David Jones Essay

David Jones has a skilled, experienced and expertise Board of directors which is accountable for caring the rights, interests and the management of David Jones. Chief Executive Officer and Managing director are responsible for setting strategy, planning and administration for the company on daily basis. Paul Zahra has been â€Å"Chief Executive Officer and Managing director† for David Jones since 18 June 2010. Mr Zahra has more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian retail industry. He has held senior management roles across the retail sector in the areas of buying, stores, visual merchandising, supply chain, store refurbishments, customer service and operations. Directors are from a mix of different backgrounds, knowledge, skills and experience in the areas of retailing, financial services, property management and development, marketing, human resources, information technology, finance and law. Board of Directors Committee Memberships Name Role Audit Remuneration and Nominations Peter Mason AM Chairman and Non-Executive Director Paul Zahra Chief Executive Officer Jane Harvey Non-Executive Director  John Harvey Non-Executive Director Chairman Philippa Stone Non-Executive Director Steven Vamos Non-Executive Director Chairman Leigh Clapham Non-Executive Director Executive Management Name Role Paul Zahra Chief Executive Officer Paula Bauchinger Group Executive – Human Resources Cate Daniels Group Executive – Operations Matthew Durbin Executive – Strategic Planning Antony Karp Group Executive – Retail Services Sacha Laing Group Executive – Marketing and Financial Services Donna Player Group Executive – Merchandise David Robinson Executive – Multi Channel Strategy and Integration Brad Soller Chief Financial Officer 2. Employees According to David Jones , to achieve the highest profits and improve customer satisfaction, the company need to create an effective working environment for their employees following these goals: Every employee is valued; Recognition and reward for their contribution and performance; provide opportunities for employees to achieve their full potential; Obligation to safety, health and welfare, environmental responsibilities; and Support for philanthropic causes that are important to both David Jones’ customers and employees. Therefore, David Jones’ commitment is to realising its vision of being the ‘best place for our people to work’. In FY2012, David Jones invested in a range of advantages to ensure employees feel valued and supported: David Jones Charity Leave Policy: Supporting the philanthropic causes that are important to its customers and team members. Employee Referral Program: To reward any team member whose referral results in the successful placement of an external candidate in a nominated vacancy. Employee Self Service: To help team members achieve their full potential, reduces administration and to meet David Jones’ objective of transitioning to an environmentally sustainable business model. Innovation Workshop: Encourage continued innovative thinking, 150 team members from across the business participated in an innovation workshop at the Company’s annual conference in August 2012. To invest in the future and build the management and leadership capability of line managers, David Jones has established training and development programs. David Jones Executive Leadership Program: is designed to address the development needs of the David Jones’ Executive Committee and Executive Leadership Team, and comprises five leadership modules including a 360-degree leadership survey. David Jones Future Leaders Program: is designed in-house to develop high potential people managers that have been identified as part of the Company’s annual succession planning process. Operations Online Compliance: is designed to ensures that frontline employees remain current in processes and policies that are important to their role, including workplace safety, food safety, customer service and the David Jones Code of Ethics and Conduct. Recognition and Reward: New Executive Incentive Framework New Enterprise Agreements New Frontline Incentive Program Excellence Awards Program David Jones does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or bullying in the workplace. Employees of David Jones can expect to be treated in a fair and professional manner. Unacceptable behaviours under the David Jones terms of employment: Harassment- Discrimination and Bullying. 3. Organisational Culture Diversity Management and the entire David Jones workforce are embraced of and attract diverse, talented and motivated people. David Jones’ diversity supports commitment to a culture that equally embraces: gender, age, culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation and family responsibilities of our people. David Jones encourages and supports all of our employees to reach their full potential and irrespective of gender. David Jones’ corporate sponsorship of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the operation of Rose Clinics, while a philanthropic initiative, also serves to demonstrate our commitment to raising health awareness among employees and customers alike. This is representative of our broader commitment to the promotion of women and issues that affect women Equity David Jones has a Share Trading Policy that complies with the requirements of ASX Listing Rule 12. This was lodged with the ASX in 2010 and is available in the Corporate Governance section of its website. Consistent with the legal prohibitions on insider trading, under the policy, all directors, officers, members of senior management, other employees and consultants are prohibited from dealing in David Jones securities while in possession of unpublished price sensitive information about David Jones. HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED is the biggest shareholders with 69,772,020 shares (13. 20%). The 20 largest ordinary shareholders hold 45.  17% of the ordinary shares of the Company. External environment I. General Environment 1. Political and Legal Carbon Pricing Scheme David Jones has a proven track record in reducing its carbon emissions and supports the government of the day in its attempts to move the economy towards a low-carbon future. David Jones conducted its own analysis in 2011 to determine the direct impact on its cost base and participated in roundtable discussions facilitated by the Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) to review macro-environmental impacts of the scheme. Macro-environmental impacts ANRA advocated that the government release analysis outlining how households would be affected and compensated by the introduction of a carbon price. Subsequent to these discussions, additional information was released, addressing many of the unknown factors in relation to the scheme and confining any detrimental impact on consumer sentiment, which is a key driver of top-line growth for discretionary retailers. Direct financial impacts David Jones count on the Business Roundtable on Climate Change, established by the Federal government, to represent business interests in the development of the Clean Energy Future legislative package, including the carbon pricing scheme. Trading Hours David Jones follow retail industry’s opening hours Monday:9:30am – 7:00pm Tuesday:9:30am – 7:00pm Wednesday:9:30am – 7:00pm Thursday:9:30am – 9:00pm Friday:9:30am – 9:00pm Saturday:9:00am – 7:00pm Sunday:10:00am – 7:00pm 2. Economical Low Inflation rate and high Australian dollar makes foreign imports become cheaper, leads to an increase in profit of David Jones. On the other hand, increase in the value of money also makes customers become interested in shopping online or buy goods overseas, makes customers rate of David Jones fall. Therefore, David Jones should adjust the price of goods for both profitable and consistent with the economic situation and the needs of customers. An increase in the unemployment rate reduces people’s income and also their shopping needs. 3. Social Cultural People are trying to keep a balance between their work and social-life. Besides spending a whole day at work, they are willing to spend more time go to department stores on the weekdays. Based on population data from around Australia, Gen Y has appeared as Australia’s largest demographic with 4. 67 million people. Generation X has also grown to 4. 6 million. And, the Baby Boomer demographic is shrinking; falling by 6,000 to just 4. 11 million people. Generation X and Y are tremendously internet savvy. The internet is the first place that they look when purchasing goods and services. There are more educated people so their knowledge about fashion and fashion demand has increased. They are willing to purchase clothes with good quality from well-known suppliers. 4. Technological New Point of Sale (POS) system: will improve customers’ service experience and reduce transaction times. This system has multi-functionality and will play a pivotal role in David Jones’ OCR Strategy. David Jones also has new Workforce Management and Traffic Analytics System. 5. Natural David Jones is committed to managing its own operations in an environmentally sustainable manner and will meet this commitment by: Investing in efficiency measures and driving behavioural change to reduce the impact that the business has on the environment; Embedding environmental sustainability into the corporate cultural of the organisation; Developing robust  management systems to ensure transparency and confidence in environmental reporting. David Jones’ environment strategy comprises four strategic objectives: Improve environmental outcomes, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting and conserving natural resources, and optimising water use. Motivate cultural change, by encouraging behavioural change and then by integrating sustainability into decision making at all levels of the organisation. Engage with employees, customers and shareholders, to ensure that interested stakeholders are able to access information about David Jones’ environmental impacts and initiatives, and ensure that the Company’s approach to sustainability reflects stakeholder expectations. Meet and, where viable, exceed the Company’s mandatory and voluntary reporting obligations. II. Specific environment 1. Customers People are willing to dress nicer, fussy and trendy. The way they dress is usually according to the fashion trend. They are influenced from the internet; all the fashion trends are spreading quickly. 2. Competitors : Myer Myer is Australia’s largest department store group, and a market leader in Australian retailing, operating about 65 stores that offer some of the top style and fashion lines in the country. Merchandise (some 2,400 brands) is sourced from suppliers worldwide and includes accessories; women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel; beauty and cosmetics; electrical goods; housewares; and toys. Myer runs stores in about 25 of the top 30 largest shopping centres in Australia, with New South Wales as its top market, followed by Victoria and Queensland. Besides Myer, Target, Kmart and other smaller retailers are also David Jones’ competitors. 3. Suppliers Suppliers are an integral part of David Jones’ â€Å"Home of Brands† strategy, which makes David Jones stand out from its competitors. David Jones is committed to improving and strengthening their relationship with each of their suppliers. David Jones also appreciates suppliers that have understood Australian customers and have adjusted their prices. 4. Regulations ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION David Jones takes a responsible approach in relation to the management of environmental matters. David Jones’ report has followed with the requirements of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth) (NGER Act). No environmental breaches have been notified to the Company Entity by any government agency. David Jones is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors, visitors and customers. David Jones continues to work towards achieving an incident-free and injury-free workplace. This commitment is supported by the â€Å"SafetyFirst@davidjones† management system and the Company’s safety programs â€Å"SafetyFirst@ davidjones† management system imitates efforts of team members to put â€Å"SafetyFirst† in daily tasks and activities, by identifying and controlling hazards that have the potential to cause incidents and injuries. Safety Information Management system Incident, Hazard and Investigation: provides an on-line system to support the reporting of incidents and the completion of incident investigations, risk assessments and associated corrective actions; Case and Claims Management: focuses on the management of information related to workers compensation claim files, claim transactions and payments as well as Return to Work Plans for work related and non-work related injuries; Risk Management; Audit and Inspections; Training: focuses on core compliance training, safety accountabilities, hazard and risk management and injury management training.

