Global Trends Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Trends Paper - Essay Example This heterogeneity and culturally diverse employment landscape shall present several challenges that need to be dealt with. Not only will cross-cultural communication be a basic requirement in future but also the area of knowledge management will become critical to employees and employers alike. Keeping in view these trends, individuals, including me, will have to acquire extensive training and job-specific education in order to obtain a better fit with the need for IT skills in upcoming jobs (Stair and Stair). What is even more important is that I shall be required to develop strong cross-communication skills which shall be useful during my interactions with a diverse workforce in order to arrive at possible business solutions. Of which learning and development process, virtual learning shall form a large part. Therefore, training sessions may not always be physical; they would include webinars as well as video conferencing to ensure maximum gains from training. Another significant trend that has emerged after the IT bubble burst is that the recruitment and selection processes have become lengthier and involve greater scrutiny (Preibl, Bouwman and Steinfield). On the other hand, the good news for professionals like me in the long run would be that increasingly companies are taking steps in order to retain genuinely talented individuals with IT expertise. In doing so, these companies are offering incentives such as higher compensation, greater training and career development opportunities, flexible work schedules as well as bonuses for good performers. Employees who hold IT skills in highly rewarded professions may expect to obtain huge increases in their salaries. Thus, if employees, including me, acquire the IT skills required for the job, there will be better employment opportunities in terms of the above mentioned factors. Also, because the rate of technology becoming obsolete is every high with the boom in tablets, PCs and cloud computing, individuals who acquire degrees in specialized IT fields can secure high pay levels. The role of IT consultants, in particular, has enhanced rapidly as firms hire outside experts to help them manage their massive investments in IT. Also, according to research estimates, the demand for skilled IT workers is outstripping supply, leading to a wage premium for such workers. At the same time, however, the college graduates are facing the brunt of a 2% unemployment rate (Lerman). Therefore, for potential employees such as me, acquiring the right skill set is the first step towards securing a well-paid job which in future is likely to be one involving specialized knowledge of IT. The challenge associated with IT, on the other hand, is that increasingly pay is becoming variable as opposed to the traditional fixed salaries. Therefore, pay is increasingly being associated with individuals’ performance which means that if workers do not perform well their compensation will be reduced accordingly and vi ce versa. This shall become more stressful for workers, including me, who will have to constantly ensure that performance targets are being met. Also, the concept of job security is becoming increasingly threatened with the boom of IT as well as the global recession. Thus, one can expect being fired for not performing, or simply being laid off due to downsizing of the corporation. This is increasing specially because of the abundance of IT

Ratings In Schools And Accountability Systems Research Paper

Ratings In Schools And Accountability Systems - Research Paper Example Administrators also feel pressure when accountability systems are adopted. They report that they must spend additional hours defending their schools' competitive standing with parents, teachers, and the media--hours that they once spent more productively. In response to these worries and pressures, educators also begin to adjust the focus of their efforts. Their curricula and teaching efforts become more standardized and superficial. Moreover, since they want their schools to look well on competitive tests, they tend to restrict instruction to the topics assessed by those tests. A sad example of how this process works was recently described by sociologists Jere Gilles, Simon Geletta, and Cortney Daniels. In 1993 the State of Missouri created an accountability program designed around a new assessment instrument, the Missouri Mastery Achievement Test. This test was tied to a new curriculum that had been developed by the state's department of education, and all schools were required to administer it so that it could be used as a "report card"--letting the public know how well their own schools were doing compared with others in the state. As Gilles and his colleagues describe the outcome, results of this. Quality programs and textbooks were scrapped in order to replace them with materials that directly taught the test, and an unholy competition emerged between districts and communities over test scores. In some districts a week or more of instructional time each year was devoted to this test.... scrapped in order to replace them with materials that directly taught the test, and an unholy competition emerged between districts and communities over test scores. In some districts a week or more of instructional time each year was devoted to [preparing for] this test (Gabbard 67). Moreover, this was not an isolated incident. As testing specialist George Madaus has suggested, when you have high-stakes tests, the tests eventually become the curriculum. It happened with the Regents exams in New York. Items that are not emphasized in the testare not emphasized in school. That's a fundamental lesson that cuts across countries and across time. Teaching has not changed that much; it's an art form. Given basically the same set of circumstances, teachers will behave in much the same way. . . . But if you go to Europe, to the British Isles, or to Australia and look at comparable literature, [worries about] the external achievement exams . . . appear often. And they write about cramming, about how they prepared for the exams. They write about how, after taking the exams, they purged their minds of the answers that they had learned (Gabbard 59). Somehow, we doubt that most Americans are interested in promoting school learning that is narrow, test-specific, standardized superficial, and easily forgotten--but that is exactly what accountability programs promote. It also takes a great deal of time and money to conduct accountability programs. According to a leading scholar, Arthur Wirth, citing the National Commission on Testing and Public Policy, mandatory testing in America now "consumes annually some 20 million school days and the equivalent of $700 and $900 million in direct and indirect expenditures." What this means, of course, is that schools regularly shortchange

Parliamentary Or Presidential System Of Government Politics Essay

Parliamentary Or Presidential System Of Government Politics Essay There is a popular saying that if a company can establish itself in a successful position among the modern fierce competition, two basic abilities must own that first ability is managing interior business successfully, and another one is having a good public relationship. In fact, so it does, and more and more companies are putting the activity of making a good public relationship on an important place. So business lobbying has larger and larger market, at the same time, there are more and more companies and interest groups who engage in the activities, and the industry of business lobbying is forming and becoming mature gradually. Business lobbying plays its role through impacting the making of some laws and regulations (Mortern Secen, 2002). Because of the important role of business lobbying playing, the government and some related departments are putting this issue on agenda (Raymond Terrence, 1986). But different system of government will provide different opportunities for bus iness lobbying. This paper will analyze and compare the different influence of two main system of governmentparliamentary or presidential system on business lobbying and provide the conclusion that the presidential system of government will provide better opportunities. In the following parts of this paper will give some key reasons for this conclusion by the method of comparative analysis, and the last part will provide some suggestions for companies, lobbyists and government about business lobbying and some reflections from the analysis also will be stated in this part. Why presidential system of government can provide better opportunities for business lobbying than the parliamentary one? Making a comparison between parliamentary system and presidential system First, the origination ways of government is different. In the parliamentary system, government is usually organized by the political party or party alliance who takes a major part in the parliament; but in presidential system, the members are appointed and leaded by the elected president (Presidential system, 2010). Second, the powers of office of the parliament are different. The parliament in the parliamentary system not only has the rights of lawmaking, supervising government, and deciding financial budget, but also have the right of organizing the authorities of government; but the in presidential system, the parliament only have the rights of lawmaking, supervising government and deciding financial budget, and do not have the right of organizing government. Third, the relationship between government and parliament is different. In the parliamentary system, the government is responsible of the parliament. If the parliament passes the case of not trusting government owing to being unpleased with the governments policy, the government must resign or apply the head of nation to dismiss the parliament and vote again. But in the presidential system, the government leaded by president is only responsible of electors, and not the parliament. Both the members of parliament and government can not hold a concurrent post. The president need not have the policy responsibility of parliament, so the parliament can not compel president to resign by proposing untrusting case, but when the president disobeys the constitutions, they can propose impeach. Fourth, the position and function the head of state plays are different. In the parliamentary system, the head of state only has suppositional rights not real rights, but in the presidential system, the president is the same to the head of state, at the same time, he is also the head of the government, so he has the real rights. Fifth, the means of political partys producing is different. In the parliamentary system, the political party is usually the party or the party union who win in the general election of the parliament; but in the presidential system, the political party is usually the party or party union who win in the general election of the president. Sixthly, in the parliamentary system, executive are drawn from the legislature, but in the presidential system, executive and legislature strictly separate. Finally, the producing ways of the head of state is different. In the parliamentary, the president is mainly elected by the parliament excluding some little nations, but in the presidential system, the president is voted by the whole people directly or indirectly (What government, n.d.). The reasons for why the presidential system can provide better opportunities for business lobbying than the parliamentary system For interest groups, they can participate in the political process by making some campaigns, drafting and making some political proposes and communicating with the lawmakers and their staff about the issues they concern in order to obtain some favor in their position. So through above comparison analysis, the presidential system of the government can provide better opportunities the process of business lobbying. Some special reasons will be discussed in the following. First, in the presidential system of government, the communication between the lobbyists and the government will be easier and more convenient than in the parliamentary system. In the presidential system, the president is voted by the whole people directly or indirectly, and is responsible for his electors, at the same time the lobbyist and the other members of the interest groups which the lobbyists stand for are the part of the voters, and because the influence of the interest groups are so wide among the voters that they are playing an important role in the election of the president. So the president will be pleased and can not refuse usually to communicate with his voters although at the same time they are the lobbyists and maybe their opinions are so different from him. Just for these reasons, the communication with the government will be easier and more convenient, and the lobbyists will accept the basic respect. The situation between the lobbyists and the local government will be the same. Second, in the presidential system of government, the rate of successful business lobbying is higher than in the parliamentary system. According to the ways of the election of president and other characteristics of the presidential system, the president will take some consideration of his voters including the lobbyist voters for the success of the next president election. And in this system, to some degree the parliament and the president is consistent and the president has the real rights, so if the lobbyist can make a good relationship with the head, the business lobbying is already successful for half. So the successful rate will increase. Third, in the presidential system, the market of business lobbying will be larger than in the parliamentary system. Because the communication will be easy between lobbyists and government and the successful rate of business lobbying is high, at the same time, what is the most important is that if the business lobbying is successful, the benefit will surpass the cost bigly, so the enterprises will employ more lobbyists for more issues which they concern. Just for this reasons, the market of business lobbying will be larger. Though above discussion, and according to the contrast of characteristics between these two different systems, the presidential system of the government will provide better opportunities for the business lobbying (Nirmalendu, 2004). Some suggestions and reflections People always say that a healthy political system is an essential element to a healthy economic system; on the contrary, the economic system will have influence on the political system (Tomaso, D. 2005). As the market of business lobbying is increasing seriously and the influence of the lobbyists is on the rise, some problems must be taken into consideration about the business lobbying for its continue and healthy development. The activities of business lobbying are mainly related to three beneficial parts, which are enterprises, lobbies and government. Just these three parts make the business lobbying go on. There are some suggestions and reflections about the three beneficial parts (Hamilton David, 1997). First, for enterprises, they must have a right incentive for business lobbying, and should not use business lobbying for no reasons. As soon as decide to go on the activities of business lobbying, they should union some other related companies and find a suitable and qualified lobbyists to make it successful to increase the powers and successful rate of business lobbying. Second, for lobbyists, when they receive some enterprises invitation and apply, they should think it over and over, because they should have their own positions. But as soon as they decide to receive the business lobbying, they should have a complete and detailed plan before actions and choose and use proper and suitable ways to influence the process of politics. Maybe they can combine direct and indirect ways of business lobbying (Dustin, 2010). Third, for government, although there are more and more interests groups and professional lobbyists who are engaging the activities of business lobbying and their advisers are usually persuasive, the government should have its own position about some specific issues and should think over things from the perspective of the whole peoples benefit. Only by the common and simultaneous hard workings of enterprises, lobbyists and the government, the business lobbying can play its deserved role in the development process of politic and economy.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of International Law Essay -- Internation

