E-Culture: Ethical Issiues

Topic: E-Culture:Ethical Issiues Electronic technology is changing our life-style to a great extent. Advancement in the fields of information and communication technology (ICT) and electronics has resulted in the emergence e-commerce, e-business, e-banking, e-mails, e-organizations, e-governance, e-journals, e-books, e-medicine, internet, web-shopping, etc, which have set in a trend for e-culture. Electronic culture is enveloping the entire world, it is a global phenomenon.It is the ICT-availability and Internet access that provides opportunities for production of e-culture. e-Culutre: involves preserving and presenting cultural heritage in line with the challenges of the future; exhibiting valuable cultural assets clearly and informatively using state-of-the-art technology . However, the rapid development of ICT globally also has led to the growth of different ethical issues and made life enormously complex.These issues have virtually no boundaries and may affect any country across the globe. â€Å"Ethics are moral standards that help guide behaviour, actions, and choices. Ethics are grounded in the notion of responsibility (as free moral agents, individuals, organizations, and societies are responsible for the actions that they take) and accountability (individuals, organizations, and society should be held accountable to others for the consequences of their actions)†.ICT ethics are not exceptional from the above-mentioned view of ethics. According to some estimates, three quarter of the present generation of people in the countries saturated with computers will be spending 80 per cent of their free time in the cyberspace, therefore it is important to review the ethical issues because it threatens social environment of societies.Globalization and digital convergence in the emerging knowledge society has raised complex ethical issues in relation to the freedom of expression, access to information, right to privacy, intellectual and property rights. The concept is electronic commerce is the use of internet and the web to do businesses. ‘Commercial transactions involve the exchange of value across organizational or individual boundaries in return for products and services’.The internet and it use of e-com have raised several ethical issues about protection of customer and companies. One of the main issues for e-com is intellectual property which includes copyrights and software piracy. The explosion of interest in the internet, with growing numbers of people obtaining access to it has also increased the potential in ethical issue like breeching privacy and security. Purpose of this report is to address the several ethical issue faced by eCulture in terms of e-commerce and its impact on e-commerce .

Avon Business Plan

Avon Business Plan Executive Summary Avon library is a technology driven business project that offers library services to the Avon community. However, it relies on old technology and the need to integrate new technologies comes with a host of benefits. Among them is real time information access and retrieval, access to various collections that can be accessed freely, a flexible system that can be used by different people of different age groups, and provides the important link between the community and the global community.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Avon Business Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To achieve that, the business plan outlines a number of objectives to achieve among them being to facilitate thinking and integration of the community to meet the standards of evolving communications technology. These are achieved through the company’s current workforces who are bound to increase with the increasing n eeds and expanded services. Various action plans have been outlined on achieving all these. Through the provision of these services, Avon intends to create a wide market for selling a wide variety of software products, data services, and other data processing services. This will be done under the leadership of well qualified personnel. Objectives One of the objectives of this business plan is to provide library development technology guidelines for the Avon community for the next five years. Another objective is to facilitate thinking in the line of technological needs of the Avon community, provide a budget driven framework planning for the next five years, and provide a basis for the integration of technology and the expansion of services provision for the community in addition to meeting the set standards for discount offers in telecommunications. Mission statement The Avon library will become a state of the art information hub for the community and be a model project that can be modeled elsewhere. The library will exploit modern internet library technologies for efficient and real time access to services. To achieve this, the library intends to provide the following service: A variety of collections and free and flexible access to these collections. Well informed and skilled staff Different library services which target a people of all ages Technology that serves as a link between individuals and the global community. Summary about the company’s current technology The company has networked 45 desktop computers and a laptop which constitutes 25 public workstation and 20 staff workstations spread within the community. The purpose of the 20 staff workstations is to provide services for placing queries online and other information related to library services. A T-1 line provides telecommunication connections for all members who subscribe to these library services. On the other hand, the library has its own website besides the intranet services it offe rs the residents of Avon. A log management system provides services for mapping events that happen within the community and access to the library system. In addition to all these, telephone services are provided by the mid- interstate telecommunications company.