Auditing Exercise for Property Plant and Equipment Assignment

Auditing Exercise for Property Plant and Equipment - Assignment Example Management must implement the internal control activities to reduce the three inherent risk factors, management must implement the following internal controls procedures. The same audit objective includes reducing the risk factors by physically determining if management recorded all assets seen and affirmed by the auditor properly and completely in the proper accounting period. The inherent risk factors for item 1 and 3 are complex accounting issues (proper recording of property plant and equipment assets and allowance for depreciation), difficult to audit transactions (collusion between management and employees to fraudulently present Enron-style financial statements), and misstatements (unintentional errors) are detected (Whittington, 2005). ADJUSTING ENTRIES The auditor found the recommended adjusting entries for item 1 item 3 and after performing the audit procedure test of details of transactions or reconciliation. This is in compliance the auditor’s meeting the audit obj ectives. The auditor must obtain sufficient audit evidence to support all management assertions shown in the financial reports. Reconciliation entails the ensuring that detailed records have the same balances as the general ledger control accounts. The following adjusting entries are necessary in order to present the true balances of the land account, buildings account, machinery and equipment account, depression expense accounts, and allowance for depreciation account (buildings) and allowance for depreciation accounts (machinery and equipment), in compliance with no. 1 item instructions (D Kieso, J Weygandt, T Warfield, 2011). Item no. 1 Assertions: 1. Completeness assertion: Management ensures the recording of all existing property, plant, equipment, allowance for depreciation and other accounts in the same accounting period. The accountant did not record the donated assets were in the books of accounts received from Crux City. Thus, the effect on the audit procedure is to increa se the building account in item no. 1by $ 400,000. Management must make an adjustment. Otherwise, item no. 1 (building account) will be understated. Likewise, the allowance for depreciation account, item 1, will be understated. 2. Existence or Occurence assertion : All recorded property, plant, equipment, allowance for depreciation and other accounts exist or are owned by the company in the same accounting period. The effect on audit procedure is to inspect the official documents that include land titles, official receipts, and donation document will prove the existence or occurrence (ownership) of the reported assets. 3. Valuation or allocation assertion: all amounts recorded in the property, plant, machinery and equipment, allowance for depreciation accounts are accurate and proper classification of the business transactions are made. The audit procedure includes analytical procedures. The effect on audit procedure is to ensure accuracy, classification, cut-off, detail tie-in of t he property, plant, equipment, depreciation allowance, and depreciation expense balances during the year under audit. In terms of effect on audit procedure, the auditor must determine the existence or occurrence assertion audit assertion are valued accurately by personally inspecting if all recorded property, plant, and equipment accounts recorded in the books exist (Whittington, 2005). The building, machinery and

Foundations of Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Foundations of Terrorism - Essay Example State sponsorships falling under this category provide partial support to the independent terrorist groups. States use these groups to serve their national interests. An example of this form of state sponsored terrorism is of Pakistani governments which have been using Kashmiri Militants/Mujahidin to continue struggling for the independence of Kashmir and its joining with Pakistan. Some states remain in frequent contact with the terrorist groups based in different countries. The aim of such states is to use the power of those terrorist groups when needed. States keep the communication channels open for the terrorist groups and often engage in tactical coordination with them. An example of this form of state sponsored terrorism is of Iran which has always kept good relations with Al-Qaeda and Salafi-Jihadist groups to use them in some particular circumstances (Ahmad, n.d., p. 7). Some states tolerate the activities of terrorist groups and militants to escape from their terrorist attacks. They let them recruit members, raise funds, and operate from their territories in order to keep good relations with them. Syria is a good example of such states which had been involved in providing safe place to the Jihadists and militants to let them organize properly against the U.S. invasion of Iraq (Ahmad, n.d., p. 7). Some states show ignorance to the activities of the terrorist groups operating from their territories. They show the least concern to the presence of terrorists in their territories as long as the terrorists do not carry out any sort of criminal activity against their civilians. They also ignore the terrorists as long as their activities do not become harmful for their state’s interests. An example of such form of state sponsored terrorism is of the Canadian government which allowed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to grow in Canada because this group did not prove to be a real threat for the Canadian people

Excel Logistics Case Essay Example for Free

Excel Logistics Case Essay Purpose To introduce participants to the supply chain concept and to the effects decisions along the chain have on inventory levels and costs. Introduction In this game the retailer sells cases of beer to a consumer and orders cases of beer from the wholesaler; the wholesaler sells cases of beer to the retailer and orders cases of beer from the distributor; and the distributor sells cases of beer to the wholesaler and orders beer from the factory (brewery). The factory brews the beer. The beer supply chain is shown below: Players of the game each take on a different role in the supply chain. The roles are the Factory, Distributor, Wholesaler and Retailer. Each position is directly linked, and beer cannot skip the adjacent position. For example, the Wholesaler orders beer from the Distributor, and ships beer to the Retailer. An important consideration in making decisions is the delay in the movement of beer through the supply chain. It takes three periods to move an order of beer between each player in the supply chain. If during period 3 the Wholesaler decides to ship 10 cases of beer to the Retailer, the beer would take periods 4 and 5 to move to the Retailer and then would be available for sale by the Retailer at the beginning of period 6. Similarly, orders are not visible to the upstream player for one period. For example, if the Wholesaler places an order in period 3, the order is received by the Distributor at the beginning of period 4. For each period of play, every participant follows the same cycle: 1. The system is updated by your instructor where new orders and shipments are received, shipments enroute are advanced, and inventory levels and backorder positions are calculated (these tasks are done automatically by the server program. 2. The player updates the status screen and reviews current position. 3. A shipping decision is made according to new orders and backlog, subject to inventory availability, 4. An ordering decision is made for more beer. There are only two costs involved in this simplified version of a logistics  supply chain: inventory holding cost ($1.00/case/period) and back order costs ($2.00/case/period). Each team has the goal of minimizing the sum of these costs by balancing the cost of having inventory (inventory holding cost) with the cost of being out of inventory when a customer orders beer (back order cost). The server program keeps track of the costs incurred by each team. At the end of the game, the total game cost for the distribution system is the sum of the four individual participants total costs (retailer cost + wholesaler cost + distributor cost + factory cost). The goal is to minimize team costs. Action The game begins with a fully-loaded pipeline of cases of beer: 16 cases of inventory in each positions current inventory, 4 cases in each of the production delay pipeline, 4 cases in each of the shipping delay pipeline, each position has an initial order for 4 cases of beer. Definitions The following terms are used in the status report: Current Demand This is the demand for the current period at this position. For the Retailer, this demand is determined by an external demand stream. For all other positions, this demand reflects an order placed by the downstream position in the supply chain during the previous period. Backorder This is the demand that has not been met to date at this position. When a position does not meet demand by shipping cases of beer, the backorder amount is increased. This amount does not include the demand during the current period. Current Shipment This is the amount that is being shipped to the downstream position during the current period. After the ordering and shipping decisions have been made, the status button can be used to update the status report. The status report will reflect the current order and shipment decisions. Remember that after the instructor has updated the system, the status button should be pressed again to receive a report that reflects the execution of the decisions for the previous period. On Hand This is the current amount in inventory at the position. This is the total amount that can be shipped this period from this position. Due Next Period This is the number of units that are scheduled to arrive at this position next period. Due In Two Periods This is the number of units that are scheduled to arrive in two periods. Current Order Release This is the number of units that are being ordered from the upstream position. The  upstream position will not see this order until after the system has been updated to the next period. Inventory Cost This is the cumulative inventory cost for this position. This is calculated from the actual inventory balance at the end of each simulated period. During the update process, the system first ships material to the downstream position, updates the cumulative inventory and backorder costs based on the inventory and backorder levels, and then receives new material into the position. Backorder Cost This is the cumulative backorder cost for the position. Total Cost This is the total cumulative co st for the position.