Even after decades of relatively established pattern for the relations between the states there is still an ambiguity on the issue of state sovereignty. To which extent its’ violation could be justified? In the study of International Relations there are two major perspectives on the legitimacy of such actions, they are: liberal and realist. Whilst former advocates for this measures when the state itself violates human rights of the citizens and extended intervention is required (Kegley, 259), latter claims that the state sovereignty is the central assumption of this theoretical framework (Kegley, 28) and the actions that might infringe it are not legitimate. 2011 military intervention in Libya, intended to cease Gaddafi’s regime (UNSC), can demonstrate both of these perspectives. Moreover, it particularly highlights the presence of peacemaking actors’ responsibility to protect the human rights of civilians. Nevertheless, both realist and liberal perspectives incl ude the legitimacy of violation of the state sovereignty and at the same time reveal illegitimacy of this issue. The liberal theory emphasises the importance of non-state actors such as the political institutions, Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs), Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs) in world politics decision-making. All of them should act according to the public international law which regulates the government-to-government relationships (Kegley, 400). Thus, when Libyan government started to suppress the riots and demonstrations of civilian population by the military means the international community became cautious about the outcomes of such policies (UNSC). Moreover, when the government failed to respond for the calls to stop the violence, the response of the Un... ...ng of international law’s efficiency. Works Cited Allen, Peter. "France Stops All Italian Trains Carrying North African Immigrants." The Telegraph. 17 Apr. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2012. . "Iran Profile." BBC News. BBC, 03 Feb. 2012. Web. 28 Apr. 2012. . Kegley, Charles W., and Gregory A. Raymond. The Global Future: A Brief Introduction to World Politics. 4th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2011. Print. Schenk, Caress. Politics of Global Security: Liberal alternatives. Lecture notes. 17 Apr. 2012. United Nations Security Council. Security Council Report. Rep. United Nations, 8 Nov. 2011. Web. 28 Apr. 2012. .

Library Management System Essay

Introduction The primary purpose of this study about Library System is to show how the system helps the librarians, the students and faculties. The study focuses on borrowing and returning process of the books. The role of the integrated library system is, and always has been, to help manage the effective delivery of library services. This has traditionally been anchored on the management of the catalogue and physical collection. Background of the Study. Library Borrowing/Returning System is a process of organizing important information, used to track items borrowed, and the scheduled time for returning. This system help users or people who responsible in recording the data appropriately, it also saves time and more convenient to use than the traditional manual recording. Lack of library system in a school can lead to chaos and troubles, and because of it the librarian is having a problem to serve each students and faculties who wish to use the library. It is extremely useful in the school to use that automated system. Objectives of the Study General Objective: the general objective of this study is to design and develop a library system that will serve as a proposal to help librarians save time with the automation of its daily operation. Specific Objectives: * To computerize records keeping of books; * To allow librarians to retrieve complete information of the book and its borrowers Hypothesis of the Study The proposed library system will greatly improve the efficiency of the school library. This study has the following hypothesis: The profiles of the respondents taken are their names, student number, year and section, and title and author of the book borrowed. The manual system is very time consuming, inconvenient when it comes to recording, organizing and retrieving borrower’s record in the log book. The proposed system is the best solution to go away with the old method of data keeping such as log books, folders and file cabinets, which do not allow easy retrieval. Not only the records are more accurate, the library can also accommodate more borrowers than before. Statement of the Problem Specifically, this study aims to answer the following: 1. What are the profiles of the respondents in terms off; 2. 1. Names 2. 2. Year and section 2. 3. Title and author of the book borrowed 2. What are the common problems encountered with the existing manual system of managing library? 3. What are the difference between the manual system and the proposed system? Assumptions The proposed system deals with the management of data taken from the library management such as the log book of the library. Reports that generated by the proposed system are limited to predefined reports to be provided by the user such as their manual way of managing the library, while no ad-hoc reports will be provided. On security, the proposed system allows access to unauthorized users. It can only be operated if the user provides user name and password which is already validated by the database administrator of the system to be assigned by authorized personnel. Students, however, may borrow books without opening restricted files. Significance of the Study. Socio-economic Significance In this study, the proposed system will inspire other students to develop an effective and efficient system. Technological Significance The proposed system will introduce technology to the school libraries that are until now adapting manual method. The result of this study is beneficial to the following: * Library. The proposed system will simplify and automate everyday task can help maximize time spent with the borrowers thereby providing better service making it more profitable. * Librarian. The proposed system will make it easier for the librarian to manage the library and convenient when it comes to retrieving book record. * Students. The proposed system will make it easier for the students to borrow books and to lessen their time in borrowing. * Researcher. The researcher will develop their writing, analysis, and interpretation skills needed to make a good thesis. * Future researcher. This will benefit other researchers who wish to have similar studies as they can get background information from the result of this study which will serve as template to modify their research.

Jung’s Unconscious Mind Essay

In his description and explanation of the fourth dimension of the unconscious mind, Carl Jung uses an example involving one of his patients to justify his addition of the collective unconscious as the fourth part of Freud’s unconscious mind. His patient had successfully completed the psychoanalytic process of transference but was still not cured. This was the end of the process of psychoanalytic transference developed and practiced by Sigmund Freud. This led Jung to believe that the unconscious consisted of more than the components of repression, as was believed by Freud. If what she had been repressing had been discovered and was now being embraced in her conscious mind, her condition should have improved according to Freud’s theory. Her condition had not improved thus, Jung felt that there must be more. Jung began to look to her dreams, which he believed to be essentially photos of the unconscious mind at work. He found patterns that appeared ideal to and should have allowed psychoanalytic transference to function sufficiently. Despite her achievement of transference, the woman was still not well. He continued to observe her dreams. She had likened him, the doctor, to an amalgamation of her father and a lover who embodied the admirable traits of her father just as the process would call for. This should have led to her cure but it did not. Due to the fact she had not yet improved, he continued to observe her dreams until one day, he realized that she had likened him not just to the amalgamation of father and lover but, to a more divine figure. Though she was not a religious person, he figured that she had a â€Å"longing for a god†¦ welling up from our deepest darkest instinctual nature (Jung, 492). Her problem was not one of repressed feelings but a longing for something higher to guide and protect her. Possibly in the time that her father was alive, he was able to serve that purpose. With him gone, the urge regained influence. The urge was not one of conscious mind. It was an attempt to replace the Christian faith she had abandoned with something real. She likened the doctor to a god and because she knew her relationship with the doctor to be intimate, it helped her to feel closer to god. Freud’s definition of the unconscious mind included only things that had once been present in the conscious mind. The patient had never encountered the symbolic, ancient deities that were represented by the father figure of her dreams. There was a demand for more content in the definition of the unconscious mind. This psychological phenomenon has affected my attitude toward religion as well. I, like the patient in this case, abandoned my Christian upbringing for a more agnostic and eclectic practice. It is no doubt that there is such an instinctual nature to attempt to define and relate to the divine. It may be observed in the fact that people of all cultures, in all parts of the world have some type of religious belief and practice. There are many different types. The proof lies in their existence alone. Though they may vary in many ways, they are all a result of this passion which wells up from the deepest, darkest part of our beings. Of course, religion today has become part of our experience. During our childhood, we are introduced to religion by our parents. The proof of the unconscious mind’s longing is in the founders of these religions. These people had a passion that drove them to do more than they were required. The feelings of hunger, thirst and cold required them to hunt and seek shelter. These actions were result based purely of an experiential nature. Some of these people were good at what they had to do and were able to live more or less comfortably. Their minds had the leisure to allow the unconscious mind to play during their dreams. Given the chance, the unconscious mind played with the images of the divine. It drew from the collective unconscious of archetypal imagery. It gave them hints that there was more to what could be seen. It offered images of things good and offered means of achieving them. These men, these dreamers, acted out their dreams. They paid homage to what their intuitions, their unconscious minds, had shown them. They performed rituals imitating creatures not of this world. They went into trances and allowed themselves to be controlled completely by the unconscious mind. They performed the first rituals. They allowed their unconscious desires to dictate their actions. For these men, religion was intuitive. Now, we get the religious experience with its images and concepts, fed to us in a spoon with our mashed carrots. For us, we are conditioned into religion. I have always been more of a nonconformist. When I became old enough to question why, to critically examine more abstract concepts, to use my experiences of reality as a gage against what I was being told, I stepped out of conformity. At that point, I was antichristian. Free of the dogmas and the shelters they provided, my unconscious mind sought some sort of nourishment to quench the thirst for the fulfillment of spiritual energies. Off of the path, I soon found myself lost. So what did I do? I did what came natural. I delved into other religions. I began to study Buddhist teachings. I studied the Shinto practiced in Japan. I learned about the caste system of Indian culture. Why all this? I suppose that I needed to. I had taken out a part of my life and needed to fill it back in. I had taken away the food for my spiritual appetite. I broke my relationship to the divine. I was discontent with no place to release my spiritual energies. However, this was not a conscious decision. Outside of the Christian tradition within which I was brought up, I felt the genuine need for fulfillment of divine nature. For something bigger than myself and bigger than mankind as a whole. No one told me I had to find a proper outlet for spiritual energies. I was driven by an unknown force, a curiosity that masked a deeper desire to relate to the divine. I wandered. I stumbled. I tripped, fell, got back up and tripped again. Masked as curiosity, the passion of my unconscious mind has driven me to explore different methods. I have thumbed through religious books from all over the world. I attend religious ceremonies and festivals of different origin. My unconscious mind has created this curiosity in order to fulfill its own desire to be a part of and to be connected to something greater. I have abandoned my antichristian post now. I now exist outside of Christianity and am able to gaze upon it as an objective observer. I agree with many Christian principles. I agree with them though, on my own terms, in my own understanding. I stepped away from the religion to which I had been conditioned. I explored others as was deemed necessary by my curiosities and I have found some things that I believe to be true, some things that make me feel closer to the divine. The unconscious includes the ego, the superego, and the id. Unwanted memories are pushed into the unconscious mind to be put aside. They can cause many ailments when not properly discarded. These ailments may be alleviated by methods such as psychoanalytical transference. However, even after complete transference has been completed, there is still activity taking place in the unconscious mind. It is not limited to repression. Also dwelling in the subconscious mind is a collective consciousness composed of archetypal images and instincts. This is responsible for the imagery of our dreams, the universal perceptions of beauty and the desire to be somehow linked to the divine. I have seen it in my life and I have evidence of it in the fact that religion is present and dominates nearly every society around the globe.

