A Closer Look on Sir Gawain

For Literature lovers, Sir Gawain is best known as the nephew of King Arthur. He is the son of King Arthur’s sister Morgaus and King Lot. He is a Knight of the Round Table. His brothers are Agravain, Gaheris, Gareth and Mordred. He is loyal to his king and to his family. He is a magnificent warrior but has a temper. He is also a ladies’ man. There are some works where his strength depends on the sun. Some stories claim that he is really strong during the afternoon when the sun shines at its best and is weak at night because the sun sets.There are two sides of Sir Gawain when it comes to his duties as a knight and as a family man. He balances both roles well. For example, he is loyal to King Arthur and obeys his commands. However, when Guinevere was slated to be burned at the stake and Sir Gawain was asked by King Arthur to stand post, the Knight nobly said no to the command. His respect for women outweighed his loyalty to his liege. There was also a time when his loyalt y to his friend Lancelot was outweighed by his loyalty to his family.This was when his brothers (except for Mordred) were killed during the battle between Lancelot and King Arthur. But when Mordred overturned the kingdom of Camelot and Sir Gawain was breathing his last, he sought forgiveness from Lancelot and asked him to defeat Mordred in his stead. Sir Gawain is popular in a number of literary works all over Europe. He is often seen as the model of chivalry. Most protagonists are compared and contrasted to him. A lot of French romances portray Gawain in different ways. Sometimes he is the hero.There are other times, he is the loyal wingman of the hero. He is also popularly known as the knight who searched for the Grail. Here, he is seen at his best light. His intentions are pure. It is reminiscent to him stopping his brothers Agravain and Mordred in plotting the downfall of Lancelot and Guinevere by revealing their love affair. During the Post-Vulgate Cycle, Gawain was portrayed a s a murderer. He was no longer the hero but the villain. This generic evil canceled out his records as the noble knight when literature about him is discussed.Therefore, to the eyes of Literature lovers, Gawain is an honorable champion but has flaws. For the Literature in Britain and Scotland, Gawain is a respectable and admired hero. He is also the main man when it comes to romantic stories and lyrical poems. His reputation is not tarnished because French Literature refuse to show Sir Gawain in a negative light. As a matter of fact, in Middle English Literature, he is the central character in a great work â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. † In â€Å"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight†, he is an excellent knight but has human traits.He also has flaws. He may be witty, virtuous and respectful of women but there are times that he is also subdued to jealousy. In the end, his love for women frees his wife Dame Ragnelle from her curse of ugliness. The depiction of Sir Gaw ain in glowing lights continued toward the Vulgate and the Post-Vulgate Cycle. The problem is that there were other literatures that stained his reputation, particular the negative characteristics that were attributed to him by Thomas Malory’s â€Å"The Death of Arthur. †Literary scholars compare and contrast the sides of Sir Gawain in every literature he appeared in. Perhaps what makes Sir Gawain genuine is that readers have an idea of his shortcomings but see that he is eager to make up for them (as mentioned in the earlier paragraphs of this essay. ) Therefore, we balance the whole anatomy of Sir Gawain. Just like us, Sir Gawain can be a gentleman and a brute. He can be loyal to his family and friends but turn his back on them the minute his ethics and beliefs are attacked. In the end, it’s all about weighing the pros and the cons of the knight.

Negative impact of modern technology on students

IntroductionThe paradigm shift in the contemporary society in relation to the learning environment witnessed in the wake of a new light of advancement in technology has had all sorts of impact on various entities in the society. The forces of globalization have been viewed directly as destructive in many ways though this is still debatable as it is subjective of personal judgment. When technology fails to be used constructively or when it does not find an effective application, technology becomes detrimental to autonomy in thinking and action.This technology has seen introduction of the gadgets of science into the classrooms, study rooms and to be specific, to the students’ life. It has impeded the capability of self creativity in students as they leave all thinking to machines like computer and the hi-tech learning gadgets. Most people argue that modern technology has a negative impact on the socialization of students because it eliminates need for physical activity, impairs critical thinking skills, and limits face to face interaction.DiscussionLimits face to face interactionThis is not a subject one would conclude at once by leaning on one particular side. It is therefore imperative to critically look at both sides of the divide and an analyze views on the basis of zero bias. On the contrary, and in support of the argument above, we find that technology has invaded the learning environment and turned it upside down. The introduction of computers in schools, for example, has reduced the level of student- to-student interaction and in its stead placed student-to-computer interaction to rule supreme. (Glenn M. Kleiman (2000) The Digital Classroom- http://hepg.org/hel-home/home).This means that the students spend most of their time relating and communicating with the machines rather than face-to-face interaction of the students to each other. This later on leads to development of ethical dilemmas in the future society. In such a milieu the learner prefers to associate with ‘non-physical’ characters on TV, net or web. This leads to stereotyping behavior in students. Recent research carried out in 2001, (Seemann, E. et al-(2001).Also see C. Crawford et al. 2001 , reveals that the use of computer mediated communication and technology in the learning environment has great impact in changing the lives of students in the classroom. It further indicates that through modern technology, students’ behavior in terms of interactions with the teachers and the tutors is immensely influenced as well as that among the students themselves. This approach, the researchers argue, downplays the significance of social contact hence may lead many students to fail in developing the necessary social skills to function in the world..Impediment to Critical thinkingSecondly, the use of the modern technology in learning environment may be a substantial threat to the ability of students to develop high level of critical thinking. This means t hat since the use of computer aided communication will entail the fingers pressing for a click of the mouse, liberation of ideas will be thwarted and thus hinder creativity. When there is no liberation of ideas there’s little or no creativity and therefore originality and subsequent development take a back seat. Because of availability of a machine with ready-to-use programs, the student will not care questioning of the present method of approach to a problem and therefore will not discover new ways and means of solving a given problem.Eliminates need for physical activityThe technology can also play quite a significant role in producing laziness in terms of reduced physical dexterity to engage in any exercise that involves exercise to the body. The importance physical exercises play to the body is of great relevance to the healthy development of a physically fit individual. The above research also reiterates that even physical activity by students becomes a nightmare as the only involvement of the student will be the hand or fingers, the eyes together with ears- if there be any additional item on the list, it should be nothing other than maximum fixation to the screen, (Seaman, E. et al-(2001)).Opposing argumentsOn the other side of the divide lies the great relevance computer aided communication and technology based learning have in modeling individual students in the classroom and the society. Those who argue that the relevance of technology in a learning environment is absolute contend that though the technology may have some negative impacts, the positive achievements are far much superb and outweigh the negative ones.   This argument holds that a student needs to develop the skills referred to as the multiple intelligences (Howard Gardner, 1983).Gardner says that the use of the powerful technological enables speeded development of these intelligences. In addition, human machine interaction enables an individual to think, communicate and delibera te on ideas through development of creativity in words, speech and writing. Most modern technology like some computer software that allows young children to and illustrate their own narratives or stories before their motor skills are fully developed enhance learning and creativity to start early in life.Even though the use of computer aided communication and the technology in the conveyance of learning information is objected by some, learners are able to interact closely with mathematical intelligences which enable them to memorize, and carry out mathematical operations in addition to thinking mathematically, analytically and logically before applying the understanding to solve problem. Through these modern systems students are able to interact with scientists exploring the depths of certain places but electronically.The students also develop high ability to understand the world they live in through what they see thus developing spatial or visual intelligence. By development of kin esthetic intelligence students are able to learn through dexterity and coordination thus developing the ability to express their feelings better thereby removing any doubts of ethical dilemmas. The students too can have musical intelligence thus be able to perform and appreciate or create music by whichever means, voice, dance or instruments. Though some scholars argue and maintain that use of the technology reduces the student’s socialization capability, others maintain that in the real sense the technology gives the student the chance to gain high levels of interpersonal intelligence thus being able to cooperatively work with others. This is done through electronic networking.RefutationThe bias that is revealed when trying to analyze the argument from one viewpoint is quite evident. Technology has been of great importance in improving the quality of education, the efficiency in acquisition of information and effective application of positive changes in the society and reali zation of the relevance of these changes to the learning environment.At the same time, it would still be unwise to refute the negative impacts of the technology to the social relations, physical activity and critical thinking of the students in their classrooms. However, the positive role played in enhancing the appreciation of technology in the learning environment cannot go without being lauded. The role for sure supersedes by far the demerits that accompany it.ConclusionTo be of maximum benefit and relevance, application of technology in the learning environment must be applied with care and consideration in order to make the learning process to be qualitatively different and attractive. As we embrace the benefits of having technology, we must also prepare to deal with its negativities. This way, the learning process in the classroom can become richer and pose less threat to the values and autonomy of every individual student. Otherwise it would have an impact that is not desirab le whether the learning environment is home-based or institutional one.References:Seemann, E., Wilkinson, L., et al. Impact of Technology on Socialization of Student in the Classroom, 2001.Kleiman, Glenn M. The Digital Classroom- 2000. Accessed on Friday April 25, 2008 from URL: http://hepg.org/hel-home/homeCrawford et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of Society for Teacher Education and Information Technology. International Conference; 2001 pp. 104-108.

