Monday, September 30, 2019

Junot Diaz Treflection Essay

From what I had previously read and heard from about Junot Diaz, I expected the typical speaker that usually stops by our campus: tall male, dressed in a suite, with a charming personality. Knowing he was a Hispanic author I felt like I would be exposed to nothing new during his readings or presence for that matter ( seeing as how being from Colombia and have had a lot of exposure to Hispanic authors). This immediately changed as a couple classmates and I got together to walk over to Sorenson Hall, and, as I we were walking to the auditorium, found multiple students heading to the same even but not because their curriculum required it but rather because they were so intrigued to hear him speak. Obviously, this triggered my own interest in what this author, that I originally found so predictable, had to say. From the moment he set foot on the stage to when he said goodbye, I was intrigued. Diaz evoked a casual atmosphere; through cursing and joking he made the crowd feel comfortable. What I found most interesting was how he explained the different views between him and his family and how looked negatively it seemed for him to become an artist. He also explained multiple aspects about the cultural differences, and talked about the concepts of â€Å"trading your culture† he explained how crazy it is to realize at our age that everyone’s dreams aren’t your dreams. I agreed with everything he had to say and I found the way he evoked his opinions, through casual conversation and a comical tone, to be very effective. What I found most interesting though, is how he compared writing to an art form which says the stuff people don’t want to hear. As he was talking about this topic, I couldn’t help but compare his style of writing to that of graffiti art. He holds a rebellious attitude towards society that makes his writing appealing. Attending this reading taught me much about the topic of learning by making mistakes. My whole life, I’ve been raised thinking that mistakes shouldn’t occur, and the fact that he mentioned that one should take time out to learn through failure and making mistakes caught my attention immediately. Attending Diaz’s reading has been one of the most interesting things I’ve experience while at Babson and I know that when I type the last sentence of this reflection I am buying logging on to amazon and buying his book.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Jean paul sartre Essay

Jean-Paul Sartre was a 20th century intellectual, writer, and activist. He was born June 21, 1905, in Paris, France. As a child Sartre was a small cross-eyed boy, who did not have much friends; he would spend most of his time dreaming and thinking. Some say his background as a child led to his success as an adult. Later in his life he studied at the Ecole Normale Superieure and became Professor of Philosophy at Le Havre in 1931. Between 1931 and 1934, he taught high school in Le Havre, Lyon, and Paris. His first major breakthrough as a writer came in 1938 with his novel Nausea. Then in 1939, Sartre was drafted into the French army, where he served as a meteorologist. He was captured by German troops in 1940 and spent nine months as a prisoner of war; although being a prisoner helped shape Sartre. He wrote some of his major works while in prison, and it changed his process of thought at the same time. His pre-war work is largely a defense of individual freedom and human dignity; in his post-war writing, he elaborates on these themes and strongly emphasizes the idea of social responsibility. In October 1964, Sartre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. He declined the prize saying, â€Å"A writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution† (Frentz). He was the first Nobel Laureate to do so. Sartre’s lived with very few possessions; he committed to humanitarian and political causes until the end of his life. Jean-Paul Sartre died in Paris on April 15, 1980, from pulmonary edema at the age of seventy-four. Jean-Paul Sartre wrote an incredible amount of works during his lifetime. One of his first major works was Nausea, which he wrote 1938. Nausea was his first novel; he wrote while he was teaching at Le Havre. Nausea is about a 30-year-old Antoine Roquentin who, returned from years of travel, settles in the fictional French seaport town of Bouville to finish his research on the life of an 18th-century political figure. But becomes very sick, as he calls nausea, which does not allow him to do the things he enjoys in life. He starts to hate existence, but then in his resolution in the book he accepts the indifference of the physical world to man’s aspirations. Ten years later, Sartre wrote another famous work, but this was a play called Dirty Hands. Dirty Hands takes places in a fictional country in Eastern Europe called Illyria, during the later stages of World War II. Hugo, the main character, is released from prison, after the assassination of Hoederer, leader of the proletariat, and went to Olga, his protector, who will examine his case and whether politics can integrate People’s Party. The play examines the reasons that led Hugo to kill Hoederer. Dirty Hands teaches us that even the worst cannot be done without the consent of the person who actually needs to assume and assert his actions. One of his best philosophic essays is, Being and Nothingness, is known to be his greatest articulation of his existentialist philosophy. It is about phenomenological ontology, which is a study of the consciousness of being. Jean-Paul Sartre frequently characterizes humans in terms of the idea of nothingness in this text. His main purpose was to assert the individual’s existence as prior to the individual’s essence. Jean-Paul Sartre has many more famous works. Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher, who had major contributions to philosophy. He is considered the father of Existentialist philosophy; he questioned his existence as a free person greatly. His purpose was to understand human existence rather than the world as such, adopting and adapting the methods of phenomenology. Phenomenology is the study of the development of human consciousness and self-awareness. He believed individuals act out a label given to them, accepting beliefs such as fate, instead of understanding one’s total freedom. Sartre believed all people always had choices; there is no given meaning in life. It is up to all individuals to find their own meaning. Therefore they had freedom in all situations, but with freedom come responsibility. Sartre assumed that if god doesn’t exist then no set rules of right or wrong could possibly exist and it is upon each individual`s realization of this that one can attain true freedom. Sartre was known for his ideas of existentialism. When reading Sartre’s Nausea he takes us on a journey, lived through the main protagonist, Antoine Roquentin, who is completely lacking emotion in his life. Nausea is the journal of Antoine Roquentin. In this story, Roquentin is writing a story of a man named Rolleman, an 18th century historical figure. To start his writing, he emerged himself in the life of this man, studying all things about this man. The way in which Roquentin writes the novel is similar to how a scientist would attempt to analyze a phenomenon; by intricately noting down everything that happens to him. While readers read this story they start to see a theme of social estrangement of the character. â€Å"The nausea creeps in at times when dealing with any of the three characters and I believe that Sartre has introduced them into the story as pillars which have to be knocked down and overcome before you he can finally be free† (Karam). Sartre expands upon this idea in his Being and Nothingness, saying inanimate objects constitute being-in-itself, while humans with consciousness are beings-for-itself. â€Å"This feeling of nausea arises when he seems to perceive objects in the world devoid of their primary qualities- that is, without essence just pure abstract existence: (Karam). Sartre’s philosophy, that in man and life existence precedes essence, the pure foundation of our reality unable to be described in virtue of its paradoxically nothingness. There are a lot of major themes underlying in Nausea, we see glimpses of anti- humanism by the portrayal of the pedantic self-taught man and witnessing three instances of sexual perversion in an effort to undermine humanism. Sartre explores the existentialist question of human and existence. Nausea follows Sartre’s beliefs behind his previous books; the belief of existence precedes essence. He wrote this book in an interesting manner, it was many journal entries and observations of the main character, Roquentin, which I enjoyed. Roquentin begins to understand that his feelings of Nausea have something to do with the question of existence. He claims all people are afraid to exist and do not truly know the importance of objects just their physical characteristics. Throughout the book, Roquentin resolves to free himself from the past by embracing his existence in the present. After reading the excerpt I think Roquentin is confused with his life and existence at first, but then through his experience he realizes his importance and meaning in life. Nothingness is a force that makes up a purposeless reality, but which also inspires action. Roquentin is critical thinker; his journal entries are very detailed with characteristics. I could tell Sartre’s beliefs are underlined Roquentin’s journal entries. I agree with Sartre’s beliefs that true freedom is attained through oneself; humans are responsible for themselves. I appreciate Sartre’s logic and perspective on life. In summary, Jean-Paul Sartre, was a very fascinating person. He spent most of his life in Paris, France, that is where he was born and died. He is a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic. He is most known for his founding on existentialism, a very interesting belief of existence preceding essence. Sartre was also the first person who won a Nobel Prize for literature who refused it. His work and life teachings inspired many other people in their lives. Works Cited Desan, Wilfrid. â€Å"Jean-Paul Sartre (French Philosopher and Author). â€Å"Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014. Web. 15 Oct. 2014. Frentz, Horst. â€Å"Jean-Paul Sartre – Biographical. † Jean-Paul Sartre – Biographical. Elsevier Publishing Company, 1990. Web. 13 Oct. 2014. â€Å"Jean-Paul Sartre. † Bio. com. A&E Networks Television, 2011. Web. 13 Oct. 2014. Karam. â€Å"A Literary Review of Jean-Paul Sartre’s ‘Nausea'† Come Think With Me. World Press, 24 Apr. 2013. Web. 21 Oct. 2014. Maslin, Luke. â€Å"Jean-Paul Sartre By Individual Philosopher Philosophy. † Jean-Paul Sartre By Individual Philosopher Philosophy. N. p. , 2008. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

