Greek Mythology and Hades Essay

The ancient Greek people wrote stories about characters known as gods in order to explain things in the world. For example, the story of Hades and Persephone explains why plants do not grow in the winter. The story of Hades and Persephone is only one story however, and they are only two gods out of the large number of immortal characters that the Greeks created. Hades is the god of the underworld, goes by many different names, was extremely protective of his posessions, and was married to the beautiful God, Persephone. The Underworld (Image from Medea’s Greek Lair; painting by Kythera Ann) Greek gods have many different names, and different spellings. For example, Greek Gods all have different names they can be called. Hades goes by many names, such as Aides, Lord of the darkness, Pluto, and god of the dead (www. theoi. com). Hades is most commonly known as the god of the underworld, and Aides is another Greek spelling of Hades. Lord of the Darkness is from his most prized posession, his helmet from the Titanomachy war. Pluto is his Roman name. Pluto is the easiest to remember, however I have found that most texts refer to him as Hades. Lord of the Dead is not to be confused with god of death or the devil, as the god of death is called Thanatos, a less popular god (www. helium. com). While Thanatos is a God, I think that Hades is a more important figure in the Greek world. Although, Hades protects things such as funerals and burial ceremonies, Hades is a completely different person than Thanatos. Hades’ Helmet of Darkness (Image from Medea’s Greek Lair) In the time of Greek Gods and Goddesses, there was a ten-year war called the Titanomachy. In addition, to win the war, the Cyclops gave the three brothers special weapons (www. helium. com). Hades was given the Helmet of Darkness; therefore, allowing him to become invisible. This invisibility allowed him to sneak on to enemy territory, which is a nifty ability. After winning the war against the Titans, the brothers were rightfully deemed their regions; Hades won the Underworld (www. helium. com). The Underworld is not depicted as hell in the Christian society, but as an island in the west ocean. However, Hades’ land, the Underworld, was thought of as under Greece as time passed. One of the Greek gods’ favorite activities was to get married. For example, Hades had a wife named Persephone, daughter of Demeter and Zeus. Hades married Persephone after abducting her (www. netplaces. com); sweeping beneath Demeter’s careful eye and stealing her most prized posession. Persephone, in my opinion, is the most beautiful of all the Gods. However, this inconsiderate action is a display of his relentless power. Despite Demeter’s wishes, Persephone stays with Hades during the winter only, and she is returned to her mother for the other eight months of the year (www.netplaces. com). At a time, Persephone was about to leave the Underworld entirely, but she ate pomegranate seeds at a banquet that Hades threw for her, which chained her to the Underworld forever. After eating food from the Underworld, the eater must always be forced to return eventually. With time, Persephone grew to like her husband more and became content with her life. Hades is the powerful God of the Underworld, husband of Persephone and goes by many different names, and is feared by all mortals. Hades is not to be confused with Thatamos, God of Death. He also participated in the Titanomachy, winning the Underworld and his helmet of darkness, Persephone, image by Marta Dahlig which he cherishes even more than his abducted wife, Persephone. Hades is one of the most powerful Gods, right next to Zeus and Poseidon. However, Hades is my favorite God. Works Cited Ann, Kythera. â€Å"Tales of Hades. † Hades. Medea’s Lair of Greek Mythology, n. d. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. . Atsuma, Aaron J. â€Å"HADES : Greek King of the Underworld, God of the Dead ; Mythology ; Pictures : HAIDES, PLUTO. † HADES : Greek King of the Underworld, God of the Dead ; Mythology ; Pictures : HAIDES, PLUTO. Amazon, n. d. Web. 31 Oct. 2012. . Conner, Nancy. â€Å"Classical Mythology. † The Abduction of Persephone. The New York Times Company, n. d. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. . Harry, Tim. â€Å"Greek Mythology: Hades, the God of the Dead. † Helium. Helium, 01 Apr. 2008. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. .

Reflective Analysis Essay

In my short story entitled, ‘Words Haunt Me,’ the language registers and variations in the short story as well as attitudes to language and communicative behaviour of the characters will be discussed. Throughout the story, an intimate register was used between Romain and Rae-Ann. This is because they are very comfortable with each other. Additionally, it is the language marked by specialized words and expressions as seen when Rae-Ann says â€Å"It’s going to be alright babe.† However, a more formal tone is exchanged between Romain and Mr. and Mrs. Carmino. This is level of formality may have been adopted because Romain was meeting them for the first time. This is apparent as Romain declares â€Å"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Carmino, a pleasure to meet you!† Mr. and Mrs. Carmino spoke Standard English using theacrolect variation as seen in this example â€Å"So what are your intentions with my daughter young man.† Their choice of language may have been because of their ‘upper class status’. However, Romain spokecreole at intervals throughout the passage and at some intervals even exclaiming inbas ilect as he was emotionally aroused. The comfort at which he spokebas ilect leads one to believe that this is his first language of choice and he is very comfortable with it as evident in the many features of the creole structuring such as the use of ‘mi’ as a subject adjective and the replacement of the ‘th’ with the‘d’ as seen in the example ‘Dere is nuting wrong wit de way I speak!’ Theattitudes formulated to language vary given a person’s perception. In the extract, Mr. Carmino despises the creole used by Romain. He considers acrolect/ Standard English superior tocr eole. He indicates this by saying â€Å"â€Å"You speak the language of the underdogs.† Romain on the other hand, defends his language as he sees nothing wrong with it. He also, associates Standard English with a higher class†¦ ‘Corporate world.’ An example of a communicative behaviour which was exhibited throughout the passage is gestures. Romain wiping his hands showed his nervousness while Mr. Carmino’s stern handshake is interpreted as a sign of authority. Other communicative behaviours included facial expressions as seen when Mr. Carmino’s ‘eyebrows frowned together which illustrates his anger and also through vocalics when Romain raised his voice to show his frustration. In attempting to analyse my second reflective I have looked at the relationship between a person’s dialectal variations, choice of register, attitude to language and communicative behaviours, all of which are important in communication.

Katrina Possisble Solutions

Possible Solutions to prevent another Hurricane Katrina Sea gates are another option that have proven very affective in other areas of the world such as Holland, Britain, and Venice, which is also below sea level and has a large number of canals. Sea gates are simply giant air-filled walls that cut off water flow. These gates would most likely be placed on Lake Pontchartrain’s two narrow outlets and would be only be closed if a storm was approaching.Such structures have been considered since the 1960’s, but the idea was crushed in the late 1970’s because people feared the gates would disrupt marine life and sediment transportation. However this should not be an issue since the gates are open the majority of the time. The main hurdle is cost, ranging from $500 million to 1 billion Closing or covering certain canals is an option that would help prevent storm surges from reaching so far inland. Currently canals and channels can give storm surge direct access to inla nd neighborhoods.The Mississippi River Gulf Outlet [MRGO] is one of the canals that has caused major problems in the past. Where MRGO meets the Intracoastal Waterway there is a major area of funneling. The two fronts met at a narrowing point that forms the Industrial Canal and the water height is amplified 20-40%, putting intense pressure on floodwalls causing them to burst. After Hurricane Katrina hit the narrow strip of wetlands between MRGO and Lake Borgne got even smaller, bringing to reality the fear that the two waters might merge into one.MRGO has less than five ships navigating its channel per day; often times only one ship uses the outlet. MRGO has also amplified the wetland loss in the area, allowing salt water to intrude and kill off native vegetation. By keeping only heavily used channels open and turning the rest into trails or parks, flood damage could be reduced. Adding a subterranean drainage system to the city is another idea that engineers have come up with. This w ould include turning some canals into culverts (covering them with trails and parks) and then having heavy duty pumps (located on high ground) to pump the water fully out of the city.The culverts would help channel the water and get it out quickly in times of flood. This is a simple technology, but it is costly running about $1 million per mile of canal. Moving the pumping stations is a relatively simple way to help prevent New Orleans from being overwhelmed. Installing heavy-duty pumping stations on high ground or in areas where they can act as damn-like buffers would allow water to be pumped out even when the city is overwhelmed.During Hurricane Katrina, once the pumping stations were flooded the low areas just continued to rise in water level. Wetland rehabilitation is another plan that could help protect New Orleans from storm surge. Wetlands act as natural barriers against wind-driven waters, but wetlands are being destroyed by saltwater intrusion everyday. Hand planting is ver y costly and time consuming, making it hard to implement. Source: http://www. uwec. edu/jolhm/eh3/group7/futureneworleans. htm

Drinking Alcohol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Drinking Alcohol - Essay Example There have been studies that indicate that the effect of alcohol on a person’s brain increases the occurrence of accidents (vehicular), violent tendencies and aggressive behavior, more serious psychiatric conditions (depression, anxiety, short attention span); and hampering of the brains abilities to function well. Hypothesis: An increase in the consumption of alcohol increases the tendency for people to become socially aggressive and thereby, the victim of bullying would respond by getting retribution for the physical aggression received from the bully. According to Buddy T. â€Å"in all 50 states, the legal limit for drunk driving is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08. A 120-pound woman can reach a .08 BAC level after only two drinks and a 180-pound man can be at .08 after only four drinks† (2010, par. 2). Experimental Process: Three sets of samples (say 5 victims of bullying to drink alcohol in excess of legal limits, 5 victims not to drink, 5 victims to drink just within the legal limit) would be taken and asked to drink as prescribed. They would then be asked to confront their bullies and react according to their state of mind. The frequency and kind of socially aggressive behavior would then be identified, measured and noted according to the sample and control groups. Validity Procedures: Choose sample randomly but with almost the same gender and age as well as the kind of bullying applied (The direct form involves behavior that aims to physically harm the victim through any of the following means: hitting, kicking, pushing (Carbone-Lopez, et.al, 2010, 333) and fighting, flicking, throwing, shoving, hair pulling (Parentline, 2006,

