Rob Blagojevich Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Rob Blagojevich - Research Paper Example In the end, the governor received 14 years in prison, of which he will have to serve 12 years. Since this was one of the longest prison sentences on record for a public official, the message in this case is that corruption will end in prison. Introduction Rod Blagojevich was an Illinois Governor who was probably one of the most, if not the most, corrupt politicians of all time. This governor was involved in several â€Å"pay to play† schemes, which means that he would only give political favors if he received something in return, mainly campaign contributions. He was wiretapped by the FBI, and was heard on tape discussing these schemes. They include a corrupt deal involving a tollway, a horse racing track and a children's hospital. He also was caught attempting to extort the editors at The Chicago Tribune, stating that, if they did not fire certain editors and start giving him favorable press coverage, he would block the sale of Wrigley Field, which was a deal that the Tribune was attempting to make. The most egregious example of corruption, however, and this example made him nationally famous, is the deal regarding the vacant senate seat of Barack Obama. The governor was caught on tape attempting to sell this seat for political favors for him and his wife, or, in the alternative, substantial campaign contributions. The government brought charges against him with regards to these incidents, in the case of The United States of America v. Rod R. Blagojevich and John Harris, AO 91 (Rev 5/85). The final trial where the governor was convicted of 17 charges of corruption was in May and June of 2011, with the sentencing of 14 years occurring in December of that same year. In the end, the message to not only Blagojevich, but to corrupt individuals everywhere, is simple – if you engage in corruption, then you will pay. The Events The events that eventually led Rod Blagojevich into prison were long-standing and wide-reaching. Indeed, he was probably one of the most corrupt politicians in the history of politics. The summary of what Blagojevich was involved in can be stated in the words â€Å"pay to play.† In other words, Rod was shaking down multiple players in efforts to enrich himself as governor. The tollway project was $1.8 billion, and Governor Blagojevich was privately seeking the person to benefit from this contract to contribute $100,000 to Blagojevich’s campaign (Justice Department Briefing on Blagojevich Investigation). Other examples include a shakedown involving Children's Memorial Hospital. The governor awarded $8 million funding for this project, and was privately asking the CEO of that hospital to make a $50,000 contribution to him. When the contribution was not forthcoming, the governor was intercepted by the government on the telephone, asking that the funding for the hospital be rescinded. A 2007 horseracing scandal was also included in the 76 page complaint against the governor. In this case, the gover nor had a bill on his desk that would divert money from casinos in the state and put this money into horseracing tracks. A phone interception showed that the governor was seeking $100,000 from an individual who was working with the person who was attempting to get the bill passed. The governor further stated to this individual, and this was also intercepted by the

Globalization processes Essay Example for Free

Globalization processes Essay Globalization had brought different effects to the society. It had changed that world and how the world processes. Different states join together in creating a better world for humanity. Different businesses establish parts of their business in different parts of the planet in order to provide work for the underdeveloped or developing nations. Most of these nations profit from the globalization processes of the world because this is the way in which they acquire profit. Having a Multi-national Corporation (MNC) invest in one of those nations provides good opportunity not only for the government but also the people. Among the entities involved in the process of globalization, the people are said to profit most for the reason that they are given opportunities and jobs for their family. However in another perspective, the MNCs could be seen as the most profitable entity in the aspect of globalization. It is known to many that the labor pay for the people of the developed and underdeveloped nations are lower than the average labor wage of developed nations. Through investing in different developed and under developed nations, the MNCs are able to save more profit than they usually have. Within the process of expansion of these MNCs one of the most affected individuals are the women. Most underdeveloped and developing nations provide less labor pay for the women in comparison to men. Although now a days gender equality had been slowly implemented, most of these countries still adhere to their conservative perspective that men and women should not be treated or provided equal treatment. One good example is Bangladesh in which hosts different garment factories in the country (Sachs, 2004). It is known that the work of sewing is immediately associated with women. Therefore, they need women workers to be able to do the work on the garments. Most of the brands being produced by women are â€Å"GAP, Polo, Yves Saint