Ethan Frome Questions

1. The symbolism of the light of Mattie’s candle and the darkness of the Fromes’ room is that the light represents hope and love that Ethan desires which Zeena does not have. The darkness of Zeena is what is in the way of Ethan’s love for Mattie. 2. Ethan feels a dread in Zeena’s silence on this particular morning because Ethan’s mind becomes preoccupied with Mattie. He regrets not kissing her the night before and his thinks about the relationship between Zeena and Mattie which has been weird lately. 3. Zeena’s sudden decision to see a new doctor on this particular morning is unusual.Ethan dreads her decision because of the cost of the medications she will get. He welcomes her decision because this is the first time Zeena will be away for the night and him and Mattie will be alone together. 4. Ethan’s excuse for not driving Zeena to the flats is that he needs to go collect the cash from Andrew Hale upon his delivery of a load of wood t hat afternoon. Chapter 4 1. Ethan’s fantasy about the kitchen was that him and Mattie would sit together, one on each side of the stove; he would be smoking his pipe and she would be laughing and talking in the funny way she did. 2.Zeena’s arrival affects Ethan because it made him feel less lonely. Fearing the return of his loneliness when his mother died, Ethan asked Zeena to marry him. 3. Ethan’s motives for remaining on the farm were that he wanted to sell the farm and saw-mill and try moving to a larger town because he had always wanted to be an engineer. He thought that with a smart wife like Zeena it would be easy for him to make a place for himself. 4. The situations on the farm life and home life affected Ethan because he was never able to sell his farm and his wife had become so sick that all his hopes were crushed and he could never live his dream. . Ruth and Ned contrast Ethan and Mattie because Ruth and Ned are engaged and can show their love for eac h other in public and they can share their happiness. On the other hand, Ethan and Mattie have â€Å"such a thirst for each other in their hearts† (Wharton 69). They cannot show their feelings to anyone. 6. As Ethan heads towards the farm, the atmosphere reflects his feelings because it is a thick fleecy sky threatening snow for the next day and Ethan is feeling down as well. 7.Ethan’s actions and Mattie’s appearance at the door contrast the events of the previous evening. In the previous evening, Zeena had stood with the lamp looking bony and unattractive. This time, Mattie had a lifted lamp in her hand and had a crimson ribbon in her hair. 8. Zeena’s cat is intrusive and very symbolic. The cat jumps up onto the table, breaking a pickle dish. Its actions symbolize Zeena’s invisible presence. It’s like a force that comes between Mattie and Ethan and reminds them of Zeena’s existence. 9.Mattie’s concern about the broken pickle d ish is caused by her remembering that Zeena told her to never use that dish because it was Zeena’s favorite wedding present. 10. Ethan feels a â€Å"thrilling sense of mastery† because he helped solve the problem for Mattie and made her feel better about causing the accident to happen. Chapter 5 1. Zeena’s cat and the rocking chair are further reminders of Zeena. When Mattie sits down on Zeena’s cat, Ethan sees the specter of Zeena’s face to have appeared in place of Mattie’s features.He begins to feel uneasy and Mattie leaves and goes back to where she was sitting before. Then the cat takes its spot on Zeena’s chair. 2. The reference to the elm foreshadows a later action. Ethan says that â€Å"there’s an ugly corner down by the big elm† (Wharton 80). He is scared because if you don’t keep your eyes open you would crash right into it while sledding. 3. Mattie says â€Å"Nobody can tell with Zeena†, she is r eferring to what Zeena thinks of her and how she wants Mattie to get married. Chapter 6 1. Ethan’s morning joy is contradicted by the frustrations of the day.He sends Jotham to pick up Zeena at the train station but one of the horses slips on the ice and cuts its knee, and the sleety rain makes loading the logs difficult. Ethan heads to the Eady store to look for glue to fix Zeena’s broken dish, but he can’t find any there. He then goes to widow Honan’s store and finds one last bottle of glue. 2. Ethan wonders â€Å"what happened in the drive to nerve Jotham to such stoicism†. He thinks that maybe Zeena wasn’t able to see the new doctor or didn’t like something about what the doctor did and she usually blames her grievances on the first person she meets.

About Yourself Essay

Q: Describe briefly your current job/most recent job responsibilities. State the knowledge and skills you have acquired from this experience A: My recent job assignment was in Testing domain of TAPAS Vodafone UK project. We have to test the codes of the development team to validate if the business and functional requirements are met. Our tasks inclued-; * Understand and analyse what are the expected outcomes from the interfaces of the Development team by going through the revelant documents and and with adequate discussion with the Dev team. * Based on the above, author the Test Cases and Test Scenarios for validating and testing the functional and business requirements of the project * On the technical front, we are expected to execute the shell scripts batches in Unix Environment to generate the data file which is to be checked from the back-end (Oracle 11g) With the help of SQL queries as well as from the front-end Oracle Retail Merchandising System (ORMS). * As our project mates were located in other parts of the Infosys Offices eg Bangalore, Hyderabad as well as onsite location London, we frequently (usually daily) needed to interact with peers and seniors to discuss the status and progress of the project along with the other issues faced by us, it helped me improve my verbal and no-verbal communication. * As part of testing, we have to raise the defects in an online Quality Control tool which was later assigned to the respective developer to fix the bug and many times we would find us in arguments and discussions with the respective devepoler, asserting and proving their points and stand which helped me in inculcating a healthy professional relation and to remain honest with my task and duty at the same time. * It also helped me in approaching and interacting with new people with the sound technical expertise and skills and put forward my ideas , opinions, doubts among my peers and seniors. Q: Describe briefly the most important situ ation in which you have demonstrated leadership skills during your professional career (not exceeding 250 words) See more:Â  The Story of an Hour Literary Analysis Essay Q: Describe briefly the most important situation in which you have demonstarted your ability to work in teams during your professional carees (not exceeding 250 words) A: Last month we, with the motive of improving the interaction among the floor-mates , we, a group of 12 persons of different projects and teams of the same floor planned,discussed and organised a event named L3 Trivia. We as volunteer and anchors, had the job of finding some unusual, interesting and little known facts about our floormates and frame these in a questionaire form to be found and answered by the randomly formed teams for which the team will be awarded marks. The teams had to work together and was asked to take signatures and click a pictures with the respective person to make it interesting and to ensure that everyone knows everyone else by his name and face. The other members of the organising team had to collect the crowd at one place and distribute the different coloured cards on the basis on which teams of 10-11 persons would be formed. As an anchor , we have to gather and handle the team with same coloured cards. We needed to coordinate the randomly formed teams, have a quick introduction with each-other and help them in picking a Team Lead. Apart from this, we had to hand them the Questionaire Sheet , explain them the rules of the games, clarify their doubts as well as encouraging them at the same time and evaluating their scores at the end. This event got amazing and overwhelming response from the floormates and everyone took out the time for this playful event. We, volunteers were not only appriciated by seniors and HR for our effotrs and hardship for managing,organising this event enjoyable and a hit but we also get to know new people and make friends and exhibit our managerial skills as well. Q: Why do you wish to go for a management career A: I always have an interminable dream to have my own business most preferably in online business where I can tap my technical skills of developing online applications. I believe that going for a Management Degree will be a wise idea for helping me in materialising my dream because it will not only help me understand the nitty-gritty of the business administration but will also provide me the the essential knowledge, idea, skills and techniques for management. The process of earning this degree will help me to think critically, deal with ambiguity and solve complex business scenarios through case study approach which requires us to evaluate business dilemmas and formulate the best plans of actions. Not only this, the environment there will motivate , develop and improve my soft courses in leadership, people skills and social interaction that can be a help in any walk of life. Before starting my own venture and entering into the business world , I would need a broad perspective of business world like how industry and business works and this degree will definitely give me an invaluable exposure to business concepts and development in functional areas. I think that this degree will help me in achieving an interesting and more responsible and influentional position. In addition, it will provide me the opportunity to meet new ,interesting, and important people and be challenged by peers and experts. That can help our career along. The MBA degree will prepare me to face the situations that can be faced in real life business scenarios, foster own personal growth, develop exciting career opportunities as well as networks. Q: What alternative careers are you considering and why? A: If I didn’t get the opportunity to persue MBA this year, I will continue my present job at Infosys as a engineer for few years to gather more sound technical knowledge and at the same time try to bring through capital for venturing my own start-up. Q: Describe your strengths/weaknesses as identified by you. A: My strengths can be listed as: * Disciplined and honest towards my duty * Ability to contribute positively as team player * Easily adopt to any environment * Self motivated and confidant My weaknesses can be listed as: * Inconsistent * Easily stressed * Have trouble in planning and prioritization Q: What is your most significant accomplishment so far A: I would recount one of my junior school incident in this case because I had a very positive influence of this incident in formative years at the school. Our school had an annual ceremony to elect the School Leader at both junior (1-6 class) and senior (7-10 class) sections. Teachers and sisters at our school used to assemble the entire junior/senior wing and the students were told to write the names of their candidates based on academics, sports, extra co-curricular activities etc. In a surprising outcome, out of 500 students from the entire junior wing, around 350 have voted in my favour. I was really thrilled to know this because I had never this idea or anticipation that my other classmates and juniors would know me, forget about being admired or revered!!! Although I have always been a good student and excelled in academics and few extra-co-curricular activities, I was also very garrulous, boisterous and a bit indiscplined, so being elected as a School Leader whose responsibility was to ensure discipline was difficult task. But I was really taken aback and amazed by this oucome and even I was not sure if I would be able to shoulder this responsibilty with honestly. This was the first time experience in my life that instilled me with a sense of responsibility.

Cultural Diversity College Essay Essay

1. The University of Washington seeks to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. How would you contribute to this community?-University of Washington, Seattle I, a culturally influenced young woman, have not only one, but two influential ways to contribute to your diverse university. As a Jewish Caucasian girl, I am here to throw stereotypical beliefs down the drain towards any culture. I am a blonde, blue eyed, 18 year old who not only grew up orthodox, but also has a half Christian family. I do not have a dozen brothers and sisters, an abnormally large nose, or for that matter, any money to spare whatsoever. I grew up with married parents, and when divorced, lived with my father. Our family was never â€Å"well off† or capable of buying anything and everything. I spent the majority of my life in an apartment living with a single parent. As for all that money society said we had; let’s just say there were times we were lucky to have money for groceries that week. People expect snotty Asians, Muslims with terrorist intent, uneducated Latinos, and gang associated African Americans. It isn’t easy to read that much less write it. Unfortunately, we know that much of the world is still like this. But I’m writing this to tell you I am not th e world. I come from a culturally diverse family whom in the past, have even been at war. There is my mother’s side, where missing Sunday church was not an option; and my father’s side, the conservative yet non-orthodox classic Jewish background. Although my mother converted to Orthodox Judaism before my time, her family remained faithful Christians unable to understand her withdraw. I grew up an orthodox Jew, covered from head to toe, eating only what the Old Testament allowed me to. Growing with age, I grew out of my orthodox upbringing, realizing that my draw towards Judaism didn’t come from praying and unreasonable rules, but the Jewish traditions and values I grew up with. While I celebrate Hanukah with my father’s family, I equally enjoy Christmas time with my mother’s family. I get to learn both stories, both views, and the different values contributing to both religions. And during these annual holidays of rejoice and tradition, I have gained a respect for both. Because of my background, familial influences, and how I chose to embrace my religion, I am capable of respecting others with different views, and even learning from them. When one person is capable of this, I believe it is contagious to other people from different backgrounds. Thus, gaining more worldwide respect, more acceptance, and more closure from taking in various values that many religions, or different views, have to offer. Because of my culturally influenced upbringing, the opportunity to choose my stance on religion, and my non stereotypical Jewish background, I can contribute to every community. I have respect for other people’s views, encouraging them to have respect for mine and others. I don’t stereotype people based on their culture because I know first-hand this isn’t always the case. I can be a contagious positive attribute to your community.

