Survey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Survey - Essay Example This is possible since it obtains data from Google maps and tweeter and thus utilizes them as one. This paper is a summary of a thesis by Mahtab Arafat who proposes the development of a DaaSMashup Model, which will work with multiple DaaS providers to improve efficiency of data extracted from single DaaS Provider while maintaining high standards of privacy. Privacy-Preserving DaaSMashup framework should ensure that different DaaS provider have a platform where they can share data from their database with other DaaS on a secure platform. DaaSMachup systems will be very effective where DaaS provider cannot solely provide consumer’s data requirement. The result of integration of different DaaS providers can result to provision of clients with data high levels of accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. Some of the reasons that cause reluctance to the willingness of DaaS providers to share their data include data quality, privacy concerns, and the ability to match a data request. Cloud based framework for the preservation of the DaaS mashup is critical for enhancing the security of the DaaS providers. This paper is critical in providing information on greedy algorithm to the providers’ of DaaS mashup. In essence, the paper explores the measures of securely integrating the data from many DaaS providers. These providers are critical in preserving the security and privacy of the resultant mashup data. A client may be willing to pay a price for a specific nature of data however the DaaS provider may lack enough data on their database to present to the client. Even with privacy issues put to concerned care should be taken to ensure that the data quality obtained after the integration of the systems is not compromised. The privacy concerns about data involves the fact that private data on respondents being licked. Most organizations are against private data of their getting on to the wrong hands as this poses

European Mens Handball Championship Essay Example for Free

European Mens Handball Championship Essay HANDBALL (also known as team handball, Olympic handball or European handball) is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each (six outfield players and a goalkeeper) pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team. The team with the most goals after two periods of 30 minutes[clarification needed] wins. Modern handball is usually played indoors, but outdoor variants exist in the forms of field handball and Czech handball (which were more common in the past) and beach handball (also called sandball). American handball and Gaelic handball are completely different sports to team handball. The game is quite fast and includes body contact as the defenders try to stop the attackers from approaching the goal. Contact is only allowed when the defensive player is completely in front of the offensive player, i.e. between the offensive player and the goal. This is referred to as a player sandwich. Any contact from the side or especially from behind is considered dangerous and is usually met with penalties. When a defender successfully stops an attacking player, the play is stopped and restarted by the attacking team from the spot of the infraction or on the nine meter line. Unlike in basketball where players are allowed to commit only 5 fouls in a game (6 in the NBA), handball players are allowed an unlimited number of faults, which are considered good defence and disruptive to the attacking teams rhythm. Goals are scored quite frequently; usually both teams score at least 20 goals each, and it is not uncommon for both teams to score more than 30 goals. This was not true in the earliest history of the game, when the scores were more akin to that of ice hockey[clarification needed]. But, as offensive play has improved since the late 1980s, particularly the use of counterattacks (fast breaks) after a failed attack from the other team, goal scoring has increased. Origins and development There are records of handball-like games in medieval France, and among the Inuit in Greenland, in the Middle Ages. By the 19th century, there existed similar games of hà ¥ndbold from Denmark, hà ¡zenà ¡ in the Czech Republic, hà ¡dzanà ¡ in Slovakia, gandbol in Ukraine, torball in Germany, as well as versions in Uruguay. The team handball game of today was formed by the end of the 19th century in northern Europe, primarily Denmark, Germany, Norway and Sweden. Holger Nielsen, a Danish gym teacher, drew up the rules for modern handball (hà ¥ndbold) in 1898 and published them in 1906, and Rasmus Nicolai Ernst, another Danish teacher, did something similar in 1897. Modern Handball is therefore widely considered a game of Danish origins. Another set of team Handball rules was published on 29 October 1917 by Max Heiser, Karl Schelenz, and Erich Konigh from Germany. After 1919 these rules were improved by Karl Schelenz. The first international games were played under these rules, between Germany and Belgium for men in 1925 and between Germany and Austria for women in 1930. In 1926, the Congress of the International Amateur Athletics Federation nominated a committee to draw up international rules for field handball. The International Amateur Handball Federation was formed in 1928, and the International Handball Federation was formed in 1946. Mens field handball was played at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. During the next several decades, indoor handball flourished and evolved in the Scandinavian countries. The sport re-emerged onto the world stage as team handball for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Womens team handball was added at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Due to its popularity in the region, the Eastern European countries that refined the event became the dominant force in the sport when it was reintroduced. The International Handball Federation organized the mens world championship in 1938 and every 4 (sometimes 3) years from World War II to 1995. Since the 1995 world championship in Iceland, the competition has been every two years. The womens world championship has been played since 1957. The IHF also organizes womens and mens junior world championships. By July 2009, the IHF listed 166 member federations approximately 795,000 teams and 19 million players. Rules Unless otherwise noted, the rules described are the official international rules[1] provided by the International Handball Federation (IHF). Summary The handball playing field is similar to an indoor soccer field. Two teams of seven players (six field players plus one goalkeeper) take the field and attempt to score points by putting the game ball into the opposing teams goal. In handling the ball, players are subject to the following restrictions: After receiving the ball, players can only hold the ball for three seconds before passing, dribbling (similar to a basketball dribble), or shooting. After receiving the ball, players can take up to three steps without dribbling. If players dribble, they may take an additional three steps. Players that stop dribbling have three seconds to pass or shoot. They may take three additional