Cloud computing security

Cloud computing security Abstract The term Cloud computing becomes more popular day by day. As this is happening, security concerns start to arise. Maybe the most critical one is that as information is spread into the cloud, the owner starts to lose the control of it. In this paper we attempt to give a brief overview of what is described by the term Cloud computing and provide a small introduction to what we mean by Cloud computing security [Brunette, 2009]. Make a discussion of what are the security benefits that Cloud computing introduces and also the security risks that arise due to its adaptation according to [ENISA, 2009]. Index Terms Cloud, security, risks, security benefits. Introduction Cloud computing funds started to build in early 90s. The main idea behind cloud computing is to separate the infrastructure and the mechanisms that a system is composed of, from the applications and services that delivers [Brunette, 2009]. Clouds are designed in such a way that can scale easily, be always available and reduce the operational costs. That is achieved due to on demand multi-tenancy of applications, information and hardware resources (such as network infrastructure, storage resources and so on). According to [Mell, 2009] Cloud computing is composed by five Essential Characteristics, three Service Models and four Deployment Models as shown in figure bellow. More details on each of the above components can be found in [Mell, 2009] Security The way that security control is implemented on Cloud computing is most of the times similar to this of traditional IT environments. But due to the distributed nature of the assets security risks vary depending on the kind of assets in use, how and who manages those assets, what are the control mechanisms used and where those are located and finally who consumes those assets [Brunette, 2009]. Furthermore earlier we mentioned that multi-tenancy. This means that a set of policies should be implementing how isolation of resources, billing, segmentation and so on is achieved is a secure and concise way. In order to measure whether the security that a Cloud Provider (CP) offers is adequate we should take under consideration the maturity, effectiveness, and completeness of the risk-adjusted security controls that the CP implements. Security can be implement at one or more levels. Those levels that cover just the Cloud infrastructure are: physical security, network security, system security and application security. Additionally security can take place at a higher level, on people, duties and processes. It is necessary at this point to have understanding of the different security responsibilities that CPs and end users have. And also that sometimes even among different CPs the security responsibilities differ. Security Benefits [ENISA, 2009] in its report has spotted the following top security benefits that arise due to the use of Cloud computing. Security and the benefits of scale: when implementing security on a large system the cost for its implementation is shared on all resources and as a result the investment end up being more effective and cost saving. Security as a market differentiator: as confidentiality, integrity and resilience is a priority for many the end users, the decision on whether they will choose one CP over another is made based on the reputation this CP has on security issues. Hence competition among CPs made them provide high level services. Standardise interfaces for managed security services: as CPs use standardise interfaces to manage their security services the Cloud computing market benefits from the uniformity and tested solutions this introduces. Rapid, smart scaling of resources: Cloud computing is considered resilient since it has the ability to dynamically reallocate resources for filtering, traffic shaping, authentication, encryption. Audit and evidence gathering: since virtualization is used in order to achieve Cloud computing, it is easy to collect all the audits that we need in order to proceed with forensics analysis without causing a downtime during the gathering process. More timely, effective and effective updates and defaults: another thing that Cloud computing benefits from virtualization is that virtual machines (VM) can come pre-patched and hardened with the latest updates. Also in case of a configuration fault or a disaster caused by changes made on the VM, we can rollback to a previous stable state. Benefits of resource concentration: having all of your resources concentrated makes it cheaper to maintain and allows physical access on those easier. That outweighs most of the times the risk the disadvantages that this generates. Security Risks The following classes of cloud computing risks were identified by [ENISA, 2009]. Loss of governance: as users do not physically posses any resources, CPs can take control on a number of resources. If those resources are not covered from an SLA security risks arise. Lock-in: as we write this paper there is still no standardization on how to move data and resources among different CPs. That means in case a user decides to move from a CP to another or even to migrate those services in-house, might not be able to do so due to incompatibilities between those parties. This creates a dependency of the user to a particular CP.. Isolation failure: one of the disadvantages of multi-tenancy and shared resources occurs when the resource isolation mechanism fails to separate the resource among users. That can occur either due to an attack (guest-hopping attacks) or due to poor mechanism design. In present days attacks of this kind are pretty rare compared to the traditional Oss but for sure we cannot rely just on that fact. risk category covers the failure of mechanisms separating storage, memory, routing and even reputation between different tenants. Compliance risks: there is a possibility that investing on achieving certification is put under risk due to the following: The CP cannot provide evidence of their own compliance with the relevant requirements The CP does not permit audit by the cloud customer (CC). Also it is possible that compliance with industry standards is not able to be achieved when using public Cloud computing infrastructure. Management interface compromise: CPs provide to the users, management interface for their resources on public Cloud infrastructures. That makes those interfaces available over the internet allowing remote access applications or web browsers vulnerabilities to allow access on resources from unauthorised users. Data protection: CP is possible to handle data in ways that are not known (not lawful ways) to the user since the users looses the complete governance of the data. This problem becomes even more obvious when data are transferred often between locations. On the other hand, there are lot of CPs that provide information on how data are handled by them, while other CPs offer in addition certification summaries on their data processing and data security activities. Insecure or incomplete data deletion: there are various systems that upon request of a resource deletion will not completely wipe it out. Such is the case with Cloud computing as well. Furthermore difficulties to delete a resource on time might arise due to multi-tenancy or dues to the fact that many copies of this resource can exist for backup/ redundancy reasons. In cases like this the risk adds to the data protection of the user is obvious. Malicious insider: there is always that possibility that an insider intentionally causes damage. For that reason a policy specifying roles for each user should be available. The risks described above constitute the top security risks of cloud computing. [ENISA, 2009] further categorises risks into policy and organizational risks, technical risks, legal risks and finally not specific risks. Vulnerabilities The list of vulnerabilities that follows [ENISA, 2009], does not cover the entirety of possible Cloud computing vulnerabilities, it is though pretty detailed. AAA Vulnerabilities: Special care should be given on the authentication, authorization and accounting system that CPs will use. Poor designed AAA systems can result to unauthorized users to have access on resources, with unwanted results on both the CP (legal wise) and the