Critical Analysis of Peter Singer’s Famine Affluence and Morality Essay

In his article â€Å"Famine, Affluence and Morality† Peter Singer gives a seemingly devastating critique of our ordinary ways of thinking about famine relief, charity, and morality in general. In spite of that very few people have accepted, or at any rate acted on, the conclusions he reaches. In light of these facts one might say of Singer’s arguments, as Hume said of Berkeley’s arguments for immaterialism, that â€Å"†¦ they admit of no answer and produce no conviction.†[1] While I do think that Singer’s considerations show that people should do considerably more than most people actually do, they do not establish his conclusions in their full strength or generality. So his arguments admit of a partial answer, and once properly qualified may produce some conviction. In â€Å"Famine. Affluence, and Morality,† Peter Singer stresses the possible revisionary implications of accepting utilitarianism as a guide to conduct. He does not actuall y espouse utilitarianism in this essay, rather a cousin of utilitarianism. He observes, in the world today, there are many people suffering a lot, leading miserable lives, on the margin, prone to calamity whenever natural disasters or wars or other cataclysmic events strike. Many millions of people live on an income equivalent to one dollar a day or less. What, if anything, does morality say one should do about this? Singer proposes two principles—a stronger one he favors, a weaker one he offers as a fallback. The Strong Singer Principle: â€Å"If it is in our power to prevent something bad from happening, without thereby sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance, we ought, morally, to do it.† The Weak Singer Principle: â€Å"If it is in our power to prevent something very bad from happening, without sacrificing anything morally significant, we ought, morally, to do it.† Consider the Strong Singer Principle. He explains that â€Å"by without sacrificing anything of comparable moral importance† I mean without causing anything else comparably bad to happen, or doing something that is wrong in itself, or failing to promote some moral good, comparable in significance to the bad thing that we can prevent.† From the first principle it follows that whether one should help those who are suffering or dying doesn’t depend on how close one is to them, unles s that makes helping them more difficult, because their distance from one does nothing to lessen their suffering. From both principles together, it follows that one’s obligation to help those who are suffering or dying doesn’t go away if other people who are also in a position to help them aren’t doing anything, because the presence of other people who do nothing is, in moral terms, no different from the absence of people who do something. Singer comments on this argument by adding that he could get by with a weaker version of the second principle, which would have â€Å"something of moral significance† in place of â€Å"something of roughly equal moral importance† (506). He also gives a hypothetical example of the second principle in action: If one is in a position to save a child drowning in a pond, one should rescue the child even though that means dirtying one’s clothes, because that is not a morally significant cost and the child’s death would be an extremely morally bad state of affairs (506).

Lewis and Clark's Expedition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Lewis and Clark's Expedition - Essay Example Lewis, Clark and the rest of their crew recorded journals of their findings; in addition to setting up trade and diplomatic relations with the Indians they encountered (Bergon 1). Additionally, they were able to describe the landscape’s architecture as well as the new creatures they encountered. William Clark also drafted a series of remarkably useful maps named rivers, creeks as well as other useful spots for future expeditions. Subsequent explorers largely relied on these maps (Ambrose 511). Additionally, the expedition is reputed as having shaped a crude route to the Pacific waters and hence marked the initial pathway for new nation to extend westwards from ocean to ocean (Allen 366). Sanctioning the exhibition has extensively shaped the way Jefferson is viewed. He not harbored expansionist policies but was also a calculating leader bent on understanding new area before fully venturing. Further, it would not be far-fetched to argue that Jefferson was keen on opening up new trade routes that would be beneficial to the

Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Franchising Essay

Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Franchising - Essay Example The franchise raises operations money and manages the business operations. In franchising mode of business, someone else does establishment of the business for another. The franchise shares the business expertise for a financial consideration with the franchise. Franchising can be of different types. There is one where a business is developed much earlier on especially with existing products and the manufacturer grants right to sell the products to the franchise. The other is the franchise where franchiser allows the franchisee to utilize a special recipe or process as well as the name of the franchiser. Today, the format of business type of ownership is constituted by franchising where franchisers do not only grant the right to sell products and services or its name, but also transfers totally the way of operating the business developed such as management methods, operating, training and marketing systems, as well as technical experience and expertise (Sherman, 2007). The franchise is also extensively trained by franchiser as well as offer an ongoing support. Buying a franchise may as well be a feasible and/ or viable alternative to establishing a new business.   The primary benefit associated with franchising is the minimization of risks. Establishing a new business is often very risky. New business risk failure within their first three years of operation, this is because the owners still have to experience the sustainability curve of operations. Franchising, however, minimizes these risks since it’s already established. Franchisors also provide much information to the franchisees before any investment is made in the business. This enables the franchisees to try if the business if fit for them or not.

Adult Law in Social Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Adult Law in Social Work - Essay Example Disabilities are long-term conditions implying that persons with disabilities live with the condition for a minimum of one year. Being a long-term condition also implies that disabilities can be a lifelong condition. Mrs. Lambat has physical impairments resulting from repeated stroke attacks and hence she is a disabled person according to the Act. Mrs. Lambat is currently depending on her daughters for her day-to-day requirements. However, her daughters intend to return to their homes and workplace soon. The daughters together with their mother’s doctor have made a plan to take her to a referral center without her knowledge. This easy will therefore examine an adult case of Mrs. Lambat from the perspective of a local authority social worker. The essay will also consider laws policies and statutory guidance in the given case with relation to disabled people. Through this case, the essay will analyze the dilemma faced by social workers in similar scenarios. The essay will theref ore concentrate on policies relating to assessment, budgetary allocation, and provision of services and care for the disabled people like Mrs. Lambat. Controversies relating to the definition of disability and disabled persons complicate the process of identifying disabled people. Identification of people with disabilities is an important step in providing care to people living with disabilities. The importance attached with the identification process implies that there is need to have measures or guidelines to assist in the identification process. UK laws and policies relating to disabilities provide appropriate measures and guidelines for the identification of disabled people. Some of these laws and policies are important in determining or measuring the level of disability in a person. Mrs. Lambat’s daughters require the knowledge of these legislation and policies. The knowledge of the laws and policies related to persons living with disabilities will enable them to determi ne their mother’s degree of disability and the implication of necessary laws and policies (Austin, 2003). The knowledge of their mother’s degree of disability will enable them to make appropriate decision when choosing the appropriate mode of care. Knowledge of these laws and policies will enable them to evaluate the benefits of having their mother under referral care or homecare. The knowledge Equality Act of 2010 will enable the daughters and the doctor to make appropriate decisions concerning the best care for Mrs. Lambat. The Equality Act of 2012 defines a disabled person as a person with physical or mental impairments (National disability authority, web). According to the Act disability is the inability to perform day-to-day tasks in the long term due to the impairment. This definition will enable them to recognize their mother as a disabled person who needs care. The Disability Discrimination Act of 1995 defines disability based on medical principals (Wehman, 198 8). According to the Act, a disabled person is a person with certain medical conditions or limitations that make them unable to carry out their day-to-day activities normally. Mrs. Lambat disability resulted from repeated strokes and hence according to this Act she is a disabled person. Knowledge of this Act will enable the daughters to make informed choices concerning the best care to give to their mother (Government of Ireland 2004). The two basic Acts emphasize on the fact that disabled person are unable to perform their day-to-day task and hence require constant support. This implies that the daughters have a duty to take care of their mother. According to the case study, the daughters will be soon returning to

Networking Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Networking - Coursework Example For example, security needs may entail authentication, encryption security levels and modes of detecting intrusion. Additionally, the costs involved in the three mediums are difficult to contrast due to the different costs involved such as- acquisition costs, installation costs and maintenance costs. For an entrepreneur who wants to establish a global satellite radio system, I would begin with using at least two GEO satellites strategically placed above the globe. This would enable the satellites to transmit signals to the radio satellite receivers. Additionally, the entrepreneur would have no interference since the satellites are placed directly above the earth and would orbit continuously. The frequency of the transmission would range from 5GHz to around 30GHz. A synchronous connection can be likened to a lift that stops every floor to allow people on and off from the ground floor to the tenth floor. The first four floors refer to the input messages, while the next six floors are responsible for producing data. The network chosen is a local LAN, which is wirelessly connected and also through coaxial cables. If additional media is required, a USB cable can be used for connecting to the network. In some instances, one may want to use an external hard drive. In such instances, the hard drive is connected either via the USB or

Advanced financial reporting and regulation Essay

Advanced financial reporting and regulation - Essay Example The important characteristic of intangibles is that they lack physical substance. It is very difficult to estimate the value of intangibles and there is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the length of time over which they will provide future benefits. IAS 38 clarifies that intangibles should not be recorded as other assets. Also this standard does not apply to intangible held for sale in the normal course of business of the entity. Similarly differed tax assets, leases, assets arising from employee benefits, financial assets, mineral rights, and other exploration and evaluation assets, and most importantly goodwill arising from business combinations do not fall the preview of IAS 38. The identifiable assets should be separable. The entity is in a position to sell, transfer, and license, rent or exchanges the intangibles. It is important to note that intangibles should be clearly distinguishable and controlled separately from the goodwill. Such identifiable intangibles may have arisen from contractual or other legal rights, whether those are transferable or not, or separable from the entity or other rights and obligations. The initial accounting for intangible is largely dependent on whether they are purchased or developed internally. When intangibles are purchased from others, they are initially recorded at their cost. The amount capitalized will include the purchase price and, like other assets, costs of preparing them for their intended uses. As a result, costs of registration or legal fees related to acquisition are also capitalized. When intangibles are purchased in a business combination, the cost to be recognized is the fair value at acquisition. When intangibles are acquired free of cost or received as a grant, the fair value or nominal value and directly attributable costs of such intangibles is recognized. All other costs of intangibles are charged to revenue. Internally generated intangibles are not recognized as