The Da Vinci Code Essays

The Da Vinci Code Essays The Da Vinci Code Paper The Da Vinci Code Paper Essay Topic: Literature The Da Vinci Code is a thriller novel by the American author Dan Brown. The novel is based on the controversial premise that there is a conspiracy within the Catholic Church to cover up the true story of Jesus. The text is constructed to position readers through characterization and narration. The story explores the issues of the false conflict between faith and knowledge. Sophies plans for Langdon and her to escape from the crime scene suggest that this is a thriller story. This similarity with action thrillers creates expectations about the plot. Thriller stories become personal where the crime draws in aspects of the protagonists life to change the plot from a professional action to a personal quest. This is taken even further when the protagonist becomes the victim. The event of the stunning historical truth about to be lost forever provokes reactions in the characters. In the scene where Silas threatens to kill Sauniere, he said tell me where the secret is, there is nothing you can do. This creates a mixed sense of anticipation and foreboding. The behavior of the characters encourages us to develop our response to them. The monks cruelty reduces our sympathy for him and we feel the dread of Opus Dei, the Christian organization which he follows. We identify with the victim because we know something terrible is about to happen and there is nothing we can do about it. As well as this empathy with the victim, were also tempted to emphasize with the antagonist. Therefore, the thrill of thrillers comes from this generated attitude of the modern western world. The protagonists sudden realization that they are in the mercy of Teabing was shocking, and will significantly alter our perceptions of Teabings character. Any re-reading of the story will be affected by our knowledge of his actual identity. Using Sophie as hostage, he threatens to kill her if Langdon does not let him know the resting place of the grail. This makes us aware of the description of his character, whose motives appeared to be parallel to those of the Priory of Sion. We realize that as well as a welcome benefactor for the protagonists, Teabing also has all the characteristics of a thriller antagonist. His mindset is unencumbered by his grail obsession and so become motivated in his plans not by finding the truth, but by does it achieve the aims or not. He has institutional power that comes from being rich and having access to the functions of Opus Dei. Much of the protagonists actions are as a reaction to the antagonists plans. He drives the plot and energizes the story. Thus this thriller differs in its extraordinarily masterminded antagonist. The effect of embedding multiple narratives within each other is used in singular effect in some parts of the novel. The central part of the narration consists of Langdons and Sophies experiences in the complicated quest, which is followed closely within Silass account of attacking them. This in turn is contained within the French Judiciaries account of detecting and chasing Langdon and Sophie and the Opus Dei follower, Silas. The embedded structure is used where the opposing organizations view of the sacred grail is discussed through Bishop Aringarosas conversations and in Sophies memories of Jacquires Sauniere. This technique of using multiple embedded narrators gives the opportunity to play with the readers sympathy and offers various different ways of interpreting the novel. Omniscient narration is used to speak from the point of view of several characters, describing what they see and hear. There are important scenes that provide readers with more knowledge than the central character. This is shown in Silass account of revelation in the Church of Saint-Suplice which is entirely his point of view. There are some scenes of contact between Bishop Aringarosa and Chief Fache that are not presented from the protagonists perspectives. These scenes allow the reader to raise possible interpretations of the events which the central characters were unaware. The narrator also provides background information and pieces of knowledge unknown to other characters. However, the writer does not provide the reader with the complete understanding of the grail mystery in advance of the protagonists recognition. The moment when both the protagonist and the reader understand what the grail really is about is seen from the protagonists point of view. The novel follows the narrative pattern of a mystery and a thriller story. It has the rising action of the search for the secret, at the climax the protagonists discover who was behind the murders, and the falling action when the protagonists discover about Sophies family and Langdon discovers the resting place of the Grail. The story is told this way in order to provide maximum suspense for the reader. The writer also anticipates events. Teabings questions to Sophie about whether she would reveal the secret to the world if she had the choice foreshadows Teabings obsession with the necessity of revelation. This order of telling the events to the reader anticipates Teabing as the culprit. Although the story uses many legendary motifs such as the trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci and the similarity with Indiana Jones, it differs in its objective and earnest tone. The structural and symbolic importance of Sophies red hair foreshadows her divine blood. Teabing shows Sophie that Mary Magdalene is depicted with red hair in The Last Supper. By the end of the novel, we understand that Sophie is of Mary Magdalenes bloodline. Red hair was intended to be an allegory of the story of Magdalene. It is associated with the desire to expose the truth about the Grail. The Church has enforced ignorance about the existence of the descendents of Jesus. Although at one point Langdon says that the secrets of the Grail should be preserved in order to allow people to keep their faith, he also thinks that people who truly believe in God will be able to accept the idea that the Bible is full of metaphors, not literal transcripts of the truth. This means that peoples faith can withstand the truth. This story is therefore a view of reality of the false conflict between faith and knowledge. Reading in contextual conjunction with other Brown novels dealing with the same theme, The Da Vinci Code helps us to understand the heretical conspiracy theories against the Churches that has been around for centuries; it illuminates our view of the Churches influences, which involves the subjectivity of history and the conspiracy to cover up the truth forever, the effect of which, in the wake of numerous discoveries of the Grail motifs obscured in the works of Da Vinci and the strict opposition of Opus Dei, is a story that explores certain aspects of Christian history. As a critic had put it, the Da Vinci Code is a deeply empowering and positive force that opens doors for readers to their own explorations and rekindles their interest in topics of faith. I incline to Watsons view, for it promotes spiritual discussion and debate. This is achieved with the ideas written within the context of a popular thriller. Readers see the importance of characterization in the story in the development of our response to Langdon, Sophie and Teabing. The excitement of the thriller comes from a masterminded plot that is generated by the extraordinary antagonist. The narrative method uses multiple narratives from different point of views to alert the reader to different interpretations of the text. The text is designed to engage the reader through introspection and exploration of our faith.

Free Essay Editing

Free Essay Editing Free Essay Editing Free Essay Editing: Do not Neglect the Important! What are your actions when you have got an assignment to write a free essay? What do you concentrate your attention on? When getting an assignment to write an academic paper a student usually spends all his/her efforts and time of course at preparing for his/her writing and making this paper. The matter is that most students consider the task of writing any assignment paper as the process involving gathering of all necessary information (preparation stage) and making of the first as well as the final paper drafts (writing in itself). But what about editing? Unfortunately, just few students pay enough attention to this stage. However, it plays an important role in successful writing of any academic paper. In what way should you edit your assignment free essay? What principles of free essay editing should you keep in mind? Free essay editing: important points Lets focus on the most important things concerning free essay editing: First and foremost, you should remember that free essay editingis an important stage in your assignment essay writing. Although it is the last stage, you should not neglect it. So, edit your free essay carefully before submit it. Free essay editingsuggests attentive reading of the final paper draft and correcting of all possible mistakes that it may have. To find these mistakes you should read your free essay twice at least. Do not hurry! Concentrate on your paper. Nothing should divert your attention. Make use of dictionaries and manuals. They will help you make your spelling, grammar and punctuation correct. Pay attention to the contents as well. You may have missed some words or even phrases. This may misrepresent your ideas and make your free essay difficult to understand. You should also correct such mistakes. Free essay editinginvolves also checking of the paper format. Your free essay should be organized properly. So, if you find out that your paper format does not correspond to the requirements anyhow, you should make some changes. That is what you should keep in mind when getting down to your free essay editing. Help with free essay editing If you are not sure about your ability to make good free essay editing, contact us! We help students not only in writing but also in editing of their assignment papers. We will edit your free essay and you may not worry about its quality. Read also: How to Write a Book Report Essays on Patriotism Critique Essay Write Critical Success Factor Analysis Critical Literary Essay

T Unit Measurement in Linguistics

T Unit Measurement in Linguistics A T-Unit is a measurement in  linguistics, and refers to a main clause plus any subordinate clauses that may be attached to it. As defined by Kellogg W. Hunt (1964), the T-unit, or minimal terminable unit of language, was intended to measure the smallest word group that could be considered a grammatical sentence, regardless of how it was punctuated. Research suggests that the length of a T-unit may be used as an index of syntactic complexity. In the 1970s, the T-unit became an important unit of measurement in sentence-combining research. T Unit Analysis T-unit analysis, developed by Hunt (1964) has been used extensively to measure the overall syntactic complexity of both speech and writing samples (Gaies, 1980). The T-unit is defined as consisting of a main clause plus all subordinate clauses and nonclausal structures that are attached to or embedded in it (Hunt, 1964). Hunt claims that the length of a T-unit is parallel to the cognitive development of a child and thus the T-unit analysis provides an intuitively satisfying and stable index of language development. The T-units popularity is due to the fact that it is a global measure of linguistic development external to any particular set of data and allows for meaningful comparison between first and second language acquisition. . . .T-unit analysis has been successfully used by Larsen-Freeman Strom (1977) and Perkins (1980) as an objective measure to evaluate the quality of ESL student writing. T-unit measures used in this study include words per composition, sentences per composi tion, T-units per composition, error-free T-units per composition, words in error-free T-units per composition, T-unit length, and ratio of errors versus T-units per composition. (Anam Govardhan, Indian Versus American Students Writing in English. Dialects, Englishes, Creoles, and Education, ed. by Shondel J. Nero. Lawrence Erlbaum, 2006) By analogy with the way modifiers work in sentences, [Francis] Christensen thinks of subordinate T-units as modifying the more general T-unit that semantically encompasses them. The point can be illustrated by the following sentence of William Faulkners: Joads lips stretched tight over his long teeth a moment, and he licked his lips, like a dog, two licks, one in each direction from the middle. Like a dog modifies licked his lips, a relatively general description which could encompass various other types of lip-licking. Similarly, two licks starts to explain how a dog licks its lips, hence is more specific than like a dog. And one in each direction from the middle explains two licks even more specifically. (Richard M. Coe, Toward a Grammar of Passages. Southern Illinois Univ. Press, 1988) T-Units and Ordered Development Since young children tend to connect short main clauses with and, they tend to use relatively few words/T-unit. But as they mature, they begin to use a range of appositives, prepositional phrases, and dependent clauses that increase the number of words/T-unit. In subsequent work, Hunt (1977) demonstrated that there is a developmental order in which students develop the capacity to perform types of embedding. Other researchers (e.g. ODonnell, Griffin Norris, 1967) used Hunts unit of measurement to conclusively show that the words/T-unit ratio went up in both oral and written discourse as writers matured. (Thomas Newkirk, The Learner Develops: The High School Years. Handbook of Research on Teaching the English Language Arts, 2nd ed., ed. by James Flood et al. Lawrence Erlbaum, 2003)

