The Wisest Things - 783 Words

One of the wisest things we can do for ourselves as people is walk in integrity. Walking in integrity means that we are constantly walking in truth and doing things according to God’s plan, rather than following the mischievous plan of the enemy. To walk in integrity also means to do what is righteous in the eyes of God, even behind closed doors. We have to be mindful that as believers in Christ, we are â€Å"living epistles† (2 Corinthians 3:2); we are the story of who Christ is to many, therefore we have to do our best to exemplify Christ through our lifestyle and make sure He is being glorified. When we share Christ with others, we should be able to use our lifestyle to back up what we are saying. When we look at the word of God, we learn that from John 10:10 that the enemy comes to â€Å"steal, kill, and destroy†. If he can come up against our character and demolish it, he has gotten one step closer to building up His kingdom by causing us to lose our witness and potential to win souls for the Kingdom of God. True enough, there will be people who may lie and diminish your character through their lies, but the word tells us what Jesus is the truth, and us being Kingdom believers in Christ, the truth will eventually be illuminated. When we walk in integrity, who we are will always overshadow who people say we are. When we look in the book of Acts, one of the qualifications of the men chosen to help with Kingdom work was that they had to have a good repor (Acts 6:3). As people ofShow MoreRelatedPlato s Five Dialogue Apology865 Words   |  4 Pagesspiritual things, for not believing in Athens god, and last but not least, Hubris, the question of human wisdom. Socrates, in fact, provides brilliant responses towards all accusations that are charged against him, saying that not one of them is true (19d5). Among these accusations, I will try to prove that Socrates is not guilty against the accusation that is charged to him in terms of the human wisdom, in which Socrates is accused of claiming to be the wisest man of all, a student of all things in theRead MoreThe Apology : Plato s Version Of What Socrates865 Words   |  4 Pagesdefend Socrates in some points. Therefore, I think Plato’s depiction in Socrates trial presents the concept of â€Å"Hubris-Ate-Nemesis† of Greek tragedy. The Delphic Oracle, had proclaimed that Socrates was the wisest men and there was no one wiser than him. The Oracle think that his the wisest men because he thinks that he knows nothing. When Socrates was studying one of politician men, who was said by many to be wiser, but found that he had no more wisdom than him. He concludes that, â€Å" he thinks thatRead MoreEssay on Comparison of Eastern and Western Philosophers803 Words   |  4 Pages[Comparison of Eastern and Western Philosophers ] Comparison of Eastern and Western Philosophers I will compare the Western philosopher Socrates to the Eastern philosopher Lao Tzu. These two philosophers had some things in common with their ideas and philosophies that they pursued. Socrates was a western philosopher that lived in Athens Greece and Lao was thought to be from what is now known as the Hunan province of China. Socrates Socrates lived in Athens which was a city thatRead MoreThe Consequences And Complications Of The Movie Poahhontas1123 Words   |  5 Pagesto young women. Pocahontas is the first time a female has ever been the lead and saved everyone. In the movie Pocahontas is always off doing her own thing. She listens to what people tell her but for a majority of the time she does not actually obey. Pocahontas only actually listens to Grandmother Willow, another female. Grandmother Willow is the wisest person in the entire movie which empowers women and shows their unification. Disney produced Pocahontas so they could show children how women can beRead More Platos Apology Essay794 Words   |  4 Pageswith the oracle from Delphi, when Chaerephon, â€Å"†¦asked the oracle to tell him whether there was anyone wiser than I was †¦answered that there was no man wiser.† Thus began Socrates cross-examinations, which I have said, was probably the worst thing he could do. In these, he tested to see how wise so-called wise men were and each and every time he claimed that these men were not wise at all. Socrates went and tested all sorts of men from poets, politicians, and artisans. He claimed that all wereRead MoreSocrates’ Philosophy-The Republic And The Apology. Plato1522 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Socratic Method†, which was developed to better understand the meaning of the Oracle at Delphi. The Oracle said that Socrates was the wisest man in all of Greece, which Socrates disagrees with. This makes sense considering his entire philosophical approach is based on not knowing anything. However, he is considered the wisest because the Oracle says, â€Å"The wisest amongst you, human beings, is anyone like Socrates who has recognized that with respect to wisdom he is truly worthless.† (Plato, 31) FromRead MoreThe Trial And Death Of S ocrates845 Words   |  4 PagesPhilosophical attitudes, as Arthur E. Murphy explains, are attitudes where ones should not cease to stop pursuing the truth, which they should wonder about things around them, understand the meaning behind of that existence, perceive the ideas from different perspective, and knows one self’s knowledge. He also points out that the one with philosophy attitudes should be open-minded and responsible. However, we need a certain example to prove whether this explanation is right or not. For that, in thisRead MoreThe Problem Of Human Error1655 Words   |  7 Pagesway to avoid error is to be open to knowledge and be wise enough to accept what one does not know. Socrates in his quest of proving that he isn’t the wisest like the oracle says, he ends of proving that he is the wisest man because he is able to realize what he doesn’t know and is open to what others are saying instead of acting like he knows things which leads him to avoid error ultimately. Moving on from there, we have to limit our will which is in short our capacity to believe something is trueRead MorePlato s Apology And Crito983 Words   |  4 PagesSocrates, who was considered an honored and the wisest man in all of Athens by the Oracle, is sentenced to death because he was a setting a bad example by questioning the Oracle and Gods. In the Apology and Crito, it is seen how religion and politics are linked when Socrates is declared by the Delphic Oracle the wisest man in all of Athens; because unlike other people in Athens, Socrates knew that he did not know, â€Å"I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.† (PlatoRead MoreWisdom And The Quality Of Being Wise1351 Words   |  6 Pages2015) Although wisdom can be explained as the accumulated philosophic or scientific learning known as knowledge and the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships known as insight, it can also translate in to many other things. Wisdom is a very universal thing and so many people carry this quality but in different forms. A man may be wise at his job in mechanics, but another man may not know much about it at all. This is the man who is most likely wise about something the mechanic is not

How Women Should Act And Look Essay - 1629 Words

Women have had the continuous problem of being seen as second hand citizens to their counterparts, men. In today’s society it is easy to find women depicted in negatives ways constantly in the media. All you have to do is a movie, read a magazine, or be scrolling down your social media timeline to see examples the way women are portrayed in today s media. If you look at television and movies where woman have roles, they often come second to men. The way women are presented in the media is that of being sexual, submissive to men, and having unrealistic beauty standards. For propaganda to constantly be showing these negative images and ideas about how women should act and look is damaging to the women who constantly have to see it. Not only does it hurt women but the men who see these portrayals are also negatively affected. Men believe what they are being shown by these advertisements and expect it from real women. Constantly being brainwashed by these images on a daily basis a nd ideas on how women should act and look carry over into real life and affects the ways in which men and women conduct themselves. Both Jean Kilbourne, in her article â€Å"Two Ways Women Can Get Hurt†, and Taylor M. Chapman, in her article â€Å"Women in American Media: A Culture of Misperception† discuss the negatives of women being portrayed in negative manners by the media. The media’s main goal is to make money, with little regard to how they do it or who is affected by their actions. The media onlyShow MoreRelatedGender Stratification And Its Impact On Society964 Words   |  4 PagesThe roles we fulfill in society are part of identities that we acquire through the normalization gender in our cultures. They tell us how should be to act, what we are permitted to do and what not, and what to assimilate as correct or incorrect. These roles vary from culture to culture and with time. There are also external factors that affect the normalization of gender suc h as economy, religion, and globalization. I chose this film because it perfectly reflects the mentality of society in the 50Read MoreWomen And Hepburn : The Character Of Audrey Hepburn828 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying large sunglasses, and little sleeveless dresses.† -Audrey Hepburn. Breakfast at Tiffany’s the movie went into helping change how women act and dress today. For starters, the actress who played the main character, Holly Golightly, was Audrey Hepburn, she played the part perfectly. This helped change fashion and behavior because Audrey Hepburn was idolized by so many young girls even today. Moreover, thisRead MoreTrue Womanhood, By The Virgin Mary, Eve, And Noah s Wife1470 Words   |  6 Pagesalong with women in medieval drama. Thinking of these two concepts, the question arises are they any true women in medieval plays? The multiple plays that we have read, there are many different types of women that have been discussed. These plays covered drastic differences with the way the women acted, and their actions towards the men in their lives and certain circumstances. Through four plays, there are four women that come to mind Gil, the Virgin Mary, Eve, and Noah’s wife. These women have majorRead MoreThe Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde1107 Words   |  4 Pagesnothing, but he looks everything (Act 3). During Act 1, the play suggests Algernon is financially unstable. However, he maintains his dandified persona of being affluent with his luxuriously and artistically furnished flat (Act 1, Scene 1). When his aunt rings the doorbell for dinner, he mentions that only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that Wagnerian manner (Act 1, scene 1). Since he is not wealthy, Lady Bracknell proclaims Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon† (Act 3, sceneRead MoreAffects of Magazine Articles1073 Words   |  5 Pageseverywhere promote the latest style and the way yo u should look to be what is considered â€Å"normal† or acceptable. Young girls should not have to worry about the clothes they wear and if it’s the next best thing just because the model on the cover said so. If you look on any clothing magazine what do you see? A beautiful young thin girl with the perfect smile, skin is perfectly air brushed, hair looks styled to perfection. Young girls look at these women and think they have to imitate that image in thatRead MoreGender is set so thoroughly in our actions, beliefs, and desires, so that to us it appears to be1200 Words   |  5 Pages p. 247). While sex refers to the physical and biological differences between men and women, gender refers to the attributes of masculinity and femininity that are based on biological distinctions (Tischler, 2011, p. 247). Gender is not something we are born with but is something we do (West and Zimmerman 1987). There are many common beliefs between males and females and how they are supposed to act and how they are supposed to be. In today’s generation, people are exposed to many formsRead MoreThe Expectations : Physical And Behavioral979 Words   |  4 Pages It influences what is ex pected and accepted by girls and women, or boys and men. How you are raised, and how you are conditioned by society may contribute to your perception of these roles and how you do or do not function within them. I will use this image to discuss the expectations (physical and behavioral) of girls and how it affects them later in life. In our culture today, there is a heavy influence on how women should look. This picture shows a young girl who is having makeup put onRead MoreFrom A Young Age Humans Are Taught To Follow Certain Expectations1317 Words   |  6 Pagessociety says otherwise. Many women, even in modern countries, are seen as inferior to the opposite gender. In reality, women should be treated equally to men, and should be able to possess the rights to personal fulfillment and happiness. Looking at children today, girls are taught that they should be emotional and nurturing. With today s media, the specific image of how a women should physically look: tall, thin, and blonde, has effected the mindset of young women. Society throughout many culturesRead MoreThe Traditional Roles of Women in the 1970 ´s 1274 Words   |  5 Pagesadverts they reviewed reflected the following stereotypes of women. Women were portrayed as being home-makers, only being dependent on men, sex objects for men and not being able to make important decisions (Wenner and Jackson, 2009). One way adverts have portrayed women is stereotypically, emphasising on the importance of women looking pretty, the traditional roles of being a good housewife and mother. In 1950’s, adverts depicted women always at home and being a good housewife, cleaning, cookingRead MoreHow Women are Portrayed in the Mass Media Skinny. Sexy. Obedient. Ditzy. Perfect.800 Words   |  4 PagesHow Women are Portrayed in the Mass Media Skinny. Sexy. Obedient. Ditzy. Perfect. Submissive. This is how women are portrayed is this how women really are? Mass media is always sending out messages of how women should act, look, and think. Mass media portrays women in many fictitious ways. Women are frequently seen as sexual objects in order to sell things, attract others, for entertainment and a variety of other things. Many female celebrities such as models, actors, and singers are very slim