To what extent is it sustainable for countries to rely on the export Essay - 1

To what extent is it sustainable for countries to rely on the export of manufactured good to generate economic growth - Essay Example ce is mainly determined by two (connected) factors: its exchange rate and its growth rate in relation to those of its trading partners† (A special report on Americas economy: Export or die 2010). In other words, the currency value and the export growths are the major determinants of the economic growth of a country. This paper evaluates the importance of export of manufactured goods in sustaining economic growth of a country. China’s policies helped them to grow at the rate of 7%–8% per year which is sufficient enough to produce 15 million new jobs a year (THE â€Å"CHINA PRICE† AND WEAPONS OF MASS PRODUCTION, n. d, p.1). China is one of the prominent exporting countries in the world which exploited the possibilities of export of manufactured goods judiciously for their economic growth. In fact they taught the external world new export oriented economic lessons. While most of the countries tried to sell their products for maximum possible prices in global market, China adopted a different strategy of selling their products for maximum cheaper prices. Cheaper prices made Chinese products favorite in global market and they were able to generate big volumes of business in the global market. Bulk production helped China to sell their products for cheaper prices in global market. Mass production also helped China to reduce their unemployment problems up to certain extent. While most of th e other countries struggled to boost their economy through export of manufactured goods, China not only maintained a steady economic growth through export of manufactured goods, but also succeeded in reducing unemployment problems. It is not easy for other countries to follow the path of China blindly. For example, America’s manufacturing base is not much active currently because of the stiff competition from the Chinese products. Even American consumers became the fan of Chinese products because of the cheaper price and better quality compared to the American products. Under

Neurotheology in Review (Brain & Heart) part 2 Essay

Neurotheology in Review (Brain & Heart) part 2 - Essay Example An attempt to understand these mechanisms, ultimately calls for basic understanding of the mechanisms about how different systems work in our body. Physiology is the study of vital processes of living organisms, particularly at the level of organs and organ systems and at the level of the organism as a whole. Physiological processes, in turn, are dependent on anatomical and biochemical factors and constitute the physical basis of behavior (Abram et al., 2007). But with the existing knowledge, it is difficult to explain, as Eiser (2005) has pointed out how out of the structure and function or anatomy and physiology, a novel psychological entity representing the individual arise (Eiser, 2005). Questions keep coming on this hitherto unexplored area of the science. What people think, what they say, what they do, what they feel, and why they think, say, act, and feel in these ways are plainly of the greatest interest to all of us. The interface between psychology, religion, and spirituality has been of great interest to scholars for a century (Tartaro, Luecken, and Gunn, 2005). Taking into account that religious consciousness arises out of functional aspects of brain, it is not irrational to assume that the origin of such consciousness is from an emotion, and there must be a harmonious mechanism occurring in our body that leads to such emotions, hence physiologic effect out of some anatomic structures (Saver and Rabin, 1997). Are the sayings, "my heartfelt love", "from the core of my heart" and so on and so forth, just the sayings, or there exists some relationship in reality between the mind and the heart, or emotion and physiologic function. The anatomically determined theory of emotion or consciousness indicates emotion is like other somesth etic or special senses (McEachrane, 2009) similar to pain, temperature, and vision, emotional experience was accorded a thalamic nucleus and thalamocortical cortical relay (Compton, 2003). As

Paper_8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Paper_8 - Essay Example I am aware of at least one incident where a man had his medical records used without his consent and the records inadvertently revealed his identity. As a result, many people in his community discovered details of his medical history that he wished to keep private! Forcing individuals to divulge medical information without their consent also runs afoul of the Fifth Amendment's prohibition on taking private property for public use without just compensation. After all, people do have a legitimate property interest in their private information; therefore restrictions on an individual's ability to control the dissemination of their private information represents a massive regulatory taking. The takings clause is designed to prevent this type of sacrifice of individual property rights for the "greater good." To the extent these regulations sacrifice individual rights in the name of a bureaucratically-determined "common good," they are incompatible with a free

Read Fast Food Nation. Identify the author's main argument. Find a Essay

Read Fast Food Nation. Identify the author's main argument. Find a theme that you plan to focus on in your analysis paper - Essay Example Down the way, the author reveals a load of thought-provoking and disturbing realities – the unscrupulous tie between fast food and the giant of Entertainment Industry and the transformations in the industry that have formed in the production of food products and the standard of culture. While the book is divided into two sections – â€Å"The American Way† and â€Å"Meat and Potatoes†, there is one theme that really that is showing up: convenience. As aforementioned, The Food Nation is divided into two sections. In â€Å"The American Way†, the author looks at the beginnings of the fast food industry within the framework of post World War II America. This describes how the idea of fast food cropped up and began to transform the food culture of America. In the â€Å"Meat and Potatoes†, the author investigates on the particular procedures of the fast food industry such as the development of the chemical flavoring, combination of spices and the li vestock production; the working conditions in related industries such as the poultry and the beef industries, and the worldwide perspective of fast food as an American way for imperializing the fast food industry. ... entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, in raking more partakers of the industry; hence, a conversation between Ray Kroc and Walt Disney took place, pointing towards creating an integrated business model that would profit both industries. In this section of the book, the author also places a significant emphasis on the ideal and most effective methods of commercializing the food industry, that is, by targeting the kids’ population through Walt Disney’s advertisements.4 The Food Nation also touches on the role of the food industry in providing jobs to the American People: the fast food industry provides work for a large proportion of the American population (although most jobs pay low wages). Many fast food companies around the world are employing more employees than any other industry in America. This somehow implies of the growing fascination not just the American people but of the world population to the fast food industry. The contention of this review is the observation that the increasing attention to the food industry by the American people is driven by the deficiency of time. With the advent of the industrial era comes the continuing tightness and increasing workloads in the workplace, causing more time constraints on the part of the American people. In various sectors of the American society, the concern for time is much on an upward slope: there is a greater need for convenience in terms of eating and relaxation. Considering the fact the deficiency of time is already an issue, many people already prefer to eat outside; nevertheless, there are restaurants that are even worse in time consumption than cooking your food in the comfort of your own home. Some restaurants would take customers considerable amount of time before they can be served. This is

International Sales of Goods by Sea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

International Sales of Goods by Sea - Essay Example This is to ensure that no material losses occur to the goods during transit. The liability of the seller under CIF is larger than under FOB, in that, the responsibility of the goods, vests with the seller until it is loaded onboard the ship. In other words, the liability is not restricted until it is entrusted to the carrier, but remains intact until the shipments are aboard the ship. Any losses that occur during the intervening period would fall upon the seller, and not anybody else. Thus, the Academy could initiate action against Llodd’s in respect of the books having missing pages. Under Section 14 (2) (a) of Sale of Goods Act, it is seen that â€Å"where a seller sells goods in the course of a business, there is an implied term that the goods supplied under the contract are of satisfactory quality. It provides that goods are of satisfactory quality if they meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as satisfactory, taking account of any description of the goods, the price (if relevant) and all the other relevant circumstances. Again, under Section 13 of the Sale of Goods Act, sale of goods by description, it is incumbent on the part of the seller to ensure that the goods match the description; otherwise the buyer is at liberty to repudiate the treaty, and /or claim damages for compensatory damages. (Sale of Goods Act 1979). Again under the provisions of Section 11 of the Sale of Goods Act 1979, it is seen that when a contract of sale is incumbent upon certain conditionality to be fulfilled by the seller, especially in a CIF contract, the buyer has the options either to excuse the conditions or may elect to treat the breach of condition, as a breach of warranty, which may not be cause for action of cancelling the contract. There may be certain aspects surrounding the case that could suggest whether the requirement could be treated as a condition precedent, in which case the buyer could elect to cancel the contract or, in cases,

Rufino Blanco-Fombona Essay Example for Free

Rufino Blanco-Fombona Essay Rufino Blanco-Fombona, (b. June 17, 1874, Caracas, Venezuela—d. October 17, 1944, Buenos Aires, Argentina), Venezuelan literary historian and man of letters who played a major role in bringing the works of Latin American writers to world attention. Jailed during the early years of the dictatorship (1908–35) of Juan Vicente Gomez, Blanco-Fombona fled to Europe, where he established Editorial America in Madrid (1914), which presented Latin American writers to the European literary world. A prolific author, he wrote poetry,short stories, novels, and essays. Of Blanco-Fombona’s vast output, his literary essays are considered his best work. Two of hiscritical works, El modernismo y los poetas modernistas (1929; â€Å"Modernism and the Modernist Poets†) and Camino de imperfeccion, diario de mi vida (1906–1913) (1929; â€Å"Road of Imperfection, Diary of My Life 1906–1913†), are considered standard works on the Modernist movement in Spanish. Other important works include Letras y letrados de Hispano-America (1908; â€Å"Letters and the Learned in Latin America†) andGrandes escritores de America (1919; â€Å"Great Writers of America†). His novel, El hombre de oro (The Man of Gold), was published in 1912.

