Thursday, October 31, 2019

Definition loser Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Definition loser - Essay Example As such, this brief analysis will seek to discuss the means by which the very determinate definition that has been thus far displayed has ultimately become warped to represent an entirely different contextual meaning. This will be utilized by a brief analysis of how the term is used within adolescent and pop culture. Firstly, in order to understand the means by which the term is currently thrown around in popular culture, one need look no further than the local poetry school or playground. Although children have oftentimes utilized language as a means of encouraging conformity ensuring that those that do not exhibit conformity are punished to certain degree, the term â€Å"loser† has taken on a life of its own in helping to shape the means by which individuals identify with themselves as part of a larger group. This particular term is unique from many of the others that are oftentimes used, i.e. â€Å"geek†, â€Å"loser†, â€Å"nerd†, or a variety of others, due to the fact that it is very difficult for the person who is labeled in such a way to escape from the definition that it necessarily implies (Buzzelli & Johnston 22). Whereas it might be somewhat easy for an individual to readily provide evidence that they are not a geek or a nerd, loser is something that is de fined by the larger group; as such, it is much more difficult for an individual labeled as such to escape the meaning that it necessarily implies. Stepping aside from the actual definition of the term, the more important question that should be asked is the level to which identity formation that takes place as a result of the usage of such a word impacts upon the future understanding that the individual displays with regards to you they are and how they integrate with society. Due to the fact that this term has a specific bearing upon integration within society, the low to which it is likely

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Growing Up Essay Example for Free

Growing Up Essay This short story looks at children and two of Carys ovels were directly concerned with childhood. Themes Children and growing up is the central theme of this story, as it is with several of the other stories in the Anthology. However, the central character is an adult and so it links well with Flight, where the story follows the emotions of a grandfather trying to accept his granddaughters forthcoming marriage. Your Shoes also has a central narrator, although that story is written in the first person. This short story is certainly concerned with relationships between the generations. Children as a destructive orce appear in Growing Up, in the came way that the boy in Chemistry has an urge to damage his mothers boyfriend. Superman and Paula Browns new Snowsuit also examines the theme of the destructive power of children. Adults struggling to understand the behaviour of children are a central issue in Growing Up, as they also are in Superman and Paula Browns New Snowsuit. Notes The first paragraph establishes the central character, a businessman Robert Quick. He is named, unlike the anonymous central characters of several of these stories. He is described as a conventional businessman, in a dark suit and hat. Significantly, he sheds some of his formal clothes as he goes into the garden, perhaps representing that the rules and values he will encounter there are far from civilised. Ls. 7 19 The garden is described as a Wilderness. It has been neglected because Mr and Mrs. Quick are too busy to tend it. It has suggestions of other gardens, perhaps the Garden of Eden, or Paradise. Perhaps also there is a suggestion that Mr and Mrs. Quick are too busy to other civilising their daughters, Just as they have ignored their garden? Could the story symbolise the wild, untamed nature of the children who run wild in it? l. 23 a suggestion of the frontier, primeval forests.. Cary hints that there may be the possibility of fear and menace in the garden. It is not a place of easy comfort, as Mr. Quick thinks. L 27 the children have previously enjoyed a close relationship with their father and have made a fuss of him when he returns home. However, this contrasts with the way they ignore him this time. Is the reason they snub him because he is a man? Quick recognises that they will be women soon in lines 42 to 49; later on in the story they are wellbehaved for their mother and he feels rejected. Cary is specific about their names and ages; Jenny is twelve and Kate thirteen. They are both deep in their own worlds and Quick doesnt mind that they pay hardly any attention to his arrival. He thinks it represents their honest attitude to him. Perhaps he is too easy going with the children. Do they need to show him a bit more respect? Ls. 58-81 the two girls

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Comparison of Tolerance in Various Faiths