Laurent, Wal-Mart JC-Penny and others† (Sachs, 2004). In support to the issue mentioned by Jeffrey Sachs (2005) in his book â€Å"The End of Poverty† other articles also stated the same concern in which Sachs had mentioned. Most corporations prefer having their businesses moved to underdeveloped or developing nations due to the factor of culture and specifically, â€Å"feminine† traits. It is said. In the written work of Thrift (1989) and Taylor (1992) it is specifically stated that Malay women are one of the races in which they prefer in working with some of their products, â€Å"fast fingers, fine eyes sight, the passivity to withstand low-skilled, unstimulating work are said to be biological attributes to be unique to ‘oriental’ women (Thrift and Taylor p. 134). In addition, a Chinese engineer stated that, â€Å"Our work is designed for females†¦ if we employ men, within two or three months they’d run away†¦ Girls under thirty are easier to train and easier to adapt to the job function† (Thrift and Taylor p. 134). Evidently, the MNC’s prefer women in comparison to men due to the personalities that they have. MNCs know that they cannot treat men like they could treat women therefore, making women the main target of these corporations. In the context of the cost of labor, most MNC’s prefer women because they are given less compensation compared to men. In countries such as Malaysia, men have provided higher salaries therefore making them less of a priority to be hired. It is also believed by most MNC’s that unschooled women in Malaysia could only use some training and after a while they will be more efficient to work in factories (Ong, 1987). This context is very degrading for men. Men are not preferred due to their nature and personality. In another side, women are more empowered because they are preferred by most companies. They are able to provide for their family’s needs without being dependent on men. But if seen in a cultural perspective, become the breadwinner of the family. Although it brings positive outcome for women, the changes in structure of the society will be present and slowly evident (Sachs, 2004). With these types of situation one may ask, how do these situations come about? Such situations become evident to the society of underdeveloped and developing countries due to their need to uplift the situation of their economy. Most of these nations are indebt with developed countries, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) or the (WB) World Bank. If one could recall, there had become a debt crisis during the 1980’s in which made many nations indebt to different monetary organization to be able to survive (Sachs and Collins, 1989). Until this very day, many nations are still struggling to create answered to the decade long debt that they have. One of the answers they have seen is Foreign Direct Investments (FDI). In this type of solution, the underdeveloped and developing nations call upon the developed states to invest business in their countries. These developing and underdeveloped countries create way in which they could invite foreign investors in their country. Few of those schemes are the free trade zones and their women workers. With this situation, most of the MNCs take advantage of the tax-free situations and the subsidies given by the host government (Arregui and Baez, 1991). With the studies done by Arregui and Baez, they stated that women workers is also one of the reasons in which transnational companies decided to invest in the specific underdeveloped or developing countries. In addition, it is also stated that in the history of the world, most women are given low compensation (Arregui and Baez, 1991). Most of the time, these women are the most vulnerable and exploited workers because they have no choice but to agree upon the compensation given to them. Although Thrift and Taylor indicated that the skills needed are less compared to other works, Arregui and Baez firmly stated that the internalization of work currently requires more skills than before. With their view of the gender aspects of men and women, the authors have identified that having higher wages for men is very important in order to provide for their family. (Arregui and Baez, 1991)Such situation must be taken into consideration given that men, in the norms of the society are immediately entitled to provide for his family. Women on the other hand are not required to do so because of their responsibilities in the home. In context, having high salary for men is positive while women having high salary imply negativity. Sachs also adheres to this type of idea. He stated that the relationship of the family members becomes different. If the women are given high salary, the men would immediately be regarded to take care of the children compared to the usual. There is a great tendency that the women would be working for the family while the men will work at home and handle the children (Sachs, 2004). However, the current economic situations of the families in the underdeveloped and developing countries are in need to have a better economic lifestyle than what they have at present. The current lifestyle of families is that the mother and the father work for their children but then the lack of emotional attachment becomes an issue. In Sachs’ opinion, such problem does not only affect the gender responsibilities of men and women but also the welfare of the next generation.