Construction Contracts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Construction Contracts - Essay Example One very important change is that the nomination for sub-contractors has been discarded. This will mean that the whole project will be the sole responsibility of the contractor. Hence, it will not matter if certain segments of the undertaking are passed on to other outside parties or agencies. Also, there will be minimal arguments to expect in the interpretation of the contract because the new JCT2005 is written in plain simple English and the major parts are segregated from one another in sections. Actually, the vital components and characteristics of the contents are retained except that the presentation has become less complicated or complex. Furthermore, certain terminologies have to be renamed to suit the real spirit intended by the parties. If there is a mutual agreement to have an overseer for the works, the title is now called Architect/Contract Administrator instead of just an Architect. Extension of Time is now termed Adjustment to the Completion Date. In case of a decision to suspend payment, the notice of withholding can only be done by the employer or the client. It can no longer be a part of the job of the Architect/Contract Administrator. ...In case of dispute, the covenanted remedy is now litigation instead of arbitration. As a matter of course, however, the parties are still free to resort to arbitration if they opt to thresh out their differences through the more expedient and convenient alternative method of patching up things. Still, there is a provision recommending for mediation in case of controversies. In the event that one party becomes insolvent, the other has to serve the appropriate notice of termination. Electronic mailing is now allowed as a medium of service of notices and other items for correspondence. The provision for the employer's own design team is still the same in JCT2005. However, a design option for the contractor is also provided for. On insurance pre-requisites, the contractor has become obliged to put up a profession al indemnity insurance, an agreement feature not included in the 1998 version. The right of the employer to liquidated damages reduction is set forth in the adjustment of the time for completion while the terms for relevant events are made more burdensome to the contractor who is to shoulder consequential costs brought about by materials and labour shortages resultant of industrial unrests like strikes. In such cases and similar instances, the Architect/Contract Administrator is under obligation to explain any adjustment to the completion date. In order to eradicate confusions regarding notices in the payment aspect of the covenant, the contractor under JCT2005 has the right to be paid according to the sum due considering the progress of performance even if he stated another amount in his application to collect and the employer withholds a certain portion.  

Where is our Language Headed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Where is our Language Headed - Essay Example The most prevalent and most influential ways of modern communication is texting. Baron has highlighted different arguments concerning effect of texting on the article â€Å"Are Digital Media Changing Language?† Crystal on the article â€Å"2B or not 2B.† has also highlighted the same issue. Whether modern texting has an effect on language remains a contentious issue. Therefore, this paper seeks to compare and contrast the ideologies of Baron and Crystal with an aim of supporting that effect of texting on language is insignificant. Whereas we have appreciated the technological evolution in enhancing communication, it is true that the same has come with an appreciable change in attitude towards language. According to Baron, internet and mobile phone communication has its own characteristics, which are likely to be mapped in official language communication. However, he quotes a study by Pew Internet and American Life Project, which claimed, â€Å"middle school and high sc hool students understand what kind of language is appropriate in what context† (Baron, 2009). According to the findings of this study, it is evident that although texting has become the technological form of communication, it has not greatly influenced the official language of communication. Interestingly, Crystal has echoed the same sentiments. He claims â€Å"Texting has added a new dimension to language use, but its long-term impact is negligible. It is not a disaster† (Crystal, 2008). The similarities in their opinion suffices to support that indeed, the modern trend in texting has little if any significance in official language. It is worthwhile noting that texting is not an emerging trend but rather has evolved since time immemorial. Although it can be claimed that texting has gained heightened usage in recent times, historical evolution has not resulted to considerable effect on official language communication. Baron captures the way technology has caused languag e evolution. For instance, there is an observed change from â€Å"news paper† to â€Å"news-paper† to the presently used â€Å"newspaper.† Similarly, Crystal, on the other hand, recounts the same idea of texting language persistence. He claims, â€Å"The most noticeable feature is the use of single letters, numerals, and symbols to represent words or parts of words, as with b "be" and 2 "to.† They are called rebuses, and they go back centuries† (Crystal, 2008). It can be concluded from the two ideologies that texting has little impact on official language. This is because, texting has been present in the society for decades yet the changes have been minimal. Although Baron has highlighted some of the effects of technology language to official communication, it can be argued that such changes are minimal to warrant heightened worry on language influence. Crystal asserts that language abbreviation has been a common and natural phenomenon for ages. Int erestingly, the criticism on language abbreviation dates back to 1711. He asserts, â€Å"Words such as exam, vet, fridge, cox and bus are so familiar that they have effectively become new words† (Crystal, 2008). People like Joseph Addison were some of the early critiques of language abbreviation. However, language evolution took place as a necessity rather than influence. Language is meant for communication, of course in simple means. Although such changes have been easily adopted as official communication language, Baron promotes the same idea of acceptance to abbreviation. According to him, â€Å"A wide swath of educated speakers of English (at least American English) simply don’

PepsiCo Team-Board of Governance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

PepsiCo Team-Board of Governance - Essay Example The board of directors is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the activities of a company. The activities of the board of directors are only delegated powers that are outside the organization itself, which have authority given to it by the bylaws of the organization (Malline 82). The board often faces challenges, and at this team company’s board, the most crucial governance issue is the compliance of public policy issues. There are countless issues that are put across that try and restrict the movement and actions of the board, which tries as much as possible to comply with these policies. In this firm’s case, by bringing in public persons, there is a chance for the organization to find a clear-cut channel to address the compliance of certain policies. It also creates transparency that the firm really needs. Conscious capitalism is what may be used to refer to the philanthropic activities that a firm is willing to undertake (Malline 87). This is in order to help the surrounding external environment benefit and also assist the firm benefit. The firm often participates in different sports activities for some of the different organizations that exist in the area. This is often done as a means to have donations for the groups involved, and also build awareness for the group in question. The skills and capabilities that the firm boasts of make it possible to have different activities in different areas, which also help in fostering exceptional relations between the firm and the people in the external environment.

Boston Beer Company Essay Example for Free

Boston Beer Company Essay

Urban poverty: Causes and solutions

Urban poverty: Causes and solutions Urban Poverty I. Introduction Historically, poverty belonged to rural areas, but nowadays it is the same in mega cities and it is estimated that a quarter of the worlds urban population is currently living in a poverty situation (Perlman, 1998). In last several years, by the population growth explosion and more and more people choose to living from countryside to city, this phenomenon was becoming more and more serious. At same time, it made social problems stand out. Deepening of urban poverty has becoming an unsafe factor in social and economic. The new problems mix with old problems lead to a variety of complex social effects. In this report will present the problems which urban poverty, and try to find the solutions to solve it. The reason for urban poverty is complicated, such as population, employment and social service. This report will state as follow. II. Methodology III. Discussion 1. Causes of poverty 1.1 Population Since the 20th century 50years, along with the accelerated process of urbanization and urban population density increased, the population of world from 30% to about 50% now, is approach to 60% by 2030. Because of this, the urban poor and slums have become increasingly prominent. Todays megacities are reaching the limits of their carrying capacity to sustain human life, as urbanites increasingly face lack of access to safe water and sanitation, inadequate waste management, poor drainage, air pollution, excessive noise levels, and ineffective and inadequate service provision(Perlman, J., Hopkins, E. Perez, R. 2008). 1.2 Employment It is means that people who living in the urban poverty, it will easily lacking to employment. According to Perlman(1998) said that women who is worked in poverty areas is overstrain, without the safety property. What is more, less working opportunities contribute to low-income household struggling for survival (Baker and Schuler, 1997), and therefore, the gap between rich and poor is widening (Perlman, 1998). 1.3 The social base installation and social service Due to the problems of urban poverty is more seriously, it is effect the social base installation and social service. According to the research from Practical Action(2008),there are 2.2billion people around world scarcity access to proper sanitation, the sewers are created by rubbish and human defecations, and more than 420 million do not have access to the simplest latrines (Perlman, 1998) and lack of solid waste disposal services (Masika, 1997). On the other hand, they lack of access to community services and low-income communities have no control over new facilities (Perlman, 1998). 2. Effects of poverty 2.1 Personal Firstly, due to the urban poor and their families, the reality of poverty has a certain degree of damage on their health, education, employment, housing, family life and other aspects. In the commercial city, poor people have low purchasing power. It is not only leading urban poor to difficulties on their material life, but also refusing them to have equal access to urban education, health care and other services. The urban poor in these areas will lag behind their culture and physiological quality than the non-poor, thus indirectly leading to decline in their social class status, so that their children may still face the dilemma of poverty. 2.2 Societal When the situation of urban poverty become aggravate and rules break down, as Power, A. and Houghton, j. said â€Å"defensive anti- social behavior takes root, people carry knives, young people from gangs, people dump their bulk rubbish where it has already accumulated and outsiders abandon cars in run-down streets where fines are not enforced†. 2.3 Criminal Civil Unrest in the French is a typical example. Every country has objective issue of Urban wealthy polarization, developed countries are no exception. The poverty and The interests of the division lead to social conflict, the French phenomenon of urban poverty and social conflict have some representation. In November 2007, the French railway strike broke out in succession and social unrest. However, in the suburbs of Paris in 2005, two boys were accidentally dead, had a similar outbreak of unrest. The riots in 2005 and 2007, most people in group were living in poor conditions, unemployment and poverty population. The content of the performance reflected were migration, unemployment, and poverty. It was widening gap between rich and the poor led to the split of the deep social contradictions, reflecting the rich-poor divide is real resentment. 3. Solutions to poverty 3.1 Government The government has duty to concern about the poverty problem, to take extremely care about their children to school, and basic health. Make sure urban poor can get special price about urban water, electricity, gas price and so on, so that their living condition do not deteriorate. And the government is have to design a income mechanism to mitigate distribution gap, such as controlling taxes and social welfare system to make the strong revenue transfer to the weak. 3.2 Societal Fairness in economic activities there are two concepts, one is income equally, all participants in economic activities more consistent revenue; second is a fair chance, that mean economic agents have a fair competition and fair opportunity to participate. Income may be unfair, but everyone should have the right to compete fairly.