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strategic plan for expansion In the course of construction and expansion, various issues need to be addressed in the process. These issues include: Data transfer cable and network design and construction and an upgrade of the existing network cables. Deployment of wireless communication services in addition to wireless communication and telecommunication facilities. A well designed building that incorporates a security mechanism for tracking check -in and check-out activities. Upgrade of all wireless access points in addition to incorporation of new devices. Provisi on of print and photocopy services for public access and use. Provision of sufficient number of resources such as printers for an expanded library. A higher wage bill to be incorporated in the budget for newly expanded services. More check-out computers need to be incorporated. A library event registration system needs to be incorporated. The technology plan incorporates areas that could be influenced through the integration of technology into the library system. Such integration could see the system meet various goals identified and discussed below. Services to the public The goal is to reach a wider community in the usage of technology for accessing library services. The action plan includes taking the following steps: Establishing a framework for upgrading public computers and printers in an on-going basis An aggressive plan of upgrading the number of computers that can be accessed by the public. Install a check-in and check –out system for minors Investigate, evaluate, and install new and systems for network access. Install new presentation technologies to improve Get actively involved in IT meetings within the town Hire computer literate human resource persons Sponsor staff to various technology conferences that may be sponsored by various IT firms and Government agencies. Ensure participants have attended various IT workshops and viewed different IT vendor wares. Ensure at least each staff has attended an IT workshop at least once a year to keep abreast with the dynamic changes in the IT field Ensure staff are continuously updated and well trained in the use of relevant system applications and that they remain updated on new changes that come with those systems. Services offered through the network The goal is to maintain appropriate network infrastructure that provides real time services and to ensure the network provides prompt network connections once an individual has logged into the system. To achieve these, the following serves as the act ion plan for the business setting. Ensure appropriate budgetary allocations for technical support from different technology vendors Ensure a close cooperation with network consortiums to provide timely system and technology upgrades to keep with current changes in technologies. Provide an appropriate budget for hardware and software maintenance including telecommunication equipments and other software and hardware upgrades. Ensure system security software is updated frequently to provide up to date protection of the system hardware and software applications and user‘s files. Conduct a continuous assessment of technology needs in view of the mission statement and objectives of the business. Ensure telecommunication equipments remain upgraded and standardized and are compatible with different telecommunication technology upgrades. Evaluate the need for part time employees and hire them when necessary. Provision of wireless services The goal of the provision of wireless service s is to ensure the library integrates and enjoys the use of a wireless service to meet the digital communication needs for the community. To that end, the action plan entails the following. Ensure wireless devices are installed and those currently installed to and upgraded to meet the standard communication protocols, enabling these devices to be cross platform. Ensure and maintain active wireless access and communications Provide an incremental growth for wireless services to meet the needs of the library users. Telecommunication services The goal of these telecommunication services is to ensure real time communication services and improved data and information transfer rates.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Avon Business Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More An evaluation of the status of the current telecommunication system reveals that only three phone lines currently operational provide library acces s services. Action plan consists of the following. Engaging telecommunications vendors in providing new and up to date equipments. These vendors also ensure regular servicing and maintain ace services for their equipments Ensure a two ways wireless phone is installed for use with the staff. Developing the website and maintaining it The goal is to ensure the developed website is user friendly, accepts regular postings, is interactive, and provides real time access to dynamically changing information. The action plan will consist of the following. Continuous maintenance of the website Continuous update of the web contents Ensure staff is well trained on the usage of the website. Market Analysis Market segmentation The Avon business plan targets all people of all ages. It also targets other market segments. In addition to that, once people have perceived value in the service offered by Avon, the management will target the market for data processing service, software sales, installa tions, and maintenance with their well trained personnel. Finally, the company will target the provision of financial services in the e-commerce industry. However, the strengths and weaknesses of Avon will have to be evaluated to identify areas that require improvements. A thorough investigation and evaluation revealed that Avon’s weaknesses include poorly trained personnel, devices that are not portable or cross platform, and lack of wireless devices and limited telecommunication lines. However the strengths about Avon include customizable software without limited capabilities, and a system that can seamlessly interface with different software. In addition to that, the management is well trained and skilled on marketing management and other business practices.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Management The management consists of qualified IT staff and well trained marketing and business executives. The CEO has an expertise of 25 years in the field of marketing. He has successfully implemented various IT projects at different companies with desirable results. The system development and implementation executive has well cultivated knowledge in different business environments. On the other hand, the finance manager has an MBA from one of the most prestigious universities and has won several awards for his excellent performance in steering companies from near financial collapse to financial success. The management staff is ready to work Avon to success. Finance Avon will earn its revenue from software installation services, computer hardware and software maintenance, training of other personnel from other companies, and data services. Library service will be used as a value addition service. Base on this revenue model, an extrapolation of capital expenses is illustrated bel ow. This is in addition to other expenses that may be incurred including operating costs. Computers Electronic equipments Telecommunications equipments $100,000 Office suite and other equipments $ 20,000 Utilities $5000 Floor space $50,000 Salary payments $750,000 Total costs $ 925,000 Evaluation A quarterly evaluation of the plan will be conducted to determine the degree of success in terms of system implementation in achieving the set business goals. Then the plan will be subjected to continuous evaluation and revisions to ensure it provides a guideline that keeps system implementation with the dynamic nature of business and technology.