user (loss of information). User provisiontion vulnerabilities: Customer cannot control provisioning process. Identity of customer is not adequately verified at registration. Delays in synchronisation between cloud system components (time wise and of profile content) happen. Multiple, unsynchronised copies of identity data are made. Credentials are vulnerable to interception and replay. User de-provisioning vulnerabilities: Due to time delays that might occur, credential of user that have earlier logged out might appear to still be valid. Remote access to management interface: Theoretically, this allows vulnerabilities in end-point machines to compromise the cloud infrastructure (single customer or CP) through, for example, weak authentication of responses and requests. Hypervisor Vulnerabilities: In virtualized environments Hypervisors is a small piece of middleware that is used in order to be able to control the physical resources assigned to each VM. Exploitation of the Hypervisors layer will result on exploiting every single VM on a physical system. Lack of resource isolation: Resource use by one customer can affect resource use by another customer. For example IaaS infrastructures use systems on which physical resources are shared among VMs and hence many different users.. Lack of reputational isolation: The resource sharing can result on one user acting in such a way that its actions have impact on the reputation of another user. Communication encryption vulnerabilities: while data move across the internet or among different location within the CP premises it is possible that someone will be reading the data when poor authentication, acceptance of self-signed certificates present and so on. Lack of or weak encryption of archives and data in transit: In conjunction with the above when failing to encrypt data in transit, data held in archives and databases, un-mounted virtual machine images, forensic images and data, sensitive logs and other data at rest those are at risk. Poor key management procedures: Cloud computing infrastructures require the management and storage of many different kinds of keys; examples include session keys to protect data in transit, file encryption keys, key pairs identifying cloud providers, key pairs identifying customers, authorisation tokens and revocation certificates. Because virtual machines do not have a fixed hardware infrastructure and cloud based content tends to be geographically distributed, it is more difficult to apply standard controls, such as hardware security module (HSM) storage, to keys on cloud infrastructures. Key generation: low entropy for random number generation: The combination of standard system images, virtualisation technologies and a lack of input devices means that systems have much less entropy than physical RNGs Lack of standard technologies and solutions: This is the case of lock-in risk, where users cannot move across different providers due to the lack of standards. No control on vulnerability assessment process: If CPs will not prevent their users from port scanning and testing for possible vulnerabilities and also there is no audit on the time of use (ToU) for a user (something that places responsibility on the customer) severe infrustrusture security problems will arise. Possibility that internal (Cloud) network probing will occur: Cloud customers can perform port scans and other tests on other customers within the internal network. Possibility that co-residence checks will be performed: Side-channel attacks exploiting a lack of resource isolation allow attackers to determine which resources are shared by which customers. Lack of forensics readiness: While the cloud has the potential to improve forensic readiness, many providers do not provide appropriate services and terms of use to enable this. For example, SaaS providers will typically not provide access to the IP logs of clients accessing content. IaaS providers may not provide forensic services such as recent VM and disk images. Sensitive media sanitization: Shared tenancy of physical storage resources means that sensitive data may leak because data destruction policies applicable at the end of a lifecycle may either be impossible to implement because, for example, media cannot be physically destroyed because a disk is still being used by another tenant or it cannot be located, or no procedure is in place. Synchronizing responsibilities or contractual obligations external to cloud: Cloud customers are often unaware of the responsibilities assigned to them within the terms of service. There is a tendency towards a misplaced attribution of responsibility for activities such as archive encryption to the cloud provider even when it is clearly stated in the terms of the contract between the two parties that no such responsibility has been undertaken. Cross cloud applications creating hidden dependency: Hidden dependencies exist in the services supply chain (intra- and extra-cloud dependencies) and the cloud provider architecture does not support continued operation from the cloud when the third parties involved, subcontractors or the customer company, have been separated from the service provider and vice versa. SLA clauses with conflicting promises to different stakeholders: An SLA might include terms that conflict one another, or conflict clauses made from other providers. SLA causes containing excessive business risk: From CPs perspective an SLA can hide a bunch of business risks when someone thinks of the possible technical failures that might arise. At the end user point SLAs can include terms that can be disadvantageous. Audit or certification not available to customers: The CP cannot provide any assurance to the customer via audit certification. Certification schemes not adapted to cloud infrastructures: CPs will not really take any actions to provide security measures that comply with Cloud computing security standards. Inadequate resource provisioning and investments in infrastructure: This vulnerability comes in hand with the one that follows. Provisioning of resources should be done carefully in order to avoid failures of the provided services. No policies for resource capping: CPs should make really well provisioning of their resources. Also end users should be able to configure the resources that are allocated to them. If the limits of requested resources exceed this of the available resources results can be unpredictable. Storage of data in multiple jurisdictions and lack of transparency: Multiple copies of users data can exist since mirroring of the data is performed in order to achieve redundancy. During that time the user should we aware of where are those data stored. Such a move can introduce unwanted vulnerabilities since CPs may violate regulations during this time. Lack of information jurisdictions: there might be a case where data are stored using high level of user rights. In that case end users should be aware of it in order to take preventing measures. Conclusion In this paper we tried to give a brief overview of cloud computing and discuss what security on Cloud computing means. Furthermore, we made it easy for the reader to understand what the benefits and risks of moving toward Cloud computing are. Vulnerabilities of Cloud computing are listed as those were described in [ENISA, 2009], allowing us to have a full view of what are the considerations that we should keep in mind when moving on Cloud computing. It is also well understood that exhaustive risk and security control is not recommended on all Cloud computing implementations. The level of control should always depend on prior evaluation. There are still lot of open research areas on improving Cloud computing security, some of those are; Forensics and evidence gathering mechanisms, resource isolation mechanisms and interoperability between cloud providers. References [ENISA, 2009] ENISA editors. (2009). Cloud Computing Benefits, risks and recommendations for information security. . [Accessed 25 March 2010] [Brunette, 2009] Glenn Brunette and Rich Mogull (2009). Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing, Version 2.1 [Accessed 25 March 2010] [Mell, 2009] Peter Mell and Tim Grance (2009). The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing, Version 15. [Accessed 26 March 2010]

Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy: Proceed with Caution Essay

"Now we know, in large measure, our fate is in our genes." famous words that were stated by the co-founder of DNA's double helix structure, James Watson. In a large effect, in this day of modern science belief our fate is controlled by our genes. Our genes control our physical statue, our outward appearance, basically our entire bodily makeup is all determined by our genes. Mankind is at the edge of a new frontier in genetic medicine and gene therapy and how man advances into this field greatly dep ends on his ethics, morals, and the general acceptance of this new found knowledge. At the heart of the subject lies the controversy over genetic screening. Many questions arise such as; Who should be tested? Who should have access to the information? And most important, Does man have the right to correct any genetic defect no matter what the case? Technical Aspects A gene simply put is one of many discrete units of hereditary information located on the chromosomes. The chromosome consists of DNA, and the DNA codes for proteins in the human body, and in turn it is the protein that provides the phenotype for the i ndividual. Genetic screening provides a way to predict whether or not a specific phenotype will occur. There are many ways in which one can preform genetic screening. One is karyotyping. Karyotyping is a process in which a blood culture is obtained an d centrifuged to separate the different components of the blood. After centrifuging the supernatant fluid is discarded. A hypoosmotic solution is added, and the white blood cells swell up causing their chromosomes swell apart. The solution is then cent rifuged again, and the white blood cells are removed and placed on a slide and stained. The slide is placed under a microsco... ...w far will mankind proceed? A question we must all ask ourselves. At which point will man slow down and look back to see what has happened, analyze what it was we found, and what we have learned. We must proceed with caution, the right kind of morals, and mind set if we are to benefit society and mankind with this powerful tool of genetic screening and gene therapy. References Grady, Denise. 1995. Unnatural Selection, Vogue. v.185, n.10, pp230-234 Rubin, Rita. 1996. Do You Have a Cancer Gene, US World News and World Report, v.120,n.19, pp.66-73 Hiller, Marc D. 1981. Medical Ethics and The Law, Cambridge Mass. Ballinger Publishing Company. Campbell, Neil A. 1993. Biology, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc. Berkowitz, Ari. Our genes,ourselfs? Obtained from the WWW 10/5/96: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/~pgrobste/Berkowitz.html Genetic Screening and Gene Therapy: Proceed with Caution Essay "Now we know, in large measure, our fate is in our genes." famous words that were stated by the co-founder of DNA's double helix structure, James Watson. In a large effect, in this day of modern science belief our fate is controlled by our genes. Our genes control our physical statue, our outward appearance, basically our entire bodily makeup is all determined by our genes. Mankind is at the edge of a new frontier in genetic medicine and gene therapy and how man advances into this field greatly dep ends on his ethics, morals, and the general acceptance of this new found knowledge. At the heart of the subject lies the controversy over genetic screening. Many questions arise such as; Who should be tested? Who should have access to the information? And most important, Does man have the right to correct any genetic defect no matter what the case? Technical Aspects A gene simply put is one of many discrete units of hereditary information located on the chromosomes. The chromosome consists of DNA, and the DNA codes for proteins in the human body, and in turn it is the protein that provides the phenotype for the i ndividual. Genetic screening provides a way to predict whether or not a specific phenotype will occur. There are many ways in which one can preform genetic screening. One is karyotyping. Karyotyping is a process in which a blood culture is obtained an d centrifuged to separate the different components of the blood. After centrifuging the supernatant fluid is discarded. A hypoosmotic solution is added, and the white blood cells swell up causing their chromosomes swell apart. The solution is then cent rifuged again, and the white blood cells are removed and placed on a slide and stained. The slide is placed under a microsco... ...w far will mankind proceed? A question we must all ask ourselves. At which point will man slow down and look back to see what has happened, analyze what it was we found, and what we have learned. We must proceed with caution, the right kind of morals, and mind set if we are to benefit society and mankind with this powerful tool of genetic screening and gene therapy. References Grady, Denise. 1995. Unnatural Selection, Vogue. v.185, n.10, pp230-234 Rubin, Rita. 1996. Do You Have a Cancer Gene, US World News and World Report, v.120,n.19, pp.66-73 Hiller, Marc D. 1981. Medical Ethics and The Law, Cambridge Mass. Ballinger Publishing Company. Campbell, Neil A. 1993. Biology, The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc. Berkowitz, Ari. Our genes,ourselfs? Obtained from the WWW 10/5/96: http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/~pgrobste/Berkowitz.html