Comparison of Tolerance in Various Faiths Tolerance as a skill and an attitude to life has become essential for the very survival of humanity. One of the fallouts of the much discussed globalization process is the demand to meet, work and live with people of totally different culture,.. ethnicity and backgrounds. How one manages this heterogeneity of cultures and lire styles is very crucial for the survival of humanity. In 1995 when UNESCO declared the year as a year of Tolerance, the purpose indeed was to bring to light the high levels of intolerance manifested all over the world. UNESCO called for education for tolerance to counter the influences that lead to fear and exclusion of others. The most significant thing about the whole exercise was the acceptance of the fact that the diversity of our worlds many religions, languages, cultures and ethnicities is not a pretext for conflict, but is a treasure that enriches us aI1.(UNESCO,1995). Just as religion and various faiths have created intolerance, they also have the resources and the fundamental insights and practices to build a tolerant world. This paper is an attempt to highlight how various faiths and religions can contribute to the building of tolerance in the world at large. It will look at the context of the discussion, various religious faiths and search for commonalities that build tolerance. Distortions also need to be identified. The argument of the paper is that the core of any religious faith promotes tolerance and hence the struggle is to keep faithful to the core of religious faiths and practices. THE CONTEXT: A MULTI-RELIGIOUS SOCIETY India is known for its multiplicity of religions. It is in fact the cradle of world religions. Being the birth place of many religious traditions and an eternal source of spiritual inspiration and guidance, Indian is looked upon as a source of spiritual succour. It is interesting that everyone in India, barring a very small minority officially profess a religion, though they may not be practicing it. Table 1. India Land of Religions Hindus 80 per cent Muslims 14 per cent Christian 2.4 per cent Sikh 2 per cent Buddhists 0.7 per cent J ains 0.5 per cent Others 0.4 per cent Religion not stated 0.07 per cent It is only a minuscule section who does not publicly affirm any religious affiliation. It is still a regular experience that people from the West flock to India looking for spiritual guidance and fulfillment. At the same time, religious fundamentalism and consequent communal disharmony have become everyday experience too. Communal riots have become a regular feature, destroying the very peace that religion tries to build and maintain. There are claims that in three to five years there were 37,000 communal riots in the country (Hussain, 2002). The fact is that there is communal disharmony created by the fundamentalist groups in various religions and abetted by political interests. Religion by its very nature works for harmony. Can these religions regain their original inspiration for harmony and peace? Understanding Religion It is important to understand religion in its original meaning. Very broadly, religion is any specific system of belief about deity, often involving rituals, a code of ethics and a philosophy of life. This definition includes all of the great monotheistic religions, Eastern religions, neopagan religions, a wide range of other faith groups, spiritual paths, and ethical systems, beliefs about the existence of Gods and goddesses.(Glock and Stark, www.hewett.norfo/k.sch.uk/curric/soc/reliqion/re/1.htm) Five core dimensions of religion Five core dimensions of religion as listed by Glock and Stark (ibid.) are the following: The belief consequence The practice consequence ritualized worship The knowledge dimension information and knowledge about the beliefs The consequence dimension affecting behaviour The expectation experience Expectations regarding and experience or through prayer. Invariably every religious system contains these components of belief, rituals, information and knowledge, behavioural consequences and the expectations that guide the whole system. At the primordial level religions come together or are able to vibe with each other in the areas of expectations and experiences. At the belief levels, particularly the dogmatic articulations, the rituals, or the behavioural traditions, there are likely to be diversities. A brief look at major religions Hinduism: Hinduism is the worlds third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. It claims about 837 million followers, i.e. 13 per cent of the worlds population. Geographically, it is the dominant religion in India, Nepal and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka. According to the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches there are about 1.1 million Hindus in the U.S. A more accurate estimate may be 7, 66,000 Hindus in 2001 in the U.S. and in Canada 1,57,015. As the worlds oldest organized religion, Sanathana dharma, is best known for its tolerance. It is this religion which gave enough freedom for its followers to think on its basic principles. It even accepted and accepts the valuable concepts from other religions. The Rig Veda proclaims, Let the knowledge come from all the directions. It is this free thought and tolerance that allows the existence of many disciplines under this big tree each respecting one another. Hinduism is also the worlds largest pluralistic tradition. A multiplicity of spiritual paths and ways are recognized as valid in Hinduism. Hinduism is not based on the teachings of a single prophet or a single book. The teachings of many different sages and saints find home within Hinduism. God may be worshipped both in male and female forms. Hinduism has much in common with the earth based religious traditions ofthe world. Buddhism has the characteristics of what would be expected in a cosmic religion for the future. It transcends a personal God, avoids dogmas and theology. It covers both the natural and spiritual, and it is based on a religious sense aspiring from the experience of all things, natural and spiritual, as a meaningful unity. It teaches that all existence is suffering, that suffering is born of desire and that freedom from suffering, Nirvana, can be achieved by following the eightfold path that combines ethical behaviour, wisdom and mental discipline, including meditation. It has found followers in substantial number of people. Christianity as a religion focuses on the Fatherhood of God, and brotherhood of man. Jesus and his life form the basis for Christian faith. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the means by which God saves the world. Christianity is a way of belief, worship and life characterized by love. With an estimated 2.1 billion adherents in 2001, Christianity is the worlds largest religion. It is the predominant religion in Europe, the Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Philippine Islands, Australia, and New Zealand and is spreading widely in Asia, China and South Korea. Though Christianitys association with the colonization of the world has given it a different face, Christianity too like other religions carries a core of tolerance and love. Islam is a monotheistic religion which originated with the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad, a7th century Arab religious and political leader. Today, Islam is the second largest religion, and has about 1.4 billion followers, spread across the world. Islam emphasizes submission to the will of God. Etymologically it means peace, acceptance submission and total surrender of ones self to God. The divine revelation was communicated to the world through Muhammad, the prophet, the final one. The Koran, the traditions, Hadith and the manner of life of Muhammad, Sunna guide the life of a Muslim. For Islam, there is no god but God, Allah and Muhammad the prophet, is the apostle. Judaism propagates monotheism. The primordial experience of this community is the covenant election of Israel to be the bearers of this belief. Divine transcendence, God as the ground of all existence, ethical conception of God, concern for individual moral culture, universalism, election for service, and the unity of history in the purpose of God are some of the basic tenets of this ancient religion of the Jewish people. The practice of Judaism has been marked by the study and observance of the laws and commandments revealed by God and as written in the Torah, as well as those found in the Talmud. Around 14 million followers make Judaism the worlds eleventh largest organized religion. Seeking for the common and the Universal Religions have contributed to the peace of the world, but they have also led to division, hatred, and war. Religious people have too often betrayed the high ideals they themselves have preached. Thus people have felt obliged to call for sincere acts of repentance and mutual forgiveness, both personally and collectively, to one another, to humanity in general, and to Earth and all living beings.(UNESCO, 1994) It is true that religions can make a substantial contribution to an emerging culture of peace and harmony. The contribution the religions can make to an emerging culture of peace and harmony is to seek out what is common, or universal in all the religions. However, discovering a universal ground upon which the various religions could relate is problematic when it is attempted at the level of belief or ideology or in the doctrinal sphere. (Teasdale, Wayne and UNESCO, 1994) Religiosity divides, Spirituality unites In discussing religion as an instrument of peace and harmony, one needs to make this distinction between religiosity, which only can divide, and spirituality which can unite all believers. Religiosity focuses on the differences, whereas spirituality emphasizes what is common. Spirituality provides meaning to life and reality. It reveals the significance of life, making sense of situations and helping one to derive a purpose in life. Spirituality focuses on values, beliefs, standards and ethics one must cherish. Transcendence is the quality of spirituality, inviting the believer to move beyond the experienced. Spirituality connects, with the self, others, God and nature. Spirituality is also an invitation to become, to unfold life, reflecting and experiencing, ultimately leading to an experience of who one is and how one knows. In this sense, spirituality is more primary, primordial, numinous and a religious experience, and the emphasis is decidedly on experience, not on doctrine or b elief. Points of Similarity found in dialogue between spiritualities A close analysis of the various spiritualities reveals the following similarities which would really become a basis for building a culture of peace, harmony and tolerance 1. Experience of an ultimate reality, known by different names e.g. Allah, God, and Brahman and so on Ultimate reality cannot be limited by any name or concept Ultimate reality is the ground of infinite potentiality and actualization 4. Faith is opening, accepting and responding to Ultimate reality. Faith in this sense precedes every belief system 5. The potential for human wholeness- Enlightenment, Salvation, Blessedness, Nirvana etc. 6. Ultimate reality may be experienced not only through religious practices but also through nature, art, human relationships and service of others 7. As long as the human condition is experienced as separate from ultimate reality, it is subject to ignorance and illusion, weakness and suffering. 8. Disciplined practice is essential to the spiritual life; yet spiritual attainment is not the result of ones own efforts, but the result of the experience of oneness with Ultimate reality. Similarly there are some common practices too in all spiritualities. Practice of Compassion Service to others Practising moral precepts and virtues Training in meditation technique and regularity of practice Attention to diet and exercise Fasting and abstinence Relationship with a qualified teacher Repetition of sacred words( Mantra, Japa etc) 9. Movement and dance Formative Community. It is an amazing unity. There is so much common in the religious striving of humanity, in the common search for peace, harmony and ultimate satisfaction. Whereas fundamentalist and disruptive forces will focus on the religiosity and the differences, spirituality will seek for the commonalities and the harmonious. Agenda for the youth and Youth Animators. The social scenario in India and the world over demands an active youth population striving for peace and tolerance. In order to build a world of peace and harmony, tolerance as a skill and an attitude must precede. Hence the youth needs to take this agenda. And in this agenda for a harmonious world, where tolerance is the hallmark of every interaction, the youth must get involved in the following agenda: 1. Facilitate a change from religiosity to spirituality. Where there is so much of exhibitionism in religiosity, spirituality is quietly practicing peace, harmony and tolerance. 2. Confront the social and religious reality with insights from social sciences. Much of fundamentalism is fed on rumors, stereotypes and prejudices. This can be challenged with data and insights gathered from Social Science research. When factual data and critical analysis are combined, insights follow which will make a difference to practice. 3. Promote a new culture of spiritual activism. The society does witness substantial religious activism, the kind that divides and disrupts. A new culture of spiritual activism can and must be promoted to build a tolerant world, a world of peace and harmony. The commonalities in the spiritualities provide the basis for action. Conclusion There is far too much of communal disharmony in India and the world over. All of this is created by human being and much of it in the name of religion. The survival of humanity depends on the levels of tolerance that men and women are willing to develop and practice in their every day living. Religiosity has helped deepen this crisis. If communal disharmony is man made, communal harmony and tolerance also can only b e made by man. The only difference being that the latter needs to be built up as the result of a planned action towards a tolerant, just and humane society. As the paper argues, this can be facilitated by a focus on the spiritualities that unite. The youth and the youth animators can contribute to the building of a tolerant society by inculcating and training youth in healthy spirituality and by downplaying the difference creating religiosity. As UNESCO declared, We are aware of the worlds cultural and religious diversity. Each culture represents a universe in itself and yet it is not closed. Cultures give religions their language, and religions offer ultimate meaning to each culture. Unless we recognize pluralism and respect diversity, no peace is possible. We strive for the harmony which is at the very core of peace. References: 1. Hussain Syed Shanawaz. 2002. Reported in rediffmail. com 26 April 2. UNESCO. 1995. Various Papers in connection with the International Year of Tolerance 3. UNESCO. 1994. Declaration on the role of religion in the promotion of a culture of peace 4. Glock and Stark. Quoted in Sociology at Hewett. 5. www.hewett.norfolk.scl1.uk/curric/soc/religion/reI1.htm

Friday, October 25, 2019

How religion was affected by Industrialization Essay -- Essays Papers

How religion was affected by Industrialization The Communist Manifesto Great changes took place in the lives and work of people in several parts of the world, resulting from the development of the Industrial Revolution. Just before the outbreak of revolutionary violence in Paris due to the consequences of industrialization, Karl Marx wrote â€Å"The Communist Manifesto.† He saw this revolutionary violence as â€Å"the opening episode of a worldwide communist revolution.†1 There was no such revolution, however the communist ideals had been brought about and had taken a toll on society. The relationship between economic development and Communist party strength is significant. Also the significance of religion during this period had changed in large part due to this communist â€Å"revolution.† Marx’s concentration to radical social change and atheism was spread during industrialization. Labor was of such demand that even priests were converted into paid wage-laborers. The â€Å"Communist Manifesto† states, à ¢â‚¬Å"All that is holy is profaned, and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses, his real conditions of life.†2 Industrialization caused many great changes economically as well as socially. France was dramatically different in many aspects after this revolution. Industrialization caused the communist â€Å"revolution† which in turn caused religious issues in France. The Industrial Revolution was a time in western cultures when the production of goods became urbanized. Spreading from Great Britain, industrialization had become widespread in Western Europe by the mid-1800’s. France, in particular, progressed in the industrialization process from about 1830 to 1850. Industrialization created an enormous increase in th... ...vided by World Book Online, http://www.discoveryschool.com/homeworkhelp/worldbook/atozhistory/i/27588.html (25 October 2001) 7. Peter N. Stearns, The Impact of the Industrial Revolution (Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1972) 126, 127, 92-4 8. John H. Kautsky, Communism and the Politics of Development (New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1968) 10 9. The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2000) http://www.dictionary.com (25 October 2001) 10. John H. Kautsky, Communism and the Politics of Development (New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1968) 185, 186 11. Lawrence J. Flockerzie and Dennis M. Doyle, â€Å"The Manifesto of the Communist Party† in Sources from the Humanities, trans. by Samuel Moore (Chicago: Charles H. Kerr Publishing Company, 1989) 40

