Political Parties and Elections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Political Parties and Elections - Essay Example In other circumstances, parties might choose to form coalitions with disparate interests. It has to be acknowledged that parties in the United States are very powerful for they determine the fate of all citizens1. Ambition in Political Parties Politicians are very ambitious people. Although some choose to stay in their current offices for several terms, others aspire to go to higher offices. In addition, some politicians want to be politics for short periods. This implies that it depends with the politician to know his or her ambitions. Career ambition decides the behavior to be exhibited by the politician. His/her hopes and expectations for the future are the main driving force that helps the politician in making decisions. Majority of political leaders possess progressive ambitions and as a result, they aspire for higher offices. Politicians make policies that satisfy the needs of their constituents at the given time and in future, in order to ensure success. It has to be noted tha t one cannot achieve higher office if s/he lacks ambition2. Although majority of Americans believe that the president is a powerful person who makes all the decisions for the country from white house, Richard Neustadt in his book Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents, believes otherwise. The president’s power is guaranteed in the constitution, the prestige of Washington, abroad, and the country at large. However, article II of the constitution, which defines the powers of the president, does not guarantee that everything that he (presidents) commands he achieves. This means that the president must always ensure that the people around him are persuaded and thus willing to do what he believes is good for the country. The fact that United States of America is a democratic country means that there is separation of powers so the president is not the sole decision maker in the country. The ability and the power to pursued help in ensuring that the policies implemented by the president are able to pass and become law. This can be attributed to the fact that the president in the US does not change legislation alone for it needs approval by the respective houses. If the president is unable to persuade legislators to pass his policies then chances are high that most of these policies will not go through. This is the reason why Neustadt (1990) notes, presidency is not a place for amateurs. Presidents should act in a prospective manner in order to make sure that the decisions he makes today will help him persuade tomorrow3. Power of Politics Obama exercises the power to persuade because he understands that his policies cannot pass without the support other legislators.4On the other hand, Schlesinger acknowledges that the US presidency is becoming too powerful, such that people are not concerned on checking it. He attributes this to the powers that the presidency exercises because of domestic policy, foreign policy, and the affairs that go on in secrecy. Sinc e the president is the commander in chief of the armed forces, he has the authority to defend the United States but the power of declaring war is vested on the congress. This means that the president can make decisions that will cause death or injury to other people who are deemed as a threat to the country5. In his time at the office, Obama has ordered the killing of Somali pirates who had hijacked a ship with American crew. In addition, he ordered

The Debates over Environment, Population and Industrial Growth Essay

The Debates over Environment, Population and Industrial Growth - Essay Example It is the environment that form proper catchment areas for water and provide means through which production is possible. Economic growth on the other side relates to a quantitative change in human lives in relation to population growth rate, education, poverty eradication, social systems and sanitation. Debates have been developed in the past which have centred in eradication of poverty, reduction of human population and others geared towards economic growth in the past especially in the less developed states of the world. However, the change and effects out of the discussions therein is yet to be seen and even so to be acknowledged. Industrial growth is an economic issue in most states affected by high rates of population growth, deficits in the balance of payments, poverty, education, research and development among other issues. Politics in any state and the cultural intake significantly impact on the ways issues in growth and development are carried out as debates on these issues rotate around them. It is the cultural content and belief that determines the need to conserve the environment, control population or even to contribute to the economic growth. The political contributions of the state also determine the extent of measures taken to eliminate stagnation and promote industrial growth. The paper seeks to show how debates on environment, industrial growth and population are politically and culturally driven. Environmental debate Politics have been used in most cases to drive desired change in certain cases. Environment preservation and the issue of global warming has been a serious problem globally and most states have come together to set parameters of control. Leaders in many countries have had debates and set standards towards such effects, which have not been realized or little effort has been done to mitigate such issues. Issues of urbanization, overgrazing, population growth and settlement in water catchment areas are