Historical Background of the Security Council

Historical Background of the Security Council GENERAL INTRODUCTION: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL The Security Council is one of the principles organs of the United Nations. It is established under Article 7 of the United Nations Charter. It is charged with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. It derives this power under Article 24 of the Charter. In order to achieve this primary aim, Article 25 provides that it shall have enforcement powers so that it can in some situations make binding resolutions to which member states shall give effect. There are various methods through which the Security Council can maintain international peace and security under the Charter. These are: To investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction; To recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement; To formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments; To determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression and recommend what action should be taken; To call on members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression; To take military action against an aggressor; The Security Council held its first session on 17th January, 1946 at Church House, London. Since its first meeting, the Council which exists in continuous session has traveled widely holding its meetings in many cities such as Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1972, Panama City, Panama in 1973, then at its current home at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. {The Council is organized in such a way that it is able to function continuously and a representative of each of the members must be present at all times at the United Nations Headquarters. } The presidency of the Council rotates monthly, according to the English alphabetical listing of its member states. The Council is composed of 15 members of which 5 are permanent members with veto powers and the other 10 non permanent members are selected from the General Assembly on a rotational basis. The non permanent members are selected based on each members contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security and equitable geographical {distribution.} The non permanent members have no veto power. This is probably due to the nature of its role and the need to act expeditiously in situations of crisis which could endanger international peace and security. With the veto, the 5 permanent members can greatly influence a final decision in the council. This is due to the fact that e ven though the non permanent members can take part in the discussions and probably make suggestions, a permanent member can veto a decision that it is not happy with. This is exemplified by the case of Russia during the Cold War (show example) .The rationale for the veto is due to the fact that the mistakes made with the League of Nations needed to be avoided. There was therefore a need to have few members who would be able to take decisions expeditiously. Articles 24 and 25 of the Charter are the main source of the power of the Council. This gives the Council the leverage to act on behalf of members of the General Assembly and to trust its decision on determining when there is a threat to peace and security. This shows that invocation of Chapter VII powers is not absolutely necessary to give the Councils action a binding character. This is in consonance with the International Court of Justice holding in the Namibia case that the resolution was binding even though its basis is not the Councils chapter VII powers . During the Cold War, the Security Council was deadened by the constant use of the veto by the permanent members especially Russia which at a particular time led to the transfer of the Councils power to the General Assembly and the Unifying for Peace Resolution was adopted. With the end of the Cold War, the Security Council became more active, that is, it had more opportunity to act by adopting a lot of resolutions (the resolution on Namibia) and performing the functions for which it was established. With this development, many countries began to assert their dissatisfaction with the unrepresentative character of the Council and its exercise of power In interpreting the relevant Charter provisions on what constitutes a threat to peace and security, the Council has taken a liberal path so that a whole lot of issues come under what constitutes a threat to the peace from issues such as diseases, lack of economic co-operation to nuclear weapons. This has however come under a lot of criticism that the Council is making a general statement or more precisely legislating by making pronouncements on HIV. The reason why the Council has given its chapter VII power a liberal interpretation is due to the fact that each organ within the United Nations determines its own power to suit its functions. Similarly, the decisions of the Council are not subject to judicial review by the principle judicial organ of the United Nations which is the International Court of Justice. It is also very important to take cognizance of the fact that the Charter has to be reflective of modern challenges. It cannot continue to be interpreted in accordance with the intention of the drafters. In order to give effect to its aims and objectives, contemporary challenges have to be taken into consideration. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The issue of what constitutes a threat to international peace and security and the steps taken by the Council to address the issues through recommendations and resolutions will form part of the aim of this research. It would be argued whether or not the Security Council makes laws or it merely interprets them. If it makes laws, its legitimacy is to be questioned, that is whether it follows due process of treaty making or legislates in accordance with the primary objective of the Charter of maintaining international peace and security. I would also consider whether it is the right forum for such law making considering the implications of its legal output on the members of the United Nations. The research will carry out a literature review on what obtains about its law making powers which makes it quite interesting considering the fact that the Security Council is a political organ. This is due to the fact that it is one of the few organs aside the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that make binding decisions on member states. It will be argued that the council does actually make laws even if it previously didnt do so considering its recent resolutions such as the resolution on terrorism and the resolution establishing the International Compensation Commission following the Gulf War and the sanctions on Iraq considering their long term implications. Even though the Security Council has become sort of a global legislature for the reasons stated above, for the arguments that would be canvassed in Chapter 2 of this dissertation, it will be argued that the Security Council being a political organ is not the right forum for law making as the case maybe. Due to the fact that there is no legislature at the international level, it became the ultimate world authority even though its primary pre-occupation is the maintenance of international peace and security. The word peace and security being viewed in the positive rather than just the prevention of war can encompass any subject and thus comes within the jurisdiction of the Security Council to legislate upon. (talk about hegemonic international law) DOES THE SECURITY COUNCIL MAKE LAWS? The Security Council as an organ was not established to make law. (See Chesterman).Its primary role as stated earlier is the maintenance of international peace and security, a term which was couched in the negative by the drafters of the United Nations Charter i.e. to prevent war. The passage of time has affected the Charter and brought about different events to which solutions had to be proffered and thus the need for a liberal interpretation of the Charter in order to give effect to its aims and objectives. It is the manner the Council has chosen to interpret the Charter that has led to debates about whether it has started legislating(szazs) or it merely interprets the provisions of the Charter through its resolutions and recommendations.(see alvarez,pages 129,141,143). As stated earlier, the Security Council is one of the few organs aside the WHO and IAEA that actually make legal instruments that are binding on the members. Although some resolutions are recommendatory while others are binding and has been accepted by states by virtue of Article 25 of the charter, recent resolutions have not only been binding but have sparked debates as to whether the council has started legislating. Different opinions abound with regard to this present debate. White (2005) is of the view that the Council has developed a quasi-judicial capacity despite its express power of determination being limited to Article 39 of the Charter. He terms it as judicial capacity due to the fact that the determinations are based on international law rather than institutional law of its constituent document. He further contends that such a power is invaluable in a legal system that depends for its continuance on clear and unequivocal condemnation of breaches of international law. Although his opinion holds true to some extent due to the fact that there is no legislature at the international level, what it doesnt tell us is the implications of such law making by the Council. Schrijver (2006) is of the opinion that of recent the Council had started to create law by virtue of the general statements that it makes. That with resolution 1540 (resolution on terrorism), the Council had taken an unprecedented step of bringing into force legislation binding on all states on the issue of terrorism (szasz-the Security Council starts legislating). This argument contends that even if the Council before now did not create binding obligations on the members of the United Nations, its resolutions have taken a new dimension and they have the effect of law at the state level. Others are of the opinion that the changing role of the Council as a result of the transformation in international law through the 20th century has caused a shift from bilateral treaty relations to multilateral institutional framework. In essence the consent of states are no longer required before action can be taken putting into consideration the matter of which the Council has jurisdiction over, hence the need to legislate on behalf of the entire international community. This argument is in line with the need to interpret the Charter in light of its object and purpose in accordance with Article 32 of the Vienna Convention on the law of treaties. However, there is the need for such laws when the need arises for them to be made in accordance with the limitations set by the Charter which will be explored further in the chapter taking the case study of the sanctions placed on Iraq during the Gulf conflict. Chesterman opines that for the Council to become a world legislator there is the need for a conscious transfer of such power from the member states to the Council to elevate it to that status. Another justification for the Councils recent role could be supported by the fact that there is no specified organ in the Charter responsible for interpreting the provisions of the Charter. As a result of this, each organ is responsible for interpreting the Charter provisions relevant to its functions. Similarly, since the Council is charged with the responsibility of determining what constitutes a threat to international peace and security, (check relevant charter provision).it is justified in doing what it is presently engaged in. The ends driven demands of peace and security are winning the battle for the Councils role It is contended that the Council by answering purely juridical questions to which it is not the rightful organ, has shed its reluctance to create legal obligations, thus acting as a law maker .The legality for its law making powers can be found in the provisions of its Chapter VII powers and states consequently have a duty to obey its determinations A different opinion holds that since there is no enforcement mechanism at the international level, the international normative system is not law. Therefore, the decisions made by the Council are not legislative in nature. (Check the article and see her reference on this point). Although this is a good point due to the fact there is no legislature at the international level, it does not take cognizance of the fact that the present day Security Council does actually have the ability to coerce compliance and has done so in several instances such as during the Gulf War when it required member states to use all necessary means to ensure compliance by Iraq of the order to vacate Kuwait. (find reference) It has also been contended that the sanctions that the Council places on states are temporary and meant to secure compliance and as such cannot be said to establish new rules of international law. This a plausible argument due to the fact that even if the sanctions were initially temporary, they can later acquire the force of law to be made applicable to other defaulting states, hence they become custom (my argument is plausible as well). It is submitted in line with Chestermans argument that the Councils decisions even if previously not legislative, have taken a radical turn for imposing obligations on states. This is true of the resolution on terrorism which requires states to pass legislations to give effect to the resolution and report to a committee about progress made on the implementation of the resolution (see szasz and the resolution on terrorism).This is in contradiction to most of its resolutions which usually encourage states to do a particular thing rather than using operative words likeshall. This kind of obligation is usually found at the state level where you have a legislature with the requisite power and the necessary checks on its decisions or at the international level through multilateral treaties that create obligations on states with their consent. More so, this is contrary to the practice of the General Assembly where resolutions of this nature are adopted unanimously. The Security Council is supposed to work in conjunction with the General Assembly in relation to security matters (correction needed). BINDING AND NON BINDING RESOLUTION The Security Council takes decisions by passing resolutions. Resolutions may be defined as a unanimous agreement by the members of the Security Council on the course of action to take with regards to issues of international peace and security. The Security Council is one of the few organs with intergovernmental organizations that can adopt binding resolution on member states. Pursuant to the provisions of Article 25 and 48(1) of the charter, the council can adopt binding decisions on its members. For the decisions to be binding, they must be taken in pursuance of the primary responsibility of the Council of maintaining international peace and security. The binding resolutions usually require compliance by states and it can come in the form of economic sanctions or other restriction on the state in question (szazs). On the other hand, the Council has recommendatory powers in accordance with Article 26 of the Charter by formulating plans to be submitted to the members of the United Nations through the General Assembly. Such plans are not binding on the member states (Stefan talmon) In determining whether a resolution is binding or not, the International Court of Justice in the advisory opinion over the continued presence of South Africa in Namibia stated that care ought to be taken before reaching a conclusion. White is of the opinion that the approach of the Council means that it can adopt binding decisions on a wider variety of matters concerning peace and security (within its confines). A possible explanation for the cautious approach of the court might be due to the fact that distinction between binding resolutions and mere declarations have become blurred (Alvarez).This is as a result of developments in international norms. What is today merely of normative value might acquire the force of law with time and might even develop into a jus cogen norm (define term in glossary).This could be seen with some General Assembly declaration (declaration on the right of self determination).This could possibly happen with the resolution on terrorism. White says that the non binding recommendations can help shape customary international law. This is because the distinction between binding resolution and soft law obligation as stated by Alvarez is no longer clear cut (page 599).Soft law is no longer just a precursor to a hard rule. It is sometimes regarded as preferable to law making. It helps to provide an authoritative interpretation of the Charter as can be exemplified in the case of the council. (I dont know if this is really applicable as it seems to encompass IGOs generally). With the end of the Cold War, the activities of the Council have made distinction between enforcement, law making and dispute settlement difficult (page 600). At one time or the other, the Council has engaged in all of the above mentioned activities and even though they were not initially meant to be binding, states eventually adopt legislations to that effect (find example).