steps during this time. No players other than the defending goalkeeper are allowed within the goal line (within 6 meters of the goal). Goalkeepers are allowed outside this line. [edit] Playing field Handball is played on a court 40 by 20 metres (130 Ãâ€" 66 ft), with a goal in the center of each end. The goals are surrounded by a near-semicircular area, called the zone or the crease, defined by a line six meters from the goal. A dashed near-semicircular line nine meters from the goal marks the free-throw line. Each line on the court is part of the area it encompasses. This implies that the middle line belongs to both halves at the same time. Goals Each goal has a rectangular clearance area of three meters in the width and two meters in the height. It are be securely bolted either to the floor or the wall behind. The goal posts and the crossbar are be made out of the same material (e.g. wood or aluminium) and feature a quadratic cross section with a side of 8 cm (3 inches). The three sides of the beams visible from the playing field are be painted alternatingly in two contrasting colors which both have to contrast against the background. The colors on both goals are the same. Each goal has to feature a net. This are be fastened in such a way that a ball thrown into does not leave or pass the goal under normal circumstances. If necessary, a second net may be clasped to the back of the net on the inside. Goal perimeter The goals are surrounded by the crease. This area is delimited by two quarter circles with a radius of six meters around the far corners of each goal post and a connecting line parallel to the goal line. Only the defending goalkeeper is allowed inside this perimeter. However, the court players may catch and touch the ball in the air within it as long as the player starts his jump outside the zone and releases the ball before he lands (landing inside the perimeter is allowed in this case). If a player contacts the ground inside the goal perimeter he are take the most direct path out of it. However, should a player cross the zone in an attempt to gain an advantage (e.g. better position) his team cedes the ball. Similarly, violation of the zone by a defending player is only penalized if he does so to gain an advantage in defending. Substitution area Outside of one long edge of the playing field to both sides of the middle line are the substitution areas for each team. The areas usually contain the benches as seating opportunities. Team officials, substitutes and suspended players are wait within this area. The area always lies to the same side as the teams own goal. During half-time substitution areas are swapped. Any player entering or leaving the play are cross the substitution line which is part of the side line and extends 4.5 meters from the middle line to the teams side. Duration Team timeout. A standard match for all teams of 16 and older has two periods of 30 minutes with a 15 minute half-time. Teams switch sides of the court at halftime, as well as benches. For youths the game duration is: 2 x 25 minutes at ages 12 to 16. 2 x 20 minutes at ages 8 to 12. However, national federations of some countries may differ in their implementation from the official guidelines. If a decision are be reached in a particular match (e.g. in a tournament) and it ends in a draw after regular time, there are at maximum two overtimes of 2 x 5 minutes with a 1 minute break each. Should these not decide the game either, the winning team is determined in a penalty shootout (best-of-5 rounds; if still tied, extra rounds afterwards until won by one team). The referees may call timeout according to their sole discretion, typical reasons are injuries, suspensions or court cleaning. Penalty throws should only trigger a timeout for lengthy delays as a change of the goalkeeper. Each team may call one team timeout (TTO) per period which lasts one minute. This right may only be invoked by team in ball possession. To do so, the representative of the team lays a green card marked by black T on the desk of the timekeeper. The timekeeper then immediately interrupts the game by sounding an acoustic signal and stops the time. Referees A Handball match is led by two equal referees.Namely the goal line referee and the court referee. Some national bodies allow games with only a single referee in special cases like illness on short notice. Should the referees disagree on any occasion, a decision is made on mutual agreement during a short timeout, or, in case of punishments, the more severe of the two comes into effect. The referees are obliged to make their decisions on the basis of their observations of facts.[2] Their judgements are final and can only be appealed against if not in compliance with the rules. The referees (blue shirts) keep both teams between them. The referees position themselves in such a way that the team players are confined between them. They stand diagonally aligned so that each can observe one side line. Depending on their positions one is called field referee and the other goal referee. These positions automatically switch on ball turnover. They physically exchange their positions approximately every 10 minutes (long exchange) and change sides every 5 minutes (short exchange). The IHF defines 18 hand signals for quick visual communication with players and officials. The signal for warning or disqualification is accompanied by a yellow or red card, [3] respectively. The referees also use whistle blows to indicate infractions or restart the play. The referees are supported by a scorekeeper and a timekeeper who attend to formal things like keeping track of goals and suspensions or starting and stopping the clock, respectively. They also have an eye on the benches and notify the referees on substitution errors. Their desk is located in between both substitutions areas. Team players, substitutes and officials Each team consists of 7 players on court and up to 7 substitute players on the bench. One player on the court are be the designated goalkeeper differing in his or her clothing from the rest of the field players. Substitution of players can be done in any number and at any time during game play. An exchange takes place over the substitution line. A prior notification of the referees is not necessary. Some national bodies as the Deutscher Handball Bund (DHB, German Handball Federation) allow substitution in junior teams only when in ball possession or during timeouts. This restriction is intended to prevent early specialization of players to offense or defense. Field players Field players are allowed to touch the ball with any part of their bodies above and including the knee. As in several other team sports, a distinction is made between catching and dribbling. A player who is in possession of the ball may stand stationary for only three seconds and may only take three steps. They are then either shoot, pass or dribble the ball. At any time taking more than three steps is considered travelling and results in a turnover. A player may dribble as many times as he wants (though since passing is faster it is the preferred method of attack) as long as during each dribble his hand contacts only the top of the ball. Therefore basketball-style