related to the environment as well as pollution which still remains to be a key area. Proper control measures of pollution of the surroundings and policies set in most states are yet to be well implanted. All this is affected by the political stand and the cultural diversity which are centred in the region affected by such problems. Politicians have gained opportunities both positively and negatively to mitigate such problems and provide a way forward some for their own selfish gains. Debates held in the past years concerning environment have been captured and brought forward by contestants for considerations by the public. Such issues in relation to the environment have been used by political leaders to gain power and stand against opponents with little change been done. Some have held false promises with regard to environmental protection with several related to the road network preparation and construction, water and sanitation improvement, waste disposal, human settlement only to go back upon their words the moment their dreams are achieved. Measures and policies put and implemented on pollution of the environment are easily waiver by key political leaders and some laws made favour vital sectors believed to be led by key elements in governments. Funds for environs control even through donations have been misappropriated through campaigns especially in the lees developed states. Politics is thus a key issue on which debates

Health Development in Africa Essay Example for Free

Health Development in Africa Essay Throughout the world there is a growing concern about health as it is regarded as an essential part of the sustainable human development efforts. The growing importance of the health of the population is being highlighted in the economic circles, the foreign policy and the socio cultural settings. During the last 25 years, there has been drastic realization about health issues in the developing nations, which has given them hope of a better future for their children. Africa is one such region where poverty and hunger is widespread. This is the region where health care facilities are underdeveloped due to which many people face death. This paper, therefore, aims to devise and develop an essential health development policy, program and strategy for African region in order to eradicate the poverty. This forms the main thesis of the research paper (Mills, 1995). The role of health development has been gaining importance in the Africa and different countries are assisting the efforts by providing increased resources, which has put huge pressures on the weak health structure, organizational capabilities and workforce in one of the poorest regions of the country. There is a severe lack of planning and management of the health resources in this part of the world which has led to non- implementation of the health plans. The problem in the African region has been largely related to poverty, wars and conflicts, bad governance and non performance of health programs. This region also faces a huge virus of HIV and AIDS which increase the burden of disease (Loewenson, 1993). The domestic and international health polices for Africa have been drafted by international agreements of multiple countries which include Alma Ata Declaration of 1978, World Health Organizations Bamako Initiative in 1987 and Paris Declaration of 2005, and including many more. The famous Alma Ata, known as the birth of primary health care or PHC, aims to provide a comprehensive and affordable health plan by providing health facilities at the most basic level. However the PHC failed to achieve its targets due to lack of infrastructure and facilities, staff, civil wars, natural disasters and issues of bad governance and corruption. Later various new international policies were tried which included the structural adjustment plan of the World Bank which was based on loans, privatization and cost recovery, however it failed to deliver due to various reasons (Sikosana, 2009). The Bamako Initiative was launched in 1987 which was aimed at access to quality health care and tackle the scarcity of medicine by a number of balanced policies which were implement able and are the perfect health development plan for the impoverished region of Africa. Together with the World Bank 1993 report, both the policies aim at providing the healthcare at the grass root level in order to eradicate poverty (Mills, 1995). The recommendations include improving primary healthcare at all the levels in an equitable manner which should be available to all the people at any income level. Another recommendation includes the decentralization of the management of the PHC to the district level as oppose to the earlier practice which limited the control to few big hospitals which was the reason for corruption and bad governance. The government should ensure equity of fees charged at all levels which would ensure homogeneity of services to rich and poor alike. The government should be highly committed to maintain and expand the PHC program and all the national health policies should be inline to one standard policy. The government should also closely monitor the whole policy implementation process and ensure services to the poor. Sustainable effort should also be made to for poverty alleviation through education, gender equity, improved mother and child health programs and AIDS control programs. For the African health problems, the policymakers should make integrated national plans and strengthen the health systems by empowerment, equity and sustainability of the efforts. The public private partnership is also essential for the sustainability of the strategy (Sikosana, 2009).