Warren Buffett and His Proven Strategies for Investing Research Paper

Warren Buffett and His Proven Strategies for Investing - Research Paper Example A noted philanthropist, he is contributed much of his money for notable causes via the Gates foundation. Born to a stockbroker turned congressman, he was the second of the three children. From a very young age, he displayed a keen interest in business and money. With his unique ability to calculate numbers at the top of his head, he impressed many. Just when he was six years old, he bought 6 packs of Coca Cola from his grand father’s grocery store and sold it for a nickel out of which he made five per cent profit. Although his age of friends played games such as jacks and hopscotch, Warren on the other hand was making money. When he was 11 years old, he put his foot in the world of finance. When he was 11 years old, he bought 3 shares of Cities Service preferred. It costed him and his sister $38 per share. Sometime later, the stock fell flat at a rate of $27 per share. Warren became extremely afraid but he tired to remain calm till the stock rebounded to $40. He rapidly sold i t, a mistake that he regretted when the Cities Service shot up to $200. This one was one of the most enlightening experiences of his life and he realized one of the key elements of investing- patience is virtue (Kennon) At the age of 17, he graduated from high school although he had no such plans of going to college since he had already made lots of money by going and selling newspapers. Despite all that, his father had other plans for him. He wanted him to attend the Wharton Business School situated at the University of Pennsylvania. In order to please his father, he stayed for some teachers claiming that he knew more than his teachers did. In 1948, when Howard was defeated in the Congressional race, Warren came back home and got himself enrolled in the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Apparently, with his dedication and working full time, he graduated in just three years time. Even when it came to graduate studies, he expressed similar resistance initially. After much conviction, h e applied to the Harvard Business School which was rejected on the basis that he was too young and came out to be the worst admission decision in history. After that, Warren applied to Columbia where he had an encounter with the very eminent investors,  Ben Graham  and David Dodd. While in Columbia University, he studied under the guidance of the very legendary Ben Graham who became an inspiration to Warren Buffet due to his intelligent investment strategies. This person had a major impact on Warren Buffet’s life. Ben Graham searched for stocks that were dirt cheap and completely free of risks. He also tried to acquire a job at Graham’s company but failed in the beginning. After much ado, he finally got the job and till today, he lavishly praises him for all that he has learnt about stock investment. Graham wrote a book, â€Å"The intelligent investor† which Warren also describes as the greatest book written on investment. He also published another book â₠¬Å"Security Analysis in which he talked about Intrinsic business value which was completely independent of the stock price. After some time, Graham retired and Warren started his own work whose capital was mainly provided by family and friends. The partnership proved to be very successful and Graham averaged an annual rate return of 23% which was by far leading the market rate (Kennon). Warren Buffet is also celebrated in history for being the most successful investor. He has been referred to as the, "The Oracle of Omaha" for his amazing investment techniques. In September 2007, he

Week4journal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Week4journal - Assignment Example The growth of industries in the North led to over-reliance to the southerners for the delivery of raw materials. There was an increasing raw material demand from the industries in the north. Cotton was among the main source of raw materials that produced in the south for industries at the north. Since the landowners in the south had a quest of more revenue, they demanded slaves to work for them. Slavery, therefore, became common in the south and deprived the lives of many people. They work in the cotton plantations for many hours without returns. Since the Northern depended so much to the south for the survival of their industries, they opted to control the southerners by making their colony. They moved in and grabbed the southerners’ land. They began to produce raw materials in large scale. Taking away their land meant that the southerners had to work hard to earn an income from the plantations. These aspect of the southerners working in the firms belonging to them but now controlled by the northerners led to colonialism and slavery within America. The demand for equality by the southerners began to grow in the nineteenth century. Slavery was facing hard times and the Africans who were taken to America as slaves were requesting for their rights (Gaston). Their demand for equal rights as the whites led to numerous strikes. Since the northerners and the owners of the plantations in the south wanted to proceed with their business, they allowed the freed slave in the south. Therefore, the development of the industries in the north improved the lively hood of the southerners by giving them a chance to live free and make their judgements. The end of the slave business resulted to states for the southerners. These states became homes to freed slaves (Ayers). They gained their independence and could live a life like their masters. They governed themselves and enjoyed some rights to own property from their

Environmental Analysis of Louis Vuitton Assignment

Environmental Analysis of Louis Vuitton - Assignment Example Environmental analysis of an organization is necessary to realize the impacts that several factors might have on an organization. Such analysis enables business organizations to identify the threats and opportunities and thus a company is capable of considering the effective measures accordingly (Jain, Trehan & Trehan, n.d., p.21). Macro environment of an organization refers to the environment external to an organization and includes factors like the political-legal environment, the technological state, and the socio-cultural environment. Micro environment on the other hand refers to the internal environment that includes factors like the organizational employees, the board, the consumers, the contractors, the competitions, the financial organizations associated with a business as well as the governmental impacts (Management: The Business Environment of Organizations, 2012). The present study has considered Louis Vuitton as the business to make a detailed learning on the organization ’s macro and micro environment thereby trying to reflect on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Louis Vuitton: An Overview: The Louis Vuitton fashion house has its name from the founder of the company, Louis Vuitton who was a fashion designer by profession. Initially he had been involved in manufacture of trunks in Paris and his company became famous for luxury goods. The luggage company along with its designer logo has made its presence successful and leading through its availability of luxury goods for its consumers, and products like books, perfumes, distilled spirits as well as designer clothing (Louis Vuitton, 2012). Purses, wallets and women bags as offered by the company are highly popular. Louis Vuitton Company merged with Moet et Chandon and Hennessy in the year 1987 that led to the creation of luxury powerhouse anagram LVMH. Ten years after this merger, the business started offering ready to wear products and other clothing (Label Overview, 2012). In the present times, the company is known to have its presence in several countries across the world that includes Japan, China and Asia among others . There are around 130 retail stores of the company in total across the world. With the passing years, newer ranges of handbags and accessories are being designed and presented by Louis Vuitton. The company focuses on creation of new, graceful, and sensible up to date luxuries with value. These primarily cater to those consumers who believe in style, and are aware of the latest designs being offered, thus following the up to date trends of fashion (Louis Vuitton (1821-1892), 2012, pp.16-28). Macro Environment Analysis of the Company: The macro environment analysis of Louis Vuitton would involve the relevant environmental trends in the external factors that might affect the company and its operations to achieve its desired goals and objectives. Economic Factors: The economic factors that may affect Louis Vuitton include the rates of interest, the changes in the systems of taxation, the rates of economic growths, the inflation rates and rates of exchange that are generally varied depe nding on different countries

Second Life When One Isn't Enough Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Second Life When One Isn't Enough - Essay Example The one essential reason for the popularity of Second Life is that it offers virtual, three dimensional platforms where the residents can challenge and break rules, without the fear of any dire consequences or the apprehension of causing harm to oneself or somebody else. Moreover, the basic landscape of Second Life is same as that of the real world. The only difference is that the residents here can alter and bend their ambience and lifestyle, as per their choice and mood. 2. Some people are very right in believing that Second Life is not a game but a real life experience. One, as already said, the predominant landscape and aspirations in Second Life are somewhat if not totally akin to the real world. Only the laws governing this landscape and aspirations are pliable to human will. The second reason for the life like experience of Second Life is psychological. A thing is real because it is perceived by a person to be so. For example, a chair exists because it could be perceived and f elt by the mind of a person. If a person is blind, one’s mind may not perceive it to be real or present, unless one is allowed to touch it.

EMERGENCY assignment for the subject Accounting and Management. Writer Essay

EMERGENCY assignment for the subject Accounting and Management. Writer MUST be ON TIME. Writer needs to send me outline or some ideas before start working - Essay Example Knowing management and its ultimate test would allow us to evaluate the authors’ statement. It has been said that every organization requires the making of decisions by difference people in organizations, the coordinating of activities, the handling of people by those given the power and the evaluation of performance directed toward group activities.2 Such activities could be called management and its ultimate test of its success could be found in the â€Å"actual, long-run performance and operation results in the competitive market.†3 This success could only come through the efforts of people which should induce one to say that management does not operate in isolation with people. In management, some need to be leaders and some need to be followers to bring the organization into attaining its objectives in serving the interest of the community. Hence the concept of organizational culture is also an indispensable topic in the development of management theory. How do we appraise management then? How can we say whether management may be doing what it is suppose to achieve? The simple answer to this is that they must be bringing to people in attaining organizational objectives which are measurable. The actions of such successful management must influence or encourage others to follow their foot steps. They must impel people to action. This precisely was the finding of Peters and Waterman in their book ‘In Search for Excellence.’ This impels us therefore to know these attributes that characterized successful companies according to Peters and Waterman and from which we could learned. Massie summarized them as follows: (1) they are action oriented. (2) They are close to the customer. (3) They seek autonomy and emphasize entrepreneurship. (4) They focus in production through people. (5) They emphasize underlying values and try to use values in practice. (6) The â€Å"stick

The European sovereign debt crisis during 2010-2011 Essay

The European sovereign debt crisis during 2010-2011 - Essay Example Historically, when a sovereign nation’s governmental debt exceeds the annual GDP of the country, the risk increases proportionately that the country will default on all or a portion of the debt requirements, particularly in the circumstances where the debt instruments are held by foreigners or in another currency than the national coin. The ability of sovereign nations to generally print money without formal external control is well established and the example of Zimbabwe is an extreme example of this, but the United States has also reached a debt level that is over $15.5 trillion USD or near 100% of the annual GDP outlook, while the economy is also declining and recessionary,. The U.S. Federal Reserve may also print money to bailout banks in the U.S. and abroad, as it has done following the Lehman bankruptcy, but the Eurozone situation is more complex. Nations like Greece now have their debt valued in Euros rather than Drachma and the sovereign is no longer able to print mone y, deflate the currency, and cover government debts in the manner of the U.S. central bank. Instead, it appears as if Greece will either default or be bailed out by other Eurozone members, while Wall Street and stock markets around the world react daily to these events and news stories as they herald serious consequences for the international economy that is interconnected during the era of globalization. Political Dynamics of the Eurozone Economy The Eurozone is a political experiment that involves a common currency (the Euro) and a number of sovereign nations that retain their political autonomy in budgetary and domestic affairs while moving together towards ever greater unity in government on the supra-national level. This dichotomy has led to the nations of the Eurozone abandoning their national currencies, but still operating domestically with differing levels of economic production, taxation, social expenditures, and national debt levels. The U.K. and Switzerland remain outsid e of the Eurozone and under their own traditional currencies, the Pound and Swiss Franc. Germany, France, and other Northern European nations are generally seen as being economically stronger than the Southern European countries, with the acronym â€Å"PIGS† being used for the countries Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain with the worst economic outlook, budgetary problems, and largest national debt requirements in comparison to GDP. Ireland has been considered a part of this group by some (PIIGS), as the country experienced generally the same problems in an overheated banking, real estate, and finance sector which formed a bubble and popped, leaving the taxpayers and national government responsible for the bailout. Yet, while Ireland and Iceland have already crashed previously before the 2008-2009 meltdown in their national economies due to the problems in financial regulation and overextension of risk taking via leverage in investment banking, the