P2 IP1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

P2 IP1 - Essay Example Accordingly, the following brief analysis will be concentric upon defining and discussing tell tale hallmarks of the manner through which each of these market structures operates. Firstly, perfect competition will be discussed. Naturally perfect competition only happens in a situation in which numerous difference firms are competing against one another for business. Furthermore, firms in perfect competition in a competitive industry will produce an optimal output at the minimum possible cost for the consumer. Even though this might seem as rather confusing wording, it stands to reason. When one considers the way in which the market and the consumer benefit from a situation in which firms are locked in continual competition, the analogy makes perfect sense. For instance, consider the restaurant market within most locations throughout the United States. Even though this is permeated by many branded entities that engage in competition within a variety of different markets, it is invaria bly made up of many local entrants to the market that are effectively locked in perfect competition with one another; representing a benefit to the consumer in the fact that their output is optimal and their costs are minimized. The ease of entry into such a market is better than any of the other models/structures that will be discussed. Comparatively, a quite dissimilar form of market structure is that the monopoly. The monopoly is obviously a situation in which a firm has no competition within the industry (Elzinga & Mills, 2011). Accordingly, such a structure necessarily reduces the overall level of output that a particular business entity might otherwise be capable of and drive up prices accordingly. As was referenced in the previous model, the overall level of societal good that can be represented within the monopoly is greatly decreased. Furthermore, this particular reality has an economic definition which is defined as deadweight loss. Due to the differential with respect to where the supply and demand curves me, this deadweight loss is a quantifiable economic term that can be presented in numeric form to the individual seeking to understand and define the monopoly. The ease of entry into such a market is all but nonexistent. Another type of market structure that is known to exist is defined as an oligopoly. The oligopoly is an industry with only a few competitive firms. A traditional definition of oligopoly includes a tacit understanding of the fact that an element of collusion is possible. Within such an element of collusive oligopoly, the firms that are â€Å"competing† agree to function as a singular entity as a means to drive up costs and represent a market structure that is similar to a monopoly. However, the situation represents the ultimate prisoners dilemma. The temptation not to cooperate and to undercut the competition by providing a lower price and/or a higher quality product/service to the consumer is enough to ensure that most oligo poly is still compete; albeit at least upon the surface. The ase of entry into such structure can be difficult if not impossible; due to the desire of the existing firms to keep any potential further competition at bay. The final market structure which will be discussed can be defined as monopolistic competition. The monopolistic comp

Friday, September 27, 2019

US healthcare system Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

US healthcare system - Essay Example The Fee-for-Service plan is grounded on offering of defined traditional insurance service to cover the cost of services rendered to the consumer. FFS plan creates the least limitations for both the provider and consumer. Due to this minimal restraints resulting from it, the FFS plan has higher costs per degree of protection to the consumers. The Preferred Provider Organizations is similar to the IPA but is mostly predicated upon selecting a subset of all available providers and making contractual agreements with them, which are dependent on price. This plan ensures that â€Å"preferred providers† have patients directed towards them by the PPO insurance plan in exchange for a lower price. This makes the PPO plan attracts a greater patient base that the PPO can apply to negotiate with providers. The Point of Service plan (HMOs without walls) implies a capitation arrangement with providers for their enrollees, even though the doctors are distributed in their offices as in IPA or IPA. Additionally, the compensation for providers is per patient per year and not FFS. Also, patients have strong financial incentives to use POS plan doctors. All the four plans ensure that both the consumers and the providers are not at any disadvantage in terms of provision and reception of healthcare services. Additionally, all the four programs are crafted to ensure each and every citizen gets access to quality affordable healthcare. 2. What roles have state and local health departments played in the delivery of health care services? Are these roles, in your view, appropriate and suitable in ensuring the protection of the public’s welfare? Should they be changed? The state and the local health departments play crucial roles in the delivery of healthcare services to the American citizens. The government’s main role in the healthcare is licensing (Jonas et.al., 2007). The government permits both practitioners and institutions that provide Medicare. Licensing ensures that

Thursday, September 26, 2019

QUESTION TWO,(it is under assignment criteria) Essay

QUESTION TWO,(it is under assignment criteria) - Essay Example n sources of community law are: treaties establishing the communities in EU, general principles of administrative law, international agreements of the European Commission, directives, and conventions between the Member States. This paper briefly addresses the judicial review of community acts along with the relevant aspects with regard to the applicability of articles 230 EC, 232 EC and 234 EC. The judicial review of community acts involves susceptibility of the law, which can be challenged either directly through an action for annulment, or indirectly through the plea of illegality or a preliminary ruling on the validity of the act. In case of article 234 EC, it has been challenged through the preliminary ruling procedure whereas article 230 EC has been challenged through the action for annulment. â€Å"Article 234 allows the Court to decide on the validity of any ‘acts of the Institutions of the Community and of the European Central Bank’, while EC Article 230 contains some restrictions, e.g., as to the binding character of the act, or so to the authors of the act.† (Schermers and Waelbroeck, 2001, p. 314) In case of a failure to act, article 232 EC entitles individuals to challenge the failure to adopt a binding act. Under article 230 EC, Member States and Institutions can challenge all acts of the Institutions including directives. But individuals can only attack the decisions, there is no mention in the act about the possibility of private parties to challenge provisions of a directive. It is notable in this context that the Court of Justice is the only judge of the validity of community law. National courts are not entitled to invalidate any community act. In the interest of legal certainty, it would be preferable if private parties given time limit (two months) to challenge the provision of a directive for effective consequences. With regard to the applicability of article 230 EC, the purpose of actions for its annulment is to invalidate the binding

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Rosa Parks Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Rosa Parks - Research Paper Example She was against of racial segregation. She became an icon of Civil Rights Movement in the world scenario. She worked with the NAACP on many projects or cases. These cases include murder, rape, flogging etc. but did not get so much publicity on their work. In 1979, the NAACP awarded her by its highest honor which was Spingarn Medal. Apart from that she received so many awards such as in 1980 she received Martin Luther King Jr. Award and in 1995 Academy of Achievements Golden Plate Award. Mrs. Parks spent her last few days in Detroit and died in 2005 at the age of 92. She is the one of those women whose courage has changed so many lives in the country (Parks and Haskins 28). This research study is based on an analysis that is to be conducted on the life history of Rosa Parks. The aim of a research study sets the mission that is to be achieved by the researcher through the study. The research aim should always be precise as it forms the basis on which the entire research study would be conducted. The major problem of the research that needs to be addressed by the study is to analyze the major factors that make Rosa Parks â€Å"The Mother of Modern – Day Civil Rights Movement†. The research aim of the study would be to address this research problem statement. Hence the research aim can be formulated such as – a research study that analyzes the entire life of Rosa Parks and to identify certain factors that in her that is incomparable and serves as a lesson to be learned by others. The research aim lays the foundation on basis of the objectives of the research can be formulated. The major research objectives of the study is- The research questions forms the framework that needs to be followed by the researcher so that the analysis performed through the research study can derive appropriate results for the formulated questions. This study would be revolving around the life of Rosa

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Women Empowerment in Corporate America Research Paper - 1

Women Empowerment in Corporate America - Research Paper Example will analyze the reasons which have led to the empowerment of women in the corporate sector in the United States of America, effects of this empowerment of women in the corporate sector and finally the challenges that face women empowerment in the corporate sector in the United States of America. The fight for equal rights for women has greatly contributed to the empowerment of women in corporate America. Women groups have been pushing for women to b give same rights as men in job opportunities, education and in the political scene. The fight for these equal rights has resulted in many women undertaking education opportunities which equip them with the necessary skills required for them to join the corporate world. Another reason that has resulted in the empowerment of women in corporate America is the increasing number of women enrolling in universities to undertake professional programs. For example according to survey done in universities in the United States of America, the number of women who had enrolled to undertake various professional courses had increased significantly on the onset of the 21st century (Klein 96). This has resulted in the number of women in the corporate sector in the United States of America since this huge number of women in universities seeks job opportunities in the corporate sector after completion of their courses in their respective universities. The end of world war two greatly contributed to the empowerment of women in the corporate sector in the United States of America. During the war many American men had enlisted to be at the fore front in serving their country. This left a vacuum since there were no men to run businesses, farms and homes. Women had to take up the role of these men to ensure that life went on smoothly back at home. It created an effect in women since they realized that they could also do what men did instead of staying at home and taking care of their families. Women started looking for jobs in the

Monday, September 23, 2019

Unity and diversity in Contemporary America.(The Module) Essay

Unity and diversity in Contemporary America.(The Module) - Essay Example In this piece of writing, we are going to discuss and justify in depth the pragmatic Obama. President Obama’s foreign policies and decision making undergoes intensive planning and careful evaluation, only two years in his presidency Obama achieved success in four out of five countries he had earlier on engaged in national security issues. In events that seem out of control and beyond his capacity president Obama does not make snarl decisions based on certain ideologies but he resorts to analyzing how the events stretch out.. Not more than two years of his presidency, Obama has faced many foreign policy situations than any of his precursors. His leadership has been put to test in all perspectives availing a ground upon which criticism from his opponents and evaluation from his supporters use to rate him in matters to do with foreign policy (Obiwuru et al. 2011). Way back during his presidential campaigns, Obama set forth several strategies and principles that would be the path to his foreign policies. This includes the five denotative national security policy issues that he made the priority; to put an end to war in Iraq, to reduce nuclear weapons in the world, fight the terrorist groups that are Al Qaeda and Taliban, energy safety and reconstructing the confederations and working other countries in tackling today’s challenges. War in Iraq had been an issue that affected the overall world peace, this being one of the priorities president Obama managed to decimate this war with little criticism and minimal international concern (Lowenthal 2010). President Obama began by withdrawing 10000 soldiers from Iraq and launching operation new dawn that replaced the operation Iraqi freedom in 2010. The American soldiers were given new missions of advising, training, and helping the Iraqi security forces in bringing order and peace. Even thoug h plan to withdraw the US soldiers was prior to president Obama’s election he

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The End of the War is Just the Beginning Essay Example for Free