Virtue vs Vice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Virtue vs Vice - Essay Example ’s freedom itself originated from an act of disobedience and that the ability to be disobedient is the function of courage and true freedom of thought. Therefore, he disputes the belief that obedience is always a virtue and that disobedience is always a vice. Obedience has been favored as a virtue in man. Erich Fromm however sets out to prove that obedience is not actually a virtue, rather it prevents man from being an independent, free human being. Man is obedient because he is too cowardly to go against the established order of things and the norms of society, to be disobedient. While disobedience has always been looked upon as a vice, Fromm questions whether it is in fact so. It was only after Adam and Eve disobeyed that their eyes were opened and they were able to see the world and their role within it. Therefore, while this act of disobedience has been condemned as the original sin and a vice, it was in fact the symbol of man’s liberation. Fromm applauds the prophets and the philosophers who have advocated that man should always doubt and question everything, because it is only by keeping his eyes open that man can see and learn the truth. It is only a strong and self confident person who can have the courage to be disobedien t, because to be so means to go against the established hierarchies that exist in society and to demonstrate his own power of free will thought and action that is against the set and established rules. Through the act of disobedience, man is subservient to his own conscience rather than being subservient to those who want to exploit him and those who want to muzzle the majority in order to enjoy the benefits and resources of the world for themselves. However, Fromm clarifies that he does not advocate disobedience all the time, on the grounds that it is a virtue. Rather, the act of obedience or disobedience will depend upon what or who a person wishes to submit himself to. Fromm states that if a man obeys all the time and never

Ethical case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Ethical case - Essay Example This paper thus discusses the issues facing Lisa when challenging current policies and procedures of the acquired company from both ethical and professional perspectives. One ethical issue Lisa applied was ensuring that the corporate assets were secure. In her one year in charge as the financial manager, she faced a significant acquisition with a total cost of $10 billion. Her company acquired a prestige fragrance company. Lisa’s challenge in this case was to ensure that the acquired company came together with the parent organization in an ethical, appropriate manner. She also had to ensure that there were no unethical practices on the part of the project. Also, the management team responsible for the acquisition and integration of the company. Additionally, she had to ensure that the acquired companies were not practicing inappropriate accounting practices in order to inflate their sales or earnings. One of the stakeholders involved in ethical issue is Lisa, but he faced opposition from the controller Mr. Anderson. Lisa prepared a meeting with the parent company with a focus on accounting manual and a plan for valuation of the company’s assets. It was apparent that these documents were of little interest to Mr. Anderson. He was polite and professional, but his management style was clearly dictatorial. Anderson had worked for twelve years in the Prestige Fragrance Company and attained some several promotions. He was a CPA, who had a background in major accounting firm and had contributed a lot in the growth of the company. All this earned him respect from the Board of Directors, but it was evident that he was not happy to be in part of a smaller division in a much larger company. Lisa was very concerned about the acquired assets and the unusually high proportion of â€Å"other assets† on the balance sheet. This made her to review her preliminary observation with Anderson. She was of the view that often items in this category

Any evaluative article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Any evaluative - Article Example Furthermore, Peter Travers identifies the source of this movie, and it emanates from a classic novel by James Fenimore Copper (Travers, 1). Peter Travers also identifies the plot of this movie, and he begins by identifying the alliances between whites and the native Indians. In identifying the plot of this movie, Peter Travers explains the siege of the Fort William Henry, and also the ambush of Huron. Furthermore, Peter Travers identifies the excellent work of the director of this movie, Michael Mann. This is by explaining that he managed to depict a clear relationship that existed between the Indians and whites (Travers, 5). Furthermore, through this review, Travers identifies the various themes depicted in the movie, and mostly the theme of violence. He begins to depict the theme of violence through the action of Daniel Day Lewis, when his fires his rifle, and identifying the ambush of Huron, and the siege of Fort William Henry. Travers has also managed to effectively identify the roles played by leading actors, such as Huron, which is played by Wes Studi, Hawkeye, which is played by Daniel Day Lewis, Chingachgook, Uncas which is played by Eric Schweig (Travers, 7). Based on these facts therefore, Peter Travers manages to perform this evaluation, focusing on the themes, role of characters and directors of the movie, and plot of the movie. The overall impression that Peter Travers has regarding this movie is that it is a perfect piece of motion

The Commitment to Organizations Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Commitment to Organizations - Research Paper Example Most researchers seem to emphasize the need for high employee commitment to the organization in order for organizational success to be secured. It has been also revealed that most organizations demand from their employees to be committed to the organization’s needs without giving a commitment in return. The lack of resources for providing such support seems to be the most common reason for the above phenomenon. Even under these terms, organizations could not justify their decision not to be committed to their employees, especially when they demand by their employees to be committed to the organization’s needs. 2. Commitment to organizations – characteristics and role 2.1 Description of commitment The identification of the role of commitment within modern organizations requires the understanding of the context of commitment, i.e. of its elements and characteristics, as developed in organizations of different sectors. Harper (2008) noted that organizational commitm ent could be described as ‘the commitment to an action that is consistent with the stated goals of the organization’ (Harper 2008, p.7). According to this view, the organizational commitment needs to meet a key criterion, meaning the promotion of the goals of the organization. Supporting organizational initiatives (plans or actions) which are not linked to the organization’s goals, cannot be characterized as a commitment but rather as support to the personal interests and aims of specific members of the organization. Mowday, Porter and Steers (1982) noted that ‘commitment is the relative strength of an individual’s identification with and involvement in a particular organization’ (Mowday, Porter and Steers 1982, cited by Allen and Wilburn, 2002, p.24). From a different point of view, Artley (2008) notes that commitment cannot be considered as equal to loyalty. Of course, those employees who are committed to their organization are also consider ed as being loyal to the particular organization, but not the vice versa. This view is aligned with that of Becker (1960), one of the first researchers who studied organizational commitment. According to Becker (1960), organizational commitment ‘is based on consistent behavior’ (Becker 1960, cited by Artley 2008, p.9), i.e. the behavior of employees that are aligned with organizational goals. Organizational commitment, in the above context, is not developed randomly; rather, employees become committed to the organization after linking their personal interests (such as pension plans or other benefits) with specific organizational activities (Becker 1960, p.32, cited by Artley 2008, p.10). From this point of view, organizational commitment is a mutual exchange, an issue that is discussed further in section 2.3 below. At the same time, Downs and Allyson (2004) note that organizational commitment is not depended on informal communication, as one could possibly expect.

Martin Luther King Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Martin Luther King - Essay Example In his Letter to Birmingham Jail Martin King has made use of narratives from various religious narrations. He tries to relate to the clergymen who have written to him criticizing him by explaining to them how he has to carry the gospel like Jesus did (University of Pennsylvania). His letter makes one feel as though they are in the middle of the situation allowing for a more in-depth connection with the situation at hand. In the letter there has been use of a definition of how nonviolent campaigns take place in a society so as to involve not only the clergy but to enlighten the people in general as to what the process truly is. Martin Luther King makes use to examples in the letter that keep the conversation simple and practical for someone who might not be too literate, which was the case with many African Americans at that time. He continues to use examples from the bible and stories of Jesus to explain his cause for doing what he did. He even goes on to use the example of what Hitler did in Germany in the name of justice against the Jews and how the moderate whites were doing something similar to the Negros by denying them their rights (Hari Sharma, 2007).

Networking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Networking - Essay Example Portfolio 2 Activity 1 - Addressing Scheme (The packet tracer) No Subnet First host Last host Broadcast Subnet mask 1 192.168.10.32 192.168.10.33 192.168.10.62 192.168.10.63 255.255.2555.224 2 192.168.10.64 192.168.10.65 192.168.10.94 192.168.10.95 /27 3 192.168.10.96 192.168.10.97 192.168.10.126 192.168.10.127 255.255.2555.224 4 192.168.10.128 192.168.10.129 192.168.10.158 192.168.10.159 255.255.2555.224 5 192.168.10.160 192.168.10.161 192.168.10.190 192.168.10.191 255.255.2555.224 6 192.168.10.192 192.168.10.193 192.168.10.253 192.168.10.254 255.255.2555.224 Activity 2 – Cabling The link between the two routers (Vetinary and Rincewind) is a serial cable – one side has to be the DCE, meaning that it will provide the clock rate. Connect the DCE side (should be labelled as such) to Rincewind. Routers are specialised computers and as such, a crossover cable must be used for a direct computer to router connection (such as the one between Host 2 and Rincewind). Activity 3 - Basic router commands Command Function 1 logout Exit from the EXEC 2 ping Send echo messages 3