Cunto es posible sacar la green card sin patrocinador

Cunto es posible sacar la green card sin patrocinador    Esto es una excepcià ³n ya que, en general, para conseguir visas de trabajo o la green card se necesita que un ciudadano americano, un residente permanente legal o una empresa americana patrocinen a un extranjero. Pero hay algunas excepciones como la de la EB-5 para inversionistas o, menos conocido pero ampliamente utilizado, del la EB-2 NIW. Quà © es la EB-2 NIW Es un camino hacia la green card sin patrocinador. En otras palabras, los interesados pueden aplicar por sà ­ mismos y no necesitan ni tener un familiar en Estados Unidos ni una oferta de trabajo. NIW significa National Interest Waiver, es decir, esta es una visa EB-2 con ciertas particularidades y en la que se conceden determinados privilegios por razà ³n del interà ©s nacional. Quà © profesionales o empresarios pueden aplicar para la green card sin patrocinador Las personas con estudios de postgraduado, como maestrà ­as o doctorados. O que sean licenciados y puedan demostrar experiencia laboral en su campo de especializacià ³n por un mà ­nimo de cinco aà ±os. Es importantà ­simo que los estudios sean necesarios para desempeà ±ar su ocupacià ³n. Por ejemplo: profesores de escuelas de primaria o secundaria o de universidad, mà ©dicos, cirujanos, abogados, ingenieros, arquitectos, etc. Los extranjeros que puedan demostrar que son profesionales excepcionales, superiores a la media en las Ciencias o en las Artes.Los empresarios excepcionales. En los dos à ºltimos casos el Servicio de Inmigracià ³n y Ciudadanà ­a  (USCIS, por sus siglas en inglà ©s) pide que se cumpla adems con tres de los requisitos siguientes: Diploma o certificado de una universidad o de una institucià ³n relativos con el campo en el que son excepcionales.Las titulaciones extranjeras debern homologarse. Cartas en las que se documente experiencia laboral por un mà ­nimo de diez aà ±os en el rea de especializacià ³n.Membresà ­a en asociaciones profesionales.Licencia para trabajar en esa profesià ³n.Prueba de los salarios recibidos, incluyendo pagos en especie. Deben mostrar el carcter excepcional de la labor realizada. Reconocimiento por parte de colegas, instituciones pà ºblicas, empresariales o profesionales de los logros profesionales o de aportaciones al campo de especializacià ³n.Se admitir cualquier otra prueba semejante que sirva de evidencia de la excepcionalidad profesional. Quà © es el interà ©s nacional en el contexto de la EB-2 NIW Debe entender como de interà ©s nacional las actividades que benefician a la economà ­a de Estados Unidos o a sus intereses culturales o educativos, o al bienestar general del paà ­s. El USCIS debe juzgar que efectivamente las aportaciones laborales que puede hacer el extranjero son substancialmente mayores que las que podrà ­a ofrecer un trabajador americano con las calificaciones mà ­nimas para desempeà ±ar ese trabajo. En el caso de los empresarios, el USCIS ha aclarado que la creacià ³n de empleo y el crecimiento econà ³mico – directo o indirecto- podrà ­an llegar a calificarse como que cumple la exigencia de interà ©s nacional. Quà © pasa si no se cumple con el requisito de interà ©s nacional No podrn auto patrocinarse para una green card. Sin embargo todavà ­a ser posible conseguir una siempre que: Se tenga una oferta de trabajo en la mano. Para conseguirlo hay que buscar trabajo (en inglà ©s)Una empresa o institucià ³n americana està © dispuesta a patrocinar una EB-2 simple. Es la parte patrocinadora quien debe empezar todo el trmite con la forma I-140.Se obtenga una certificacià ³n del Departamento de Trabajo, la forma a rellenar para obtenerla es la ETA-750. Familiares de personas que aplican por una EB-2 NIW La mujer o el marido y los hijos menores de 18 aà ±os podrn obtener una green card (visas E-21 y E-22). Trmites para conseguir la EB-2 NIW Solicitante en Estados Unidos Presentar ante la oficina del USCIS que corresponda la forma I-140 para que apruebe la peticià ³n de la green card y, al mismo tiempo, enviar debidamente cumplimentado el formulario I-485 para el ajuste de estatus. En la actualidad, la resolucià ³n sobre la aprobacià ³n de la peticià ³n suele tardar una media de cuatro meses. El ajuste de estatus, y con à ©l la tarjeta de residencia, se puede demorar entre seis meses y un aà ±o. Mientras se espera es posible solicitar un permiso de trabajo para el beneficiario y para su cà ³nyuge. Hay que destacar que las personas en situacià ³n de ilegalidad migratoria no pueden ajustar su estatus por esta causa. Solicitante fuera de Estados Unidos El proceso se inicia de igual manera: enviando al USCIS la forma I-140. Adems habr que enviar el formulario DS-230 para que una vez que se apruebe la solicitud los papeles (unos cuatro meses) estos se envà ­en a la oficina consular en el extranjero donde se tramitarn las green card para el solicitante y su familia. En casos de paà ­ses con un nà ºmero elevado de inmigrantes en Estados Unidos, como por ejemplo China o India Filipinas, o Mà ©xico, es posible que haya que esperar incluso aà ±os antes de poder completar todo el proceso. Ello se debe a que hay un là ­mite global anual de residencias que se pueden conceder por este motivo y un mximo de green cards de este tipo que se conceden por paà ­s. Para tener una estimacià ³n ms clara de cunto hay que esperar en el extranjero por la tarjeta de residencia una vez que se tiene la aprobacià ³n del USCIS lo mejor es consultar el Boletà ­n de Visas del Departamento de Estado.  (En ese enlace puedes ver hacia el final los tiempos de espera que aplican para este caso). Problemas, opciones y cosas que conviene saber Es posible que el USCIS no apruebe la solicitud de green card por cualquiera de estas causas que convierten a una persona en inadmisible en Estados Unidos. Las personas con habilidades excepcionales que no cumplen los requisitos para obtener una green card mediante patrocinio (EB-2) o sin patrocinio (EB-2 NIW) todavà ­a tienen opcià ³n para conseguir un visado. La visa O es la que aplica para estos casos. En el caso de emprendedores,  estas son 8 opciones de visa para crear una empresa en Estados Unidos. Adems, todas las personas que estn considerando la posibilidad de emigrar a los Estados Unidos pueden ahorrarse muchas sorpresas y problemas si se familiarizan e informan cuanto antes sobre aspectos migratorios y legales del paà ­s. Finalmente, se recomienda tomar este  trivial o test- para asegurar saber  cà ³mo conseguir la tarjeta de residencia  y cà ³mo conservarla. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Assignment 8(675) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Assignment 8(675) - Essay Example I need to analyze the effects that the historical framework of supervision has had on present-day instruction. Glanz, in his analysis of historical school supervision, has identified seven notions of supervision, namely: inspection, efficiency, democratic, scientific, leadership, clinical and changing concepts. His point on inspection clearly supported the top-down bureaucratic schooling systems and thus was sure to be extinct soon (Boise State University, 2008). Contrary to this hierarchical power structure, theorists of the twentieth century took a turn towards professionalism and progressivism. Schools by this time grew more complex due to urbanization and so the superintendents could not find the time to enter schools specifically for Glanz’s inspection role. This brought on the hiring of expert teachers or other supervisors. I believe this practice is still seen today where supervisors keep a certain level of check as to what and how teachers perform. The relationship is not necessarily positive, but can be recognized today (Boise State University, 2008). The bureaucratic hierarchy led to teachers and supervisors being felt vulnerable. This must have given birth to democratic models in the 1920s. The democratic model of supervision worked alongside efficiency and scientific trends. It was John Dewey’s endorsement that democratic and scientific practices could co-exist and that the former was distinct from Glanz’s social efficiency model. This led to supervisors becoming instructors for teachers. Being in the schooling field, I myself have witnessed this in many cases. This theory proved to be an evolution to supervision due to the evening out of authority and democracy and hence bringing positivity in the teacher-supervisor relationship (Boise State University, 2008). Clinical supervision emerged in the 1970s after tensions among the scientific, democratic and efficiency practices arose. The proposition of clinical

NutritionTracking patients with nutritional risks, how does your Essay

NutritionTracking patients with nutritional risks, how does your facility do it - Essay Example In addition, lab work is conducted by examining their protein level, albumin and pre albumin levels. Their LDL and HDL is checked along with vitamin B12 and folic acid levels are checked. Caloric intake is examined by ensuring that patients are taking actual food. Fluid intake is also examined. One of the main aspects that hospitals focus their attention is on pregnant mothers. In order to understand and formulate risks associated with pregnancy, nurses have come up with criteria. If the mother demonstrates multiple gestation, that’s a bad sign. Additionally, gestational diabetes can be detrimental and must be recorded right away. Any dramatic change of 10 to 50 pound weight gain is not healthy. Furthermore, patient’s history of weight loss surgery should be obtained. Nurses and dieticians are majority in charge of handling patient’s nutritional status. Most patients that are sick tend to lose weight and must be supplemented with proper amount of food and nutrients. Conducive research indicates that as many as 65% of elderly patients are malnourished when they enter the hospital while in