Environmental Finance

Question: Write an essay on Environmental finance. Answer: Introduction Although science has made stupendous progress, still about a third of earths population lives in areas where they have shortage of fresh water. One of the prominent cause of this is the growth of population and when combined with the climate changes in the arid and semi-arid areas of this planet, there will be increase in water demand and reduced availability of fresh water. A fitting example of this phenomenon is the murray-darling basin in australia. In this region authorities have made large scale water reforms and planning, which have helped in reducing consumptive extraction and has also made the river ecosystems more sustainable under the climate variability, as per grafton et al, (2014). The authorities made use of the actual data which was considered for assessing the climate change and variability, and for analysing the long-term ecological function of the river systems. The findings of grafton et al, (2014) indicated that a better water planning, combined with more understanding of the effects caused by irrigation on the regional climate evapotranspiration, will, in the long run, help in achieving better profits by increasing the gross value of food and fibre production, with Increased benefits from consumptive and non-consumptive use of water. Improved riparian environment under climate variability. The evaluations of murray-darling basin (mdb), carried out by this paper, are aimed at providing an insight into the management of consumptive and non-consumptive water in the mdb, say grafton et al, (2014). This review is for Assessing the ecosystem impacts of the current water reforms. Considering the costs and benefits of the reforms. Providing ways to improve water management in the basin area. Discussion Ecosystems A complete ecosystem comprises of various plant, animal and microorganism communities, including the non-living environment. In fact, humans too are an integral part of the ecosystems, as per connell grafton (ed.), (2011). Ecosystem services Ecosystem services consist of the benefits obtained by people from the ecosystems and these benefits include the life-supporting as well as life-enhancing services provided by the ecosystems. Broadly, according to acton, (2012), the following benefits are derived from a well maintained ecosystem Provisioning Fresh water Food Wood and fibre Fuel Regulating Water purification Flood regulation Climate regulation Disease regulation Cultural Aesthetic Spiritual Recreational Educational Rivers, wetlands and floodplains Seeming to be simple, functional aspects of every ecosystem are very complex and are finely balanced. Removal of any one factor from an ecosystem or making a simple change in any of the physical conditions (including flow change in seasons) of the ecosystem can bring about a major change in the performance of the ecosystem, say rogers ralph, (2011). In the mdb, there are numerous plants and animals, which combined with a diverse range of climatic environments, end-up making different types of ecosystems in the area. Rivers The mdb has a vast network of rivers, watercourses and creeks. The rivers are long and slow flowing because of the flat nature of the basin. This causes high degree of water evaporation from the various water bodies, and is helped by the semi-arid climate among the lower catchment areas, as per woodward et al, (2014). This can be gauged from the fact that darling rivers the actual course is 3 times longer than the direct distance which it travels. Another important factor is that most of the creeks and rivers carry water only during flood times, hence these creeks and rivers are known as ephemeral watercourses. It is pertinent to note that regular water flow has an important role in the mdb system, as it helps in flushing of sediments, salt and nutrients from the river. Similarly, a high rate of water flow starts the process through which floodplains and wetlands receive the sediment and nutrients, and also the groundwater system is recharged, assert palutikof et al, (2014). In this way, there are different types of vegetation and ecosystems, which are dependent on periodic or regular flooding. Rivers are also home of fish and many other aquatic species. A particular type of aquatic specie thrives in different part of the river system. Hence, strings of pools or slow moving or fast moving waters are essential for the growth of different species of fish at the particular stages of their life cycle. Mammals and birds too depend for basic water needs on the fresh water provided by the river as well as for the food sources. Thus we find that mdb fulfils all the requirements mentioned above under ecosystem services, as per palutikof et al, (2014). Floodplains The land alongside the rivers banks, which is slightly elevated, is called floodplain and gets flooded when the river has high volumes of water. This land is majorly made-up from the sediment deposited by the river during flood. The areas of the floodplain which remain wet even after receding of flood waters are known as wetlands. Hence, flooding provides the natural process which extracts excess salt from the floodplain and also the river system, assert saintilan overton, (2010). In the mdb, floodplains are an important feature, because they embody unique ecosystems, including the barmahmillewa forest situated in the central murray catchment area. These floodplains provide fertile ground to humans for agriculture. One such area is alongside the darling river from bourke to menindee. The groundwater beneath floodplains is of high quality and is influenced by the groundwater which flows from the upper catchment areas. Floodplain vegetation also plays an important role by using the groundwater below the soil profile, and also prevents the underneath salt rising to the ground surface and being carried to the river, say grafton et al, (2014). Wetlands Wetlands, as explained above are areas either with shallow or slow moving water. In the mdb, these areas are among the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems. They provide the essential breeding and feeding grounds for various types of organisms, plants, fish and water-birds. Wetlands also help in first absorbing, then recycling and finally releasing various nutrients and sediment, thus acting as natures filtering agents. Wetlands also help in increasing productivity of other associated aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as per grafton et al, (2014). Mdb area has over 30,000 wetlands. Some of these are listed as world heritage sites for the role they play as home to migratory birds. Scientifically, these wetlands need to be alternately dry and wet so as to remain healthy and promote aquatic life. Wetlands also add to the diversity of the surrounding landscape and have remained the focus of a number of recreational activities. During the wet periods, these spread and store floodwaters, and release them gradually, thus reducing the effects of floods. Whereas, during drought, these provide refuge to wildlife and grazing grounds for livestock, as per rogers ralph, (2011). As described above, the ecosystems are delicately balanced and to perform effectively, they require the correct proportion of all the ingredients, such as water-flow, non-living organism such as soil, stones and living organism such as plants, fish and other mammals. Human population creates the biggest amount of disturbance in the ecosystem, thereby disrupting the smooth and controlled performance of the nature, say rogers ralph, (2011). This not only disturbs the life-cycle of the non-living and living organism, it also effects, in a huge way, the economic efficiency of the area as the maintenance costs of restoring the semblance of the natures performance is very high and time-consuming. Economic efficiency Scarcity of resources is the first warning which leads to the decisions for maintaining economic efficiency. The cost of restoration or of taking relevant action is sometimes higher than the cost of the alternative which has to be given up. The cost-benefit principle of economics by which benefits and costs are compared is the basis of the concept of economic efficiency. Environmental and resource policies The authorities, as per woodward et al, (2014), need to formulate suitable and effective policies concerning environment and resource management as detailed below A command-and-control policy An environmental policy which will rely on regulations such as permission, standard setting, prohibition and enforcement as opposed to giving financial incentives, such as, location control, emission standards and technology restrictions. Promotion and distribution of market based instruments (mbis) for inviting more stakeholders. Purpose of mbis is to address environmental problems by including the external costs of the economic activities through a system involving a mechanism based on price or quantity and may include such measures as subsidies, emission permits and emission taxes. Markets and incentives The benefits of mbis are A market economic system shall give business opportunities to more people and shall also increase the per capita incomes when they provide goods and services which are needed by others. Such opportunities form the basis of the incentives which are instrumental in driving the activities in market economies. A well working economic system is shall lead to a better outcome when looked from a social perspective, assert palutikof et al, (2014). Market economies Market based instruments (mbis) Mbis have the following advantages Mbis create direct approach. Market prices generate faster incentives for achieving improved environmental outcomes as compared to direct regulations. Mbis can be designed for overcoming market failures. Mbis can also be used for creating markets for those ecosystem services which do not command explicit market prices, as per mills, (2008). Different types of mbis Price-based Quantity-based Market friction Subsidies Emission charges Performance bonds Deposit-refund systems User/product charges Non-compliance fees Removal of perverse subsidies / taxes Offset schemes Tradable permits Rights or quotas Research programs Designed to facilitate market exchanges Reducing market barriers Extension/education program Information disclosure Labelling The passing of the water act 2007 (cwlth) and making it a law put to rest several decades of ambiguity about a water policy which was aiming at improving the ecological health of the mdb. The murraydarling basin agreement was adopted in 1987 with an aim of planning and management of natural resources of mdb area. Then, the council of australian governments (coag) water reform framework was formulated in 1994, committing the governments in allocating water for the environment and thus establishing a market for water through the national water initiative of 2004. These reforms enabled management of surface water as well as groundwater resources for an improved social, economic and environmental outcome in mdb area, as per labatt white, (2003). The basis of the measures noted above were the following three factors Financial incentives, market prices and ecosystem services Financial incentives are often provided by prices. Market prices are signals that reflect the economic value of a good, service or asset. Prices are usually determined by the market. Given the non -market nature of environmental market goods and services, pricing ecosystem services is difficult. Allocations in a market system Can a system of markets produce efficient and equitable allocation of environmental goods and services? Different institutional arrangements might be able to allocate scarce resources, e.g., dictatorship, central planning A great advantage of markets is they serve as a decentralised information-processing system. Conditions for markets to work Markets exist for goods and services produced and consumed All markets are perfectly competitive All transactors have relevant information Property rights are well defined No externalities exist All goods and services are private Among the several precursors to mdbs plan for recovery of water for environmental purposes, the most prominent has been the living murray program (tlmp), through which nearly 500 gl has been recovered for the environment since 2004, when the program began, assert ali yano, (2004). Under this program, the government has used about au$700 million for purchasing water entitlements, 99-year leases and making farm investments in irrigation water infrastructure. The aim of tlmp is to ensure that the environmental water requirements are met for the six icon sites for keeping them in a healthy ecological condition, as defined in the environmental management plans. The six icon sites are Barmahmillewa forest Gunbowerkoondrookperricoota forest Hattah lakes Chowilla floodplain and lindsaywallpolla islands Lower lakes, coorong and murray mouth River murray channel. The government has also made allocation of another au$250 million for building allied infrastructure works at the above noted six icon sites for improving efficient delivery of the recovered environmental water, as per ali yano, (2004). Financial tools used Some of the most common category of economic instruments which are often used in the markets are those with risk sharing / alleviating tools, says lobo-guerrero, (2010). They are available in the form of (a) insurance, (b) catastrophe bonds and (c) weather derivatives. Insurance This is the typical risk sharing/alleviating type of instrument. The insured party pays a premium to the insuring company which covers the risks with respect to one or more of climate variables. Compensation is paid after an assessment of losses caused by nature are carried out, says lobo-guerrero, (2010). Catastrophe bonds These are securitised risks which are associated with natural hazards. Reinsurance companies, including large corporations, issue these bonds to reinsure the low frequency-high severity risks, as per lobo-guerrero, (2010). Weather derivatives Weather derivatives are those derivative securities in which an investor will hedge against the future state of the weather. These are based on certain 'weather trigger rather than insuring a loss and are simple to administer than other financial options. This may include, for instance, variation in temperature over a specified period, as per klein, (2014). They have a great potential in the agricultural sector. An investor may pay another if the weather indicator, which includes temperature, rainfall and soil humidity, of a given place, over a given period of time, goes above a certain limit. On the other hand, the other investor will pay if the indicator goes below the agreed-upon limit. Hence, weather derivatives can be used as financial mechanisms by individuals and businesses as part of their overall risk management strategy. As they are based on a certain 'weather trigger, rather than relying on the proof of a loss, therefore they are cheaper to manage as compared to other alte rnative options, asserts klein, (2014). Although these are finding application in most businesses which get affected by weather, their greatest potential may lie in their use in the agricultural sector. Whole life-cycle costing (wlcc) is used for a fair assessment of flood risk and its response effectiveness in the construction industry. Although it is a relatively new concept, the primary purpose of wlcc is to use it as aid for making capital investment decision by providing forecasts involving the long-term costs of construction and ownership of a building or structure. It also provides a dynamic approach and hence can give up-to-date forecasts in regard to costs and performance of the building or structure throughout its life. On the same grounds, a similar methodology is finding use in the agriculture sector for making assessments related to direct and indirect, as well as private and societal costs of adaptation options, weather uncertainties and other natural causes as a consequence and can be applied to many working options or investment, as per klein, (2014). List of references Acton, q.a. 2012, issues in ecological research and application. Scholarlyeditions, atlanta. Ali, p.a.u. And yano, k. 2004, eco-finance: the legal design and regulation of market-based environmental instruments. Kluwer law international, the hague. Connell, d. And grafton, r.q. (ed.) 2011, basin futures: water reform in the murray-darling basin. Anu e press, canberra, act. Grafton, r. Q., pittock, j., williams, j., jiang, q., possingham, h., quiggin, j. (2014). water planning and hydro-climatic change in the murray-darling basin, australia. Ambio, 43(8), 1082-1092. Klein, n. 2014, this changes everything: capitalism vs. The climate. Penguin uk, london. Labatt, s. And white, r.r. 2003, environmental finance: a guide to environmental risk assessment and financial products. John wiley sons, hoboken, nj. Lobo-guerrero, l. 2010, insuring security: biopolitics, security and risk. Routledge, oxon. Mills, p. 2008, the greening of markets, finance and development, vol. 56 (march), pp. 3236. Palutikof, j.p., boulter, s.l., barnett, j. And rissik, d. (ed.) 2014, applied studies in climate adaptation. John wiley sons, west sussex. Rogers, k. And ralph, t.j. 2011, floodplain wetland biota in the murray-darling basin: water and habitat requirements. Csiro publishing, collingwood, vic. Saintilan, n. And overton, i. 2010, ecosystem response modelling in the murray-darling basin. Csiro publishing, collingwood, vic. Woodward, g., hajibabaei, m., dumbrell, a. And baird, d. 2014, big data in ecology. Academic press, london.