Literature Comparison: The Great Gatsby and The Motorcycle Diaries

Literature Comparison: The Great Gatsby and The Motorcycle Diaries What it makes us unique, is our way of being; no one is equal to other, all of us are different in every single way, and this is the most important characteristic of the human beings, but sometimes our way of being is not the right one. There exist people that spend their lives thinking in the welfare of the rest but in the other hand there exist people that spend their lives thinking only about themselves. Examples of these two types of people are shown in the books The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The great Gatsby is a book that is developed by the 1920s in the twentieth century and it is set in Long Islands North Shore, the book is narrated by Nick, a man who lived next to a mysterious and rich man called Jay Gatsby, they lived in the west coast of Long Island the less popular one. Jay Gatsby was a young rich man with a turbulent past, he was not have a position in the society that surrounded him and nobody knew how he had obtained his fortune. Some people believed that he had gained his fortune with the illegal sale of alcohol they believed that Gatsby was a bootlegger, Anyway and despite the great parties that he organized for the people of Long Island, he was a lonely man, because he only wanted to revive the past in order to be with the love of his life Daisy, who was also cousin of Nick; nevertheless, Daisy was married with the millionaire Tom Buchanan with who had a three years old daughter, Pam, they lived in the east coast of Long Island the most popular one, they wer e different from Gatsby because they were rich from birth, and they had a place in the society of those years. When Gatsby met Daisy he was a soldier of the militia and he was not rich, when he came back from the military service he discovered that Daisy was married with Tom and he decided to spend his life trying to have money in order to give to daisy what she deserved. When Gatsby was younger he had a mentor Dan Cody who helped him to make his fortune as a result Gatsby became rich but lonely, he lived in a big mansion and he gave parties whit the only reason that he hopped that some day Daisy come to one of his parties, actually one day Gatsby decided to invite to one of his parties to Nick his neighbor, when nick received the invitation he was surprised and he decided to go but he did not know that Gatsby invited him with the only reason that he knew that he was cousin of his love interest; Daisy, in the party Gatsby met Nick and they became friends but this friendship to Gatsb y had a purpose that was to join with Daisy again. Gatsby could achieve his purpose and he could join Daisy through Nick, and they started an affair and Gatsby could have what he wanted that was recover Daisy but when Tom discovered the affair of his wife with Gatsby, he asked them and Daisy recognized the affair but and she escaped with Gatsby in the car but in the road she hit Myrtle, the mistress of his husband, Tom, with the car and she killed her, and Gatsby in certainly way decided to do not tell anyone that Daisy killed Myrtle because he loved her but Daisy finally decided to stay with his husband because she was a woman of society and also she was very interesting in money and stability. Gatsby was not a bad man but he spent his life thinking in how to obtain what he wanted, he also did not think in the daughter of Daisy or what will happen with her if her mother escaped with him, he did not care about her and her husband he only was thinking in that he wanted to be with Dai sy again, in fact, he spent a lot of money in those extravagant parties in which he did not participate he only watched through the windows of the house looking to the people that were in his there with the hope that Daisy arrived to at least one of his outrageous parties, he was thinking all the time in how to obtain what he wanted in order to be happy no matter how. On the other hand the book The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara is a book of notes that Ernesto wrote during his trip with his friend Alberto Granada; Ernesto was a young medical student of medicine tired of school and excited to see the world and Alberto was working in a leprosy hospital in Argentinas Cà ³rdoba Province, and because of this he and his friend decided to do a trek through South America in an old motorcycle called the mighty one (la poderosa). The trip took eight months, the travel started in Cà ³rdoba and they left Argentina to go to Chile, they arrived in this country in Osorno passing through all the country to leave it to go to Perà º they leave this country and then they went to Colombia and finally Venezuela however they could not finish the trip in the motorcycle because they had to leave it in Santiago, Chile because the mighty one did not work any more. This book shows the trip of these two young men by the perspective of Ernesto, he wrote all the adventures and things that they did, and saw during their trek through South America. Guevaras political consciousness began to stir in this trip as he and Alberto moved into the mining country, Chile. They visited Chuquicamata copper mine, the worlds largest open-pit mine and the primary source of Chiles wealth in those years. It was run by U.S. mining monopolies and viewed by many as a symbol of foreign domination, and also to Ernesto was a symbol of human exploitation. During the trip Guevara also could apply his knowledge in medicine because he helped people that needed it for example in Chile he helped an old woman that was dying, he knew that he could not save the life of this woman, but he could stop the pain for a moment. Passages like this, change the mind of Ernesto because during the trip he could see that there existed and exist needed people not only in South America but all over the world. His political and social awakening has very much to do with this face-to-face contact with poverty, exploitation, illness, and suffering, [Internet reference: www.nationalgeographic.com] Guevara was a good man that changes his mind with this trip and after it he decided to star his career as a politician and help people, he decided this because of what the saw during this trip, for them all what they were seeing was in a certain way new because in Argentina they did not see aborigines for example, one thing that capture the attention of Ernesto and Alberto was the situation when they were traveling through Perà º and an Indian with his son who spoke Spanish approached them and asked them all about the land of Perà ³n, for the natives, these two young men came from a wonderful country where people could work and have a good pay for it, a developed country. Ernesto was very impressed by the old Inca civilization, riding trucks with the Natives and animals he felt a fraternity with the native people. Ernesto was a good man always worries for the rest, it is obvious why he was studying medicine, and it was during the trip that he made with his friend Alberto Granadas Jay Gatsby and Ernesto Guevara were two young men very different in what they wanted or their purposes in life, I think that these two men were not bad men specially Ernesto who spent his life in order to defend the rights of people. I believe that there not exist so many people that think like Ernesto but in the other hand there many people that think like the Great Gatsby, because most of people spend their lives thinking in how to obtain what they want, I think this is not bad but there are people that do not think in nothing else that how to get what they want and this people sometimes sin of selfish because they do not care if they make some damage to other people in order to have what they want to be happy. One phrase that represents what Ernesto felt after his trip is one that he wrote in his diary that says: I will be on the side of the people à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ I will take to the barricades and the trenches, screaming as one possessed, will stain my weapons with blood, and, mad with rage, will cut the throat of any vanquished foe I encounter,[Guevara, 2004 ] Many historians believe that this trip was the most important thing in the life of Ernesto that changes his mind to after be one of the most famous guerilla leaders in history, but nevertheless he was a person that was care about the rest all the time. On the other hand Jay Gatsby was not a bad person but he was always thinking how to obtain what he wanted that it was be with Daisy, in the sixth chapter of the book Nick narrated: He wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say: I never loved you. After she had obliterated four years with that sentence they could decide upon the more practical measures to be taken. One of them was that, after she was free, they were to go back to Louisville and be married from her house just as if it were five years agoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Im going to fix everything just the way it was before, he said, nodding determinedly. Shell see.[Fitzgerald 1925:54] He was so stubborn in be with her that he did not realize that he could damage other persons, for example Myrtle; she died because Daisy and Gatsby were running away from Tom, and even Gatsby died because of this. He died because of his obsession with Daisy because of his obsession in getting what he wanted. Gatsby was killed by Myrtles husband because Tom told him that Gatsby hit Myrtle with the car, also in Gatsbys funeral there were only three people; Nick, Gatsbys father and the person that was guiding the funeral although Gatsby always gave partied to everyone none of these people came to his funeral he was alone also when he died. I think that is not bad fight for what you want but sometimes be too obsessive with something is not good because everything can go wrong. Gatsby was so obsessive with Daisy and all what he wanted that he forgot to live a real life and make real friends. As a conclusion it could be say that not all the people think or have the same personality, all of us have different expectations in life, everybody want different things in order to be happy a clear example was shown here with these two characters Jay Gatsby and Ernesto Guevara; the first one thought that what he needed in order to be happy was be with his old love Daisy, Gatsby was doing what most of the people do that is look for his own happiness and the second character; Guevara, believed that what he really want to do in his life was fight for the rights of the people he was looking for the happiness of the rest, this is the biggest difference of these two young men nonetheless it could be said that none of these two was wrong Gatsby wanted what all want to be happy and Guevara was like few people are that is see and be worry about what the rest need or what are the rights of the rest, however both died Gatsby died because of his obsession with Daisy and Guevara died because he was always fighting for the rights of the people who needed, he was so obsessed with this that he nowadays is seen as one of the most iconic characters of the twentieth century, he was one of the most famous guerrilla leaders of history but despite that he died.