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Biography on Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was the means to the evolution of the Roman Republic into an empire. This transition extended its significance to more than 60 million citizens through the outcome of the empire, some of which is virtual peace and prosperity. Arriving at this conclusion, we must now ask, was this transition all because of Caesar? It seems to appear that Caesar had intentionally planned to initiate a dominion as the key to all the troubles in the world. The events that took place, namely the invasion of Gaul, the combat opposing Pompey, and the dictatorship of Caesar, moved so fast and certain.This viewpoint was equally shared by a few historians; the most expressive of them was the German scholar Theodor Mommsen (1817-1903). He articulated this viewpoint in his Romische Geschichte. For Mommsen, Caesar had cleared all crooked aristocracy and formed an empire that functioned for all of its citizens. Dominion and equality were evenhanded in its foundation. This was a thing that Mommsen wou ld have greatly loved in his own homeland. Mommsen wrote that Caesar's â€Å"aim was the highest which a man is allowed to propose himself – the political, military, intellectual, and moral regeneration of his own deeply decayed nation [†¦] The hard school of thirty years' experience changed his views as to the means by which this aim was to be reached; his aim itself remained the same in the times of his hopeless humiliation and of his unlimited plenitude of power, in the times when as demagogue and conspirator he stole towards it by paths of darkness, and in those when, as joint possessor of the supreme power and then as monarch, he worked at his task in the full light of day before the eyes of the world. [†¦ ] According to his original plan he had purposed to reach his object [†¦] without force of arms, and throughout eighteen years he had as leader of the people's party moved exclusively amid political plans and intrigues – until, reluctantly convin ced of the necessity for a military support, he, when already forty years of age, put himself at the head of an army. †( Romische Geschichte) Many of his actions had sheltered the common citizens against the self-centered rules of the rich. His rules on levies and nationality most likely demonstrate this. On the other hand, were these actions to protect the people his goal or just his instrument to create a solid foundation for a personal cause?The following arguments are the judgments of enormous historians, namely Eduard Meyer and Jerome Carcopino. They believed, as written in their Caesars Monarchie und das Pinzipat des Pompejus and Histoire Romaine, that even as a child, Caesar’s goal was the organization of a dominion in Rome. Caring for the citizens’ welfare was not his aim, instead, he utilized them. According to the German historian Matthias Gelzer, maybe, it was not right to center on Caesar’s guiding principle. He added that Caesar maybe was just an exemplar to a much bigger course.Caesar made history but not in the condition of his own option. He explained further that there had to be profound causes for these actions and it was not right to consider influential men like Julius Caesar as stimulators of social change. Ronald Syme, an Oxford professor, shared the same perspective with Gelzer’s thought that Caesar was just an exemplar to a much bigger course. According to him, Caesar outshined his associate nobles because he established groundwork outside Italy. His abundant allocation of nationality was a significant tool for him to receive this support.He wanted to be the original among his fellows. After World War II, most people agreed with Syme’s abhor of one-man ruling. This resulted in the vanishing of the subject about Caesar. There were articles but there were no improvements. Today, Syme’s ideas were most likely agreed by most historians than Mommsen’s. However, the perspective of Syme de teriorated very fast. His divisions were similar to the elites that managed universities in the 20th century. His principle in family fidelity was not very possible in the real world. (Lendering) At the Capitoline hill in present Rome lies the statue of Caesar.It stares down above the remains of his round-table. What types of accomplishments were left for a man who cared much about his personal heritage to history? Since Caesar’s death, his effect on the history of his country has been continually deliberated. The path he chose in life was obviously notorious. Historians either agreed for his actions or opposed it. Centuries later, uneducated native people who barely knew Rome knew his name. His name is one among some which are often renowned. Those who admire Cicero always oppose the fearless, dignified orator against the striving, monomaniacal demolisher of Rome.Likewise, the ones who look up to Caesar seem to view Cicero as a selfish tool for the oligarchs who, in the firs t place, had destabilized the Republic even before the arrival of Caesar. In the 19th century, intellectuals raised Caesar’s statesmanship and knowledge into a level that nearly advances into a sect of personality. In Mommsen’s opinion, the Roman Empire was out of power and leads towards devastation. According to him, it was Caesar’s declaration that seized organization of its history and headed towards unwavering years of the Republic.In the 20th century, many historians likened Caesar to Hitler and Stalin due to the unavoidable responses after the end of World War II. Nevertheless, his status has lived two millennia of disordered government and will live the limits of the previous years. For me, Caesar’s path is a breakpoint in the history of Rome and very essential. An obvious misinterpretation of the Roman psyche of his own era is the mistreatment of Caesar as a man preoccupied by his own dignities. To challenge deeply in quest of individual credit wa s the outcome of as aristocratic whose only immortality rest in eternally touching the history of Rome.Cicero, for all his fully conscious acceptance of the history of Rome, blazed with an unslaked yearning to influence his era and be recalled for his actions. Caesar carried amazing traits to his concluding power of the nation which were not present in his motivated equals. The case was unpersuasive for me because the legislation of his Consulate and the soon after kinds passed while Dictator did not gravely tried to restore mistakes long disregarded by the wrangling rich men who declared that he shattered freedom on his own.Caesar was far more than dreams not like the Gracchis. He was a progressive. Sorting out the applicable comments of his measures from the doubt that a lot of his colleagues were provoked by their personal gluttony and jealousy of his rank among them is hard. Furthermore, the power of Rome was absolutely incompetent of calmly accommodating the transformations of Caesar. It believes with confidence that the Republic was the finest of all potential worlds and that whichever amend was not merely hazardous but completely unpatriotic.Reading the past of Rome from the Gracchi to Augustus is an extensive and disheartening investigation of what prejudice, factionalism, individual goal, aggression, and gluttony had made to Romans. Basically, Rome had turned relatively ensnared in the collapse when men need not describe the universal superior likewise, and where the aspirations of persons or families were dominant. Cicero enclosed his row completely to the advantage of the status quo and the past rulers of Rome for centuries.He probably have profoundly hoped to trust in a concordance of the guidelines and this is the capability of every Roman to work as one. Determining that no one ought to continually accumulate excessive authority or control had get nearer to signify that any reformer was ruined in spite of whether his reorganization was excellent or terrible is the most. It is because to execute them may gain him so much thankful patrons. Probably the most grave in estimating whether the Republic could have viably sustained devoid of Caesar’s measures is to acknowledge this thinking.All of those under pressure to tackle the troubles of the late empire, from the era of Gracchi to Caesar, were all destroyed. Transformation was badly required and no modification appeared probable inside the structure. This perspective is the result of all transformations. Caesar was the only one who lived long enough to start changing the perspective. The main reason why he died is because he did this without enough cruelty. After another war and 20 years of turmoil, the people of Rome acknowledged that dictatorship may be preferable to sovereignty if it conveyed harmony in its way.Unlike Caesar, Augustus was able to make in the course of a technical civil service. This is a vent for the wealthy and determined adolescent noble to perform for his nation devoid of resorting to aggression. (Cross) Reference: Cross, Suzanne. â€Å"Julius Caesar: The Last Dictator; A Biography of Caesar and Rome 100-44 B. C. † 2002-2006. October 27, 2006. . Lendering, Jona. â€Å"Gaius Julius Caesar†. 2006. Livius: Articles on ancient history. October 27 2006. .

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

What atmosphere does Lorca create in Blood Wedding and how does he create it?

The classical and highly acknowledged play Blood Wedding by Federico Garcia Lorca delivers many symbols and similes which communicates the themes of the play and also create an atmosphere which Lorca directs as he wants it. With an excellent skill of writing Lorca draws the audience into the surreal play with this intense atmosphere. It also makes the spectators understand the deeper meaning of the tale. The atmosphere in the play is ever changing. It starts out as a heavy dark sinister foreboding, the semi-subconscious sense that death will take place in the play with the mentioning of the knife. When it is known that a marriage is to take place the atmosphere is slightly lifted in the joyous occasion. However Lorca quickly shows the conflicts that are taking place within Leonardo and the Bride, and also between them, and the now almost obvious menace that hangs over the setting. The realisation of Leonardo and the Bride's act, confirming the growing tension, now gives expectations of the murder that has been suspected from the start. With the introduction of the Beggar and the Moon there is a violent and an intimidating atmosphere that is abruptly replaced by the calm sorrow of the last scene. It is easy to see how contradicting and profoundly complex the atmospheres are to each other through each scene, which then gives each more attention from the audience because of this. In the beginning when the Bridegroom and Mother are talking about something as common as the every-day job of going out to gather food it does not indicate any tension that will soon appear. However as soon as Mother curses the knife, â€Å"Damn the knife, damn them all and the devil who brought them into the world†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Act 1, Scene 1) it is immediately clear that knife it something much more sinister than simply to cut grapes. The sudden contradiction and the fact that this particular symbol will dominate the play strongly marks the dark atmosphere. The constant mentioning of death indicates that this is, as Lorca meant to say, inevitable. This menacing atmosphere never leaves, but stays in the background through the play, since it is obvious that death will sooner or later take place. The tension rises when marriage is mentioned and it is immediately very clear that conflicting forces are behind these events. Leonardo and the Bride's apparent dislike to their marriages which is seen very early on with Leonardo's outbursts, â€Å"Why can't you just shut up?† (Act 1, Scene 2) and the Bride's aggressive manner, â€Å"taking her wrists Leave them!† (Act 1, Scene 3) confirms that trouble is rising on the horizon and, since the foreshadowing of death is already present, it leaves a breathless feeling, a surge of knowledge of what will happen. The actions of the characters also contribute to the atmosphere. When Leonardo at the wedding party keeps coming and going it gives him a sort of constant menacing aura that reminds us that this occasion is full of contradiction within. At the point when the Bride and Leonardo runs off and people starts to chase them it is like an explosion of events that has been predicted from the very beginning of the play. The Moon's bloody and violent personality and its conversation with the Beggar tell of the murder that by now is already known to come to be. â€Å"Tonight, I want a heart split wide so that I may warm myself. A human heart for me!† (Act 3, Scene 1) However, it gives that little extra tension from the fact that the Moon may or may not be there to shine and reveal Leonardo and the Bride. â€Å"Quickly! Light†¦light everywhere. Do you here? They mustn't escape.† (Beggar) (Act 3, Scene 1) The tale of Blood Wedding is told through usually short sentences. This very plain language gives us the sense of the straightforwardness of the peasant community, which then reassures us of an uneventful and calm society. This makes the different atmospheres in the play stand out, as they are certainly neither uneventful nor calm. The colours of each scene are also very important to bring forth the right kind of atmosphere and also the moral notions of the play. For example in the first scene the room is coloured yellow. People might interpret the meaning of colours differently but in the western world yellow is generally considered as the colour of treachery and infidelity. It makes a feeling of what might be expected to happen later on in the scene. There is also used music, â€Å"two violins†, to enhance the atmosphere. Personally I would expect the music that is played as a sad melody with a slight echo to it. This would create an atmosphere which would confirm even more the coming murder, but as there a few indications that the Bride and Leonardo might make it, for example the constant reappearing of the Moon, it makes the uncertainty stand out as the audience is suddenly left to wonder what will happen next. The complete transformation of atmosphere in the last scene is so sudden and unexpected that it leaves a sort of echo of the last scene. With this melancholy calmness it is also easier to bring about the more moralistic purposes of the play without the too fierce tensions that keeps the audience more focused on the events than the message of Blood Wedding. The women weeping and mourning for the dead is also a very good way to give a final feeling that makes the audience understand that the play is over and what consequences it brought, that is death. Lorca uses many skilful ways to make the atmosphere through Blood Wedding. With gestures, colour, music and symbolism the Spanish writer displays a very artistically body created for the play. It is as though Lorca decided to build up such a tense atmosphere just to make the audience hang on to every single word and so pay more attention to the final point made in the last scene, the fact that the Spanish society is very oppressed and that women are kept captured in it even when the men are dead and gone.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Essay Sample on Wisdom How Did Thoreau and Plato Follow the Path to Wisdom