Mission And Vision Statements Commerce Essay

Mission And Vision Statements Commerce Essay We hear the words vision and mission every day, but what do this words really mean and how are they different from each other. To understand this question we have to look at the larger purpose of defining these words and how to apply their meaning to ensure that everybody who comes into contact with the company knows the organizations overall purpose and its primary objectives. The prime function of the mission and vision internally is to define the key measure or measures of the organizations success and its prime audience is the leadership team and stockholders. If we look at the Mission and Vision of a company in more detail we see that the mission is what an organization does, its action and we should think of the MISSION as managing with greatness and strength and improving everything on a daily basis. The VISION however is leading with inspiration and courage, being obsessed with future possibilities and to be positive about change. It creates that momentum of growing anticipation about the future, where change is seen as a step closer to that ideal picture of whats coming next. In opposite where a mission is a companys action the vision is what an organization would like to see happen as a result of the action taken as specified in its mission and looks forward (5 10 Years from now). The need for a Vision and Mission Statement Companys starts as nothing but an idea in someones mind and then turn into a physical reality. In order to get others actively working towards creating that physical reality, they must be able to see the vision; therefore, you must be able to see your own vision and know how to convey it. It is a desired future and can help to guide all stakeholders in the company who accept and understand it. As a shared vision it can be a great tool for building a sense of belonging and community in the company. However, if it is not shared it could result in employees who dont believe in the company and wont give their best effort.. Vision Statements also define the organizations purpose in terms of how they belief things should be done.) It communicates both the purpose and values of the organization and gives direction to emplyees about how they are expected to behave and inspires them to give their best. Shared with customers, it shapes customers understanding of why they should work with the organization. The vision should describe the desired future of the company as clearly as possible in terms of things such as: Demographics Shape, size and boundaries Markets, industries and clients Key partnerships and relationships Products and services People and work Competitive advantage Values Ates a picture of what leaders want the organisation to be in time and assist to align people and create a shared understanding for decision making.   This promotes awareness and understanding and will enhance the ability of people to make decisions appropriate to the achievement of the vision.   The goal should be to spread this understanding as widely as possible to create a shared understanding. Building out the vision creates a clearer strategic framework and give guidance for strategic development decisions.   Leaders should constantly be translating the vision into strategic initiatives, tactical actions and operational priorities that make it easy for all the people in the organisation to perform their work in such a way that it drives the entire organisation to the point where the vision becomes reality.   Strategic priorities may then be identified and decisions may be made.  Ã‚   Tactical decisions can also be made according to the strategic framework, underpinned by the strategic priorities.   Operational priorities may then be aligned with the tactical decisions at the appropriate time.   At the same time, leaders doing strategic, tactical and operational work must be able to keep their eyes on the guiding star of the vision. Not only does this approach align and focus leaders, it allows leaders at all levels to align and focus their people in pursuit of a consistent goal, with a clear understanding of why certain things are happening, what, when, where and how they are happening and what their own particular roles are.   This promotes focus, integration and co-ordination and creates an environment in which people can be empowered to take true ownership of their work. Next we take a look at the mission of a company. A Mission Statement defines the organizations purpose and primary objectives. Its prime function is internal to define the key measure or measures of the organizations success and its prime audience is the leadership team and stockholders. It should be well defined, so it can guide your business planned actions. It is important for any organization to spend time figuring out what their vision and mission are so that all parties involve understand what is expected of them. This insures that everyone is moving in the same direction. Taking the necessary time to assess these is critical because a company should be a body with many - parts, but only one mind. In a way, a mission is also a motivational aspect of a vision: it defines why the vision matter? and implies a set of governing values or principles. Much of what motivates and inspires people to make meaning and take