may be subject to extinction.   This is a fact that informs the focus of the study on the best way to court involvement of many music industry players to participate in campus programs designed to streamline downloading opportunities for students. Data gathering will be conducted through a close consultation with such pay sites as Rhapsody and iTunes, which offer users the opportunity to pay either subscription fees or monthly charges.   The University will investigate the potential for partnership with such services, making one or multiple downloading sites accessible to students as a part of the university enrollment package. The research process will therefore be structured around a correlation between the apparent downloading practices of students, which can be considered by way of a thorough literature review on current university piracy patterns, and the various terms upon which music industry players are willing to participate in programs which increase user access across university settings.   One expected challenge in this research process is the likelihood that gatekeeper based file downloading programs will not offer a sufficient alternative to many students who already enjoy the benefits of peer to peer trading.   This is an issue which inclines us to enter the proposal with an intent to evaluate and promote the distinct benefits of legal downloading where both options are available to individuals at no cost. 4. Qualifications and Experience The process of developing this experimental research process will primarily be based upon the dispatching of university personnel to effectively navigate the marketing aspects which are likely to take a center stage in the resolution of mutually beneficial programs for industry players and students.   Likewise, one who is familiar with the subject of student behaviors in this context will be dispatched to conduct the literature reviewer on habituation. 5. Budget The cost of the process will be relatively modest, with major resources being limited to those required to conduct research on present behaviors.   It is the proposed ambition here that partnership with many of these services will be directly based upon the presence of agreed-upon sponsorship arrangements in which students are granted unfettered access to programs in exchange for the university’s promotion of service brand names.   Thus, the cost should be no greater than an estimated $10,000 required for the time and personnel used to conduct basic research. 6. Appendices The task schedule will be centered on the start of a new fall semester, with the summer months employed to gain the partnerships needed to implement a trial program for incoming students. Bibliography: Borland, John.   (April 9, 2003).   Music Industry:   Piracy is choking sales.   CNET News. Online at https://gen.xyz/?aid=9998. Garrity, Brian.   (2004).   MP3 Blog sites cause concern.   Billboard Magazine.   McClintock, Pamela.   (March 14, 2004)   Copyright Piracy Draws Anti-Terror Scrutiny.   Washington Variety. Timms, Dominic.   (July 9, 2004).   Online piracy dogs movie industry.   The Guardian. Vargas, Melody.   (2005).   Cyberspace Vs. Parking Mall Space.   About the Retail   Industry.   Online at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   https://www.thebalance.com/retail-industry-4073977. How to cite For music consumers, the shift to the computer-file medium, Essay examples

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Rock Music and Best Band free essay sample

With over 12 albums, 02 has the most impressive discography of any band from the asss; not to mention their numerous live albums. IIS has sold more than 1 70 million albums worldwide. 1. 12 has 22 Grammys which is tied for the most ever with Steve Wonder. This puts them as the best band Of all time. 02 was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Siss achievements and awards distinguish themselves from other rock bands and prove why they are the best all time. 32 has the most unique sound in all of rock. They put a heavy emphasis on melodic instruments and big vocals. Their sound is contested by anyone and thats what makes them so great. Throughout the years, 132 has changed their sound which proves how much talent they have. They have kept their fans on their toes. Most of Sacs songs carry a strong message. For example, one of Uses best hits named, Pride (In the Name of Love) is about Martin Luther King. We will write a custom essay sample on Rock Music and Best Band or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Mice Jaeger described Boons lyrical genius best when he said, Hes a poet. Hes a philosopher. And last night, I think I saw him walking on water. The power and message of their lyrics are what separates them from other bands. Their lyrics and sounds make them the best band of all time. Siss vocalist Bono is one the biggest celebrity activists in the world. He and the rest of the band have played in numerous live concerts for fundraising. Their most famous concert was the Live Aid concert at Wendell Stadium. This was a turning point in their career. Bono has also established Project Red in an effort to raise money for the fight of AIDS, TAB, and Malaria.Siss involvement in the world and its problems proves that they are the best band of all time. IIS has graced the ears of people from the US to the people of China. With their powerful lyrics and strong meaning many people have listened to their music for comfort or understanding. Their activism and fundraisers provides a great example for future bands to follow. IIS has earned the respect from their peers and have inspired Other bands; one for example is Coldly. When accounting for a bands whole resume, 1. 12 is without a doubt the best band of all time.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms free essay sample