the hospital. Without having the proper nutritional assessment, it is highly illogical and difficult to monitor their status. Nutrition is integrated into the nursing plan through various ways. If the patient does not need a nutritional consult then the next step is to enroll them in a diet program. Their diet is ordered and is document regarding how much consumption is taken. If a nutritional consult is ordered the dietician makes sure the patient is getting enough nutrients and calories to support a healthy life function. Anthropometric refers to overall growth of human body. These measurements commonly are used to measure development in growth for infants. Growth is obtained and evaluated through length, weight and head circumference. A growth chart lists all the standards of benchmark through previous average

Finance Administrator Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Finance Administrator - Term Paper Example The Financial Resources, including both Governments sponsored programs as well as services offered by Not for Profit Organizations, to ensure that the uninsured patients are carefully treated consist of the following options for the Financial Administrator to select from: 1. Public Health Clinics: Government operated free or down scale clinics for uninsured and medical assistance patients. These often can provide free medication to their patients from their own pharmacies, and may provide lab and radiology services. 2. Medicare: Medicare is the medical insurance provided with social sanctuary. It is a separate program with slightly different eligibility criteria. It is available to retirees, their spouses, disabled workers who have been on social security. People with Medical Assistance get coverage from the state for uncovered expenses (if they are insured and get certain percentage of expenses from the insurance company) or all the expenses are recovered from State if the patient i s uninsured.3. Special Pharmaceutical Benefits Program: This program is designed to ensure that patients with highly deteriorating conditions or terminal diseases have access to the new treatments available at low rates or for free.

Classification of Beer Essay Example for Free

Classification of Beer Essay Whats more refreshing on a hot summer day than a nice cold beer? Or how about drinking a nice cold one with some buddies after work at a local bar, sound nice doesnt it? Beer has been around for many years and will probably be around for many more. A beer is any variety of alcoholic beverages produced by the fermentation of starchy material derived from grains or other plant sources. The production of beer and some other alcoholic beverages is often called brewing. Most every culture has there own tradition and the own take on beer, thus producing many different styles and variations. Simply put, a beer style is a label given to a beer that describes its overall character and often times its origin. Its a name badge that has been achieved over many centuries of brewing, trial and error, marketing, and consumer acceptance. There are many different types of beer, each of which is said to belong to a particular style. A beers style is a label that describes the overall flavour and often the origin of a beer, according to a system that has evolved by trial and error over many centuries. According to the type of yeast that is used in the beers fermentation process, most beer styles fall into one of two large families: ale or lager. Beers that blend the characteristics of ales and lagers are referred to as hybrids. An ale is any beer that is brewed using only top-fermenting yeasts, and typically at higher temperatures than lager yeast. Because ale yeasts cannot fully ferment some sugars, they produce esters in addition to alcohol, and the result is a more flavourful beer with a slightly flowery or fruity aroma resembling but not limited to apple, pear, pineapple, grass, hay, plum or prune. Stylistic differences among ales are more varied than those found among lagers, and many ale styles are difficult to categorize. Top-fermented beers, particularly popular in the British Isles, include barley wine, bitter, pale ale, porter, and stout. Stylistic differences among top-fermented beers are decidedly more varied than those found among bottom-fermented beers and many beer styles are difficult to categorize. California Common beer, for example, is produced using a lager yeast at ale temperatures. Wheat beers are often produced using an ale yeast and then lagered, sometimes with a lager yeast. Lambics employ wild yeasts and bacteria, naturally-occurring in the Payottenland region of Belgium. Other examples of ale include stock ale and old ale. Real ale is a term for beers produced using traditional methods, and without pasteurization. There are five main sub-catagories of ale beer which are: barley wine, bitter, pale ale, porter and stout. Despite its name, barley wine is indeed an ale. It has