The Five Major Rules of Journalistic Writing

The Five Major Rules of Journalistic Writing They say that there are the writers a separate universe in which they can produce, create their work. An ordinary person is not given the opportunity to know the deep writer’s life, but even every day we see a new crowd of people who stand in line for a new book. Everyone expects a miracle, take a new book with the hope that something wonderful, inexplicably beautiful, willing to drown in a completely different world, a world of fantasies and dreams, which appears to the reader in the next bought book in the various forms: essays, novels, stories, poem. Today we are going to talk about the famous  essay writers. ESSAY (fran. Essai) it is the literary form of small prose text, which express emphasize the author’s individuality. In relief, to the story, the writer’s essay’s facility is to communicate or interpret, but not ever a picture or a histrionic retelling of any life position. The work reaches its purpose through the outright copyright approvals, which do not take the perpetration of no one fictional personage or the plot of a binder. Nevertheless, there is not any hardly absolute difference between different  types of essays and short stories. The main essay’s feature is its brevity, it usually takes from ten up to twenty pages. There are a great amount of interesting, fascinating works, essays, literary works, which were written by the great world famous authors and writers. More than three centuries ago, the first essay was published at first. Now, we can find a lot of essays in libraries or have an easy possibility to order by the Internet miscellanea of works written by well-known authors from all the world from different centuries. Ever since ancient times, essays were published in magazines, books, were grouped by theme, genre, years, and the authors. Details included a variety of genres, among which are comedy, non-fiction, romance, instructive, historical facts, life stories, and current events. There are many authors and essays  (detailed list you can read below), and it was difficult to identify the most important and well-known essayists of all time. The list, about which I have mentioned earlier, includes writers from different backgrounds and periods of history. Some of they are still currently continuing to write. Because this fact, it is nothing surprising in the fact that essay remains a popular literary format. And the authors, who can quickly, briefly, concisely and interesting tell the story will always be on top. , the Essay Writing Service company,  selected essayists, but not essays. Because, the best essays are only personal, authorial and deep engaged with author’s issues, internal feelings and ideas. James Baldwin (1924-1987) Baldwin grew up in a family of his stepfather, a priest, where he was the eldest of nine children. His own father, Baldwin have never known and was very suffered from that, which was reflected in some of his works (â€Å"Tell me when the train left†, â€Å"Go Tell it on the Mountain†, â€Å"Giovanni’s Room† and others. After Bronx high school graduating, Baldwin moved to Greenwich Village, where he began his literary career. Greenwich Village has always been considered one of the most deprived New York areas, caused a wave of optimism in Baldwin’s source, who started to write about his views and understandings of what is happening around him. His first journalistic articles, essays were imbued with the spirit of racism denial which was prevailing in America at that times. That negative attitude makes young writer move Paris. Baldwin felt like he caught a breath of fresh air in France, have been saving there from the racist and homophobic America of 40-th. XX century. His main works were written on the banks of the Seine, and there Baldwin have spent the most of his life, producing his creations among which are next well-known essays: James Baldwin and his popular essays published in 1956 â€Å"Notes of a Native Son† essays; James Baldwin and his book of interesting essays named   Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Devil Finds Work† which was presented to the mass in 1976; James Baldwin and his â€Å"The Evidence of Things Not Seen†Ã‚  (essays; 1985); James Baldwin and his list of essays created in the romantic atmosphere of 85th with the strange name â€Å"The Price of the Ticket†; Norman Mailer (1923-2007) Norman Mailer was born in New Jersey in the Jewish immigrants family. He was the first child in the family, and after him, there was also two children a brother and sister. Norman grew up in New York, and in 1939 decided to become a student of Harvard university, where he have fallen in love with literary activity. His first story was published at the age of 18, in 1941. The University of Harvard received young author the university magazine award. Among the entire set of his works we would like to highlight the most famous essays: Norman Mailer and his New York book of essays called in the world as â€Å"The Presidential Papers†; Norman Mailer and his second New York creation which is known by the loud name â€Å"Cannibals and Christians†; Norman Mailer and his â€Å"Pieces and Pontifications† in which the author opens the deep world of Little Boston’s Life. Susan Sontag (1933-2004) Susan Sontag was born in New York, 16 January 1933 year. Since her childhood, the friends of hers were always only booked. In 1952 Sontag’s family have moved to Boston where Sontag passed entry exams to Harvard University. There young writer studied English literature and received a Master of Philosophy in 1954. While have been studying at Oxford in 1955-1957, she has faced with the sexism challenge, and because of this soon moved to Paris. From that time she was actively engaged in the French cinema, philosophy and wrote a lot. Among her essay collection we can emphasize the nest ones: â€Å"Against Interpretation†, â€Å"Where the Stress Falls†, â€Å"Regarding the Pain of Others Styles of Radical Will†. Joan Didion (1934-present) Joan Didion was born and grew up in Sacramento, California. She was just a five-year-old little girl when she have begun to write her first string. She read everything she could get into her hands while the parents were not home. In 1956, she graduated from the University of Berkeley and got their Bachelor Degree in Arts and English language. Within her senior years, Joan won the first place in an essay writing inworld-known Vogue magazine. She created own first work which was named â€Å"Run† and issued in 1963 has been working there in Vogue. Among her essays work we want to mention the next ones: Joan Didion and her â€Å"Joan Didion† essays works; Joan Didion and her â€Å"Salvador†; Joan Didion and her essays about Earth planet called â€Å"After Henry† (twelve geographical essays); Annie Dillard  (1945-present) Annie Dillard was born in 1945 and is already alive to present us a lot of her magnificent works. Anni is an American author. She was always well-known for her clear story prose in both nonfiction/fiction, poetry, essays, literary criticism and etc. Among her essays want to emphasize the next ones: â€Å"Education stone†, the book of short nonfiction essays; â€Å"Life on the rocks†, the book of 14 essays: Total Eclipse, In the Jungle, The Deer at Providencia, A Field of Silence, On a Hill Far Away, God in the Doorway, Mirages, Aces and Eights); Robert Atwan (1940- present) Robert Atwan was born in 1940, November 2, in New Jersey. He graduated from 2 universities: Seton Hall and Rutgers. He is known as one of the best American essay writers. Among the entire set of his works we highlighted the most famous ones: â€Å"Great Moments in Literary Baseball†, on the basis of the first game of the season; â€Å"Poems and Essays†, essays about Autumn and Winter (Snowy essays); Edward Hoagland (1932- present) Edward Hoagland is an American writer, who was born in 1932, in New York. Since his childhood, he was fond of writing, literature and from that time, he decided to become a novelist, essayist. He has a huge number of essays, the whole list of which you can find here, and we will mention in our article just a little part of it: â€Å"The Big Cats†, written in 1961; â€Å"Why this Extra Violence† in April; â€Å"The Soul of the Tiger† written when he has fallen in love for the first time; â€Å"Big Frog, Very Small Pond†, unknown data; â€Å"A World Worth Saving and Christmas Observed†, written in 1989; â€Å"Two Kinds of People† which was published just in Europe; â€Å"Last Call†, 2010, a very interesting one; â€Å"On Friendship†, which he wrote in 2013, when he was already a deep old man. David Foster Wallace (1962-2008) David Foster Wallace was born in 1968 in the USA.He has graduated the little-known college, where he studied philosophy, there got a degree in English language and literature. For many years, he experienced severe bouts of depression. in June 2007, according to the doctor recommendations David stopped taking medication. Depression particularly increased   In the last months of his life. On September 12, 2008, he committed suicide.There some of this essays: David Foster and his essay â€Å"Television and U.S. Fiction†, (an interesting and comic essays book); David Foster and his essays book named â€Å"Derivative Sport in Tornado Alley†; David Foster and his â€Å"A Supposedly Fun Thing Ill Never Do Again† and â€Å"Consider the Lobster†, which were both published in 2005; David Foster and his â€Å"Both Flesh and Not† unknown date of publication. So we see, that the concept   Ã¢â‚¬Å"essay† goes beyond the simple students essays writing in college. The best and well-known writers from all over the world created a lot of essays to share with readers their ideas and feelings. Continue to read and study the world of famous essay writers, and perhaps, in one day you will have the chance to become a popular essayist too.