The End of the War is Just the Beginning Essay In the world of poetry, the most inspirational topics are often the most tragic. War is one of those subjects that evoke a bottomless well of stories, opinions, and emotions. Leningrad Cemetery, Winter of 1941 and Dulce et Decorum Est are two examples of poems centered around battle with different perspectives on war itself. In the poem Leningrad Cemetery, Winter of 1941, author Sharon Olds gives an account of a visit to a burial site where hundreds of dead bodies lay, victims of the siege on the city of Leningrad in World War II. The image is further darkened by the fact that since the ground is frozen, the corpses are unable to be buried. The overall effect created by this poem is to show the brutality of that time on and off the battlefield, as well as to convey the message that there is no hiding from the truth: the world is not a perfect place. The use of metaphors and similes, diction, sounds of words, and most importantly, the overall tone communicates harsh details. Though distributed throughout the work, these features are sometimes concentrated in specific sections; my guess is to create a stronger effect en masse. Though written without stanzas, I could see this poem being divided into four separate parts. The first part serves as an objective view of the cemetery itself and describing the image before the speaker. The first line That winter, the dead could not be buried (1) creates the sort of impact that Olds wanted to have carried throughout the whole poem. This unflinching depiction of truly gruesome scenes is what makes this piece so powerful. Readers are given an image of bodies lying in the cold and then told that the coffins were burned for firewood and that the gravediggers too hungry to work. This is, to say the least, a very bleak picture. When I read the next section, the s sounds filled me with a bit of a chill like I could feel the cold of the winter there. So they were covered with something and taken on a childs sled to the cemetery in the sub-zero air. (5) This is an example of one of the many tactics used by the author to further draw the reader in and make the poem more of an involving experience and not just some words on a page. The next defining section comes with the description of the corpses themselves, though not in a the same grisly detail-filled way as would be suspected after what had been written so far. Although the overall descriptions are tragic, they are camouflaged by metaphors and similes dealing with positive messages in an attempt to pull away from this grim spectacle. Corpses wrapped with dark cloth and rope are compared to a trees ball of roots/ when it wants to planted(8) an image often associated with the beginning of somethings life, not the end. The same lifelike comparison is found in the next sentence when those wrapped with sheets are associated with cocoons that will split down the center/ when the new life inside is prepared (11). Another very positive outlook on the current situation, but also very out of place, especially considering the diction used later to describe the corpses as, pale, gauze, tapered shapes/stiff (10). However, the work then takes a complete turnaround and changes positions very quickly, taking the antithesis of the previous comparisons by associating the bodies with inanimate objects naked calves/ hard as corded wood(14). Its as if the speaker is returning back to the reality of the present situation from the temporary escape the speaker had just made with his positive descriptions and allusions to new life. The use of sounds of words is used once again, but with a sharp k sound to emphasize the harshness of the surroundings. But most lay like corpses, their coverings coming undone, naked calves hard as corded wood spilling from under a cloak, a hand reaching out (15) This harsh alliteration gets back to and more closely follows one of the original motivations of the poem, to shock and disturb readers. The last part of this poem, without a doubt, holds its most powerful image and in turn its most powerful message serving as the best example of the pieces straight forward and introspective tone. From under a cloak, a hand reaching out with no sign of peace, wanting to come back even to the bread made of glue and sawdust, even to the icy winter, and the siege. (18) Throughout this work, there are a number of references to death and life, ends and beginnings, but this is the only mentioning of a longing to return to life from death. It strongly communicates the idea that any sort of life that the reader is leading, no matter how bad, is a life nonetheless for which he or she should be grateful. Here these corpses lay and would give anything to be alive, even if it meant living in this awful place under these terrible conditions. Its better than death. The use of general and formal features explains both the speakers attitude towards the scene at the cemetery as well as creates a stance on Grays theories concerning the lust of the eye. The two practically overlap because the goal of the work is to recreate the scene that caught the speakers eye in the first place. Then relay it to the audience and capture them with the lust of the poetic ear. Shock and amazement are prevalent throughout this piece, especially in the end and the sight of the outstretched hand. Though different from Grays panoramic and impersonal images of power and destruction, these grisly images evoke the same lust of the eye in the speaker and upon viewing them, he tries to delude himself. By comparing the images he sees to more positive visions he can relate to, such as the butterfly cocoon and the trees roots, he feels more comfortable, it calms him. These ideas are but fleeting, though, and he is brought back to realize that the world is no longer perfect. It is as he sees it and no more, and that is overall message. There is no escape from the truth. In the poem Dulce et Decorum Est, author Wilfred Owen provides the reader with not just one, but two entirely different views on war, both of which vary greatly from Olds. Written in an as it happens type style, the piece depicts a group of soldiers caught in the middle of a mustard gas attack during World War I. Owen then switches gears and describes the aftermath of the assault with a cynical view not apparent in the first half of the poem. The purpose and overall effect of this poem is tell the reader that the messages created by the media are wrong and that dying for ones country is not a glorious thing. This idea cant be truly realized unless one has looked death in the face personally. The use of tone, imagery, diction, and stanzas are crucial in getting this point across and I have pointed out where and how they are utilized. The first thing that struck me about this poem was the impact created by the imagery used by the author. Like the Leningrad cemetery, this view it is powerful in scope; only filled more with action and allows less time for reflection by the reader. The first scene is described as a group of soldiers returning from battle Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,/ Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through the sludge, (2) Moving as this image is, it is somewhat ironic that the imagery can be so powerful when you consider that due to the gas, the senses of the speaker and his companions are practically inoperable. This somehow enhances what the reader experiences. I say this because if these soldiers could take everything in, it wouldnt be any great surprise for them because they were so desensitized to war, a familiar concept felt in Olds poem. I often viewed the speaker in the Leningrad cemetery as being someone like a reporter or gravedigger that no longer sees the bodies as the truly lay. He can only see the images that the bodies remind him of. However, by describing normally insignificant events of battle going on around those numbed physically and mentally, the audience is given a clearer picture of what the world they are living in is like. Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots/ Of disappointing shells that fell behind (8). Bombs fall around them and they pay no heed. This ignorance lasts not for long though. Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! An ecstasy of fumbling/ Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time (10). This surprising interjection of action breaks the ambience of the background noise and the silent solace in which they marched. Inventive and unorthodox diction is responsible for making some of the most profound statements in this section that much more noticeable. Not only for the scenes these words help to create, but to make the reader stop and question their usage. The use of the word ecstasy to describe the fumbling of the gas mask caught my eye. Whether we should view this as comical or just plain hopeless leaves the audience uncertain what to feel and in a way temporarily pulls the reader away from the seriousness of the current situation. But someone still was yelling out and stumbling/ And floundering like a man in fire or lime (12). Gripped with a fear for his own life and the gravity of the moment, the speaker can do nothing but watch his comrade guttering, choking, drowning (16). Another example of how the power of the diction fuels the fire of the emotions already being felt by the reader. Its after this point that the speaker reaches his breaking point and realizes that things will never be the same. The stanzas, which had been similar in length and mostly objective, take a dramatic turn in the last half of the poem. After watching his companion die, a new stanza starts only two lines in length. As in the first poem, the last part of the work takes a turn to make an overriding point with just one image. In these sentences, the speaker stops reflecting on the past and talks about the present. In all my dreams, before my helpless sight/ He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning (16). We realize that for the speaker, this war has never really ended for him, but just keeps getting replayed over and over in his head. He knows hell never be able to shake that image and expresses his feelings in the final stanza. In this last and most important paragraph, time slows down and the memory burned into the speakers head comes bubbling to the surface, as fresh as if he had seen it yesterday. He accounts, with gruesome details, the body of a dying soldier flung in the back of a cart. A man whose slow death he had been witnessing for the past few minutes and was unable to help. He was now on his way to being just another statistic and the all the speaker could do was watch. And watch the white eyes writhing in his face/ His hanging face, like a devils sick of sin; (20). It is here that his tone becomes obvious and he relays to readers his belief about war and that the glory so often talked about is absent when it comes to dying on the battlefield. As General Patton once said, No man ever died for his country. Go out and make some other man die for his country. Both of these poems strongly emphasize the aftermath of war more than the grand spectacle itself. Its this shared factor that in a way negates what Gray says about the lust of the eye and becoming separated from the world by the panoramic and jaw dropping sight of battle. Though neither of the poems disproves this idea, both Olds and Owen focus on a different lust of the eye, one having more to do with what is seen at the end and not so much during the conflict itself. The images of the dead create a lasting impression in the readers minds that as uncomfortable as it may be, must be a thousand times worse for a material witness. It gives me a whole new respect for veterans. I no longer appreciate just what they did, but what they have to live with.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Religious Philosophy Essay Example for Free