Wrongfully Convicted Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Wrongfully Convicted - Assignment Example The opponents of capital punishment have therefore cited wrongful executions as their arguments since it does not result into justice if indeed the convicted or executed person is later found to be innocent (Huff & Killias, 62). However, with the advancements in technology, there is relief to this problem as the crimes and criminals are being identified in a more accurate manner in which even those who had been convicted in the past have been released from the prisons and escaped the death sentences. Research has shown that in the United States of America, the use of DNA technology has resulted into the exoneration and the setting free of up to 15 inmates who were serving death penalty since the year 1992 (Zedeck, 27). It is however important to note that a number of individuals have also been released due to weak cases or innocent individuals convicted and the people who are supposed to be convicted set free (Huff & Killias, 65). The death penalty information center has also publish ed certain names of individuals who have been executed but are likely to be innocent if thorough investigations are done to authenticate their involvement in the crimes that they are alleged to have committed. This is not different from the other nations in Europe and other parts of the world. For example, in the United Kingdom, criminal cases review commission has reported that there are several individuals who have actually been pardoned and other several exonerations for individuals who had been executed during the time between 1950s and 1960s. It is therefore important to note that there is need to standardize the DNA evidence so as to serve as the basis for exonerations of individuals who have been wrongfully convicted as a process to deliver justice to them. One example of those who were wrongfully convicted and executed in the United States of America is Jesse Tafero. Jesse was convicted in Florida in the year 1976 for the alleged killing of police officer (Ciolino, 28). He w as convicted together witch another person known as Jacobs Sonia. The two were convicted with the murder case alongside drug trafficking. It was alleged that they killed police officers as they escaped the police arrest because of the drugs that they had. The two individuals were then sentenced to death on the basis of the testimonies by a third party prisoner who pleaded for the les entice if he testified in the case. In the year 1981, the death sentence for Jacob was commuted. However, a year later, Rhodes who testified against the pair asserted that he actually bears the full responsibility of the murder. Tafero on the other hand was executed in the year 1990 despite all these clams by Rhodes. Two years later, the charges against Jacob were squashed which later resulted into her serving imprisonment and not being executed like Tafero. It is important to note that Tafero might have been executed wrongfully and in case the same evidence used in Jacob’s case could have been u sed in his case, he could have been alive as well. Others who are believed to have been wrongfully executed include; Wayne Felker, Cameroon Willingham, Meeks Griffins and Thomas among others who were wrongfully convicted but not executed (Ciolino, 22). In the view of the above, it is clear that the cases of wrongful executions are evident and there is need to look for ways by which these executions can be right executions. With this regard, it is not possible to deliver justice to individuals who have been killed. It is therefore important for the various legislative bodies to consider doing away with the death sentences and replace it with amore elaborate and a system that can be reversed. This is because even then DNA test and the biological processes

Horse Salughter Essay Example for Free

Horse Salughter Essay The U. S. horse slaughter ban has had a huge impact on the equine industry. Attention Getter and Preview: To slaughter or not to slaughter, has been a controversial question for years in the American equine industry. On September 7 2006, congress passed the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, abolishing horse slaughtering in the United States. The U. S. horse slaughter ban has had a huge impact on the equine industry. Originally designed to stamp out cruelty that the horses in the industry were enduring, it is now a question of whether it only caused more harm. Also where to put the surplus of horses and the impact they have other equine is raising concern. Transition: To understand how it has made such a huge impact, it’s best to first understand why it was put into action. Body MP 1: The main reason this act was established is pretty clear in its name, horse slaughter prevention. a. According to the Humane Society of the United States, â€Å"[the act] was designed to stop the slaughter of nearly 100,000 American horses annually in three foreign-owned slaughter plants in the United States† (Drummond 2006). . The reason they wanted to stop the slaughter was to stop the cruelty horses experience in this industry. a. When a horse was sent to be slaughter it was sometimes a path of cruelty. Horses would be shoved onto a trailer, often times way past capacity so the driver could get more money. They would travel long distances unable to move and were withheld from water. Often times they were beaten and forced to live with untreat ed wounds, in unsanitary conditions. Uncover investigation led people to realize what was actually happening in the industry. Transition: Now this isn’t a problem, there is no more slaughtering in the US. But it means more live horses to tend to, ultimately leading to the biggest impacts this ban has on the equine industry. MP 2: Where the surplus of horses will go is the biggest impact. a. â€Å"The AAEP estimates an additional 2700 rescue facilities would be needed in the first year of the ban to care for the thousands of surplus horses† (AVMA Jan 15). That would mean that each of the 50 states would have to build 54 facilities. Audience Adaption: In Illinois that would mean roughly one for every two counties. With the price of feed and hay going up drastically due to droughts and ethanol production are these organizations really going to be feasible? Not only is that the question but is it humane to force some of these animals live? Take a totally blind horse for example, would it be humane to force it to live, how will it be able to find food and water? b. According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, â€Å"The costs of euthanasia and environmentally safe carcass disposal can run as much as $400 and may be more than some owners are willing to pay† (AVMA Jan 15). Before this act the owner could actually make a few hundred dollars by selling the animal to a processer. Now some owners just abandon the animals or simply let them starve to death. c. Expert Opinion: An equine enthusiasts and an opponent to this act states, â€Å"That being able to process the animal would put value back in the economy, set people to work and provide an export product† (Yates 2008). According to American Veterinary Association, â€Å"In 2005, U. S. horse meat exports were estimated at 18,000 tons with a value of 61 million dollars† (AVMA Oct 15). These points aren’t the only financial negative to this act. d. With thousands upon thousands of surplus horses the price of the stock itself is dropping. Ranchers and horse raisers aren’t able to get the money that their horses are worth because potential horse buyers have so many other options. Transition: But don’t worry equine enthusiasts haven’t let the ban stop them. MP 3: Ranchers and equine breeders have found a way around the ban and have decided to export the horses out of the country to Mexico or Canada. . According to Scott Yates of Capital Press, â€Å"With the last three slaughter plants in the U. S. forced to close, horses are now being exported to Mexico and Canada to the tune of about 90,000 head in 2007. That is a 312 percent increase compared to the previous year† (Yates 2008). b. Okay so you might say good, we are still able to get rid of the unwanted horses in an economic way and no horses are being slaughtered with cruelty in t he United States. While this is true, it has been proven that slaughtering facilities in Mexico are much more cruel than their American counterparts. c. Expert Opinion: According to the American veterinary medicine association, â€Å"especially troubling is the treatment of the horses once they cross the border into Mexico. The Humane Society of the United States released a video showing the brutal stabbing death of a fully conscious horse at a Mexican slaughter facility† (AVMA Jan 15). d. So are we truly stopping the cruelty to horses? Sure we may feel better that it isn’t happening on our own soil but we are still the ones sending them off to their uncertain fate. e. This point has recently become an issue. a. Mike Stuckey of MSNBC news reported on September 24, 2008, â€Å"The emotional debate over slaughtering horses for human consumption gained new life in Washington this week as a House committee approved a measure that would ban the practice nationwide and halt the export of U. S. horses destined for dinner tables in other countries† (Stuckey 2008). b. If this law is passed that would mean that no horses would be slaughtered and no horses could be exported for the use of food, which will lead to an even larger increase in the number of horses in America. Conclusion Review: The U. S. horse slaughter ban has had a huge impact on the equine industry. I wasn’t here today to sway you one way or another on the ban. I just wanted to inform you of some of the consequences and impacts it has on the equine industry. We learned that it was put into place to stop the cruel slaughtering of horses on American soil. Then we found out that the problem hasn’t really been solved, horses are experiencing more cruelty than ever with longer rides and harsher deaths once they reach their final stop in a foreign land. There is also the issue of a huge surplus of horses that need care and are affecting the quality stock being raised across the country. Final Comment: Now that you understand the ban and its impacts. I leave you with this final thought. To slaughter or not to slaughter? That is the question!