Critical Thinking and B. Correct Essay Example

Critical Thinking and B. Correct Essay Example Critical Thinking and B. Correct Essay Critical Thinking and B. Correct Essay Essay Topic: Critical Thinking Brenda Del Moral| 2nd amp; 7th pd. | Rationales| 14. A. Incorrect, the first paragraph does not distinguish between two topics. B. Correct, because the first paragraph defines â€Å"genius†, an abstract idea. C. Incorrect, the paragraph does not offer a theorem about nature. D. Incorrect, is not present a contrast. E. Incorrect, the first paragraph does not cite a common misconception among critics 15. A. Incorrect, because the speaker does not talk about Rousseau’s precision. B. Correct, the speaker is critical Rousseau’s subjectivity. C. Incorrect, the speaker is not critical of Rousseau’s sympathy. D. Incorrect, the speaker does not mention Rousseau’s ambition. E. Incorrect, because the speaker does not mention aloofness. 16. A. Incorrect, the Paradise Lost does not reflect conflict between thought and feelings. B. Incorrect, the Paradise Lost is not meant to be an example of a work of genius. C. Incorrect, the Paradise does not draw a distinction between ordinary people and poets. D. Correct, the Paradise Lost is a work that reveals the views of its author. 17. A. Correct, the speaker says that Shakespeare’s is not bias, so that sets him apart. B. Incorrect, the speaker does not distinguish Shakespeare’s for his compassion towards humanity. C. Incorrect, the speaker does not emphasize Shakespeare’s ability to create new poetic forms. D. Incorrect, Shakespeare’s ability to manipulate poetic forms is not emphasized by the speaker. E. Incorrect, Shakespeare’s ability to imagine fantastic worlds and situations are not distinguished by the speaker. 18. A. Incorrect, the phrase does not suggest Shakespeare’s exploration of poetic forms. B. Correct, the phrase suggests Shakespeare’s ability to empathize. C. Incorrect, the phrase does not suggest Shakespeare’s capacity for critical judgment. D. Incorrect, the phrase does not suggest Shakespeare’s interest in originally in art. E. Incorrect, the phrase does not suggest Shakespeare’s interpretation of works by others. 19. A. Incorrect, the statement is not an example of a verbal irony. B. Incorrect, the statement is not an example of an understatement. C. Incorrect, the statement does not represent punning. D. Correct, the statement is a metaphorical allusion. E. Incorrect, the statement is not an example of proof by extended example.

The Many Ways of Via

The Many Ways of Via The Many Ways of â€Å"Via† The Many Ways of â€Å"Via† By Mark Nichol Via, the Latin word for â€Å"way, is also the basis of many words, many of them disguised, that refer to movement or the way things move (or act). This post lists and defines terms derived from via. In English, via itself often replaces â€Å"by way of† in writing in reference to traveling, though it is seldom employed in conversation. Words in which via is the first element include viaduct, which describes a raised watercourse, and viaticum, which refers to an allowance or provisions for a journey, or the ritual offering of Communion given to someone on the verge of death (the plural is viaticums or viatica). A viatical settlement (the phrase is sometimes simplified to viatical) is an insurance agreement pertaining to a death benefit. Voyage, too, stems from via by way of French. Someone who voyages is a voyager; the French equivalent, voyageur, describes someone employed to transport goods for a fur-trapping company, especially in colonial Canada. Other words derived from via include deviate (literally, â€Å"turn out of the way†), which means â€Å"differ from the norm† or â€Å"leave the expected course.† As a noun, the word describes a sexual pervert, though deviant is more commonly employed for that meaning; deviant is also an adjective in this context, while devious describes someone who is cunning or deceitful (although it is used, albeit rarely, as a synonym for errant, roundabout, or remote). Deviation describes a departure or difference, and deviance pertains to perversion. Convey and convoy (â€Å"with way†) both refer to carrying away, but to convey is to bear, deliver, impart, or pass, while convoy means â€Å"accompany,† especially for protection, and as a noun refers to the act of accompanying for protection, or one or more people or things that provide such protection, usually in the context of a group of vehicles or vessels. An envoy (â€Å"way in†) is a messenger or a representative from one government to another; the word may refer to someone with a particular diplomatic rank. It may also pertain to concluding remarks to a poem, song, or other composition, though the French spelling envoi is usually employed in that sense. Invoice, meanwhile, is not related to voice; it stems from the otherwise obsolete â€Å"message† sense of envoi. Pervious (â€Å"way through†) means â€Å"accessible† or â€Å"permeable,† though its antonym, impervious, is much more common. Previous (â€Å"way before†), meanwhile, means â€Å"prior† or, rarely, â€Å"premature.† An instance of being previous is previousness, and the adverbial form is previously. To obviate (â€Å"get in the way of†) is to prevent or to make unnecessary (an act of doing so is obviation), while obvious means â€Å"easily seen or understood,† and the noun form is obviousness. Quadrivium (â€Å"four ways†) and trivium (â€Å"three ways†) refer to the division of the seven classical literal arts. (The former comprises arithmetic, astronomy, geometry, and music, and the latter consists of grammar, logic, and rhetoric.) Trivium also, in Latin, referred to a three-way crossing, where information might be posted- or passed on by travelers meeting at the intersection. From that idea, English acquired trivia, meaning â€Å"inconsequential information.† The adjective trivial pertains to such information but also has the broader senses of unimportant and ordinary; to portray something substantial as trivial is to trivialize it, and the noun form triviality denotes the quality or state of being trivial or something trivial. (Trifle, meaning something trivial and the name of a type of dessert, though it appears as if it could be related to trivial, is actually from an Anglo-French word, by way of Old English, meaning nonsense.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Math or Maths?On Behalf Of vs. In Behalf Of50 Words with Alternative Spellings

Discuss the concept of 'jurisdiction' in Article 1 of the European Essay

Discuss the concept of 'jurisdiction' in Article 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights - Essay Example Else , a state may control the affairs by initiating administrative or executive action, which intrudes more pervasively on the happenings of events , as by implementing its laws or through the verdicts of its courts. Jurisdiction pertains to both the internal law of each state and in the international law. The jurisdiction in international law establishes the allowable limits of a state jurisdiction in the different forms it may assume, while the jurisdiction in internal law connotes the magnitude to which, and the style in which, the state, in reality, affirms its jurisdiction. In Lotus case, the PCIJ (Permanent Court of International Justice), while briefing that international law normally allows the states â€Å"a broad initiative† of discretion in the applicability of their laws, and the jurisdiction of their courts was restricted in some cases by prohibitive rules, and it was obligatory for a state that it should not cross its limits which international law emphasises up on its jurisdiction. It may be noted that the magnitude to which the jurisdiction is a matter of limits to the exercise of authority as the subject of jurisdiction may happen not only as regard to states but also in regard to other bodies, which exert authority globally like international organisations and multinational companies1. International Jurisdictional issues happen when a state either through its court proceedings or directly try to avow its power over circumstance, property or persons, which happen or arise in abroad. If such property or persons locate in abroad, the magnitude to which the state laws are deemed to apply extra-territorially or whether the exercise of the jurisdiction engrosses any violation of the rights of other states. It is to be observed that a state’s right to assert its jurisdiction depends upon its sovereignty. In Christina 2case, Lord Macmillan held that â€Å"it is an indispensable quality of the sovereignty of a state, as of all sovereign independent nations that it should have jurisdiction over all of its properties and individuals which lie or reside within its territorial borders both in criminal and civil cases happening within these limits. Jurisdiction also includes both the privilege to exercise it within the territories of a nation’s sovereignty and an obligation to acknowledge the same right of other states. The issue or complication happens when one nation tries to punish a criminal demeanour which another nation does not consider it as an offence. There are various kinds of jurisdictions, and we can analyse the same as under: Prescriptive Jurisdiction Authority to notify rules Enforcement Jurisdiction Authority to implement regulations Legislative Jurisdiction Authority of the state to enforce obligatory laws within its province. However, there are restrictions on the â€Å"legislative dominance â€Å"of a state as if it enacts a law which in not in line with international law, then it will make i t accountable for the infringement of international law. However, a municipal court of a state has every right to give effect to its municipal law. Executive Jurisdiction The authority of a state to function within the territorial provinces of another state with prior sanction from such government. Judicial Jurisdiction The authority to municipal courts to administer cases where the foreign factor exists3. Article 1 of the European Human Rights Commission (herein after will be referred as ECHR) deals with the obligation to