The nature and power of prejudice

The nature and power of prejudice Prejudice has been around since the seventeenth century this behavior still exists and continues to surround us all in each population. In many countries today prejudice is still a big issue among different cultures people always tend to stereotype others just because of race,sex,color or whatever the case may be I fell this is unfair because people lives are at jeopardy in so many ways because of the negative thinking. Prejudices are opinions formed beforehand without any reason knowledge or thought. I have been taught about the history of prejudice and how serious it had been in the past. So many people and great leaders lost their lives because of stereotyping. The nature and power of prejudice There are so many prejudices in the world today from racial, gender, and culture. I have experienced all three in some way or other gender being one I have a family member that prefers the same sex and I have watched my own family tear him apart. it upsets me because he is family have heard these same people sit around and talk about how other people are prejudice and they are doing the same thing to a loved one. I have witnessed him being told that he needs to stop acting and straighten up or he will be disowned from the family now that they have made him feel out cast he has not come to a family gathering in three years. I know that in the bible it says you must not commit this sin but people are only human and they are going to choose to live how they want. I feel that people can live their lives how they choose they will suffer their own consequences when the time comes. However, racial and culture prejudice is the most despicable and ignorant people should not be judged for the color of their skin these days all colors have some kind of racial slur about all cultures. On the other hand, many people have moved away from being prejudice. For example, people of different races now share many of the same attitudes and aspirations (Etzioni1999). For instance, where I work there are blacks, white, Hispanics and when Obama was being elected in to office only a few where upset and out of that few they were black majority of the white were agreeing that we need a black president in office. I feel that racial prejudice may be disappearing many people attitudes are changing with time from how it has been in the past. I am a very neutral person even when I am hearing my friends or family say negative things about Caucasians, I pretty much get along with everybody it really just depends on that persons attitude you should do unto others as you wish them to do un to you the world would be a much better place. Social sources of prejudice Social sources of prejudice starts from family influences there are so many children raised to be prejudice. Prejudice springs from unequal status and from other social sources, including our acquired values and attitudes (Castelliothers2007). Sinclair stated that children implicit racial attitudes reflect their parents explicit prejudice (Sinclairothers). When raised in these types of homes puts society at risk, many children hold a lot of anger depending on what they were taught by their family. One example being, I watched this movie called bowling for columbine and he talked about a lot of prejudice issues and people who have the authoritarian attitude. He talked about how the KKK still lives and showed clips of how they live and train their children. Many of the clips were disturbing they showed how they taught children to shoot guns and a lot of negativity towards African Americans. He also discussed how those boys killed many students at columbine high school. I remember one clip showing the boys talking about whom they were going to shoot and one of them had stated we are going to get the black boy just because he is black. The insecurity of authoritarian children seemed to predispose them toward an excessive concern with power and status and a flexible right-wrong way of thinking that made ambiguity difficult to tolerate. Such people therefore tended to be submissive to those with power over them and aggressive or punitive toward those whom they consider beneath them. (Myers 2010) I fear for society if people are out here teaching their children to hate, I am almost afraid to send my children out in the world when we have people out here with these negative thoughts. Religion and prejudice However, religion and prejudice stated by William James those who benefit from social inequalities while avowing, All are created equal need to justify keeping things they way they are (Myers2010). I agree with this statement there are so many hypocritical people that attend church they are the most judgmental and stereotypical people I have ever seen. So many churches lead people to support their prejudices. I have an uncle and aunt whom are very deep off into church. They are always quick to judge, I remember when I was a little girl they would call my father the devil. Because he drank, instead of trying to help him, they would talk about him and he would constantly talk about how he hated lesbians and gays. Sometimes you have to be careful of what you say now their children have grown up and they are now doing those devilish things like drinking, and relationships with the opposite sex. The church that I attend is not bad when it comes to judging people. This church is a come as you are there are different races, cultures and people with the opposite sex whom attend church. My pastor teaches us to love one another and not to be so judgmental towards people. He always says each of us will have our judgment day when that time comes. I feel that people should live their lives how they want they are the only ones whom have to answerer to god. Social institutions support racial prejudice these people use their superiority to justify their beliefs. This was most common in the 1960s. For example segregation in schools and banks whom would not offer opportunities to unmarried women and African Americans. I do remember a couple of years back reading an article about how a school down south wanted to segregate the prom and how parents were protesting not to segregate the prom. I feel racism still exists in many communities in America. Sources that motivate prejudice Frustration and anger has a lot to do with issues of being prejudice when people are competing for things that may be scare to society. Now that we are in recession, many people feel that Caucasians have a better chance at job opportunities than African Americans. I feel that in some ways it is true because how society is so judgmental these days and this is why many people have so much hate towards each other. Things will never get better it just seems like everything just keeps going around in a circle. For example, my Caucasian friend and I conducted an experiment to see who would really get the job I had all the qualifications for the position and she did not have any skills for that position. At the end of our interviews, she had been the one chosen to fill the position. This is what keeps society frustrated and anger and this is what showed us how I had been stereotyped just that quick. Social identity and feeling superior to others was one way that our ancestors lived to protect themselves by living in groups. People will do whatever they have to do to protect their groups in most countries. For example, over in Iraq when the war first started how these people are so willing to kill themselves to protect their country. When lacking self-esteem this is what causes people with social identities to become confused. Many disadvantage people find security in groups and this is what makes them so willing to do anything in their power for their group. Many feel that by being in groups this is a need for status and feeling superior over others. I have noticed that we do tend to still group when you look at different communities you can see how we segregate ourselves there are many communities where there are all African Americans. Hispanics and Caucasians where as some communities have a mixture of all races that live and get along in the same communities with no problems. I feel that in some way or another we all have some kind of issue with prejudice even if you do not feel like you are it is somewhere deep down inside and that is why we segregate our selves. I have heard some people say that neighbor hoods were blacks live are terrible I could never live there. I have heard people talk about communities saying that the police are prejudice where there are majority whites. That is why they choose to live elsewhere. Nevertheless, these are the same people that are quick to call someone else prejudice and not willing to admit to their own. However, we must learn to avoid prejudices by suppressing unwanted thoughts this can be very hard for people that have phobias about homosexuals and elderly people. This would be because this is all that that have known all of their lives. I can remember when I use to work in a retirement home in dietary their were a lot of elderly people and they use to always make racial comments when I waited on their tables I would just look at them and ignore the ignorant slurs. I had to deal with this for six years I use to feel so much anger towards Caucasian people. I then started to realize that I could not hate all Caucasians because of what a couple of elderly people were saying. This is the way that they had been raised all of their lives and they were from the segregation days and times are changing now. Not all Caucasians have this same racial attitude. I am proud of myself by going through that experience it had brought me to break the prejudice habits that I may have had. Cognitive sources of prejudice Cognitive sources of prejudice are in categories by classifying and grouping people from what we perceive. We as people are always quick to put people in two categories by their appearance. Jim Blascovich stated it is necessary for prejudice social identity theory implies that those who feel their social identity keenly will concern themselves with correctly categorizing people as us or them(Jim Blascovich1997). For example, when I first moved in to my home my neighbors are Caucasian I had lived here for a couple of months she and I had never spoken so I instantly categorized her thinking she was prejudiced as she had already assumed the same for me. Until one particular night, someone was trying to break into my home while I was here asleep and she sent her son out to scare him away. The next morning she came over knocked on the door and told me what had happened. I then realized she was not what I had thought about her all along she is a very nice person and every since that day we speak on a daily basis and we always keep each other informed on what is going on in the neighborhood. Sometimes we have to be careful on how we judge people because you may actually miss having a good friendship with someone. I feel that black men in society today or categorized, as dangerous gang members, and drug dealers. This is why when a crime has been committed black men are the first to be accused. I have always heard statements like was he black or white. The main thing that gets me is that they ask if he was black first as if they had already been assumed that he is black. I remember a couple of years back when a Caucasian woman drowned her own children she blamed a black man of kidnapping her children and stealing her car the police and media were on this big man hunt for this black man just because they are assumed as criminals every time something happens. I feel that because of all of our negative perceptions of people we all tend to categorize on another. For instance, how men use to categorize women as only being able to stay home and bear children and not being intelligent enough to work. These perceptions also feel that all blacks are uneducated hoodlums, and the same is for how homosexuals are a disgrace to the world. These errors occur because most of us focus on the person and not on their situations. The more we continue to have these types of stereotypical attitudes it is a lesser chance that the world will be willing to accept one another as equal human beings. Consequences of being prejudice There are have been many problems in society because of the ignorance of prejudice. When society tends to label, it can sometimes lead to dangerous activity. I can remember learning in school about all of our civil rights leaders and how many of them had lost their lives, how people acted out with violence in the sixties. There were billions of dollars lost, because of riots due to the violence in society. They were only trying to bring people together in harmony, so that we can all treat each others as equals to put an end to stereotyping. There were so many people at this time that were angry that they felt there should not be equal rights between each human being and this is what lead them to take the lives of these very heroic men. So many innocent people have been targeted by prejudice actions, and affect the behavior of the person holding the prejudice issues as well. For example, for most homosexuals find it hard to tell their families that they are living this life style, bec ause they feel they will not be accepted, so in order to avoid the rejection they end up committing suicide. the person whom holds all the anger with prejudice issues will eventually one day act out in society with some kind of violent act and this is how innocent people always end up getting killed for instance the 9/11 attack there were thousands of people who had died for nothing just because of the ignorance of prejudice. In conclusion, Prejudice has been around since the seventeenth century this behavior still exists and continues to surround us all in each population. In many countries today prejudice is still a big issue among different cultures people always tend to stereotype others just because of race,sex,color or whatever the case may be I fell this is unfair because people lives are at jeopardy in so many ways because of the negative thinking. The world would be a better place if everyone would just stop being so judgmental towards each other.