action is contained in this why aspect. It also defines why it all matters to employees, contractors, partners, and management the internal customers. As a mission reflects human motivation, hopefully it helps people feel good, maybe even to feel inspired, about it. It must be kept current and alive. Strategic planning process: Steps involved Strategic planning is the core function in any company. Without a strategic framework the company will never know where it is going or why they are going there. However, there are many different models and steps available for the strategic planning process of a company and depend on how the specific company wants to implement it. One approach is summarized below. Agree on a strategic planning process. In this step all key role players should be present and should involved the following: An understanding of what strategic planning is and how it is done; Discuss its potential value to the company, in terms of providing a common vision and mission; Consider the costs of doing strategic planning, and what might need to be given up in order to develop a plan; Consider whether it will be a long-range plan or whether it may best focus on a short-term plan; Agree upon a process and establish responsibilities for the various steps in the process Set up a strategic planning committee and choose Carry out an environmental scan. This helps provide an understanding of how the organization relates to its external environment. The scan usually includes an external component identifying and assessing opportunities and threats in the external environment and an internal component assessing organizational strengths and weaknesses. This process is often referred to as SWOT: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Identify key issues, questions, and choices to be addressed as part of the strategic planning effort. This may mean specifying strategic issues or questions that the organization should address, and setting priorities in terms of time or importance. Define or review the organizations values, community vision, and mission. Be sure there is consensus on why the organization exists, what goals or outcomes it seeks to achieve what it stands for, and whom it serves. 5. Develop a shared vision for the organization. In some strategic planning efforts, a vision for the organization is developed after a vision for the community has been. 6. Develop a series of goals or organizational status statements which describe the organization in a specified number of years assuming it is successful in addressing its mission. It is usually a short step from the vision to goals sometimes the statements describing the vision are essentially goal statements. It is extremely valuable to transform the vision into a series of key goals for the organization, preferably in the form of status statements describing the organization. 7. Agree upon key strategies to reach the goals and address key issues identified through the environmental scan. The major emphasis should be on broad strategies, including current and new program, advocacy, collaborative, or other approaches. These strategies should be related to specific goals or address several goals. 8. Develop an action plan that addresses goals and specifies objectives and work plans on an annual basis. Once the longer-term elements of a strategic plan have been developed, it is time to ensure a specific work plan to begin implementation. 9. Finalize a written strategic plan that summarizes the results and decisions of the strategic planning process. There is no set format, but be sure to include the outputs of each major step. 10. Build in procedures for monitoring, and for modifying strategies based on changes in the external environment or the organization. Be sure progress towards goals and objectives and use of strategies is monitored regularly, with strategies revised and annual objectives developed yearly, based on the progress made, obstacles encountered, and the changing environment. Resources Grant Freedman (2009) Leveraging the organisations vision to align leaders and unlock the organisations potential [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Elizabeth W. Gordon Vision Mission Purpose What Does It All Mean [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Carol Humphries (2005) Vision and Mission: Seven Suggestions Why You Need Both [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] The Business Improvement Package What should the vision address [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Daniel Robin Vision, Mission and Values:Management Tools for Building a Better Workplace [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Carol Humphries Vision and Mission: Seven Suggestions Why You Need Both [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Emily Gantz McKay. Based on materials originally prepared for use with SHATIL, the technical assistance project of the New Israel Fund. Modified for the National Council of La Raza, and further modified for MOSAICA, May 1994 and July 2001. Strategic planning: a Ten-Step Guide [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010] Janet Shapiro Strategic Planning Toolkit [Online] Available from: [Accesed 26 January 2010]

Alternatives to Human-embryo Stem-cell Research Essay -- Argumentative