Essay Sample on Wisdom How Did Thoreau and Plato Follow the Path to Wisdom Eudaimonia. That is the Greek word for happiness. Every person, regardless on statute, age, race, or gender, is in search for that one true thing that could make them fulfilled. Peoples definition of happiness varies and the path to achieving that is not at all easy. Life is a series of learning and relearning. And each of us is looking for the path to wisdom to achieve the one true end of happiness. There were people who came before us who gave their ideas on how to make life more manageable. Their lives have ended yet they continue into our own lives through their contributions. I call them the timeless people. And two of the most outstanding thinkers who ever lived were Henry David Thoreau and Plato. Before discussing the contributions of these two distinguished men, it is also important to look into their background and the milieu into which they were born. It was on July 12, 1817 when Thoreau was born in the town of Concord, Massachusetts. In1837, he graduated from Harvard College. He was a former schoolteacher and also made a living chiefly by surveying land and helping with the family pencil-making and ground lead business. Not only that, he also lectured from time to time from 1838 until 1860. He had his own dose of travels and he took time to document them. He died at the age of 44 on May 6, 1862. He never married and he only stayed in his cabin for most of his life. Plato lived way before Thoreau. This Athenian philosopher was born around 428-7 B.C. and died at the age of eighty or eighty-one at 348-7 B.C. He was born into a rich and politically-active family. He was educated by Socrates and was Aristotles mentor. Plato also joined the military service during the Peloponnesian war. He then pursued his political career because he felt more called for that profession. He established the Academy, a school in Athens, Greece. He was one of the philosophers who touched everything: from mathematics, to love, to equality, society and the like. On of his most famous works was Res Republica or The Republic. Thoreau was an utmost individualist and he championed the human spirit against avariciousness and social conformity. He urged others to be simple in their circumstances because that was the key, as seen in his own life, to an astonishing intellectual and spiritual wealth. It was in a plain kind of living that could make one reflect on different things and therefore, have better views of life. I went to the woods, he wrote, because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. He recommended to others to organize life in such a way that the simple and basic things do not get lost within complexities. His thoughts on individualism, materialism, and transcendentalism were the most influential and taught society on how to have a better grasp of things that exist. The Transcendentalists perceived the universe as divided into two fundamental parts, the soul and nature. It was through a definition of nature that Emerson defined the soul: all that is separate from us, all which Philosophy distinguishes as the NOT ME, that is, both nature and art, all other men and my own body, must be ranked under this name, NATURE. The dependability of the human conscience was an essential Transcendentalist principle, and this belief was rooted upon a conviction of the existence or the innate presence of God in the soul of the individual. God is within each one of us. His view on materialism revolved around the premise that one must look into what was necessary to his survival and just live with that. One must not measure ones worth by the things and properties he owned. In fact, he stated in Walden, one of his most well-known crafts, that †¦a man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone (Walden, 82). He also stated that Most of the luxuries, and many of the so called comforts of life, are not only not indispensable, but positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind (Walden, 14). Platos Res Republica was often associated with the word utopia since the suggestion he laid down to achieve happiness in the society was all but abstract and very hard to attain. Unlike Thoreaus claims which were based on his own experience, his was still more of a fragment of the mind. Plato said that the ones who should rule should be devoid of the concept of family to avoid injustices. They should also live like soldiers in a camp making do with scarce resources. And he said that these people he was referring to were the philosopher-kings. Plato also discussed the division of labor and specialization in the society. For him, one should only be a master of one craft. Only people with philosophical temperament, according to Plato, are competent to judge between what is real and what seems to be, between the disguising, impermanent appearances of sensible objects and the the permanent reality of unchanging, abstract form. He also supposed that it was through rigorous education where one can achieve what he proposed as the ideal nature of man and the state. While Thoreau viewed man as individualistic, Plato thought And even in the smallest manner [one] should stand under leadership. For example, he should get up, or move, or wash, or take his meals only if he has been told to do so. In a word, he should teach his soul, by long habit, never to dream of acting independently There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands (The Republic).Both had opposing views on how man should act. While Thoreau thought that of civil disobedience, trancendentalism, and pro-individualism, Plato believed in civil obedience, anti-individualism, and the presence of many gods. Both agreed on anti-materialism. But, for me, Thoreaus suppositions are more favorable because they were based from experience. They were not only thought of, they were lived. And in life, it is experience that teaches us more rather than the formal schooling. In the four corners of the classroom, we do learn a lot of things but the outside world is a much bigger world and thus, have more things to reveal to us. This is a sample Philosophy essay written by one of our academic writers. If you need a custom essay, term paper, research paper, dissertation, thesis contact our company to get professional academic writing help.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Zimmerman - Surname Meaning and Family History

Zimmerman - Surname Meaning and Family History The Zimmermann / Zimmerman  surname originated as the German  occupational name Zimmermann  derived from the German word for carpenter. From the Middle High German zimber, meaning timber, wood and mann, man. This surname was sometimes Americanized as Carpenter. ZIMMERMANN is the 20th most common German surname.   Surname Origin:  German, Jewish Alternate Surname Spellings:  ZIMMERMAN, ZIMERMAN, ZYMERMANN, ZIMMERER, ZIMERMAN, CIMERMAN, CYMERMAN, CIMERMANN , TIMMERMAN, TIMMERMANN, SIMMERMAN, SIMMERMANN   Famous People with the Surname ZIMMERMAN Rachel Zimmerman - inventor of the Blissymbol printerArthur Zimmermann -  State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the German Empire during WWI; author of the infamous Zimmermann TelegramJordan Zimmermann -  American professional MLB baseball pitcher  Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman) - American singer-songwriter- American known for the shooting of Trayvon Martin in Florida in 2012 Where is the ZIMMERMANN  Surname Most Commonly Found? Surname distribution data on  Forebears ranks Zimmermann as the 20th most common surname in Germany, while the Zimmerman spelling is more common in the United States. Zimmermann is also very common in Switzerland, where it ranks 14th in the nation, and in Austria, where it comes in 66th. WorldNames PublicProfiler indicates that the Zimmermann surname is fairly common throughout Germany, with a slight edge in the regions of Sachsen, Rheinland-Pfalz, Baden-Wà ¼rttemberg, and Thà ¼ringen, as well as Alsace, France. According to surname distribution maps from Verwandt.de, there are over 119,000 individuals with the Zimmermann surname living in Germany. The greatest numbers are found around the cities of Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich, as well as a cluster around Rhein-Neckar-Kreis and Karlsruhe.   Genealogy Resources for the Surname ZIMMERMANN Common German Surnames Their MeaningsUncover the meaning of your German last name with this free guide to German surnames meanings and origins. Zimmerman  Family Crest - Its Not What You ThinkContrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Zimmerman  family crest or coat of arms for the Zimmerman surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. Carpenter Cousins  Y-DNA ProjectThis project is focused on individuals with the Carpenter, Zimmerman and variant surnames interested in using  Y-DNA testing and traditional genealogical research to identify  genetically distinct Carpenter and Zimmerman lines, both English and German. Zimmerman Family Genealogy ForumSearch this popular genealogy forum for the Zimmerman surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Zimmerman query. There is also a separate forum for the Zimmermann spelling. FamilySearch - ZIMMERMAN  GenealogyExplore over 1.5  million  historical records which mention individuals with the Zimmerman surname, as well as online Zimmerman family trees on this free website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ZIMMERMAN  Surname Family Mailing ListsRootsWeb hosts a free mailing list for researchers of the Zimmerman  surname, as well as a separate list for the Zimmermann spelling. DistantCousin.com - ZIMMERMANN Genealogy Family HistoryExplore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Zimmermann. GeneaNet - Zimmermann  RecordsGeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Zimmerman  surname, with a concentration on records and families from France, Germany and other European countries. The Zimmermann  Genealogy and Family Tree PageBrowse family trees and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the last name Zimmermann  from the website of Genealogy Today.- References: Surname Meanings Origins Cottle, Basil.  Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Dorward, David.  Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998. Fucilla, Joseph.  Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges.  A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick.  Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Reaney, P.H.  A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997. Smith, Elsdon C.  American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997. Back to  Glossary of Surname Meanings Origins