Is Politics the Preserve of Government? Essay -- What is Politics?

  Ã‚  Politics is a very emotive word and is used by different people to mean different things. There is no unifying theory of politics and hence no set boundaries of what can and cannot be said to be political. It is this ambiguity that makes it impossible to argue that politics is the preserve of government. This is so since preserve is such a precise word and there is always going to be a perspective that can illustrate an example of politics that is outside the governmental sphere.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order that a meaningful conclusion to this question can be gained it is essential to initially define what the question is asking by laying down what definitions of the terms within are to be used. The key word in the debate that the question encompasses is â€Å"preserve;† although this could be taken to mean, does politics maintain the existence of government, in the context of the question the use of â€Å"preserve† that fits more fully is whether politics is solely found within government. Government in this case being taken to mean the specialised leading component and institutions of a society that are responsible for the decision making processes of that society as a whole. (Hague et al, 1992, p.20) It is however the definition of politics that poses the greatest difficulty in the question because, as McLean states, the definition: â€Å"is highly, perhaps essentially contested.† (1996, p.388) This contested nature of politics is key in respect to the question because the conceptual model of assumptions and beliefs with which a person tackles politics will influence the interpretation of politics that they attain. (Hague et al, 1992, p.3) Therefore an individual who uses one model, and hence definition of politics, will come to a different conclusion about whether politics is the preserve of government to someone who utilises a different model. It is then essential that the perspectives from which politics is viewed be outlined so that the debates between them can be analysed in respect to their strengths and weaknesses and a conclusion formed over whether indeed politics is the preserve of government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The important area of debate in the definition of politics is where the political world ends and the other areas of the world start; if it is made clear where each perspective views this barrier to occur then by evaluating a perspective against its competitors a conclusio... ...the preserve of government can be said to be incorrect due to the definition of preserve. If preserve, in the context, is taken to mean that government has the monopoly on politics then anyone arguing to prove this point will fail as even one example where politics can be found outside government will destroy the argument as a monopoly is all encompassing. As it has been concluded that such an example can always be found then subsequently it can also be concluded that politics is not the preserve of government as there is always another area where politics exists as perceived by another theory. Bibliography Books: Heywood, A. (1999), Political Theory: An Introduction (Palgrave) Vincent, A. (1992), Modern Political Ideologies (Blackwell) McLean, I. (Editor), (1996), Oxford Concise Dictionary of Politics Hague, R. Harrop, M. Breslin, S. (1992), Comparative Government and Politics: An Introduction Edited Books: Marsh, D. Stoker, G. (1995) Theory and Methods in Political Science – Rhodes R. The Institutional Approach - Ward, H. Rational Choice Theory (MacMillan) Web-sites: Cloonan, M. (1997) What is Politics? http://www.york.ac.uk/depts/poli/casestud

DuBois and Black Nationalism Essay -- essays research papers

DuBois and Black Nationalism The Epigraph:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"The colored people are coming to face the fact quite calmly that most white Americans do not like them, and are planning neither for their survival, nor their definite future†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  W.E.B. DuBois â€Å"A Negro Nation within the Nation† The Premise:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Black Nationalism is a pragmatic solution for the success and survival of the oppressed African Americans. The Argument: Black Nationalism is defined by Karenga, as the political belief and practice of African Americans as a distinct people with a distinct historical personality who politically should develop structures to define, defend, and develop the interests of Blacks as a people. Black Nationalism can be traced back to the 18th century, back to William Edward Burghardt DuBois, the most prominent black intellectual of all time. Black Nationalism is the response of African Americans to the continual racism and oppression they experience. It came about because of two reasons; the racism that they faced daily, and being exploited economically by white supremacy. Black Nationalism seeks a solution to the problems that African Americans face on a daily basis. After the Civil War, the situation of the black people was not good; it was a semi-free, semi-slave situation. An example of this is tenancy, where the Blacks have control of the work process and work schedule but ultimately had to give up the fruits...

