Monday, February 24, 2020

Reasons behind the variations in primary commodity prices Essay

Reasons behind the variations in primary commodity prices - Essay Example As noted by Donald(5), although there has been a gradual downward trend in the prices of real commodity in the last decade, this has little policy concern since it is insignificant and ruled by the price variability. The volatility has had more effects; it has made a policy change to changes in primary commodities more complicated for both consumers and producers (Lichts. pp. 34). United States joined the league of ethanol producers in the year 2005. The ethanol production increased significantly. According to the Lichts (pp. 36) ethanol production in US was estimated to be 52.6 billion liters in 2011which was an increase from 49.2 billion liters in 2010 and up from 6.17 billion 2000. The statistics show how the US has grown to be a major producer of ethanol. In fact, United States and Brazil accounted for 87.1 % of the world ethanol production in 2011. The fact that ethanol meets renewable energy needs makes it a popular commodity in both countries (Association pp. 10). Ethanol production has been projected to continue to grow significantly over the subsequent years. This followed a policy by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 which required US to have at least 36 billion of renewable energy by 2022. There are two major sources of ethanol in US: the corn and the cellulosic feedstocks ranging at 15 % and 16 % respectively. Historically, most of the ethanol produced in the US has been produced from corn (Micola pp28). Despite the success of ethanol as alternative energy source, there has been a concern about its source that is mainly corn. In the effort to increase ethanol production, a large tract of arable land has been converted to corn farming denying other farming activities an opportunity. Besides, corn production has had a big impact on the production and supply of the grains affecting even international prices. According g to the statistics, the prices of primary commodities have verified over

Saturday, February 8, 2020

New age religion and the body mind and spirit connection related to Research Paper

New age religion and the body mind and spirit connection related to traditional medicine - Research Paper Example It promotes traditional medicine from different cultures, religions and beliefs found everywhere in the world. It can also be viewed as holistic healing of illnesses and diseases (Puttick 129). According to Puttick (p. 129) New Age religion comprises of new religious movements, groups and individuals. Their main concern is personal development and spirituality. They share core beliefs and values but they do not have governing council nor leader and even a central organisation or church. New Age movement is said to be started in the Garden of Eden, wherein the serpent told Eve to eat the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:4-5). They share their beliefs, experiences and spiritual journeys through published books and articles. Some of the principles and practices they share are Yoga, Near Death Experiences, Astrology, Aura, Black and White Magic, Psychic, Reincarnation, Tai Chi, Taoism, and Tarot Cards among others (Cornell University Website 72.). The beliefs and principles of New Age religion are so vast it covers almost all the areas in human life as well as the environment. Their beliefs and principles are contradictory with each other, however, there is no right, wrong and rules. Pe ople who are involve in this religion practices what they want and believe what principles they want to believe. It has great impact on society, culture, politics, music, business, science and medicine. It is already widespread that people practicing or doing these beliefs and principles without noticing it. Some of the principles, beliefs and teachings of New Age religion involve conceptualization of mind, body and spirit as a whole and promotes wellness to mind, body and spirit as well as the power of mind. One of the principles of the New Age religion believes that the mind body and spirit are interconnected. They treat the three elements into one or what they call wholeness. â€Å"The mind and body are increasingly considered to be single