McDonalds environment analysis for hospitality

McDonalds environment analysis for hospitality INTRODUCTION As per British Hospitality Association, hospitality is UK’s 4th largest industry which employs 2.7 million people in the UK and accounted for 27.7% of total job growth in the UK. Importance of this industry to the UK’s economy can never be overemphasised. In recent past the UK’s economy has faced radical changes which led the organisation to adapt and change in order to survive and grow. The aim of this research is to analyse the impact of business environment on the success of an organisation chosen from this ever growing Hospitality and Tourism industry. The study choses McDonald corporation which is a key food service retailer. McDonalds serves over 69 million customers in over 100 countries through its 36000 locations. The organisation stepped in the UK market in 1974 and has more than 1200 restaurants across the UK. References: http://www.bha.org.uk/ http://news.mcdonalds.com/Corporate/Press-Releases/Financial-Release?xmlreleaseid=123062 1.2 FACTORS AFFECTING AN ORGANISATION: INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENVIORNMENTAL FACTORS As per www.study.com there are a number of events and situations that impact an organisation and they can be classified into: internal environmental factors and external environmental factors (referred to as IEF and EEF hereafter). Few examples of IEF would be changes in the management, cultural changes and employee morale changes etc. Similarly few examples of EEF will be industry regulations, economic and political factors, government regulations etc. References: http://study.com/academy/lesson/internal-and-external-environments-of-business-lesson-quiz.html 1.2.1 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENVIORNMENTAL FACTORS IN THE CASE OF MCDONALDS: As per Campden BRI which is a food and drink research firm, there are six challenges that this industry will face in 2012 and beyond. The Campden report broadly classifies these factors as Manufacturing challenges Innovation Food Drink and the Consumer Safety Knowledge The tables below classifies the Campden BRI’s six factors as IEF and EEF applied in the case of McDonalds. Source: http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Supply-Chain/Campden-BRI-s-six-food-industry-challenges 1.2.2 ANALYSING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL ENVIORNMENTAL FACTORS IN CASE OF MCDONALDS This section tries to analyse various IEF and EEF based on 1.2.2.1 RAW MATERIAL CHALLENGES/SUPPLIERS- AN EXTERNAL ENVIORNMENTAL FACTOR The foremost supporters for McDonalds are their supplier as they are the one of the largest company to supply burgers in the US. Customer’s reputation is highlighted through maintained system of service, quality and cleanliness in every aspect. They have also met or exceed USDA standards that are strictest in the food industry. The public supporters are in general multiple support clubs and with respect to customer group represents multi fan sites and blogs. 1.2.2.2 MANUFACTURING CHALLENGES / AN INTERNAL ENVIROMENT FACTOR Analysing the business environment will attempt to demonstrate the complexity of issues arise with the organisation. They have developed network operation and distribution system. The company has been able to achieve consistent product taste. Their focus is on delivery sales and protecting its life time reputation. McDonalds has also done culture adaption to consider vegetarian options for their all universal food branch. 1.2.2.3 INNOVATION / AN INTERNAL ENVIROMENT FACTOR The innovation will increase both product quality and longevity. 1.2.2.4 FOOD, DRINK AND THE CONSUMER / McDonald’s had maintained the quite low bargaining power of buyers. They are very low risk of switching customers into other brands. There was quite stagnant image among the customers through quality of differentiation, customer care and other promotions. 1.2.2.5 SAFETY / REGULATORY AND STATUTORY COMPLIANCE 1.2.2.6: KNOWLEDGE / 1.2.2.7 EXPANSION/ NEW GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET A number of key internal and external environmental factors constitute the elements of long term sustainable growth plan and it will not be wrong to say that the geographical diversification is vital element to fuel growth. As per the company’s corporate website: â€Å"We believe these priorities align with our customers evolving needs, and combined with our competitive advantages of convenience, menu variety, geographic diversification and System alignment will drive long-term sustainable growth.† Looking into the recent trends it can be said that McDonald’s growth is fuelled by its franchise business. As per the company’s official website â€Å"We view ourselves primarily as a franchisor and believe franchising is important to delivering great customer experiences and driving profitability. At year-end 2014, more than 80% of McDonald’s restaurants were franchised. SOURCE: http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/investors/company_profile.html http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/investors/company_profile.html References: http://www.bha.org.uk/ http://news.mcdonalds.com/Corporate/Press-Releases/Financial-Release?xmlreleaseid=123062 http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/Aboutus/Franchising.html Competitive advantage http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/Aboutus/Development/Locations_and_contacts.html McDonald is very open about its grown plans. On the official website the company has posted geographical regions for its intended growth region and invites the public to propose a development site. The study feel that by using this approach McDonalds is making an effective use of public information by providing an open platform for the local. This information gathering methodology not only is more efficient in terms of using local public knowledge about the area, but is also effective way of reducing planning, research and development cost and time that goes is development of a new site. This marketing strategy also adds to Brand awareness, brand recognition and stronger connect via the local people. Negative: The Company may end up losing a lot of time effort cost in moving in a direction