Student Loan Debt Essay Example for Free

Student Loan Debt Essay Summarize the student loan industry. Answer with respect to both public and private loans and be clear as to which you are referring to. a) What led to the inception of the student loan market? The inception of the student loan market started like any other loan market, there were a large amount of borrowers who needed money now to invest in college to make more later that were matched with lenders who had excess funds and wanted return on the funds. The National Defense Education Act of 1958 which provided loans to students in higher education institutions started the student loan market. This was supposed to help train students to get jobs that will help them succeed and in turn help our nation succeed. b) What major changes have occurred over the years? The biggest changes in the loan industry have been the recent dramatic increase in enrollment at colleges. An alarming trend in the last twenty years is that appropriations to universities per full time student are going down while public four year tuition and fees are increasing. Total outstanding student loan debt, number of student borrowers and average debt per borrower has been steadily increasing over the last decade. Recent changes include private lenders becoming less inclined to lend. b. i) Since 2004 both the number of student loan borrowers, and the average balance per borrower has steadily increased, according to data compiled by the Fed New York (b. i. 1) 2004 25-year olds with student debt was just over 25%; grown to more than 40% (2013) (b. i. 2) 2012 Number of student loan borrowers totaled almost 40M and the average balance per borrower was slightly less than $25k (b. i. 2. a) 40% had balances less than $10k; 30% had balances between $10k and $25k; 4% over $100k c) What is the current source of financing? c. i) $1T financed by the federal government c. ii) $. 2T financed by private lenders (c. ii. 1) They are lending less c. iii) Federal (c. iii. 1) Make up about 85% of the total student debt outstanding (c. iii. 2) 93% of all new loans continuing to increase since the Recession (c. iii. 3) Credit Check not required but may be turned down if they are delinquent on existing student loan (c. iii. 4) 21% were delinquent 2012 c. iv) Private (c. iv. 1) Private student loan market includes loans made not only by banks, but also loans made by credit unions, state agencies, and schools themselves (c. iv. 2) Makes up about 15% of the total student debt outstanding (c. iv. 3) 2008 was $25B 2012 it is $8B since Recession (c. iv. 4) Credit Check, full underwriting guarantor (90%) (c. iv. 4. a) Underwriting has stricken since (c. iv. 5) 4% are delinquent 2012 (c. iv. 6) Tough to restructure c. v) Both often have a 6 month grace period d) How are lending decisions made by lenders in today’s world? For private lenders, lending decisions today have tightened dramatically since the recent economic recession, and it seems as though they are ducking out of the student loan industry because of all the bad loans they have on their balance sheets. Federal lenders have gone the complete other way; they do not have stringent requirements for the loans that they are handing out. Borrowers are encouraged to max out their federal lending before they go to their private lending. e) How are borrower decisions made by borrowers in today’s world? They have very little choice when choosing alternatives for student loans, these options include private lending and federal lending. A borrower should max out their federal loans then go on and be as prudent as they can when selecting a private loan. There is also a lack of transparency that makes it difficult for borrowers to pick private loans after they have maxed out their federal loans. Therefore the decisions are incredibly difficult to make after you max out your federal loans. Every student should be diligent and use all of the options that are set in question number three to make the best borrowing decision as possible. f) What is the size of the market today? How has its size evolved since its inception? f. i) Same statistics listed in 1c are relevant here f. ii) How has it evolved since its inception? The Market size of student loans is $1. 2 Trillion, private accounting for $0. 2 Trillion and federal accounting for $1 Trillion. Student Loans taken out have been increasing, student loan debt outstanding has been increasing and average student loan debt per borrower has been increasing. Some believe that these may cause problems and increase outstanding debt and defaults which taxpayers have to pay. While government professionals may believe that taking a hit now to help consumers get higher paying jobs may be worth it in the long run so they can start consuming. 2) How have student loans been treated in bankruptcy historically and today? a) Include in your answer information about how the treatment impacts lending b) Include in your answer information about how the treatments impacts the economy c) There is some controversy here why does that arise? d) What might happen if the laws changed? Before 1976 student loans were dischargeable in bankruptcy; this policy did have some loopholes though and when it comes to loopholes in money you do not want to leave many. Student loans stopped becoming dischargeable because they were afraid that the students would take advantage of the opportunity to file bankruptcy and rid themselves of student loan debt and drain the system. Disallowing the discharge of student loan debt helps to increase incentives for lending since borrowers are stuck on the hook and have to pay it back; this makes the lenders feel more comfortable and increases their willingness to lend. This can have multiple impacts on the economy because if student loan borrowers are no longer able to file for bankruptcy on their student loans you are more likely to have a generation of student borrowers that cannot pay their debts. If students graduate with a large amount of debt they are less likely to be consuming products like mortgage or car loans which help our economy run more efficiently. Some student borrowers may end up not borrowing because of the increased risk due to no bankruptcy. Lastly, a horrible scenario may be that lenders know that student loan borrowers cannot default therefore they hand out loans for anyone that wants them because the lender knows they will be stuck on the hook. This has horrible ramifications because one should never lend when they do not believe the borrower will be able to pay them back. 3) Outside of bankruptcy, what ways of dealing with non-payment of student loans exist? How might each affect the economy? a) Students who cannot pay off their student loans can a. i) Talk to your high school financial aid office a. ii) Shop for lower interest rates and loans that offer flexibility a. iii) Do not believe the rates as stated because they are stated for the highest credit scores a. iv) Fill out a FAFSA a. v) Search for scholarships a. vi) Apply for income-based repayment plans (must meet criteria of the Department of Education â€Å"partial financial hardship† (a. vi. 1) Could be 10-20% of discretionary income depending on how you apply a. vii) Enter public service such as teaching or other government jobs and you can discharge your loan after 10 years of making regular payments a. viii) The right to change payments from 10 years to 25 years decreasing your monthly payment while increasing the interest payment b) Some worry that people are taking advantage of some of the above options for student loan debt and are hurting the economy c) If I were a future student loan borrower I would try to get my loan in as quickly as possible and enjoy the lower rates because there is reason to believe that the rate can go up since it is now attached to 10-year Treasury Notes student loan delinquency can really take a hit on your credit score. Whenever someone defaults on a student loan the burden falls on the taxpayers of the country. If students found ways to get out of their student loan debt they would end up leaving the taxpayers to pay it off for them. There is reason to believe that being more lenient on student loan delinquency will allow students to finish their education and get a job that will allow them to pay off their student loan and eventually put more money into the economy. One notable solution that I found interesting was to hold schools accountable for their students. Schools that receive subsidized loan money could be left on the hood for a percentage of the loan balance if the student defaults. This would encourage colleges to pick the best applicants that they believe will finish school with a degree that will allow them to get a job that will pay off their student loan and hopefully buy a mortgage and lease a car to help the economy run more efficiently. 4) What is the impact of the existence of student loans on universities and tuition? a) The existence of student loans results in demands on universities – what are these? Universities are positively impacted by the existence of student loans because without them they would have to exponentially lower tuition. This is the same logic that universities have used to raise the price of their tuition. It is simple supply and demand economics, Joe Schmoe high school graduate gets into a fancy college that costs $40k a year and Joe can easily get a loan. Fancy college gets excited and realizes that the demand for the college is not as affected by price change as they might expect and they raise their tuition until finding the optimal price. The overall impact of this raised tuition is that students will have to take on larger student debts to be able to afford tuition at these universities. The larger loans that student takes the more likely they will end up delinquent on their loans. When students are delinquent on their loans they may end up going into default or not finishing school. In both situations the students end up negatively affecting the economy because the delinquent could end up having taxpayers pay for their defaulted loan and the college dropout will be less likely to pay off their loan due to low income opportunities with no college degree. 5) What is the relationship of student lending to other forms of lending? a) For the first time in years a. i) Outstanding student loan debt is greater than outstanding credit card debt (a. i. 1) Student Loan debt is second only to Mortgage Debt a. ii) 30 year olds with student loans are now less likely to take on housing debt than 30 year olds without student debt a. iii) 25 year olds with student loans are now less likely to take on housing debt than 25 year olds without student debt b) Since the peak in household debt in the third quarter of 2008, student loan debt has increased by $293B b. i) Other forms of debt fell a combined $1. 53 trillion b. ii) Only form of debt to substantially increase since the 2008 crisis b. iii) Mortgage balances shown on consumer credit reports dropped (b. iii. 1) Originations are 17. 4% below Q1 2011 b. iv) Credit Card Balances 21. 6% below Q4 of 2008 c) 15% of delinquent student loan borrowers also have delinquent auto loans, 35% have delinquent credit card debt and just over 25% are delinquent on mortgage payments The bottom line is if students are leaving school with more debt, than they will be less able to take on more loans in the housing, credit and auto loan industry, which help power our economy. Two things can end up happening, student loan borrowers will be turned down when seeking lending in the auto or mortgage industry because of the stigma attached to student loans. Another possibility is that a small but significant amount of students take on multiple loans during college and accumulates large amounts outstanding debt in all areas. The most important and repeated statement of this paper will be that the taxpayers will have to pay the loans when students default. 6) What Fed actions (during the past decade) have impacted the student loan industry? 7) Why is the Fed concerned about student loans? What is its actual role here? The Fed is concerned about student loans because it is now the second largest form of outstanding debt and it has been growing. There is reason to believe that it will continue to grow due to low employment encouraging people to stay in school or go back to school. Another pressing concern is that a large amount of these student loans are federally insured and could increase the budget deficit. And to reiterate the most important factor that when students default on their student loans, the burden will be placed firmly on the lap of the taxpayers. The role of the Federal Reserve Bank is to supervise participants in the student loan market. Supervision of participants in the student loan market is similar to their supervision of other retail credit markets and products meaning they are able to go over what you buy aka Student Loans bought by private institutions. Institutions subject to Federal Reserve supervision are â€Å"subject to onsite examinations that evaluate the institutions risk-management practices, including the institutions adherence to sound underwriting standards, timely recognition of loan deterioration and appropriate loan loss provisioning, as well as (to a limited degree) compliance with consumer protection standards. Many of these institutions have significant student loan portfolios. † A large concern the Fed may have about student loans is that of the relevant information (relevant statistics) about student loans are unknown. In the finance world investors are willing to pay for a larger degree of certainty so this proposes a large problem. One action the Fed took was deploying Capital Analysis and Review (CARR) â€Å"which is a supervisory tool that the Fed deploys to enhance financial stability by assessing all exposures on bank balance sheets. Large US banks are strongly encouraged to be forward looking and account for unique risks and keeping sufficient capital so we can continue operations during time of economic and financial distress. † The large US Banks that CARR searched found that they held $63B in government and private student loan debt outstanding $26. 3B of which is outstanding. The Federal Reserve also developed guidance outlining loan modification procedures with the Feral Financial Institution Examination Council which discusses how banks should engage in extensions, deferrals, renewals and rewrites of closed-end retail loans (including private student loans). They encourage that any restructuring should be based on renewed willingness/ability to repay and must be consistent with the banks policies. They note that lenders should work with borrowers who have a legitimate claim to financial hardship. These concerns are shared with the OCC and FDIC; they are even allowing institutions to go against GAAP. The Federal Reserve is really helping borrowers and investors by encouraging lenders to be as transparent as possible. Information should be clear and easily accessible to borrowers and should include information on how to contact the lender or servicer to discuss the programs that might best fit their specific needs.