Conflict in Sudan Essay Example for Free

Conflict in Sudan Essay There have been many conflicts in different regions of the world, causing a lot of effects to the humanity and the natural environment, which has always remained a silent victim. Many people have been killed because of these conflicts, while causing lot of devastating effects to the environment. During the war, a lot of pollutants are released to the environment which ends up affecting human beings and the natural resources. Other resources are depleted in the ensuing conflicts. The major concerns on the current issues about conflicts, both internal and regional are found in the developing countries. These countries do not have the economic capacity to deal with the conflict situation, hence making the problems even worse (IRIN, 2007). Africa has had along time history of civil war from the colonial times, and many are still evidenced today. Â  Most of the African nations fight over borders, which were mostly demarcated by the colonialists. These are regional conflicts, while internal conflicts arises due to the people fighting for scarce natural resources, for instance fertile farming land, and water. The Sudanese president is a wanted man on the list of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity in the conflict that has been taking place in the country for almost 20 years, leaving hundreds of thousands of people dead (Goldberg, 2009). Causes and Effects of War in Sudan There has been a long civil war in Southern Sudan that has led to the international community through the United Nations and the African union to try and broker peace. The war witnessed in the region is considered as a fight between the different ethnic and tribal groups (IRIN, 2007). The mostly known conflicting groups are the government side and the Janjaweed rebel group. There is however other smaller rebel groups that have complicated the matter further. The major cause of the war in Sudan has been attributed to fighting for water between the Baggara nomads who moved to the South (an area occupied by the farming community), in search of water. This conflict has led to many deaths in the region, despite the presence of the peace forces. There are other reasons that have been cited as having contributed to the conflict, although the major reason has been the increase in population which the natural resources are not able to hold, hence making the groups to fight over the scarce resources. On the other hand, there have been claims that the Arab dominants, who are Muslims, have been fighting the Black Africans, who are mostly Christians to wipe them from the region. This is what has led to the US declaring this to be a form of genocide, which has taken place under the watch of President Al Bashir who the ICC wants arrested for the crimes (Goldberg, 2009). As already mentioned, the war was triggered by fighting for scarce resources, which was water. However, considering the continued fights, the environment is even endangered more, making it more impossible to support the population. This on the other hand aggravates the situation when the natural resources are not able to support them. The conflict over resources in Sudan started at a local level in Darfur region, but developed into becoming a national issue whereby economic and political marginalization has been heightened. The situation has been made worse because of ethnicity differences. Therefore, despite economic and political and religious factors contributing to the conflict in Darfur Sudan, the major problem has surrounded the environment. The Sudanese Arabs who are nomads moved southwards in search of greener pastures and water for their animals and entered the territory of the Black farmers, leading to the two groups to conflict. The Black farmers complained to the Khartoum government, but on realizing that the government was not keen on solving the problem, the Black farmers rebelled against the government. This rebellion led to fighting between the people, destroying a lot of property, both manmade and naturally (Borger, 2007). The two groups fighting each other have distinct life styles, hence through their fights; each tries to destroy the strategic areas that the other depends on, as a way of weakening them. For instance, the nomads usually would graze their animals on the crops of the farmers, destroying their source of livelihood. On the other hand, the farmers set the grazing land for the nomads on fire so that they lack animal feeds. Furthermore, as the nomads are known of moving from one region o another in search of greener pastures, the farmers have blocked their migration paths, forcing them to overgraze in one region, hence also affecting their source of livelihood. Such actions from both camps have made the situation to be worse as the conflict continues. Many of the refugees from Sudan have fled to the neighboring countries like Chad. The asylums in the neighboring countries have not made the refugees completely safe, but have even put the lives of the residents of the host country in danger. This is because the Janjaweed rebels have been following the refugees to their camps, and attacking them from there. This has made the residents in the host country who live near the refugee camps to move away from them to areas that are more secure. In essence, the citizens have been made insecure in their own land. This on the other hand might thus cause conflict between the refugees and the citizens of the host country, which again might rise to the national level (Gouroukoun, 2006). Conclusion The major effect of the Sudan’s conflict has been on the number of the people who have been killed. This is basically a major concern to everybody, including the humanitarian groups that are mostly found in Sudan, and the international community. However, it has to be understood that since the Sudan conflict is directly linked to the natural resources, which is an environmental, issue, the conflict has continued to affect the environment even to higher magnitude. The Arab Sudanese have always been cutting trees which the farmers have planted in their farms, as well as grazing on the farmers’ crops. On the other hand, the farmers have been burning the grazing land for the nomads. All these actions have got detrimental effects to the environment. The nomads moved southwards in search of greener pastures, yet they are cutting the trees that are important in rain formation, then it is obvious that a dry spell would be in the region for a long time. On the other hand, as the Black farmers burn the grazing ground, this also affects their farming activities since important macro organisms are killed. Therefore, all these environmental impacts would make the conflict to remain for a long time as long the involved bodies are only concerned with solving the immediate humanitarian crisis, rather than looking at the root cause of the problem, and how to avert it occurring in future. Reference: Borger, Julian (2007). Darfur conflict heralds era of wars triggered by climate change, UN report warns. Retrieved on March 24, 2009 from http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/jun/23/sudan.climatechange. Goldberg, M. L. (2009). The President of Sudan to be a Wanted War Criminal, retrieved on March 24, 2009 from http://www.undispatch.com/node/7698. Gouroukoun (2006). Chadians Increasingly Feel Impact of Darfur Conflict, Retrieved on March 24, 2009, from http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-04/2006-04-21-voa44.cfm. IRIN. (2007). Sudan: Climate change only one cause among many for Darfur conflict, retrieved on March 24, 2009 from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2007/06/mil-070628-irin03.htm.

Memories of a Childhoods Slavery Day Essay Example for Free

Memories of a Childhoods Slavery Day Essay In Memories of Childhoods Slavery Days, Annie Burton was born into slavery in 1858 on a plantation outside of Clayton, Alabama and raised by her mistress after her mother ran away. She grew up during the Civil War and remembers her early days on the plantation. After being set free, Burtons mother returned for her children. Annie was hired as a nanny by Mrs. E. M. Williams, who taught her how to read and write. After her mother died, Annie took responsibility for her three younger siblings and moved to Boston in 1879. She later moved to Georgia and then Jacksonville, Florida, where she worked in a restaurant before returning to Boston. In 1888, she married, and ran a boarding house with her husband. She began taking evening classes at the Franklin Evening School, and the headmaster, Frank Guild, suggested that each of the students write their life story. It was this suggestion that gave Burton the push to write her autobiography. Burtons Memories of Childhoods Slavery Days (1909) is divided into four parts. In the first section, called Recollections of a Happy Life, Burton talks about her childhood on the plantation in Alabama and her marriage to Samuel H. Burton. In the second section, Reminiscences, Burton reflects on being set free and the way it changed her life. The third section, Vision gives a detailed account of Burtons religious change. Burton also includes an essays and poems she wrote. â€Å"The memory of my happy, care-free childhood days on the plantation, with my little white and black companions, is often with me. Neither master nor mistress nor neighbors had time to bestow a thought upon us, for the great Civil War was raging. That great event in American history was a matter wholly outside the realm of our childish interests. Of course we heard our elders discuss the various events of the great struggle, but it meant nothing to us. Burton talks about knowing that the Civil War was going on but not being old enough to know or care about it. She also calls it a â€Å"great† event in American history. Though it may not have been to white Southerners, it was day slaves were waiting for. She also states that : â€Å"There are hidden wrongs perpetrated by the whites against the negro race that will never be brought to light until the race owns and controls its own daily newspapers which alone have the power to discover and enthrone truth, thus becoming a safe guide to all honest seekers of facts respecting the race whether from a moral, educational, political or religious field. To carry out the plans suggested, whether viewed from an intellectual, industrial, commercial, or editorial standpoint, the world must acknowledge that to-day the negro race has the men and women, who are true to their race and all that stands for negro progress. †

Techniques Tools Used To Market Tourism Jamaica Tourism Essay

Techniques Tools Used To Market Tourism Jamaica Tourism Essay This project will be detailing the different type tools and techniques used by the Jamaica tourist board in the marketing of tourism Jamaica. The techniques that are shown in this project are; advertising, special events, brand ambassadors-which represents the marketed product all over the world, trade shows and familiarization trips which has all been explained in the project. An analysis was also developed for these five (5) marketing tools showing strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities that they offer and the threats that are being made towards each marketing tool. It also introduces you to some international tourist boards/CVBs that could very well help Jamaica in the development of a destination marketing plan. Techniques/tools used to market tourism Jamaica When marketing a destination a number of steps are required, one is coming up with a strategy which includes the marketing tools. Marketing tools are there to make marketing a destination easier. One of the CVBs main objectives it to use these marketing tools to market a destination such as tourism Jamaica. These are five marketing tools used by the our CVB- Jamaica tourist board (JTB) to market Jamaica as a tourism destination; Advertising- Advertising is a marketing tool used by the Jamaica tourist board (JTB) to market tourism Jamaica. Advertising media such as magazines, online/internet, billboard and global advertising are some of the most popular ones used to persuade users, viewers and listeners to take action on products and services and ideas. Familiarisation trips- this is an event planning marketing program typically scheduled during low season times. Example: the convention and visitors bureaus (CVB) invited meeting planners for a two day program to learn more about its available hotels, conventions centres, restaurants and other services. Special Events- This is when events are planned and used by the Jamaica tourist board (JTB) as marketing tool. Brand ambassadors- A brand ambassador is a person who represents and sells a brand in a very direct way. They create a positive image of the brand and bring out good customer services. Trade shows-these are organized meetings held only per year generally over the course of a few days where members of a certain industry can exhibit their product and service. SWOT Analysis of Techniques The S.W.O.T analysis speaks about strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of each marketing tool. Strengths Weaknesses Advertising tool creates a brand name for the product. Increase/ upgrade facilities Trade shows enhances good will. A brand ambassador gives the company/product instant recognition. Advertising tool is costly Opportunities Threats Can be extended into more areas Cut Advertising rates The SWOT analysis was carried out to identify the key issues and successes in the marketing environment, to find out what is happening in the marketing industry both external and internal. The Value of a Tourism Marketing Plan Developing a tourism marketing plan is very important for a destination because it helps you to carefully analyse other competitors and to create a plan so that your tourism destination potentially makes it to the top 5 tourism destination. A tourism plan is needed before embarking on a major project to guide you through the processes of developing a tourism destination. The definition of tourism, which is what are the need for developing tourism and how it benefits the economy. Community support- Make sure that this community is onboard with the tourism thats being developed. Once you put the feelings of the people in the community first then they will later serve to identify potential problems. The legal environment-Make sure the laws and regulation of the country is considered in every marketing strategy. Here are three (3) processes in developing a tourism marketing plan; Goals- Define the goals that are to be achieved by the development of a marketing plan. This should include a clear and direct number of objectives. Marketed analysis- Five External organization that can assist a CVB The convention and Visitor beareau is responsible for encouraging tourists to visit and enjoy their destination; they encourage groups such as the JTB to use the marketing tools such as creating trade shows and special events. The CVB is also called a tourist commission and tourist and convention commission. Here are five external players which could the CVB in designing marketing a destination; Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) this company was designed for the enhancement and also the development of the tourism product. Cruise Jamaica (PAJ) This was built from the joining of the Port Authority of Jamaica and the royal Caribbean cruise lines (RCCL). Jamaica Hotel Tourist Association This was built for the promotion of the development of the hospitality industry and also the interests of its members in local, regional and international forums. Caribbean Tourism Organization- This was created to potentially increase the Caribbean has a choice of destination for travellers. Jamaica Information Service The Jamaica information service increases the knowledge of both locals and tourist about the policies and programs of the government by way of media. B. Two significance of the assistance These organizations will help to better publicise tourism Jamaica by putting their part in the marketing plan and to help develop new objectives and strategies which would make the destination marketing unique. Each organization plays a specific role in developing marketing plan for tourism destinations. Here are two (2) significance of the assistance of two of the players or organisation in helping the Jamaica tourist board in developing a destination marketing plan; The CTO will provide an important forum for those interested in developing, improving and promoting the Caribbean tourism product. This organization was designed to provide its members with the services and information needed for the development of tourism for the economy. It also provides the technical assistance and special support to other organizations in the marketing area. The JIS will provide your product or in this case your tourism destination with the proper advertising media and strategies that it needs to strive. This organization was created to provide information to locals and tourist about the new activities developed in Jamaica which will benefit the economy and any arising business or product development by a way of mass Medias, which are very popular in todays world. Recommendation or Conclusion Marketing provides an opportunity that a company or product such as tourism so that they can perform profitably. Without the planning of marketing developing and tourism destination would not be possible and/or successful in the modern world. Tourism is very interdependent and so the components of planning should be included in the developing of a destination for tourism attractions. Services in the hospitality industry depends on the employees and manager understanding the value of the customers, the cost of the product that is being offered should be economically structured and considerate to the customers welfare and the communication towards the customers should be at a good quality standard.