which may not be fruitful. To afford a comparative analysis of the internal and external environment of McDonalds this study has used KFC’s corresponding data. It’s structured as an independent business with responsible accounting operations, community relations, training and human resources. They offer both counter service and drive through service with indoor and outdoor seating. In 2006, introduction of forever young brand was to redesign the current structure outlet of restaurant. One of the cornerstones of McDonalds success in the UK is its property portfolio, which provides a well located and convenient network of restaurants throughout the country for our customers to use and enjoy. There are almost 1200 restaurants to be found in a variety of locations such as traditional high streets; shopping centres; retail parks; roadside locations; leisure centres; railway and airport termini and motorway service areas. We are renowned for being the pioneers of the drive-thru restaurant concept and are the UK and world leader in this sector. This continues to be the key focus for our growth. Due to the growing success of the Company, the intention is to increase the pace of acquisitions with a target of 40 new restaurant openings per year from 2014, which will create up to 2,400 new job opportunities annually. The primary vehicle for this expansion will be freestanding drive-thru restaurants where convenience is key or locations in new or existing retail and leisure parks and transport hubs where visits are often part of a linked trip. Competitors http://www.kfc.co.uk/join-us/become-a-franchisee/ Mc Donald’s has a much stronger presence in the UK Market as compared to its competitors whereas a key rival KFC has 800 branches across the UK. http://www.kfc.co.uk/join-us/become-a-franchisee/ As evident from the information openly available on the website of Mc Donald’s KFC it appres that the cost of opening a Mc Donald’s franchise is much less as compared to cost of opening a KFC franchise. They suffer tough competition through burger king’s that are specialised in beef products. Wendy has also been added as a competitor due to high hamburger chains. They are other companies as well who are gaining market shares due to specialised in gourmet coffees, pasties and fresh sub sandwiches like Subway, Greggs and Starbucks. http://www.kfcdevelopment.co.uk/faqs/ KFC pays finders fee Do you pay finders fees for introducing a site? Yes we pay generous finders fees for recognised introductions  £20,000 for DT sites and  £12,500 for food courts/restaurants.* Figure: Competitors of McDonald’s A table showing a comparative analysis relating to the franchise between Mc Donald’s (UK) and KFC (UK) based on information directly available from the website. http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome/Aboutus/Franchising/the-finance-bit.html http://www.kfc.co.uk/join-us/become-a-franchisee/ Opponents McDonald’s has been targeted due to their popularity in the food industry. Recently there was criticism about the cow disease crisis which showed serious threats towards world health. Children welfare society also opposes this company about their advertisement on happy meal which continuously attract children to buy their products. The other opponents are mainly animal rights groups that supported animal cruelty, which are against the manufacture of food produced by killing animals. Environment Analysis McDonalds differs from its Competitors All leases are taken in the McDonalds Restaurants Ltd name McDonalds take leases up to 25 years McDonalds has a superior covenant strength achieving yields of between 5% and 6% Site requirements Mixed Use/Retail Parks/Leisure Parks/Main Arterial Routes Co-location opportunities with hotels and petrol stations considered Ideal site size is 0.5+ acres All opportunities considered: Standalone units/Leasehold or Freehold sites up to one acre Our Recommendations: The research asserts that being in food industry the importance of maintaining a healthy and clean image in the eye of the public can never be overemphasized. Having said that, the increasing competition in the industry may lead to targeted negative criticism towards McDonalds. Developing a proactive crisis management team will be key element to manage any crisis situation. This study feels that there is a direct correlation between growth planning and the number of outlets that an organisation can open in new geographical areas across the UK. The franchise model plays a key role in deciding the growth path in the UK market and how well McDonald’s and its competitors manage this model will determine the organisations future share in this industry segment in the foreseeable future. Below are some key recommendations: Proactive measures to find a store location in the newer markets: Whereas, inviting public to propose a site for an outlet is a very cost effective and efficient way for growth planning, at the same time the study feels that McDonalds should take proactive steps to capture all the key locations in the major towns and cities. Using extensive market research, talking to local people and other direct means of research will be highly recommended for this purpose. Encouraging active participation of local resources: From finding a new location to the stage of complete set up of a franchise store, the process may involve a close liaison with local public. The study feels that there should be more incentive for the local parties to take an enthusiastic participation in this process. The study found that the KFC offers a ‘Finder’s Fee’ covenant openly disclosed under the FAQ section whereas provision for such a clause was missing from McDonalds website. Full disclosure of key information which is vital for decision making: If the franchise procedure is explained well, it could play a key role in encouraging people to show active participation in the process. Whereas KFC’s website discloses information about handing of planning permission and the time duration involved in the whole set up process very openly, this was found missing from the franchise FAQs section of the McDonalds website. Clear and full disclosure of the vital facts will afford more tools for informed decision making in the hands of perspective franchisee.