Kiran Desais Inheritance of Loss

Kiran Desais Inheritance of Loss An Analysis of Kiran Desais Inheritance of Loss This second novel by Kiran Desai drips with the theme of colonial mentality of ignoring ones cultural roots and looking over the fence to seemingly greener pastures of other cultures. This is a story of exiles at home and abroad, of families broken and fixed, of love both bitter and bittersweet. Desais characters effectively depict varying kinds and levels of discontent at their own personhoods. It is a mix of pathetic illusions of being part of a culture that does not acknowledge them, hypocritical snubbing of ones own culture and journeying into knowing ones real self and true roots. Jemubhai Patel is an embittered judge, wounded by his past, which holds both hurtful and glorious memories. It is ironic how much love he can shower on an animal, his pet dog, while he regards other people with distrust. He has shut himself off from all human contact. Sai is the youthful granddaughter who somehow tames Patels otherwise dark persona with her feistiness and curiosity. She reminds him of himself when he was a youth. Sai is one person who gives hope that her grandfather will ultimately come out of the tough shell he has built around himself. Biju is the pathetic illegal worker disillusioned in America. He came there with great hopes and dreams but came home with a lot of frustrations and a renewed passion for his homeland. Gyan, Sais idealistic suitor is torn between his loyalty to his ethnic origins and his infatuation for his beautiful and intelligent tutee, Sai. The cook, Bijus father is the traditional, superstitious and chatty helper awed by the allures of modernization and is bent on his son to realize the American dream. It is through this cooks voice that the reader learns a parallel story about love and loss. Patels neighbors, Lola and Noni are Anglophiles who might be savvy readers of V.S. Naipaul but who are, perhaps, less aware of how fragile their own social standing isat least until a surge of unrest disturbs the region. The title of the book is so intriguing. When one hears of an inheritance, it is usually something so precious, so cherished that the next generation anticipates it to be bequeathed with pride and honor. Desais Inheritance of Loss truly reflects her adeptness for irony. True, the pathetic state of loss can be inherited and may be passed on to future generations, but how can anyone anticipate such a dreadful fate?   The story is delivered in such a compelling way that the reader understands the process of loss of cultural identity being passed on from the elders to the young. The book tells of different stories but anchors its base on Kalimpong in the at the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga in the northern Himalayas, specifically in the decaying cottage named Cho Oyu, the household of Jemubhai Patel, who lives with his granddaughter, Sai and his beloved dog, Mutt. The once-magnificent home has vestiges of its splendor with its lacelike gates that hang from two stone pillars, high, gorgeous ceilings, windows that show a picturesque view of the mountains, Owing to neglect and apathy, its once beautiful wooden floors are rotted, mice run about freely, and extreme cold permeates everything. Termites are steadily chewing at the cottages wooden frame, furniture, and floors. Patel is not blind to its pathetic disintegration, and somehow embraces it. It may be reflective of how he feels inside. Patel is a retired judge from the prestigious Indian Civil Service, the British Empires old steel frame: a few hundred white civil servants who had administered the subcontinent with the help of a handful of Indians, recruited starting in 1879. Patel relishes his glory days and is embittered by a painful past and of being an Indian himself. The narrative shifts from this native setting to the grubby kitchens of New York restaurants where illegal foreigners hide from the authorities out to deport them to their countries of origin. Desai expertly presents ironies in vivid detail that at times, it seems hilarious. The strange and creative interplay of the image projected and the message delivered makes the readers ponder on the depth of the authors points. One example is the supposedly elitist upbringing of Sai, but in reality, she lives in poverty. She has never mastered her native tongue, as it is assumed by her grandfather, Patel to devalue her person. She projects the image of being a part of a rather genteel class, but at the end of the day, she literally sleeps under a table cloth!   Such a pity for a young lady to be surrounded by such manly mess! Another is the status of having a hired cook, but in truth, makes this employee live on meager wages and in a battered hut in the periphery of his masters house. Patel has lived a wretched family life filled with broken relationships inflicting cruelty to his wife, indirectly causing her death, and abandoning his daughter in a convent boarding school and then cutting her off when she marries a Parsi. He has likewise estranged himself from his parents, extended family and all the Patels when they gladly sent him off to Cambridge University, pinning their hopes on him for a better future. In England, he realized how inferior he and his compatriots were to the whites, and wanted desperately to be identified as one. He would put powder on his too brown skin to somehow attain a fairer complexion. As his Indian classmates celebrated their cultural roots, and fought for independence, Patel remained in awe of the English and abandoned his inferior race. Patel has chosen to live in Kalimpong not only because of its temperate climate but also to distance himself from the more tropical, mainstream India. He emulates the British who built cottages at the hill stations and give vent to their gardening skills. They also needed to be near bakeries that produced the cakes, breads and biscuits they need at tea time. Two elderly Indian ladies, very much like Patel in terms of their obsession with the English culture, take Sai under their wings to groom her to be a proper English lady. Lola, a widow, and her sister, Noni, live in a cottage they call Mon Ami, set apart by its own unique broccoli patch. They live like Englishwomen, listening to BBC on the radio at night, drinking cherry brandy. They read British novels from the nineteenth century, and not those of a younger breed, because they would like to keep their perception of England static. They avoid books written by Indian writers. Lola hoards English products every time she visits England every two years. She stocks up on Knorr packet soups, Oxo stock cubes and underwear from Marks and Spencer. She was ecstatic when her daughter, Pixie, officially became the wife of an Englishman. The sisters are conscious of their class perceive themselves as superior to their Anglophile neighbor Mrs. Sen, and affiliated with Father Booty of the Swiss dairy, which makes real cheese and not the processed ones eaten by most Indians. Young Sai, who is orphaned when her parents were killed in an accident in the Soviet Union, came to live with her grandfather when she was nine. His grandfather never knew she existed, as he banished his mother from his home when she married a man he did not approve of. Sai is very westernized and her grandfather tolerates it. She speaks broken Hindi, as she has been exposed to a fabricated English culture, brainwashed by the people around her that it is a far better one than the Indian roots she has sprung forth from. Sai is an avid reader. She immerses herself in literature that brings her to many worlds she has only journeyed in her rich imagination. She reads To Kill a Mockingbird, Cider with Rosie, Life with Father, and National Geographic. Desai says of her, She was inside the narrative and the narrative inside her, the pages going by so fast, her heart in her chest, she couldnt stop. Sai falls in love with her Nepalese Math and Science tutor, Gyan, a college student who was mutually attracted to her. Globalization, fundamentalism and sectarian and terrorist violence unravel Sais passion for Gyan. Her adolescent passion is intertwined with a sense of danger and tinged with both wonder and darkness. Unknown to both, their romance will greatly be affected by their differences in worldviews concerning their heritage. Another important character in the book is Biju, Sais friend and their cooks son. Biju, on the persistent machinations of his father, illegally entered the United States and does menial jobs in New York restaurants. Biju lives like a fugitive, fearing the INS to discover and deport him back to India. The book illustrates the sorry state of foreign immigrants who had flocked to the land of milk and honey seeking better lives than what they had in their own homelands. They accept the sufferings and abuse of their white superiors than facing the shame of going back home. All they need is to secure the elusive green card to ensure their prolonged stay in America. One can just imagine the stressed lives of these foreigners, exiled from their own countries and treated as low-lives. They desperately hold on to their idealistic perception of America, however stripped of their dignity and pride. Back home, they would have been treated more humanely, despite their poverty and sense of hopelessness. Instead of conquering another world outside the sphere of the familiar, they are enslaved by the whims and discriminatory treatment of the natives. This book eventually gives an unflattering view of the First World in the eyes of the inhabitants of the Third World. Biju encounters other Indians and gets surprised at how they totally adapt to the American culture. He is shocked to see Hindu Indians eating beef. He took on a sneering look. But they could afford not to notice.    It is this numbing hypocrisy that disillusions the underdogs like Biju those who completely turn away from their roots and fully embrace the culture of another, to the point of forsaking the long-held sanctity of their value systems. Bijus unfortunate life in America brings him to work for co-Indians who take advantage the illegal aliens desperation. These Indian restaurant owners cut the pay to a quarter of the minimum wage, reclaim the tips, keep an eye on the workers and drive them to work fifteen-,sixteen-, seventeen-hour donkey days.    It is pitiful to realize that illegals are treated like dirt, devoid of rights, and made to suffer for their sin of being in a place they should not be for want of a better life. This irony resounds through and through in Desais book. Desais vivid narratives bring to readers crisp images the effective contrast between rustic, lush Kalimpong in its natural glory and the ultra-sophistication of fast-paced New York -along with it, the description of the lives of the inhabitants of both settings. When Biju calls home from New York City, the reader can smell the humid air over the telephone line, and can picture the green-black lushness, the plumage of banana, the stark spear of the cactus, the delicate gestures of ferns; he could hear the croak trrrr whonk, wee wee butt ock butt ock of frogs in the spinach, the rising note welding imperceptibly with the evening. One can feel the emotions running through the characters, and it is palpable how one pines for anothers life. It also shows stark contrasts between two worlds that the readers have the luxury of shuttling to. Back in Kalimpong, the budding romance of Sai and Gyan is disrupted by Nepalese insurgency of which Gyan was a part of. The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) agitates for rights and justice for the majority Nepalese. Pushed by his loyalty to his culture, Gyan tips off GNLF guerillas about Sais grandfather, and they raid Patels estate, robbing him of his guns, properties and food supply. The rebels shake up the otherwise peaceful existence of the main characters. They feel as if they were living out action movies, being unleashed Bruce Lee fans. The intimidating strike lasted for days, with electricity and water cut off and roads blocked by the government to prevent food from coming into the area. Lola and Noni were left with no choice but to shelter the followers of the GNLF who in turn, take advantage of their kindness, as they ravage their carefully accumulated stock of cold meat and sausages, and squatting on their large, beautiful, bountiful garden. Pradhan, their leader, pirate-looking in his outfit, insults Lola when she complains to him about his people. His degratory remarks of implying Lola to be one of his many wives, as he distastefully run his malicious eyes on her adds insult to injury, as Lola is further spiraled downwards in her humiliation. Such an attack on their person and status brings them down to reality that indeed, they are Indians, no matter how estranged and foreign they wish to be. The envy of the Nepalese rebels drastically shatter their illusions of grandeur and the pathetic circumstance evens them all out as mere people instead of demi-gods. The story gets grimmer as Patels beloved dog, Mutt gets stolen, pushing his owner into depths of despair. A bloody encounter in the insurgency situation kills some people. Sai and Gyans love affair becomes reduced to recriminations, highlighted by Gyans spiel, Whats fair? Do you have any idea of the world? Do you bother to look? Do you have any understanding of how justice operates or, rather, does NOT operate?   Such verbalization from the youth wakes one up to realize that the world is not to be seen with rose-colored lenses. Sai learns that class envy and jealousy always overpower love. It is a totally human reaction. Upon hearing the unrest in his homeland, Biju comes home in the knowledge that his father needs him. Biju undergoes an illuminating transformation. His emotional connection to his father and the significant people in his life inspire him to appreciate his roots and enliven his loyalty to India. Enough is enough!   He has suffered enough in a foreign land, enslaved by whites, and worse, compatriots, who treat him so very badly. His spirit and pride beaten up, he ironically comes home as a whole person. He had shed the unbearable arrogance and shame of the immigrant. . . For the first time in God knows how long, his vision unblurred and he found he could see clearly.    He realizes that he can choose the kind of inheritance he can get in terms of keeping close to his roots, literally and figuratively. The same realizations were stumbled upon by the other characters in the story, knowingly or not. The wealth and gentility prided by sisters Lola and Noni and retired judge, Patel were the very things that exposed them, making them targets of rebels. Having been humble, low-key, and basically, being just themselves instead of desperately putting on the identity of a foreigner could have spared them form the unfortunate circumstance they got themselves into. All of a sudden, all that they had claimed innocent, fun, funny, not really to matter was proven wrong. It did matter, buying tinned ham roll in a rice and dal country; it did matter to live in a big house and sit beside a heater in the evening, even one that sparked and shocked; it did matter to fly to London and to return with chocolates filled with kirsch; it did matter that others could not. . . The wealth that seemed to protect them like a blanket was the very thing that left them exposed. They, amid extreme poverty, were bald ly richer, and the statistics of difference were being broadcast . . .they would pay the debt that should be shared with others over many generations. The book is effective in evoking painfully shelved emotions to come to surface. Everyone, at one time or another feels the pain of loss. As mentioned earlier, title itself makes one ponder if it can be inherited and passed down from one generation to the next as what was attempted by Patel to his granddaughter, Sai. The feeling of losing out on something merely by being born inferior was expertly shown in the book to be all-consuming to the characters. The inheritance of loss may have well been an inheritance of the mentality that colonizers of ages past were mightily superior. They, from the first world, are the first exposed to the boon of modernization, leaving the colonized to covet such sophistication. Attention is too focused on their adventures with the evolution of their culture, while native culture, with all its richness and beauty is ignored and concealed with shame. If only they can revisit it with fresh perspective, they would know that they possess wealth and class, not necessarily translated to monetary and material possessions, but more profoundly, a great contribution of culture, ideology and tradition. The Indian concept of Karma could have caught up with the hypocrites as a more passionate ethnic class shakes them up from their illusions. They are pulled down to the reality that ones wealth and pride is anothers poverty. It is a reality that living decently is difficult amidst all the injustices that exist around us. However, the fulfillment of being empowered to be ones own true self gives a liberating feeling and confidence to exist authentically. The reader is tempted to coach the characters into doing so, just so they can foresee a happy ending to their pathetic existence. It is no secret that one needs to hide behind some untruths to survive some delicate situations. However, being enmeshed with lies may have a debilitating effect on ones psyche. The illegal foreigners living like scurrying mice at the threat of being caught proves to be an example of such. How dreadful it is to continue living that way!   It is as if it is difficult to exhale, as one might fall into the trap of revealing his truths. Again, Desai plays with the readers mind when this happens the paradox of the truth not setting you free! and in fact, imprisoning you in the safety of lies!   However, this is a painful reality that needs to be accepted. Acknowledging ones origins helps an individual gain full understanding of oneself. It gives him a choice of either opening his arms to receive his inheritance of loss/ fulfillment or of politely declining and moving on with his chosen path. Kiran Desai may well be instrumental in poking at the consciences of inauthentic, hypocritical show-offs to shed their cloak of fabricated class and reveal their true selves. Painful though it may be, there is no substitute to honest living and upholding ones cultural values, which, in the first place, were customized in accordance with ones true roots.

The Increasing Application Of Scientific Management Principles Of Work

The Increasing Application of Scientific Management Principles Of Work Organisations To Services Is, Despite Its Limitations, Inevitable and Irreversible. I  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Introduction From the outset of this essay it is necessary to define the basic principles of Scientific Management in order for the statement to be fully understood and why if at all such a practice is ‘inevitable' and indeed ‘irreversible' within a service industry context. The underlying belief that scientific management, or rationalisation= , is able to provide the basis for separating management from the execution of work. ‘The rationalisation of work has the effect of transferring functions of planning, allocation and co-ordination to managers, whilst reinforcing the managerial monopoly of decision-making, motivation and control'. Hales (1994). Taylor (1856-1915) has been referred to as the father of Scientific Management. He believed that management, not labour, was the cause of and potential solution to problems in the industry. Taylor concluded that workers systematically ‘ soldiered' because they believed that faster work would put them out of a job and because hourly or daily wages destroyed individual incentive. Taylor believed that in order to discourage, and indeed halt, this ‘soldiering' a ‘ mental revolution' was required. He believed this could be achieved via four vital principles: (1) the development of the best work method, via systematic observation, measurement and analysis; (2) the scientific selection and development of workers; (3) the relating and bringing together of the best work method and the developed and trained worker; (4) the co-operation of managers and non-managers which includes the division of work and the managers responsibility of work. From this five key facets have evolved that lie at the foundation of scientific management. Hales (1994) has summarised these as follows:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  - systematic standardised work methods via mechanisation and standard times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  - a clean functional division between managers and non-mangers. Braverman (1974) described this as the ‘separation of conception from execution'.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  - centralised planning and control.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  - an instrumental, low-involvement employment relationship due to the requirement of t... ...s that are attracted to the industry. But the deskilling due to rationalisation means that such people are ‘strait-jacketed into one dimensional jobs' (Hales 1994) stifling variety and creativity. Therefore such a sentiment tends to argue against the notion that scientific management principles are inevitable. In summary to return to the original statement it can be argued against the belief that scientific management is inevitable and irreversible throughout the entire service industry, although certainly some areas of the industry could benefit from utilising such a management strategy - notably in the budget sector. Bibliography Hales, C. (1994) Managing Through Organisation, Routledge, London. Peters, T. & Waterman, R., In Search of excellence, Harper & Row, New York. Ritzer, G. (1993) The MacDonaldization of Society. Targett, D. (1995) ‘Management Science in service industries', in Schmenner, R.W. (ed.) Service Operations Management, Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Taylor, F.W. (1984) ‘Scientific Management', in Pugh, D. Organisation Theory, Penguin, Harmondsworth. Thompson, P. & McHugh, D. (1990) Work Organisations: A critical introduction, Manmillan, London.