carrying is completely prohibited, and results in a turnover. After the dribble is picked up, the player has the right to another three seconds or three steps. The ball are then be passed or shot as further holding or dribbling will result in a double dribble turnover and a free throw for the other team. Other offensive infractions that result in a turnover include, charging, setting an illegal screen, or carrying the ball into the six meter zone. [edit] Goalkeeper Only the goalkeeper is allowed to move freely within the goal perimeter, although he may not cross the goal perimeter line while carrying or dribbling the ball. Within the zone, he is allowed to touch the ball with all parts of his body including his feet. The goalkeeper may participate in the normal play of his team mates. As he is then considered as normal field player, he is typically substituted for a regular field player if his team uses this scheme to outnumber the defending players. As this player becomes the designated goalkeeper on the court, he are wear some vest or bib to identify himself as such. If the goalkeeper deflects the ball over the outer goal line, his team stays in possession of the ball in contrast to other sports like football. The goalkeeper resumes the play with a throw from within the zone (goalkeeper throw). Passing to your own goalkeeper results in a turnover. Throwing the ball against the head of the goalkeeper when he is not moving is to be punished by disqualification (red card). Team officials Each team is allowed to have a maximum of four team officials seated on the benches. An official is anybody who is neither player nor substitute. One official are be the designated representative who is usually the team manager. The representative may call team timeout once every period and may address scorekeeper, timekeeper and referees. Other officials typically include physicians or managers. Neither official is allowed to enter the playing court without permission of the referees. Ball A size III handball. The ball is spherical and are either be made of leather or a synthetic material. It is not allowed to have a shiny or slippery surface. As it is intended to be operated by a single hand, the official sizes vary depending on age and gender of the participating teams. Size Resin product used to improve ball handling. Though not officially regulated, the ball is usually resinated. The resin improves the ability of the players to manipulate the ball with a single hand like spinning trick shots. Some indoor arenas prohibit the usage of resin since many products leave sticky stains on the floor. Awarded throws The referees may award a special throw to a team. This usually happens after certain events like scored goals, off-court balls, turnovers, timeouts, etc. All of these special throws require the thrower to obtain a certain position and pose restrictions on the positions of all other players. Sometimes the execution are wait for a whistle blow by the referee. Throw-off A throw-off takes place from the center of the court. The thrower are touch the middle line with one foot and all of the other players are be in the half of their team. The defending players are keep a distance of at least three meters to the thrower. A throw-off occurs at the begin of each period and after the opposing team scored a goal. It are be cleared by the referees. Modern Handball introduced the fast throw-off concept, i. e. the play will be immediately restarted by the referees as soon as the executing team fulfilles its requirements. Many teams leverage this rule to score easy goals before the opposition has time to form a stable defense line. Throw-in The team which did not touch the ball last is awarded a throw-in when the ball fully crosses the side line or touches the ceiling. If the ball crosses the outer goal line, a throw-in is only awarded if the defending field players touched the balls last. Execution requires the thrower to place one foot on the nearest outer line to the cause. All defending players are keep a distance of three meters. However, they are allowed to stand immediately outside their own goal area even when the distance is less. Goalkeeper-throw If ball crosses the outer goal line without interference from the defending team or when deflected by their goalkeeper, a goalkeeper-throw is awarded to the defending team. This is the most common turnover. The goalkeeper resumes the play with a throw from anywhere within his goal area. Free-throw A free-throw restarts the play after an interruption by the referees. It takes places from the spot where the interruption was caused as long as this spot is outside of the free-throw line of the opposing team. In the latter case the throw is deferred to the nearest spot on the free-throw line. Free-throws are the equivalent to free-kicks in association football. The thrower may take a direct attempt for a goal which is, however, not feasible if the defending team organized a defense. A 7-meter throw. 7-meter throw A 7-meter throw is awarded when a clear chance of scoring is illegally prevented anywhere on the court by a opposing team player, official or spectator. It is also awarded when the referees interrupted a legitimate scoring chance for any reason. The thrower steps with one foot behind the 7-meter line with only the defending goalkeeper between him and the goal. The goalkeeper are keep a distance of three meters which is marked by a short tick on the floor. All other players are remain behind the free-throw line until execution. The thrower are await the whistle blow of the referee. A 7-meter throw is the equivalent to a penalty kick in association football, it is, however, far more common and typically occurs several times in a single game. Penalties Yellow card shown in a handball match. Penalties are given to players, in progressive format, for fouls that require more punishment than just a free-throw. Actions directed mainly at the opponent and not the ball (such as reaching around, holding, pushing, hitting, tripping, or jumping into opponent) as well as contact from the side or from behind a player are all considered illegal and subject to penalty. Any infraction that prevents a clear scoring opportunity, will result in a seven-meter penalty shot. Typically the referee will give a warning yellow card for an illegal action, but if the contact was particularly dangerous the referee can forego the warning for an immediate two-minute suspension. A player can only get one warning before receiving a two minute suspension. One player is only permitted two 2-minute suspensions; third time he/she will be shown the red card. A red card results in an ejection from the game and a two minute penalty for the team. A player may receive a red card directly for particularly rough penalties. For instance any contact from behind during a fast break is now being treated with a red card. A red carded player has to leave the playing area completely. A player who is disqualified may be substituted with another player after the two minute penalty is served. A Coach/Official can also be penalized progressively. Any coach/official who receives a 2-minute suspension will have to pull out one of his players for two minutes