Free College Admissions Essays: I Have Always Enjoyed Mathematics :: College Admissions Essays

I Have Always Enjoyed Mathematics    I have always thoroughly enjoyed Mathematics, and perhaps naturally, I am looking towards a degree course in finance. However, I have other interests beside Mathematics. I believe a Business and Management degree course would be more satisfying because of its diverse elements. When recently I became Deputy Head Girl, my interest in management was awakened. I now have important responsibilities. I have become much more aware of time-management, working as part of a team, setting targets, and representing both the Headmaster and the pupils. Being part of the Sixth Form Council, the school's prefectorial forum, has made me more confident in expressing my opinions, and developing my listening skills.    Working as a clerical assistant in an architectural firm in London for my work experience was very rewarding: I improved my computer skills and my ability to tackle new situations. I have also worked for the British Council in Cairo teaching English.    I am thoroughly enjoying the International Baccalaureate, and one particular recent project stands out, the Science project. As secretary of our group, I had to make sure that everyone was working, and organise meetings, prepare a formal presentation, which was recorded on video. This project showed how a team worked under pressure, and that working together was essential.    I enjoy sport and started playing squash when I first came to Gigglesworth and earlier this year I was appointed captain, once again useful experience for dealing with people who are not always willing. Not only do I work with my peers, but I also lead them: I can see how individual efforts affect the entire team. Directing fund raising events for Amnesty International further refined my organisation skills. Recruiting new members to the group tested my promotional abilities as well.    I completed Silver level in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme in 1999. I have nearly completed the Gold, which has been very demanding but great fun.

Shadow And Custodial President Essay examples -- essays research paper

Shadow and Custodial Presidents Grant (1868) – Cleveland (1892)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Throughout the history of the world there have been many people remembered for their actions and a great deal more forgotten for no real reason. This does not exempt more recent history. After the American Civil War, six lesser-known Presidents, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland, and Harrison, have been given titles of either shadow or custodial presidents. A shadow, is a section of darkness, or a part that follows behind. Some of the Presidents seem to have fallen into the shadows of other events, people, and issues. Others put themselves there, just stepping out long enough to take care of a few urgent tasks then sink back into the unknown. â€Å"Custodial Presidents† a term implying that the man is there only to fix problems already out of hand. He does not create policies or change the course of the nation, just keeps it on its way. Truthfully, some of these men are deserving of these titles. Others may not be. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant 1868-1876   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Towards the end of President Johnson’s term in office, Johnson and Grant began to have public disagreements about the state of the Union. Due to these quarrels Grant aligned himself with the Radical Republican political party. Grant was already well known for his triumphs during the Civil War and was thus, the popular choice for Presidential Nominee.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Grant was the son of an Ohio tanner. He was educated at West Point, where he graduated 21st out of 39. Grant fought in both the Mexican and Civil Wars. In 1864 President Abraham Lincoln appointed Grant to the Position of General in Chief.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As President, grant had difficulty in making wise judgements. He was a man who tried, in most ways; to be honest, but still found himself in association to dishonest acts.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Grant was known to accept a considerable amount of gifts from political admirers. He was also seen with the speculators, Jay Gould and James Fisk. Two men, who were planning to corner the market in gold. Grant did realize their plan, and he tried to put an abrupt halt to it. However his action caused a tremendous amount of fiduciary turmoil. Grant in no way curbed Radical Reconstruction, in the South. At times he aided it with military force.   &... ... of Presidency Harrison focused on was foreign policy. In 1889 the Pan American Congress met in Washington to establish an information center. Harrison also tried to annex Hawaii.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Within the country Harrison expanded the navy, made subsidies for steamships lines available, and signed bills for internal improvements. He also wanted to protect the American consumer from monopolies, so he signed the Sherman Anti-Trust act.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Harrison had great problem, the tariff, facing him. He tried to make revisions in the tariff. These revisions made it so the Treasury surplus was nonexistent before the end of his term in office. Along with the surplus went the prosperity of most of the working class.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Harrison mostly focused, in his presidency, on issues that were important at the moment, but not so important as to be memorable. His time as President has fallen into the shadows. No great travesties or victories occurred during his time and so he will remain a shadow president.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After is retirement in Indianapolis and marriage in 1869, Benjamin Harrison died in1901, a respected man.