The Grapes Of Wrath Essay: The Malice of Society -- John Steinbeck

Malice In Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath, the Joad family represents the thousands of migrant families who came to the west with the fantasy of obtaining a peaceful life after the Dust Bowl. Conversely they are faced with something resembling the epitome of human cruelty. Business owners and Californians do what they can to keep the Oklahoma families from breaching the invisible line that divides the privileged and the poor. This line, which only exists in the mind, causes people to loose their sense of humanity. The following quote describes the attitude of the wealthy: â€Å"And in the little towns pity for the sodden men changed to anger† (Steinbeck 434). In the beginning of the novel, Steinbeck describes the devastating Dust bowl that settles â€Å"on the corn, on roofs,† and blankets â€Å"the weeds and trees† (Steinbeck 3). His use of imagery instantly installs the picture of destruction into the reader’s mind. The Dust Bowl is the beginning of the hardships that are to come for the migrants. There is an anecdote of a turtle who struggles to get to the other side of the road. The turtle struggles up the embankment like the families struggled to get to California. When he was trying to cross the highway he was nearly hit twice, which is similar to the business owners and Californians running over the Oklahoma people. This small chapter symbolizes the entire journey of the Joad family, in turn it symbolizes the journey of all the Oklahoma people. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. The crops eventually fell and â€Å"the owners of the land came onto the land† (Steinbeck 31). The Oklahoma families are forced to leave the land that they lived on for generations. There isn’t any negotiating. It was either flee or die of ... ...ld be compared to the story of Moses and the Hebrews. The Californians and the wealthy business owners symbolize the Pharaohs while the migrants symbolize the enslaved Hebrews. However the happy ending to Moses’ story doesn’t correspond with the ending of the Joads or other families. In the end, they are still impoverished, homeless, and hungry. While Egypt suffered plagues, the Californians and business owners suffer none. There isn’t any reason for the vindictiveness of the Californians and wealthy business owners to cease. Steinbeck uses the story of one family to ultimately cry out to everyone that â€Å"food must rot, must be forced to rot† (Steinbeck 349). The ones forcing poverty upon the migrants are the same ones sitting comfortably in their chair reading The Grapes of Wrath. Works Cited Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Penguin Books, 1978.

Down To Who? :: essays research papers

Down To Who?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Does the magic of young love ever stand a chance? Down to You tells the story of two college students who fall madly in love with one another after meeting in a crowded, college bar. Throughout their relationship, there are the usual ups and downs of first love. Trust, loyalty, and friendship are all big factors between Al (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) and Imogen (Julia Stiles). Their relationship matures over the years and their love is tested by time and temptation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Al plays an unbelievably sympathetic role. He’s portrays the â€Å"perfect† boyfriend. He’s very cute, sensitive, caring and he’ll do just about anything for Imogen. Al is an aspiring chef. He has a good family background. Both of his parents are very loving and extremely supportive of his goal for being a chef. They also love Imogen. Imogen is very sympathetic in the beginning of the movie. She and Al hit it off from the moment they laid eyes on each other in that bar. She is a cheery, enthusiastic freshman that is out to have a good time. She is very into art and painting. Al is particularly impressed with Imogen’s artistic talent. She gets scared of their commitment after a summer vacation in France and their relationship gets a little rocky after that. The two have quite an array of interesting friends that give the plot more depth. Monk (Zak Orth) is a good friend of Al’s. He is a porn star that has lost all faith in love. He gives the movie somewhat of a comical twist. After he becomes famous with his adult entertainment career, he develops a Shakespearian way of talking. It sounds very archaic and much more educated. Since he doesn’t really believe in love, he tries to convince Al that love is simply illusion. Al’s other friend Hicks (Shawn Hatosy) is much less complex. He is an average college guy that is pretty much out to get girls. He says and does a lot of comical things throughout the movie. One of my favorite parts is when he is working out, and he has a new hairstyle called a â€Å"mullet†. That’s when hair is short on the top and sides, but long in the back. Al and Imogen’s love is constantly tested in the movie. Cyrus (Selma Blair) is one of Monk’s co-stars in his adult movies. She tried to seduce Al numerous times throughout the movie, but he was strong and persistent about telling Cyrus that he was in love with Imogen.

Declaration of Principles and State Policies Essay

To shed light on the meaning of the other provisions of the Constitution To guide all departments in the implementation of the Constitution Directed to lay down the primary rules characterizing our government system Principles The Philippines is not only a republican but also a democratic state. Every individual is a reservoir of sovereignty. While sovereign powers are delegated to the agencies of the government, sovereignty itself remains with the people, by whom and for whom all government exist and acts. Manifestations of a Democratic and Republican Sate: 1. The existence of the Bill of Rights 2. The observance of the principle that the Congress cannot pass irreparable laws 3. The observance of the principle that the State cannot be sued without its consent 4. The observance of the rule of majority 5. The observance of the principle that â€Å"ours is a government of law and not of men† 6. The observance of the principle of separartion of powers of checks and balances 7. The observance of the law of public officers known as administrative laws 8. The observance of election through popular will or the right of suffrage 9. Supremacy of civilian authority over the military 10. Separation of Church and State What kind of war is renounced by the Philippines? The kind of war that we renounced is an offensive war but not defensive Anchored on the principle of self-preservation and the right of the State to exist The Philippines adopts the generally accepted principle of international law International law – a body of rules and principles which governs the relations and diplomatic intercourse among nations What is the manifestation that civilian authority is supreme over the military? The making of the President, a civilian as such, as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Armed Forces – the protector of the people and the State, and the purpose of which is to secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory A simple democratic principle intended to avoid authoritarianism and dictatorship What is the prime duty of the Government as enunciated in Section 4 of Article II? Established to protect and to serve the welfare of the people The government has an inherent right to existence and self-preservation, and as such, he may call upon the people to defend the State What blessings of democracy do the Filipinos enjoy? 1. Maintenance of peace and order 2. Protection of life, liberty, and property 3. Promotion of general welfare What does the principle of separation of Church and State mean? The State is prohibited from interfering purely ecclesiastical affairs; on the other hand, the Church is banned from meddling in purely secular matters In conformity with the provision in the Bill of Rights that â€Å"no law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof† 1. The State shall have no official religion. 2. The State cannot set up a church (whether or not supported with public funds), aid one religion, aid all religion, or prefer one religion over  another. 3. Every person is free to profess belief or disbelief on any religion. 4. Every religious minister is free to practice his calling. 5. The State cannot punish a person for entertaining or professing religious belief or disbelief. 6. Religious sect cannot be registered as a poltical party [Art. IX-C, Sec. 5 (2)]. 7. No sectoral representatives from the religious sector [Art. VI, Sec. 5 (2)]. 8. Prohibitation against appropriation for sectarian benefit [Art. VI, Sec. 29 (2)]. State Policies Foreign policy – the basic rules underlying the conduct by a state of its affairs with any other State The government should not allow to be dictated by any foreign power in the making of our foreign policy Considerations: National sovereignty Territorial sovereignty National interest Right to self-determination What is the policy of the State pertaining to nuclear weapons? Republic Act 69696 establishes the Philippines as a Nuclear-Free Zone (Art. II, Sec. 8) Nuclear power or nuclear medicine is not covered with the provisions What are the underlying premises of Section 9? The enactment of measure that shall provide adequate social services in the field of housing, education, health, and employment is actually a ministrant [optional] function of the government which, under the 1987 Constitution, is now considered as a mandatory function The society â€Å"must ensure that the prosperity and independence of the nation will free the people from poverty† How can social justice be carried out in all phases of national development? Social justice – giving what is due to an individual such as food, clothing,  shelter, and even a little dignity; the promotion of the welfare of all the people; the adoption by the government of measures calculated to ensure economic stability of all component elements of society; the humanization of laws and the equalization of social and economic forces so that justice in its rational and objectively secular conception may at least be approximated (Art. II, Sect. 10) Up to what extent does the State value the human dignity? The State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights (Art. II, Sec. 11) What is the meaning of family and why is the protection of the State begins from the time of conception? The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution The policy of the State against abortion by equally protecting the life of the mother and the unborn The State also supports the natural and primary duty of the parents in the rearing of the young for civic efficiency and the development of moral character What is the constitutional duty of the State in promoting the well-being of the youth and women?

A Contemporary Leader

What characterizes a good leader? Should he be understanding, considerate, and open-minded? Or should he be imposing, forceful, and coercive in order to get things done?Different people have different perceptions of what a good contemporary leader should be. Despite all these differences, one thing remain certain – good leaders possesses a great deal of power in order for him to properly lead. This is not necessarily the physical power, but a conglomeration of different types of power. If a leader has these, then there is a great possibility of him being a good leader.Why do we need Power?But why is it necessary for a leader to have power? Power is basically the ability to get what you want, regardless of who is benefitted – you or the greater many. With the proper use of power, a good leader can propel his country or the group of people he represents, towards development.Power could bring about change, including success in various aspects wherein power is truly applica ble. It could lead to economic growth, social development, improvement of the living conditions of the people, and more. Power could also be used to influence what others think, again for the benefit of the leader or the group he leads. Power is said to be at the heart of all techniques of changing minds.Power use, or abuse?However, the use of this power could also be misappropriated. Power abuse is common for the leaders who are given the chance to hold so much power. This is when they use these powers to influence other people and use it for their benefit.This is also true when they haphazardly use their powers without thinking of the consequences, like the damages it would do to other people. Their only concern is to exercise the power that they possess, and they will yield to nothing but their own destruction.The powers of a United States President.One of the most controversial leader that we know of today is the United States President George W. Bush. He is a concrete example o f a leader in power, where he derives that power, and how he uses it (Kristol & Schmitt, 2005).Controversies surfaced when he waged his war against terrorism, wherein he forcefully intervened in various affairs in the Middle East. His calls for war against the terrorist were dubbed by others as an expression of his hunger for power. Many people disagree with his decisions to further continue the war despite many lives being lost and many innocent people being involved.In order to fully understand his capacity as a leader, it is important to analyze the power that he has now. We have to look at the source of his power and afterwards classify it according French and Raven’s description of power. This is the most common description of power, and is further divided into five different forms. These are coercive power, reward power, legitimate power, referent power, and expert power (Changingminds.org, 2007).The power of CoercionThe President’s power is vested to him as defi ned by the Constitution of the United States of America. George W. Bush, being the forty third President of the United States of America, holds his Office as the country’s leader during the Term of four years (Durland, 1996). One of the primary powers of an elected president is his command over the country’s fire power.George W. Bush is given the title of being the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, as well as the Militia of the several States, if they’re called into actual Service of the U.S. government (Milbank, 2001). This is one of the main aspects which raised the concern of many Americans.George W. Bush is abusing his power as the Commander in Chief of the country’s military powers. It is as if George W. Bush is using the military as pawns in his own war against terrorism or the Middle East.