note: the player is not the one punished and can be substituted in again, because the main penalty is the team playing with a man less than the other. After having lost the ball during an attack, the ball has to be laid down quickly or else the player not following this rule will face a 2-minute suspension. Also gesticulating or verbally questioning the referees order, as well as arguing with the officials decisions, will normally result in a 2-minute suspension. If it is done in a very provocative way, a player can be given a double 2-minute suspension if he/she does not walk straight off the field to the bench after being given a suspension, or if the referee deems the tempo deliberately slow. Illegal substitution, any substitution that does not take place in the specified substitution area or where the entering player enters before the exiting player exits is also punishable with a 2 minute suspension. Gameplay Formations Positions of attacking (red) and defending players (blue), in a 5-1 defense formation. (German captions) Players are typically referred to by the position they are playing. The positions are always denoted from the view of the respective goalkeeper, so that a defender on the right opposes an attacker on the left. However, not all of the following positions may be occupied depending on the formation or potential suspensions. Offense Left and right wingman. These typically excel at ball control and wide jumps from the outside of the goal perimeter to get into a better shooting angle at the goal. Teams usually try to occupy the left position with a right-handed player and vice versa. Left and right backcourt. Goal attempts by these players are typically made by jumping high and shooting over the defenders. Thus, it is usually advantageous to have tall players for these positions. Center backcourt. A player with experience is preferred on this position who acts as playmaker and the handball equivalent of a basketball point guard. Pivot (left and right, if applicable). This player tends to intermingle with the defense, setting picks and attempting to disrupt the defense formation. This positions requires the least jumping skills but ball control and physical strength are an advantage. Defense Far left and far right. The opponents of the wingmen. Half left and half right. The opponents of the left and right backcourts. Back center (left and right). Opponent of the pivot. Front center. Opponent of the center backcourt, may also be set against another specific backcourt player. Offensive play Attacks are played with all field players on the side of the defenders. Depending on the speed of the attack, one distinguishes between three attack waves with a decreasing chance of success: Womens Handball a jump shot completes a fastbreak. Mens Handball a jump shot (Kiril Lazarov, world record-holder for the number of goals scored in one World Championship) . First Wave First wave attacks are characterized by the absence of defending players around their goal perimeter. The chance of success is very high, as the throwing player is unhindered in his scoring attempt. Such attacks typically occur after an intercepted pass or a steal and if the defending team can switch fast to offense. The far left/far right will usually try to run the attack as they are not as tightly bound in the defense. On a turnover, they immediately sprint forward and receive the ball halfway to the other goal. Thus, these positions are commonly held by quick players.[citation needed] Second Wave If the first wave is not successful and some defending players gained their positions around the zone, the second wave comes into play: The remaining players advance with quick passes to locally outnumber the retreating defenders. If one player manages to step up to the perimeter or catches the ball at this spot he becomes unstoppable by legal defensive means. From this position the chance of success is naturally very high. Second wave attacks became much more important with the fast throw-off rule.[citation needed] Third Wave The time during which the second wave may be successful is very short, as then the defenders closed the gaps around the zone. In the third wave, the attackers use standardized attack patterns usually involving crossing and passing between the back court players who either try to pass the ball through a gap to their pivot, take a jumping shot from the backcourt at the goal, or lure the defense away from a wingman.[citation needed] The third wave evolves into the normal offensive play when all defenders reach not only the zone but gain their accustomed positions. Some teams then substitute specialized offense players. However, this implies that these players are play in the defense should the opposing team be able to switch quickly to offense. The latter is another benefit for fast playing teams.[citation needed] If the attacking team does not make sufficient progress (eventually releasing a shot on goal), the referees can call passive play (since about 1995, the referee gives a passive warning some time before the actual call by holding one hand up in the air, signaling that the attacking team should release a shot soon), turning control over to the other team. A shot on goal or an infringement leading to a yellow card or two minute penalty will mark the start of a new attack, causing the hand to be taken down, but a shot blocked by the defense or a normal free throw will not. If it were not for this rule, it would be easy for an attacking team to stall the game indefinitely, as it is difficult to intercept a pass without at the same time conceding dangerous openings towards the goal.[citation needed] [edit] Defensive play The usual formations of the defense are 6-0, when all the defense players line up between the 6 meter and 9 meter lines to form a wall; the 5-1, when one of the players cruises outside the 9 meter perimeter, usually targeting the center forwards while the other 5 line up on the six meter line; and the lesser common 4-2 when there are two such defenders out front. Very fast teams will also try a 3-3 formation which is close to a switching man-to-man style. The formations vary greatly from country to country and reflect each countrys style of play. 6-0 is sometimes known as flat defense, and all other formations are usually called offensive defense.[citation needed] Organization Handball teams are usually organized as clubs. On a national level, the clubs are associated in federations which organize matches in leagues and tournaments. International bodies The administrative and controlling body for international Handball is the International Handball Federation (IHF). The federation organizes world championships, separate for men and women, held in uneven years.[4] The final round is hosted in one of its member states. Current title holders are France (men)[5] and Russia (women).[6] The IHF is composed of five continental federations which organize continental championships held every other second year. In addition to these competitions between national teams, the federations arrange international tournaments between club teams.