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Analysis of the Text “the Time-Sweepers” by Ursula Wills-Jones

â€Å"The Time-Sweepers† By Ursula Wills-Jones The following short story is about time-sweepers and lost time. They are people who sweep up all the time that is lost or wasted. They are invisible, but sometimes they can be noticed. They carry a broom, a mop and a big dustpun. The time-sweepers are hard-working. They work every day and are never sick. The lost and wasted time is packed and recycled. But not every type of time can be recycled, the most poisoned time is buried in a tank underneath a disused army base. The rest of the time can be sold to the people who need it or distributed to good causes or emergency situations. The full text is built on the conflict between people who waste time and people who sweep up all the time that is lost and wasted. Ursula Wills-Jones idealizes the time-sweepers and ridicules people. The author uses the stylistic device of climax in order to describe different types of time wasting: the man who has waited so long to propose to his girlfriend; the woman who has spent thirty-five loathed years in an estate agents, dreaming of opening a florists. The author refers to the stylistic device of hyperbole in order to laugh at the people who waste time: the time-sweeper will pass straight by the desk of the woman who is reading a holiday catalogue under the desk, poring over photos of tropical beaches. They will pass by the next desk, where a man is enjoyably wondering what his mother-in-law looks like naked, and stop by the desk of the young man who is counting every minute, and loathing the hours. The author creates a constant presence of time sweepers. The reader feels that they are everywhere: in the railway station, in the office, at your desk. The time-sweepers are hard-working; they don’t like to rest because there is so mush wasted time after holidays: it takes them around three weeks to resume normal service†¦

Friday, October 18, 2019

British Cinema 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

British Cinema 2 - Essay Example A little research into the history of British cinema tells us that in the early 1900s, it experienced a boom or a period of development, which was marred by a recession in the next ten years due to increased competition, mainly from the US and due to other commercial practices. To make the film industry recover from the devastating recession, a Cinematograph Films Act 1927 was put into effect which was successful in achieving the desired result as the 1930s saw a production of approximately 200 hundred films. Some of the names that caught attention were of Alfred Hitchcock. Many argue that this over-expansion had an adverse affect on the industry, which reached an all time low point during World War II period. As with any other industry, it recovered in the post-war period and gained stability with increasing American investment. It was in this period that British films also earned Academy Awards, and Charles Dickens's classics were adapted into movies. However, another period of recession struck the industry towards the middle of the 1970s and continued to last till the end of 1980s. As investments started coming, it recovered from the previous setbacks and continued to develop in the 1990s. Even though, it is impossible to say whether the British film industry was at its high or low judging from the quantity of the films made but it still gives an idea of how it was developing. Many people claim, that some of the best British films were churned out before the world when it was undergoing through recession, so it can be argued that even while British cinema was facing recession, it still had its importance and a strong foothold in the film industry. BRITISH FILM PRODUCTION IN 1990s- 2000s In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the British film industry was facing hard times due to tough competition given to them by their American successes, which attracted a large audience from people living in Britain too. They were faltering times for the British films industry, whose films were not even becoming a success in their own country. Their box-office revenues had nose-dived but changed its direction in 1993 and cinema attendances began to go up. Many expensive and high-budget films were also produced. However, they did not become as much a success as the lower budgeted movies became because of their different story line and advanced sound techniques which also received international appreciation, including American audiences. Four Weddings and a Funeral released in 1994 became a huge success and revived interest in British cinema. It was produced by Duncan Kenworthy, Working Title Films and Channel Four Films and was penned by Richard Curtis. The issues faced by British film production in the early 1990s were countless. The British film industry was in constant pressure of releasing huge budgeted successes to compete with the successes achieved in America. Unfortunately, for the British films industry, making huge-budgeted movies did not guarantee success and the audience was somewhat getting bored of stereotypical roles in movies given to actors. Productions costs were rising dramatically what with the search for additional and advanced equipments for film making and newer technology to improve the quality of sound. Computer generated images had begun to be used in movies and the added

Building Construction for the fire service Essay

Building Construction for the fire service - Essay Example Historically, the summer of 1871 in Chicago brought intense and uncontrollable fire, which burnt massive housing. Around 17,500 buildings burnt and 90,000 people were affected by the fire of 24 hour or more. Approximately 300 people died due to it and the dry summer with strong winds spread burning debris in all directions, which affected 73 miles of area. The building structure of that era entailed single layer construction style. The outside layer was responsible for fire protection, but the inside contained all wooden structure. The main water supply and storage was also a wooden structured pine building. When the fire grew intense due to unavailability of proper extinguishing mechanism, (Schons, 2011) the fire blazed for unlimited duration until the rain cooled it off after 24 hours. The pine wood water storage building was the only water supply used by the fire department in those days and that water was also wasted due to collapse of that building. After this horrific fire incident and massive destruction the authorities bend down to look into the basic design of building structures in such catastrophic situations. Therefore, in 1896 NFPA National Fire Protection Association devised a new way to protect massive fire in buildings; hence, introduced automatic sprinkler system. Initially, this system lacked proper standardization and many apprehensions from the researchers made it a little slow to become implementable. However, in 1901, majority of the Factory Mutual buildings were instilled with automatic sprinkler as an innovative fire protection tool, and this technical change in the construction of building became the prime way to prevent property from sudden fire. Another deadly fire incident in Iroquois theater (1903) is considered the lethal fire event in the history of US that burnt 602 people. The wooden structure of the theatre, no exit passage, and ornamental fabric (curtain and

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 43

Case study - Essay Example Companies that opt for such media for adverts may be affected (Hanlon, 2015). The advancement in the use of internet has led to the existence of pricing options of products from companies. The use of online platform through internet provision is gradually and rapidly transforming economic aspects of operations of companies. HMV should apply both the physical stores and online platform to maximize it sales in the entertainment industry whose economy has been steadily rising (Hanlon, 2015). The HMV management should have a comprehension of the socially accepted practices within the various cultures that are available online in attempting to market their products. This includes appreciating the dynamics and differences and beliefs of societies within its online market since obtaining this is easier than before. It has the potential of not only creating opportunities but also opening new markets for the company (Hanlon, 2015). The company has a technological leverage in their internet site for retail which makes them competitive with other players/industries in the market. Its online store will likely be versatile as it will enable integration of window media player, iTunes, et cetera. In addition, infiltrating into the digital market is an innovative way of growing with the demand of the consumers. HMV anticipates enhancing their competitive leverage by diversifying experiences in the entertainment over the contemporary rivals. The group of HMV has a joint venture with companies such as Curzon Artificial Eye for the purpose of bring the experience of cinema to the retail outlets of the company (HMV, 2015). The production of DVDs and CDs should entail the use of materials that are both non-biodegradable and non-renewable. The recycling process has proved to be not only complex and costly but also inefficient. Moreover, CDs and DVDs with high storage

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Leading Group Challenges Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leading Group Challenges - Term Paper Example The first such change is the development of new coalitions between public and private organizations. In addition, these organizations gained more important role in homeland security, and hence, got consolidated into the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, there arose a need for all these organizations to implement new strategies to deal with newer versions of crimes. As a result, the leadership of criminal justice organizations is a job that requires a lot of effort because of the large number of challenges faced by the profession today. Responsibilities of a Criminal Justice Organization Leader The first and foremost responsibility of criminal justice organization leaders is to effectively prevent crime. In the effort to perform this basic duty, the leaders will have to manage staff, oversee administration, and promote community relationships. A criminal justice organization leader has the responsibility to manage staff under him. As a part of this, the leader will devise ways to improve the morale of the staff. In addition, it is for the leader to ensure proper and timely training and professional development to his staff. Also, keeping up ethics throughout the operations of the team is the duty of the leader. So, the leader should be a good role model, leading the team showing examples. In addition, the position of leader always requires smooth relation with community and media. When there is a high profile case or a legal jargon, the media often turns to the leader for explanations. So, it is for the leader to be an effective communicator. As a part of the profession, the leader will have to interact with law enforcement officials, counselors, teachers, social workers, lawyers, judges, and federal officers. Present day challenges for leaders in Criminal Justice Organizations According to social disorganization theory, community distress leads to social disorganization through the weakening of basic relationships and erosion of shared cultures. In other words, as Thabit points out, the loss of urban social structure has led to a decline in social control, thus leading to an increase in crime rates; thus, the challenges faced by leaders in Criminal Justice Organizations too are a result of the weakening or absence of social norms. Legal and political challenges. It is for the criminal justice agencies to deal with legal and political pressures, both within and outside the system. For example, criminal justice is not a task that is performed by a single agency. In fact, it requires the cooperation of various agencies ranging from police, courts, prisons, and at times, private agencies. As a result, sometimes, there arises confusion when there is a change in law or in the attitude of any organization. For example, as Gallagher and Holmes (2008) point out, different political parties might have different outlook regarding various criminal and social issues. In addition, different judges and prosecutors who come time to time may p ossess considerably different outlooks. So, if the leaders of various organizations are not kept informed about the changes in laws, attitudes, alliances, and modalities of approach, it becomes a matter of improper functioning. So, in total, it is for the leaders of criminal justice organizations to stay informed about the policy changes and basic policy differences. In addition, it becomes a challenge to keep the staff tuned to the changes that take place every now and then, including laws and