Report on Religious Field Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Report on Religious Field Research - Essay Example By examining deeply and becoming aware of various religious practices of every religion may contribute to understanding and appreciation of each recognized beliefs and values. This is the purpose of this paper. This will also present a unique experience of attending personally one of the church’s services to actually see what is the strength of a certain religious group that holds each member tightly organized and unified in worship to God. Report on Religious Field Service: St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church Regardless of where we live, we can see the conspicuous effects of religion in the lives of millions of people. Since religion is about our relationship with God, our spirituality, what is more expected from us is the influence of our religious teachings in our personality, daily conduct, and with our relationship towards the people around us. However, religion with its various forms, created a society characterized with conflicts, battles and even wars, instead of a pe aceful society. We are all aware of the past, wherein some dominant religions in the world played a role in great wars that devastated mankind and caused untold suffering. This may be one major reason why some people refused to talk or discuss about religion. Or maybe, some may experience a heated argument if they discuss about their differences in their religious practices and beliefs. ... Additionally, interest on knowing about other religious beliefs may correct some misconceptions about them. Among the various groups of religion in the world, the dominant one is Christianity. About one quarter of the world’s population claim to be Christian, yet, divided into various sects. The prominent forms are Roman Catholic, the Orthodox Church, the Reformists or Protestants in its numerous sects such as Episcopalian, Lutheran, Calvinist, Baptist, Methodist and other churches. All of these churches consider themselves to be established respectable religion. I am interested to examine and know more about the St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church because on my opinion, as I have observed, its religious beliefs and practices are very similar with the Roman Catholic. So, why does this church has to separate itself and be recognized differently? So, I decided to attend one of its Sunday services to see the actual liturgical ceremony and practices. I believe this is one best wa y to correct any misconception about them. To my surprise, the church or cathedral itself is far different from the Roman Catholic Church. It is very colorful because instead of various relics and icons, the church is surrounded by hand-painted illustrations of various Jesus Christ’s image, his twelve apostles, angels and even images of Mary, all painted in the walls. All the paintings have relevant stories on the life of Jesus. According to one worshiper I asked, artworks in the wall contribute to a feeling of heavenly splendor while observing the liturgical ceremony, which is very solemn and serene. He also commented that the paintings in the walls constantly reminding him of the

Sleep Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sleep - Research Paper Example The literature reviewed in this paper also confirmed that working women have the potential to experience common stressors, putting them at risk for compromised sleep quality. Table of Contents Sleep Deprivation, Shift work and Women Introduction During the agricultural era, humans structured their sleep-wake patterns with nature's dark-light cycle. They worked during the day and slept at night. Dramatic changes in this natural pattern occurred with the discovery of artificial light and the productivity of the industrial era. Artificial light made it possible for industry to operate 24 hours a day. Thus, employees were scheduled into varying shifts, including evening, night, and rotating shifts. With the information era, carne the reality of cyberspace, and it became possible to work anytime, anywhere. The workplace expanded into homes, and disrupted family and leisure time as well as sleep. Natural sleep-wake patterns were compromised and America evolved into a sleep-deprived society (LeBlond, 2008). Background Between 50 million and 70 million individuals experience frequent sleep problems (LeBlond, 2008), and significant number of workers compromise their health and safety because they mismanage or do not know how to manage sleep. Significant number of Americans are categorized as shift-workers, and most report both decreased quantity and quality of sleep, plus family and social life disruption, and impaired physical and emotional health (Bridges, 2008).Medically, problems with decreased quantity and quality of sleep associated with shift-work are diagnosed as Shift-Work Sleep Disorder, and are clinically diagnosed, by professional nurses, as Sleep Pattern Disturbance (LeBlond, 2008). The ability to cope with shift-work is influenced by a variety of inter-, intra-, and extra-personal factors, including (a) one's attitudes and beliefs about sleep, (b) one's biological clock, (c) domestic and social circumstances, and (d) sleep factors (Monk, 2000). Shift-work specifically impacts biological rhythms, negatively influences the shift-worker's quality of sleep, and disrupts family and social life. In reverse, the quality of sleep, social, and domestic demands influence the shift-worker's ability to cope with an unnatural sleep pattern (Monk, 2000; Bridges, 2008). Problem Statement Shift-workers have been reported to experience decreased quality of sleep comparable to people suffering from jet lag, except shift-workers chronically live at odds with natural sleep-wake patterns. Shift-workers predominantly report increased sleep problems, and many shift-workers may exhibit pathological sleepiness levels on the way to and from work as well as during the work shift (Sekine et al., 2006). The most common problems reported are an increased tendency to fall asleep, increased risk of accidents, impaired mood, and reduced psychomotor performance. Shift-workers, who are able to work away from domestic and social obligations, such as on oil-rigs, report adjusting to this unnatural schedule in 5-7 days. However, shift-workers with domestic and social obligations have major difficulty adjusting, leaving them at high risk for suffering the consequences of poor quantity and quality of sleep (Bridges, 2008; Taskar & Hirshkowitz, 2003). At first, men made up most of the American workforce, but women joined the ranks of the employed during World War II (WWII), and by the 1990's, women's employment patterns replicated men’

Influence of human surroundings on buildings Essay

Influence of human surroundings on buildings - Essay Example In older styles, such as Gothic, Romanesque or Renaissance, these are more evident of times gone by, periods of architecture which are no longer built. Yet some of these influences are reflected in the current-day buildings and consequently, are considered vernacular. Therefore, it is easy to claim that vernacular is a combination of styles, without the influence of any one particular architect or stylist (Arboleda 2006). Vernacular architecture is considered to be crafted by the builder, according to the desires of the owner who may also be the builder too. Over time, buildings such as these, when created through trial and error in first processes, become perfected and then reflect the style of the society or environment within which it resides. Rather than pursuing the aesthetic quality or some egotistical vision of a particular artist/architect, vernacular building is more about accomplishing the factors of function and ecological assimilation and also providing comfort of living at the same time (Ladd 2003). Local materials are used as well as local workers and this also provides a sense of the place having grown from the ‘roots’ of the local social environment. Vernacular building can also be representative of local observances such as a church and its flock of worshipers and provide remembrance of the religion through how it is built, according to the belief structure of those who will use it. The local populace in older times, were craftsmen who utilized functional skills in preparing materials and in the creation of infrastructure which was to provide a functional, well-built building, created to withstand much of nature’s harsh storms and other events, commiserate with that local population and environment (Ladd 2003). In America, log cabins are considered to be the early American style, consistent with the early settlers who built their homes using the trees around them. Today’s pre-packaged version in whatever wood choice y ou want, represents that stereo-typed tradition of the early days without the hassle of having to cut it down yourself. Of course, you could do it that way if you own the land you plan to build on and have the physical energy to do so. While vernacular building was representative of times gone by, including historical references, today’s version is more about sustainability, technological advances in building processes, and referencing the social and natural environment around the location (Arboleda 2006). The vernacular building is created to provide the necessities of life such as shelter, warmth and a place to cook and eat food. It is created to suit the owner and to also meld within the local social infrastructure. Apartment buildings are a type of vernacular building in that they are built, not necessarily with a particular style, but to suit the basic needs of anyone renting an apartment there. The basics include a main room, bedroom(s), bathroom(s) and the kitchen. In some cases, specifically-intentioned dining rooms are also included in those costing a little more. This is

Carmen Jones Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Carmen Jones - Essay Example Carmen Jones was a 1943 musical which was later adapted to film in 1954. Much of the original cast was African American during a time in this country when segregation was still prominent. This fictional story is centered around one character by the name of Carmen Jones and is done so in musical fashion. Carmen Jones is a young woman who makes parachutes for the flyboys in the American military. Incidentally, Carmen falls in love with one flyboy in particular named Joe. Joe however, is initially in love with another girl by the name of Cindy Lou. Joe intends to marry Cindy Lou on his next day of leave only to spurn Carmen’s jealousy enough to cause her to destroy a parachute. Since the parachute is government property, Carmen is in danger of getting in to trouble for doing so, so she must flea and does so with Joe. As they run off together, Carmen is able to both enchant and seduce Joe, who quickly forgets about Cindy Lou. As a result, Joe does not return to his post as he is s upposed to and therefore is court marshaled. Carmen in the meantime, meets a boxer in a saloon who invites her and her friends to attend his next boxing match. At first, Carmen does not consent to go but then later sees the wealth bestowed on her friends by Husky the boxer, and so therefore decides to accept the advances of Husky while rejecting Joe altogether. While at the apartment of Husky the boxer, Carmen has her cards read to her wherein she learns that death is soon coming for her. Additionally, Joe is confronted with Cindy Lou who wishes fro him to return to her and marry her. He rejects her completely as he is in love with Carmen. Incidentally, it is Joe who comes for her shortly after this in hopes of convincing her to come back to him. When she rejects him, he kills her thereby fulfilling the prophecy of the cards. In looking at the multi-layered themes of this piece, there is a lot to

College admission - why my rank dropped (2 to 31) and my GPA dropped Essay

College admission - why my rank dropped (2 to 31) and my GPA dropped from 4.0+ to 3.7 - change of school - Essay Example ore, I learned advanced scientific concepts in "Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology†, â€Å"Scientific Inquiries - Chemistry", â€Å"Scientific Inquiries - Physics", â€Å"Methods in Scientific Inquiry†, and â€Å"Mathematical Investigations III & IV†. IMSA classes are rigorous college preparatory courses (AP), with all classes being taught at the honors level. Unfortunately, I had to transfer to my home school on Dec 5 2012, 5 days before the completion of first semester of junior year at IMSA due to health reasons. According to IMSA policy, I could not get credit for the rigorous college preparatory courses, since I did not complete the semester. Moreover, Glenbard South could not transfer credits for courses taken at IMSA during 3 months (Aug -Dec). I had to study the Glenbard South syllabus on my own and complete it in 3 weeks’ time, which was overwhelmingly challenging. I completed first semester syllabus in AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP English Literature, and Composition in record 3 weeks’ time. Self-study, limited time, and difficulty of curriculum limited my scoring in the subjects to B+. This affected my GPA such that I dropped from rank 3 to rank 31 in a batch of 317 students. Additionally, Glenbard South did not have the equivalent advanced curriculum course titles to match courses taken at IMSA in sophomore year, which affected my GPA further. Therefore, my class rank and GPA calculated is not the appropriate reflection of Honors Course Curriculum, I had taken at IMSA. However, I derive satisfaction from the fact that I secured admission in one of the most competitive public high school and studied advanced curriculum that helped me prepare for the college. My SAT scores reflect my great potential since I managed to score 730 in Chemistry, 800 in Mathematics and 700 in English. I therefore believe that I have a greater potential than my GPA reflects. Given the chance, I can demonstrate that I am indeed a perfect candidate for Ivy League

Advanced Financial Reporting & Regulation Assignment

Advanced Financial Reporting & Regulation - Assignment Example The present research has identified that according to the SEC, the BMS company also engaged in ‘cookie jar’ accounting. That is, it created phony reserves for disposals of unneeded plants and divisions during high-profit quarters. These would be carried to decrease the operating expenses in results of the quarters where BMS’ income or earnings figures are insufficient to meet the forecasted amounts. Required: a. Using relevant academic papers, discuss the incentives why managers would resort to extreme earnings management technique such as this. b. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of ‘stuffing the channels’ and ‘cookie jar accounting’ as earnings management devices. Earnings management is any legal activity via which the entity administers its profits earned, retained and distributed and thereafter carries out it's financial reporting, making decisions regarding the contents, details, and disclosures to be provided in the deliverable s to give a true and fair view of its operations. According to Lev, earnings play a very important role not only because they shape up the success of any business but also because they can have drastic effects if the management’s reporting of earnings get manipulated. Therefore, it is of utmost significance for all key personnel of the entity to excel at earnings management, taking into account that it doesn’t involve any manipulative measures and fraudulent practices. According to scenario given in the question, the pharmaceutical company mentioned was similarly involved in maneuvering its books of accounts by using tactics such as ‘stuffing the channels’ and ‘cookie jar’ accounting, resulting into non-compliances, being penalized for the same. The question here arises as to why would managers of this enterprise be engaged in such practices of window-dressing the company’s books of accounts though aware of its adverse consequences of n on-compliance? Following are given few incentives which may urge managers to be indulged in wrongful earnings management: Fulfilling Expectations of Capital Markets: The most common reason for a majority of the times in such instances is motivation to satisfy capital markets. Managers are mostly under extreme pressures to create value for existing and prospective shareholders and when they find no way to do so in real terms, they end up manipulating reporting of earnings thereby affecting favorably stock’s market price in the short run.