[7] The federations and their corresponding tournaments and members are summarized in the following table: International Handball Federation (IHF) Championship World Mens Handball Championship – World Womens Handball Championship Club Super Globe Members Asia – Asian Handball Federation (AHF) Championship Asian Womens Handball Championship – Asian Mens Handball Championship Club Asian Club League Handball Championship Members Afghanistan †¢ Bahrain †¢ Bangladesh †¢ China †¢ Chinese Taipei †¢ Hong Kong †¢ India †¢ Iran †¢ Iraq †¢ Japan †¢ Jordan †¢ Kazakhstan †¢ Kuwait †¢ Kyrgyzstan †¢ Lebanon †¢ Macau †¢ Malaysia †¢ Mongolia †¢ Nepal †¢ North Korea †¢ Oman †¢ Pakistan †¢ Palestinian Authority †¢ Philippines †¢ Qatar †¢ Saudi Arabia †¢ South Korea †¢ Syria †¢ Tajikistan †¢ Thailand †¢ Turkmenistan †¢ United Arab Emirates †¢ Uzbekistan †¢ Vietnam †¢ Yemen Africa – Confà ©dà ©ration Africaine de Handball (CAHB) Championship African Handball Nations Championship Club Champions League – Cup Winners Cup Members Algeria †¢ Angola †¢ Burundi †¢ Benin †¢ Cameroon †¢ Republic of Cape Verde †¢ Central African Republic †¢ Chad †¢ Comoros †¢ Congo †¢ Democratic Republic of the Congo †¢ Djibouti †¢ Egypt †¢ Ethiopia †¢ Gabon †¢ Gambia †¢ Ghana †¢ Guinea †¢ Guinea-Bissau †¢ Ivory Coast †¢ Kenya †¢ Lesotho †¢ Liberia †¢ Libya †¢ Madagascar †¢ Mali †¢ Mauritania †¢ Mauritius †¢ Morocco †¢ Mozambique †¢ Namibia †¢ Nigeria †¢ Niger †¢ Rwanda †¢ Senegal †¢ Seychelles †¢ Sierra Leone †¢ Somalia †¢ South Africa †¢ Sudan †¢ Tanzania †¢ Togo †¢ Tunisia †¢ Uganda †¢ Zambia †¢ Zimbabwe Pan-America – Pan-American Team Handball Federation (PATHF) Championship American Handball Championship Members Argentina †¢ Barbados †¢ Brazil †¢ Canada †¢ Chile †¢ Colombia †¢ Costa Rica †¢ Cuba †¢ Dominican Republic †¢ Ecuador †¢ El Salvador †¢ Greenland †¢ Guatemala †¢ Haiti †¢ Honduras †¢ Mexico †¢ Nicaragua †¢ Panama †¢ Paraguay †¢ Puerto Rico †¢ Trinidad and Tobago †¢ United States †¢ Uruguay †¢ Venezuela Oceania – Oceania Handball Federation (OHF) Championship Oceania Handball Nations Cup Club Oceania Champions Cup Members Australia †¢ Cook Islands †¢ New Zealand †¢ Samoa †¢ Vanuatu †¢ French Polynesia †¢ New Caledonia †¢ Wallis and Futuna Europe – European Handball Federation (EHF) Championship European Womens Handball Championship – European Mens Handball Championship Club Women Champions League †¢ Cup Winners Cup †¢ EHF Cup †¢ Challenge Cup †¢ Champions Trophy Men Champions League †¢ Cup Winners Cup †¢ EHF Cup †¢ Challenge Cup †¢ Champions Trophy Members Albania †¢ Armenia †¢ Austria †¢ Azerbaijan †¢ Belarus †¢ Belgium †¢ Bosnia and Herzegovina †¢ Bulgaria †¢ Croatia †¢ Cyprus †¢ Czech Republic †¢ Denmark †¢ England †¢ Estonia †¢ Faroe Islands †¢ Finland †¢ France †¢ Georgia †¢ Germany †¢ Greece †¢ Hungary †¢ Iceland †¢ Ireland †¢ Israel †¢ Italy †¢ Latvia †¢ Liechtenstein †¢ Lithuania †¢ Luxembourg †¢ Macedonia †¢ Malta †¢ Moldova †¢ Monaco †¢ Montenegro †¢ Netherlands †¢ Norway †¢ Poland †¢ Portugal †¢ Romania †¢ Russia †¢ Scotland †¢ Serbia †¢ Slovakia †¢ Slovenia †¢ Spain †¢ Sweden †¢ Switzerland †¢ Turkey †¢ Ukraine †¢ Great Britain †¢ Kosovo Handball is an olympic sport played during the Summer Olympics.[8] It is also played during the Pan American Games,[9] All-Africa Games,[10] an d Asian Games.[8] National competitions Bosnia and Herzegovina: Handball Championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina Croatia: Croatian First League of Handball Czech : Zubr extraliga Denmark: GuldBageren Ligaen, Jack Jones Ligaen France: Ligue Nationale de Handball Germany: Handball-Bundesliga Greece: Greek Mens handball championship Hungary: Nemzeti Bajnoksà ¡g I (men), Nemzeti Bajnoksà ¡g I (women) Iceland: N1 deildin Montenegro: First League (men), First League (women), Second League (women) Poland: Polish Ekstraklasa Mens Handball League, Polish Ekstraklasa Womens Handball League Portugal: Liga Portuguesa de Andebol, Divisà £o de Elite Romania: Liga NaÃ… £ionalÄÆ' (men), Liga NaÃ… £ionalÄÆ' (women) Scotland: Scottish Handball League Serbia: Serbian First League of Handball Slovakia: Slovenskà ¡ hadzanà ¡rska extraliga Slovenia: Slovenian First League of Handball, Handball Cup of Slovenia Spain: Liga ASOBAL, Divisià ³n de Plata de Balonmano Sweden: Elitserien Turkey: Turkish Handball Super League United States: U.S. intercollegiate handball championships Commemorative coins Handball commemorative coin Handball events have been selected as a main motif in numerous collectors coins. One of the recent samples is the â‚ ¬10 Greek Handball commemorative coin, minted in 2003 to commemorate the 2004 Summer Olympics. On the coin, the modern athlete directs the ball in his hands towards his target, while in the background the ancient athlete is just about to throw a ball, in a game known as cheirosphaira, in a representation taken from a black-figure pottery vase of the Archaic period. References : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_handball

The Wicked Character Medea in Euripides Medea Essay -- Euripides Mede

The Wicked Character Medea in Euripides' Medea The character Medea is disliked by many that read Euripides' Medea. She is not really given much of a chance. It is difficult to read the tragedy without having negative feelings towards the main character. Some readers are content to just hate Medea, while others want to know what would compel a mother to come to be able to commit these crimes. Sara Warner writes, "Transgression must be built into any system in order for it to survive. For example, patriarchy, for lack of a better word, could not and would not exist if it simply operated on the brutal oppression and domination of the female sex" (Warner p. 159). Transgression is defined as an act, process, or instance of transgressing: as an infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty by Merriam-Webster. Roget's II The New Thesaurus says transgression is a wicked act. Medea's transgressions were all wicked acts. From tricking Pelias' daughters to murder their own father to killing her own children, Medea committed many crim es. Of course there are many other offenses in thi... The Wicked Character Medea in Euripides' Medea Essay -- Euripides Mede The Wicked Character Medea in Euripides' Medea The character Medea is disliked by many that read Euripides' Medea. She is not really given much of a chance. It is difficult to read the tragedy without having negative feelings towards the main character. Some readers are content to just hate Medea, while others want to know what would compel a mother to come to be able to commit these crimes. Sara Warner writes, "Transgression must be built into any system in order for it to survive. For example, patriarchy, for lack of a better word, could not and would not exist if it simply operated on the brutal oppression and domination of the female sex" (Warner p. 159). Transgression is defined as an act, process, or instance of transgressing: as an infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty by Merriam-Webster. Roget's II The New Thesaurus says transgression is a wicked act. Medea's transgressions were all wicked acts. From tricking Pelias' daughters to murder their own father to killing her own children, Medea committed many crim es. Of course there are many other offenses in thi...