Why University of Florida is better than University of Central Florida :: UF UCF College University Comparison Essays

UF vs. UCF: Reasons why UF is Superior Reason 1: National Rankings UF: 19 UCF: Unranked UF ranked in the top tier for Best Colleges 2004. UCF is the in last tier. UF is ranked 19th among public universities in the nation and is approaching the Top 10 Public Universities list. UCF did not even make the list. UF is ranked 48st in the nation among all universities. UCF is ranked somewhere between 188 and 250. There, that settles it; UF is better. Doesn't this make any other reason pointless? Source: US News College Ranking Index Reason 2:Individual Program Rankings (Note: US News discontinued the free access to College Rankings based on colleges so I am forced to use old data or else I would be infringing on their rights) Program UF (2003) UCF (2003) Business Education Engineering Law Medicine 43rd in Nation 29th in Nation 29th in Nation 45th in Nation 44th in Nation All Unranked A Closer Look at Business and Engineering UCF Office of Admissions UF Academics 2002 UF Business Programs and Departments Business program rank: 23 Accounting: 10 Finance rank: 16 General management rank: 19 Marketing rank: 8 UCF Academics 2002 UCF Business Programs and Departments Business program rank: 128 (in 2001 only). Currently Unranked. UF Engineering Programs and Departments (with Ph.D. Programs) Engineering program rank: 32 Aerospace Engineering rank (2002: 11) Environmental Engineering rank: 13 Industrial Engineering rank: 16 Materials Engineering rank: 9 Nuclear Engineering rank: (2001: 6) Currently 9 UCF Engineering Programs and Departments (with Ph.D. Programs) Engineering program rank: Unranked. (Odd, wasn't UCF supposed to be a technical school?) At a recent career fair, I was able to talk to a Lockheed Martin representative. Lockheed Martin chooses the University of Florida as it's primary recruiting target for engineering. The next university is Georgia Tech. I cannot imagine why someone would chose UCF over UF or Georgia Tech in engineering. Note: On my friend's site, he implies UCF is better then Georgia Tech in engineering. lol. Reason 3: Athletics Multiple Images of Current UF Stadium Construction Inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium's Skybox Lobby. There is no better place than 'The Swamp'! That opening on the big screen with the alligator, it's the best ever. When the Gators run out of the tunnel, it is absolutely the moment of moments in college football." - Lee Corso, ESPN College Football Analyst, FSU Graduate I think it is a well known fact that to compare any of UF's athletics to UCF's is pointless, considering UF is an athletic powerhouse, but I'll do it anyway.

Data Mining Essay -- Technology, Data Processing

1 Data Pre-processing 1.1 k-mers extraction Assume Ka = (a1,a2...ak) is a k-mer of continuous sequence of length k, and a = 1,†¦, S, where S is the cumulative number of k-mers in that series. In the case of a sequence of length L, we have L – k + 1 total number of k-mers that can be given out making use of k length window drifting procedure. 1.2 Generation Of Position Frequency Matrices For the positive dataset, 500 sequences were used to calculate k-mer frequencies from three successive windows. The three windows are: (1) window A, from -75 to -26 bp before the polyA site, (2) window B, from -25 to -1 bp before the polyA site, and (3) window C, from 1 to 25 bp after the polyA site. The highly informative k-mer frequencies (HIK) feature vector consisted of cumulated frequencies of all monomer, dimmer, and trimer frequencies for the three regions. This results in 3 regions x 4 monomer frequencies, 3 x 16 dimer frequencies, and 3 x 64 trimer frequencies. Hence, a total of 252 features are obtained. The negative dataset was computed from frequencies in similarly spaced windows, but from the beginning of 500 other independent sequences (windows: A, -300 to -251 bp; B, -251 to -226 bp; and C, -225 to -201 bp 1.3 Background Probability Feature The label space is written as Y = fp; ng indicating that a sequence with a polyA site is detected (positive class label p) or not detected (negative class label n). A classiffier, i.e., a mapping from instance space to label space, is found by means of learning from a set of examples. An example is of the form z = (x; y) with x 2 X and y 2 Y. The symbol Z will be used as a compact notation for X _Y. Training data are a sequence of examples: S = (x1; y1); : : : ; (xn; ... ...clude GC-rich redundant motifs and diffuse motifs that are difficult to detect. Suggestions and Further Research Motif discovery in DNA datasets is a challenging problem domain due to lack of understanding of the nature of the data, and the mechanisms to which proteins recognize and interact with its binding sites are still perplexing to biologist. Hence, predicting binding sites by using computational algorithms is still far from satisfaction. Many computational motif discovery algorithms have been proposed in the past decade. Like most of these algorithms, it shares some common challenges that require further investigation. The first is the scalability of the system for large scale dataset such as ChIP sequences. The scalability is the ability of a tool to maintain its prediction performances and efficiency while the size of the datasets increases.

Freedom of speech :: essays research papers

Do Americans take the First Amendment for granted, or use it, as a clutch to say what they feel is appropriate. The First Amendment states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. (Siegel 3) But what is Freedom of Speech? It is our ability to say what we want, when we want and to whom we want? But there are even restrictions on what we want to say for example a person cannot yell fire in a crowded movie theater. Like all situations there will be persons to disagree? The past presidential election put the nation in an uproar, as do all elections. But, non as controversial as this one. In this election the issues that were addressed split the county in two, half of the country having liberal views and the other half having conservative views. That was mainly the focus of the entire campaign. What is being liberal or being conservative? Liberals favor gradual reform, especially political reforms that extend democracy, distribute wealth more evenly, and protect the personal freedom of the individual. On the other end of the spectrum, conservatives are in favor of preserving the status quo and traditional values and customs, and against abrupt change(msn. Encarta) This seems to make Americans look weak to the rest of the world. That we don’t even have a common ground on the issues of the nation . This great nation that is seen as the mother country to the rest of the world is spilt right down the middle with labels that divide people. And that’s where it really gets ugly. Will Americans ever put these labels aside and come together so that America can be a better place to live? By being a graduating senior looking at the nation as either being liberal or conservative has made me really take a look at myself and my beliefs on the issues .