College admission - why my rank dropped (2 to 31) and my GPA dropped Essay

College admission - why my rank dropped (2 to 31) and my GPA dropped from 4.0+ to 3.7 - change of school - Essay Example ore, I learned advanced scientific concepts in "Evolution, Biodiversity, and Ecology†, â€Å"Scientific Inquiries - Chemistry", â€Å"Scientific Inquiries - Physics", â€Å"Methods in Scientific Inquiry†, and â€Å"Mathematical Investigations III & IV†. IMSA classes are rigorous college preparatory courses (AP), with all classes being taught at the honors level. Unfortunately, I had to transfer to my home school on Dec 5 2012, 5 days before the completion of first semester of junior year at IMSA due to health reasons. According to IMSA policy, I could not get credit for the rigorous college preparatory courses, since I did not complete the semester. Moreover, Glenbard South could not transfer credits for courses taken at IMSA during 3 months (Aug -Dec). I had to study the Glenbard South syllabus on my own and complete it in 3 weeks’ time, which was overwhelmingly challenging. I completed first semester syllabus in AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP English Literature, and Composition in record 3 weeks’ time. Self-study, limited time, and difficulty of curriculum limited my scoring in the subjects to B+. This affected my GPA such that I dropped from rank 3 to rank 31 in a batch of 317 students. Additionally, Glenbard South did not have the equivalent advanced curriculum course titles to match courses taken at IMSA in sophomore year, which affected my GPA further. Therefore, my class rank and GPA calculated is not the appropriate reflection of Honors Course Curriculum, I had taken at IMSA. However, I derive satisfaction from the fact that I secured admission in one of the most competitive public high school and studied advanced curriculum that helped me prepare for the college. My SAT scores reflect my great potential since I managed to score 730 in Chemistry, 800 in Mathematics and 700 in English. I therefore believe that I have a greater potential than my GPA reflects. Given the chance, I can demonstrate that I am indeed a perfect candidate for Ivy League

Hats & ornament Essay Example for Free

Hats ornament Essay Hats have been the ornament for the head for a long time. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the first animal skin was placed over a head as a protection against the elements. (Hatsuk. com). In 1529, the word â€Å"milliner† came out as the terms used to point to the maker of women’s hats. The bonnet also dominated as the most popular of women’s headgear (Hatsuk. com). Early in the 1900s most of the hats that were getting to be popular were huge and adorned with flowers, feathers and tulle. Meanwhile, by the mid 1920’s the hair of women became shorter hugging the head like helmet (Hats. Hatsuk. com). During the 1960s, the hat now was overtaken by wigs and hairdressers and both men and women knew that they could achieve a less formal look so that the hat was a temporary casualty (Hats. Hatsuk. com). These old hats can be really valuable as they are considered antique pieces. Yet if anyone would like to wear a hat, then that could also be used today during parties and shows. Audrey Hepburn’s hat can be adapted in several ways today that will still appear to be fashionable. Hepburn was a good model of different kinds of hats then as she was a fashion icon during her time because she had a very simple nature which until now influences one’s fashion choices. Hepburn’s most popular hat pulled to tilt to one side can still be used today as asymmetrical lines are now the â€Å"in† thing. (Audrey Hepburn’s Hat Collection). Charlie Chaplin’s hat is by far the one most popular then but can be used in the more informal gatherings of businessmen. It is most recognizable when it is worn right putting some dignified look to the wearer. The hat must be worn by tall men so that they will not be gleaned as too tall to wear it. Indeed, in wearing hats, one must decide what kind of look is most appropriate. Once the look has been decided on, there is a need to see what kind of hat would actually match that. Wearing hats would also depend on what kind of hat would match a person’s character. The hat can be replaced with an improvised hat that achieves most changes and which is minimal of the classic look. That is right if one wants an alternative look. Meanwhile, a ball cap is way too rugged for a hat for work that would be welcome for a person (How to Pick a Hat that Matches your Personality). Another way of wearing these hats that one would look into is the color. Since each color evokes different moods that the hat conveys. Meanwhile, Audrey Hepburn was a good model of different kinds of hats then as she was a fashion icon during her time because she had a very simple nature which until now influences one’s fashion choices (Audrey Hepburn’s Hat Collection). These hats have been modified in different ways yet can still be used as it appears to be most fashionable. REFERENCES Audrey Hepburn’s Hat Collection. Retrieved March 16, 2009 at: http://www. chinadaily. com. cn/life/2009-02/20/content_7496617. htm Old Hat still in vogue. Retrieved March 16, 2009 at: http://www. brisbanetimes. com. au/news/fashion/old-hat-still-in-vogue/2007/05/30/1180205302606. html Old Hat still in vogue. http://www. brisbanetimes. com. au/news/fashion/old-hat-still-in-vogue/2007/05/30/1180205302606. html Old School Hat Still in Vogue. http://www. talkncafe. com/Lifestyle-Classroom/Old-school-hat-still-in-vogue. html Hats. Retrieved March 16, 2009 at: http://www. answers. com/topic/hat Hats. Hatsuk. com Retrieved March 16, 2009 at: http://www. hatsuk. com/hatsuk/hatsukhtml/bible/history. htm How to Pick a Hat that Matches your Personality. Retrieved March 16, 2009 at: http://www. wikihow. com/Pick-a-Hat-that-Matches-Your-Personality

Should the US End Overseas Military Operations?

Should the US End Overseas Military Operations? Do we really feel the protection that our country is giving us? Are wars productive for a nation? Do we have to fight with each other to get better? The United States has always been involved in international issues because they always want to be the saviors of the world. The planet earth is composed of wonderful and fascinating places in which humans live, but wars in the economy and social area destroy those wonderful and exciting places. Wars bring severe consequences to our society and economy that causes destruction and lives lost. Today, sometimes distinguish between armed conflicts and wars. According to this view, a conflict would only be a war if the groups have made a formal declaration of the same. In a conception of U.S. military doctrine no distinction is made, it is referrer to armed conflict as fourth generation wars. Invasions by the United States in the world in many countries, war against terrorism and progressive impairments through the years. Although U.S. troops were on the battlefields of France in 1918, there were not serious confrontations between these countries. President Wilson wins reelection on campaign promise of maintaining neutrality, but United States is soon drawn into war raging across Europe. World War I proves to be bloodiest war in world history, often referred to as The Great War or The War to End All Wars. After World War I, disagreements arise regarding proper U.S. role as regulator of world affairs. At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? American losses 48,000 killed in battle, 56,000 lost to disease seemed trifling compared to the staggering costs paid by other countries. Germany lost 1.8 million people; Russia, 1.7 million; France, 1.4 million; Austria-Hungary, 1.2 million; and Britain, 950,000. The War to End All Wars, as it was called, turned out to be just another test of humans aptitude for killing other humans in large quantities. Will the U.S.-led military coalition hold together even as France and others dash for the exits in coming months? Will enough Afghans come to embrace the corrupt government in Kabul as a preferred alternative to the militant Taliban? We are probably headed for stalemate in 2014, says Stephen Biddle, a George Washington University political science professor who has advised U.S. commanders in Afghanistan and Iraq. If that is the case, the U.S. will have to pump billions of dollars a year into Afghanistan for decades to prevent its collapse, Biddle says. Theres no reason why Americans should die when Afghans are perfectly capable of defending their own country, Obama said. Terrorism: According to Martin Indyk, vice president and director of Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution, the tragedy of 9/11, and the subsequent war on terrorism waged by the Bush administration affected the U.S. role in the world. In the future, the U.S. administration will depend much of the Joint Special Operations Command, a military body à ©tite secret that has increased tenfold in the last decade, said The Washington Post. As American interests in the Pacific expanded, easy access to the region became vital. For that reason, U.S. leaders proposed a canal to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Some people in Latin America and the United States opposed Roosevelts actions. They believed that he had interfered in Colombias affairs in order to cheat it out of land. In 1921, the United States finally paid Colombia $25 million for the loss of Panama. The Panama Canal was only one sign of U.S. involvement in Latin America. As the U.S. economy continued to grow, so did Americans interest in the resources of their southern neighbors. As economic interests drew the United States deeper into Latin American affairs, U.S. leaders became concerned about political stability in the region. They were especially worried that instability might tempt European nations to intervene in the region. The War in Afghanistan (2001-present) began on October 7, 2001, as Operation Enduring Freedom, a response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States of America (U.S.). This marked the beginning of the U.S. War on Terrorism. The stated purpose of the invasion was to capture Osama bin Laden, destroy al-Qaeda, and remove the Taliban regime which had provided support and safe harbour to al-Qaeda. The imperative to monitor, suppress, attack, and ultimately eradicate international terrorist groups seeking to strike the United States, its citizens, its interests, and its allies is prompting significant changes in the demands placed on the armed forces of the United States. U.S. forces will often be called upon to assist foreign governments that wish to eradicate terrorist groups on their territory but lack the capabilities to do so on their own. Despite a surge of troops to nearly 150,000 soldiers, the country remains a war zone. Earlier this month, 30 American soldiers were killed when their helicopter was shot down by the Taliban, bringing our death count for 2011 to 299. This, combined with a major Taliban offensive in May and the assassinations of prominent leaders, such as Karzais half-brother and the governor of the Oruzgan Province, indicates that military success is unlikely. It shows that U.S. has paid for its wars either through debt [World War II, Cold War, Afghanistan/Iraq], taxation [Korean War] or inflation [Vietnam]. When comparing the direct multiplier effects of military spending to other forms of government spending, it is not as productive in economic terms as spending in infrastructure, education, or even as tax cuts to increase household consumption. The U.S. economy has other problems, but Europes troubles have undermined consumer and business confidence on both sides of the Atlantic. And the deeply divided U.S. political system has delivered growth-chilling uncertainty. The economy shed a staggering 8.8 million jobs during and shortly after the recession. Since employment hit bottom, the economy has created just over 4 million jobs. So the new hiring has replaced 46 percent of the lost jobs, by far the worst performance since World War II. The essential act of war is destruction, not necessarily of human lives, but of the products of human labor. War is a way of shattering to pieces, or pouring into the stratosphere, or sinking in the depths of the sea, materials which might otherwise be used to make the masses too comfortable, and hence, in the long run, too intelligent. Said George Orwell. Findley suggests that war can alter a persons behaviour negatively. War has been a constant part of human history. It has greatly affected the lives of people around the world. These effects, however, are extremely detrimental. Soldiers must shoulder extreme stress on the battlefield. Those that cannot mentally overcome these challenges may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Sadly, some resort to suicide to escape their insecurities. Soldiers, however, are not the only ones affected by wars; family members also experience mental hardships when their loved ones are sent to war. I disagree with the wars because besides many innocent lives lost, we also lose millions of money that we could invest in schools, our seniors, in top positions work for all Americans and the millions of immigrants entering each year day in this country. In conclusion, I say that the wars against other countries are not the way how we are going to deal with the problem with have in our planet. The wars against weak countries are unfair and damaging more lives because they cannot defend themselves because they do not have weapons necessary and not even often lack the mentality to fight against others. Although the United States is a country rich in many fields, is losing the essence and respect for other countries because of wars. The money spent each day for these foolish wars we could use it in areas that really need help to grow and move forward as a nation entities. The economy suffers with the wars and with it we also suffer because a country without a stable economy does not help its citizens to get what they want. Wars not help but destroy. Work Cited Tran, Hinh. America should no longer be involved in costly wars overseas. The Daily Californian. August 21, 2011. Opinion. October 24, 2012. America should no longer be involved in costly wars overseas Rand Office of Media Relations. Americans Will Back Military Action Overseas If They Believe the United States Has Important Stakes in a Battle. For Release May 29, 2005. Web. October 24, 2012. http://www.rand.org/news/press/2005/05/29.html Bingham, Amy. War in Afghanistan. ABC News. Oct. 15, 2012. Web. October 1, 2012. http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/afghanistan/index.html Bowman, Steve. Iraq: U.S. Military Operations. Congressional Research Service. July 15, 2007. Web. October 24, 2012. Ochmanek, David. Military Operations Against Terrorist Groups Abroad: Implications for the United States Air Force. Monograph Reports. December 3, 2003. Web. October 26, 2012. http://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/MR1738.html Burns, Robert. New Afghan war phase, with no decisive end seen. AP National Security Writer. October 26, 2012. Web. October 29, 2012. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hgNrnpMS0e0Qm905d0U4wPF2Cx3w?docId=5e1baf1d205e4dc29097f2ee2b284200