Religious Philosophy Essay Christian theology has its roots in Judaism. Christian theology has evolved from the philosophy of the Old Testament from which the Christians take their most basic of tenets: there is only one God, that God is present everywhere, and that God is all-knowing. However, the God of the Old Testament was a more personal and a more vengeful God. This wrathful nature led to a philosophy that God was an awesome, fearsome God. Later Western philosophers also accepted that God was in everything and was the Creator of everything. However, those who followed the cosmological argument of St. Thomas Aquinas seemed to also include the goodness of God. Not only was God fearsome, as the Creator of all things He was also the source of all good. Much of the religious philosophy in today’s Western culture is based on this goodness. St. Thomas Aquinas did more than just theorize on the goodness of God. Through the cosmological argument he offered a proof for the existence of God. But he was not a cloistered scholar. Aquinas wrote profusely, he preached to and taught congregations, and he lectured at public gatherings. His many writings influenced two avenues of Western thought: empiricism and Aristotelianism. According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Thomass theological writings became regulative of the Catholic Church and his close textual commentaries on Aristotle represent a cultural resource which is now receiving increased recognition. The following account concentrates on Thomas the philosopher and presents him as fundamentally an Aristotelian (McInerny, 2005, par. 1). Few philosophers of Western religion had so much impact on religious thought as St. Thomas Aquinas. One testament to his continued importance is that Pope John Paul II issued an encyclical that used Thomist reasoning in 1998 (McInerny, 2005). For this reason, I think that St. Thomas Aquinas most advanced Western religious thought.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings Introduction Climate change is a major world issue, average temperatures have risen across the globe by 1oC between 1906 and 2005 with a more rapid increase over the last 50 years (Conserve Energy Future, 2017], this rise has been attributed to global warming (McGrath, 2017). Emissions of gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) contribute to this global warming and are known as greenhouse gases (NASA, 2017), though the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States of America stated in 2017 that CO2 was not a primary contributor to global climate change (McGrath, 2017). Energy use is a major producer of these greenhouse gases, governments around the world have put in place measures to reduce the production of these gases by introducing rules to improve energy efficiency (Conserve Energy Future, 2017]. In the UK energy use, can be broken down into 4 main areas, Transport, Domestic, Industrial and Services Sector (Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, 2016). This report will look at energy usage of buildings and techniques that can be utilised to improve a buildings energy efficiency. UK Energy Usage The breakdown of the UKs energy usage across the 4 main areas in 2015 was as follows (Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, 2016): Transport 40% Domestic 29% Industry 17% Services Sector 14% The fuels used to provide this energy were a mixture of Gas, Electricity, Solid fuels, Petroleum and Bioenergy (Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, 2016). Both industry and transport use large amounts of energy undertaking their processes be it production lines or the operation of various modes of transport such as trains or buses rather than the running of buildings (Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, 2016). Energy usage is fundamental to the operation of any building be it for lighting, heating, cooling, cooking or other services such as lifts (Wade, Pett and Ramsay, 2003), with most of this energy being provided by either gas or electricity (Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, 2016). Thus, Improving the energy efficiency of a building can considerable reduce the amount of energy that is used. Over the last 30 years there has been a considerable increase in energy usage by office blocks due to the rise in the use of technologies such as large computers and the increased use of air conditioning systems (Wade, Pett and Ramsay, 2003). In the service sector office buildings are second to retail units in the levels of energy that they consume, and these office buildings contribute to 1.1% of the UK CO2 emissions each year (Pothitou, Connaughton and Torriti, 2015). Figure 1: Energy Usage of a standard Office and Efficient Office, Source: (Knissel, 1999) To become more energy efficient a building needs to use less energy to undertake the same tasks or role (International Energy Agency, 2017), as figure 1 above shows, improvements from a standard office block to a super-efficient office block can reduce energy usage by 70% (Knissel, 1999) Lighting In a commercial office, the lighting uses up to 50% of all the electricity consumed (Irish Energy Centre, 1995) and 35% of the total the energy consumption of the building (Knissel, 1999). Lighting can be broken down into several types these being access lighting, task lighting, emergency lighting and effects lighting (Irish Energy Centre, 1995). For a building to become more energy efficient attention needs to be paid to the lighting design to reduce the level of usage, technological advances mean that improvements in the efficiencies of lighting can be done in several ways (Energy Saving Trust, 2017), some of these can also be applied to existing office buildings without too much work having to be undertaken other methods need major alterations to incorporate into older buildings and are more suited to new buildings or buildings going through major refurbishment (The Renewable Energy Hub, 2016). The simple replacement of existing lamps within light fittings can reduce energy usage, with more modern fluorescent tubes being 25% more energy efficient than older versions and compact fluorescent lamps using up to 75% less energy than an old tungsten lamps (Irish Energy Centre, 1995), these tungsten lamps having been invented over 100ÂÂ   years ago(Energy Saving Trust, 2017) Light Emitting Diodes lamps (LEDs) are also now available and are up to 80% more efficient than the tungsten lamps (Energy.gov, 2013), when invented in the 1960s LEDs were no more efficient than tungsten lamps it has only been in the last ten years that great improvements in their efficiency has been achieved (Energy.gov, 2013). This method of energy efficiency can be applied to existing buildings without too much trouble but does have a cost over and above normal maintenance costs of changing the lamps but by the energy saved the LED lamps can pay back their extra initial cost within 3 years. (Corkhill, 2014). Another area where lighting can be made more efficient is insuring that it is only used when required and that lights are turned out when not in use (Open Technology, 2016). The use of sensors such as proximity or absence detection also means that the lights come on automatically when occupied and turn off after a period of non-occupancy (Open Technology, 2016), the dis-advantages of this can that someone sitting still at a desk may not activate the sensor and the light may go out while they are still there. Office areas can also be divided into different lighting zones with different controls for each zone, lights then only need to be on in areas of the office that are occupied or being used (Knissel 1999) leading to further efficiency.ÂÂ   The use of daylight sensors to adjust the amounts of artificial light used when there is sufficient natural light helps reduce energy usage (Carbon Trust, 2017). This may be achieved by having lights that either switch off or dim depending on levels of natural light in an area and can be used alongside lighting zones so that the lights closest to the windows dim separately when the natural light levels increase (Open Technology, 2016). Dimming controls and timers can also be utilised to minimise energy usage, it may be that less lamps operate at a lower light level at certain times of the day such as during the evenings or night while cleaning of the office is being undertaken (Open Technology, 2016). The room layouts can also play a part in energy efficiency by positioning desks to make more use of natural light and by painting walls and ceilings light colours can maximise the effectiveness of the lights (Irish Energy Centre, 1995). Thermal Comfort All individuals working in an office want to feel comfortable and not to be either to hot or too cold no matter what time of the year it is (Seton, 2015). There are 6 factors which can affect the thermal comfort of people within an office environment, these can be broken down into environmental factors and personnel factors (HSE, 2016). The 4 environmental factors being Air Temperature, Air velocity, radiant temperature and relative humidity (Harish, 2017), the other 2 factors are personnel these being clothing and metabolic heat (HSE, 2016). The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) have identified several elements of a building that will affect the thermal environment these being items such as glazing, ventilation, air tightness, thermal mass, plant and equipment, waste heat along with working patterns, activities and workforce profile (Seton, 2015). CIBSE also provide recommendations on the temperatures levels, air supply and illuminance to provide a comfort level that will be acceptable to 80% of the occupants (Woods, 2015), this does though mean that there will be 20% that do not find it comfortable (Woods, 2015). Due to personnel preferences, it is not possible to find settings that are acceptable to all occupants and the recommendations are levels deemed to be a healthy office environment (HSE, 2016) Figure 2 CIBSE Comfort recommendations for Offices Conditions Temperature (Â °C) Air Supply per person (l/s/person) Illuminance Noise Rating (NR) Summer (Light Clothing) 22-25 8 500 35 Winter (Warm Clothing 21-23 8 500 35 Source: CIBSE Guide A: Environment Design 2015 (Woods, 2015) Many office blocks have heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) to maintain these comfort levels (Carbon Trust, 2017), figure 1 earlier in this report shows that in a standard office these systems use up to 42% of the all the energy consumed by the office block (Knissel, 1999). For the most efficient use of these HVACs systems it is important to design the buildings fabric to reduce the load imposed on these HVACs systems (Harish, 2017). For example, radiant temperature can involve both heat gain and heat loss through the structure, this is especially so near large windows, in these instances the structure can be designed with solar shading such as brise soleil or reflective blinds on elevations facing the sun to reduce solar heat gain (Harish, 2017). The windows can also be designed with triple glazed glass along with blinds that have thermal insulating properties to help reduce heat loss during the cooler months of the year (Harish, 2017). These measure help reduce the amount of work that either the cooling system or heating systems must undertake (Knissel, 1999), the disadvantage that any shading or blinds have is that they reduce the amount of natural light entering the building leading to the extra usage of artificial lighting. Heating in office buildings is usually provided by a central boiler (CIBO, 1997), the efficiency of the boiler can depend upon the fuel used, back in 1997 the typical energy efficiency for boilers based on fuel varied greatly as shown in figure 3. Figure 3 Typical Efficiency for New Boilers in 1997 Fuel Full Load Efficiency % Low Load Efficiency % Coal 85 75 Oil 80 72 Gas 75 70 Biomass 70 60 Source: (CIBO, 1997) Improvement in technology has meant boiler efficiency has greatly improved since 1997, micro combined heat and power (mCHP) boilers are now available for offices and domestic properties, prior to 2006 these were only economically available on extremely large scales (The Renewable Energy Hub, 2016). CHP boilers simultaneously generate useful heat and electricity making better use of the fuel being used (Ecoliving, 2017). Figure 4 Micro Combined Heat and Power Boiler Schematic. Source: (The Renewable Energy Hub, 2016). These combined heat and power boilers can be up to 98% efficient, with the electricity produced being either used by the building or returned to the main grid (The Renewable Energy Hub, 2016). A disadvantage of CHP is that it is only useful in a building that requires both hot water and electricity, if other methods are used for heating and hot water is only used for washing then a CHP is not practical (Dinneen, 2014). As well as improved efficiency of boilers and air conditioning systems better controls also help reduce energy usage, for every 1Â °C lower that the heating is run it reduces energy usage by up to 8% (Carbon Trust, 2017) so setting heating levels at the lower level of 21Â °C set by CIBSE rather than the upper winter level of 23oC can reduce the energy usage by up to 16%. In open plan areas controls to both heating and cooling should also not be accessible to the occupants as there could be instances where one individual turns up the heating in their area and another turns down the air conditioning in their zone and the two systems then try to work against each other (Carbon Trust, 2017). Some areas of a building such as computer hub rooms will require cooling all year due to the heat generated by the equipment within them (Wade, Pett and Ramsay, 2003), the use of a heat recovering system can be utilised to use this heat for other parts of the building reducing the load put on the heating systems and reducing the energy usage (Energytechs, 2017). These heats recovering units operate by using hot air from within the building to heat fresh cool air from the external environment (Energytechs, 2017) this warmed fresh air is then circulated around the building reducing the heating requirements (Wade, Pett and Ramsay, 2003) Figure 5 Heat Recovery Unit, Source: Energytechs, 2017 Conclusion Technology and energy efficiency of services for buildings is continually improving this can be seen by the advances in LED technology for lighting and the use of Combined Heat and Power boilers in smaller scale buildings that have advanced over the last 20 years (Wade, Pett and Ramsay, 2003). Buildings can only be built as energy efficient as the technology available at the time of construction, some energy efficiency measures can be installed later if the technology becomes available but this can be costly and disruptive (Wade, Pett and Ramsay, 2003) It is though important when considering energy efficiency of buildings services to ensure that comfort levels for occupants are maintained for the tasks they are undertaking and are not compromised to achieve great energy efficiency (Irish Energy Centre, 1995) Modern technology makes more use of automated controls to assist in improving energy efficiency within buildings, this helps to remove occupants interference with controls and the potentially unbalancing of the systems resulting in more energy usage. As already mentioned earlier in this report the guidance figures given by CIBSE will only be acceptable to 80% of the occupants (Woods, 2015) the other 20% will be looking to alter the settings to suit their requirements so good communication with the occupants on the reasons the strategy for control settings will help with the implementation of the energy efficiency measures (Irish Energy Centre, 1995). References Carbon Trust, 2017, [Online] Available at: https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/guides/energy-efficiency/lighting/ [Accessed on 15th March 2017] CIBO, 1997. Energy Efficiency Industrial Boiler Efficiency [Online] Available at: http://invenoinc.com/file/Energy-Efficieny-adn-Industrial-Boiler-Efficiency.pdf [Accessed on 25th March 2017] Conserve Energy Future, 2017. 35 Surprising Facts about Global Warming. [Online] Available at:ÂÂ   http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/various-global-warming-facts.php [Accessed on 14th March 2017] Corkhill, K. 2014. LED Payback Calculation [Online] Available at: http://www.jarvislights.com/led_payback_calculation_blog/ [Accessed on 23rd March 2017] Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, 2016, Energy Consumption in the UK [Online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-consumption-in-the-uk [Accessed on 14th March 2017] Dinneen, P., 2014. Pros and Cons: Combined heat and Power (CHP) [Online] Available at: http://www.kinsley-group.com [Accessed 23rd March 2017] Ecoliving, 2017. What is CHP? [Online] Available at; http://www.ecolivinguk.com/combined-heat-power/what-is-chp/ [Accessed on 25th March 2017] Energy.gov, 2013. History of the light bulb [Online] Available at: https://energy.gov/articles/history-light-bulb [Accessed on 21st March 2017] Energy Saving Trust, 2017. Energy Efficient Lighting [Online] Available at: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/lighting [Accessed on 23rd March 2017] Energytechs, 2017. Heat Energy Recovery Ventilation [Online] Available at: http://energetechs.com/heat-recovery-ventilation/ [Accessed on 23rd March 2017] Harish, A., 2017. How to Improve Thermal comfort in an Office Environment. [Online] Available at: https://www.simscale.com/blog/2016/07/improve-thermal-comfort-office/ [Accessed on 21st March 2017] HSE, 2016. The six basic factors [Online] Available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/factors.htm [Accessed on 21st March 2017] Irish Energy Centre, 1995, Energy Efficient lighting in OfficesÂÂ   [Online] Available at: http://www.seai.ie/Publications/Your_Business_Publications/Technology_Guides/Energy%20Efficient%20Lighting%20in%20Offices.pdf [Accessed on 15th March 2017] Knissel, J., 1999. Energy efficient Office Buildings [Online] Available at:- http://www.iwu.de/fileadmin/user_upload/dateien/energie/energy_efficient_office_buildings.pdf [Accessed on 23rd March 2017] McGrath, M., 2017. Extreme an Unusual Climate trends continue after record 2016 [Online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-39329304 [Accessed on 21st March 2017] NASA, 2017. Global Climate Change, Vital Signs of the Planet [Online] Available at: https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ [Accessed on 14th March 2014] Open Technology, 2016, Intelligent Lighting Controls [Online] Available at: http://www.opentechnologyuk.com/ligo/ [Accessed on 15th March 2017] Pothitou, M., Connaughton, J. and Torriti, J. 2015, Energy Demand Working practices in Office Buildings [Online] Available at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/tsbe/MaryPothitou_TSBE_Conference_Paper_2015.pdf [Accessed on 14th March 2017] Seton, 2015. Thermal Comfort in the workplace [Online] Available at: http://www.seton.co.uk/legislationwatch/article/thermal-comfort-workplace/ [Accessed on 21st March 2017] The Renewable Energy Hub, 2016. Micro Combined Heat and Power [Online] Available at: https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/micro-combined-heat-and-power-micro-chp-information/how-does-microchp-work-in-a-home-or-business.html#jump_21929 [Accessed on 25th March 2017] Wade, J., Pett, J. and Ramsay, L., 2003, Energy efficiency in offices: assessing the situation [Online] Available at: http://pett-projects.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ACE-Research-2003-05-Energy-Efficiency-in-offices-Assessing-the-situation-report1.pdf [Accessed on 14th March 2017] Woods, P., 2015. CIBSE Guide A: Environment Design 2015, LONDON: Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Life Under the Taliban Essay -- Taliban Afghanistan Middle East Essay