a hearty, sweet malt flavor which is offset by a strong and bitter flavoring from the hops for balance. Bitter ale has heavier hopping, dryer hop finish, light in alcohol content and if they are higher alcohol they are know as ESB (extra special bitter). Pale ales share a pronounced hop flavor and aroma with low to medium maltiness, and there is also a good deal of fruity esters. The Porters name comes from the Porters at Londons Victoria Station. They would frequently mix several styles of beer into one glass and drink large quantities of the mixture. A style was eventually created to approximate this blend and came to be known as a porter. The porter is a good beer for those who want a full flavored, dark beer without the bitterness from the roasted barley that a stout now possesses. Finally, there is the stout, a dark copper to very black in color ale. It has a rich and complex maltiness with noticeable hop bitterness. The two main ingredients are the dark roasted barley and black malts. Lagers are the most commonly-consumed category of beer in the world. They are of Central European origin, taking their name from the German word lagern, which means to store. Lager yeast is a bottom-fermenting yeast, and typically undergoes primary fermentation at 7-12Â °C (45-55Â °F) (the fermentation phase), and then is given a long secondary fermentation at 0-4Â °C (30-40Â °F) (the lagering phase). During the secondary stage, the lager clears and mellows. The cooler conditions also inhibit the natural production of esters and other byproducts, resulting in a crisper tasting beer. Modern methods of producing lager were pioneered by Gabriel Sedlmayr the Younger, who perfected dark brown lagers at the Spaten Brewery in Bavaria, and Anton Dreher, who began brewing a lager, probably of amber-red color, in Vienna in 1840? 1841. With modern improved fermentation control, most lager breweries use only short periods of cold storage, typically 1? 3 weeks. Most of todays lager is based on the Pilsner style, pioneered in 1842 in the town of Plzeo, in the Czech Republic. The modern Pilsner lager is light in colour and high in carbonation, with a mild hop flavour and an alcohol content of 3? 6% by volume. The Budweiser brand of beer is a typical example of a pilsner. The five main sub-catagories of lagers are: pilsner, bock, helles, dunkel and Oktoberfest. Pilsners defining elements were the extremely soft water that was pumped locally and the unique aromatic hops that were also grown nearby. Pilsners are malty sweet, and well hopped. Caramel flavors are often noticed accompanied by medium to high bitterness. Pilsners have a good amount of carbonation and are clean and crisp. Bock beer is a hearty beer with high alcohol content. Contrary to the rumor, bock beer is not whats cleaned out of the bottom of the vats at the end of the year! Bock beer has a pronounced malt flavor with just enough hop bitterness to tame the sweetness. Bock beer is matured for a long period of time during the second fermentation. Helles is a pale lager that is light in color, not taste or calories. It is low in alcohol and intended to be an everyday or session beer. Only a mild, short lived bitterness should be expected. Dunkel is basically a helles with additional roasted malt added for color and a toasty, chocolate-like taste. Last but not least, Oktoberfest or marzen. This beer is amber in color and is slightly heavy. It is malty sweet as typical with beer from southern Germany and Austria. There is low to medium bitterness but enough to offset the sweet. Hybrid beers are the last of the three main types of beers. Hybrid or mixed style beers use modern techniques and materials instead of, or in addition to, traditional aspects of brewing. Although there is some variation among sources, mixed beers generally fall into four sub-categories: fruit and vegetable, Herb and spiced, smoked, and speciality. Fruit beers and vegetable beers are are a variety of mixed beer blended with a fermentable fruit or vegetable adjunct during the fermentation process, providing new qualities. Herb and spiced beers add herbs or spices derived from roots, seeds, fruits, vegetables or flowers instead of, or in addition to hops. In a smoked beer a brewer will fire his malt over a wood fire and let the smoke absorb into the grains. This imbues a smoky character in the taste of the brew. Specialty beers are a catch-all category used to describe any beers brewed using unusual fermentable sugars, grains and starches. With all of the different brewing techniques and styles and forms of ingridents there is almost and endless world of beer. Beer is diffently the ultimate social drink and it has been proven for years. Beer can be anything from dark, fruity and mysterious to light, crisp and refreshing. Beer tasting is an art and should always be respected. So respect your beer and have fun. Go to your local bar today with a few buddies and begin on your own beer journey.