Superstition and Daily Life Dealings

What does the word superstition mean to you? We really find it difficult to define it. According to one simple definition, feelings or believes involving fear of some unseen forces is called superstition. For example, if a person believes that by wearing some kind of charm he will be protected from evil spirits and bad luck and without wearing It he will be under the influence of some unseen forces and also he will have bad luck.This kind of feelings or believes which involve fear of unseen forces, which can't be proved, is called superstition and those people ho have such kind of believes are known as superstitious people. This kind of people believes in signs and numbers of good luck and bad luck and their whole live are greatly affected by these signs and numbers. How did Superstitions Begin? It is almost impossible to say that when people started believing in signs and numbers because there are many things all of us believe in that can't be proved.At certain times In man's histor y, and even today, everyone believed In certain things that now we regard as superstitions. At that time science was not as much developed as today, so those things and events which wondered and righted people at that time. They started believing In them and became superstitious. For instance, when they went under the trees at night time, they felt uncomfortable breathing.As they didn't know any authentic reason behind this fact so they started beveling that to go under trees at night time Invites the anger of Ghost which makes their breathing uncomfortable in order to harm them. But, today we all know that trees absorb oxygen at night time and the deficiency of oxygen under trees at night makes our breathing uncomfortable Instead of Ghost. Similarly they believed that the shadow or reflection of a person is a part of soul. So, to break those things on which this shadow appeared was regarded as to harm the soul. So they considered it unlucky to break a mirror.Today If someone consid ers it unlucky to break mirror or believes that to go under the trees at night invites the anger of Ghost, we will definitely call him superstitious because today we no longer believe in these kind of â€Å"foolish† reasons which long time ago people believed. So superstition is actually a belief or practice that people cling to after new knowledge or facts have appeared to disprove them. That's why it is impossible to say hen superstitions began. Some Familiar Superstitions: We can find superstitious people almost in every society, every country and In every religion although less in numbers than past.In past people TLD know about sun, stars, moon, and comets etc. So they made up explanations about their motion and followed certain practices to protect themselves from the influence of their motion on life. This is very common even today and become a commercial under the name of â€Å"Horoscope†. If a black cat crosses the way of a person, then that is considered as un lucky for that person. Another superstition which is very common in Europe and America Is â€Å"Friday The 13th†. When a Friday guests are expected.Some people wear stone made rings and believe that when bad luck is ahead , these stones change their color or they break down. Some people wear amulet and believe that this will protect from evil spirits. Some believe that if owls live in a house then that house will be ruined. Many people have their lucky numbers and they believe in them. There are many other superstitions which seem to be Joyful and Joke for us but they change the entire lives of those who believe in them. How to avoid Superstition? Superstitious people live their lives under the influence of unseen forces and fear.They cannot live a normal life. They are extra-careful in their daily life dealings. To keep yourselves away from these kind of feelings and believe Just believe in God Almighty, Who decided the fortune of man before man's birth. So nothing can influ ence your lives. Superstitions are strictly denied in Islam. In any trouble, pay attentions towards Allah Almighty and seek His help. Find the genuine and scientific reasons behind the facts (instead of believing their influence or power as superstitious people do) and enjoy the life.