Analysis of the Movie Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee :: Do the Right Thing Spike Lee Racism Essays

Analysis of the Movie Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee The movie, Do the Right Thing, by Spike Lee is a hard hitting drama that deals with violence and racism in today's society. This film is set in a primarily black neighborhood in close to the present time. Right in the center of this neighborhood stands a pizza parlor that is owned and operated by one of the most important characters in the movie, Sal. In the beginning of the movie, Sal is shown arriving to work with his two sons Pino and Vito. This gives an appeal to Sal as a family man. Right from the start Sal is portrayed as a hard working, kind, and devoted individual. Just the fact that he owns his own business in these rough and tough times shows that he is a smart, efficient, and dedicated man. Later in the movie we learn that Sal did in fact build his pizzeria by himself from the ground up, brick by brick, board by board which was no little task indeed. The fact that Sal gets to share his creation and hard work with his sons makes it all the more special to him. After Sal has finished his pre-opening preparations Sal's Pizzeria is open for the day. Shortly after this, the main character of the movie, Mookie, comes strolling into the restaurant. Mookie works as the delivery man for Sal in this movie. Mookie literally delivers pizza, yes, but he also acts as a mediator between the two races. Sal relies on Mookie not only to get the pizzas delivered, but to also keep his fellow black folks happy with Sal so they will come and patronize his restaurant. I think that this shows a very interesting side of Sal. It for the most part pawns him off as a racist. On the one hand he can put on a happy face and greet all the black people as they shell their hard earned money out to him for his pizza, while on the other hand he turns into a bigot, hating most black people and talking behind their back while they are not around. Now I say most black people because Sal seems to have this father-son bond going on between him and Mookie where Sal is the white father and Mookie the black son who in the end finally rebels like all siblings do at some time in their life. Also Sal seems to have some kind of affection or love for Mookie's sister, Jade. When she enters the pizza parlor Sal insists, if not begs to

Cluniac Monasticism Essay -- History

Cluniac Monasticism Assess the strengths and weaknesses of Cluniac monasticism between the tenth and twelfth centuries. The nature of Cluny lay in the circumstances of it’s foundation. It was endowed with a measure of independence by it’s founder, Duke William, allowing the monks to elect their own abbot, placing the abbey directly under the guardianship of St Peter and the Apostolic See. As a house dedicated to reviving strict Benedictine observance Cluny was not unique, but it was this indepencence, the succesion of talented abbots and it’s organisation set up by Abbot Berno that laid the foundations of the abbey’s later greatness. The independence granted Cluny in it’s foundation charter was esssential in the development of Cluny free from the interference of lay magnates and local bishops. It’s direct dependence on Rome was not initially of great importence; other foundations had beemn bequeathed to the apostles before. However, this was an important foundation upon which later abbots were to build. By seeking papal approval for Cluniac reforms the abbots forged a valuble direct link to the papacy, whilst gain officail public regognition and endorsement of the Cluniac regieme. In obtaining the right to accept monks from other orders in 931 Odo had confirmed the righht of the Cluniacs to reform others houses, while Cluny gained freedom from the local bishops under Abbot Odilo in 998. it was ‘the subsequent growth, under far straiter papal oversight, of Cluny’s exemption from episcopal control in spiritual matters, that did most to consolidate Cluny’s subject houses under itâ⠂¬â„¢s own central authority’ . This meant Cluny was immune to challenges to it’s authority from both without and within the church. Cluny became of particular note to sucessive Popes, with it’s reputation for reform, and the papacy continued to support the cluniacs, with Pope John XIX giving Cluny’s monks complete freedom from interference whereever they were in 1024. However, this would have been nothing without the exemplary spiritual life that was seen to exist at Cluny. The continual use of vocal prayer was popular with the laity, with many wishing to be included in the prayers of the monks. The personal qualities of the abbots were also much admired, as was the way of life practised at Cluny. The cluniac model of benedictine obervence was seen by many by the time of Abb... ... riches of success. The Cluniacs were criticised by those who favoured a more eremetic style of monasticism, and the stricter Cistercians. They were also criticised by laymen and other factions within the church. As an order, their popularity was on the wane by the twelfth century. The main strenghts of cluniac monasticism lay in its independence, it’s early spiritual energy, it’s observence of the benedictine rule and it’s sainly abbots. These provided very well for Cluny for a significant period, but over-growth of the order led to a slackening in observence of the Rule, and with the disasterous abbacy of Pons and a basic shift in religious opinion these strenghts became weaknesses that Bibliography Evans, Monastic Life at Cluny 910-1157 (Oxford University Press, 1931) Ed. Hunt, Cluniac Monasticsm in the central middle ages, (Macmillan, 1971) Lynch, The Medeval Church, (Longman, 1992) Cowdrey, The Cluniacs and the Gregorian Reform, (Oxford, 1970) Lawrence, Medeval Monasticism, (Longman, 1989) Southern, Western Society and the Church in the Middle Ages, (Pelican, 1970) Ed. Holmes, The Oxford Illustrated History of Medeval Europe, (Oxford, 2001)

Powdered Coconut Husk, Okra Mucilage, Water Hyacinth and Starch as Alternative Plastic Composites Essay