PROQUEST information for preparing the project Assignment

PROQUEST information for preparing the project - Assignment Example This gives them the opportunity to seek professional assistance (Arnold, 2012). Financial analysts as well investment analysts would then come in to review the operations of the company and the value system in place that either propels the company to higher levels or that which makes the investment get loses. In this process, one needs review past investments together with the new. The past investment review would give ideas and thoughts how the current investment can be improved. Also critical is that past investments can be helpful in forming the basis of policy formulation in a given investment. Past reflections are very important as it provides a platform where adjustments can be made as well as having a vibrant investment that is viable (Boehlje & Ehmke, 2012). Decisions made in the past can help in changing the future of an investment taking into consideration that past decisions can be useful in giving some advices. This makes an investment more vibrant. In any investment anal ysis, one should be able to look at the prevailing price at that particular time as well as well as having reasons for having an investment at that particular time. These then help in knowing whether the investment is having the best start or a false start. An analysis helps in reviewing the current investment as well as giving predictions based on future trends that could impact on the company. In having an investment that is viable, a lot of things need to be put into consideration. The most critical part in this exercise is continuous review of the data. From the data one is able to analyze and evaluate the data appropriately. An investment should be able to meet the expected financial goals set for it in terms of return on investments. Profits and risks are the main focus in an investment analysis. This is the most important aspect of an investment. Any analyst must look at the return on investments as well as the risks that are involved (Dong, 2008). These are important measure ments in a given investment portfolio. Risk analysis is very important in any analysis. In the event the risk is very high, then a loss is very likely. When the risks are very high such that it becomes likely that a loss is eminent, the investment becomes less worth. Resale value and cash flows do not have any significance when the risk is too high because the investment has zero prominence. It should then be noted risk is however not definite in giving a financial analysis. When giving an analysis, a lot more factors need to be looked into for the sake of an all round investment analysis. Cash flow is another single factor that needs to be considered in an investment analysis. One of the ways through which can occur is through the dividends traded on by the public. When the public trade on the dividends, then a lot of cash can be generated for the company. Based on this, analysis can be made based on the amount that has been received through the dividends in relation to the project s (Arnold, 2012). Another way through which cash can flow into an investment is through the interest. This comes from the payments from the bonds. This is on a sure way of having cash flow into the investment. An investor would be very interested to know what about the investment is generating into the system. Through this they are able to determine and evaluate if the returns are of any value to the business and if it meets the expectation of the risk of the investment. An analysis of cash flow can be done through the future

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 43

Case study - Essay Example Companies that opt for such media for adverts may be affected (Hanlon, 2015). The advancement in the use of internet has led to the existence of pricing options of products from companies. The use of online platform through internet provision is gradually and rapidly transforming economic aspects of operations of companies. HMV should apply both the physical stores and online platform to maximize it sales in the entertainment industry whose economy has been steadily rising (Hanlon, 2015). The HMV management should have a comprehension of the socially accepted practices within the various cultures that are available online in attempting to market their products. This includes appreciating the dynamics and differences and beliefs of societies within its online market since obtaining this is easier than before. It has the potential of not only creating opportunities but also opening new markets for the company (Hanlon, 2015). The company has a technological leverage in their internet site for retail which makes them competitive with other players/industries in the market. Its online store will likely be versatile as it will enable integration of window media player, iTunes, et cetera. In addition, infiltrating into the digital market is an innovative way of growing with the demand of the consumers. HMV anticipates enhancing their competitive leverage by diversifying experiences in the entertainment over the contemporary rivals. The group of HMV has a joint venture with companies such as Curzon Artificial Eye for the purpose of bring the experience of cinema to the retail outlets of the company (HMV, 2015). The production of DVDs and CDs should entail the use of materials that are both non-biodegradable and non-renewable. The recycling process has proved to be not only complex and costly but also inefficient. Moreover, CDs and DVDs with high storage

PROQUEST information for preparing the project Assignment

PROQUEST information for preparing the project - Assignment Example This gives them the opportunity to seek professional assistance (Arnold, 2012). Financial analysts as well investment analysts would then come in to review the operations of the company and the value system in place that either propels the company to higher levels or that which makes the investment get loses. In this process, one needs review past investments together with the new. The past investment review would give ideas and thoughts how the current investment can be improved. Also critical is that past investments can be helpful in forming the basis of policy formulation in a given investment. Past reflections are very important as it provides a platform where adjustments can be made as well as having a vibrant investment that is viable (Boehlje & Ehmke, 2012). Decisions made in the past can help in changing the future of an investment taking into consideration that past decisions can be useful in giving some advices. This makes an investment more vibrant. In any investment anal ysis, one should be able to look at the prevailing price at that particular time as well as well as having reasons for having an investment at that particular time. These then help in knowing whether the investment is having the best start or a false start. An analysis helps in reviewing the current investment as well as giving predictions based on future trends that could impact on the company. In having an investment that is viable, a lot of things need to be put into consideration. The most critical part in this exercise is continuous review of the data. From the data one is able to analyze and evaluate the data appropriately. An investment should be able to meet the expected financial goals set for it in terms of return on investments. Profits and risks are the main focus in an investment analysis. This is the most important aspect of an investment. Any analyst must look at the return on investments as well as the risks that are involved (Dong, 2008). These are important measure ments in a given investment portfolio. Risk analysis is very important in any analysis. In the event the risk is very high, then a loss is very likely. When the risks are very high such that it becomes likely that a loss is eminent, the investment becomes less worth. Resale value and cash flows do not have any significance when the risk is too high because the investment has zero prominence. It should then be noted risk is however not definite in giving a financial analysis. When giving an analysis, a lot more factors need to be looked into for the sake of an all round investment analysis. Cash flow is another single factor that needs to be considered in an investment analysis. One of the ways through which can occur is through the dividends traded on by the public. When the public trade on the dividends, then a lot of cash can be generated for the company. Based on this, analysis can be made based on the amount that has been received through the dividends in relation to the project s (Arnold, 2012). Another way through which cash can flow into an investment is through the interest. This comes from the payments from the bonds. This is on a sure way of having cash flow into the investment. An investor would be very interested to know what about the investment is generating into the system. Through this they are able to determine and evaluate if the returns are of any value to the business and if it meets the expectation of the risk of the investment. An analysis of cash flow can be done through the future

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Superstitions in Countries Essay Example for Free

Superstitions in Countries Essay A superstition is a belief in something that is irrational, non-physical and does not follow the rules of science. It is often one action that leads to another without something directly linking the two. Superstition is often associated with luck. Different superstitions often came from beliefs, religions and cultures had in the past and long have been proven wrong. It is a mystery why people dont pay attention to facts and still believe in superstitions. In Serbia Its a good idea to spill some water behind a person whos going to a job interview, headed out on a journey, or about to attempt any sort of endeavor at all. The movement of waters said to symbolize fluidity and motion; just dont spill it on their pants, as that probably wont have the same effect on the interview. In Spain Instead of kissing someone when the clock strikes 12 on New Years Eve, you should eat 12 grapes in rapid succession. Not only does this ensure the coming yearll be a lucky one, it also gives you delicious grape breath (in case you decide to kiss someone after all). In Russia Carrying an empty bucket, or even seeing someone carry one, is a bad omen. This is likely due to the fact that Tsar Alexander II was assassinated by a man with empty buckets for hands. True story. In Turkey Its a commonly held local belief that chewing gum at night is akin to chowing down on the flesh of a dead person. A minty-fresh dead person. In Japan Stabbing chopsticks straight up into your bowl of ricell cause the whole  dinner table to murmur in disapproval, as this is generally only done during funeral ceremonies. Passing food from chopstick to chopstick is a no-no for much the same reason: at funerals, family members pass the bones of the dead person with chopsticks. In South Korea Going to sleep with a fan on in an enclosed space can straight up kill you. This unfounded belief is so prevalent that electric fans are often sold with timers, to prevent accidental death due to suffocation, somehow? In India A solar eclipse pretty much means everybodys staying indoors for the duration. Just about everythings put in hibernation mode from road traffic to the stock market due to the widespread belief the suns rays are toxic during the celestial event. Some also believe that burying a sick child up to their neck during an eclipse can cure them of their ailment because science. In Afghanistan The number 39 is linked (inexplicably) to prostitution, and anyone whose phone number or license plate ends with 39 is a social pariah. People whore 39 years old often say theyre one less than 40 just to avoid the embarrassment.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Major Depressive Disorder Case Study