A day in the Life of Arab

In the summer months of 1985 I was in Beirut, Lebanon on a two months vacation where I met some good people. Ahmed is a grade school teacher in Beirut and I meet him barely one week after I arrived in Beirut, when I was hanging around, pondering about the historical significance of Mount Hermon as it was mentioned in the Biblical history.He lives in the outskirt of Beirut a few blocks from where I am living and he has a deep knowledge of the Lebanese history and culture. One time, I ask Ahmed about what he thinks of Israel, as the Biblical text seemed to point out to Israel as God’s favored nation. Ahmed would usually flare-up when the issue concerns Israel.As I read on some of their historical literature I have learned that despite of the relative wealth of Lebanon, its leaders were divided into three main groups on some national issues.The first group wanted Lebanon to be part of France, while the second group called for the integration of Lebanon with in the framework of Ar ab unity, and the third wanted independence of Lebanon from France. As I was analyzing the political situation in Lebanon during this time, I realized that it was the spirit of Arab nationalism that had prevailed, as most of the Lebanese believed Lebanon is an inseparable part of the world. I noticed that most Lebanese are devout Arab nationalist and their cultures were distinctly in the context of the Arab world. One of its writers even wrote that Lebanon was culturally influenced by the Mediterranean and by the ancient people that inhabited this basin.  As I go around the cities, faces of western influences were evident in most cities through the many facades particularly in the main cities. The Arab traditional lifestyle which revolves firmly around the family, socializing, and hospitality were exactly the case in most families, although those living outside the city especially in the remote areas, retained their old customs and tradition. As I had observed, Lebanese people are generally literate and Lebanon has one of the most technically prepared, and educated populations in the Middle East.In matters of food and drinks, most of Lebanese cuisines were a combination of the European cuisine and the eastern spicy. The Lebanese traditional dishes still exist in many places, which are simple preparations, using grains, pulses and vegetable and fruit. A Typical Lebanese meal on the other hand is the mezze.This is a thorough spread of forty or fifty hors d’oeuvres or simply a salad bowl. However, unlike in other Arabian countries, Lebanese people were the most frequently disturbed people by war, by invasion and annexation of different countries surrounding her. Lebanon at one time was under French government and at some other period was invaded by Syria and Israel. Despite of those troubling wars, and internal chaos, the Lebanese people was thriving economically.In my observation however, despite that this country is an Arab state many of its inhabitant s are Christians and at some times was governed by a Maronite Christian but was assassinated in February 2005. As I analyzed the social and cultural life of the Lebanese society I found out that the root of internal chaos in Lebanon was, there is an unresolved character of the Lebanese national culture.Was the character of the Lebanese society Arab and Muslim in orientation or Christian and Western? There are several strong communities competing to gain control of power in Lebanon such as the Maronites, Christians, the Nusayris, the Antioch Turks, and Bedouin, which reveals the multi-culturism of the Lebanese society that in my view, this multiculturalism should be clearly understood by its people in order for them to gain peace within, and in international relations.ReferenceLebanonhttp://www.arab.net/lebanon/

Blue Nile Essay

Question 1. What are some key factors in diamond retailing? How do Blue Nile, Zales, and Tiffany compare on those dimensions? All the companies involved in the diamond market want to have a big share of that market. And, the bigger the share, the company makes bigger revenue. It is very interesting that all three companies (even though they are in the same ‘business’) have different approaches in ‘taking market share’. An important fact is that the companies have a different clientele. The market population is different. The first 2 paragraphs of the case study state a common concern in any industry: do you reduce prices in order to compete with the competition? [research is needed to see and predict the implications of discounts] 2008 is a good year to analyze the situation from all aspects (and to see how our three companies handled the ‘meltdown’). â€Å"As customers tightened their belts and cut back on discretionary spending, high-cost purchases such as diamond jewelry were often the first to be postponed.† Responses are needed. Adjustments are needed. We can segregate the industry in two parts: wholesale and retail sales. Moreover, the price, selection and customization of services are other dimensions that differentiate the companies. Blue Nile – internet base Zales – mall based kiosks (teenagers); working-class mall shoppers; fancier locations (upscale market) Tiffany – high-end products Blue Nile has an advantage due to lower ‘location’ costs. These funds (that would be placed for renting space) can be allocated to additional inventory. This would in turn signify that the company would have a higher selection. Also, having lower markup percentages lowers the price of the diamonds. Moreover, when purchasing from Blue Nile (besides having a low-pressure selling approach), you are also not buying a name/brand (in comparison with buying from Tiffany). It must also be noted that Tiffany started its business in 1837; Zales in 1924; and, Blue Nile in 1999. This history (and all the aspects that the latter comes with) provides different advantages (competitive, brand, customers, types of customers†¦.) [A greater description of the manner in which the three companies are different and differentiate each other is provided in the answers to the following questions] Question 2. What do you think of the fact that Blue Nile carries over 30,000 stones priced at $2,500 or higher while almost 60 % of the products sold from the Tiffany Web site are priced at around $200? Which of the two product categories is better suited to the strengths of the online channel? It must be taken in consideration that Blue Nile is an internet based business. It has not choice but to provide its high priced items on the internet. In comparison, Tiffany also provides a shopping (in store) experience (something that Blue Nile does not have). In order to increase its market share, Tiffany provides lower priced items on the internet. It is true that the client does not have the in-shop experience, but he/she is buying a Tiffany item. [More information is needed, but it is my assumption that Tiffany is focusing a lot on the in-store experience] Which of the two product categories is better suited to the strengths of the online channel? It depends. Blue Nile is only on online. Hence, it has no choice but to increase all the aspects/strengths of online purchasing. The Tiffany’s online ‘department’ is only a small aspect of the company’s business. Even if a customer does not want to have (to purchase) the in-store Tiffany experience, he/she still has the possibility of having a Tiffany item. [These type of customers are not the ‘regular’ ones. Personally, if I do not have the money – purchase as well as travel – and I would like to buy my lady ‘something special’, I would do an internet Tiffany purchase. My lady would be happy (impressed and grateful)†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..because it is Tiffany.] Question 3. Given that Tiffany stores have thrived with their focus on selling high-end jewelry, what do you think of the failure of Zales with its upscale strategy in 2006? New market, new challenges. One important aspect (from the perspective of the customer) is the brand association. Zales already had a name made for itself: working-class clientele and teenagers (â€Å"lower-end reputation†). Once the brand is made, it is very hard to change the perception of it. A lot of energy, time and money need to be allocated in order to change the nature of the brand. Tiffany already had a brand that was associated with high-end jewelry. Tiffany did not need to change its brand (or the perception of it). In order to ‘fix’ the problem, the transition to promotional retailer (discounting inventory), Zales lost a considerable amount. Even though in the long run the fix was beneficial, it was an answer to a problem that the company should not have. Another problem that Zales had was that deliveries were not on time. Question 4. What do you think of Tiffany’s decision to open smaller retail outlets, focusing on high-end products, to reach smaller affluent area in the United States? I believe that this move was beneficial for Tiffany. Having a strong brand, a world known brand, people know what to expect from the company. If a potential client wanted to have the Tiffany experience, the former was able to have it. It is true that the selection was not the same as in the company’s flag store. However, having also the catalog, the smaller retail outlets could very easily have access to the entire inventory. What the clients wants, this is what he/she will have. Also, as stated before, the Tiffany experience is essential to Tiffany’s business. Therefore, having more stores (even though the inventory is not ‘full’) (potential) clients may be drawn to come in and make a purchase. Question 5. Which of the three companies do you think was best structured to deal with the downturn in 2009? Tiffany. The market sector was appropriate for it (high-end). As the case study states: â€Å"As customers tightened their belts and cut back on discretionary spending, high-cost purchases such as diamond jewelry were often the first to be postponed.† However, this is applicable to lower-income customers. The lower the income, the higher the chance that a client would not spend on jewelry. Even though the 2009 downturn affected everyone, the priorities of lower income customers shifted drastically. The higher income customers, (I am making the assumption), were not affected as much. Therefore, instead of buying a 10,000$ ring/bracelet/etc, they could afford a 5,000$ purchase. Moreover, Tiffany had also its own manufacturing facilities. If the rough diamonds (after process) did not meet the desired standards, they were sold to third parties, ensuring additional revenue for the company. Question 6. What advice would you give to each of the three companies regarding their strategy and structure? All three companies were affected by the economic crisis. This is normal. They have to wait for the economic come-back. As stated in the answer of the first question, the three companies have different clientele, different products and different customer experience. Blue Nile I was very impressed by how Blue Nile handled the 1.5 million purchase. Having an internet base company, it reduces certain costs. The 30 days money back guarantee is essential in order to gain (and attract) customers. The lower marked-ups also contribute to lower prices for the clients (thus, attracting even more). Blue Nile brand is already established. It should not have any strategy that could influence negatively the name that it made for itself. Zales Due to its type of customers (lower and middle class), and to the economic problems, Zales has the most to ‘loose’. Moreover, its transit strategy was not appropriate (the reasons were explained earlier). There was a commercial that stated â€Å"Don’t change horses in mid-stream.† Even though adaptability to the environment is crucial in today’s economic system, not knowing how to adapt, and change just for the sake of change, can be (and in Zales’ case was) very destructive. The Zales’ brand was already established. Changing the products without hard work to change the brand, the company will loose ‘face’; clients are disoriented. Tiffany The company is well established. The band is strong. People associate with the brand. They take pride saying that they purchase from Tiffany’s or have goods from Tiffany’s (this is one of the most important aspects). The (majority of the) clientele is more well-off (in comparison with that of the other companies). When buying from Tiffany, a customer does not only buy a good; he/she also buys the experience and the brand. Tiffany should also include higher-end items on their website. However, extensive research on this must be done. The company does not want to ‘dilute’ its brand by providing internet orders. If the brand is not touched by this strategy, then Tiffany should go through with it (by incremental increase of item provided on the internet). All three companies should have a catalog, an internet site (that can receive orders), provide from time to time discounts. Yet, for any strategy (whatever it may be), the specific company should do extensive research in order to calculate the different impacts that a (potential) strategy might have on the company.