Causes of the American Civil War

A common assumption to explain the cause of the American Civil War was that the North was no longer willing to tolerate slavery as being part of the fabric of US society. Also, that the political power brokers in Washington were planning to abolish slavery throughout the Union. Therefore for many people slavery is the key issue to explain the causes of the American Civil War. However, it is not as simple as this and slavery, while a major issue, was not the only issue that pushed America into the Great American Tragedy.By April 1861, slavery had become hopelessly entangled and complex with state rights, the power of the federal government over the states and the South’s way of life – all of which made a major contribution to the causes of the American Civil War. By 1860, America could not be seen as being a standardized society. Clearly defined areas could be identified that had different outlooks and different values. This was later to be seen in the North versus South divide that created the two sides in the war. The South was an agricultural region where cotton and tobacco were the main backbone to the region’s economic strength.The area relied on exports to markets in Western Europe and the class structure that could be found in the UK, for example, was mimicked in the southern states. In the South, the local plantation owner was a ‘king’ within his own area and locals would be respectful toward such men. The whole structure was represented as a strictly Christian society that had men at the top while those underneath were expected and required to accept their social status. Social advancement was possible, but consistently it was done within the senior families of a state, who were the economic, political and legal brokers of their state.Within this structure was the wealth that these families had built up. It cannot be denied that a huge part of this wealth came from the fact that the plantation owners oriented the work o n their plantations around slave labor. As repugnant as it may be to those in the 21st Century, slavery was simply seen as part of the southern way of life. Without slavery, the economic influence of these leading families would have been seriously dented and those they employed and paid – local people who would have recognized how important the local plantation owner was to their own well-being – simply accepted this as how it is.When the dark clouds of war gathered in 1860-61, many in the South saw their way of life being threatened. Part of that was slavery but it was not the only part. The North was almost in complete contrast to the South. In the lead up to April 1861, the North was industrializing at a very fast rate. Entrepreneurs were accepted and, in fact, were seen as being vital to furthering industrial development of America. You did not have to stay in your social place and social mobility was common. It was always possible but most of America’s bes t entrepreneurs based themselves in the North where the backbone of social class was weaker.The North was also a sophisticated mixture of nationalities and religions – far more so than the South. There can be little doubt that there were important groups in the North that were anti-slavery and wanted its abolition throughout the Union. However, there were also groups that were undecided and those who knew that the North’s economic development was based not only on entrepreneurial skills, but also on the input of poorly paid workers who were not slaves but lived lives not totally removed from those in the South.While they had their freedom and were paid, their lifestyle was at best very harsh. While the two sides that made up the American Civil War were apart in many areas, it became worse when the view in the South was that the North would try to force its values on the South. In 1832, South Carolina passed an act that declared that Federal tariff legislation of 1828 a nd 1832 could not be enforced onto states and that after February 1, 1833 the tariffs would not be recognized in the state. This brought South Carolina into direct conflict with the Federal government in Washington, DC.Congress pushed through the Force Bill that made it possible for the President to use military force to bring any state into line with regards to realize Federal law. On this occasion, the threat of military force worked. People in South Carolina vowed, however, it would be the last time. It was now that slavery became mixed up with state rights – just how much power a state had compared to federal authority. State rights became combined with slavery. The key issue was whether slavery would be allowed in the newly created states that were joining the Union.This disagreement further developed with the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 whereby Kansas, among others, was purchased by the federal government. Kansas was officially opened to settlement in 1854 and there was a rush to settle in the state between those who supported slavery and those who opposed it. The state became a place of violence between the two groups and Kansas got the nickname ‘Bleeding Kansas’ in acknowledgment of what was going on there. However on January 29, 1861, Kansas was admitted to the Union as a slave-free state.Many in the traditional slave states saw this as the first step towards abolishing slavery throughout the Union and thus the destruction of the southern way of life. When South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860, the first state to do so, it was a sign that the state no longer felt part of the United States of America and that America as a nation was being conquered by a federal government comfortable in the views of the North. Whether this is true or not, is not relevant as it was felt to be true by many South Carolinians. The secession of South Carolina pushed other southern states into doing the same.With such a background of d istrust between most southern states and the government in Washington, it only needed one incident to set off a civil war and that occurred at Fort Sumter in April 1861. The Civil War was one of the most tragic wars in American history. More Americans died than in all other wars combined. Brother fought against brother and the nation was torn apart. In the end, we must look at the important consequences of the conflict. The nation was reunited and the southern states were not allowed to secede. The South was placed under military rule and divided into military districts.Southern states then had to apply for readmission to the Union. The Federal government proved itself supreme over the states. Basically this was a war over states rights and federalism and the victor was the power of the national government. Slavery was in fact ended. While slavery was not officially outlawed until the passage of the 13th Amendment, the slaves were set free upon the end of the war. Reconstruction, th e plan to rebuild America after the war, began. Industrialism began as a result of the increase in wartime production and the development of new technologies.

Starwood Case Study

Since India has a growing hospitality market they don’t have as many resources available which poses many problems for entrants into the market. Starwood plans to introduce the aloft brand into the untapped Indian hospitality market which creates a huge question mark as to whether or not there is a market in India for the economy brands. The skilled labour market is very slim in India, making it difficult to hire the right type of service oriented employees. The cultural differences will also prove to be a challenge for Aloft. Aloft is a brand that isn’t well known throughout the international market let alone the domestic markets in the United States and Canada. Many people traveling to India who are traveling internationally will be looking for brands that are familiar which may pose a threat to the success of the Aloft brand in India. Situational Analysis Strengths India offers huge demand for any hotel company looking to build rooms. The domestic market is growing exponentially and the government is replying by fixing roads to make travel easier (Simona Terron). Weaknesses Finding skilled labour has shown to be difficult in India and the adjustment to more westernized businesses will prove to be a challenge for locals. The infrastructure in India is still pretty bad even though the government is trying to fix the roads. Domestic travelers are used to the roads but foreign travelers will find it very difficult to navigate through the cities. India’s social unrest will be a hurdle that must be overcome in order to stabilize the economy as a whole. If the government isn’t strong, foreign travelers will steer clear of India. Opportunities The open sky policy created in 2008 opened up travel from India to the UK. The sky travel industry has grown 25 %, creating a huge opportunity for the service industry in India (The Financial Express). Threats While India is growing, there are many other companies that want to ride the wave. According to the case Accor has plans to add more than 5,000 rooms to their portfolio in India. There are also many Indian hotel brands that plan to expand. Alternatives (See Appendix) Alternative 1: Creating training seminars that locals can attend will help Starwood create a labour pool that is more attractive Alternative 2: Implementing policies that embrace cultural differences will help ensure the success of the Aloft brand in India Alternative 3: Introduce the Four Points by Sheraton brand instead of Aloft as this is a brand that is already recognized internationally. Alternative 4: Instead of introducing the Aloft brand, Starwood should implement a management business model in India. Analysis of Alternatives (See Appendix) Alternative 1: No risk involved, 100% return on investment. Starwood will gain a competitive advantage as they will have a better pool of applicants to choose from. Alternative 2: No risk involved, 100% return on investment. The Aloft hotels much implement ways to overcome the cultural barriers they face in India. Alternative 3: Moderate risk involved, 100% return on investment as the risk is met with a huge demand for economy hotels in India. Alternative 4: Moderate risk involved, 100% return on investment as this business model has worked in similar markets. Recommendations Starwood has a huge opportunity to penetrate the Indian hotel market and they are not doing so in the right way. Introducing the Aloft brand into India may be successful for a while just on the basis that there is a huge demand for rooms but this advantage is not sustainable. Once more hotels penetrate the market; Aloft will be pushed to the side as it just doesn’t fit in the Indian market. Starwood should introduce the Four Points by Sheraton brand as it is a more internationally recognized brand. Since the management business model has worked for Intercontinental Hotels in the Asian market, Starwood should do the same in the Indian market. Whether or not Aloft is the brand that Starwood chooses to introduce in the Indian market they will need to train potential employees. Starwood needs to offer training seminars for locals to attend in order to train them for service expectations. Starwood will also need to find ways to overcome cultural barriers in India. I mplementation Implementing the training seminars and the cultural embracing policies in the hotels will require human resources. These alternatives will only take a few weeks to implement and a small amount of funding for incentives. Introducing Four Points by Sheraton and looking at the management business model will need a large amount of capital that, according to the case is already available. The implementation of these two alternative can be done in the same way Starwood was going to introduce the Aloft brand into the Indian market.

Theological Foundations and the Liberal Artss

Theological Foundations and the Liberal Arts Existence precedes essence. â€Å"Holmes, 3. † The exsistence of humans is valuable. We are here to fulfill what God has promised us. . A person is reflective thinking being. â€Å"youtube. com,3†We must look inside one’s self to know the truth of what God has planned for you, and looking outside yourself to make things whole. Christianity should be a part of life. Creation, the human person, truth and the cultural mandate are foundations of a Christian education.All creations are good because God has created everything and everything is perfect. The Christian college focuses on God’s creation of everything because all things are made by God. The human person is meant to serve God in every capacity in life and in education. That God mad us in His own image reminds us that in a vast universe that reflects God’s glory, humans are uniquely â€Å"crowned with glory and honor. † â€Å"Holmes, 15. † Everything we do as humans should be a reflection of God. All truths are all God’s truth, wherever it is found. Holmes, 17† If it is true in any subject then it is God’s truth. Learning and reasoning is meant to merge with Gods truth. Our role is to be ambassadors of Christ â€Å". Gnosticism doesn’t exist. Everyone had the power to know all. Lines between secular and sacred are nonexistence in a Christian. Secular colleges focus of education only. Secular colleges are only institutes for education. The rarely focus religion and are not faith based. Liberal educations at Christian colleges intermingle faith and education in every aspect of our lives.One’s entire self should be bettered in learning. Is the idea of a Christian college, then, simply to offer a good education plus biblical studies in an atmosphere of piety? â€Å"Holmes, 5† Caricatures of Christian college are often assumed to be a good education with prayer and bible study. Church or minister training is not a sole function. A distinctive Christian college integrates faith and learning. Every academic, sport, and extracurricular activity is based faith.Christian colleges take the act of learning and characteristics of faith and put them together. Christian colleges seek not compartmentalize aspects of Christian faith, but incorporate Christianity as a whole in student circle, training students to see all aspects of life as a Christian. There is no separation of faith and education. Liberal educations reinforce value of things and correctly places value upon things. To be reflective is to be analytic. â€Å"Holmes, 30. All that we are and do is to serve and reflect God. This is the purpose of our reflective value.