Life Under the Taliban Afghanistan is one of the poorest and most troubled countries in the world. The land that occupies Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internally warring factions. At the gateway between Asia and Europe, this land was conquered by Darius I of Babylonia circa 500 B.C., and Alexander the Great of Macedonia in 329 B.C., among others. In recent years, war and lawlessness had destroyed much of the country; millions of people went into exile and brought its economy to a standstill. This paper looks to explore the recent history of Afghanistan, how the Taliban came to power, and the impact their Islamic laws had on the Afghanistan society including their treatment of women. Brief History During the imperial days Afghanistan became a buffer zone when both Britain and Russia agreed that an incursion into Afghanistan would be considered a declaration of war against each other. Both respected this arrangement. After Britain's departure from the region, Russians increased their influence in Afghanistan with help and support from India, which wanted to keep Pakistan carved out of British India in 1947. Meanwhile, the Russians believed that the Americans, who replaced Britain as the new superpower, were too far away from this region to get physically involved. So in 1979, when the pro-soviet communist regime in Kabul showed signs of weakness, the Soviet Union sent its troops into Afghanistan. They faced no resistance and captured the entire country in a few days. However, the Soviets were mistaken about the United States response to their invasion. The Americans did not like the Soviet presence in Afghanistan as it could have allowed the Soviet Union to have undue influence in South Asia and the oil rich Middle East. In engaging the Russians in Afghanistan, the Americans also saw an opportunity to avenge their defeat in Vietnam. The Pakistanis were equally keen to prevent the Russians from strengthening their position in Afghanistan, particularly because of the theory, which was popular at the time, that Moscow wanted to reach the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Many in Islamabad believed that after consolidating themselves in Afghanistan, the Russians would make a move to take over Pakistani city of Karachi, the nearest seaport for the former soviet Central Asia. Pakist... ...essed 08 February 10, 2004. ?A Job Half Done In Afghanistan?.The New York Times, May 15,2003, Baldauf, Scott. and Tohid, Owais.?Taliban Appears to be regrouped and well funded?. Christian Science Monitor, May 8,2003, Baldauf, Scott. and Tohid, Owais.? Where taliban go to find warm beds and results?. Christian Science Monitor, December 11,2003, Black, Andrew.?Talibans Rise Was Fueled By International Community?.The Press Association Limited, September 30, 2003 Goodson, P. Larry. Afghanistans endless war.United States of America:Univeristy of Washington Press, 2001. Hilton, Elizabeth.?Just Poppycock?.The Guardian, December 11, 2003 ?How The Taliban Erased History; One Year After Taliban Forces Savaged Afghanistan?s Two Celebrated Buddahs, The Story Of Their Destruction Has Emerged?. Washington Post.March 16,2002 Kramer, Martin.?The Camera and The Burqa?.Middle East Quarterly, March 1,2002 Nojumi, Neamatollah.The rise of the taliban in afghanistan.New York,NY:Palgrave, 2002. ?Taliban Comeback in Afghanistan?. Mideast Mirror October 10, 2003 Tompkins,Richard. ?Analysis:Afghanistan 2 years later.? United Press International, September 14, 2003,p8 Life Under the Taliban Essay -- Taliban Afghanistan Middle East Essay Life Under the Taliban Afghanistan is one of the poorest and most troubled countries in the world. The land that occupies Afghanistan has a long history of domination by foreign conquerors and strife among internally warring factions. At the gateway between Asia and Europe, this land was conquered by Darius I of Babylonia circa 500 B.C., and Alexander the Great of Macedonia in 329 B.C., among others. In recent years, war and lawlessness had destroyed much of the country; millions of people went into exile and brought its economy to a standstill. This paper looks to explore the recent history of Afghanistan, how the Taliban came to power, and the impact their Islamic laws had on the Afghanistan society including their treatment of women. Brief History During the imperial days Afghanistan became a buffer zone when both Britain and Russia agreed that an incursion into Afghanistan would be considered a declaration of war against each other. Both respected this arrangement. After Britain's departure from the region, Russians increased their influence in Afghanistan with help and support from India, which wanted to keep Pakistan carved out of British India in 1947. Meanwhile, the Russians believed that the Americans, who replaced Britain as the new superpower, were too far away from this region to get physically involved. So in 1979, when the pro-soviet communist regime in Kabul showed signs of weakness, the Soviet Union sent its troops into Afghanistan. They faced no resistance and captured the entire country in a few days. However, the Soviets were mistaken about the United States response to their invasion. The Americans did not like the Soviet presence in Afghanistan as it could have allowed the Soviet Union to have undue influence in South Asia and the oil rich Middle East. In engaging the Russians in Afghanistan, the Americans also saw an opportunity to avenge their defeat in Vietnam. The Pakistanis were equally keen to prevent the Russians from strengthening their position in Afghanistan, particularly because of the theory, which was popular at the time, that Moscow wanted to reach the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Many in Islamabad believed that after consolidating themselves in Afghanistan, the Russians would make a move to take over Pakistani city of Karachi, the nearest seaport for the former soviet Central Asia. Pakist... ...essed 08 February 10, 2004. ?A Job Half Done In Afghanistan?.The New York Times, May 15,2003, Baldauf, Scott. and Tohid, Owais.?Taliban Appears to be regrouped and well funded?. Christian Science Monitor, May 8,2003, Baldauf, Scott. and Tohid, Owais.? Where taliban go to find warm beds and results?. Christian Science Monitor, December 11,2003, Black, Andrew.?Talibans Rise Was Fueled By International Community?.The Press Association Limited, September 30, 2003 Goodson, P. Larry. Afghanistans endless war.United States of America:Univeristy of Washington Press, 2001. Hilton, Elizabeth.?Just Poppycock?.The Guardian, December 11, 2003 ?How The Taliban Erased History; One Year After Taliban Forces Savaged Afghanistan?s Two Celebrated Buddahs, The Story Of Their Destruction Has Emerged?. Washington Post.March 16,2002 Kramer, Martin.?The Camera and The Burqa?.Middle East Quarterly, March 1,2002 Nojumi, Neamatollah.The rise of the taliban in afghanistan.New York,NY:Palgrave, 2002. ?Taliban Comeback in Afghanistan?. Mideast Mirror October 10, 2003 Tompkins,Richard. ?Analysis:Afghanistan 2 years later.? United Press International, September 14, 2003,p8