Extreme body piercing (or modification) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Extreme body piercing (or modification) - Essay Example It was believed that the pharaohs of Egypt were the only one who could pierce their naval and anyone else doing so was punished by death penalty. In the Roman Empire, soldiers and other people got their nipples pierced to show their loyalty towards their king. Julius Caesar also wore nipple ring to show his prowess and his alliance with his soldiers. The nipple ring was a strong link which united the roman soldiers. It was also considered a macho sign signifying vigour and potency. The African and some south Asian tribes have very bizarre traditions and rituals of piercing objects in their body parts as part of their religious ceremonies. Extreme body piercing has often been treated as an expression of penitence in many religious practices of African and South American tribes. Tongue piercing was practiced as an appeasement to God so that His blessings could be obtained for their tribes and general welfare. In ancient Aztecs ‘Aztec and Maya were known for their skills as great warriors and they indulged in septum piercing so that they seemed more ferocious to their enemies’ (internet). In the late sixties, piercing became popular in the west when the hippies started piercing their nose, ears and naval and adorning them with jewelleries. Later the members of gay communities pierced their one ear and started wearing earrings as a way of declaring their sexual preference. This was followed by punk cultures of the seventies for whom piercing their body parts and wearing jewellery was seen as a sign of rebellion. The punks took the body piercing from the conventional to the extreme by piercing their tongues, cheeks and other body parts. Today, piercing of body parts has become a popular way of flaunting not only their bodies but their intent of purpose of declaring their bizarre sexual preferences and profound body experiences bordering on obsession. Body

Hollywood main stream cinemas treatment of gender in the 1980s Essay Example for Free

Hollywood main stream cinemas treatment of gender in the 1980s Essay To what extent is Rambo: First Blood Part 2 typical of Hollywood mainstream cinemas treatment of gender in the 1980s? Action films in the 1980s reflected the changes and insecuritys within American society. There had been a rise in feminism meaning that the masculine form and dominance was being undermined and white working class males did not know where their place was in society. It was also in the immediate time after the Vietnam War and confusion and anger still lingered. The Vietnam War divided the American nation as a whole because, as it has been in recent times with the war in Iraq, people didnt fully understand why America needed to impose their presence in a country where they felt they had nothing to gain. The action film in the 1980s introduced a hero that differentiated masculinity and femininity using the form of the body as a way of ensuring power, dominance and self-respect. Rambo: First Blood Part 2 is a typical film of this era in terms of masculinity and the ways in which men and women are portrayed. In the film Rambo: First Blood Part 2 Sylvester Stallone portrays a typical action hero of the war film genre in the 1980s but also an outcast of society after the Vietnam War. He is a veteran of Vietnam and came home to find that everything he had known had changed and he was no longer considered an honourable soldier but more as a war criminal. Rambos mission in this film is to go back to Vietnam and see if he can find a camp that he is told has many POWs. If he finds the men, he can only take photographs but he has a problem with this and risks his own life to save them. He is very strong and muscular and is able to defeat the soldiers, Russian and Vietnamese, single handed. Douglas Kellner states that the film; Follows the conventions of the Hollywood genre of the war film, which dramatizes conflicts between the United States and its enemies and provides a happy ending that portrays the victory of good over evil. (Kellner, 1994, p.10) This means that America always won no matter who the enemy was. In reality this is something that America could not accomplish. There was no happy ending and there were no immediate heroes. Rambo is allowed to bring glory upon America and diffuse a situation that could have cost the American military even more respect and dignity. America had lost some of its power within the world and they strived to get it back. It had lost its first war and it had become important to remasculinize America. There was a growing fear of communism in the country and displaying male heroes which went against the communist regime was their idea of establishing the ideal throughout the world by a means of globalization. Globalization had been taking place throughout the history of cinema by a means of film that was imported and exported to places around the world. In effect most of the action films set in Vietnam, and other films which hold a strong view of patriotism and heroism within America in the 1980s, can be seen as propaganda films against the rise of communism. The purpose, with or without the knowledge of the audience, was to get the idea across to a mass audience that communism was against the principles of the country. In Rambo the evil characters are the Vietnamese and Russian soldiers and ironically, it turns out that the greatest threat to Rambo is not the Vietnamese, although they do pose a strong force, it is the Russians. The Russians are shown as being extremely strong, relentless, and willing to put a man through torture to get what they want. Nevertheless, whatever the Russians do you cannot beat a man with as much physical and mental strength as Rambo. This follows a pattern throughout action films in the 1980s. One film that is suggestive of this is Rocky 4. Rocky 4 (1985) also stars Sylvester Stallone but this time he is a boxer. He is fighting against a strong Russian fighter named Ivan Drago. Drago is very tough and stands at over 6ft tall. The Russian crowd all stand behind their fighter but when the final fight is over and Rocky defeats him with all of his strength the Russians begin to show support for Rocky and boo their fighter. This is the film industrys way of evoking patriotism and the ever-growing fear of the communist regime after the Cold War. Philip L. Gianos states that; The advent of Vietnam in film provided an opportunity for filmmakers who were denied an actual shooting war: a parallel, surrogate setting in which cold war themes could be played out. (Gianos. 1998, P.159) The first response from the film industry during this time was a set of anti-communist films to respond to the changing political environment. The villains are almost always portrayed as foreign internationals such as Russian, German, and sometimes English and they are usually a communist operative. They are never American in these films because the hero is American. He is fighting for his country and if it were another American he is fighting against he is effectively fighting against America. Other action films that were released at that time include, The Terminator, Rocky, Predator, and Die Hard. Millions of people worldwide, mainly consisting of young males went to see these films at the cinema. They gave them a chance to latch on to big, muscular, violent men as cinematic heroes. (Katz, 1994, p134) These heroes gave the audience the chance to gain self-respect and security as it represented a masculinity that was unaffected by the rise of feminism. Gender roles had been reversed due to the growing rise of a feminist movement that showed women were increasingly moving into the workplace rather than staying at home. The displaying of the male physique and the physical torture it goes through to enable glory and victory over evil is further suggestive of masculinity in crisis and the gain of global respect. Women could not gain this kind of respect because they could not attain that degree of physical strength and endurance so therefore this was one thing that they couldnt take away from men. The female role in the action film of the 1980s appears at first glance to be on equal footing with the male. However, there are some differences in the ways in which they go about their missions. In Rambo: First Blood Part 2 the main female character, Co Bao, is strong, resourceful and a very capable fighter. She is Rambos contact in Vietnam and later becomes his love interest. During the film she cautions Rambo to follow his orders and when she goes to save him from the Russians in the POW camp she uses a different technique than Rambo. While Rambo attacked her captor from behind and overpowered him she sneaked into the camp as a prostitute. Therefore the issue of strength and power is present in the male character but in the female character it is more about subtlety and intelligence. Rambo is the definitive male of 80s cinema and was joined by characters such as John McLain (Die Hard) and Rocky Balboa (Rocky). In these films the main action centres around one hero and the female character is usually the love-interest or accomplice. In previous war/actions films and Vietnam films the veterans were seen as either psychopaths, such as Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver, or tragic characters, Bob Hyde in Coming Home. In the films of the 1980s, however, the hero fights back. In Rambo Part 2 Rambo can be seen as an anti-hero because of his rebellious behaviour by going against his orders to leave the POWs and by telling Murdock that he will come and get him when he gets back from the jungle. This makes his character more dangerous and exciting to the audience as you dont know what he is going to do. He has many people after him in Vietnam but he also has enemies at home. He has to deal with home-grown discrimination because of the war and in effect he is no longer fighting for his country. He is doing it for the comrades that he fought with; In these films the enemy is not the enemy in a war that is officially over but rather the civilian and military leadership that failed to win the war (Gianos. 1998, p.166) After Co Bao is killed Rambo channels his emotions into retaliation and thus becomes a fighting machine that is only out for revenge. Before she was killed he was ready to leave after finding that Murdock sent him out just to get free of him and stem reports that there were POWs still in Vietnam. The style of the film helps to build the perception that he is a god and that he is invincible. The use of lighting and camera angles are used to enhance his physique and the fast paced editing in the action shots are used to show that he is fast, strong and practical in the ways he attacks his enemies. Rambo shows us the ideal, very well-built muscular body of the white male in a place where he appears to belong. Commonly used iconography for Vietnam films included dense jungle, camouflage equipment and hi-tech weaponry. He uses the jungle to an advantage and appears to know it better than those who live there. He uses his initiative and intelligence in the jungle and is able to use it to gain the upper hand in a battle. One example of this is the scene in which he attacks a US soldier after he hides in a bank of mud with his eyes being the only thing visible. The male body in these films constructs the white man as physically superior, yet also an everyman, built to do the job of colonial world improvement (Dyer, 2002, p.269) The fact that the superior build of the heros body establishes him as an everyman means that it is something that any man can attain as long as you are white. Black men are rarely portrayed in this manner and if they are they are usually the villains of the movie and end up being defeated. In conclusion, the gender representation in the film is an effort from the United States to fulfil the growing need of remasculinizing American society, in particularly, in the dominant white majority of the working class. With the rise of feminism, fear of communism, political scandals and the Vietnam War, it became imperative for America to try and rebuild the image of men in a positive light. Rather than focusing on men as a collective these films focused on one individual and therefore a view of machismo, strength and determination became the norm. The films of the 1980s became a kind of vessel of the ideal and most of these films are still popular in todays society and may still be what some men aspire to be. If you were like these men you were considered to be manly and if you werent you were understood to be weak and not the typical American male. The male hero in these films was put there to win. America needed a hero and they found him in these films. The masculine form was in crisis and the wholesomeness and fearless heroes could make an impact on the male audience who would then seek to be like the characters they watched on screen. Bibliography Gianos P.L (1998) Politics and Politicians in American Film, London, Greenwood Press Dyer, R, (2002) The White Mans Muscles in Adams. R and Savran. D (eds) (2002) The Masculinity Studies Reader Oxford, Blackwell Publishers Jeffords S. (1989) The Remasculinization of America: Gender and the Vietnam War Indianapolis and Bloomington, Indiana University Press Kellner D. and Katz. J (1994) in Dines G and Humez J.M (eds) (1994) Gender, Race and Class in Media London, Sage Publications