Cadbury Marketing Assignment Essays

Cadbury Marketing Assignment Essays Cadbury Marketing Assignment Essay Cadbury Marketing Assignment Essay Essay Topic: Marketing In this assignment, I am trying to discover what a suitable product is for Cadbury to sell to children which are 14 16 years old. The product would have to be a chocolate bar. I have to discover what type of chocolate bar should Cadbury produce and other information which is needed. The method which I used to find out the following information was to first find out what information needed to be discovered. Then I designed a questionnaire to find out most of this information which was required. I wrote down my questionnaire results which I got from questioning twenty 14 16 year old children. I questioned children between aged 14 16 years because this is the age group at which the product is aimed at. I wrote the results down in a data collection sheet which I made for the questionnaire. I then made another questionnaire which was smaller, to discover some more information which needed to be discovered. During this investigation, I have discovered many things about what the product should be like, what the price should the chocolate bar be, how it should be advertised, where it should be sold, what kind of packaging should the chocolate bar have and what type of chocolates do children aged between 14 and 16 years like. The product itself is a chocolate bar. This chocolate bar is aimed at children aged between 14 and 16 years. From my research which I have conducted, I have discovered that children in this age group prefer to eat milk chocolate rather than white or dark chocolate as thirteen out of twenty children preferred milk chocolate. I have also discovered from my questionnaires, that children in this age group like to eat chocolate which has nothing within it. From my second questionnaire, I discovered that the chocolate should be soft and not hard. It should also have a flaky texture and should melt in your mouth. This is also how I came across the name of this product- Dairy Milk Crumbly. I think this name describes the product well and is also a well known and trusted name which from my research is also one of the most favourite brand names in the UK. The price I have set for this product is 45p. This price has been selected after doing two questionnaires. In my first questionnaire I asked about what the 14 16 year olds think the price should be and I also asked this in the second questionnaire. The difference was, that in the second questionnaire, I used relatively smaller price groups to choose from. This price is also similar to prices of other chocolate bars sold in shops. Selling the product at 45p would make a good profit, as it only costs 8-10p to make one bar. From my research, I have also found out how the product should be advertised. From my first questionnaire, I discovered that a child is more likely to find out about a new chocolate bar from the internet. I discovered from my results of the second questionnaire that an overwhelming majority of children within the age group accesses the internet at least 3 days a week, and half access the internet at least five days a week. Using the internet to advertise is very advantageous to Cadbury as they sell their products worldwide. The internet is also worldwide and the adverts would be able reach a large number of children. For their secondary means of advertisement, I suggest that Cadbury use television advertising. But this method of advertising can be disadvantageous as many people do not watch the adverts on TV as they may go to make a drink or get some food. The chocolate bar should be sold in newsagents, supermarkets and to leisure centres. I have also identified a mistake made earlier which is that I asked where someone would go to buy a bar of chocolate. The mistake was that I asked only about buying chocolates singularly but I have now realised that more chocolates are bought from supermarkets as many people buy multi packs of chocolates. The packaging of the chocolate should be brightly coloured as this attracts more people to look at the chocolate when they enter a shop. As they are attracted to the chocolate as they enter, they are more likely to be tempted to buy the chocolate bar. Also the packaging has to be kept airtight to protect the chocolate. The packaging also has to contain information on the weight of the product, its nutritional value, its ingredients and has to separately name the ingredients which may cause allergic reactions.

Injustice essays

Injustice essays Injustice comes in many forms. Some are blatantly obvious. Others, well others are somewhat subtle. They approach with the caution of a cat stalking a bird, waiting for the exact moment when all else around but the two fade into obscurity. Precisely at this moment, when all is right with the world for one, all is lost for the same. As I sat alone on the edge of the pew, I realized I wasn't. There, all around me were family, friends, and several people of whom I had only heard. Until that moment, I was frozen. Fixated on the flowers that lay on the coffin. Everything else in the world was gone. All the times he fell asleep in his chair, when I would hold his nose to make him wake up. All the baseball games we watched together. The trip to Yankee Stadium in his later years, the only time I ever saw him cry. All the times we went to the grocery store and I came back with nothing but candy. The hours we would walk the halls together when he couldn't sleep. Even the recent late nights when he was tied to a hospital bed, begging me to undo the straps so he could go home. I knew all of this. But for one brief moment, I didn't. My grandfather and grandmother had a strong relationship. He loved her and she loved him. Nothing was ever seriously wrong. They fought, as did all couples, but it never lasted long. Things were always resolved within a small amount of time. Usually due to the fact that my grandfather would admit wrongdoing and accept whatever blame and consequence that arose. She was not perfect. He wasn't either. But together, they worked. As I look back on the two of them, I can't help but ponder the reason they worked. They were not exactly alike. He was a carpenter. She at one time went to school to become a nurse. He would work long hours at the plant. She would attend social events in the neighborhood. He was never content to sit down for long. She would sit and watch game shows all day. He made a good living f ...