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Free Essays - Importance of Feste in Twelfth Night :: Twelfth Night essays

Importance of Feste in Twelfth Night Feste, the amusing clown, plays a most important part in the play. He is able to take on several roles, and is indeed "for all waters"; from serious to comic, learned to nonsensical, the wit or the practical joker; just as the occasion seems to suggest. Because he is a part of both the main and sub plot, Feste is the character, who links both parts of the play together, making Twelfth Night a whole. The clown contributes towards the humourous entertainment of this play through his numerous puns and jokes. He is a source of laughter, not because we are humoured by his "foolery"; for he proves to be no fool at all; but rather because he amuses us with his brilliant wit. Having mastered the art of jesting, Feste is sensitive of his profession, always aware of the circumstances he is in and the appropriateness of this folly. Feste is able to prevent any delusions of grandeur by a reminder that foolishness is a condition common to all mankind whether one is king or servant. It is Malvolio's vanity that convinces Feste to take part in the joke played on the steward. As "Sir Topas", and Malvolio's `prosecutor` Feste attempted to help Malvolio realize that there was "no darkness but ignorance". With Feste's help, we are able to attain a better understanding of the other characters in the play- revealing their true personalities, which are sometimes unseen, not only by us, the audience, but also by the characters themselves. He shows Olivia how unrealistic and excessive her mourning for her brother's death has been, he tells Orsino how foolish he is for languishing in a mood of love-sick melancholy for Olivia and points out how mercurial his personality is, and he makes a fool out of the pompous Malvolio. "Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun- it shines everywhere" says Feste. Feste, however, never takes sides with any of the characters, and in this way, he becomes a kind of commentator for the play. He is able to examine the characters, revealing the bare truth about them and he unites the main and sub-plot in a similar way.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The Past, Present and Future

Throughout the last 50 years, humanity has witnessed many changes that have attired and changed our lives in many ways. The emergence of technology in our lives, for example, has caused life to become simpler by making connections easier between people. Changes such as these have caused many differences between each generation. Whilst comparing the life of our generation and our parent's generation we can see that various aspects have changed Like technology, education and life style.Through the last two decades we've witnessed a rise In aspects that we laden know of before. Technology Is an Issue that our generation was greatly Influenced and affected by. Through the Internet new ways of connections, were brought to the table making life easier for our generation. In the olden days one had to go through uphill efforts In order to simply contact another person, however nowadays due to social media, connections between people are Just one click away. The swift and easy going interacti ons that social media Imposed on us changed the way of life between the two generations completely.Likewise: education is one of the aspects that blossomed in our modern days causing dissimilarities between this generation and the past generation. Due to the common awareness that we have been exposed to regarding the importance of education in life, education has become more easily accessible for people of different classes of the society. Numbers of educated people in our generation has increased tremendously comparing to our parent's generation. Educational institutions have now new and more technological ways of teaching.On the contrary education in the past generation was limited to the local institutions; international schools and universities were few and too expensive. Also, the education method in the past generation differs from the methods we're using now; our parents' educational system mainly depended on spoon-feeding. In these days we are taught to think more critically , deeper, and outside the box. Another aspect that changed between the two generations is their lifestyles. Due to media and the globalization of media our perspective and opinions about various issues have changed.For example, because of open portrait of sex, alcohol and drugs in movies, our generation view these somehow controversial topics as mediocre, In our generation these issues are being practiced more abundantly while in the past these issues were viewed as immorally. Also you can clearly see differences In the smallest details of our life like music. For Instance; the past generation's taste In music was more appropriate, inspirational, motivational and positive storytelling than this generation's.Songs like â€Å"Man In the Mirror† had a positive meaning behind their lyrics â€Å"I'm starting with the man In the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways. And no message could have been any clearer. If you want to make the world a better place. Take a look at yourse lf, and then make a change. † Michael Jackson. â€Å"Man in the Mirror. † Race. May 1987. Bad. Michael Jackson, Quince lyrical kinds of music, like Electronic Dance Music. Artists like Michael Jackson, The Battles and Affair aren't as popular as they were before.Also, words like â€Å"Rave† â€Å"PLURAL† and â€Å"#Damselfly† are now being used despite the fact that they weren't known before. To put it in a nutshell, we can easily see the differences of our generation and our parent's generation in many aspects like technology, education and lifestyle. It's natural, and as Jim Morrison said â€Å"Each generation wants new symbols, new people, new names. They want to divorce themselves from their predecessors†. We can easily relate that the next generations will be even more different than our generation.

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Taming of the Shrew; Is Kate Tamed?

Katherina may be a shrew, but Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew does not truly show a study of how a selfish, spoilt individual is made to conform to society’s expectations, or be tamed into a ‘proper’ woman. At the end of the play, Katherina is not, necessarily, tamed – she just realizes what she must to do in order to get the things she wants. Two main examples of her submitting to Petruchio in order to achieve her desires are in Act 4, scene 5, (the sun versus moon scene) as well as Act 5, scene 2 (the kiss me kate scene and her final monologue).In Act 4, scene 5, the audience is shown a major part of Petruchio’s ‘taming’ process. Petruchio exclaims: â€Å"Good Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon! † (iv, v, line 3, page 185). It is, of course, the sun shining brightly, as Kate rightly corrects him. When Petruchio threatens Kate by telling her that they will not proceed on their journey to her father’s house unless she agrees with him, Kate is smart enough to realize that the only way to continue on the trip would be to comply.She readily agrees with Petruchio, quite respectfully and subserviently, in fact. Even when Petruchio counters her agreement with â€Å"Nay, then you lie. It is the blessed sun† (iv, v, line 20, page 187) Kate manages to control her anger and, once again, agrees with him. The audience is aware that Kate knows Petruchio is using this ‘obedience’ strategy as a way to tame Kate and that she seems to have caught on to his tactic. By showing her self-control during that moment, instead of having an outburst, it is obvious that Kate outsmarted Petruchio.She is not, at all, tamed; simply able to get the things she wants in a calmer manner. Instead of taming her, Petruchio has taught her new ways of achieving the things she wants. As well, in Act 5, scene 2, Kate is also shown to be manipulating the situation around her while appearing â€Å"tam ed†. When the couple is heading towards Lucentio and Bianca’s wedding dinner, Petruchio pauses in the street and asks Kate to kiss him. She is a little appalled at his forward behaviour and questions him briefly. â€Å"What, in the midst of the street? †¦ / No, sir God forbid, be ashamed to kiss. † (v, ii, line 148, 149, page 205). Again, she is threatened with having to return home instead of joining in the festivities, and Kate gives Petruchio a kiss. This obedient kiss may indicate Petruchio’s power over her, but it was clear to Kate that if she did not give him the kiss he asked for, she would not have been allowed to proceed to the wedding feast. Kate is smart and cunning and she manipulated his yearn for her tameness in order to do everything that she wants to while making him happy and pleased.In addition, Kate’s final monologue, also in Act 5, scene 2, tells the audience a lot; about the play itself, as well as the society in Shakespear e’s era. On face value, Kate’s final monologue seems to be a long lecture about serving your husband, no questions asked. â€Å"Then vail your stomachs, for it is no boot, / And place your hands below your husband’s foot† (v, ii, lines 92-3, page 221). However, Shakespeare gave Kate the last word in the play, a sign of her consistent power and control.As well, her monologue can be perceived as quite ironic. Kate is aware of the beliefs about how women in the household should act and, as clearly portrayed throughout the entire play, the role Petruchio has been trying to get her to fill. By playing along fullheartedly with society’s expectations, in front of the large audience of guests, Kate becomes â€Å"truly tamed† – or just incredibly clever. By teaching Bianca and the widow how to treat their husbands properly, she is deemed tamed. â€Å"‘Tis a wonder, by your leave, she will be tamed so. v, ii, line 206, page 221). Now, Ka te has cleared her reputation. The Taming of the Shrew shows how shrewd Kate changes – but she never morphs into the Elizabethan wife Petruchio, and all the other characters, thinks she becomes. Instead, she learns how to manipulate situations in order to get the things she desires without having large outbursts and a sour attitude. This Shakespeare comedy is a laugh at society’s expectations, as it shows how a powerful woman, Kate, outsmarted her arrogant, Elizabethan husband. Katherina:

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Becoming a Guidance Counselor

Every classroom presents an exclusive community of learners that varies not only in abilities, but also in so many learning styles. In education it is my role as an educator to give children the tools with which to grow their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful. I will present curriculum that involves the interests of the children and makes learning relevant to life, but also be able to make sure that I am able to achieve the goals of the district in a manner that learning is enjoyable.I will integrate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children active learners. This allows children to have amazing teach-able moments. Finally, I will tie learning into the world community to help children become caring and active members of society. All of these beliefs will allow me to become a successful Guidance counselor. B ecoming a guidance counselor allow me to have a more one on one relationship with students. In many cases you are able to teach children in small group setting teaching ideas that children are able to take for the rest of their lives.Having a guidance counselor that is able to advocate for the children is so important. Education has changed through the years in my option it has changed for the better. In the United States many children are able to attend Private, Charter, or Public schools. In the early 1840’s you were not able to attend any school unless you were able to pay for the education. It was in Horace Mann in Massachusetts and Henry Barnard in Connecticut where they saw a need for free education. They were able to show that there was a need for quality education in order to prevent crime in the community.It was then that at the end of the 19th century all American children were able to get free education. It was not until 1918 that all states passed a law requiring all students to go to at least elementary school. Private schools were then created by many Catholics because they disagreed with the beliefs of the public schools. With private, catholic, and charter it all raises an issue should all education be the same for everyone? If it was up to me I would have to say no. The logic is because I believe that teachers have the right to be able to decide the way that they would like to teach.As a teacher in a school I like to be able to share lessons with my colleagues but I want them to make the lesson their own. I think this is the same for schools; all schools should be able to have the same guidelines but be able to make it their own. In the 1990’s the public schools saw a signifying improvement among the graduation rates. In education I think it is so important that you are able to use each moment of the day as a teachable moment. This is not to say that everything in your day is going to be structured but you have to be able to use every moment as a teachable moment.An example of this is I had a child that every day would run through the cafeteria to get into the line to be first. After several warnings the child ran into a younger child carrying soup the soup then spilled all over the student and the other student that was running. It was then that I was able to use that time as a teach-able moment. I explained to the child that if they were to slow themselves down that this may not have happen. This is not to say that the child will never run again but they may slow down before going into the cafeteria.In the school that I teach in we would say that a â€Å"Windsor knight does what’s right even when nobody is looking†. This is part of character education to teach children that they have to follow the rules even if there is not a teacher around. â€Å"A teacher's personal philosophy of education is a critical element in his or her approach to guiding children along the path of enlightenment. â €“ Barbara Wilt† In Idealism believes in refined wisdom. It is based on the view that reality is a world within a person's mind. As a result the teaching method is to teach on past heroes.This is something that I think was taught when I was growing up but seems to be pushed out. Realism it is based on the view that reality is what we observe. This shows children the order of society and all information is factual for the children to observe it. The one that I feel is the majority to the technique that I am is Realism. I think that I am capable to have articulated the reality of how things are and that most of the times the children are able to observe how it may be. I think that with technology today this is an easy way to provide this.A wonderful example that we did was that we were able to experience the winter Olympics as a whole school watching what was happening while it was happening. I think that this is also a great example of how in some ways Montessori also runs. Montessori was a philosopher that I wish so many teachers where more like. She was someone that was able to observe the children by giving them an activity in the environment and then allowing them to have the freedom to explore it. I think that many teachers do give them the activity except then are not giving them the freedom to explore.As a child that attended Montessori school I can say that many of my most memorable moments in my education were at that school. It is not only something that I can remember but have taken into my everyday life. It has brought wonderful insight on me as a teacher today. When you think of a teacher you think about the story book character that may be at chalk board. That is not the case. As a teacher you are not only a teacher, mom, staff member, friend, janitor, shoe tier, the list goes on forever. What you are is someone that has to wear many hats all in one day of work.In education you are not able to just have that 9-5 job. You are always think ing about making sure your lesson are finished, or did you get enough snack for all the kids in the class. You are always thinking about how the children may come in the next day: did they sleeping well for the test, are they eating well, and when was the last time they had a bath. This is all something that colleges do not tell you about. Just because your contract may say 8-3 that is not what you work. Your hours go above and beyond that.Many times during the holidays we as teachers have heard that a family does not have a holiday meal so we all get together and take it to them. This is something that as teachers we feel that it is important for every child to have a wonderful holiday. You have to be willing to change your hat whenever it needs to be changed. While working in the school I have learned more then I think any schooling could have ever taught me. I think that Curriculum for every school is important but the most important is how it is taught.Ideal curriculum was broug ht that there is an â€Å"ideal child† in every child. In this curriculum it wanted children to be able to build self- confidence allowing him/her to set goals and be able to achieve them. Allowing them to be part of an environment that teaches confidence, and endurance success. In this ideal curriculum learning is fun. The teacher is able to make the environment fun but it is up to the students to make the activity fun. I think that this is so important. Many times teachers get caught up with the curriculum and forget that learning is fun.I think that when teachers remember that they have to be there just as long as the students that making them enjoy what is going on in the classroom not only is a positive for the student but for the teacher as well. One way to do this is through Character Education. In the school that I teach in we do Character Education every day. In the morning we have a pledge that is said every day and a character word of the month is added to that ple dge. At the end of the pledge we say â€Å"A Windsor knight knows what’s right even when know body is looking†.We are able to then follow this rule whenever someone may not be following it. On each Day 2 in the cycle a class then takes that character word of the month and comes up with a play or a skit for the school to see. This makes learning fun the children not only learn what the character word means but then it also gives them a learning experience. Many teachers may do role plays, or act out a book, make a movie, all done by the children with teacher assistance. In the teaching field you have to be able to change be able to teach on a variety of different stages.Instructional methods are used by teachers to create learning environments and to specify the nature of the activity in which the teacher and learner will be involved during the lesson. While particular methods are often connected with certain strategies, some methods may be found within a variety of str ategies. It is the role of the teacher then to make sure you are using the right teaching method for the classroom. I am a believer that you method may change year to year depending on your class. As a teacher you are going to have to be aware of whether you method is working or not.In education the only way that you are able to see if what you have taught is sinking into these little brains is using assessments. As a teacher that is doing them daily before the end of school right now I would state I strongly dislike them. In the scheme of things they really are the only true way to determine how your students are doing. This is a tool that you are able to provide the teachers to not only track how they are teaching but how the students are doing. This is not to say that it should be used to evaluate any teacher but it should be looked at if a whole class assessment is low.These assessments are really used to be able to provide the right intervention for students. It is always an ac complishment in AIS reading when you have a student who comes in below grade level and with this intervention they then leave at the end of the year above grade level. This is not only an accomplishment for the child but the teachers as well. On the flip side I understand that education is now filled with tests and these children are always taking test and we are expected to know more now than ever. I don’t think this all bad. I think that if are able to use these as an assessment tool for the children.In doing this it allows the children to receive AIS services, Special education services, and enrichment, all from an assessment. In New York State we have state test which allow the students to receive AIS intervention programs if they score a low number on the test. It is a great way to see if these children need a little extra help. In schools today it is a teacher job to explain the rules and roles of everyone in the school. In many schools today we try enforce that just li ke teachers, aids, nurses, bus drivers, that they as kids also have a job and that there’s may be the most important one of all.Their job is to learn. School is supposed to be a learning environment and sometimes family’s think of it more as a daycare. With this in mind the thoughts then pass on to the children. It is our job as educators to let the children know the correct way to act as a student. It is important that children take school seriously. It saddens me to hear in elementary school that a child did not come to school because they did not feel like getting up in the morning and the parent had to work third shift and was not there to wake them.This is part of society but we have to make sure that the children in the society realize that a good education is the best gift that society is able to give them. As an educator in an elementary school I come across many cases that the child may have several strikes against them. One example of this is a mentor student that I have right now. There are 5 children in the family the parents work different shifts they have been kicked out of the house due to not paying their rent and now are living in a camper in the back of the grandmother house.Four of the children come to school and the baby stays home with whoever is home so they do not have to pay child care. The middle brother has a hard time in school. He is always feeling like nobody likes him and cares for him so he acts out in class. I have sat down with him and talked to him several times and he has told me that the only one that cares for him is his other grandmother and he is not allowed to see her unless he is good. We have many cases just like these in our school and every case is different. In the classroom many times the children act out for attention.They do not care whether it is negative or positive attention they just want that one on one interaction. Many times due to outside circumstances the children become below level grade l evel in the school work. In these cases intervention is something that would have to take place. After an evaluation you would be able to determine how much intervention the child may need. In this case this child receives AIS math and Reading because he many times is out of the classroom because he is in the time-out room due to an outburst in the classroom.He is also provided with a mentor that makes up a schedule with the child. I am actually his mentor and we meet twice a week. During this time we have a nice lunch in my classroom and then do something fun go outside, play a game, watch some of a movie, or sometimes have special desert. This is something that is one on one with the child in a non-negative situation. I also talk to him during this time about what is happening at home and things that he could do to improve his school work. Many times during the year he will come to me for help get a project done that he knows he may not receive the help at home.He also receives in tervention from the social workers that come to the building they are able to do an assessment to tell whether he may need to be assessed further from an outside facility. All of these interventions are things that schools have to do to help these at risk students. I think that with the world as it is today children are dealing with things that they should not have to deal with at such an early age. We as educators have to be there to pick up many of the pieces. Times have changed and we are the ones that have to shape these children into whom they are and who they are going to be.In New York State the thought is that â€Å"The sooner problems are identified and intervention services begin, the sooner the children are on their way to academic success. † (NYSUT). It is so true once you are able to identify the problem then you are able to get the services that the child may need. In order to be able to identify you need to really understand that child, which sometimes takes ti me. In many jobs there may be a right way to do things and a wrong way but education is different. Teaching is something that not every person is cut out for. You really have to dig deep to see if you are cut out to be a teacher.I know that I am, I have worked in the school for 4 years and I could not have asked for a better job. It is a hard job and I work more the just what I am suppose to but that is because I want the best for the children in the school. I love to see their faces when they come in the morning smiling or if you have a sad face it is my job to figure what is wrong and try to make it right to have a better day. We are not just the teacher during the day we are the nurse, janitor, mother, father, therapist, shoe tier, and many more all these hats are done throughout the day.This is all while you are also teaching a lesson and making sure that 21 students are learning, safe, and attentive. There is no other job like this. There is also no other job as rewarding as be ing a teacher and watching you kindergarten class leave your room and then 12 years down the road watch the same children graduate and moving onto to college. I will leave you with a Chinese proverb â€Å"Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself. † This is what education is all about.Bibliography Gurian, M. (1996). The Wonders of Boys. New York New York: Penguin. Graesser, A. 2009). Journal of Educational Psychology. Journal of Educational Psychology . NYSUT. (2010, June 14). Retrieved 2010, from New York State NYSUT: http://nysut. org/ais/index. html Richard Ogusthorpe. (2009). On the Possible Forms a Relationship Might Take between the Moral Character of a Teacher and the Moral Development of a Student. Teachers College Record, 111(1), 1-26. Retrieved February 24, 2009, from Research Library database. Webb, L. D. , Metha, A. & Jordan K. F. (2010). Foundations of American Education (6th ed. ). Saddle River, NJ:   Pearson Education Inc