The TAFT, started is a federal law enforcement organization within the United States Department of Justice. Formed on July 1st, 1972, its responsibilities include the investigation and prevention of federal offenses involving the unlawful use, manufacture, and possession of firearms and explosives; acts of arson and bombings; and Illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products. The TAFT also regulates Vela licensing the sale, possession, and transportation of firearms, ammunition, and explosives In Interstate commerce.Many of the Tufts stateless are carried out In conjunction with task forces made up of local and state law enforcement officers. The TAFT also operates a unique fire research area, where full- scale mock-ups of criminal arson can be reconstructed. The TAFT was originally part of the United States Department of Treasury, having been formed in 1886 as the revenue laboratory with the Treasury Departments Bureau of Internal Revenue. When the Violated Act, which established prohibition in the United States, was repealed in December of 1933, the unit was transferred back o the Department of Treasury, where it became the Alcohol Tax unit. We will write a custom essay sample on Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The TAT included several members from the Untouchables, such as Elliot News. From 1942 to 1973, the TAT was given responsibility over enforcing federal firearms laws, federal tobacco tax laws, and arson and bombing offenses. In 1968, with the passing of the Gun Control Act, the agency was officially renamed to TAFT, or Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. They were still a division within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In 1972 TAFT was established as a separate bureau within the Treasury Department.The susceptibilities of the TAFT division of the IRS were transferred to the new, separate TAFT agency, and Rexes D. Davis oversaw the transition, officially becoming the bureaus first director. In the wake of the terrorist attack on September 1 lath, 2001, President George W. Bush signed into law the Homeland Security Act of 2002. This law shifted the TAFT from the Department of Treasury to the Department of Justice. The agency name had once again changed to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, but was still referred to as TAFT. Additionally, the agency duties of collecting tax from alcohol and tobacco was transferred to the newly created Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. These changes took effect January 24th, 2003. Regulation and control of firearms in the world. Their Comprehensive Crime Gun Tracing Initiative is the largest operation of its kind in the world. They use a web- based system, known as e-Trace, which provides law enforcement agencies with the capability to securely and electronically send and receive trace requests, and conduct trace analysis in real time. Over 2000 agencies use this system, including 33 foreign agencies.TAFT also provides investigative support to its partners through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIB), which allows Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies to image and compare gun crime evidence. TAFT also trains the U. S. Military in evidence recovery procedures after bombings. All TAFT agents are trained in post-blast investigation. However, TAFT maintains a group of about 1 50 highly trained explosives experts known as Certified Explosives Specialists (SEES). TAFT/SEES agents are trained experts regarding Improvised ExplosivesDevices (deeds), as well as commercial explosives. TAFT agents work closely with state and local bomb disposal units within the United States. TAFT is considered to be the leading federal agency in most bombings that occur within the United States, with exception to bombings related to international terrorism (which is investigated by the FBI). One of the most notable investigations successfully conducted by the TAFT regarding explosives was the tracing of the car used in the World Trade Center bombings of 1993, which led to arrests of the persons involved in the conspiracy.The hiring process for special agents for the TAFT is fiercely competitive, comparable to the selection process of many other specialized agencies. Far less than 5% of applicants, those possessing a 4 year bachelors degree and competitive work experience, are hired. Taft hiring process has a nondisclosure agreement, so the details of the process are not completely revealed. However, applicants must pass a rigorous background check in order to achieve, at minimum, a top secret clearance. In addition, there are multiple written tests, physical fitness tes ts, interviews and medical exams to even be considered to be selected for training. TAFT special agents must complete a 27 week training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glycol, Georgia. It is one of the longest training programs in the United States, far longer than any other training program for any other agency (FBI, DEAD, SUMS). This program consists of 1 week pre-basic, 12 week basic Criminal Investigator Training Program, and a 14 week Special Agent basic training course. Only then are special agents released to a field office to begin a here year probationary tour.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Germinal essays

Germinal essays At first glance, one might say the capitalist system is righteous and it leads to more productivity, but upon discreet examination, the system has numerous flaws. As we discussed in class, one of the main flaws was the inability of the workers to advance themselves in society beyond the point of keeping food in their stomachs. One generation after another follow each other down below into the mines without cessation. First and foremost the company needs to insure that all members of the mine town have enough to eat, enough to wear, and a roof over their head. The company can possibly provide clothing and food through a ration-based system that guarantees the people will not die of starvation or frostbite. These are necessities that the company should provide even if they are in debt. The workers should also receive a salary based on performance and profits of the company. This spending money can be used for amenities or the worker can save it if he or she one day desires to move away and attempt to start a better life somewhere else. The root of the problem lies with the education the residents of the mine town receive. Children as young as seven or eight are being sent down to work in the mines when they should be starting school. If families are unable to pay for schooling a type of indentured worker system might work out where children can attend school for free if they agree to provide the company with a year(s) work when they become of age to work. That also brings up the issue of child labor. Children should not work until at least 16 and even then they should not be responsible for dangerous and important jobs such as securing the limbering. Another important issue concerns the rights of the workers. Workers unions should be set up and all should join to make sure that the company does not use and abuse the workers. Unions should unite all workers with the same profession across the ...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Economic Analysis Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Economic Analysis Assignment - Essay Example Forecast on interest rates are also an important measure to check the demand of goods in the economy, interest rates are used by the federal government to achieve higher levels of growth and also to check inflation, for this reason therefore when inflation is high in the economy we expect the federal government to raise interest rates, when interest rates are raised the cost of borrowing funds is high and therefore we do not expect the aggregate demand in the economy to rise, for this reason therefore when there is inflation in the economy we expect that firms are already aware of the policy measure to be undertaken by the government, for this reason the firm will not produce the top ten US trade partners include china, Mexico, Canada, Japan, UK, Germany, south Korea, France, Taiwan and Netherlands, the diagram below summarises the import, exports, percentage import, percentage exports of the ten countries to and fro the US: The deficit level of the top 10 countries is not consistent with the level of ranking given, the ranking however is based on total trade with the country, and total trade is achieved by adding up the total exports and total imports of the countries. The table above shows the percentage imports from the country, the ranking by percentage imports is consistent with the ranking of top ten trading partners. The diagram below summarises the various countries and their ranking regarding deficit levels, positive deficit shows that the US imports more than it imports, negative deficit shows that the US imports are less than exports: Data was retrieved from http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/highlights/top/top0709.html#total b. Federal Reserve given the exchange rate of the yen against the dollar we can be in a position to determine the cost of box lunch each first day of the year from January 2000 to date, the exchange rate keeps on fluctuating and as the yen appreciates then the cost of box lunch becomes expensive, however when the yen depreciates the box lunch is much less expensive, below is the exchange rate of the yen against the dollar, we assume that due to the non existence of exchange rate on the first day of the year we assume that previous day exchange rate is the one that is used in the next day. The table below represents the cost of the lunch box in yen and in dollars, also gives the exchange rate