The present condition of our country regarding the use of plastics demands that people explore other means whereby proportionate products can be produced out of raw materials which are commonly disregarded. One of these is the utilization of solid wastes which could yield excellent useful results. Largely an agricultural country, Philippines provides various local raw materials, the utilization of which may lead to the country’s industrialization. Philippines provide ample farm products having great possibilities for some purposes. An example of which is the coconut husk fiber or cocos nucifera. Although some use this for making native products, this study used this for an alternative bioplastic product making it more different than the usual ones. Water hyacinth, which is commonly found almost in some rivers and considered as another solid waste is to be used also in this project study. Although it has the same function as the coconut husk fiber, this is used to lessen the number or amount of water hyacinth in our environment because of its abundance and bad effects. To improve the quality of the bioplastic product,the researchers used okra wherein mucilage can be found which lessens the brittleness of the said product because of the so called, glycirin. Another concerned material in the study is cornstarch. It is the source of polymer which is said to be the building blocks of the eco-friendly plastic product. What makes this study different is that the researchers used raw materials which are seldomly used in a more different way and utilize it to make a new product which could yield useful results. Moreover, the main purpose of this study, is to make plastic that can be decomposed easily since it uses raw materials, to use starch instead of chemicals and to utilize some of the solid wastes in our society. Plastic is a versatile and potentially indestructible material, which makes it ideal for a number of commercial and household uses. Indeed, plastic has become a substitute for many items which used to be made from other substances, such as plastic bottles for drinks, condiments and many other more. In many cases, this is extremely useful and convenient. However, usage of plastic has caused many environmental downsides. This is because, plastic is so resilient that even burying it deep within the Earth doesn’t keep it from impacting the environment. Although plastics can be recycled, many people still burn them and we all know that it is harmful to the environment. It may also affect people’s health because plastics contain many chemical additives which causes illnesses like endocrine disruption which can lead to cancers, birth defects, immune system suppression and developmental problems in children. And worse it can also lead to toxicity of living organisms and marine animals. This ecological problem impelled the development of new materials that can be substitutes in producing biodegradable plastic which led us to think the utilization of eco- friendly materials that can be an alternative in making bioplastic. Scopes and Limitations The research study was concerned with utilizing coconut husk fibers or cocus nucifera and water hyacinth in producing a bioplastic product. The research focused not only on the simple production but also the quality of the said product in terms of brittleness and flexibility. Mucilage was obtained from okra where glycirin is found and improves the brittleness of the product. Furthermore, this study is also concerned in using cornstarch as the source of polymer considered as the building blocks of the product. Statement of the Problem The purpose of this study is to produce an alternative plastic made up of organic materials. Another purpose of this study is to answer the following questions: 1. What will be the organic material used in making the plastic? 2. What content(s) is/are most effective in making the bioplastic more efficient than than Plastics- any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable. Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass, but they often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, but many are partially natural. Biodegradable Plastics- plastics that will decompose in natural aerobic (composting) and anaerobic (landfill) environments. Biodegradation of plastics occurs when microorganisms metabolize the plastics to either ssimilable compounds or to humus-like materials that are less harmful to the environment. They may be composed of either bioplastics, which are plastics whose components are derived from renewable raw materials, or petroleum-based plastics which contain additives. Glycerol- (or glycerine, glycerin) is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides. Glycerol is sweet-tasting and of low toxicity. Polymer- is the main building block of all plastics. It is a large molecule (macromolecule) composed of repeating structural units. These sub-units are typically connected by covalent chemical bonds. Although the term polymer is sometimes taken to refer to plastics, it actually encompasses a large class of compounds comprising both natural and synthetic materials with a wide variety of properties. Mucilage- a thick, gluey substance produced by nearly all plants and some microorganisms. It is a polar glycoprotein and an exopolysaccharide. Mucilage in plants plays a role in the storage of water and food, seed germination, and thickening membranes. Starch- or amylum is a carbohydrate consisting of a large number of glucose units joined by glycosidic bonds. This polysaccharide is produced by all green plants as an energy store. It is the most common carbohydrate in the human diet and is contained in large amounts in such staple foods as potatoes, wheat, maize (corn), rice, and cassava. Starch is made of two basic components: amylose and amylopectin. Amylose- is a very long and straight polymer like we want to have in our study. Amylopectin- on the other hand is a branched and short polymer meaning it will yield brittle and weak plastic which is not good. Vinegar- a liquid substance consisting mainly of acetic acid (CH3CO2H) and water, the acetic acid being produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. By adding a small amount of vinegar to the plastic, we can break up some of the branches of the amylopectin which otherwise would make it brittle. Water hyacinth- is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant native to tropical and sub-tropical South America. With broad, thick, glossy, ovate leaves, water hyacinth may rise above the surface of the water as much as 1 meter in height. The leaves are 10–20 cm across, and float above the water surface. They have long, spongy and bulbous stalks. The feathery, freely hanging roots are purple-black. An erect stalk supports a single spike of 8-15 conspicuously attractive flowers, mostly lavender to pink in colour with six petals.

Pyramus and Thisbe Essay

A first-time encounter with the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe would already send your heart fluttering with a hundred different emotions headed primarily of a lover’s longing for his/her partner’s touch and the level of passion the two had shown. Pyramus and Thisbe were childhood lovers that carried with them an ill-fated love story when they were forbidden by their parents to be together. Fortunately, the love between our two lovebirds had been so strong that they discovered a way on how they could communicate day and night. A common crack in their walls allowed this to happen, and being neighbors, they were able to keep in touch with one another and exchange sweet thoughts. Until the day when they can’t bear the silent distance between them anymore came, they finally decided to run away from home and so, they had set up to meet under a mulberry tree near Ninus’ tomb. Come nighttime, Thisbee, who arrived first, spotted a fierce lioness and immediately ran for her life. While on escape, she accidently dropped her cloak which the lioness viciously tore into pieces. Pyramus arrived at the scene with the sight of Thisbe’s cloak and abruptly concluded that his better half had died already. With this thought in mind, he took his own life, thinking that he can’t live with the fact that he had left the love of his life to wait alone in the woods. Thisbe arrived minutes later and upon seeing her lover’s dying state, she decided that she would not let death separate them and she took her own life too. The theme of this love story would probably be unconditional love that was unimaginable given Pyramus and Thisbe’s circumstances. Even death was not powerful enough to separate the two ill-fated lovers. I believe the story only shows how there may be hope for everything. They believed in the love they had and even took the risky choice of leaving everything behind even their own families. This part of the book was really to be well-commended. The love stories were enjoyable to read and Edith Hamilton told the stories in a manner where you can completely visualize scene after scene and really added color to one’s imagination. The narrations were easy to follow and her choice of language was not profane at all, but rather neat and blithe.