Because I could Not Stop for Death by Emily Dickinson Essay -- Becaus

Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, on December 10, 1830. Except for a few months of travel, she remained in Amherst until her death. Dickinson began, in her twenties, a gradual retreat into the confines of the homestead, the house in which she was born, until for the last fifteen years of her life she didn't leave its grounds and saw no one but her brother and sister. As her withdrawal intensified, Emily's principal method of communication was through her letters. Emily Dickinson died on May 15, 1886 after an illness. ( Harold Bloom 11 - 13) Modern readers are apt to comment upon the frequency with which Dickinson returns to this subject of death. (Wolff, Cynthia, G. 749) "Because I could Not Stop For Death" was written in about 1863 (Kennedy 740) The poem is comprised of six stanzas of four lines each. The poem is long and aligned to the left. The rhyme scheme is ABCB in its first and last two stanzas; however, stanza three and four has different rhyme schemes as stanza three is read ABBC and stanza four is read ABCD. She frequently applies the use of personal pronouns; for example, in the first stanza of the poem, she uses the pronouns "I", "He", "Ourselves". In the second stanza she uses the pronouns "We", "He", "I". In the third stanza she uses the pronoun "We", in three out the four lines composing the stanza. As Harold Bloom, editor of "Bloom's Major Poets ' Emily Dickinson' " says,† When Dickinson declares her "I," these instants become our own" (Bloom 38) The use of pronouns in the poem makes us, as the readers, get involved so deeply into the poem so that we get to feel the protagonist of the poem which is of course the speaker. Most stanzas are composed of a two -beat line but the majority is three b... ...re is a paradise waiting for us. Works Cited Dickinson, Emily. "Because I could Not Stop For Death." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 4th Compact Ed. XJ Kennedy and Dana Gioia . NY: Longman, 2005 Wolff, Cynthia, G. "Dickinson And Death." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 4th Compact Ed. XJ Kennedy and Dana Gioia . NY: Longman, 2005 Bloom, Harold. "Biography of Emily Dickinson." Bloom's Major Poets. Edited And With An Introduction By Harold Bloom: Emily Dickinson. Comprehensive Research And Study Guide. Harold Bloom. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 1999 Tate, Allen. "Allen Tate On Emily Dickinson." Bloom's Major Poets. Edited And With An Introduction By Harold Bloom: Emily Dickinson. Comprehensive Research And Study Guide. Harold Bloom. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 1999

According to Kennewick Man in his article

IntroductionAccording to Kennewick Man in his article that â€Å"for NAGPRA and other related legal purposes, the federal government defines native Americans as any tribe, people, or culture that resided in the territory of the United States before historic European contact and exploration. At present, there are more than 2,000,000 Native Americans in the United States, represented by 769 federally recognized tribes† (See K. Man, â€Å"Who are Native Americans?† Past concepts of Native Americans).In Wikepedia, the free encyclopedia stated that â€Å"the term indigenous people of the America encompasses the inhabitants of the Americas before the arrival of the first European explorers in the late 15th century, as well as many present-day ethnic groups who identify themselves with those historical people (See â€Å"Indigenous Peoples of the Americas†. From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).On the other hand, the National Museums Liverpool published in its website that â€Å"the people of West Africa had a rich and varied history and culture long before the Europeans slavers arrived. They had a wide variety of political arrangements which include kingdoms, city and other organizations, each with their own languages and culture† (See â€Å"Africa before European slavery†. National Museums Liverpool).Native Americans*Culture*Even though cultural features included language, garb, and customs vary enormously from one tribe to another, there are certain elements which are shared by many of the indigenous people of the America (See â€Å"Indigenous Peoples of the Americas†. From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).*Music and Art*Native America music of North America Indians is almost entirely monophonic but there not notable exceptions. Traditional Native American music often includes drumming but little other instrumentation, although flutes are played by individuals. While the art of the indigenous people of Central Mexico and Central Americas comprises a major category in the world art collection. Their contributions are pottery, paintings, jewelry, weavings, sculptures, basketry, and carvings (See â€Å"Indigenous Peoples of the Americas†. From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).*European Colonization*In wikipedia, its researched stated that â€Å"the European colonization of the Americas forever changed the lives and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the continent. In 15th century up to 19th century, their populations were ravaged by the privations of displacement, by disease and in many cases by warfare with European groups and enslavement by them. The first indigenous group that was met by Columbus was about 250,000 in number which were the Arawaks of Hispaniola and this group was enslaved by them.These European people also brought illnesses against which the indigenous people of America had no immunity† (See â€Å"Indigenous Peoples of the Americas†. From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).   According to David Ruvolo that â€Å"the history of America religion is dominated by the presence of Christianity brought to the New World by European settlers. Time had run out for the indigenous race that populated the continent of North America. Native Americans were faced with an enemy that was more advanced like with the Israelites of the sixth century B.C.E.† (See D. Ruvolo, â€Å"A Summary of Native American Religious†).*Africa before the European slavery*According to Olaudah Equiano on his autobiography which he wrote in 1789 stated that â€Å"the part of Africa which was known by the name Guinea to which the trade is carried on extends along the coast above 3,400 miles from Senegal to Angola and includes a variety of kingdoms. This kingdom is divided into many provinces or distinct. In one of the most remote and fertile of which is called Eboe. Equiano was born in 1745, in charming fruitful vale named essaka. The distance of the province fr om capital of Benin and the sea coast must be very considerable, for Eboe Equiano had never heard about the white men or Europeans† (See O. Equiano. â€Å"Early Life†. Merseyside maritime museum).*Agriculture*As Equiano stated that their â€Å"land was uncommonly rich and fruitful, and produces all kinds of vegetables in abundance. All industries were exerted to improve those blessings of nature. Agriculture was their chief employment, and everyone even the children and women were engaged in it† (See O. Equiano. â€Å"Early Life†. Merseyside maritime museum).*Clothing*He continued, Equiano, which â€Å"their manners were simple and their luxuries were few. The dress of both sexes was nearly the same. It generally consists of a long piece of calico or Muslin, wrapped loosely around the body, somewhat in the form of a highland plaid. This was usually dyed blue, which their favorite color. It was extracted from a berry and was brighter and richer than any he had seen in Europe.Their women, of distinction wore golden ornaments which disposed with profusion on their arms and legs. When their women were not employed with the men in tillage, their usual occupation was spinning and weaving cotton, which they afterwards dye and made into garments. They also manufacture earthen vessels of which they had many kinds† (See O. Equiano. â€Å"Early Life†. Merseyside maritime museum).*Dance and Music*  Moreover, Equiano added that â€Å"they were almost a nation of dancers, musicians and poet. In every great event such as a triumphant return from battle or other cause of public rejoicing,   was celebrated in public dances which were accompanied with songs and music which was suited to the occasion† (See O. Equiano. â€Å"Early Life†. Merseyside maritime museum).*After the Europeans*West Africans had traded with Europeans through merchants in North Africa for centuries. In the 15th century, the Portuguese were the firs t traders who sailed down the West African coast. After that, the Dutch, British, French and Scandinavians followed. They were mainly interested in precious items such as ivory, gold, and spices, in particular the pepper (See â€Å"Africa before European slavery†. National Museums Liverpool).Referencesâ€Å"Indigenous Peoples of the Americas†. From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_AmericasRuvolo, D. â€Å"A Summary of Native American Religious†. http://are.as.wvu.edu/ruvolo.htmâ€Å"Indigenous Peoples of the Americas†. From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Movie Concept Proposal Essay

The gender of the target audience I believe would mostly be males because in gangster films, males take the prominent role and women are sometimes degraded in the roles they play. For our film, the gender of the target audience would mainly be males, though females could be attracted to the film also. 4. Background: I. Time:1949-1980 II. Place:Taipei III. Event or specific social context:In December 1949, Chiang evacuated his government to Taiwan and made Taipei the temporary capital of the ROC (also called the â€Å"wartime capital† by Chiang Kai-shek). Some 2 million people, consisting mainly of soldiers, members of the ruling Kuomintang and the intellectual and business elites, were evacuated from mainland China to Taiwan at that time, adding to the earlier population of approximately six million. After the 228 Incident, the conflicts between the â€Å"benshengren† and â€Å"waishengren† turn white hot. The different goals of the Chinese Nationalists and the Taiwanese, coupled with cultural and language misunderstandings served to further inflame tensions on both sides. The early Han Chinese immigrants known as the â€Å"benshengren† (Chinese: ; literally â€Å"home-province person†) in Chinese, which often referred to â€Å"native Taiwanese† in English, but the term is also frequently used for the Taiwanese aborigines. The people who emigrated from mainland China after 1945 known as â€Å"waishengren†. 5. Characters:(1) Xiang( ) (2) Shin( ) (3) Mei( ) (4) Li( )Xiang’s father (6) Han( )Shin’s father 6. Scenario:The relationship between Xiang, Shin and Mei was just a case of playmates in their childhood. Xiang’s father, Li, was one of the soldiers who evacuated from mainland China to Taiwan at 1949. One day, when Li was working at canny plant, he met Hua, a beautiful Hak-ka girl, and then they fell in love. Xiang was born in 1954, Taipei. Xiang’s family and Shin’s family lived next door; as a result, they became best friends. When they got to elementary school, they met Mei. They didn’t keep anything from each other. After Graduated from elementary school, they entered a school in which most of the students were born locally. As one of only three non-locals in Xiang’s class, he became a frequent target of bullying; he and fellow students with roots in the mainland began to form gangs for their own protection. He didn’t know why, and He was confused that why those local students hate him. He swore to take their revenge on those who bullied him. He joined a local gang at 12, and United Bamboo Association (uniting all the â€Å"non-local† gangs to stand up against another local gang) was created a couple of years later. The friendship between Xiang and Shin was broken. After few years, Shin became a cup and Mei married him†¦ This is a story about love and hatred between them and also the struggles about family, nation and gangster. 7. Main Issues: (1) the contradiction and struggles between Benshengren and Waishengren (2) the struggles and conflicts between friendship and gangster (3) the love and hatred between young people (4) the grief of nobody in the great era (5) Cooperation and Symbiosis is the only way for a Healthy Taiwan 8. Marketing Strategy: (1) Where:Focus on metropolis. Taipei, New Taipei City, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung. (2) How: (a) Starting up to a year before the release of a major studio movie, distributors run movie trailers that are meticulously edited and audience-tested. The idea is to give moviegoers a taste of the laughs, special effects and plot twists of the studio’s upcoming releases, while leaving them wanting more. (b) About the same time that the first trailers hit the theaters, the movie studio will unveil an official Web site for the film. Typical movie Web sites allow visitors to view multiple versions of the trailer, watch behind-the-scenes interviews and mini-documentaries, read plot synopses, download cell-phone ringtones and desktop wallpaper, play games, and chat in forums and even pre-order tickets. (c) As the release date of the film draws closer, try to get early favorable press coverage in newspapers, magazines and on entertainment TV shows. (d) To bombard the public with so many images and promos for the movie that it becomes a â€Å"can’t miss† event. Plaster the sides of buses with huge ads, run tons of teaser trailers on TV, place full-page ads in major newspapers and magazines, and the movie’s stars will show up on all of the major talk shows. (e) Place rich, interactive ads on the Web sites most trafficked by their target audience. They can also release behind-the-scenes clips, and other viral videos on video-sharing sites like YouTube. 9. Poster Design (pictures & copywriting) The characters in the poster from left to right are Xiang, Mei and Shin. In the poster, the Chinese word â€Å"Yi†(? )means the loyalty in friends or gangster, where is Xiang’s second family, just like his home. The historical novel â€Å"Romance of the Three Kingdoms† glorified Guan Yu by portraying him as a righteous and loyal warrior. Guan Yu was one of the most altered and aggrandized characters in the novel, which accounted for his popular image in Chinese society. As a result, I used the image of â€Å"Guan Gong† to represent the meaning of â€Å"Yi†, which also means loyalty in Chinese word.