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Research Success Assignment Essay

Leon’s furniture is ranked number two hundred and ten on the globe and mail’s report on business top 1000, earning a profit of $56,666. The focus of this report will be on the financial position of Leon’s furniture. For any business, the financial position of the company will be viewed by both internal and external users and stakeholders because it shows how well the business is doing financially. The net income of the company will affect the financial position of the business because based on the profit or loss incurred, it will define if the business is successful or not. Moreover, shareholders will be interested in the financial statements since it determines the earnings per share. The first article is â€Å"Leon’s EPS falls 18.8% in Q2† which reports about the financial situation of Leon’s and briefly explained the causes of the fall. Judging from the title of the article, it is obvious that it will impact Leon’s furniture in a ne gative fashion. Sales are decreased from $11.2 million to $9 million between 2011 and 2012 (Knell). This suggests that net income and earnings per share has dropped significantly. It is reported that the decrease in sales is due to the continuation of waning customer confidence, decrease in housing starts, and continued high customer debt (Knell). Customer confidence plays a great part when customers are debating on whether they should purchase the furniture or not. Since the world is still recovering from the economic crisis years ago, the higher unemployment rates and lower GDPs will create less customer confidence when a decision needs to be made. Hence, they are less likely to purchase the products. The start of a decrease in housing means that less houses are being built compared to before. Moreover, less new home owners will shop at furniture stores like Leon’s furniture. In addition, high consumer debt nowadays is another reason why there’s a reduction in customer spending. â€Å"Also, affecting probability in the second quarter were marketing expenses.† (Knell) Since Leon’s have been opening new stores, the occupancy costs are increased by $1.2 million. These increases and decreases in numbers will ultimately reduce the sales volume and result in a decrease in net income. â€Å"Leon’s earning decline 15% in third quarter† is another article that reports a negative impact relating to their financial position. Similar to the earnings declined in the second quarter, the third quarter of the year is still a tough period for Leon’s. They claim that this is due to the increase in operating costs in a time of flat sales growth (Knell). The newly renovated stores in Sault. Ste. Marie and Sudbury, Ontario are opened in the thir d quarter of 2012 and will further increase the operating cost. Financially, this means that Leon’s is continuing to expand and opening new store and increasing its operating expenses, but the market is only providing them will a flat growth rate of sales. If the sales volume remains unchanged and operating costs continues to grow, the amount of the money earned will logically start to decrease. â€Å"The company said its growth margin fell 1.5 points to 40.9% mainly because a weakening Canadian dollar hiked the cost of imported product† (Knell). This means that more Canadian dollars are needed to buy the foreign products that used less Canadian dollars to buy years ago. This effects the financial position because more assets are used to import foreign products. Lastly, the third article is called â€Å"Leon’s to acquire The Brick†. As the title suggests Leon’s will buyout The Brick and will merge the two companies in one. This can have both positive and negative impacts for Leon’s financially. â€Å"The transaction, valued at about C$700 million, is expected to close in the first quarter.† (Knell) This can be considered a negative impact for the company financially since an enormous amount of money is needed for the buyout. Using large amount of money to buy out The Brick can affect several things. The asset will decrease (if they borough money from banks, it will increase their liabilities and they must pay for the interest) and also effect the asset-liability ratio, making the company owe more than they own. In addition, the executive chairman of The Brick is anticipated to join Leon’s board of directors (Knell). Like any other new coworkers that come to the company, they might encounter arguments or disagreements. However, if both companies work together in a positive manner, they may earn more net income combined. Hence, this will turn the negative into a positive impact for both companies. â€Å"Leon’s corporate and franchise stores had combined sales of C$879.6 million and The Brick had corporate and franchise sales of C1.54 billion† (Knell). This shows that the sales volume of The Brick is actually greater than its new owner, Leon’s. This can impact Leon’s in a positive way because the revenue from The Brick will be added onto their own revenue since they are now a combined company. The most important thing to take into consideration is that buying out The Brick, Leon’s will have one less competitor in the furniture industry. All of the above will lead to increase in total revenue and net income for Leon’s furniture. Since I am currently studying Accounting and Finance at Seneca College, I believe that my future profession in accounting can help Leon’s keep track of their transactions and create accurate and reliable financial statements. These statements will show all the inflow and outflow of capitals going in and out of the company. By looking at the financial statements, I can then analyze on how to make the company more profitable using the accounting skills that I am learning at school.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Assumptions And Forms Of Emh Finance Essay

Assumptions And Forms Of Emh Finance Essay The subject of efficient market hypothesis is more deliberated and discussed in available studies, but there is no special focus on the EMH form existing in Gulf area, by these means, this study analyses and evaluates the applicability of this model in some selected countries in Gulf area and how it would affect the decisions regarding the financial issues. This chapter proposes the outlines of how the subject is going to be investigated and (ii) gives an introductory overview about the topic that is being probed. At first, the motive of the study is declared and the framework is outlined, so as for the need and purpose of the study; then the research questions are proposed and stated. This section also contains a brief description about the participants which the study comprises. Secondly, the outcomes of the initial review of literature are appointed to form a base for the research questions. Thirdly, the rationalization for the used research approaches is stated, and then the met hodology is justified and supported by evidential test that provides validation for the chosen methods. This section also determines the suggested scheme for chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5. And in the final section, the outcomes of this study will be displayed, and the benefits will be discusses in details for each beneficiary. Subject And Objectives The EMH topic fascinates the researcher, and relating the EMH concept to corporate finance through examination of markets can help improve the efficiencies within corporate world as well as increase investors wealth and decision taking. The primary objective of this study is to examine the form of EMH is available in the selected markets which would contribute in guiding these firms in implementing good corporate practices and making these reforms feasible and appropriate, and to identify to what extent EMH constitutes a good approach for financial practices in KSA, UAE, and Kuwait. While this dissertation aims to study which form of EMH does the selected markets undertake, it doesn’t take the burden to prove the accuracy of EMH. After determining which forms of EMH, the benefits to both the investors and corporations interested in the selected markets are huge. It enables the investors to examine if possibility of abnormal earnings exists, while enabling the management to choose wisely its accounting choices, financial choices, and timing decision. The data for this dissertation is highly accessible. It can be easily retrieved from stock indexes of the selected countries. The dissertation aims to examine stock prices changes covering the last 5 years with data retrieved from Tadawul, ADX, Central Bank, and KSE. This data will then be compared with major economic and company specific events. These events can be retrieved from company’s announcement, country’s economic reports, newspapers, and specialized financial reports. Specific research questions include: What types of information are available i n the selected markets? Are they only historical, publicly available, or private/public information? To what extent the stock prices in the selected markets reflect the available information? Which forms of EMH do these markets exhibit?