Vampire Academy Chapter 10

TEN â€Å"EXCUSE ME, MR. NAGY? I CANT really concentrate with Lissa and Rose passing notes over there.† Mia was attempting to distract attention from herself – as well as from her inability to answer Mr. Nagy's question – and it was ruining what had otherwise been a promising day. A few of the fox rumors still circulated, but most people wanted to talk about Christian attacking Ralf. I still hadn't cleared Christian of the fox incident – I was pretty sure he was psycho enough to have done it as some crazy sign of affection for Lissa – but whatever his motives, he had shifted the attention off her, just as he'd said. Mr. Nagy legendary for his ability to humiliate students by reading notes aloud, homed in on us like a missile. He snatched the note away, and the excited class settled in for a full reading. I swallowed my groan, trying to look as blank and unconcerned as possible. Beside me, Lissa looked like she wanted to die. â€Å"My, my,† he said, looking the note over. â€Å"If only students would write this much in their essays. One of you has considerably worse writing than the other, so forgive me if I get anything wrong here.† He cleared his throat. † ? ®So, I saw J last night,' begins the person with bad handwriting, to which the response is, ? ®What happened,' followed by no fewer than five question marks. Understandable, since sometimes one – let alone four – just won't get the point across, eh?† The class laughed, and I noticed Mia throwing me a particularly mean smile. â€Å"The first speaker responds: ? ®What do you think happened? We hooked up in one of the empty lounges.' â€Å" Mr. Nagy glanced up after hearing some more giggles in the room. His British accent only added to the hilarity. â€Å"May I assume by this reaction that the use of ? ®hook up' pertains to the more recent, shall we say, carnal application of the term than the tamer one I grew up with?† More snickers ensued. Straightening up, I said boldly, â€Å"Yes, sir, Mr. Nagy. That would be correct, sir.† A number of people in the class laughed outright. â€Å"Thank you for that confirmation, Miss Hathaway. Now, where was I? Ah yes, the other speaker then asks, ? ®How was it?' The response is, ? ®Good,' punctuated with a smiley face to confirm said adjective. Well. I suppose kudos are in order for the mysterious J, hmmm? ? ®So, like, how far did you guys go?' Uh, ladies,† said Mr. Nagy, â€Å"I do hope this doesn't surpass a PG rating. ? ®Not very. We got caught.' And again, we are shown the severity of the situation, this time through the use of a not-smiling face. ? ®What happened?' ? ®Dimitri showed up. He threw Jesse out and then bitched me out.' â€Å" The class lost it, both from hearing Mr. Nagy say â€Å"bitched† and from finally getting some participants named. â€Å"Why, Mr. Zeklos, are you the aforementioned J? The one who earned a smiley face from the sloppy writer?† Jesse's face turned beet red, but he didn't look entirely displeased at having his exploits made known in front of his friends. He'd kept what had happened a secret thus far – including the blood talk – because I suspected Dimitri had scared the hell out of him. â€Å"Well, while I applaud a good misadventure as much as the next teacher whose time is utterly wasted, do remind your ? ®friends' in the future that my class is not a chat room.† He tossed the paper back on to Lissa's desk. â€Å"Miss Hathaway, it seems there's no feasible way to punish you, since you're already maxed out on penalties around here. Ergo, you, Miss Dragomir, will serve two detentions instead of one on behalf of your friend. Stay here when the bell rings, please.† After class, Jesse found me, an uneasy look on his face. â€Å"Hey, um, about that note†¦you know I didn't have anything to do with that. If Belikov finds out about it†¦you'll tell him? I mean, you'll let him know I didn't – â€Å" â€Å"Yeah, yeah,† I interrupted him. â€Å"Don't worry, you're safe.† Standing with me, Lissa watched him walk out of the room. Thinking of how easily Dimitri had thrown him around – and of his apparent cowardice – I couldn't help but remark, â€Å"You know, Jesse's suddenly not as hot as I used to think.† She only laughed. â€Å"You'd better go. I've got desks to wash.† I left her, heading back for my dorm. As I did, I passed a number of students gathered in small clusters outside the building. I regarded them wistfully, wishing I had the free time to socialize. â€Å"No, it's true,† I heard a confident voice say. Camille Conta. Beautiful and popular, from one of the most prestigious families in the Conta clan. She and Lissa had sort of been friends before we left, in the uneasy way two powerful forces keep an eye on each other. â€Å"They, like, clean toilets or something.† â€Å"Oh my God,† her friend said. â€Å"I'd die if I was Mia.† I smiled. Apparently Jesse had spread some of the stories I'd told him last night. Unfortunately, the next overheard conversation shattered my victory. † – heard it was still alive. Like, twitching on her bed.† â€Å"That is so gross. Why would they just leave it there?† â€Å"I don't know. Why kill it in the first place?† â€Å"You think Ralf was right? That she and Rose did it to get kicked – â€Å" They saw me and shut up. Scowling, I skulked off across the quadrangle. Still alive, still alive. I'd refused to let Lissa talk about the similarities between the fox and what had happened two years ago. I didn't want to believe they were connected, and I certainly didn't want her to either. But I hadn't been able to stop thinking about that incident, not only because it was chilling, but because it really did remind me of what had just happened in her room. We had been out in the woods near campus one evening, having skipped out on our last class. I'd traded a pair of cute, rhinestone-studded sandals to Abby Badica for a bottle of peach schnapps – desperate, yes, but you did what you had to in Montana – which she'd somehow gotten hold of. Lissa had shaken her head in disapproval when I suggested cutting class to go put the bottle out of its misery, but she'd come along anyway. Like always. We found an old log to sit on near a scummy green marsh. A half-moon cast a tiny sliver of light on us, but it was more than enough for vampires and half-vampires to see by. Passing the bottle back and forth, I grilled her on Aaron. She'd fessed up that the two of them had had sex the weekend before, and I felt a surge of jealousy that she'd been the one to have sex first. â€Å"So what was it like?† She shrugged and took another drink. â€Å"I don't know. It wasn't anything.† â€Å"What do you mean it wasn't anything? Didn't the earth move or the planets align or something?† â€Å"No,† she said, smothering a laugh. â€Å"Of course not.† I didn't really get why that should be funny, but I could tell she didn't want to talk about it. This was around the time the bond had begun forming, and her emotions were starting to creep into me now and then. I held up the bottle and glared at it. â€Å"I don't think this stuff is working.† â€Å"That's because there's barely any alcohol in – â€Å" The sound of something moving in the brush came from nearby. I immediately shot up, putting my body between her and the noise. â€Å"It's some animal,† she said when a minute went by in silence. That didn't mean it wasn't dangerous. The school's wards kept out Strigoi, but wild animals often wandered into the outskirts of campus, posing their own threats. Bears. Cougars. â€Å"Come on,† I told her. â€Å"Let's head back.† We hadn't gone very far when I heard something moving again, and someone stepped out into our path. â€Å"Ladies.† Ms. Karp. We froze, and whatever quick reactions I'd shown back by the marsh disappeared as I delayed a few moments in hiding the bottle behind my back. A half-smile crossed her face, and she held out her hand. Sheepishly, I gave the bottle to her, and she tucked it under her arm. She turned without another word, and we followed, knowing there would be consequences to deal with. â€Å"You think no one notices when half a class is gone?† she asked after a little while. â€Å"Half a class?† â€Å"A few of you apparently chose today to skip. Must be the nice weather. Spring fever.† Lissa and I trudged along. I'd never been comfortable around Ms. Karp since the time she'd healed my hands. Her weird, paranoid behavior had taken on a strange quality to me – a lot stranger than before. Scary, even. And lately I couldn't look at her without seeing those marks by her forehead. Her deep red hair usually covered them but not always. Sometimes there were new marks; sometimes the old ones faded to nothing. A weird fluttering noise sounded to my right. We all stopped. â€Å"One of your classmates, I imagine,† murmured Ms. Karp, turning toward the sound. But when we reached the spot, we found a large black bird lying on the on the ground. Birds – and most animals – didn't do anything for me, but even I had to admire its sleek feathers and fierce beak. It could probably peck someone's eyes out in thirty seconds – if it weren't obviously dying. With a last, halfhearted shake, the bird finally went still. â€Å"What is that? Is it a crow?† I asked. â€Å"Too big,† said Ms. Karp. â€Å"It's a raven.† â€Å"Is it dead?† asked Lissa. I peered at it. â€Å"Yeah. Definitely dead. Don't touch it.† â€Å"Probably attacked by another bird,† observed Ms. Karp. â€Å"They fight over territory and resources sometimes.† Lissa knelt down, compassion on her face. I wasn't surprised, since she'd always had a thing for animals. She'd lectured me for days after I'd instigated the infamous hamster-and-hermit-crab fight. I'd viewed the fight as a testing of worthy opponents. She'd seen it as animal cruelty. Transfixed, she reached toward the raven. â€Å"Liss!† I exclaimed, horrified. â€Å"It's probably got a disease.† But her hand moved out like she hadn't even heard me. Ms. Karp stood there like a statue, her white face looking like a ghost's. Lissa's fingers stroked the raven's wings. â€Å"Liss,† I repeated, starting to move toward her, to pull her back. Suddenly, a strange sensation flooded through my head, a sweetness that was beautiful and full of life. The feeling was so intense, it stopped me in my tracks. Then the raven moved. Lissa gave a small scream and snatched her hand back. We both stared wide-eyed. The raven flapped its wings, slowly trying to right itself and stand up. When it managed to do so, it turned toward us, fixing Lissa with a look that seemed too intelligent for a bird, its eyes held hers, and I couldn't read her reaction through the bond. At long last, the raven broke the gaze and lifted into the air, strong wings carrying it away. Wind stirring the leaves was the only sound left. â€Å"Oh my God,† breathed Lissa. â€Å"What just happened?† â€Å"Hell if I know,† I said, hiding my stark terror. Ms. Karp strode forward and grabbed Lissa's arm, forcefully turning her so that they faced each other. I was there in a flash, ready to take action if Crazy Karp tried anything, though even I had qualms about taking down a teacher. â€Å"Nothing happened,† said Ms. Karp in an urgent voice, her eyes wild-looking. â€Å"Do you hear me? Nothing. And you can't tell anyone – anyone – about what you saw. Both of you. Promise me. Promise me you won't ever talk about this again.† Lissa and I exchanged uneasy glances. â€Å"Okay† she croaked out. Ms. Karp's grip relaxed a little. â€Å"And don't ever do it again. If you do, they'll find out. They'll try to find you.† She turned to me. â€Å"You can't let her do it. Not ever again.† On the quad, outside my dorm, someone was saying my name. â€Å"Hey, Rose? I've called you, like, a hundred times.† I forgot about Ms. Karp and the raven and glanced over at Mason, who had apparently started walking with me toward the dorm while I was off in la-la land. â€Å"Sorry,† I mumbled. â€Å"I'm out of it. Just†¦um, tired.† â€Å"Too much excitement last night?† I gave him a narrow-eyed look. â€Å"Nothing I couldn't handle.† â€Å"I guess,† he laughed, though he didn't exactly sound amused. â€Å"Sounds like Jesse couldn't handle it.† â€Å"He did okay.† â€Å"If you say so. But personally, I think you've got bad taste.† I stopped walking. â€Å"And I don't think it's any of your business.† He looked away angrily. â€Å"You made it the whole class's business.† â€Å"Hey, I didn't do that on purpose.† â€Å"Would've happened anyway. Jesse's got a big mouth.† â€Å"He wouldn't have told.† â€Å"Yeah,† said Mason. â€Å"Because he's so cute and has such an important family.† â€Å"Stop being an idiot,† I snapped. â€Å"And why do you even care? Jealous I'm not doing it with you?† His flush grew, going all the way to the roots of his red hair. â€Å"I just don't like hearing people talk shit about you, that's all. There are a lot of nasty jokes going around. They're calling you a slut.† â€Å"I don't care what they call me.† â€Å"Oh, yeah. You're really tough. You don't need anyone.† I stopped. â€Å"I don't. I'm one of the best novices in this fucking place. I don't need you acting all gallant and coming to my defense. Don't treat me like I'm some helpless girl.† I turned around and kept walking, but he caught up to me easily. The woes of being five-seven. â€Å"Look†¦I didn't mean to upset you. I'm just worried about you.† I gave a harsh laugh. â€Å"I'm serious. Wait†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he began. â€Å"I, uh, did something for you. Sort of. I went to the library last night and tried to look up St. Vladimir,† I stopped again. â€Å"You did?† â€Å"Yeah, but there wasn't much on Anna. All the books were kind of generic. Just talked about him healing people, bringing them back from the edge of death.† That last part hit a nerve. â€Å"Was†¦was there anything else?† I stammered. He shook his head. â€Å"No. You probably need some primary sources, but we don't have any here.† â€Å"Primary what?† He scoffed, a smile breaking over his face. â€Å"Do you do anything but pass notes? We just talked about them the other day in Andrews' class. They're books from the actual time period you want to study. Secondary ones are written by people living today. You'll get better information if you find something written by the guy himself. Or someone who actually knew him.† â€Å"Huh. Okay. What are you, like, a boy genius now?† Mason gave me a light punch in the arm. â€Å"I pay attention, that's all. You're so oblivious. You miss all sorts of things.† He smiled nervously. â€Å"And look†¦I really am sorry about what I said. I was just – â€Å" Jealous, I realized. I could see it in his eyes. How had I never noticed this before? He was crazy about me. I guess I really was oblivious. â€Å"It's all right, Mase. Forget about it.† I smiled. â€Å"And thanks for looking that stuff up.† He smiled back, and I went inside, sad that I didn't feel the same way about him.