In Cold Blood

Truman Capote was born in New Orleans in 1925, a harsh time in America. He was brought up in an amalgamation of places in the South of America, moving among New Orleans, Alabama and New Georgia. He began writing stories at the age of fourteen, depending on the seasonal changes. He later went on to work for the New Yorker after having left school at fifteen. He soon became renowned as the author of the celebrated Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Finally, he published his masterpiece, In Cold Blood, which is most certainly a work of art that changed the nature of writing for all time to come. The novel is filled with contrasting themes, ranging between moments of sombreness and cheeriness, invoking various emotions when reading the non-fictional novel. The novel revolves around the lives of the infamous murderers, Richard Eugene Hickock and Perry Edward Smith and the story of how they murdered four innocent people, known as the Clutter family. This essay will explore the relationship between character and theme presented in In Cold Blood, referring specifically to the characters of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, assessing the question about whether the characters are portrayed empathetically or as ruthless murderers, the theme of light versus dark being represented in each of these two characters. The contrast drawn between Dick and Perry and the Clutter family will be shown with reference to minor characters that influence the reader’s perceptions of the characters, as well as the effect of narrative scope on the novel. Firstly, Perry was born, â€Å"Perry Edward Smith Oct. 27 1928 in Huntington, Elko County, Nevada, which is situated way out in the boon docks, so to speak†¦ in 1929 [his] family had ventured to Juneau, Alaska† (Capote 274). He had not had a normal upbringing. His mother left his father at a young age and moved around the country without real love, friends or a proper grounding. Perry lived in a nunnery at one stage of his childhood where he was severely beaten to the stage of near death from drowning incidents caused by a certain nun. Therefore, it is no wonder that he felt as though the world was against him. Moreover, â€Å"Sitting, [Perry] seemed a more than normal-sized man, a powerful man, with the shoulders, the arms, the thick, crouching torso of a weight-lifter† but he was disproportionately structured, â€Å"when he stood up he was no taller than a 12-year-old child† (Capote 27). It is this that is ominously foreboding of his personality. At a first glance he seems to be grotesquely large and well-built, but further inspection allows one realise that he is merely, â€Å"overblown and muscle bound† (Capote 27). The same thought process is attached to his inner qualities; he seems at first, with his boyishly good-looks, to be soft and sweet, a part Indian and a part Irishmen to be a placid romantic. One would never assume at first that Perry is a cold-blooded killer. Instead, one would think the opposite with him being so caring of animals such a squirrels, enjoying the company of children and being an excellent artist and skilled guitar player – â€Å"With the aid of his guitar, Perry had [often] hung himself into a happy humour. He knew the lyrics of some two hundred hymns and ballads – a repertoire ranging [endlessly]† (Capote 59) But, through further analysis one finds that, â€Å"In some ways old Perry was â€Å"spooky as hell†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ He could slide into a fury†¦ â€Å"He might be ready to kill you, but you’d never know it, not to look at or listen to. †Ã¢â‚¬  (Capote 116) What was really going on with Perry, whether he was anxious or nervous, scared or ireful – even with his anxiety causing his blood to bubble, it was almost assured that he would remain cool, calm and collected on the outside, â€Å"with eyes serene and slightly sleepy† (Capote 116). Therefore, Perry had a,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"doom against which virtue was no defense† (Capote 185). He â€Å"had such a rotten life† (Capote 306). In many ways Perry is portrayed in an array of varying degrees of passivity and iniquity. It is then true to state that, â€Å"‘the path of the righteous man is beset on all sides with the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men† (Jackson). He was in no doubt destined to the awful vengeance that was incurred upon him – death by hanging from the neck. In contrast to this, Dick Hickock lived a much better life than what Perry did; he lived a somewhat average middle-class lifestyle. As a child he eceived much love from his parents and at one stage received a bicycle for his birthday, which he was indeed very proud of. He partook in most sports and achieved highly even being given a scholarship to go to college (which he did not accept). Instead, he started working and married a young but pretty girl who was above his standards, and even though this was the case, they had children together. Furthermor e, Dick honestly thought of himself as, â€Å"a normal. And Dick meant what he said. He thought of himself as balanced, as sane as anyone – maybe a bit smarter than the average fellow†¦ (Capote 116) He too, at first, seems to be kind hearted as he tends to smile somewhat and make jokes. But with his harmless jokes come harmful ones too, such as in the closing moments of the court case where both Dick and Perry laughed loudly at Dick’s comment of, â€Å"No chicken-hearted jurors, they†! (Capote 307) Moreover, Dick’s truly evil side is portrayed when he speaks of his lust for young adolescents and his paedophiliac propensities. He openly claims that he, â€Å"never [gave] any thought to whether it is right or wrong† (Capote 278). This act in itself is worthy of maximum penalty and coupled with assisted murder of first degree on four counts it is no doubt that he too be destined to the ultimate punishment – death by hanging from the neck. One of the reasons why the novel is so appealing is the nature of its impartiality; in the partnership of Dick and Perry they are both portrayed empathetically as well as like ruthless killers. Throughout the novel there are minor characters that ensure that one feels empathy at times toward the dire-stricken duo and at other times one will feel detestation and abhorrence toward the cowardly couple. With regards to Perry one feels compassion for him when he explains the horrors of his childhood, the way in which he was so often mistreated and misguided and lost out on so many important aspects of growing up that would normally lead to living a normal life. Perry Smith wanted to go to college and receive a proper education and was most jealous of former in-mate Lowell Lee Andrews who had what he desired, despising him for it. One might feel sorry for him insofar that he suffers from pain in his legs as a result of a motorcycle accident and resultantly became an addict of aspirin. One might even be envious of him for he is full of wisdom, being opposed to conventionalism for, â€Å"there is considerable hypocrisy in conventionalism† (Capote 150) and for being so artistically and musically inclined. It is Perry’s father, Tex John Smith, and his friends, Donald Cullivan and Willie-Jay? On the other hand, though it need not be mentioned why, one feels utter distaste towards such a felon for his heinous crimes are unspeakable and his lack of remorse is most certainly worthy of hatred and the label of ‘a cold-blooded killer’. Perry’s cold-bloodedness is most clearly portrayed when he openly exclaims, â€Å"[he] didn’t want to harm [Herb Clutter]. [He] thought he was a very nice gentleman. Soft-spoken. [He] thought so right up to the moment [he] cut his throat. † (Capote, 246). With regards to Dick, one would also be inclined to think kindly of him because he is a clever and quirky man, always â€Å"quick with a joke, or to light up [one’s] smoke† (Joel). He would hardly be seen without a smile and to be quite charming. The people in his life, which cared for him most, would be his parents, Mr. nd Mrs. Hickock – who never spoke badly of their son and always had hope and faith in him, even up until the last moment. It is precisely this aspect which makes one feel compassion for Dick. However, one finds his actions inexcusable and sees him as a cold blooded killer insofar as he was the main instigator for the ‘score’ of the Clutter household. He was the ringleader and the mastermind of the whole operation and he perpetually insisted that him and Perry leave no witnesses standing. It is thus that he is rightfully named a ‘cold-blooded killer’. Furthermore, there is a great contrast with regards to the theme of light and dark pertaining to Dick and Perry and the Clutter family, for even though Dick and Perry initially seem to be somewhat gentle or not as malevolent as they are after what one eventually learns about them, they most certainly are laced with evil streaks. Conversely, the Clutter family, each and every one of them was of pure goodness, not just in appearance or facades but in their minds and hearts too. Their souls were comprised of untainted decency. They were a tightly knit unit that worked coherently to enrich others’ ives. Similarly, Dick and Perry also worked together, a team but conversely yet again, their aim was to impoverish other peoples’ lives. Moreover, the narrative scope is from two varying viewpoints: that of the Clutter  family  who were innocently murdered, and that of the two cold-blooded killers, Dick and Perry. The different points of view allow one to relive both sides of the story; Capote presents them without foregone conclusions hence, each standpoint is one of impartiality. Capote works wizardry with the use of the third person omniscient perspective to communicate the two points of view. Emphasis is laid on some important scenes in the novel because of the way it is not written in complete chronological order. Finally, by closely analysing various aspects of the novel such as character and theme, whether or not Dick and Perry are portrayed empathetically or as cold-blooded killers, and how the theme of dark versus light is portrayed in the two main characters in accordance with the Clutter family and the effect of narrative scope we can fully understand what a wonderful masterpiece Truman Capote has fashioned. Word Count: 1794 Bibliography Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood. New York: Penguin Books, 1965. Joel, Bille. â€Å"Pianoman. † Piano Man. cond. M Stewart. By Billie Joel. Los Angeles, 1973. Pulp Fiction. Dir. Quentin Tarantino. Perf. Samuel L. Jackson. 1994. In Cold Blood Truman Capote was born in New Orleans in 1925, a harsh time in America. He was brought up in an amalgamation of places in the South of America, moving among New Orleans, Alabama and New Georgia. He began writing stories at the age of fourteen, depending on the seasonal changes. He later went on to work for the New Yorker after having left school at fifteen. He soon became renowned as the author of the celebrated Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Finally, he published his masterpiece, In Cold Blood, which is most certainly a work of art that changed the nature of writing for all time to come. The novel is filled with contrasting themes, ranging between moments of sombreness and cheeriness, invoking various emotions when reading the non-fictional novel. The novel revolves around the lives of the infamous murderers, Richard Eugene Hickock and Perry Edward Smith and the story of how they murdered four innocent people, known as the Clutter family. This essay will explore the relationship between character and theme presented in In Cold Blood, referring specifically to the characters of Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, assessing the question about whether the characters are portrayed empathetically or as ruthless murderers, the theme of light versus dark being represented in each of these two characters. The contrast drawn between Dick and Perry and the Clutter family will be shown with reference to minor characters that influence the reader’s perceptions of the characters, as well as the effect of narrative scope on the novel. Firstly, Perry was born, â€Å"Perry Edward Smith Oct. 27 1928 in Huntington, Elko County, Nevada, which is situated way out in the boon docks, so to speak†¦ in 1929 [his] family had ventured to Juneau, Alaska† (Capote 274). He had not had a normal upbringing. His mother left his father at a young age and moved around the country without real love, friends or a proper grounding. Perry lived in a nunnery at one stage of his childhood where he was severely beaten to the stage of near death from drowning incidents caused by a certain nun. Therefore, it is no wonder that he felt as though the world was against him. Moreover, â€Å"Sitting, [Perry] seemed a more than normal-sized man, a powerful man, with the shoulders, the arms, the thick, crouching torso of a weight-lifter† but he was disproportionately structured, â€Å"when he stood up he was no taller than a 12-year-old child† (Capote 27). It is this that is ominously foreboding of his personality. At a first glance he seems to be grotesquely large and well-built, but further inspection allows one realise that he is merely, â€Å"overblown and muscle bound† (Capote 27). The same thought process is attached to his inner qualities; he seems at first, with his boyishly good-looks, to be soft and sweet, a part Indian and a part Irishmen to be a placid romantic. One would never assume at first that Perry is a cold-blooded killer. Instead, one would think the opposite with him being so caring of animals such a squirrels, enjoying the company of children and being an excellent artist and skilled guitar player – â€Å"With the aid of his guitar, Perry had [often] hung himself into a happy humour. He knew the lyrics of some two hundred hymns and ballads – a repertoire ranging [endlessly]† (Capote 59) But, through further analysis one finds that, â€Å"In some ways old Perry was â€Å"spooky as hell†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ He could slide into a fury†¦ â€Å"He might be ready to kill you, but you’d never know it, not to look at or listen to. †Ã¢â‚¬  (Capote 116) What was really going on with Perry, whether he was anxious or nervous, scared or ireful – even with his anxiety causing his blood to bubble, it was almost assured that he would remain cool, calm and collected on the outside, â€Å"with eyes serene and slightly sleepy† (Capote 116). Therefore, Perry had a,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"doom against which virtue was no defense† (Capote 185). He â€Å"had such a rotten life† (Capote 306). In many ways Perry is portrayed in an array of varying degrees of passivity and iniquity. It is then true to state that, â€Å"‘the path of the righteous man is beset on all sides with the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men† (Jackson). He was in no doubt destined to the awful vengeance that was incurred upon him – death by hanging from the neck. In contrast to this, Dick Hickock lived a much better life than what Perry did; he lived a somewhat average middle-class lifestyle. As a child he eceived much love from his parents and at one stage received a bicycle for his birthday, which he was indeed very proud of. He partook in most sports and achieved highly even being given a scholarship to go to college (which he did not accept). Instead, he started working and married a young but pretty girl who was above his standards, and even though this was the case, they had children together. Furthermor e, Dick honestly thought of himself as, â€Å"a normal. And Dick meant what he said. He thought of himself as balanced, as sane as anyone – maybe a bit smarter than the average fellow†¦ (Capote 116) He too, at first, seems to be kind hearted as he tends to smile somewhat and make jokes. But with his harmless jokes come harmful ones too, such as in the closing moments of the court case where both Dick and Perry laughed loudly at Dick’s comment of, â€Å"No chicken-hearted jurors, they†! (Capote 307) Moreover, Dick’s truly evil side is portrayed when he speaks of his lust for young adolescents and his paedophiliac propensities. He openly claims that he, â€Å"never [gave] any thought to whether it is right or wrong† (Capote 278). This act in itself is worthy of maximum penalty and coupled with assisted murder of first degree on four counts it is no doubt that he too be destined to the ultimate punishment – death by hanging from the neck. One of the reasons why the novel is so appealing is the nature of its impartiality; in the partnership of Dick and Perry they are both portrayed empathetically as well as like ruthless killers. Throughout the novel there are minor characters that ensure that one feels empathy at times toward the dire-stricken duo and at other times one will feel detestation and abhorrence toward the cowardly couple. With regards to Perry one feels compassion for him when he explains the horrors of his childhood, the way in which he was so often mistreated and misguided and lost out on so many important aspects of growing up that would normally lead to living a normal life. Perry Smith wanted to go to college and receive a proper education and was most jealous of former in-mate Lowell Lee Andrews who had what he desired, despising him for it. One might feel sorry for him insofar that he suffers from pain in his legs as a result of a motorcycle accident and resultantly became an addict of aspirin. One might even be envious of him for he is full of wisdom, being opposed to conventionalism for, â€Å"there is considerable hypocrisy in conventionalism† (Capote 150) and for being so artistically and musically inclined. It is Perry’s father, Tex John Smith, and his friends, Donald Cullivan and Willie-Jay? On the other hand, though it need not be mentioned why, one feels utter distaste towards such a felon for his heinous crimes are unspeakable and his lack of remorse is most certainly worthy of hatred and the label of ‘a cold-blooded killer’. Perry’s cold-bloodedness is most clearly portrayed when he openly exclaims, â€Å"[he] didn’t want to harm [Herb Clutter]. [He] thought he was a very nice gentleman. Soft-spoken. [He] thought so right up to the moment [he] cut his throat. † (Capote, 246). With regards to Dick, one would also be inclined to think kindly of him because he is a clever and quirky man, always â€Å"quick with a joke, or to light up [one’s] smoke† (Joel). He would hardly be seen without a smile and to be quite charming. The people in his life, which cared for him most, would be his parents, Mr. nd Mrs. Hickock – who never spoke badly of their son and always had hope and faith in him, even up until the last moment. It is precisely this aspect which makes one feel compassion for Dick. However, one finds his actions inexcusable and sees him as a cold blooded killer insofar as he was the main instigator for the ‘score’ of the Clutter household. He was the ringleader and the mastermind of the whole operation and he perpetually insisted that him and Perry leave no witnesses standing. It is thus that he is rightfully named a ‘cold-blooded killer’. Furthermore, there is a great contrast with regards to the theme of light and dark pertaining to Dick and Perry and the Clutter family, for even though Dick and Perry initially seem to be somewhat gentle or not as malevolent as they are after what one eventually learns about them, they most certainly are laced with evil streaks. Conversely, the Clutter family, each and every one of them was of pure goodness, not just in appearance or facades but in their minds and hearts too. Their souls were comprised of untainted decency. They were a tightly knit unit that worked coherently to enrich others’ ives. Similarly, Dick and Perry also worked together, a team but conversely yet again, their aim was to impoverish other peoples’ lives. Moreover, the narrative scope is from two varying viewpoints: that of the Clutter  family  who were innocently murdered, and that of the two cold-blooded killers, Dick and Perry. The different points of view allow one to relive both sides of the story; Capote presents them without foregone conclusions hence, each standpoint is one of impartiality. Capote works wizardry with the use of the third person omniscient perspective to communicate the two points of view. Emphasis is laid on some important scenes in the novel because of the way it is not written in complete chronological order. Finally, by closely analysing various aspects of the novel such as character and theme, whether or not Dick and Perry are portrayed empathetically or as cold-blooded killers, and how the theme of dark versus light is portrayed in the two main characters in accordance with the Clutter family and the effect of narrative scope we can fully understand what a wonderful masterpiece Truman Capote has fashioned. Word Count: 1794 Bibliography Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood. New York: Penguin Books, 1965. Joel, Bille. â€Å"Pianoman. † Piano Man. cond. M Stewart. By Billie Joel. Los Angeles, 1973. Pulp Fiction. Dir. Quentin Tarantino. Perf. Samuel L. Jackson. 1994.