So Called Capitalism :: Freedom Governmental Essays

So Called Capitalism Freedom and the right to choose is the essence of capitalism. Capitalism instills the freedom of making a person’s well being and lifestyle as they wish it to be through the facility of choice. Though both industries are deemed capitalist because America is the â€Å"great capitalist nation†, they really run on feudalistic systems; Matewan in more respects than the textile industry Norma Rae works for. The only capitalistic element is that the workers got to choose their employers, but how much choice did they really have? If they chose to work for an industry, each industry would be a feudalistic enterprise no matter where they turned. There was no reason why they shouldn’t be so exploitive because for years the voice of the people went unheard until it was virtually muted. Some were too afraid to have a voice, some had a voice and were punished or manipulated, and most just felt it was hopeless. Industries, with their huge bank vaults, were too powerful for the workers to overpower alone. They had all the money on their side and therefore all the power. The way the industrial system was formatted was in effect the same as a feudalistic system. The owner was synonymous to the lord of the manner, the owners’ right-hand men acted as the knights, and the workers of course played the parts of the overworked serfs. As serfs, as workers in Matewan and the textile industry, the choice of living in a socially acceptable way was just not within grasp. Lives in both instances were regulated by the industry or the feudal lord. Freedom was nonexistent and therefore so was capitalism. The industry became engrained in the workers’ lives; they lived and breathed in the manner the industry saw fit. Not only did the industry own the actual factory or mine, it owned the town, it owned the education, it owned the people. It gave the people a way to survive and a well being good enough so that they could keep working. Capitalism revolves around the idea of a labor market; the workers are able to choose their employer and sell their units of lifetime, but in the instances of the coal mine and the textile factory, the people were virtually forced into selling their entire life.

Symbols in the Mayor of Casterbridge

AP English Literature and Composition Miss Hodge 19 March. 2013 Symbolism in The Mayor of Casterbridge A symbol is an object, person, or figure that is used to represent a concept in the story. Throughout the novel The Mayor of Casterbridge, there are three key symbols. All three symbols Hardy uses are objects. These three objects all represent something about the main character, Henchard. One of the three symbols also pertains to Farfrae, another character in the novel. The three symbols are the collision of wagons, the bull, and the caged goldfinch.All three of the symbols play a large part in this novel and further help the reader understand the concepts of the characters. The first of the symbols is the collision of wagons. The two wagons that collide are grain wagons; one owned by Henchard, and the other wagon owned by Farfrae. The wreck happens at night, and both of the wagons are filled to the brim with hay. One of the wagons gets stuck and has to be left overnight. The violen t collision of the two wagons is more than just a wreck which Farfrae’s waggoner thinks â€Å"[he] must have done [that] a purpose† (Hardy 179).This action symbolizes the ongoing struggle of Henchard and Farfrae’s relationship (college prep). In the beginning of their relationship, Henchard is very pleased with Farfrae, but as their lives go on together, Farfrae begins to become more well-liked by the townspeople than Henchard. After more time passes, Henchard grows very jealous of Farfrae and despises him. They are building up great tension between one another, and the collision just adds to it. The wagon collision also symbolizes the traditional ways in which Henchard does his business.These practices may be outdated and ineffective, but they are what Henchard stands for and values. On the other hand, Farfrae is very modern in his business, and therefore more effective. Farfrae and his modern attitude have caught the eye of townspeople, and they are intrigued by his way of business. The second symbol is the bull. The bull enters the novel when it chases down Lucetta and Elizabeth into a barn and onto the loft. As they try to get away, Henchard is there to save their lives, mainly Lucetta’s. He gets a old of the bull and guides it to the ground. The bull becomes paralyzed, and its nose begins bleeding. Lucetta is crying and feels blessed she was being saved, but Henchard more so because â€Å"[she] once saved [him]† (Hardy 193). Through this action, the reader may begin to feel more sympathetic towards Henchard in the showing of his strength and courage. The bull