Conquering of Fear :: Personal Narrative, Autobiographical Essay

Conquering of Fear For as long as I could remember I have had a chronic fear of crashes at high speeds and that my best friend Joseph has never feared anything. He would jump off the Eiffel Tower if he got the chance. On the day that I would finally conquer my fear I was in the back seat of Joseph’s uncle’s Ford Expedition with the whole seat to myself. If I were to turn my head around I would see the large speeder boat the car was pulling behind it. We were on our way to the Delta Marina. Our plan was to go tubing in the water. The only way we would end our turn on the tube was by flipping over and crashing into the water. The road began to get rocky and the smell of wet wood was in the air. We finally reached the loading point for cars with boats. It was not until I was sitting in the boat with my life vest on and I could feel the swaying of the marina water that I realized how scared I was. I was shaking slightly, my palms were soaked with sweat and suddenly I felt as if I had to go to the bathroom very desperately and the engine had not even been turned on yet. I sat in the very back of the boat facing the front. When I saw Joseph’s uncle put the key in the ignition I almost instinctively grabbed the closest thing to my hand. To my surprise I had grabbed Joseph’s arm who had sat adjacent to me. I recoiled with great embarrassment. Joseph said joshingly, â€Å"Oh Adam I didn’t know you felt that way.† Then he laughed, but I was too caught up in my mistake to laugh or even notice the engine had turned on. The sudden acceleration surprised me so much I almost fell off right away. It took a few seconds, but I got use to the speed and even began to find a peace in the wind and the sound it made as it rushed by my ears. I sat in a very scholarly position with my hands folded and my back straight up. I looked over at Joseph and saw him in a reclining position with one hand holding a soda and the other hanging out the side of the boat feeling the water that the boat pushed up in large cascades as it cut through the once calm currents. Conquering of Fear :: Personal Narrative, Autobiographical Essay Conquering of Fear For as long as I could remember I have had a chronic fear of crashes at high speeds and that my best friend Joseph has never feared anything. He would jump off the Eiffel Tower if he got the chance. On the day that I would finally conquer my fear I was in the back seat of Joseph’s uncle’s Ford Expedition with the whole seat to myself. If I were to turn my head around I would see the large speeder boat the car was pulling behind it. We were on our way to the Delta Marina. Our plan was to go tubing in the water. The only way we would end our turn on the tube was by flipping over and crashing into the water. The road began to get rocky and the smell of wet wood was in the air. We finally reached the loading point for cars with boats. It was not until I was sitting in the boat with my life vest on and I could feel the swaying of the marina water that I realized how scared I was. I was shaking slightly, my palms were soaked with sweat and suddenly I felt as if I had to go to the bathroom very desperately and the engine had not even been turned on yet. I sat in the very back of the boat facing the front. When I saw Joseph’s uncle put the key in the ignition I almost instinctively grabbed the closest thing to my hand. To my surprise I had grabbed Joseph’s arm who had sat adjacent to me. I recoiled with great embarrassment. Joseph said joshingly, â€Å"Oh Adam I didn’t know you felt that way.† Then he laughed, but I was too caught up in my mistake to laugh or even notice the engine had turned on. The sudden acceleration surprised me so much I almost fell off right away. It took a few seconds, but I got use to the speed and even began to find a peace in the wind and the sound it made as it rushed by my ears. I sat in a very scholarly position with my hands folded and my back straight up. I looked over at Joseph and saw him in a reclining position with one hand holding a soda and the other hanging out the side of the boat feeling the water that the boat pushed up in large cascades as it cut through the once calm currents.

Proposal for a Sustainable Forestry Management Policy Essay -- Proposa

Proposal for a Sustainable Forestry Management Policy Forests are an invaluable natural resource with multiple conflicting uses. When left to stand, forests help conserve biodiversity, stabilize the environment and control erosion; when logged, they provide building materials, fuel and agricultural land for human use. The challenge is to find an equilibrium between these uses: in other words, to make the transition toward sustainable forestry management. Unfortunately, poverty has driven people in developing countries to clear-cut large tracts of land, while instability and corruption have rendered developing country governments powerless to stop illegal logging and trade in illegal forest products. The results have been staggering. The World Resources Institute recently reported that tropical regions have been deforested at an alarming rate of 1% annually since 1985; in some countries, the rate has spiraled to over 7% per year (1). Much of this deforestation is linked to the illegal trade in forest products. Greenpeace estimates that up to 80% of all logs cut in the Brazilian Amazon are extracted illegally; the estimate is 70% for Indonesia (2). In order to fight the problem of illegal logging and trade, I propose the following package of policy actions. First, to change US government procurement policy to prefer timber from sustainably managed forests; second, to provide technical assistance to help developing countries with forestry management; and third, to promote a national eco-certification system for sustainably managed forestry products. FIRST, the US government shall adapt its timber procurement policy to give preferential treatment to forest products certified to meet sustainable management criteria. In t... ...rg (6) ISO 14001, 14061: http://www.iso.ch (7) "ISF Smartwood Certification," http://www.isf-sw.org/cert.htm (8) Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Protection Division. "The Power to Make a Difference." 1999 Annual Report on EnergyStar. http://www.epa.gov/appdstar/pdf/cpd99brief.pdf (9) American Forest and Paper Association. "U.S. Forest Products Industry Competitive Challenges in a Global Marketplace." http://www.afandpa.org/legislation/legislation.html (10) Rotherham, Tom. "Selling Sustainable Development: Environmental Labeling and Certification Programs." In "Environmentally Sound Trade Expansion in the Americas," University of Miami, 2000. (11) WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (12) Dawkins, Kristen. "Eco-Labelling: Consumers' Right to Know or Restrictive Business Practice?" Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, 1996.

Whats Eating Gilbert Grape

In my opinion the three main themes are marginalization, tolerance of difference and the urban/rural divide. Gilbert’s mother is obese and his brother, Arnie, has a brain disorder. However, Arnie is more accepted by the town and is not frowned upon like his mother. His mum has not left the house in seven years because of how ashamed she is of herself. She says so to Gilbert: ‘I know what a burden I am. I know that you are ashamed of me. I never meant to be like this. I never wanted to be a joke. † At the beginning of the film Gilbert is ashamed of his mother and describes her as a â€Å"beached whale. His view changes towards the end of the film when his mother goes to get Arnie from the police station. When she dies he wants to make sure that she is not a â€Å"joke. † So instead of people lifting her out with a crane he burns the house down. There is a clear urban/ rural divide. Gilbert works in a very small grocery store called Lamson’s Grocery an d just outside Endora there is a huge supermarket called FoodLand. At the beginning of the film he says â€Å"Lamson’s Grocery is where I work and miles out of town on the interstate, there’s Foodland†¦. where everyone else shops. Gilbert is trapped in Endora because of his responsibilities; his whole family counts on him. Whenever they need something done they always call him, even with all his responsibilities his family are constantly telling him to â€Å"do better. † It is very clear he wants to leave Endora because he says at the beginning of the film that his older brother managed to â€Å"get away, † at this point he sounds disappointed that he didn’t manage to get away. Endora is very small, the streets are never busy and nothing exciting ever happens. According to Gilbert, â€Å"Living in Endora is like dancing to no music. † Whats Eating Gilbert Grape In my opinion the three main themes are marginalization, tolerance of difference and the urban/rural divide. Gilbert’s mother is obese and his brother, Arnie, has a brain disorder. However, Arnie is more accepted by the town and is not frowned upon like his mother. His mum has not left the house in seven years because of how ashamed she is of herself. She says so to Gilbert: ‘I know what a burden I am. I know that you are ashamed of me. I never meant to be like this. I never wanted to be a joke. † At the beginning of the film Gilbert is ashamed of his mother and describes her as a â€Å"beached whale. His view changes towards the end of the film when his mother goes to get Arnie from the police station. When she dies he wants to make sure that she is not a â€Å"joke. † So instead of people lifting her out with a crane he burns the house down. There is a clear urban/ rural divide. Gilbert works in a very small grocery store called Lamson’s Grocery an d just outside Endora there is a huge supermarket called FoodLand. At the beginning of the film he says â€Å"Lamson’s Grocery is where I work and miles out of town on the interstate, there’s Foodland†¦. where everyone else shops. Gilbert is trapped in Endora because of his responsibilities; his whole family counts on him. Whenever they need something done they always call him, even with all his responsibilities his family are constantly telling him to â€Å"do better. † It is very clear he wants to leave Endora because he says at the beginning of the film that his older brother managed to â€Å"get away, † at this point he sounds disappointed that he didn’t manage to get away. Endora is very small, the streets are never busy and nothing exciting ever happens. According to Gilbert, â€Å"Living in Endora is like dancing to no music. †