Tips for Cx Cabin Crew Interview Essay Example

Tips for Cx Cabin Crew Interview Essay Example Tips for Cx Cabin Crew Interview Essay Tips for Cx Cabin Crew Interview Essay Tips for CX Cabin Crew Interview Ive just got the contract call from CX and now would like to share the experience to you all in order to help everyone go smoothly through for the interview procedures. Probably some of you have already known the procedures quite well, the following is the summary of the whole recruitment procedures with detailed and tips, to tell you how to win an offer with CX. Are you ready? Lets go! ONLINE APPLICATION CX doesnt accept any submittion method EXCEPT online application. Just simply click on the CXs Web page and complete the application form online, the job agency will guiding you finish the whole form. After the submittion, usually you will receive their invitation call within 7-14 days. FIRST INTERVIEW Part I The interview will take place in the Cathay City. The recruitment staff will take you to the 4/F in the North Tower. There will be a short introduction about CX, and the recruitment staff will helping all candidates for the registration. Afterwards, there will be a arm test, you can stand with your tiptoe to reach 208 cm. Your shoes will be surely removed while you are taking the arm test. It is strongly recommend that to get a bit more training with your spoken English. You dont have to be 100% flurent as a forigener, but at least your spoken English should be understandable and to let someone feel that you can express yourself clearly. Part II The interviewer will invite a group of maximum 9 people to take part in the group interview. You will be assigned a number. You can have 2 minutes to introduce yourself, try to keep your introduction concise and clean, and tell everyone your SELLING POINT, such as your educational background, why you want to be a FA (My answer is because I like the non routine style of this job), or how capable that you can handle this position. The group interview will be last for 10 minutes, you will get a case of a topic. My topic was using all the restricted elements to discuss what comes the most important aspect for team spirit. Choose 3 elements out of 8 (there was a element printed at the bottom part of your test paper, and you have to sell your point to your group mates, try to convince them to use your point as one of the top three elements) TIPS: You CANNOT come up with your own idea, all candidates should be reminded that to use the element stated on the paper. When you discuss, you should always remain clamly. Tell everyone what your points are and how do you think your elemet will be the most important one. Trying to help each other and compromising to your groupmates if necessary. Remember, the aims of this interview is to test how good are you at as a team member. Always show your decency and helpful personality to the interviewer. Afterwards you will receive a YELLOW CARD, if your yellow card stated the final interview appointment day, congratulations! You are IN! Otherwise, CX will be welcoming you after six months of your application. FINAL INTERVIEW People are struggling what should do in the final interview. Once again, your English level is really important because the whole interview will be conducted in English, if you are good at spoken English, then you can express yourself a bit more easier then the others. STAY CALM at all times and please hang your FRIENDLY SMILE on. Some interviewers may be very challenging, but it doesnt mean a bad thing. I was having interview by Ms. J and she is so called a killer. Well, I thought she was, because she challenged me three times in the interview. But I answered all her questions calmly with professional manner, she didnt seem to be pleased for my answer, and I was preparing I would be fail in this occasion. But finally I come up with an idea, the interviewer challenge you just simply because she/he is interested to know more about your reaction and see whether you can cope with the emergency situation. Five summerising tips: SMILE, FRIENDLY, CALM, DECENT, and PROFESSIONAL. Of course you need to tell the interviewer HOW CAPABLE you are to be a FA BODY CHECK AND MANDARIN TEST CALL Okay okay, here we come the final step. Wait for the Body Check and Mandarin Test. I know you are extremely nervous with your result, right? Dan Dan you know what? If the interviewer is highly appreciate with your performance at the final interview, they will give you the contract in the same day. (It depends on what time you have doen your final in, if it is already 5pm, just simply wait for 2 days). If you cant hear from CX within five working days, most likely you have to reapply after six months. (Or I dont know maybe there are some exceptional cases, but what I have heard and I have seen is, most of the successul candidates could receive the BC;MA call shortly) BC ; MA Body Check is a time wasting activity. I remember that I arrived at 10. 00 and I finish it just right before the MA at 12. 30. BC is normal, you have to go through the X-Ray and certainly you need to give them your fresh urine for the medical checking. Then the nurse will guide you to the room and do the eye test, remember to bring along a suitable opticals with you in order to do the eye test, they will test your pair of eyes seperately. Bloody pressure, height checking, colour blind test and hearing test will be involved in the procedures as well. TIPS: The nurse is really unfriendly and she will scold at you if you did something wrong. Afterwards you will need to see the docotor, remember you need to be nude and the doctor will do some physical tests with you. For male applicants, please be prepared your most private organ will also be test by the doctor. MA MA is not as difficult as you think. But I bet you really have to be prepared. (1) The first part will be the listening test, 10 questions and they are quite simple, nothing to worry about. (2) You have to record your sound. This is quite an important part. Three questions. One minute to introduce yourself -One minute to tell us your hobbies -One minute to tell us which destination of CX network you like the most. -THREE minutes to tell us your most memoriable work experience (3) Translation There are 20 vocabs and you need to translate them into Mandarin, your answers will be recorded. Here are some words that I remember: Inflamation, Footrest, Diamond, Catch up etc. (4) Reading To read a passage, some terms like , , , †¦ (5) Reading with , †¦ CONTRACT CALL Most likely you will recive a contract call in 8-10 days. Some people have to submit support documentation to prove that they are physically fit for the job (I am the one who have to pay $1700 for the additional body check, bloody hell), if you need to submit further report, it will take longer time, most likely 12-13 days. If you cannot hear anything from them after 14 days or more, please CALL AND ASK THEM. ** If you have Type B Hepatits ( ) Jsut simply forget to apply the postion of Flight Attendant, because you will NOT BE ACCEPTED. Finally, GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL and hope can see you guys onboard.

Alternatives to Using Said When Quoting a Source

Alternatives to Using Said When Quoting a Source Alternatives to Using Said When Quoting a Source When discussing the arguments of other thinkers, as we often have to do when writing a paper, you might find yourself writing so and so says quite often. While this is good enough most of the time, you may also want to vary your word choice. Moreover, in academic writing, says or said might not fully communicate what you intend. It may therefore be better to use a more precise alternative. Alternatives to Said There are plenty of synonyms for said that can be used in academic writing. For instance, if we imagine quoting an author called Johnson, instead of Johnson says that, we could write: States (Johnson states that the results are consistent with past studies) Asserts (Johnson asserts that the technique is flawed) Argues (Johnson argues that the test should be revised) Claims (Johnson claims that the conclusion is valid) Believes (Johnson believes that modern science should be trusted) However, it should be noted that most of these words are more specific than said. As such, youll need to check that the word you pick fits the situation. Saying that Johnson argues such and such, for instance, only makes sense if you are quoting an argument. As such, it wouldnt make sense to say Johnson argues that his favorite ice-cream is vanilla, since this is an opinion, not an argument. Likewise, some terms have connotations that you need to understand before you use them. The word alleges, for instance, can be a synonym for says, but it implies that the claim is unproven, controversial or doubtful. It therefore has quite a specific use. Nor should you avoid using the word says in your work. Its simply a case of being aware of how often you use particular terms and trying to find a suitable alternative if you are using any single term (including said) too much.