Major Depressive Disorder Case Study Case Study Idalhà ­ Barnes Jessica J. Ruiz Case Study Barbara Torres is a 36 year-old Hispanic married women and the mother of male twins of seven years old. She lives in Kalamazoo, in the state of Michigan. She has a very challenging, high stress occupation as a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Stryker, a multi-billion manufacture corporation that develop medical devices and medical equipment. Ms. Torres has always been a hard worker and high achiever. She graduated from Harvard University with top honors in both college and graduate school. She has very high principles for herself and can be very self-critical when she fails to meet a goal. Barbara Torres arrives to the Pan-American Mental Health Center seeking for psychological services for possible symptoms of depression. Before the intake interview began, the psychologist introduced herself to Ms. Torres, explained the mission, values and services provided in the mental health center, the purpose, form and time of the interview, the information that it will be gathered, and the basis for a good working client/therapeutic relationship, among others. The client complete and signed the consent for treatment form, authorization to contact form, release of information, and other necessary or relevant paperwork. Once the documents were signed, it was proceeded to explain confidentiality and its limits. Presenting Problem During the initial interview, the client was inquired about information about the present problem, the symptomatology, when did it start, how often does it occur, how long does the symptom last, how it affected her everyday life, any incidents that precipitated the symptomatology, and if this mood episodes occurred previously. The client chief complaint was symptoms of depression and excessive distress that started about three months ago with daily depressed moods, decrease of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, difficulty in sleeping, decreased of energy, weight loss and lack of concentration because of worry. Then the symptoms just get worse. There was no incident or psychosocial stressor that could precipitated the symptomatology. Ms. Torres was asked what motivated her to look for help at this point, and she explained that after much deliberation with her family, friends, primary medical doctor and pastoral counseling, she decided to look for help, because the symptoms she was and still experiencing, are deteriorating the relationship with her husband and kids, with her ability to accomplish her work, and were interfering with her daily functioning. The client explained that in her job she has struggled with significant emotions of worthlessness, embarrassment and guilt due to her inability to perform as well as she always has in the past. The client described that she’s having a lot of stress and preoccupation that she cannot handle the situation or that something awful may happen (like lose her job or family). Her colleagues have noticed that she is often short-tempered and reserved, which is quite dissimilar from her normally cheerful and friendly character. She has called in sick on numerous times, which is absolutely unlike her. Those days she stays in home ruminating about the present problems, viewing TV or sleeping. This behavior has occurred four times in a month. In her home, Barbara’s spouse has observed changes as well. She’s presented little interest in sex, had diminished interest in almost all activities with him and the kids, had drop twenty pounds in three months and had difficulty in sleeping (3-4 hours’ sleep per night and does not feel rested upon waking). Her sleeplessness has been keeping him awake, as she tosses and turns for a couple of hours or two after they go to bed. He’s heard her having recurrent crying phone conversations with her closest friend, which have him worried. When he attempted to talk to her to open up about what’s disturbing her, she pushes him away with an immediate â€Å"the whole thing is fine†. The relationship with her parents and sisters also has been impaired because she lacks of motivation to visit them or talk to them frequently as she used to do. Even though she hasn’t ever deliberated or think about suicide because of her faith and Catholic religion, Barbara has found herself increasingly unsatisfied with her life. Ms. Torres gets frustrated because she knows she has all the reasons to be happy, but yet can’t enjoy all her success. The client expressed to be overwhelmed and with much stress for not knowing what is happening to her; also reported performed excessive rumination about the problems that this symptoms has caused in her job and family. According to Nolen, Wisco, and Lyubomirsky (2008), rumination is the method of thinking constantly about one’s emotional state and difficulties. Studies has shown that rumination have an exclusive association to depression symptoms and its negative cognitive features. Ms. Torres was asked how intense where her symptoms in a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 means low intensity and 10 means high intensity, and she described that her symptoms were positioned between 6 and 7. In the same manner, she was asked how that symptoms’ intensity impaired her daily life activities, and she reported that the symptoms impair her daily functioning between a 7 or 8, stating that she couldn’t performed any activity as she used to. Ms. Torres was asked if she experienced these symptoms in the past and she stated that she experienced two of the present symptoms (lack of energy and decreased weight) in her adolescence when she broke up with her first boyfriend at the age of seventeen. The symptoms last three weeks. Mental Health Status The client arrived to the Pan-American Mental Health Center in a clean state, properly dressed, and seemed according to her chronological age. Her physical appearance seems to be thin or underweight. Ms. Torres was attentive and well oriented on the three spheres (time, place, and person). Ms. Torres maintained eye contact, her voice tone was normal and her body movements and general attitude were according to what she expressed. The client expressed to be overwhelmed and with much stress for not knowing what was happening to her. She voluntarily provided information about herself, the present problem and symptomatology, medical, psychiatric and family history, among others. Throughout the interview the client understood everything that was explained, proved to be rational and seemed to have good understanding of her psychological difficulties. Developmental History Ms. Torres stated that her childhood was remarkable. She grew up in a small town in Michigan with her parents and two older sisters. Her father was a manager in a retail store for 45 years and her mother was a Tennis trainer in a school for 25 years, and both were very caring and attentive with the kids. The parents have 55 years of matrimony. The family relationship was described as positive and the client explained that throughout her life she has a very good relationship and communication with both sisters and both parents. She considered her family very close and united; they spend almost every Christmas together. She and her sisters were raised in the Catholic religion, and stated that ever since have a very strong faith. In her childhood, Barbara enjoyed participate in all kind of sports, but mostly she excelled in Tennis. In school, Barbara developed very good relationship with peers, always had excellent grades, and the teachers described her as an outstanding student and an innate leader. In her adolescence and adulthood she reported that she never used drugs or has any problem with the law. She also stated that there was no substance abuse history in her family. Medical and Psychiatric History Ms. Torres reported that she’s never been diagnosed of any medical or mental disorder. Since she was young, her parents took the children regularly to visit the primary doctor. One of her sisters was diagnosed with asthma. A well-known family history of medical illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, strokes, multiple sclerosis, and hypothyroidism was refused. Before looking for psychological services, Ms. Torres visited her primary doctor one month ago to see if everything was good with her health. Her doctor sends her to take several routine physical exams and tests (complete blood count, chest x ray, urinalysis, cancer screening test, mammogram, pap smear, pregnancy test, sexually transmitted diseases, stress test, among others) to discard any health conditions or concerns that could be producing her symptoms. The test showed that Barbara’s health was in good condition. Her doctor advised to use vitamins supplements to prevent malnutrition and referred her to visit the psychologist for possible symptoms of depression. She was asked if a member of her family was diagnose with depression and she stated that her mother-side of the family has history with this disorder. Her mother, grandmother and aunt where diagnose with major depression. When she was an adolescent her mother received psychotherapy with a psychologist for five years, but never used psychotropic medication. In the paternal side of the family there were no history of mental and psychiatric disorders. She denied the use of medication with the exception of birth control pills taken at the age of nineteen until she was twenty five years old. Barbara denied any psychiatric hospitalizations, past or present ideation, plan, or intent for suicide or homicide. She also denied any hallucinations or delusions. This is the first time seeking treatment from a psychologist, but she described participated in pastoral counseling. DSM 5 Diagnosis 296.22 / 296.23 Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate- Severe with Anxious Distress Depression is a medical illness or mood situation in which people face depressed feelings and have a decrease of interest or pleasure in everyday activities that usually enjoy (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). According to Nunstead, Skarsater, and Kylen (2012), in modern society there is an increasingly serious problem of major depression in all social groups. They emphasize about the importance of individual’s capacity and how the individual’s own comprehension of the disorder and symptomatology help them to manage and cope with factors associated with the disorder. The criteria for Major Depressive Disorder designated by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (5th ed., DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), described the main indications of Major Depression as the manifestation of a minimum five of the following symptoms: depressed feelings or mood, decrease of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, decrease or gain of weight or appetite, sleep disturbance, psychomotor agitation, decrease of energy, feelings of worthlessness, lack of concentration and recurrent thoughts of suicide or death. Diagnosis Impression At the present time, Ms. Torres meets criteria for the DSM 5 diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, Single Episode, Moderate-Severe with Anxious Distress due to the presence of the following symptoms: daily depressed moods, decrease of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, difficulty in sleeping, feelings of worthlessness, decreased of energy, weight loss and lack of concentration for the last three months. Ms. Torres rejected experienced in the past of similar psychiatric symptoms, making this episode a single one. The level of impairment Barbara is experiencing in her occupational, social, and other important areas is moderate to severe. There is confirmation of anxious distress by symptoms of excessive distress, worry or tension, incapable to rest as a consequence of anxiety, lack of concentration because of concern, anxiety that something terrible might occur and feelings that she will miss control. Differential Diagnosis Ms. Torres’s complaints do not include symptoms of persistent elevated mood, increases in goal-directed behavior, or symptoms in criteria B, lasting one week (Bipolar I – Manic Disorder) or four days (Bipolar II – Hypomanic Disorder). Consequently, any diagnosis related with either one of the above-mentioned episodes was immediately excluded. Mood Disorder Due to another Medical Condition was ruled out, because there was no family history of medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, strokes, multiple sclerosis, hypothyroidism and all the medical exams performed recently by her primary doctor showed no recent acquire condition. Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive or Bipolar Disorder was disqualified since there was a negative history of substance and medication use at time of onset of symptoms. The client reported absence of impulsivity in her family, her childhood and adolescence, and the symptoms of lack of concentration started three months ago, as a result, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity disorder was ruled out. Because the onset of symptoms was approximately three months ago and there was no psychosocial stressor that precipitated the symptomatology, Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) and Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood were ruled out. Sadness excluded because Ms. Torres meets the criteria of severity (five or additional symptoms), duration (for the most part the day, nearly every day for a minimum of two weeks), and clinically noteworthy impairment in functioning, needed to be diagnose as a client with Major Depressive Disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Etiology During the interview, Ms. Torres reported a maternal family history of major depression (mother, grandmother and aunt) and explained that her mother received psychotherapy for five years, but never used psychotropic medication. There were no history of mental and psychiatric disorders in the paternal side of the family. Several family studies have discovered that the genetic relatives of clients with mood conditions are more likely to acquire mood disorders than are individuals in the general population. In the present, doctors and scientist still don’t know what are the exactly causes of depression. Roetker et al. (2013) indicated that the etiology of depression is complicated and heterogeneous although many factors (biological, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors, among others) can contribute to the arrival of depressive symptoms. According to Tamatam, Khanum, Bawa (2012) genetic factors have been connected in the etiology of depression and numerous investigations and studies have determined that fluctuations in protein structure are associate with a predisposition to specific conditions. In the other hand, many other studies had found no correlation between genetic factors and depressive symptoms, and concluded that the environment and social factors were more predictive of depressive symptoms (Roetker et al., 2013). Monroe, Slavich, and Gotlib (2014) indicated that three of the most dependably informed and influential predictors of depression are a current major life experience, a family history for depression, and an individual history of previous depressive occurrences. In the case of Ms. Torres, the combination of daily activity stressors and family history of depression may possibly triggered the outcome of an episode of major depression. Treatment Recommendations Psychotherapy and medication is the treatment of choice for mood disorders. Based on a study performed by Casacalenda, Perry, and Looper (2002) the best treatment for depression is the combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy (principally cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy). Ms. Torres will be referred to a psychiatrist to start the pharmacological intervention and treat symptoms of low mood and insomnia, among other symptoms. Medication will help in the stabilization of the chemicals in the brain to the right levels, relieving the depressive symptoms. Along the interview, the client expressed to be constantly overwhelmed, preoccupied and anxious; likewise she reported perform excessive rumination about the problems and having feelings of worthlessness and guilt. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy will help Ms. Torres to people change negative thinking and behavior patterns. Also, will help the client to comprehend the issues that may be behind her thoughts and feelings, be aware of depressive symptoms and how to identify things or events that could make the depression worse. In combination with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, the implementation of Interpersonal Therapy will allow the client to improve social adjustment and return to her social, occupational and family activities. Treatments of medication and psychotherapy, will help Ms. Torres to cope with social circumstances and other factors that may trigger further episodes of depression (Casacalenda, Perry, and Looper, 2002). References American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Casacalenda, N., Perry, C. J., Looper, K. (2002). Remission in Major Depressive Disorder: A Comparison of Pharmacotherapy, Psychotherapy, and Control Conditions. Am J Psychiatry, 159, 1354-1360. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.159.8.1354 Monroe, S. M., Slavich, G. M., Gotlib, I. H. (2014). Life Stress and Family History for Depression: The Moderating Role ofPast Depressive Episodes. Journal of Psychiatric Research,49,90-95. Nolen, S., Wisco, B. E., Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking Rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400-424. Nunstead, H., K.,Skarsater,. Kylen, S. (2012). Experiences of Major Depression: Individuals Perspectives on the Ability to Understand and Handle the Illness. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 33(5), 272-279. doi: 10.3109/01612840.2011.653038 Roetker, N. S., Page, D., Yonker, J. A., Chang, V., Roan, C. L., Herd, P., †¦ Atwood, C. S. (2013). Assessment of Genetic and Nongenetic Interactions for the Prediction of Depressive Symptomatology: An Analysis of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study using Machine Learning Algorithms. American Journal of Public Health, 103(1), 136-144. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301141 Tamatam, A., Khanum, F., Bawa, A. (2012). Genetic biomarkers of depression.Indian Journal of Human Genetics,18(1), 20-33. doi:10.4103/0971-6866.96639