Alternatives to Human-embryo Stem-cell Research      Ã‚   This essay counters the media and many scientists' claims that there are no viable alternatives to human-embryo stem-cell research (ESCR).    The media restate the claim (made repeatedly in NIH documents) that adult stem cells do not have the same potential as embryonic stem cells, which in theory can form any tissue. But studies done with adult stem cells (studies which mirror the ones done with embryonic stem cells) show that adult stem cells do have the capacity to form essentially any tissue.    The most misleading term which continues to be used is "pluripotent." Literally, this means able to form most (but not all) tissues. This term continues to be used incorrectly, primarily to imply that human embryonic stem cells can form all human tissues except "trophoblast" tissue - this is an essential outer layer of cells in the early embryo which allows it to implant into the uterine wall and nourishes early development. The trophoblast is also the part of the embryo removed in its destruction to harvest the inner embryonic stem cells. The phrase "human pluripotent stem cells" has been used to counter the question of whether human embryonic stem cells in culture could actually reform a human embryo, implying that this is not possible. Yet in testimony before the Senate, then-Director of the NIH, Harold Varmus, said that this possibility was uncertain, and that in fact it would be unethical to attempt such an experiment to determine whether this was possible (Varmus). Enter the te rm pluripotent - if the embryonic stem cells cannot form trophoblast, they cannot form an embryo. Mouse embryonic stem cells cannot form trophoblast tissue. BUT, as stated in Thomson... ... disputing that we are a human being even at the one-cell stage. It has never been acceptable to sacrifice one set of human lives for the potential benefit of others (and they are only potential benefits at this point.) Human embryonic stem cell research assigns different values to different human beings, designating some as people and some as property.    It is totally UNNECESSARY. Ethical alternatives exist such as adult stem cells which have already shown much more promise than embryonic cells, these results for adult stem cells are fully detailed in the scientific literature, and that adult stem cells are already being used clinically, making good on the potential that embryonic stem cells only promise.    WORKS CITED: Varmus, Harold. http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/statement.htm Thomson, Professor. http://www.erp.wisc.edu/faculty/thomson/

Assimilation into Society :: essays research papers

Because of the concept of the word race, wars have been started and millions of people have been discriminated against. To me, it appears to be simply another evil in the world that we, as humans, must deal with and potentially overcome. Since the beginning of time, race has done nothing but give people a reason to argue, fight, and discriminate. It gives people reason to not associate with their fellow man. It causes a fear of the out-of-the-ordinary. Without education, race can be a barrier separating us. It takes an intelligent, genuine person to see past this nonsense. Education helps one realize the fallacy race creates. There is no such thing as a superior race. Unfortunately, many people have difficulty seeing past portrayed stereotypes. It may take a person years or decades to come to terms with the fact that their skin color means about as much as their eye color. Eric Liu, an Asian-American, and Malcolm X, an African-American, take us on their journey through the difficult process of accepting their individual races. Both authors have periods of confusion and disorientation about their races which causes them to change their appearance in order to feel accepted. Ultimately, they overcome their misconceptions and learn to appreciate themselves. During his childhood, Eric Liu had difficulty coping with the fact that he was an Asian-American living in a predominantly white community. His appearance and his home life, among other things, made him feel out of place. Living in a middle-class suburb that was dominated by â€Å"whiteness,† Liu was disoriented by his role in school and society. And so in three adjoining arenas- my looks, my loves, my manners- I suffered a bruising adolescent education†¦ In each of these realms, I came to feel I was not normal. And obtusely, I ascribed the difficulties of that age not to my age but to my color. I came to suspect that there was an order to things, an order that I, as someone Chinese, could perceive but not quite crack. (415) His confusion only grew with his age. He began blaming his race for his own inability to find a girlfriend. Complimented on being sweet, smart, and nice, he could find no other reason for the void he felt in terms of relationships (Liu 416). As a teenage boy, he needed to find a reason to explain his shortcomings. He needed something to blame for his disappointments and setbacks.

The Bra Boys