Critically evaluate the current methods of high-throughput expression Essay

Critically evaluate the current methods of high-throughput expression profiling in normal and disease states - Essay Example These studies have provided information that was challenging to find, making it easy to detect diseases very early and applying the necessary intervention and treatment procedures on time reducing rates of morbidity and mortality. The first step n the quest to understand the cell function would be understanding gene expression of the various cells of the body. In that case, it would be easier to determine when cells are not expressed as expected. Scientists and researchers point out that gene expression anomalies mostly involve the Messenger RNA (mRNA). DNA Microarrays are used to measure the expression of cells within a predefined mRNA. Different cells are expected to be expressed in a certain way in the mRNA. Changes in expression include over-expression or under-expression. For example, scientists have confirmed that breast cancer cells express more mRNA for the membrane receptor (Suter, Babiss and Wheeldon, 2004). DNA methylation which is important in the normal DNA function and gene expression can be used to detect the changes in the DNA leading to abnormal expression and disease. Hyper-methylation and hypo-methylation have been associated with significant changes in some cells. Cells of the breast canter are usually hyper-methylated leading to neuroblastoma risks and response to the tamoxifen (Widschwendter et al., 2004; Martens et al., 2005). Hyper methylation has also been associated with Leukemia, Ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer (Baylin, 2005). The varying magnitudes of methylation in the cells are associated with different stages of cancer development, and DNA methylation technique can be used to determine the exact stage (Costello et al, 2000). Use of DNA and genes is made very easy by the availability of data of all genomes in the human body. Researchers can access this information anytime from the human genome project databases. Use of gene expression is a three step process that involves class comparison, class prediction and analyzing the va rious genes sets profiles. All this information is presented on pre-processed images which are normalized to make sense (Tarca et al, 2006). DNA microarrays are limiting in that they can only be used for know cells. This limitation necessitated the introduction of RNA sequencing in which unknown genes expression can be studied (Cloonan et al, 2008). Single cell sequencing in which the different types of healthy and cancerous cells can be sequenced individually has improved the effectiveness of DNA micro array studies. All the cells that are studies are amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to achieve better and accurate results (Wang and Bodovitz, 2010). Micro arrays can be used to analyze thousands of cells from different patients at once making it time efficient unlike the previous methods of analysis. The technique provides information on DNA, RNA and the proteins simultaneously. Throughput profiling can also be done at the product level of gene expression; proteins in this case are studied for any anomalies. Mass Spectrometry is used to determine the differences between normal cells and diseased cells for example cancer cells (Aebersold and Mann, 2003). This procedure has proved very important in detecting prostate cancer in early stages, which has been a major challenge. In this case, the fluids, peptides and serum from the prostate are examined using the SELDI mass spectrometer which uses affinity capture. Some cells are

The relevance of employee engagement indices Essay

The relevance of employee engagement indices - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that employee engagement is a crucial element that influences business operations in most institutions. It facilitates democratic participation and administration of resources, for example, human resources that enhance morale. Managers are obligated to formulate superior employee engagement procedures that include the adoption of structured lines of communication, although others do not. This is to facilitate communication and formulation of superior performance strategies that focus on the participation of everyone. Employee engagement remains a hot issue with most professionals posting a diverse opinion on its suitability in measuring performance in institutions. One school of thought reports that employee engagement indices criteria form a fundamental element that provides relevant incentives for measuring performance. It acts as a scorecard guideline that measures the satisfactory level of employees and consumers in service delivery. Ho wever, another school of thought faults its use since it fails to provide clear benchmarks that can be applied to facilitate credible measurement of performance. Ideally, employees hold the requisite capacity of influencing performance in institutions. To ensure superior innovation and creativity in product development, proper employee engagement is essential. It ensures adequate sharing of ideas and formulation of policies with innovative ideas. It is crucial to note that, employee performance can be achieved when their morale is enhanced through adequate engagement in diverse aspects.

The political atmosphere which influenced the Russian avant garde Essay

The political atmosphere which influenced the Russian avant garde - Essay Example This research paper examines that young artists from Russia decided not to be influenced by literature and painting, rather by the various political movements. Many artists from Russia attended lectures held by Marinetti as they had admiration for Italian futurism. In the years 1908 to 1909, there were various Golden Fleece Markets and some notable artists had their works shown. They included Mikhail Larionov and Natalia Goncharova who promoted scenes that were primitive as well as robust. Later on, during the exhibition known as ‘Donkey’s Tail’, Larionov and Goncharova proved that they could make sure that Russian painting was modernized. At the same time, these two artists were critical and independent concerning western culture. In conclusion, Larionov published the ‘Manifesto of Rayonism’, which had information regarding artistic theories that were new. They were known as synthesis of Orphism, Futurism and Cubism. Larionov was inspired by the scie ntific discovery of ultra-violet rays and radioactivity, thus obtaining the name Rayonism. The Rayonism movement was popular in the western part of Europe from 1913 to 1914. Moreover, in the year 1917, while in Rome, it was zealously taken up and unfortunately, did not survive during the war. In turn, Larionov went to France and worked on the Ballets Russes. This shows that the avant garde in Russia affected many artists and the manner they carried out their work.

Political Culture of Texas

Political Culture of Texas Ghiassi-Tari Texas Government The political culture of Texas is both individualistic and traditionalistic. The individualistic culture is rooted in the states frontier experience and includes economic and social conservatism, strong support of personal politics, distrust of political parties, and minimization of political parties importance. The traditionalistic culture grew out of the Old South, where a one-party system developed, policies were designed to preserve the social order, and the poor and minorities were often disenfranchised (not allowed to vote). Today, these two cultures can still be found in the values, attitudes, traditions, habits, and general behavior patterns of Texans and in the governmental policies of the Lone Star State. With more than 267,000 square miles of territory, Texas ranks second in size to Alaska among the 50 states. Cattle, cotton, timber, and hydrocarbons have at different times dominated the Texas economy and influenced the states politics. Today, Texas is a highly industrialized state in which high-tech products are of increasing importance. Texas has a population of over 25 million. More than 80 percent of all Texans live in the states most highly urbanized counties. The three largest groups are Anglos, Latinos (mostly Mexican Americans), and African Americans. Latinos are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the Lone Star State. Texas has a small but growing population of Asian Americans, and fewer than 170,000 Native Americans. Although the states energy industry has decreased in importance, Texas has become a leading manufacturer of computers and other high-tech products. Agriculture continues to be important in the states economy, though it employs relatively few Texans. Service businesses provide many low-paying jobs. Challenges that face Texas includes the need to more effectively address immigration protect the environment, develop educational programs to meet the demands of an industrial society, and formulate policies for combating poverty and social problems. Local governments are part of the federal system and thus are affected by decisions made by governments above them (state and national) and other local governments. Under Texas law and its constitution, local governments are largely limited to what is required or permitted by the state. Although local governments provide the most direct contact between residents and their government, voter apathy at this level of government remains a problem. Local government is important to most Texans day-to-day lives. Election rules and the way local governments are organized make a major difference in who is elected and who benefits from government. Texas has two legal classifications of municipalities: general-law cities and home-rule cities. Large municipalities have home-rule charters that spell out the structures and powers of individual cities. Four principal forms of municipal government operate in Texas: strong mayor-council, weak mayor-council, council-manager, and commission. Elections for cities and special districts are nonpartisan, and most are organized as at-large or single-member districts. Increased use of single-member districts; greater pluralism; and the growing number, organization, and political activity of minority Texans are all changing the face of local government. Said another way, both formal rules and socioeconomic change shape the way government works, including who wins and who loses. City governments focus primarily on delivering basic services-police and fire protection, streets, water, sewer and sanitation, and perhaps parks and recreation. They also regulate important aspects of our lives, such as construction and food service sanitation. The two major sources of revenue for cities are property taxes and the sales tax. For counties, it is the property tax. Both cities and counties are making more use of fees and debt. Local governments have a difficult time because they face increasing demands for services from their residents and from the state and national government but have limited revenue sources. County governments have fragmented organizational structures and powers restricted by the Texas Constitution. Counties provide an array of services, conduct elections, and enforce state laws. Actual county activities vary greatly between metropolitan and rural counties. Various county officials are policymakers, but the major policymaker is the commissioner’s court, comprised of the county judge and four elected commissioners. The many special-district governments are separate legal entities providing services that include public schools, community colleges, and mass transit systems. Although they are important for the multitude of services they provide, the smaller and more obscure districts are more subject to fraud and manipulation. Dealing with metropolitan wide problems is a difficult task. To do so, Texas relies heavily on councils of government to increase cooperation and on annexation, a controversial process. The output of the Texas system of justice has improved in some ways in recent years. Whereas Texas courts used to be inhospitable to claims that peoples civil rights and liberties had been violated, they are now more open to such claims. As incidents in Jasper and Tulia illustrate, Texas still contains hardcore racism, but the state judicial system is working to mitigate its effects. Although there is an argument about whether citizens have a right to keep and bear arms, upon inspection this issue turns out to be a dispute over ordinary public policy, and thus a problem for the legislature, rather than over a civil liberty that must be defended by the courts. The Texas courts have courageously taken on the rest of the political establishment, including especially the legislature, in ordering a more equitable distribution of school revenues. They have not completely succeeded in introducing educational, equality into Texas public schools, but they have forced the legislature to make the educational system at least somewhat more equitable. Arguments are ongoing over some questions of rights and liberties. Although the national and state courts participate in social struggles over abortion, prayer in the schools, and personal expression, these issues provoke so much disagreement that they cannot be settled judicially. In two areas, however the rights of criminals in Texas prisons and school segregation, the federal courts have been very active over the past three decades in forcing the reform of the system. In recent years, many businesses became convinced that the outcome of Texas’s tort laws was damaging the states economy. They complained that the courts were too tolerant of frivolous suits that sometimes cost businesses so much money that they were forced to close down. In 1995 and 2003, the legislature, at the urging of Governors Bush and Perry, rewrote many of the tort laws so as to take discretion away from the civil judiciary. It is now much more difficult to file, and to win, a civil lawsuit in Texas. This change made consumer representatives unhappy, but as long as the Republican Party controls most state offices, the changes are unlikely to be undone. Economic conditions, the political climate, and power plays are all part of the government generating revenues for state government and determining how that income will be spent. Both taxing and spending are usually incremental, with major changes rarely occurring. However, the states boom-and-bust economy over the past t wenty-five years meant more tax and tee increases than usual and less budget growth. In comparing Texas with other states, we find that the combined state and local tax burden is relatively low, with Texas ranked in the bottom tilth of all states. These rankings are based only on taxes, not total revenues. We also note the significant absence of any personal or corporate income tax, although business has been asked to pay a larger share of the tax burden through the corporation franchise tax. The fundamental difference in the Texas revenue system from that of many other states is the disproportionate burden borne by the poorest citizens. This regressive system raises serious questions about how democratic the tax system is in the state. Democracies are also responsive to the citizenry. The states spending may not meet the needs of all its citizens, particularly when one considers that it ranks in the bottom quarter of all states in its per capita spending for higher education and highways and only slightly better for welfare and public schools. Texas policymakers have dealt with all the issues described in this chapter to some extent, but problems remain on the public policy agenda: The Texas economy regularly cycles through the highs of booms and the lows of busts. The revenue implications of these cycles were discussed in the previous chapter. This chapter has indicated that such shifts result in varying periods of attention on business development. The legacy of the traditionalistic individualistic political culture is a tendency to try to fulfill the wishes of the business community even if state services go unfunded. The transformation of the welfare system into workfare is a national priority with which Texans can agree. However, the change in philosophy and the reduction in federal social spending are both boon and bane to Texas. Texas will have greater flexibility in making decisions on what programs to offer its neediest citizens. It will not enjoy having to spend more state money to pay for those programs. In addition, the state probably will continue to have one of the highest proportions of poor people in the country for the foreseeable future.