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Marilyn Hacker Redefines Mother, Woman, and Daughter in Selected Poems

Marilyn Hacker Redefines Mother, Woman, and Daughter in Selected Poems 1965-1990 Marilyn Hacker. What does she mean? What does she mean? I check with Thrall, Hibbard, and Holman who define poetry to be "a term applied to the many forms in which man has given a rhythmic expression to his most imaginative and intense perceptions of his world, himself, and the interrelationship of the two" (364). I forge ahead through hundreds of pages of poetry. Images and impressions are beginning to form in my mind. Finally, Hacker, you provide a clue with "Feeling and Form" where you compare your poetry to Cezanne's apples: I do like words, which is why I make things out of words and listen to their hints, resounding like skipping stones radiating circles, draw- ing context from text, the way I've watched you draw a pepper shaker on a table, draw it again, once more, until it isn't like anything but your idea of a draw- ing, like an idea of movement, draw- ing its shape from sequence. (85-86) The course syllabus indicates that "this course investigates 'mother' as a cul...

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Gays in 9-11 Essay -- Gay Rights Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Gays in 9-11 The events of September 11, 2001 have left many people all over the world speechless to say the least. What happened that day at New York City’s World Trade Centers and Washington D.C.’s Pentagon have left many people without their loved ones, their jobs, or any sense of reason. Husbands lost wives, wives lost husbands, children lost parents, parents lost children, and partners lost their other halves. Friendships and families were destroyed. It is at our time of weakness that we are able to be our strongest. For it is at that time when there is nothing else to do, and no where else to go; when you’ve hit rock bottom there is no where to go but up. No one asked questions, people just did whatever they could to help. America’s public safety organizations didn’t hesitate for a second; they risked their own lives to help save the lives of others, people they didn’t even know. The only thing that our public safety teams knew was that all the innocent people that were attacked were fellow Americans. Perhaps that was all the information they needed, but day after day teams were back at Ground Zero and the Pentagon relentlessly looking for survivors and doing whatever they could to quickly get our lives back on track and gain some sort of closure. However, now it is time to start asking the questions no one ever wants to. â€Å"United we stand.† Direct from the media on a one way path into your homes these words and other such phrases have been tossed around and thrown in your face. Stop, and think. What is the real meaning of these inspirational and nationalistic phrases? Inspirational and nationalistic for whom? United is an adjective that means â€Å"combined into a single entity; concerned with, produced... ...size their differences or similarity from the heterosexual norm? If lesbians and gay men are increasingly integrated into society as full citizens, what will happen to other more marginalized groups, such as poor women on welfare? Does equality for some necessarily lead to equality for all† (Stein 225)? Arlene Stein is trying to articulate similar questions to those posed in the previous paragraph. What will happen to the immigrants who have been oppressed in the past, will they fall through the cracks while gays and lesbians gain acceptance? Or will they too be accepted? I assure you, the questions don’t stop here. My paper raises the question of acceptance, but is that all we really want? Do we just want acceptance across the board, or will all of us, gay and non gay, participate in the queerer project of inventing more just worlds and communities?

Friday, October 11, 2019

Labour education crisis Essay

The man who promised us, ‘Education, education, education,’ as the main priority of his government has failed again. Blair along with forever changing line up of education secretaries has again been branded a hazard to our children. The new crisis in hand for our Labour government evolves our youngsters within Primary education. The recent report has revealed that the number of children who can read and write properly has fallen in the last three years, as almost 250,000 seven year olds are not hitting required standards, for the second year running. In English only 75% have reached the required standards, leaving government hopes of 85% English pass rate for 11 year olds by 2002 in tatters. The report has shown three tenths of Primary school children are behind in reading from as young as seven. Four tenths our poor at writing, leading to one quarter of eleven year olds being classed as semi-literate! Chief school inspector Mr David bell has described the situation as disastrous and has said, ‘I don’t think we could possibly be happy with what primary schools are achieving. ‘ These chilling figures reported by Ofsted are causing concern amongst parents throughout the country. Although Mr Bell is claiming the route of this problem is due to the teachers and Heads of the schools. As it has been suggested that one in ten of our head teachers are ‘weak’, that’s a figure just over 2,000 that are simply not up to the job. If the leaders of the schools are ‘weak’ what hope does it hold for our teachers? Although Heads are saying they are being used a scapegoats Mr Bell insists that they are to blame, ‘They lack knowledge and skill. ‘ This standard is simply not adequate as the government has admitted. This has left other parties, including the Liberals suggesting an education reform and the Tories claming the situation has reached crisis level. Although PM Tony Blair has barely mentioned the report, and went ahead with a speech on education standards. This new crisis has fallen into the hands of Estelle Morris’ successor Charles Clarke. The Education Secretary has been told by Ofsted the targets set for 2004 will not be achievable. This will make his job even harder as situations are just being passed on with each new education secretary. Along with Primary education being seen as a shambles Ms Morris has left the problems of AS and A level system with Mr Clarke. After last years mark fixing fiasco new guide lines need to be set to stop this embarrassing situation recurring. That saw up to 4,194 candidates having their A-level grades increased in 2002. As well as the A-level marking situation causing problems it now seems that AS and A-level lecturers are unhappy with the system. They are calling for a return to a system such as the old one qualification of the A-level over two years. Suggesting that it’s simply too much for students. These measures come just two years after curriculum 2000 was introduced, bringing in the AS and A2 exams. Although now former chief inspector of England schools, Mr Tomlinson, has been asked to make a report suggesting ways of maintaining the A-levels standards and credibility. Universities are unhappy with a possible move to re-secure the A-level as they feel by keeping the name it will cause confusion. The A-level was first introduced in 1951 and has changed dramatically. This in turn effects what people feel constitutes as an A-level in standards they require, which worries the Universities. Who have also been affected by Labours education crisis due to the clearance procedure after the mess-up with A-level marking. The last thing on the agenda for Labour in terms of education is the staffing shortage in Primary and Senior schools. At the start of the academic year many school remained closed due to staffing shortages. And it appears this situation to is getting worse. As a survey for the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teacher suggested that nearly 63% of teachers have considered leaving their jobs within the past 5 years. And in another survey for the National Opinion Poll of 1,007 NASUWT members discovered that 30% felt that no political party had the right education policies. In conclusion it seams that all areas of or education system our in danger and have been effected, all that is left to say is good luck Charles Clarke, who now has the mammoth task of getting things on track. A job that both David Blunkett and Estelle Morris have failed to achieve.