Introduction to Eavan Boland

Boland is introduced to us as one of the most important poets in modern Irish literature. She is commended for her interest in feminist issues throughout her work, in particular the role of women society. In her poetry she expresses a more accurate view on the contributions and achievements of women in Irish history. Boland's early poems were about domestic issues such as marriage and children. Boland also showed an interest in the role of women in Irish literature and society. In â€Å"Child of our time† Boland introduces us to the theme of motherhood and dealing with the evil of war. The features of the this poem are important to interpreting what Boland is saying, she uses end-rhyme. The tone of Bolands poetry must also be considered, the overall the tone is shocked, but that it is up to us to do something about it. There is a sense of deep hurt conveyed in the last line of the second stanza, ‘you dead’. The first stanza has a sad, regretful tone while there is anger in the use of the word‘murder’. The images of caring for a child in the second stanza are conveyed in a tone of tenderness. The background to the poem is that it was written in response to the death of a child killed in a Dublin bombing in May ’74. Boland may also have been prompted by a newspaper photograph showing a fireman tenderly lifting a dead child from the debris â€Å"Sleep in a world your final sleep has woken. † This is the final line of the poem and it is one of hope and prayer. The initial image here is of the child waking up in a world where it will sleep peacefully and undisturbed, possibly heaven? As a poet she touches issues of concern and hopes that she can make a difference she cleverly points out that it is the adult’s job to teach the child, but in fact it is the child that has taught the adults a lesson. We see a how Boland continues with the theme of war and violence â€Å"The war horse†, this poem was written in the early 70's during the violence in northern Ireland. The context of this poem lies in the title. the war horse is a powerful horse ridden in war by a knight. In the poem the war horse is a large beast that has strayed from the traveller site. At first you may think that the poem is filled with bloody battles but the first two couplets eliminate the likelihood of this. She is comparing the horse to violence in Northern Ireland. The horse intruding into the suburb she lives in, ‘like a rumor of war, huge, ‘Threatening’ is like the intrusion of violence into Northern, and to a greater extent, Irish life. Boland even uses such words as ‘a maimed limb’ as comparisons to gardens uprooted to make the comparison more concrete. â€Å"I lift the window† As the poem continues Boland describes how she is left to observe the damage, â€Å"Only a rose which now will never climb.. only a crocus its bulbous head† The rose and crocus have both been destroyed, but the rose is ‘expendable’ life will continue with or without it. We are able see what message Boland is trying to convey as she mentions the ‘Line of defence’ and the ‘volunteer’ that symbolise the rose and crocus. She is aware of having escaped violence and that she is now safe but she also knows that war involves ‘fierce commitment’. She speaks of a fear of commitment – a fear of the threat of war. Boland is making us ask the hard questions here, why should we care? Based on the above text it is clear to see how Boland is a valuable poet to Irish literature, she discusses relevant issues of the time and feels the need for change. Boland's poetry is its link to her life. This including of a personal perspective in her poetry allows us to use her biographical details to understand and view the poem. In my own opinion that her views on life, war and death are relative to all eras, even though the poems are about the troubles the situations can be compared to war world wide whether its world war one, or the war in Iraq, everybody can learn from Bolands poetry. For these reasons I introduce you to the poetry of Eavan Boland.

Media Manipulation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Media Manipulation - Essay Example Those people oppose to the media argue that the media has failed to play its designated role in society. Nonetheless, today, it is clear that the media as shifted from its role as a tool for information, and has become a major tool for manipulation in society. The advancement of technology has allowed for the widening of the media. Today, there is media forms include books, newspapers, television, radio, internet, and movies, among many others. Therefore, people today are exposed to a variety of information sources; hence, there is a flood of information from different media, directed to the public. Furthermore, since the media is in business, the different media forms are in a competition. This competition has contributed to the divergence of the media from its ideal role as a tool for information. Although there is an overflow of information in society, people are hungry for the truth. This is because, the media, which should ideally be a source of true information, is owned by ind ividuals, who are only interested in pursuing their interests through the media. For this reason, the media ceases to be a tool for information, and becomes a tool for manipulation. There is a high level of manipulation and bias in the media today. According to the Centre for Research on Globalization

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

Simple - Coursework Example As a result, municipal government receives more money from selling tickets for the sports activities, but less money from sports substitutes. (AtlantaFed) It is clear, that while making plans to increase the revenues from sports, we need to think about the opportunity costs of introducing such activities. For example, the extra benefits from selling more tickets from a newly built stadium, which is much bigger than the old one, may be outstripped by the losses of movie theaters, restaurants and children entertainment facilities in the same city. This may happen, because the stadium will be visited mostly by the adults, while the movie theaters and restaurants will lose such customers as small children. They will not be able to go see cartoons, eat pancakes or ice-cream, see magic shows and ride a pony in amusement parks, as their parents will be busy preparing for and watching the professional game. The same may happen even within sports industry. For example, the people will go to the professional game, but will not go to a pool or a water park with their children, and thus these facilities will receive less profits than they expected. Even though they were not designed as facilities for professional sports, they still can be considered as those, which belong to the sports industry, as they deal with amateur sports

Effects of carbon dioxide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Effects of carbon dioxide - Essay Example While the atmosphere is composed of carbon dioxide, and it is something that humans and other living things do breath in at a constant rate, too much of it in our atmosphere is a bad thing. Carbon dioxide plays a role in the formation of greenhouse gases, herein creating the greenhouse effect (Luo, 1999). The greenhouse effect, in short, involves an atmosphere containing gases that soak up and emit radiation. Carbon dioxide makes up approximately twenty-six percent of the gases needed for a greenhouse effect to take place (Weart, 2009). When the greenhouse effect takes place, so does the concept of global warming; the two processes go hand-in-hand with each other, with the greenhouse effect leading to global warming. As aforementioned, carbon dioxide also has positive effects on the environment. The biggest one is the creation of oxygen. Plants absorb carbon dioxide, convert it to oxygen, and release it back into the environment. We, as humans, then breathe in the oxygen, and when we release the oxygen, it becomes carbon dioxide again. It becomes a never-ending cycle between plants and humans. Furthermore, carbon dioxide aids in the process of photosynthesis, feeding the plants and keeping them alive (â€Å"Carbon Dioxide†). Without carbon dioxide, there can be no photosynthesis of the plants, and therefore no food to keep them alive. Without living plants, there is nothing to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen for human beings and animals to breathe. We become dependent on each other to live. Again, it becomes a cycle that must be adhered

Request for letter of recommendation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Request for letter of recommendation - Essay Example As the class representative for the labor relations course, I consulted with you personally one several occasions. Besides my good academic performance and active leadership roles in your class, I also received your commendations on my punctuality. It is my hope that you will explicitly mention these positive attributes in my recommendation letter. Deadline for submission of the recommendation letter is in exactly three weeks from the date on this letter’s addresses. Expectedly, failure to meet the submission deadline will result in rejection of my graduate school application. Therefore, kindly complete formulating the letter approximately one week before the mentioned deadline. In case of any other relevant requirements for the graduate school application in future, I will rely on your sincere willingness to assist me. All the urgent details concerning the requested recommendation letter are contained therein. However, I will be available for response through my email or on phone whenever necessary. Kindly find time out of your tight schedule to facilitate the materialization of my request. Thank you for your efforts and understanding, and I am looking forward to receiving your confirmation to assist me. Best

The Barriers of Critical Thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Barriers of Critical Thinking - Essay Example Some of these barriers are discussed briefly as follows: Self-serving bias refers to the tendency of individuals to elevate the perception of self in a manner that helps them in protecting their self-esteem. This concept entails that people do not always think about and perceive things as they since it results in self-criticism and viewing themselves in an unpleasant light (Kirby, Goodpaster, and Levine 1999). While self-confidence is a critical element for success, however over-confidence in one’s own abilities acts as a barrier to success since it prevents us from analyzing our weaknesses and overseeing our flaws, leading to disastrous results in the long run. Example: A strong sense of belief in one’s abilities and the perception that you are more intelligent and capable than others; tendency to shift the blame regarding any negative experiences or outcomes in your life on others and refusing to accept responsibility for own decisions or actions; a strong sense of belief in becoming a famous actor despite having absolutely no talent and being told so by those around you are some of the examples of self-serving bias. According to Glabraith (2004) hegemonic assumptions refer to the assumptions individuals embrace willingly in a bid to protect their best interests (p. 342) and safeguard them from any impending hurt or any other similar negative feelings such as guilt, anxiety, or fear. Such hegemonic assumptions prevent us from critically analyzing things as they are and blinds us from pursuing our best interests. Example: A strong belief in one’s friends or relatives and blindly following their advice without thinking or analyzing the intended purpose and expected outcome is one example of hegemonic assumptions. It refers to the tendency among individuals to perceive reality with a highly biased attitudes based on stereotypes and unwarranted