Imitation of Jonathan Swift’s Satire “Modest Proposal”

AP English 7 October 12, 2012 The solution(Imitation of Jonathan Swift's Modest Proposal) It is sad thing to see our learning environment; the place where we come to play sports, meet people, have a good time, learn many interesting things as a place where drugs are also associated. Furthermore, it is depressing to observe an intelligent kid become a person who just doesn’t care about school due to the substance that made them not.The fact that they started ads more to the big idea that it needs to end. It’s clear and apparent that by all parties that this prodigious problem has affected and continues to affect our lives and needs to come to an end by having to deal with the students that do not care no reason about school and I have formulated a great plan to reduce if not illuminate this problem and that is by hosting a assembly in our institute for the students to come and try out all the drugs!This would be a great solution for the reason that students try the drugs and experience their affects so they will not be curious about the drug. What I have concluded is that the curiosity of the student followed by the peer’s pressure will make the student more susceptible to potentially buying drugs from the dealer that could have in fact treated the substance to be more addictive. By eliminating the main factor of curiosity would abolish the first step of a student taking or buying the drug.Furthermore, by the school providing the drugs would make it the safest way to get the curiosity out of their system. For example, the school may provide safe items to use the drugs. I believe that every other way to tackle this problem is futile since everything that we try is not working as we hope it should, like using a dog to track down drugs is just plain dumb and threating the students with not being able to participate in school activities for a set amount of time if cot is unheard of.

Key Symbol – Statue of Liberty

Lazarus inscribed on her base, â€Å"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tots to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door! (Lazarus)† For in these words a key symbol of American pride became that which beckons to all who wish for more, for better, and for liberation from that which oppresses them. For Americans, the Statue of Liberty is a key symbol distinguishing liberty and freedom. She carries the Insurmountable burden of being the symbol for America's cantonal pride through Its accomplishments.Originally named â€Å"Liberty Enlightening the World†, the statue was constructed as an Icon celebrating America's victories over adversity. This was evident at the statue's Inauguration In 1886. Before a crowd of thousands and President Grover Cleveland, the American people intensified † almost immediately†¦ † That the statue â€Å"†¦ Was widely regarded as a symbol of the nation. † (Scorcher Arts and Entertainment) The people instantaneously accepted this magnificent work of art as a symbol of their power and strength.Furthermore, the eye symbolism can be felt through the emotions evoked through the interpretation of her â€Å"no-nonsense† facial attitude seen through all those who look upon. This is a representative of strength and resolve in the people of America. This is confirmed by the work of the sculptor Birthday, and his eloquent portrayal in the subtleties of expression, â€Å"Liberty serious demeanor underscores the Idea that liberty Itself comes at a cost and must not be taken lightly. † (Scorcher Arts and Entertainment) â€Å"Finally, almost covered by the drapery, Liberty left foot, which few viewers et to see, treads upon the broken shackles of tyranny.The receding position of her right leg makes the statue, when viewed from the south, seem to be striding onward to shed her lig ht before her. † (Scorcher Arts and Entertainment) Americans feel strongly about Lady Liberty and realize that having their personal freedom comes with cost, many times paid for in human lives and other sacrifices, but through it all as a nation of determined people, they will continue to break the shackles of tyranny and stride onward stronger than before.Furthermore, as a gift room France to the people of the united States to mark the Centennial of the American Declaration of Independence, the Statue of Liberty was given to recognize America for Its accomplishments and tribulations In Just one hundred short years of history. This key symbol was given in honor of the accomplishments the newly Torment unlace states Ana undergone since ten selling AT ten Declaration AT Independence: a Civil War and reconstruction of a nation, the overcoming of slavery, the death of a great leader, and a revolution not unlike the one experienced by theFrench. The people of France looked upon the United States as being triumphant over all odds and still remaining a strong independent nation; and from this, the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of national pride was born. The symbolism found in the Statue of Liberty is not exclusive to Just the people of America. Its representation of liberty and freedom is known throughout the world to those seeking safe harbor within her borders. The statue represents freedom, liberty for those immigrants that are in search of an opportunity and a new life.Immigrants re inspired to seek refuge in the United States through shared tales of how Lady Liberty stands at the doorway to this new life, and beckons them in with her colossal torch of light. The emotional perception and imagery is so intense that countless immigrants have been compelled to sell virtually all their worldly possessions, pack into ships like herds of cattle and make uncertain Journeys across stormy seas. The symbolism is further reinforced by those that have completed the Jo urney, as they share their tales of Lady Liberty with those souls seeking inspiration. For many the iris memory was the ‘lady with the torch'. † (Brownstone) A simple glimpse can conjure up an almost religious enchantment. It was not uncommon for passengers to weep or pray with gratitude upon seeing her verdigris face in the harbor. This is marked by the account of one immigrant, Celia Ripens as she recalls, â€Å"l saw the Statue of Liberty. And we all ran out and I prayed because I heard so much in Poland about it- the Statue of Liberty. (Brownstone) Moreover, another immigrant recalls being shown by her uncle the Statue of Liberty, and she notes that â€Å"That I will never forget. (Brownstone) Countless passengers on immigrant ships, many with their bodies wracked by illness and terrible seasickness, would rush up to the densely crowded decks, teeming with people to witness their first sight of the Statue of Liberty; a symbol proclaimed by the immigrating peoples a s their icon for success and newly afforded opportunities in a new land.Embodied in art work, and held as a cherished icon, Lady Liberty has appeared in countless renderings on American currency. The image of liberty has been seen on coins, Liberty Loan Bonds, and a number of commemorative coins. Her image stirs up the emotions that people relate to freedom and success, that her image has been endeared to financial freedoms as well. Liberty stands tall on a Liberty Loan Bond, issued during World War I to help boost the economy. Her likeness and images have graced the new dollar coins, giving an impression once again of triumph over adversity.As a key symbol not only to her nation, but to her home state of New York, her distinctive shape graces the small space of the US State Quarter, and after the events of September 1 1, 2001 her image has been shown on commemorative coins as symbol of triumph and solidarity over adversity against her nation. Lady Liberty is not only a key symbol, she is a work of art, having been represented in mediums from the copper of her frame to the renditions of many artists who endear her more and more in their works.She is truly a key symbol to the nation's people. As one AT ten most recognizable symbols AT American Justice Ana Treetop, Lay Liberty stands tall embodying Americans with national pride, as well as an intrinsic sense of personal pride. The statue continues to strengthen the American peoples' solve in their times of adversity. This strength continues to perpetuate through the stories and coinage passed from one generation to the next.The tales of the countless people that overcame unthinkable odds to simply pass before the lady with the torch, Liberty Enlightening the World is a reminder that Americans are those people. Americans are the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses that yearned to breathe free. Yet, through everything America endures, as a nation the people of the United States continue to draw on and find ref uge in the comfort and solidarity of his national key symbol, not to only guide them, but to serve as a reminder of their strength.