Multiple Sclerosis and Living Life

|Multiple Sclerosis and Living Life. | |[Type the document subtitle] | | | |Multiple sclerosis can be debilitating, however there are things that can be done to | |limit the amount of attacks a person may have. | | |Le’Sha Hairston | |10/10/2012 | | | Multiple Sclerosis and Living Life Le’Sha Hairston University Composition and Communication ll COM/156 Trista McCombs Multiple sclerosis and Living Life As a person with the disease! Knowing the effects first hand, Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease.With MS, the body's white blood cells attack tissues called myelin. Changes to your diet and life style can help slow down the effects of multiple sclerosis. Some days will be better than others, but a normal life can be lived with the disease. June 24, 2004 eight years ago I was diagnosed with â€Å"Multiple Sclerosis†. A quote from talk show host, author, actor, and philanthropist â€Å"Montel Williams†, when the neurologist said those words- †Å"you have (MS)† it hit me like a ton of bricks. â€Å"I thought I was diagnosed with a death sentence†. As a person with the disease! Knowing the effects first hand, Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease.With MS, the body's white blood cells attack tissues called myelin. Changes to your diet and life style can help slow down the effects of multiple sclerosis. Some days will be better than others, but a normal life can be lived with the disease Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that can be potentially debilitating to a person. Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which one’s immune system begins to attack the body. The white blood cells will attack a tissue in the body called the ‘Myelin’, which is the protective sheath covering of all nerve’s in the human body.By the Myelin being eating away this can and most likely will result in permanent damage to the nerve’s even deterioration, being that there is no reversible p rocess for (MS). There are many different symptoms for a person with Multiple sclerosis; it all depends on the damage and what particular nerves are affected. There is no cure for (MS), and the only way to determine is one has Multiple Sclerosis, is to rule out other diseases. Meaning using the process of elimination to determines one’s status. A person with a severe case of the disease will encounter many problems.Some of these problems are not having the ability to walk, talk, or any mobility at all. Even though there is no cure for the disease, there are strategies to treat an attack such as â€Å"anti-inflammatory medications†. Some of these medications are â€Å"Corticosteroids and Beta interferons†. Corticosteroids consist of different medications that decrease inflammation and help to reduce the symptoms and signs of inflammation. They also â€Å"suppress your immune system, which helps control the conditions in which your body’s immune system mis takenly attacks its own tissues† (http://www. mayoclinic. om/health/steroids/HQ01431), in thus case Multiple Sclerosis. Corticosteroids can be taken in many different ways such as: One can take corticosteroids by: †¢ By mouth. Tablets, capsules or syrups help treat the inflammation and pain associated with certain chronic conditions, such as arthritis and lupus. †¢ By inhaler and intranasal spray. These forms help control inflammation associated with asthma and nasal allergies. †¢ Topically. Creams, ointments and roll-ons can help heal many skin conditions. †¢ By injection. This form is used to treat such signs and symptoms as the pain and inflammation of tendinitis.While the six FDA-approved disease-modifying medications that treat multiple sclerosis are often successful in slowing the progression of (MS), like all drugs, they can also produce some side effects. The side effects of (MS) medications can range from mild (flulike symptoms or irritation at an injection site) to more serious (chest pain, an increased risk of heart toxicity, or even acute myelogenous leukemia, a kind of bone marrow cancer. So when taken any medication it should be consulted with your doctor on the best medication for any person to take while dealing with multiple sclerosis.Discussing all side effects will help the doctor know how tolerable you are to the medication. Any bruising, redness, swelling, itching, etc should be reported immediately. All the interferon’s such as Rebif, Avonex, and Betaferon can cause flulike response after an injection. This is managed by gradually starting with smaller does, then working up to full dose. Physical therapy is also another way to treat (MS) attacks, and modify the course of the disease as well as using muscle relaxants. Physical therapies that can be conducted are too help deal with the issues brought on by Multiple Sclerosis such as: Fatigue †¢ Pain †¢ Balance problems †¢ Coordination problems †¢ Weakness †¢ Immobility Physical therapy will help teach new movement techniques also. A healthy diet is something that should also be maintained when someone has Multiple Sclerosis. A person with a chronic illness should consume adequate calories including protein. This will help the body provide energy, heal any wounds and fight off any infections. A person with Multiple Sclerosis should maintain their weight, eat foods low in fat and cholesterol, and limit their sugar intake.Salt is something that should be moderate in a (MS) patient’s diet, along with drinking 8-8ounce glasses of water per day to maintain a good urinary track. Anyone with an illness should get plenty of rest, thus keeping the energy up. Anyone with Multiple Sclerosis can have a very fulfilling life. (MS) doesn’t have to determine the amount of fun you have. Yes it can become hard with all the medications and daily stipulations but it’s worth it to maintain life. I know someone w ho has had the disease since the age 19 years old. They woke up and couldn’t see anything, just flashing lights and a splitting headache.Rushed to the hospital and they couldn’t begin to explain the amount of testing that was done on them to gain a diagnosis. They had to make numerous changes in their life if they wanted t continue to be normal. These changes included not smoking (cigarettes), no alcohol, fatty foods, getting more rest, working less, being on many medications etc: an the list goes on. However, for the sake of their children and their family they were able to pull through. As they explained to me there are days that are great from them than there are days that is extremely hard. But it’s better than not being around at all as they said.There are days when their depression will set in and giving up is the only thing they want to do, doing so would be the easy way out. Fighting it to the end is the decision they made; having a wonderful support sys tem that keeping them motivated to live. Great children and a wonderful husband couldn’t ask for anything more. There’s nothing they can’t do everything is regular with some limitations. Multiple sclerosis is a potentially debilitating disease. However as long as you take your medications, exercise, and maintain a well balanced diet you can live a happy and normal life. It will also limit the amount of attacks a person will have.It doesn’t have to over take your life. Staying positive and having a great support system are strategies to help a person keep the faith and make it through. As a person with the disease! Knowing the effects first hand, Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. With MS, the body's white blood cells attack tissues called myelin. Changes to your diet and life style can help slow down the effects of multiple sclerosis. Some days will be better than others, but a normal life can be lived with the disease. References: www. cnn. com www. mslifelines. com www. montelwilliams. com www. apolllolibrary. com www. everydayhealth. com

Cash Transfer Benefits

Cash Transfer Benefits Cash Transfers in Sum Cash transfers fit into the development measures by being a branch of social protection. Social protection is a set of policies, programs, and agendas that seek to remedy a problem such as insecurity and risk. They are associated with people who cannot get their needs met in typical programs associated with the labor market; in other words, they cater to the most vulnerable people. Cash transfers function in such a way that the state gives money to the poor on a regular basis, with or without conditions. The methods of cash transfers slightly differ for each country. (Hanlon, 3). In addition to this, cash transfers can either be given in the form of legitimate cash/food stamps or ‘in-kind’ things. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, which I will discuss later on. Both cash transfers and conditional cash transfers (CCTs) exist. Cash transfers function without conditions or contingencies and, on the contrary, CCTs involve conditions that the receiver must abide by in order to receive money. An example of this would be: a poor mother receives a monthly amount of money on the condition that she regularly takes her child to the doctor. CCTs are targeted programs that are primarily concerned with children’s health and education. They also only grant money to individuals who don’t make enough income to support themselves. How cash transfers trump previous development paradigms While previous development paradigms thrive in a number of developmental aspects, they also fail in other areas that cash transfers seek to remedy. Firstly, ‘development’ tends to leave out the poorest of the poor and neglect the most vulnerable sectors. James Furguson states, â€Å"Under such circumstances, it has become more and more difficult to argue that the value produced at the region’s industrial centers is generated by the suffering of those at its periphery; instead, the suffering of the poor and marginalized appears as functionally isolated from a production system that simply no longer has any use for them† (Ferguson, 11). In an attempt to help these individuals who tend to be ‘left out’ of previous development paradigms, conditional cash transfers â€Å"promote the inclusion of ‘the most vulnerable sectors’ of society† (Spronk, 21). Secondly, previous development paradigms are highly focused on production as the best way to develop. To challenge this and to bring morals back into the system, cash transfers are highly focused on distribution. Why? Because ‘development as production’ can easily make the producers be understood as commodity-makers instead of real individuals, where ‘development as distribution’ does the reverse. In addition, James Ferguson believes that the world is at a place today that the distribution approach would make more sense. His ‘politics of distribution’ â€Å"involves new ways of thinking about a range of things that includes labor, unemployment, the family, and the meaning of ‘social’ payments (Ferguson, 10). Thirdly, previous development paradigms do little to help individuals cope with the harsh impacts of structural adjustment. Cash transfers, on the other hand, provide a lengthy amount of time where money is regularly given to the poor. This helps them cope with the impacts of structural adjustment programs much more than the previous development paradigms have in the past. Not only this, but cash transfers help individuals cope with other unexpected things, too. UKaid provides an example, stating, â€Å"In Lebanon, while UNHCR provided cash to Syrian refugees to cope with the harsh winter conditions as an alternative to ‘winterisation kits,’ most directed their additional income towards food and water† (UKaid). UKaid then comments on this, stating that â€Å"it is not that they did not need fuel it was that they needed other things more† (UKaid). This sheds light on the fact that â€Å"the element of choice is critical† (UKaid). In addition, the expenses involved in previous development paradigms are astronomical compared to cash transfer programs. Susan Spronk and Melisa Handi in No Strings Attached state that â€Å"One of the reasons CCTs are so popular is that they deliver results at a relatively low cost. Compared to the expenses involved in establishing universal, quality health care and education systems which in most of the Global South would entail massive public investment CCTs are almost free† (Spronk, 22). It makes sense for a health and need-based system that is catered to the poor to be cost-efficient. To continue, previous development paradigms have the tendency to make the poor be part of the capitalist system where Westerners become wealthier from the poor being poor. Structural adjustment programs are notorious for doing just this. The poor are indebted to Western countries, and therefore are placed within programs that, more times than few, trap them within the system. They remain poor and as slave-figures to the wealthy, creating goods that the wealthy benefit from and that the poor do not. It is a vicious cycle that the poor, who are embedded within these structural adjustment programs, are unable to escape from. Cash transfers, on the other hand, do not embed the poor in a system that they are unable to get out of. Cash transfers strive to bring the poor out of poverty without the desire to make Westerners wealthier in the process. Cash transfers also meet a more diverse set of needs that hard-structured paradigms fail to acknowledge, (UKaid). Because they are structured in such a way that the individual can use the money how he/she wishes based on what he/she believes is the most mindful and need-based way to spend it the individual is getting his/her needs fulfilled much more than if that individual were to be shoved into an already-structured system that was not build around her specific, personal needs but the entire population’s general needs. Cash transfers are more individual-specific, which means that the plans are catered to the individual’s needs instead of what the program assumes are his/her individual needs. Other health programs that are more rigidly organized assume that the individual can easily fit into its previously-established structure, which is not always the case. Development paradigms, such as microfinance, can have the ability to benefit poor borrowers in certain situations, however do not make the poor countries richer; there is not a large long-term benefit for the country, itself. Therefore individuals and the countries they inhabit are stuck in this microfinance system with no greater vision for the future. With cash transfers, however, the individuals ideally open up bank accounts, begin to establish businesses, and input their money into the economy on a regular basis by purchasing medicines, food supplies, and more. The cash transfer system helps the country’s economy and increases its wealth and independence in the long-run, as well as short-term. To what extent do cash transfers succeed? Cash transfers succeed to the extent that the individual receiving the cash transfers can manage his/her money well. There are, indeed, situations where the individual fails to successfully manage his/her money; however there are also situations where the individual can manage his/her money well enough to improve his/her life and even save a small amount each month. UKaid and the Center for Global Development’s study on cash transfers states that cash transfers are a â€Å"highly effective way to reduce suffering and to make limited humanitarian aid budgets go further, as well as can more broadly reform the humanitarian system so that aid providers of the future can work in a more complementary way to maximise their impact† (UKaid). How do cash transfers succeed? According to a film by Juhi Bhatt and Alok Verma on the effects of cash transfers in India, cash transfers have a positive impact on nutrition, medical care, education, infrastructure and housing, and the economy. Cash transfers allowed Indian families to increase their spending on healthy foods, go to the hospital when ill and buy medicines regularly, neatly dress their children and provide them with education on a regular-basis, have access to clean water, paved roads, proper draining, and working amenities, and save their small surplus monetary amounts in banks. (Guy Standing: Cash Transfer in India [EN Subs]) Because of increased sanitation, access to healthier, substantial foods, and the ability to regularly purchase medicines, illnesses are less common. Because kids do not have to work in agriculture, but instead can attend schooling, their futures appear brighter and enthusiasm about education is greater. And because they have a small amount of surplus money that they use to s ave in bank accounts, they are able to become more independent as time progresses. India’s economy benefits just as much as the individuals supporting it do. Of course we cannot assume that every country or individual who receives cash transfers will turn out exactly as India does, but India nonetheless seems to be a country where cash transfers are able to succeed. Key debates surrounding social protection programs Today there are many key debates that encompass social protection programs that one must consider in discussing cash transfers. Firstly, there is: targeted vs. universal. This raises the question: Does everyone get money or only some people? Some individuals could believe that targeting people is better because it is a better use of the money. However, those who fall just above the cut-off line of who qualifies are critical of this because they do not receive money. Secondly, there is: conditional vs. unconditional. Is it better to have conditions and contingencies associated with money? Will people spend their money more wisely if there are conditions? Or is this controlling, and should people be able to do what they wish with their money? Some individuals fear that the poor would only spend their money in short-term investments, and therefore would not set themselves up for a better long-term future. Others believe that no one knows what the poor needs besides the poor, and therefore it would be wiser to trust the poor that they will spend their money on things they believe they need. There is much debate between which is better: CCTs or unconditional cash transfers. And indeed there is more contestation over unconditional cash transfers. Thirdly, there is: markets vs. states, which raises the question: Should state or market take on people’s social protection? There is much contestation surrounding this, as well. In addition, cash vs. in-kind/things is highly debated. Cash takes on the form of money or food stamps; in-kind takes on the form of items such as fuel, rice, etc. The argument in favor for cash is that it gives people more opportunity to succeed. The argument in favor for in-kind things is that, as much as cash gives people more opportunity to succeed it also gives people just as much opportunity to fail. In addition, people don’t always spend money on what they need so cash transfers give them what they need. Also, in-kind things do not associate with inflation. In this sense, in-kind things are more stable, predictable, and reliable.