Increasing Number of Juvenile Delinquents Essay

There are an increasing number of juvenile delinquents. What are the causes of this phenomenon? The incidence of juvenile offenses is growing at an alarming rate; and the severity of these offenses has been consistently staggering to us adults. It is imperative that we pinpoint the causes of this phenomenon. Many instance of juvenile delinquency have been attributed to the violent or the pornographic content of some TV shows and video games. These days, we are confronted with a proliferation of blood and nudity on TV, the computer and the internet. As a consequence, many youngsters, especially teenage boys, get addicted to such scenes. Lacking the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, they develop criminal tendencies. Another contributing factor is the rampant parental neglect and domestic violence. Todayï ¼Å'there have been an ever-growing number of dysfunctional families. In general, the children raised in such families are far more likely to be afflicted with constant fear and anxiety. Eventually, they develop a hatred for the individuals and society as a whole. Additional, the increase of juvenile crime rate is symbiotically connected with the rise of adult crime rate in society, in other words, the more adult crimes, the higher the probability of youngsters falling prey to adult offenders. For instance, many youths are tempted by evil adults into committing crimes, whereas others who are victims of adult offenses may become criminals themselves to get their revenge on society. In sum, a variety of factors contribute to the surge of juvenile delinquency. It is crucial that we take stringent measures to tackle these problems immediately and ensure that the future of our nations –that is, the youngsters, have a more promising future ahead of them.