Bra Boys From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search The Bra Boys is an Australian gang founded and based in Maroubra, an eastern suburb of Sydney, New South Wales. Dating back to the 1990s, the gang has gained notoriety through violent clashes with members of the public and police. The gang achieved national and international attention in 2007[1] with the release of a feature-length documentary entitled Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water, written and directed by members of the gang. Contents 1 Origins Notoriety and violence 2. 1 Criminal matters 2. 2 General community activism 2. 3 Art imitating life 3 Documentary 4 References 5 Further reading 6 External links Origins The Bra Boys are held together by surfing as well as community ties. [2] The group is often linked with the Maroubra Surfers Association, with which a number of its members are associated. [citation needed] In an interview on Triple J radio, Koby Abberton pointed out the â€Å"Bra† is a reference to the gang's suburb, Maroubra,[3] and partly after the street slang for brother. 1] Some members of the gang tattoo â€Å"My Brother's Keeper† across the front of their chest,[4] â€Å"Bra Boys† and Maroubra's postcode â€Å"2035† on their backs. [citation needed] With a reputation of being territorial,[1] the group is known to have taken control of a Sydney reef break, known as ‘Cape Solander', located in Kurnell, and renaming the break ‘Ours'. In July 2007, The Sydney Morning Herald reported an altercation that took place between professional bodyboarder Mitch Rawlins and a group of several Bra Boys members, including Koby Abberton.Rawlins was allegedly approached by a Bra Boy member and told to â€Å"fuck off†. It is believed an argument broke out and then turned physical with Rawlins being punched in the head. A spokesman for the Bra Boys confirmed there had been â€Å"some sort of small incident† but denied any major vi olence. [5] Notoriety and violence Prominent Bra Boys members include rugby league players Reni Maitua, John Sutton, as well as the Abberton brothers, Sunny, Jai, Dakota, and Koby, with the latter being the most notorious of the brothers. 6] Criminal matters A syndicate with alleged links to members of the Bra Boys were caught smuggling cocaine following interceptions of conversations dating back to 1997. It was alleged that the syndicate was granted security passes to restricted areas within Sydney Airport, by-passing Australian Customs, enabling the prohibited narcotics to be smuggled from Los Angeles by being concealed in on-board catering refuse. [7] In 2005, Jai Abberton was acquitted of the 2003 murder of stand-over man Anthony ‘Tony' Hines. 8] However, his brother Koby was handed a suspended nine-month jail sentence after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice in the same matter. [9][10] In November 2008, Koby Abberton was jailed for three days by a US c ourt after being found guilty of assaulting an off-duty police officer in a fight outside a nightclub in Honolulu, Hawaii. [6] In November 2009 Jai Abberton was jailed for eight months for breaching a good behaviour bond. [11] General community activismIn late 2002, around 160 members of the gang attending a birthday party at the Coogee-Randwick RSL Club were involved in a brawl with off-duty Waverley police officers leaving a Christmas party on the same premises. News reports numbered the combatants in the incident at around 120, with 30 police officers left injured after the event. [12] In August 2005, the Bra Boys led a 100-person non-violent protest against plans by Randwick Council to introduce parking meters near the local beaches. [13]In the lead up to the 2005 Cronulla riots in Cronulla, Koby Abberton spoke to The Daily Telegraph about the assault of a lifeguard that sparked the incident, claiming: â€Å"The reason why it's not happening at Maroubra is because of the Bra Bo ys. Girls go to Cronulla, Bondi, everywhere else in Sydney and get harassed, but they come to Maroubra and nothing happens to them. I read all this stuff about kids getting harassed because they want to have a surf and I say ‘are you kidding? ‘ The beach should be for Aussie kids. But if you want to go to beaches and act tough in groups you better be able to back it up.If these fellas come out to Maroubra and start something they know it's going to be on, so they stay away. â€Å"[14] Following the riots, in which the Bra Boys did not claim any involvement, Maroubra was the target of retaliation by Middle Eastern gangs. The Abberton brothers then held well-publicised meetings with other groups to help ease tensions. [15] â€Å"I think that this is the start, the boys have agreed to come down and talk to us, to start some dialogue between the groups, you know, to try and ease some tension†, said Sunny Abberton in a group interview on The 7. 30 Report. [16] Art imi tating lifeThe Bra Boys were made the subject of satire by The Chaser's War on Everything, episode 29, aired on 11 April 2007. [17] In the skit Julian Morrow approached gang members while wearing a pill-filled brassiere and sporting a tattoo similar to Koby Abberton's saying â€Å"mybrothersalibi†. A gang member responded by slipping off one of his thongs and flinging it at Morrow. Long-running Australian television soap opera, Home and Away has produced a thinly veiled reference to the Bra Boys in the fictional storyline of the River Boys that was broadcast in Australia commencing 16 February 2011. 