Scotland and Saudi Arabia Nations Population Census Records Research Paper

Scotland and Saudi Arabia Nations Population Census Records - Research Paper Example To build pyramids, the Egyptian government would conduct a census so as to plan for people to be involved besides the need to redistribute land due to the yearly flooding of river Nile. Censuses can be traced back to the times when Romans and Greeks would do this task even before Christ was born. Men in the empire of Rome would be ordered to return to their places of origin so that the exercise would be undertaken. (ons.gov.uk, 2008) This study is set out to discuss the nations of Scotland and Saudi Arabia with a specific focus on population census records. A comparison will be done and the befitting answer to the various tasks will be provided regarding this. In every scenario, Scottish census records will be looked at first before proceeding to Saudi Arabia. The information from the displayed table may be of help to private researchers who may want to determine the average number of persons each family has in Scotland and also determine the trends in the changes of family size to tell whether they are diminishing, stagnated or increasing in terms of persons per household. This information would also be important to other stakeholders like the Health Ministry to come up with conclusions on family planning issues. Table 2 could be used by civil servants to count on the dependency ratio, the number of people in the labor force and those with sustainable sources of income. This would also be helpful to the government to determine the number of drugs, food, and other essential resources to distribute as well as future prospects on the labor force. This would be useful to private researchers where they may want to determine aggregate expenditure in households.  

John Locke and the Tacit Consent Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

John Locke and the Tacit Consent Theory - Essay Example John Locke’s Theory of Tacit Consent is actually necessary but should not be the only basis of the legitimacy of a government. According to John Locke, the so-called Tacit Consent Theory refers to the notion that â€Å"one can only become a full member of society by an act of express consent† (Tuckness), which may translate as â€Å"simply by walking along the highways of a country a person gives tact consent to the government and agree to obey it while living in its territory† (Tuckness). This is, in fact, a rather self-explanatory definition of tacit consent. The point of Locke then is that â€Å"a government can only be legitimate when its citizens have consented to it† (Greenwood). Tacit consent, therefore, becomes for Locke an implication or indication not only of consent but also of obligation. This means that the idea of being in a particular place implies two things – that one â€Å"voluntarily† or â€Å"tacitly† consents to be ing under the governance of the law of that place, and that one therefore is obliged to follow the law of that place. Furthermore, this obligation to the law is also tantamount to consenting to be subject to the sanctions that will result if the law is not followed. This idea – the Tacit Consent Theory, however, no matter how logical it may sound, lends itself to several flaws. One objection to Locke’s theory of tacit consent is that Locke cannot possibly expect political obligation from the citizens since, based on the theory of tacit consent, it is the citizens’ consent that precedes and determines the legitimacy of the government, and not the other way around. According to Locke, â€Å"a government can only be legitimate when its citizens have consented to it† (Greenwood). This means that unless the citizens consent to the dictates and laws of the government, this government may exist but will remain illegitimate. The citizens’ consent therefore is essential to determining the legitimacy of the government. If, therefore, the actions of the government – imposing laws and sanctions – are dependent upon this legitimacy, then these actions are all dependent upon the consent of the citizens. In simple terms, if the citizens do not consent to the legitimacy of the government – or if there is no public trust – then the government cannot therefore impose laws on the citizens as well as sanctions if they violate these laws. However, Locke would answer this objection using his idea of the â€Å"majority,† which is clearly stated in Sections 97 and 98 in Chapter VIII of his Second Treatise of Government. Although negatively stated by Locke in Section 97, his point is that â€Å"†¦every man [should] submit to the determination of the majority [or else he] would signify nothing and be no compact, if he be left free, and under no ties than he was in before in the state of nature† (Locke). M oreover, Section 98, although also negatively stated, claims that â€Å"if the consent of the majority shall not†¦be received as the act of the whole, [this] will necessarily keep many away from the pubic assembly† (Locke). If Locke therefore would argue with the first objection stated above, he would simply state, based on the provisions of Sections 97 and 98, that the government is simply synonymous to the â€Å"majority† who declare among themselves that certain laws and sanctions should be imposed on the whole body of citizenry. In short, the government, to which some citizens may claim that they have no compulsory allegiance or political obligat

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of European Union (EU) as a Essay

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of European Union (EU) as a foreign policy actor - Essay Example f measuring the EU’s external behavior and its policymaking in order to conclude if there is or not an European Foreign Policy, the theoretical interest has been mainly centered in the theoretical capability-expectations gap and in categorizing and defining not the EFP but the EU’s international role. It is only lately that some studies have pointed out the relevance and the need of a Foreign Policy Approach (FPA) to help explain the complex arena of the European Union’s Foreign Policy. To adapt FPA to the European Union, an original and unique political organization, poses no insuperable problems. The difficulty is to apply an FPA approach to â€Å"European Foreign Policy†. In my view the concept of â€Å"European Foreign Policy† is the problem. For some analysts EFP is synonymous with EU’s Common Foreign and Security policy (CFSP) which should be differentiated from the European Community external competences (the traditional trade policy and the new development policy complementary to those of the Member States). Recently Hill (2002: 2-3) employs the term â€Å"European Foreign Policy† to the ensemble of the international activities of the European Union alone, not only CFSP activities but also including outputs from the other two EU’s pillars, considered as a â€Å"mass of activity† which cannot be pretended to be in itself coherent. Others find the former definition to restrictive and consider that EFP takes three forms: member states Foreign Policy, Community external relations and Union’s CFSP. In this context EFP is understood as a system of external relations or a Foreign Policy system where these three strands can be differentiated for analytical purpose. Although these perspectives stress that a key research task for the analyst is to establish the extent to which these forms have become interwoven over time, the fact is that this notion of EFP emphasizes the distinct sets of activity more than their interaction. These definitions of EFP tend