Arab Spring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Arab Spring - Essay Example This brief analysis essay will compare some of the positive and negative effects that this Arab Spring has had on Egypt as well as to discuss some of the key changes that have taken place as a result. Firstly, it is this author’s strong belief that the Arab Spring in Egypt has created a fundamentally good thing. Whereas before no level of democratic process typified the way in which the government ruled the people, as a result of the Arab Spring in Egypt, elections have been held, a president has been selected, a constitution drafted, and a representative parliament has been formed. As opposed to before where Mubarak’s dictatorship was a seemingly endless definition of the future of the nation, the people of Egypt are now able to take part in their own right to self determination, sovereignty, and the democratic process (el Faki 1). In this way, the effect of the Arab Spring has been profound in helping a nation to modernize and realize a long held wish that democracy would come to its inhabitants. The cons to such a process of course involve the painful transition to democracy. It is not the argument of this author that such a transition is without it’s drawbacks. Whereas Egypt has been controlled by one form of absolute monarch or dictator for the better part of the past several hundred years, providing a smooth and painless segue into democracy would be all but impossible. As such, some of the cons that have followed the process are the actions of key groups that feel that their rights have not been fully represented to a satisfactory extent within the confines of the democratic system. As such, these individuals have resorted to violence, coercion, and other illegalities as a means of expressing their own unique view. However, as has been stated, such is to be expected within the process of democratization and the untimely end of an

Sustainable Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Sustainable Project Management - Essay Example ng the social, environmental, and economical interests in project management life cycle to attain a bearable, sustainable and equitable environment (Kohler & et.al., 2012). In other words, it bonds the people, planet, and profits realized in a construction project. This paper discusses sustainable project management under four concepts; project quality, economic studies (risks and benefits), construction waste management, and build operation and maintenance. Rose (2005) defines quality as the total characteristics of a product that satisfies the implied needs. A construction project has an anticipated project deliverables. Therefore, project quality management is a process that ensures that the delivered project meets the value for money to the client. The details of the scope of works and contract specification document determine the expected and the level of quality. Project quality management should be compatible with ISO 9000 and ISO 1000 quality standards as well as the guidelines. Project quality also focuses on management of the project and the delivered. Project appraisal is a forecasting technique rather than a formulation one. Despite this, there is no forecast without problems (risks). Uncertainties in certain scenarios can be transformed to risks. Therefore the risks are subjected to empirical measurement, analyzed and managed. Risk assessment is a study of existing probabilities that the project will attain a satisfactory performance. The following are the recommended steps for assessing project risks; Cost-benefit analysis is the commonly used appraisal technique for evaluating construction projects. It is required by the client to ascertain the value for money for the delivered project. A sustained project is thus that which he benefits outweigh costs. Cost-benefit analysis is a process that determines the pros and cons on the project life cycle. It is concerned with the benefits from quality management versus the costs of quality management

Divorce and Children Issue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Divorce and Children Issue - Essay Example There is a significant consensus among academic publications that divorce as an event has a net negative effect on children’s experience of wellbeing, but different authors differ significantly as to the reasons why such differences might exist and the long term psychological impact on children of divorce. Public opinion, however, is nearly unanimous in believing that divorce is damaging for children, though some argue that the long term impact might be better. In interviews, people generally state ideas that they have consumed from media (both news and popular) about divorce – essentially saying that the odds are that divorce will be harmful, but significant steps can be taken to reduce or mitigate that harm. Overall, the sources are in remarkable agreement about the effect of divorce on children of divorce. ... gely tried to make sense out of former research: â€Å"we know that adults and children from divorced families, as a group, score lower than their counterparts in married-couple families on a variety of indicators of wellbeing.† This essentially mirrors statements made in each of the other articles; in fact, the other two articles treat the idea that damage is done during the process of divorce as a known fact, for instance McGuiness simply quipping that â€Å"obviously, divorce reverberates in a child’s life for many years,† (2006, 20), and stating that the fundamental â€Å"truth† is that â€Å"marriage offers substantial benefits to children† (McGuiness, 2006, pg. 17). Hetherington’s research also largely concurred, indicating that almost any measure of wellbeing was worse amongst children of divorce than children who were not from divorced households. These researchers differed significantly, however, in their interpretation of why childr en of divorce performed worse than ones who marry. Though each researcher made reference to the tempting notion that there was some sort of selection bias in play (IE that children of divorce were less happy because the family situation of parents who decide to get divorced is likely to have problems that filter down to affecting the child), none of the researches were convinced that this process amounted to the primary reason for the apparent negative impact of divorce. Amato (2000, pg. 1287) even, in his survey of recent research, found that when largely controlling for variables such as family situation and so forth, divorce itself seemed to be problematic, that is that two children in exactly the same circumstance would have differing levels of success based on whether or not their parents were married. Given that selection

Defending Mersult Essay Example for Free

Defending Mersult Essay What is justice? Is it when a person’s demise makes society feel better? Or is it when a suspect gets acquitted of all charges brought against him? Wherever there is justice there is obscurity. No matter how it is looked at, there is no real justice in the judicial system. In Albert Camus â€Å"The Stranger† the narrator, Meursault, is being trialed for the murder of a man he encounters at the beach. At his trial, the prosecutor makes much of Meursault’s demeanor and the prosecutor focuses on irrelevant information like Meursault’s failure to properly show grief at his own mother’s recent funeral. The prosecutor based the trial on events which had taken place prior to the murder. Even though, his points did not have the connection with the murder which the prosecution maintained. Therefore, the prosecutor created an unfair trial, by not giving Meursalt adequate time to speak in his own defense, bringing up irrelevant situations such as his relationship with his mother and his beliefs. Meursault was not given the chance to defend himself because of questions from the prosecutor and lack of knowledge of his lawyer. The case was rather built upon his lack of feelings towards his mother’s death and his choice not to believe in God. Typically, throughout a trial, the defendant is given time on the witness stand to plea innocence, and explain why he committed the crime. Meursault, however, stood before the judge and was asked yes or no questions. This left him with little or no time to plead his case. Before he could say anything else, he was back on his way to the jail. Meursault said, I didnt even have time to think. I was taken out, put into the van, and driven to prison (Camus88). At first he did not know what was going on, but knew he wanted to say something. Then every time he would try to say something, his lawyer would simply say â€Å"Just keep quiet- it wont do your case any good (Camus98). Meursaults lawyer would not let him say anything, and this bothered Meursault. Every now and then, during the trial, Meursault would have the urge to stand up and yell in his head, Wait a minute! Whos the accused here? Being the accused counts for something. And I have something to say â€Å"(Camus;98).This made Meursault feel alienated from the trial that was going to determine the rest of his life. The prosecutor had involved his personal feelings about Meursaults beliefs into the case, which was definitely not needed. The prosecutor had repeatedly asked Meursault about his belief in God, and eventually got agitated because Meursault did not believe in God. â€Å"drawing himself up to his full height and asking me if I believed in God. I said no. ‘Do you want my life to be meaningless?’ he shouted†(Camus;69). The prosecutor had absolutely no right to bring personal feelings about Meursalt into the case. He clearly was mad and irritated, because Meursault did not believe in God. The prosecutor was offended at the fact that, he had no belief, because of this he began to mock Meursault. â€Å"That’s all for today, Monsieur Meursalt† (Camus; 71). As a prosecutor you are there to do your job, and not to build relationships or hatred for people. However the prosecutor had allowed Meursaults views to dictate the outcome of the trial. The prosecutor went about the whole trial, asking Meursault, his acquaintances and also his friend’s personal questions about his relationships with people. The prosecutor focused mainly on the irreverent events that had happened prior to the trial. The prosecutor focused on his reaction to his mother’s death and relationship with her. Firstly, Meursault is a human being with a lack of emotions. Maybe most of the people will get freaked out or think that he is a monster, but he actually isn’t. For example, he loves his mother and care for his girlfriend Marie, but he just doesn’t have the strong emotions for them. He doesn’t cry on his mother’s funeral, he thinks marrying another girl will be the same. However Meursault lifestyle is indifferent, it’s quite hard for him to show emotions, on the other hand, because of this Meursault should not be judge. Nonetheless the prosecutor somehow found his relationship, with his loved ones to be relevant to the case, when it was not. â€Å"He asked me why I had put Maman in the home. I answered I didn’t haven’t money to have her looked after and cared for†(Camus;88). As one may see, the prosecutor had personalized the case by asking him why he had put his mother in a home. Meursault inability to care for his mother was irreverent, however because the prosecutor may had feel that Meursault is â€Å"monster† for putting his mother in a home, he wanted everyone else to have the same perspective. The case had end up focusing on the relationship his mother and how bad of a son he was to her, rather than the killing of the Arab. The prosecutor had brought the director in to witnesses, badgering the director with unnecessary questions about the relationship. â€Å"He had asked whether Maman ever complained about meTo another question he replied that he had been surprised by my calm the day of the funeral†(Camus89). As it is shown the prosecutor was more interested by Meursault lack of emotions and lifestyle. Throughout the whole trial the prosecutor was more so trying to prove everyone that Meursault was a bad son and self centered person. In conclusion the judicial system may definitely be corrupted at times and proceed unfair sentences. Just as Meursaults trial which was based on emotions of the prosecutor rather than the facts of the day of the killing. The prosecutor relied on events prior to that day, which were absolutely not significant to the ruling. Meursault’s relationship with his mother and how he had decided to proceed with his life had no connection to the trial. The prosecutor had also not given Meursault an ample amount of time to answer or prepare for is questions, it happened all so fast for Meursault. As a result, he created an unfair trial and unrelated points against Meursault. All in all the interpretation of these events, provided by the prosecution was largely unfounded.