Coming of Age in to Kill a Mockingbird Essay

Unveiled Eyes In Maycomb County, Alabama during the Great Depression, Atticus Finch, a lawyer in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, explains to Scout Finch, his daughter, that â€Å"you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it† (39). At first, Scout does not understand the meaning of his words, but as she matures through the novel, her eyes are unveiled, and she understands what Atticus is trying to tell her. Over time, Jem, too, starts to see the meaning and depth of the statement. Throughout the course of the book, Jem and Scout both learn that one must know and respect people for who they are as individuals, not for what they appear to be. Mr. Dolphus Raymond is a character who is known by the citizens of Maycomb County for what he appears to be, but Scout recognizes that he is not what he seems to be. Mr. Raymond is a wealthy white man who has mixed children, a black wife, and his company is usually made up of Negros. As a cover-up for his abnormal behavior, he pretends to be drunk all the time. Maycomb declares that â€Å"Dolphus Raymond’s in the clutches of whisky† (268). In truth, he is just trying to give Maycomb a reason for his unorthodox actions when it comes to his strong friendships with Negros. He says that â€Å"it helps folks if they can latch onto a reason† (268). Like Atticus, Mr. Raymond believes that blacks should be respected more and treated like people instead of animals. He is part of â€Å"the handful of people with enough humility to think when they look at a Negro† (316). Scout starts to get Mr. Raymond’s reasons for â€Å"drinking† and his preference fo r black company. She also begins to learn that in life, there is racism and persecution for those that are not up to Maycomb’s standards. Tom Robinson is a young black man who is discriminated against by Maycomb citizens because of his skin color, but Scout learns to think differently. He is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white nineteen-year-old lady. Just because of his complexion, he is convicted of the rape despite the proof that his left hand is completely shriveled up. Scout remembers that â€Å"a jury never looks at a defendant it has convicted, and when this jury came in, not one of them looked at Tom Robinson† (282). Like most Negros in the South,  Tom is discriminated against by many white citizens. He is actually a very nice, caring man, but that is not what Maycomb believes. Maycomb groups him together with all the other blacks. According to many of its citizens, there is no good or bad in the black group. They are just Negros, but Atticus contradicts Maycomb’s beliefs by saying â€Å"that [not] all Negros lie, that [not] all Negros are basically immoral beings, that [not] all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women† (273). Over the course of the trial, Scout and Jem see that what Atticus says is true because Tom is a perfectly good example of a Negro that does not lie, is a moral being, and can be trusted around women. In the period of about two years, Scout learns that there is not only racial injustice, but also discrimination against recluses. Arthur (or more commonly known â€Å"Boo†) Radley is another person who is seen for what he rumored to be, but like Mr. Raymond, Scout discovers he is not what he is rumored to be. According to Jem, he is â€Å"about six-and-a-half feet tall— he dine[s] on raw squirrels and any cats he [can] catch, that’s why his hands [are] bloodstained—if you [eat] an animal raw, you [can] never wash the blood off. There [is] a long jagged scar that [runs] across his face; what teeth he ha[s] [are] yellow and rotten; his eyes pop, and he drool[s] most of the time† (16). Most Maycomb citizens, including Scout in the beginning, think that Boo Radley is a lunatic that nobody wants to mess with. As the story progresses and Scout learns about Mr. Dolphus Raymond and Tom Robinson, she starts to see why Boo wants to be a recluse. He wants to escape from the evil and discrimination in Maycomb. Towards the climax of Boo’s story, Scout starts to see Boo as an actual human, not just as a rumor from Miss Stephanie Crawford, the neighborhood scold. She sees him as a living human being and cares for him, unlike most Maycomb inhabitants. In the end, Scout realizes that â€Å"Atticus was right. One time he said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them. Just standing on the Radley porch was enough† (374). One night, she drowsily remarks about the character in The Gray Ghost â€Å"Atticus, when they finally saw him, why he hadn’t done any of those things†¦Atticus, he was real nice†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (376). This is symbolic of Boo Radley because he is rumored for things he had never done, but when Scout finally meets Boo as a person, she finally realizes that all those accusations are lies and one must respect others as  individuals. Over the course of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, the main characters Scout and Jem learn to respect and treat others for who they are as individuals. By meeting three other characters of the novel, they learn this important lesson. Mr. Raymond and Tom Robinson both teach the children that it is important to respect and honor the fact that Negros are, in fact, humans along with white citizens. Boo Radley teaches them to stand in another person’s shoes before forming an opinion about them. These two crucial years in the novel teach Scout and Jem the importance of all people in the world. In the end, Scout is much more mature and realizes â€Å"there is only one kind of folks. Folks† (304).

Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector

Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector Linda Howerton PHI 103 Informal Logic Instructor: Ms. Tanya Martin October 22, 2012 ? Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector Union membership is today at an all time low. It has been steadily declining since the 1980’s. Private sector union membership has been affected the most, while that of the public sector has remained relatively strong (Devinatz, 2011 Spring). Public worker unions, especially state and federal government unions, must be allowed to continue to bargain collectively to ensure the rights and job security of their members.Collective bargaining allows union members to have a voice regarding their wages, benefits, and working conditions. According to Raymond Hogler, in the â€Å"Labor Law Journal†, Fall 2012, â€Å"The erosion of institutions of collective bargaining will inevitably lead to a diminution of wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers† (Hogler, p. 163). Many public employees, esp ecially teachers who work for the state, receive much lower pay than other professionals. Collective bargaining allows public employees a much needed say about their jobs, wages, and benefits.Whereas teachers, for instance, have lower pay than many other professionals, collective bargaining has ensured that they have one of the best retirement systems. In addition, collective bargaining has protected teachers’ job tenure, thus preventing them from being fired without a due process hearing and other protections. The need for unions were a direct result of the unfair labor practices employed during the Industrial Revolution beginning in the late 18th century and continuing on into the early 20th century.Since there were no labor laws initially, especially regarding child labor, women and children were often employed for long hours at low wages. At one time, women and children made up 75% of the factory work force since they could be hired for lower wages. Children proved more m alleable and adapted more easily to the newer methods employed. Children as young as eight years old were sent to work in the factories or in the mines where their smaller bodies could fit into tight and often highly dangerous places (Bond, Gingerich, Archer-Antonson, Purcell, & Macklem, 2003).Children were also preferred at times to work in factories since their small hands could reach into tight places when moving parts became jammed. There were few safeguards in place to prevent the children’s hands and arms from becoming maimed if caught between moving parts on a machine. During the late 1700s in England, a man named Slater employed a Pauper system whereby he used children from poor families as workers in his mills. These children worked twelve to sixteen hours a day for six days a week.Instead of being paid wages, these children received room and board, thereby alleviating the burden of feeding them from their families. Families of the children were appalled at the tight discipline, lack of heat, and the working conditions in the mills. Many of the children chose to run away. When the employment of just children proved problematic, entire households were hired. The father negotiated the contract and stipulated the conditions for each family member (Tucker, 2005 May, p. 24). During the Industrial Revolution, government adopted a hands-off or laissez-faire attitude towards business.Therefore, business owners could treat their workers however they wished. Since children could be hired for less pay, they were hired in great numbers, working 12 to 14 hour days under horrible conditions. Many of these children became apprentices to the factory owners where they lived in miserable dormitories. They were frequently under-fed, ill-clothed, and beaten with fist and whip. There was a high death rate among child laborers (Hackett, 1992). Since all or most members of the family were working for upwards of eighteen hours daily, the family unit broke down.Childre n’s family contact usually amounted to the few hours spent at home sleeping. Since many families lived in shared housing with other families, family units withered even further. Children received little or no education, were malnourished and sickly, and experienced stunted growth. They grew up maladjusted since they had never been taught how to properly behave. The living conditions were appalling with little or no sanitation. As a result, infant mortality skyrocketed during the Industrial Revolution: over 50% of infants died before they eached two years of age (Bond, Gingerich, Archer-Antonson, Purcell, & Macklem, 2003). It is largely due to the unsafe conditions, abuse of laborers, especially women and children, and the workers’ lack of a voice over their employment that labor unions first came into existence. The earliest unions were established as â€Å"friendly societies† that charged dues to be used to assist workers during unemployment or sickness. It was n’t long before they grew into organizations seeking to win improvements for workers by the use of strikes and collective bargaining.Industrial workers increasingly became involved politically to encourage the passage of laws favorable to them. This drive by workers to increase their political power, as well as the right to vote, was largely responsible for the 19th century spread of democracy (Hackett, 1992). Today, labor unions seek to control the supply of labor. This control over the labor supply enables unions to secure collective bargaining agreements that have â€Å"brought millions of America’s workers into the middle class† (Gitlow, 2012 Summer, p. 124).The fear of being unionized exerts psychological pressure on employers which can often serve as a check on their otherwise abusive and exploitative inclinations (Gitlow, 2012 Summer). According to Givan and Hipp, in a 24 nations study of workers’ views about the efficacy of unions, entitled  "Public Perceptions of Union Efficacy: A Twenty-Four Country Study,† most laborers who belong to unions: feel most positive about the ability of unions to improve working conditions and job security. Women tend to hold a more positive view than men of the effects of unions on job security.Women are generally more susceptible to various forms of workplace discrimination, which creates a greater need for the kind of protection provided by unions (Givan and Hipp, 2012 March, p. 25). Thus we can easily see the importance of unions for the protections they offer workers regarding pay, working conditions, the right to strike if necessary, and most especially, the right to collectively bargain. Unions and the right to collectively bargain are increasingly endangered across the United States.At least 17 states have passed legislation or have bills pending that would severely curtail the right of employees to collectively bargain (Rigiero, 2011 April). According to Deb Rigiero, in â₠¬Å"You are now entering the United Corporations of America,† â€Å"We are rapidly becoming the workplace of the past†¦ the workplace without safety regulations; the workplace without workers’ rights; and the workplace without recognition of and appreciation for the worker† (Rigiero, 2011 April, p. 14). Right to work (RTW) laws have been steadily eroding workers’ rights for many years already.Over 22 states have passed RTW laws. The RTW laws aren’t there to guarantee workers the right to a job, but are instead aimed at the unions’ abilities to collect dues to aid in administering the unions. Under RTW laws, it is illegal to for unions to require workers to pay these dues. Without members’ dues to support them, unions’ power and strength of collective bargaining are severely undermined. Many unions may eventually find themselves endangered or extinct (Lafer, 2012 February 6).Then workers will find themselves without represent ation or even a voice regarding their rights. Those people against public employee unions and collective bargaining feel that public sector employees are receiving excessive pay and benefits at the expense of the American taxpayers (Schulz, 2012 January 10). Unions restrict the authority and management of company managers. In addition, unions may have a polarizing effect between management and the employees of a company. Unions also restrict the ability of managers to deal one-on-one with employees.When unions are involved, management is unable to make unilateral changes that may involve hours, wages, or other issues dealing with employment (University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2012). In â€Å"Why U. S. should cheer for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker,† Nick Schulz feels that â€Å"The collective bargaining privilege gives teacher unions political power that is used to block reform efforts and shield K-12 education from entrepreneurial disruptions that threaten established ways of doing things† (Schulz, 2012, Para. 11).Many Republicans espouse school vouchers as the answer to declining test scores across the United States. Vouchers are opposed by teacher unions and most educators who say that they would disrupt or damage our public education system in the U. S. If parents are allowed to use vouchers to choose which school their children attend, then those parents will be able to select the school that best fits their children’s needs and learning style. Whereas this might be great for the child involved, it could pose difficulties for already cash-strapped public schools that would lose some of their state funding.Public school employees who belong to teacher unions should be treated as professionals, yet they receive pay far below that of other professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Collective bargaining has allowed public union members to speak on their own behalf regarding their working conditions and job benefits. Publ ic sector unions are currently â€Å"under attack† by right-wing politicians supported by large corporations (McAlevey, 2011 March 7). If public union members are not allowed to use collective bargaining, then they will no longer have a voice in their wages, benefits, or working conditions.Wages could be cut at the whim of management. To finish their jobs for the day, many public employees might find themselves working â€Å"off the clock† since management can require more from them without recompense. According to an article by Raymond Hogler and Christine Henle, entitled â€Å"The Attack on Public Sector Unions in the United States: How Regional Culture Influences Legal Policy,† â€Å"Coincident with union declines, American workers experienced stagnant wages, a diminution of benefits, and overall degradation of working conditions† (Hogler and Henle, 2011 Fall, p. 37). 22 states have now passed right to work laws which â€Å"interfere with unionsâ€⠄¢ ability to maintain solidarity and acquire resources† (Hogler and Henle, 2011 Fall, p. 138). Those states with right to work laws have less union density, as well as â€Å"less equality for their citizens in terms of health care, education, and income† (Hogler and Henle, 2011 Fall, p. 143). Public union employees must be allowed to continue bargaining collectively to protect their right to have a voice in their working conditions, wages, and benefits.Collective bargaining ensures that public union members make a livable wage to support their families now, as well as having a secure retirement pension waiting for them when they retire. Many politicians indicate that teachers earn too much money. A teacher I know now makes below the national poverty level, yet he holds a Master’s Degree plus 30 hours. He is not an isolated case. Many teachers who belong to a teachers’ union still make salaries below the national poverty level. If their pay erodes even fur ther, then many teachers will be unable to afford to continue teaching.Teachers’ and other public employee unions are there to support and protect great teachers, not cover for any â€Å"bad† ones. Don’t we want to hold on to the dedicated teachers who have given of themselves to ensure that all children receive a free quality public education? ? References Bond, E. , Gingerich, S. , Archer-Antonson, O. , Purcell, L. , & Macklem, E. (2003). Impact of the Industrial Revolution. Retrieved Sunday, October 21, 2012, from http://industrialrevolution. sea. ca Devinatz, V. (2011, Spring). U. S. Trade Unionism Under Globalization: The Death of Voluntarism and the Turn to Politics?Labor Law Journal. 62(1). 16-29. Retrieved Saturday, September 29, 2012, from EBSCOhost AN: 59982464 Gitlow, A. (2012, Summer). Ebb and Flow in America’s Trade Unions: The Present Prospect. Labor Law Journal. 63(2). 123-136. Retrieved Saturday, October 13, 2012 from EBSCOhost AN: 7802312 6 Givan, R. & Hipp, L. Public Perceptions of Union Efficacy: A Twenty-Four Country Study. Labor Studies Journal. 37(1). 7-32. Retrieved Saturday, October 13, 2012, from EBSCOhost DOI: 10. 1177/0160449X11429264 Hackett, L. (1992). Industrial Revolution. History World International.Retrieved Sunday, October 21, 2012, from http://history-world. org/Industrial Intro. htm Hogler, R. (2012, Fall). Constitutionalizing Paycheck Protection: What Knox v. Service Employees International Union Means for American Labor. Labor Law Journal. 63(3). 153-164. Retrieved Saturday, September 29, 2012, from EBSCOhost AN:80170928 Hogler, R. and Henle, C. (2011, Fall). The Attack on Public Sector Unions in the United States: How Regional Culture Influences Legal Policy. Labor Law Journal. 62(3). 136-144. Retrieved Saturday, September 29, 2012, from EBSCOhost AN:66687318References Lafer, G. (2012, June 2). Right to Work – for Less. Nation. 294(6). 24-26. Retrieved Saturday, October 13, 2012, from EBS COhost AN: 70466585 McAlevey, J. (2011, March 7). Labor’s Last Stand. Nation. 292(10/11). 22-26. Retrieved Saturday, September 29, 2012, from EBSCOhost AN: 58504081 Rigiero, D. (2011, April). â€Å"You are now entering the United Corporations of America. † Please leave your union card at the border. Massachusetts Nurse Advocate. 82(3). 14. Retrieved Saturday, October 13, 2012, from EBSCOhost AN: 2011071259 Schulz, N. 2012, January 10). Why U. S. should cheer for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. USA Today. Retrieved Saturday, September 29, 2012, from EBSCOhost AN: JOE207214460212 Tucker, B. (2005, May). Liberty is Exploitation: The Force of Tradition in Early Manufacturing. OAH Magazine of History. 19(3). 21-24. Retrieved Sunday, October 21, 2012, from JSTOR http://www. jstor. org/stable/25161943 University of Maryland, Baltimore County. (2001, January 24). Pros and Cons of Collective Bargaining. Retrieved Monday, October 22, 2012, from www. umbc. edu/uwaaup/ collective. ht m