Family structures and roles Essay

We use the word role today meaning a function or part played in life. As a member of a family or a work situation the roles we have in life depend on the situation we are in at the time. I myself am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a care assistant, a student and a friend. As you can see I have many different roles in my everyday living. The main role in my life will be the role within my family unit. This project will look at the roles of members in a family unit and how this has changed over the last 25-50 years. Nuclear family The roles within the nuclear family used to be the father being the main provider and working long hours to support his family and the mother looked after the children and the home. Because men were the ones with the money they took charge inside the family. This was considered the norm but over time changes came about when the wife began to reject the housewife role and demanded a greater say in decision making in the home. They wanted to be considered equal to their husbands. Women began insisting men carried out tasks around the home. This lead to husbands spending leisure time with family instead of spending time with his male companions down the pub after work, it resulted in close emotional bonds with his wife and children, he began to help with household tasks and childcare. With the introduction of the contraceptive pill in the 1960’s women were able to limit the number of children they had and gave them the freedom to obtain paid employment. A marriage now became a partnership with the husband and wife now sharing the routine of everyday life. Attitudes changed in society, it was now considered normal for husbands and wives to both work and share household tasks and childcare. In today’s society it is not unusual for the wife to be the main provider and the husband stay at home to keep house and look after the children. The term househusband is now well known. There are three different roles: Joint roles; where couples work together in the house or garden. Complementary roles: where couples helped one another such as one may paint the other may paper. Segregated roles; where couples have separate jobs to do, e.g. the wife does the ironing the husband mows the lawn. Extended family The role of members in the extended family did not vary greatly from those of the nuclear family. The daughter settled in close proximity to her mother and they saw each other on a daily basis. This gave the grandmother the opportunity of a supporting role in the upbringing and education of the child(ren). They were also if able to give financial support. The extended family members usually took on the role of caring for an elderly parent. A person is now expected to live well into their 70th or 80th year, this means there has been a huge growth in the number of three-generation families. Nursing homes and residential homes are now on the increase in today’s society and the role of looking after a parent in their old age within the family unit has now decreased. The roles within the extended family have varied greatly due to women and men now having equal opportunities and both going out to work. The care of the child while the parents work is more often than not taken on by a family member e.g. grandparent aunt or uncle. Whilst the local extended family takes on the role of childcare it is both the parents responsibility to take on the role of providing for their family. Reconstituted family Reconstituted families became more popular after the divorce reform act of 1971 was introduced making it easier to obtain divorce. The roles within the reconstituted families can be very difficult due to stepparents taking on their new role and children rebelling against the discipline given out by a stepparent. In reconstituted families both the man and the woman take on the role of the living expenses and food costs of the home. Joint financing of the stepchildren’s expenses is less common, it is much more common for the mother to receive financial help from the stepfather in order for her children’s expenses. Both parents along with household tasks usually take on the role of childcare and educator. Members of the extended reconstituted family also take on the childcare role when both parents work. One parent family The role of the single parent can be a difficult one, as they have to take on the role of mother, father, carer, provider and educator. This itself can become a huge task especially if there is no immediate family around to offer support Single parents have become more popular in today’s society for a variety of reasons. There are more women than men who take on the role of the single parent but it is probably a harder role for a man to cope with. A mans role in life is seen to be masculine; they define themselves by their work role. Single fatherhood requires men to look at their priorities around work and family and so their role in life now becomes the sole provider for his child(ren). Partnership arrangements There are many types of families in today’s society including gay and lesbian couples. The public’s opinion of these couples has changed enormously over the last few years. The role of carer and educator within this type of family usually falls on both individuals. Benefit such as income support or working families tax credit is paid to the natural parent of the child and does not include the other persons income, as the law does not recognise them as a couple, therefore the main provider will probably be the natural parent but not in all cases. Cultural influences There are many people from many cultures settled in Britain today. Being of a different cultural background has resulted in prejudice. Prejudice still exists today, and although there is discrimination out there, it is against the law and much harder to prove. Because of so many cultures in our lives we have seen many changes in society, namely the opening of shops, supermarkets, take-away food shops and restaurants. Many years ago it was unusual for families to eat outside their home or the home of a family member, today take-away food and eating out is a part of every day life. We now have new tastes ranging from Chinese to Indian and Italian to Mexican. Why roles have changed Many changes have taken place over the years especially the roles within family life. The introduction of the pill made it easier for women to take control of their bodies resulting in fewer children being born. The influences that have changed the way we think the way we see the family and the roles we play are due to the media, television newspapers and magazines. Legislation has given us equal pay, equal opportunities for all and equal rights regardless of our class gender or culture. Women can now own or rent their own home and are considered equal owners in the case of divorce. Women can now take out loans or credit agreements without their husband or fathers consent. Health care has improved considerably over the years and screenings for women’s problems has been forced into action. Overall life has become better for women today. They now have the same rights as men and are considered an important part of our society today.

Understanding Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Understanding Religion - Essay Example Religion largely concerns an individual’s faith; whether he or she is a believer or not. Faith is the key pillar of all religions, and it is evident in all religions of the world. Without faith, in the existence of a supreme being or a higher mode of living, there would be no religions to talk about (Van, 2007). Religions all over the world strive to encourage a state of better coexistence between individuals and their environment. The earliest known religions have similarities with today’s religion because they still preach the same principles of living a pure life without sin. However, there exists a difference in how sin is defined, in the different religions of the world. Different religions have different teachings and ideas that are deemed necessary to be able to attain the set goal of religion, which varies depending on the type of an individual’s religious background (Van, 2007). Religion is seen as the greatest unifier for all mankind, and it forges a ve ry strong bond between believers. Traditions of a given community have contributed to the type of religion that develops around them, and the influence it has on their daily lives (Van, 2007). For instance, Asian countries have different religious practices from those of the Western world as evidenced by predominant Buddhism, in Asia, and Christianity, in Western countries. Their religions were entrenched early at the beginning of their cultures and traditions. This made it easier for their type of religious beliefs to be accepted earlier, in the life of each individual as the normal way of life and existence (Van, 2007). Religious scriptures have played a key role in shaping and spreading different religions around the globe. Scriptures are written documents like the Bible or the Quran that the believers of these religions believe contain sacred messages.

The Nation Splits and Reunites (US History) Assignment

The Nation Splits and Reunites (US History) - Assignment Example Northern businessmen helped get the "Tariff Act" passed which in turn raised the prices of manufactured products from Europe mainly sold in the South. This angered the Southern people to have to pay more for these goods and hence developed hatred towards the Northern people (Davis). The political power in the Federal government led further to escalation of the conflict. Since the Northern States were becoming more and more powerful, the Southern States felt a growing need for freedom and as such wanted to break away from the north and govern themselves. The north would not allow this and hence the civil war. Finally, the martial confrontation between the Federal states and the Confederate States of America further fueled the Civil War when Fort Sumter in South Carolina was attacked (Davis). 2) In most polls of presidents by historians Lincoln is either ranked first or second. Does he deserved such an exalted position, or as his detractors claim, he should be ranked lower because he presided over a war that killed 620,000 of his fellow citizens? Explain. In my opinion, Abraham Lincoln should be ranked lower as the President of the United States because he presided over a war that killed 620,000 of his fellow citizens. Firstly, he vowed to keep the country united and the new western territories free from slavery. Sadly, this was not so. First of all, many Southerners were afraid that he was not sympathetic to their way of life and therefore could not treat them fairly (Davis). This feeling led the South to break away from the United States and joined together to form a new nation named the Confederate States of America. Although more than half of the said deaths were caused by disease, documented statistics indicate that one third of all Southern soldiers died in the civil war during Lincoln’s reign (Davis). Consequently, a big majority of families felt this pain and loss, a testimony of how much the War had scarred and devastated the American