History of Physical Education

Brief History of Physical Education A brief history of physical education in the United States would kick off in the nineteenth century. There was growing popularity of formal physical education programs all across Europe where calisthenics and gymnastics were all the rage. American schools looked to follow the European model by incorporating physical education into the curriculum for primary and secondary schools. And a brief history of physical education would not be complete with a consideration of institutes of higher education that gradually built up extremely successful sports programs.How it began The brief history of physical education would start in just about 1820 when schools focused on gymnastics, hygiene training and care and development of the human body. By the year 1950, over 400 institutes had introduced majors in physical education. The Young Men's Christian Association launched its very first chapter in 1851 and focused on physical activities. Colleges were encoura ged to focus on intramural sports particularly track, field and football.But physical education became a formal requirement following the civil war when many states opted to pass laws that required schools to incorporate a substantial physical education component into their curriculums. But it was not till 1970 that an amendment was made to the Federal Education Act that allowed women from high school and college to compete in athletic competitions. Sex-based discrimination was completely outlawed from government funded programs at this point. THE HISTORY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN GREECEIn Greece the latest years special education has followed the same progression as in any other country in Europe but in a very slow pace. Specifically, Special Education services were available to Greek children since the beginning of the 20th century, adapted Physical Education was introduced the last two decades. After the first half of the century various associations developed intense activity with the aim to protect specific groups of people with special needs such as, the blind, the deaf and motionaly disabled.The initiative had clearly charitable characteristics with pity as the main feeling. The state welfare was non-existent every kind of care and prevention was accorded to the authorization of the charitable organization that with full power decided during the course of the years about the life and the future of thousands of people with special needs. The offers of the individuals had the form of institutional care (enclosed protection) with the offer of basic knowledge.The interest of private initiative led to the introduction of various institutional units and schools; firstly in the area of Attica and then in other cities of Greece. Some of the first institutions, which were created, was the â€Å"house of the blind† in 1906, the â€Å"house of the deaf and dump† in 1923, and the â€Å"Hellenic organization for the protec tion and rehabilitation of disabled children†. In 1937 much late there were more branches created such as the â€Å"national institution for the protection of the deaf and dump† in 1937, the â€Å"lighthouse of the blind† in 1946, the â€Å" school of the blind in North Greece† in 1948 etc.These institutions housed a great number of children but the role of the individuals was not only always a charitable one. However, the private sector helped in its way the state preparation so as to take up later the responsibility and interfere institutionally. The first state interferences began in 50’s and concerned mainly legislation arrangements for the blind and after for the motionaly disabled. The state however was interested in the group of the mentally retarded children and later in the motionaly disabled, which the private agents had completely ignored.The first school, which was founded by the state for the mentally retarded children, was the â€Å" original special school of Athens† in 1937. Many people considerthe state interference in the space of special education during the 30’s non-occasional. The considerable evolutions of pedagogical and psychology sciences, the establishment of obligatory attendance for all the children and the great number of mentally retarded children comparatively with other groups of â€Å" inferior individuals† was a reality which the Greek state could not ignore.From the mid of 50’s the 70’s the developments in special education came again from the wide activity of the private sector while the state followed with mainly legislation inferences and the well known sympathy towards the people with special needs. So, during this period educational units were founded and â€Å"deaf and dumb† schools in various areas of Greece and units for motionaly-disabled people. Another offer of the private sector was the foundation of children’s neuropsychiatry clini cs and schools for the group of â€Å"marginal adults† and â€Å" mentally retarded children†.The exemplification of the Greek state and the educational policy of the western countries begins in the mid of the 70’s approximately. Specifically towards the end of the 70’s measures were promoted for the professional rehabilitation of the disabled by giving motives to employers for the employment of these people. Since 1980 and then special classes for the children with, learning difficulties and slight mental retardment began to be estamplished.The Greek state in the 80’s seems to desire to participate actively with the other social factors in an attempt of reorganization of the philosophy and pre-existent structure concerning the people with special needs, which imposed their life and social back round. Precisely, emphasis was given in the whole development and the development of the potential of the people with special needs, their introduction in t he productive procedure and their mutual acceptance in the social group.Today, thousands of individuals with disabilities are introduced to sports in various settings such as schools or in sports clubs in both segregated and integrated settings by a variety of national and international organizations. The momentum for such change is contributed to several reasons: †¢ One of the most important reason is the introduction and approval of a new law, which mandates not only free public education for all children, but most important integration of children with disabilities in schools settings.This law is consideredas a springboard for the recognition for all children’s rights to participate in physical education activities. †¢ A second reason, is beginning of 90’s the implementation of the program â€Å"Sports for All†, which is organized by the General Secretariat of Sports and implemented with the support of different municipalities within Greece. †¢ A third reason, is the mandatory exposure of all students of physical education in adapted physical activity course work during their core university studies.In this way they have the opportunity not only to be introduced, but also to become specialized later on this subject. This has considerably affected their attitude to teach integrated sports. †¢ A fourth reason is the organization of the Paralympic Games of 2004, which is considered one of the largest events in the world. Due to the magnitude of this event, Greece started to evaluate the current status of the movement for sports for the disabled people, as well as, begin to take important actions towards the best organization of the games. History of Physical Education PREFACE To provide a meaningful background of physical education and sport in modern society it is helpful to have a clear understanding of its role in the past and how it emerged. The purpose of this assignment is to outline the history of physical education since time immemorial. The text begins with the beginning of the humankind engaging in physical activities, showing the history of physical education and sport being a rich tapestry of people, places, events and social forces from early civilization to the present time through transitional periods. INTRODUCTIONThe ground of education as a whole is going through remarkable challenges to serve the needs of the individual and the society, and this trend is reflected in physical education also. The history of physical education goes back to the earliest times, if we think of it in the simple terms of fitness and has existed since human society in one form or other. Since early history, even before the dawn of civilization and cultur e, physical exercise has been a very important aspect of human existence and it was not so long ago that it was called† physical culture† or â€Å"physical training†.THE PALEOLITHIC PERIOD Primitive humans began life in the â€Å"Stone Age. † What can they be called? Paleolithic people, Stone agers, primitive humans or cave men. They were hunters and gatherers. They hunted wild game and fished; they gathered veggies, berries and nuts. Primitive humans depended entirely on nature for food. Primitive men moved according to their satisfaction, needs and necessity. They needed to be fit to be able to go through their journey to hunt for food and water. Being nomads and hunters, they were people who had to be persistently hunting and gathering food for survival.Their trips regularly lasted for one-to-two days for food or water and were meant for regular physical activity to be produced. When they successfully hunted, they would travel many miles and miles to cel ebrate with family and friends. Physical activities were not organized by them. The necessity for survival which is the protection against hostile environment and wild beasts, and sometimes the engagement in murder to insure their protection, motivated these men to keep themselves physically ? t and strong enough compared to stronger forces of nature. In those days there were no machines to help people in their work.That is why they had to depend exclusively upon their physical powers and physical skill. They considered their body to be their prize possession, so their primary concern was to maintain and protect their body. The order of the day was the survival of the most fit. Their sociable nature was inborn and drew only by mating and propagation that gave them the desire to dance and play, which were not being organized. Men lived in such a state for thousands of years. There was neither any organization nor system. Most of their acts were learnt by the young generations by the competence of imitation rather than instruction.This lifestyle created many physical activities and a high level fitness which defined human life. THE NEOLITHIC TRANSITION Neolithic people lived during the â€Å"New Stone Age†, from 9000 to 8000 B. C. This was the transitional period in which pre- historic societies began to control their surroundings and form civilization. The two most significant developments were the domestication of animals and farming. Their society was different from Paleolithic culture because they lived in established communities, domesticated animals and cultivated crops.As they improved their society they developed skills like spinning, weaving and building. They also made tombs and religious items. Men and women gave up hunting gathering as the only sources of living and learnt to produce their own food. Agriculture and the raise of cattle were discovered and increased to a productive economy. Many villages were built generally located next to rive rs. Then came the creation of the plow, so the difficult tasks being done by the animals and other agricultural development brought the beginning of a less active lifestyle.Social organization became more complex in the first villages, and then towns. Different kind of chiefs appeared and gave rise to a political system. There was class system whereby society was divided into rich and poor. A specialization of work took place. Apart from peasants and cattle farmers, new economical activities such as craftsmanship (fabric, pottery) were born. This era in history symbolizes the beginning of a more sedentary lifestyle, as man began to lessen some hardships of life while simultaneously decreasing daily physical activity.ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS (2500-250 B. C. ) (i) China In China, the participation of regular physical activity was encouraged by the philosophical teachings. There were no such words in the Chinese vocabulary entirely corresponding to the Western terms of â€Å"sport† and â€Å"physical education†. Such physical exercises as wrestling, swordplay, archery, charioteering and horse-racing were all incorporated in the military training and therefore came under the general term of â€Å"wuyi,† or â€Å"martial arts. † Kung Fu gymnastics was developed to keep the body in good and working condition.It consisted of various stances and movements, patterned by separate foot works and imitations of different kind of animals’ fighting styles. (ii) India India has a long recorded history of civilization but physical activity was not encouraged because of the religious teachings over there. The teachings of Buddha restricted most of the sports and games practiced by other early civilizations. However, an exercise programs known as â€Å"yoga†, same as the Chinese Cong Fu gymnastics, was developed and some other physical activities as well. According to the Hindu priests, Yoga signifies the development of body, mind, and spir it.The Ancient Indian philosophers recognized the health benefits of Yoga, which consisted of the proper functioning of organs and the whole well-being. There have been many physical activities but were never treated as a part of general education, they were mostly an entry to military career. ANCIENT GREECE: THE HEART OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORT (2500-200 B. C. ) The western civilization began with the Greeks. They were the first one to provide a methodical and philosophical attitude toward education, physical education and sport. It is believed that no other civilization has held fitness in such appreciation as the ancient Greece had.The admiration for beauty of the body and importance of health and fitness throughout society is one that is beyond compare in history. For the Greeks, the development of the body was equivalently as important as development of the mind. They believed that the physical well-being was crucial for the mental well –being. During that period, the Greek states were frequently at war with each other. The Fighting abilities were very much associated with physical fitness levels, therefore making it very important for the people to maintain high level of fitness.Athens and Sparta were the two most famous city-states and dominant force of the Greek civilization. Sparta was already militaristic by 700 B. C. Spartans were derisive of intellectualism. They were generally suspicious and conventional. All that mattered to the Spartans was being a warrior. Athens was the more democratic of the two city-states. Both city-states served the people and their needs although they were very different. Being a potential warrior was all that mattered to the Spartans. Athens was the more democratic of the two city-states. SPARTAThe Spartan system was much more autocratic. Male children were taken at the age of seven to learn the basic military skills while living in barracks. Little emphasis was placed on the arts, sciences, philosophy and lite rature. Physical activities such as gymnastics, running, jumping, boxing, wrestling and pankration (a brutal combination of  boxing and wrestling) were provided to produce powerful warriors. When the children reached the age of fourteen, they were taught group fighting tactics which would allow them to succeed while in the military from the ages of twenty to thirty.Girls did not live in public military  barracks like the boys, but they participated in discuss, gymnastics, horse riding,  javelin, swimming, running, and wrestling at separate training grounds. The objective for women’s physical education was to enable them to produce healthy and strong potential warriors. At the age of thirty, the men could then marry women who were fit and healthy so that they could make strong babies, therefore future warriors. ATHENS For the Athenian -The motto for education was â€Å"a sound mind in a sound body† (mens sana in corpore sano) Athens was quite different compared to the Sparta.The Athenian culture was a very much more freethinking and democratic society specially noted for its art, literature, philosophy as well as its political system. There were citizens, foreign settlers and slaves but only the citizens were provided with educational opportunities. When compared to Sparta, education was very different in Athens. Women had no physical education compared to Sparta. They put much more emphasis toward intellectual quest. Their objective was similar to Sparta that is preparing male warriors.Athenian education was a balance between music (including poetry) and gymnastics which enveloped a range of physical activities. Physical education was provided to the students with a series of graded activities at the Palestra, which consisted of an indoor facility for gymnastics, and to an outdoor space for boxing, discus, javelin, running, jumping, pankration, pentathlon and wrestling. Many of these athletic events were part of the four great sport and rel igious festivals which consisted of the Olympic, Isthmian, Pythian and Nemean Games.These games started as simple athletic contests dedicated to Greek gods, but the Olympic Games, in particular, over 1000 years, became increasingly complex encompassing events for boys and men in running over different distances, pentathlon, wrestling, races in armour, chariot races, and pankration. As of education more broadly, the clear objectives of physical education in Athens were to educate the mind and the body and to produce a well integrated person. ROMANS The political ambition of Rome incorporated physical education into a national program for the preparation of military.Therefore, similar to the Greeks, sports, games and physical recreation were meant to prepare boys and young men for military service. Physical education for the Romans was about athletics, which was entertainment above all. All Roman citizens between the ages of 17 and 60 had to be fit for the military service, so it was very important for all the citizens to maintain good physical condition and be prepared. Military training consisted of activities such as running, marching, jumping, and discus and javelin throwing. The fitness levels of the general Roman population declined as individuals became attracted to wealth and entertainment.People were forced to fight to the death, and oftentimes fed to lions. Women were not as marginalized in Rome as they were in Greek city-states. Some sporting events were organized for young women such as swimming, dancing, and light exercise was common, especially among the privileged classes. THE DARK (476-1000) AND MIDDLE AGES (900-1400) The Middle Ages saw the fall of the Roman Empire which was conquered by Barbarians from Northern Europe, whereby the lavish lifestyles of the Romans had resulted in the complete decay of the society's fitness level.There was the rise of Christianity, and the Christian’s influence brought about a denial of physical activity fo r anything other than manual labor. They viewed physical play as immoral, so they halted the Olympic Games in 394. The barbarians from Northern Europe were similar to the primitive humans. Their way of life consisted of hunting and gathering food, so physical activity and fitness were fundamentals for survival. Thus, despite the downfall of the Roman Empire, fitness experienced a revival during the Dark and Middle ages because survival during these challenging times required it. THE RENAISSANCE (1400-1600)During the Renaissance, a renewed appreciation for human life evolved creating an environment which was ready for the widespread development of physical education; revival of ancient Greek ideals throughout Europe. There were many people which included the religious leader;Martin Luther, the philosopher; John Locke, physical educators; Vittorino da Feltra, John Comenius, and Richard Mulcaster carried on that high fitness levels improved intellectual learning. But in the 1600s peopl e believed that if it did not have any specific purpose than just a waste of time. PHYSICAL EDUCATION AS FROM THE 1700SThere was a big change in physical education during the 1700’s which can be mostly accredited to three people: Jean Jacques Rousseau, Johan Simon, and Guts Muths. Rousseau was the first person to promote education for the people and he also concluded play as being educational and stressed the importance of physical education to the development of a strong body. In the mid 1700s, Johan Simon became the first physical education teacher and stressed on the fact that physical education should be taught along with reading and writing. Simon believed physical education should include a lot of physical effort.Guts Muths developed a series of gymnastic apparatuses and believed that very important social skills are developed through physical education. These people of that time and the things they did began to pave the road to where we are today. In 19th-century, the first indoor gymnasium was built in Germany and some countries such as Europe, Sweden and Germany developed systems of gymnastics that were adopted internationally. A gymnasium was also build in Finland where exercise was for the first time seen as a way to achieve physical treatment. In connection to exercise, students started to study anatomy and physiology.Denmark was among the first countries to require physical education in schools. By the 1820s, some American schools offered gymnasium and physical education. The physical education included the development and care of the body, and training in hygiene, callisthenic exercises, gymnastics, and the performance and management of athletic games. CONCLUSION Physical education has a cultural heritage and background which started at the dawn of civilization. Primitive human being had to be very active and physically to survive. Farming began in its primitive form and made people have more physical activity from only working in the fiel ds.People fitness levels changed here and the also began seeing a more sedentary lifestyle. Ancient Greek culture depended upon preparing its young men for war. Training for battle was not an option, but a prerequisite. Ancient physical education programs concentrated exclusively on activities that trained soldiers. The significance of physical education no longer concentrates solely on training soldiers for battle and ancient athletes for victories but for the wholesome development of a person. It began in ancient Greece and made its way around the world. REFERENCES S. E. Smith. (). What was the Neolithic Period?. Available: http://www. isegeek. com/what-was-the-neolithic-period. htm. Last accessed: 30th Oct 2012. Charles A. Bucher. (1983). Historical foundations of physical education and sport. In: Nancy K. Roberson Foundations of physical education and sport. US: The C. V. Mosby Company. P133-155. http://www. cals. ncsu. edu/agexed/aee501/rousseau. html http://prezi. com/ieokiwmd e3ni/history-of-physical-education/ Howel et al. 1994. History Of Sport And Physical Education. In: Foundations of Physical Education,pp. 17-117 A. Bruce Frederick. (). Gymnastics. Available: http://www. britannica. com/EBchecked/topic/250277/gymnastics#ref700589. Last accessed: 01st nov 2012. History of Physical Education Brief History of Physical Education A brief history of physical education in the United States would kick off in the nineteenth century. There was growing popularity of formal physical education programs all across Europe where calisthenics and gymnastics were all the rage. American schools looked to follow the European model by incorporating physical education into the curriculum for primary and secondary schools. And a brief history of physical education would not be complete with a consideration of institutes of higher education that gradually built up extremely successful sports programs.How it began The brief history of physical education would start in just about 1820 when schools focused on gymnastics, hygiene training and care and development of the human body. By the year 1950, over 400 institutes had introduced majors in physical education. The Young Men's Christian Association launched its very first chapter in 1851 and focused on physical activities. Colleges were encoura ged to focus on intramural sports particularly track, field and football.But physical education became a formal requirement following the civil war when many states opted to pass laws that required schools to incorporate a substantial physical education component into their curriculums. But it was not till 1970 that an amendment was made to the Federal Education Act that allowed women from high school and college to compete in athletic competitions. Sex-based discrimination was completely outlawed from government funded programs at this point. THE HISTORY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN GREECEIn Greece the latest years special education has followed the same progression as in any other country in Europe but in a very slow pace. Specifically, Special Education services were available to Greek children since the beginning of the 20th century, adapted Physical Education was introduced the last two decades. After the first half of the century various associations developed intense activity with the aim to protect specific groups of people with special needs such as, the blind, the deaf and motionaly disabled.The initiative had clearly charitable characteristics with pity as the main feeling. The state welfare was non-existent every kind of care and prevention was accorded to the authorization of the charitable organization that with full power decided during the course of the years about the life and the future of thousands of people with special needs. The offers of the individuals had the form of institutional care (enclosed protection) with the offer of basic knowledge.The interest of private initiative led to the introduction of various institutional units and schools; firstly in the area of Attica and then in other cities of Greece. Some of the first institutions, which were created, was the â€Å"house of the blind† in 1906, the â€Å"house of the deaf and dump† in 1923, and the â€Å"Hellenic organization for the protec tion and rehabilitation of disabled children†. In 1937 much late there were more branches created such as the â€Å"national institution for the protection of the deaf and dump† in 1937, the â€Å"lighthouse of the blind† in 1946, the â€Å" school of the blind in North Greece† in 1948 etc.These institutions housed a great number of children but the role of the individuals was not only always a charitable one. However, the private sector helped in its way the state preparation so as to take up later the responsibility and interfere institutionally. The first state interferences began in 50’s and concerned mainly legislation arrangements for the blind and after for the motionaly disabled. The state however was interested in the group of the mentally retarded children and later in the motionaly disabled, which the private agents had completely ignored.The first school, which was founded by the state for the mentally retarded children, was the â€Å" original special school of Athens† in 1937. Many people considerthe state interference in the space of special education during the 30’s non-occasional. The considerable evolutions of pedagogical and psychology sciences, the establishment of obligatory attendance for all the children and the great number of mentally retarded children comparatively with other groups of â€Å" inferior individuals† was a reality which the Greek state could not ignore.From the mid of 50’s the 70’s the developments in special education came again from the wide activity of the private sector while the state followed with mainly legislation inferences and the well known sympathy towards the people with special needs. So, during this period educational units were founded and â€Å"deaf and dumb† schools in various areas of Greece and units for motionaly-disabled people. Another offer of the private sector was the foundation of children’s neuropsychiatry clini cs and schools for the group of â€Å"marginal adults† and â€Å" mentally retarded children†.The exemplification of the Greek state and the educational policy of the western countries begins in the mid of the 70’s approximately. Specifically towards the end of the 70’s measures were promoted for the professional rehabilitation of the disabled by giving motives to employers for the employment of these people. Since 1980 and then special classes for the children with, learning difficulties and slight mental retardment began to be estamplished.The Greek state in the 80’s seems to desire to participate actively with the other social factors in an attempt of reorganization of the philosophy and pre-existent structure concerning the people with special needs, which imposed their life and social back round. Precisely, emphasis was given in the whole development and the development of the potential of the people with special needs, their introduction in t he productive procedure and their mutual acceptance in the social group.Today, thousands of individuals with disabilities are introduced to sports in various settings such as schools or in sports clubs in both segregated and integrated settings by a variety of national and international organizations. The momentum for such change is contributed to several reasons: †¢ One of the most important reason is the introduction and approval of a new law, which mandates not only free public education for all children, but most important integration of children with disabilities in schools settings.This law is consideredas a springboard for the recognition for all children’s rights to participate in physical education activities. †¢ A second reason, is beginning of 90’s the implementation of the program â€Å"Sports for All†, which is organized by the General Secretariat of Sports and implemented with the support of different municipalities within Greece. †¢ A third reason, is the mandatory exposure of all students of physical education in adapted physical activity course work during their core university studies.In this way they have the opportunity not only to be introduced, but also to become specialized later on this subject. This has considerably affected their attitude to teach integrated sports. †¢ A fourth reason is the organization of the Paralympic Games of 2004, which is considered one of the largest events in the world. Due to the magnitude of this event, Greece started to evaluate the current status of the movement for sports for the disabled people, as well as, begin to take important actions towards the best organization of the games.