18] Inspired by the friendship and brotherhood codes instilled by the Bra Boys, the Abberton brothers created a clothing line to reflect the importance of solid bonds between friends and family entitled MyBrothersKeeper Clothing, sometimes referred to as MBK Clothing. MyBrothersKeeper is a reference to the unspoken motto of the Bra Boys and can be somewhat translated as the uncond itional love, respect and support of those close to you regardless of race, gender and age. [4] DocumentaryA 90 minute documentary film about the surf gang, entitled Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water premiered in Sydney on 7 March 2007 and was released on 15 March 2007. The film details a story of the Bra Boys from the viewpoint of the gang, particularly the Abbertons. Sunny Abberton wrote and co-directed the film with Macario De Souza. Actor Russell Crowe provided narration. The film's official cast included 49 well known surfers from Bra Boys members Evan Faulks and Richie ‘Vas' Vaculik to ten-time world champion, Kelly Slater,[19] and surfing legends including Mark Occhilupo, Bruce Irons, and Laird Hamilton. 20] Australian reviewer Margaret Pomeranz gave the movie an overall positive review, while her At the Movies co-host David Stratton criticised Sunny's amateurish direction and questioned how objective a documentary can be when it is directed by its subject. [21] The documentary became Australia's highest-grossing non-IMAX documentary film[22] and won the Best Documentary at the 2008 Movie EXTRA Filmink Awards. [23] The movie saw a limited release in the United States that began on 11 April 2008, in 23 select locations in Southern California, New York and Hawaii. 20] The film was distributed in Australia by Hopscotch Films and internationally by boutique distributor, Berkela Films. [24] The film was released on DVD on 16 August 2007 with extras including the documentary, The Making of Bra Boys, extended surfing footage, coverage of the film's premiere, history of Australian surf culture, a fitness program presented by one of the Bra Boys, and music videos. [25] References ^ a b c Marks, Kathy (19 March 2007). â€Å"Sydney's notorious surf gang turns tide of violence into big-screen adulation†. The Independent (United Kingdom).Retrieved 16 November 2008. ^ Carroll, Nick (9 March 2007). â€Å"Bra Boys World Film Premier in Sydney, Austral ia – Movie review†. Surfing Magazine. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Warhurst, Myf; Whalley, Jason; McDougall, Lindsay (7 May 2007). â€Å"Myf, Jay and the Doctor: Interview with Koby Abberton† (radio). Triple J (Australia). ^ a b Minion, Lynne (8 August 2009). â€Å"Brothers in Arms†. Canberra Times. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Gilmore, Heath (15 July 2007). â€Å"Bra Boys say it's Ours and we'll fight for it†. The Sydney Morning Herald. ^ a b Hellard, Peta (21 November 2008). Guilty Bra Boy Koby Abberton in Honolulu jail for three days†. The Daily Telegraph (Australia). ^ McKenzie, Nick (24 September 2009). â€Å"Cocaine gang had security clearance†. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Wallace, Natasha (6 May 2005). â€Å"Surf gang member cleared of standover man's murder†. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ â€Å"Bra Boys: The often maligned surf brotherhood's new movie†. Surfer M agazine. 22 July 2010. ^ Jones, Caroline (7 November 2005). â€Å"Sons of beaches† (transcript). Australian Story (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. â€Å"Jail for Bra Boy Jai Abberton, Pussycat Doll Melody Jail for Bra Boy Jai Abberton, Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton dines with Sonny and Koby Abberton†. The Daily Telegraph (Australia). 12 November 2009. Retrieved 1 December 2011. ^ Kennedy, Les (24 December 2002). â€Å"Night the thin blue line ran into the Maroubra stomp†. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Cuming, Angela; Munro, Catharine (7 August 2005). â€Å"Rage over 7000 meters for beaches†. The Sun-Herald (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ McIlveen, Luke (9 December 2005). â€Å"A beast surfaces†. The Daily Telegraph (Australia). Silkstone, Dan (14 December 2005). â€Å"When two tribes go to war: a culture clash†. The Age (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ â€Å"Emergency powers to crack down on riots† (transcript). The 7. 30 Report (Australia). 13 December 2005. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ â€Å"The Chaser vs. The Bra Boys – Hilarious Gags† (video). The Chaser. Australia. 11 April 2007. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Casamento, Jo (6 February 2011). â€Å"Bra Boys amused by Home and Away homage†. The Sun-Herald (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Howard, Jake. â€Å"Kelly Slater wins his 10th world title†. ESPN Action Sports (United States). Retrieved 6 November 2010. a b â€Å"Bra Boys†. Internet Movie Database. Amazon. com. 2007. Retrieved 2 February 2011. ^ Pomeranz, Margaret; Stratton, David (14 March 2007). â€Å"Bra Boys†. At the Movies (Australia). Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ â€Å"Bra Boys breaks box office record†. ABC News (Australia). 27 March 2007. ^ â€Å"‘Bra Boys:’ Best Documentary at Movie EXTRA Awards†. Transworld Skateboarding (United States). 17 March 2008. Retrieved 6 Fe bruary 2011. ^ â€Å"Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water†. Berkela Films. Retrieved 6 February 2011. ^ Idato, Michael (27 August 2007). â€Å"Bra Boys – DVD review†. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2011.