History Important Terms Essay

Bacon’s Rebellion-1676 – Nathaniel Bacon and other western Virginia settlers were angry at Virginia Governor Berkley for trying to appease the Doeg Indians after the Doegs attacked the western settlements. The frontiersmen formed an army, with Bacon as its leader, which defeated the Indians and then marched on Jamestown and burned the city. The rebellion ended suddenly when Bacon died of an illness. John Winthrop-He became the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay colony, and served in that capacity from 1630 through 1649. A Puritan with strong religious beliefs. He opposed total democracy, believing the colony was best governed by a small group of skillful leaders. He helped organize the New England Confederation in 1643 and served as its first president. He believed in the creation of a City on a Hill and that they would be an example to the world. Separatists- Non-separatists (which included the Puritans) believed that the Church of England could be purified through reforms. Separatists (which included the Pilgrims) believed that the Church of England could not be reformed and that it was corrupt so started their own congregations. Roger Williams-Rhode Island. He left the Massachusetts colony and purchased the land from a neighboring Indian tribe to found the colony of Rhode Island. Rhode Island was the only colony at that time to offer complete religious freedom. He was an antinomian. He was exiled from Massachusetts because of his beliefs. He believed you couldn’t take land from Native Americans because they could be saved, Anglican Church is too corrupt, separation of church and state and religious toleration, you don’t have to listen to the bible or minister if you are already predetermined. Founder of Rhode Island. Anne Hutchinson-She preached the idea that God communicated directly to individuals instead of through the church elders. She was forced to leave Massachusetts in 1637. Her followers (the Antinomians) founded the colony of New Hampshire in 1639. She allied with merchants. Said the bible was wrong. â€Å"Visible saints†- – people who were godly Christians and who went to heaven when they died. Puritans believed that they were the saints of the world. Half-Way Covenant- The Half-way Covenant applied to those members of the Puritan colonies who were the children of church members, but who hadn’t achieved grace themselves. The covenant allowed them to participate in some church affairs. Dominion of New England- 1686 – The British government combined the colonies of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut into a single province headed by a royal governor (Andros). The Dominion ended in 1692, when the colonists revolted and drove out Governor Andros. An example that Britain was beginning to lose control of New England. Penn’s â€Å"Holy Experiment’- William Penn’s term for the government of Pennsylvania, which was supposed to serve everyone and provide freedom for all. He was a Quaker. He was most likely gay so he wasn’t accepted by puritans but in Pennsylvania he could be free and safe because they believed that they are the same as everyone else. Nathaniel Bacon- Virginian planter who organized a militia of 500, attacked and killed Indians because some tribes caused planters problems. Then he marched the militia into Jamestown and burned it. House of Burgesses-1619 – The Virginia House of Burgesses formed the first legislative body in colonial America. Later other colonies would adopt houses of burgesses. Indentured servants- People who could not afford passage to the colonies could become indentured servants. Another person would pay their passage, and in exchange, the indentured servant would serve that person for a set length of time (usually seven years) and then would be free. Headright- Headrights were parcels of land consisting of about 50 acres which were given to colonists who brought indentured servants into America. They were used by the Virginia Company to attract more colonists â€Å"middle passage† – passage from the African west coast to the West Indies Enlightenment-A philosophical movement which started in Europe in the 1700’s and spread to the colonies. It emphasized reason and the scientific method. Writers of the enlightenment tended to focus on government, ethics, and science, rather than on imagination, emotions, or religion. Many members of the Enlightenment rejected traditional religious beliefs in favor of Deism, which holds that the world is run by natural laws without the direct intervention of God. It is believed that it influenced the American Revolution. Great Awakening- Puritanism had declined by the 1730s, and people were upset about the decline in religious piety. The Great Awakening was a sudden outbreak of religious fervor that swept through the colonies. One of the first events to unify the colonies. It believed in individualism and New Birth. Believed to influence American Revolution. George Whitefield- George Whitefield, an Anglican minister, led numerous revivals and preached a theology â€Å"scaled down to the comprehension of twelve-year-olds.† While not denying the doctrine of predestination, he preached a God responsive to good intentions. He believed in the concept of New Birth. Jonathan Edwards- Jonathan Edwards was the most famous native-born revivalist. In 1727 he â€Å"inherited† his grandfather’s pulpit in Northampton, Massachusetts, and dramatized hell’s fire and brimstone from the pulpit. Eventually in 1749 his parishioners voted to dismiss him. By the 1750s, the Great Awakening, the first truly national event in American history, had run its course. Although it had caused divisions, it also fostered religious toleration. His most famous work is â€Å"Sinners†. He believed one could become morally perfect. Mercantilism-Navigation Acts- the most important legislature that Britain passed on colonies. Says that all goods shipped on vessels built in UK, Raw material to UK only in UK ships, no manufacturing in colonies, 75% UK crews, all goods to other countries stop in UK for unloading. Congregationalism- Puritan system. Says that church is center of town and the meeting house. Congregation elects minister. Pilgrims – Mayflower Compact- 1620 – The first agreement for self-government in America. It was signed by the 41 men on the Mayflower and set up a government for the Plymouth colony. It said that all people must adhere to majority rule, allegiance to king and church is the center of their town. Triangle Trade- The backbone of New England’s economy during the colonial period. Ships from New England sailed first to Africa, exchanging New England rum for slaves. The slaves were shipped from Africa to the Caribbean (this was known as the Middle Passage, when many slaves died on the ships). In the Caribbean, the slaves were traded for sugar and molasses. Then the ships returned to New England, where the molasses were used to make rum. Great Migration- Many Puritans emigrated from England to America in the 1630s and 1640s. During this time, the population of the Massachusetts Bay colony grew to ten times its earlier population. King Philip’s War- 1675 – A series of battles in New Hampshire between the colonists and the Wompanowogs, led by a chief known as King Philip. The war was started when the Massachusetts government tried to assert court jurisdiction over the local Indians. The colonists won with the help of the Mohawks, and this victory opened up additional Indian lands for expansion. Covenant of Grace- Puritan teachings emphasized the biblical covenants: God’s covenants with Adam and with Noah, the covenant of grace between God and man through Christ. John Smith-Helped found and govern Jamestown. His leadership and strict discipline helped the Virginia colony get through the difficult first winter. Virginia Company-Virginia was formed by the Virginia Company as a profit-earning venture. Starvation was the major problem; about 90% of the colonists died the first year, many of the survivors left, and the company had trouble attracting new colonists. They offered private land ownership in the colony to attract settlers, but the Virginia Company eventually went bankrupt and the colony went to the crown. Virginia did not become a successful colony until the colonists started raising and exporting tobacco. William Berkeley- the royal governor, Sir William Berkeley of Virginia. He was forced by Bacon to legitimize his power in order to take control of Jamestown and fight against Indians. â€Å"seasoning time†- period of time when new colonists became accustomed to the weather and hygiene conditions in the colony Toleration Act of 1649- 1649 – Ordered by Lord Baltimore after a Protestant was made governor of Maryland at the demand of the colony’s large Protestant population. The act guaranteed religious freedom to all Christians. Maryland was unique in that it became a refuge for Catholic immigrants, and although Catholics were a minority in Maryland their rights were protected Jacob Leisler- In New York in 1689, Jacob Leisler seized control of the government for two years before being sent to the gallows. But for two decades struggles continued between those who shared Leisler’s dislike of English rule and those who had opposed his takeover. He took control of New York. He was arrested for denying English troops to enter key forts. He arrested many new Yorkers for questioning his authority. John Peter Zenger- Another political problem occurred when Governor William Cosby made a claim for back salary and was opposed by forces led by Lewis Morris. Morrisites established a weekly journal which was eventually closed down and which led to the trial for seditious libel of its editor, John Peter Zenger. Deism- The religion of the Enlightenment (1700s). Followers believed that God existed and had created the world, but that afterwards He left it to run by its own natural laws. Denied that God communicated to man or in any way influenced his life. Albany Plan of Union- During the French and Indian War, Franklin wrote this proposal for a unified colonial government, which would operate under the authority of the British government. Gives the arousal of William Pitt. The first time the colonies unite. Great War for Empire- increased tensions between France and Britain. France puts up forts around their land. Britain is defeated in Ohio because they have really bad Generals and Native Americans are allied with France, But Irukoy Indians ally with Britain. It is the cause of the first meeting between all 13 colonies. William Pitt was appointed general and helped defeat the French. Regulator Movement- was the attempt to regulate taxes in North Carolina where citizens took up arms against corrupt colonial officials. While unsuccessful, some historians consider it a catalyst to the American Revolutionary War. Stono Rebellion in NY- the rebellion against slavery in New York. One of the earliest known organized rebellions in the present United States, it was led by native Africans who were Catholic and the rebellion was suppressed. Treaty of Paris (1763)- 1763 the Treaty of Paris ended hostilities and gave England dominance in North America. France is out of New World. North Carolina Regulators- Western frontiersmen who in 1768 rebelled in protest against the high taxes imposed by the Eastern colonial government of North Carolina, and whose organization was crushed by military force by Governor Tryon in 1771. In South Carolina, groups of vigilantes who organized to fight outlaw bands along the Western frontier in 1767-1769, and who disbanded when regular courts were established in those areas. Sugar Act (1764)- The passage of the Sugar Act (1764), which placed tariffs on sugar, coffee, wines, and other imported products, was denounced by the colonists as taxation without representation. Also in 1764, the government in London restricted the printing, although not the use of, paper money in the colonies. â€Å"Salutary neglect†- colonists resorted to smuggling and bribery to bypass Parliamentary regulations. Mercantilistic laws merely steered American economy toward England, and the colonies enjoyed almost continuous prosperity from 1650 until the Revolution. Proclamation of 1763- Proclamation of 1763. No settlers were to cross the Appalachian divide, only licensed traders could do business in that area, and the purchase of Indian land was outlawed. The purpose of the proclamation was to organize Great Britain’s new North American empire and to stabilize relations with Native North Americans through regulation of trade, settlement, and land purchases on the western frontier. Tea Act 1773- The final crisis in the ongoing conflict over imperial control surfaced in 1773 when Parliament, in attempting to save the corrupt and inefficient British East India Company from bankruptcy, gave the company a monopoly on colonial tea trade. Although this action reduced the price of tea (middlemen were eliminated), Americans regarded it as a sly attempt to trap them into paying the tea tax. In Boston the situation deteriorated as Samuel Adams and other propagandists inflamed the public to a point that on December 16, 1773, the Boston Tea Party occurred. Coercive Acts 1774- All of these names refer to the same acts, passed in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, and which included the Boston Port Act, which shut down Boston Harbor; the Massachusetts Government Act, which disbanded the Boston Assembly (but it soon reinstated itself); the Quartering Act, which required the colony to provide provisions for British soldiers; and the Administration of Justice Act, which removed the power of colonial courts to arrest royal officers. Albany Plan-Stamp Act Congress 1765- taxed many kinds of printed matter, including newspapers, legal documents, and licenses. Was direct taxing by eng. An intercolonial Stamp Act Congress passed resolutions of protest, and relations were further strained as colonists burned the stamps, boycotted British goods, and the Sons of Liberty resorted to some violence. Parliament responded by repealing the Stamp Act (1766). Writs of Assistance- Search warrants issued by the British government. They allowed officials to search houses and ships for smuggled goods, and to enlist colonials to help them search. The writs could be used anywhere, anytime, as often as desired. The officials did not need to prove that there was reasonable cause to believe that the person subject to the search had committed a crime or might have possession of contraband before getting a writ or searching a house. The writs were protested by the colonies. Declaratory Act 1766- On the same day Parliament repealed the Stamp Act, it passed a Declaratory Act establishing its right to enact any colonial legislation it deemed proper. The Declaratory Act highlighted the degree to which British and Americans had drifted apart on the concepts of representation, constitution, and sovereignty. Townshend Acts 1767- Facing the possibility of a deficit budget, Parliament passed the Townshend Acts (1767) which placed new taxes on glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. Colonists immediately began boycotting British imports and influential Americans began questioning the basis of the British colonial system. The spectrum of debate ranged from the moderate views of John Dickinson to the radical opinions of Samuel Adams. Boston Massacre 1770- On March 5, 1770, idlers tossed snowballs at Redcoats guarding the Boston Custom House, and panicking soldiers fired their muskets into the crowd, killing five. Although radicals like Samuel Adams played up the incident, cooler heads prevailed and a post-massacre truce settled over British America. Circular Letter- a letter sent by Sam Adams to colonies that says taxing is unconstitutional. Virtual – Actual Representation- Virtual representation means that a representative is not elected by his constituents, but he resembles them in his political beliefs and goals. Actual representation mean that a representative is elected by his constituents. The colonies only had virtual representation in the British government. 1st-2nd Continental Congress- The First Continental Congress met to discuss their concerns over Parliament’s dissolutions of the New York (for refusing to pay to quarter troops), Massachusetts (for the Boston Tea Party), and Virginia Assemblies. The First Continental Congress rejected the plan for a unified colonial government, stated grievances against the crown called the Declaration of Rights, resolved to prepare militias, and created the Continental Association to enforce a new non-importation agreement through Committees of Vigilence. In response, in February, 1775, Parliament declared the colonies to be in rebellion. It met in 1776 and drafted and signed the Declaration of Independence, which justified the Revolutionary War and declared that the colonies should be independent of Britain. Sam Adams- A Massachusetts politician who was a radical fighter for colonial independence. Helped organize the Sons of Liberty and the Non-Importation Commission, which protested the Townshend Acts, and is believed to have lead the Boston Tea Party. He served in the Continental Congress throughout the Revolution, and served as Governor of Massachusetts from 1794-1797. John Dickenson- Drafted a declaration of colonial rights and grievances, and also wrote the series of â€Å"Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania† in 1767 to protest the Townshend Acts. Although an outspoken critic of British policies towards the colonies, Dickinson opposed the Revolution, and, as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1776, refused to sign the Declaration of Independence. Sons of Liberty- A radical political organization for colonial independence which formed in 1765 after the passage of the Stamp Act. They incited riots and burned the customs houses where the stamped British paper was kept. After the repeal of the Stamp Act, many of the local chapters formed the Committees of Correspondence which continued to promote opposition to British policies towards the colonies. The Sons leaders included Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Unit II Terms Olive Branch Petition- a petition sent by John Dickinson during the Second Continental Congress to George III of Britain to try and reconcile their feuds. It fails to have any effect because by the time the petition arrives in Britain George III knows about Bunker’s Hill and declares Massachusetts in open rebellion so he cuts off all imports to colonies, which will cause major economic problems. Common Sense- a testament written by Tomas Paine to challenge the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. He writes it to try and create a greater awareness that colonist need independence. It is simple and easy to read. Called for colonists to realize their mistreatment and push for independence from England. Attacked King George III and the monarchy itself. As a result, Continental Congress unleashed privateers against British commerce, open American ports, established state governments. Loyalists- colonists that fight for the British during the Revolution. They included Canadian elites in fear of Americans spreading into their land, some native Americans, and were influenced by the Whigs. They wanted to remain loyal to the British king. Yorktown (1781)- The Battle of Yorktown. It is the decisive battle that ends the Revolutionary War. It forced the British to surrender and negotiate some sort of agreement between America. It leads to the Treaty of Paris 1783 which acknowledged the colonies as independent. Thomas Paine- author of Common Sense. He wanted to create more awareness to colonists about what Britain was doing. He wanted to inspire colonists to do something about their independence. Declaration of Independence- the statement adopted on July 4th that declared that the colonies were no longer part of Britain. Sharply separated Loyalists from Patriots and helped to start the American Revolution by allowing England to hear of the colonists disagreements with British authority. Franco-American Alliance-Saratoga (1778)- an alliance formed between France and the United States. France agrees to help America militarily and economically to defeat and weaken Britain. Articles of Confederation (1781)- The first form of federal government. It had limited national power. It requires a unanimous vote from all colonies to ratify a law, donations instead of taxes, inadequate central government. Gave states independence and more power over national government (able to form treaties, control foreign policy, coin money). Its successes were the Land ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance 1787. Peace of Paris (1783)- Treaty between America and Britain. It recognizes America’s independence. It required all British troops to be evacuated as long as loyalists were paid; all land east of Mississippi went to America, fishing rights of grand banks. Saratoga-Yorktown- two important and decisive battles for America. They are both victories for America.   Republican Motherhood- Came from US War of Independence. Concept that women should educate themselves in the principles of liberty, independence, and democracy so as to inculcate the coming generation with these republican values. This was one sign that women were becoming more respected as intellectually capable. Shays’ Rebellion 1786- Daniel Shay (Revolutionary War veteran) gathered farmers and marched to courthouse because of trade issues and taxes, preventing state Supreme Court from meeting. State sent troops to fight them and suppressed them. Shay and his rebellion were arrested. Land Ordinance of 1785 -Provided for surveying western territories into 6 square mile townships before sale at auction. Compromise between south’s sale to individuals and NE’s sale to groups or companies. 1 section for education and schooling. Imposts -Section 8 of the Constitution. Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the US. But all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the US. Annapolis Convention 17855 -states met â€Å"to discuss common problems of commerce†. All talk, no action. Decided not to make any changes due to lack of reps from other states, so Hamilton suggested they meet in Philadelphia to â€Å"fix† the Articles of Confederation. 3/5 Compromise-North argued slaves should be counted for federal taxation. South disagreed but still wanted slaves counted as people to determine number in House of Representatives. Eventually Every slave counted as 3/5 of a person. 1808 Compromise- Allowed the slave trade to continue, but placed a date-certain on its survival. Congress eventually passed a law outlawing the slave trade that became effective on January 1, 1808. Virginia Plan- a political plan that wanted 2 houses; upper and lower. A strong central government and representation that is proportional to population.   New Jersey Plan- a political plan that wanted equal representation in every state regardless of population.   Northwest Ordinance of 1787- Establishes government for West. First governed by governor and 3 judges, then territory with legislature, and then state. Determines process of dividing territory and writing territory constitution. Banded by Ohio & Mississippi Rivers and Great Lakes. Same rights as original 13 states. Prohibited slavery. Great Compromise- Delegates at Great Convention decided to have bicameral legislature: Lower House- House of Representatives dependent on population (Virginia Plan – favored by larger states) and Upper House- Senate, with equal number of representatives per state (2 per state) (New Jersey Plan – small states). All revenue bills begin in house. Any bill that says it will take money will begin in house of representatives because they are closer to the people. The Federalists Papers 1788- by Madison, Jay and Hamilton. To convince voters in Virginia and New York that constitution was worth a chance. Had little impact but finally New York and Virginia supported it. Checks and balances- Phrase to describe the separation of powers/branches of government. By dividing powers between legislature, executive (President), and judiciary, no one branch can be too powerful. Each one can â€Å"check† the other’s actions. Antifederalists -People against federalists in 1787. Disagreed with the Constitution because they believed people’s rights were being taken away without a Bill of Rights. Appealed to â€Å"common man† as they didn’t want an elected aristocracy. Gave in a bit when promised the Bill of Rights, which they wanted because the British constitution is unwritten so no one can claim any rights. Bill of Rights 1791- By Madison (since he wrote the Constitution too). First 10 amendments of Constitution. Added in 1791. Guarantees civil liberties like freedom of speech, free press, and freedom of religion, etc. written to satisfy the needs of states fearful of losing their rights (anti-federalists. Hamilton’s Economic Plans 1792-94- Funding and Assumption. (Funding- funding the national debt. ‘Spend your way out of debt’ by funding the old debt. Government taxes and uses bonds (citizens lend government money) – people who gave money will pay taxes, will want government to succeed so they get their money back.) (Assumption- the central government takes (assumes) all of the state debts.) Funding and assumption later lead to the formation of political parties. Whiskey Rebellion 1795- 1st major challenge to federal authority. Small rebellion that began in Southwestern Pennsylvania in 1794. Challenge to the national governments unjust use of an excise tax on whiskey. Washington crushed the rebellion with excessive force, proving the strength of the national governments power in its military. Shows that constitution is supreme law and that there are severe limits to what people can do to oppose government.