in the novel also symbolizes the brute forces in the world that threaten human life. Bent on destruction, it seems to embody the unnamed forces Henchard carries.The third symbol is the caged goldfinch. This object is given to Elizabeth at her wedding, from Henchard. Henchard never actually gives the goldfinch straight to Elizabeth, but he leaves it there in the corn er of the room. The bird is forgotten there after Elizabeth coldly greets Henchard, which he takes harshly. When the maid finds the goldfinch, Elizabeth then realizes she needs to set out and find Henchard, but she does not know Henchard is with Able being cared for at Able’s cottage.The only reason for Able doing this is because; Henchard once cared for his mother. Able feels he needs to return the favor. When Elizabeth finally catches word of Henchard, he is already dead. Henchard â€Å"didn’t gain strength, for you see, ma’am, he couldn’t eat† (Hardy 304). The goldfinch symbolizes Henchard in his last days. Both Henchard and the goldfinch are not eating and starve themselves in their last days. Hardy ties Henchard’s fate and the goldfinch’s fate together. Both Henchard and the goldfinch live and die in a prison.Though Henchard’s was not literal like the goldfinches, he was still imprisoned by his personality and his past. He nchard cannot escape what he has done in the past, and this is being shown with the symbol of the goldfinch. Even Though Elizabeth reaches out to Henchard in the end trying to weather the storm, Henchard still dies isolated and alone (Holtsberry). All three of the symbols play a large part in this novel and farther help the reader understand the concepts of the characters. Therefore the use of the symbols can be understood clearly.All the symbols reflect an abstract concept. By using the collision of wagons it shows the concept of Henchard and Farfrae’s relationship, and how it takes a turn for the worst. When Hardy uses the bull as a symbol in the novel, it shows the strength and courage of Henchard. The bull also shows the brutal forces surrounding them in their lives. The last symbol is the caged goldfinch. This symbol shows how Henchard lives his life imprisoned in his own actions. Most of the choices Henchard makes that imprison him, he made in the past and when he was a young man.Even though one of Henchards biggest mistakes he makes is while he is a wise old man. This mistake is when he lies to Elizabeth about being her father. By Hardy using the symbols in The Mayor of Casterbridge the uncommon moods of Henchard are accepted by the reader. Works Cited Hardy, Thomas. The Mayor of Casterbridge. New York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2004. Print. Holtsberry, Kevin. The Mayor of Casterbridge. Blogcritics. org. Technorati, Inc, 21 May. 2004. Web. 16 March. 2013. Literary Analysis Essay. Collegepreppappers. blogspot. com. 12 March. 2012. Web. 16 March. 2013.

Deep Sea Nine - Paradise essays

Deep Sea Nine - Paradise essays The third Star Trek television, Deep Space Nine is set in the 24th century and chronicles the adventures of Starfleet officers who take command of a remote alien space station positioned near a wormhole on the edge of the final frontier. It involves a top rating cast and crew and continues the tradition of state-of-the-art effects. Deep Space Nine (DS9) is a Federation outpost on the edge of Cardassian space. Under the leadership of Commander Benjamin Sisko, Deep Space Nine becomes the point of national importance in the galaxy. The beginning of the Paradise in the second season of DS9 commences with the narrator who is recognisable during the episode as Commander Ben Sisko. This narrative is the first information the viewer interprets as to what the episode is about. It is presumed that the viewer already is enlightened on the term wormhole and that Stardate is a logbook that a commander keeps from previous episodes of the Star Trek series. In the teaser of the episode, Commander Sisko and Chief OBrien are exploring in the runabout (smaller Starfleet vessel) Rio Grande. This is the first scene and already the creditability of the episode is at stake. The commander leaving the station on a routine chore is not that plausible. The viewer is aware from the narrative that the two are looking for planets suitable for colonization. Paradise opens the debate to the viewer about the issue of the positive advantages of technology, by means of the conversation between the commander and OBrien. When they detect a planet that is surrounded by an odd duonetic field, the first mystery originates. A colony already exists and human life form has been detected. They beam down and quickly realise that all their electronic equipment they have on them are non-functional, the field seems to prevent them from any E-M activity. Two colonists discover them immediately and demand them to freeze and t...