Great Expectations: A Character-Driven Novel

The novel, Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens is heavily a character-driven novel due to the fact that the sequence of events in the novel are causes and effects of the actions of the characters as well as the interactions between them. The novel mainly depicts the growth and development of an orphan named Pip, who is greatly influenced by the other characters and became a gentleman and a bachelor in the end of the novel through his encounters with the other characters.Pip, as the main character, definitely has a lasting impact on the drive of the novel since his decisions are very instrumental and effective towards the other characters as well as to himself. This phenomenon applies to not only Pip, but to the other characters, especially Estella, Miss Havisham, Joe, and Abel Magwitch. Everything a character does and every encounter between the characters in Great Expectation has an effect on the flow of the plot and situation of the novel. Before the very beginning of the novel, the conflict of the novel is already set in motion.Pip is an orphan at the start of the novel as his parents were long gone and he lives with his sister, Mrs. Joe, and her husband, Joe, the blacksmith. As a result of the two siblings and the older sibling’s husband living together without any parents, the family was relatively poor. Thus, in addition to Mrs. Joe’s strict attitude and the fact that his status is in the lower class, Pip had a rough childhood. The fact that Pip had a childhood full of hardship and is poor sets up for his later decision to become a gentleman through a secret benefactor.When Pip do decides to leave for a new life in London, he upsets Biddy and especially Joe as he recently became an apprentice of his; their life-long friendship falls apart. This is one of the major decisions Pip has to make and it changed the entire course of the plot as the setting of the story shifts from Pip’s first known home in Kent to London since the novel fo llows where Pip goes and the direction of the story changes from Pip’s apprenticeship with Joe in blacksmithing to Pip’s new fortune of a career in a new place.If Pip had not been an orphan or lived with a poor family, the major plot would not have existed as Pip’s transformation to a gentleman is the key. Pip would never have met half the characters of the novel such as his best friend, Herbert, Jaggers, and Wemmick. The novel would be driven into a different direction. Dickens was able to produce a novel that makes sense and that reflects his view of what a â€Å"coming of age† novel would be like by making the main character a poor orphan from the start only to turn him into a wealthy gentleman later and then into a hardworking bachelor.Another beforehand affected character, who has a deep impact towards the novel’s state of conflict, is Miss Havisham as she is the mastermind behind Estella’s cold behavior and wants to get revenge on men just because one man, Compeyson, who is supposed to be her husband, left her on their wedding day before the start of the novel. This one particular major event of Miss Havisham’s life changed her life forever as she was heartbroken and turned into a crazy and vengeful woman.She has ever since lived in the moment when she got the note that her wedding with Compeyson was off as all her clocks stayed at the same time of that moment and she still wears her bridal clothing from back then. The fact that she got rejected by her future husband induced her to hate men in general, to never love them again, and to adopt a child for herself, which happens to be Estella, the long-lost child of Abel Magwitch and Molly. All of this leads to the intimidating duo of Estella and Miss Havisham at Satis House, whom Pip fears and terrorizes him for much of the better first part of the novel.Miss Havisham’s background story sets up for her influence on changing and manipulating the beautif ul Estella’s life as well as Pip’s. Miss Havisham reveals that she has been giving orders to Estella to accomplish her goals for her as Estella is very attractive by acting dispassionate towards her suitors. During Pip’s meetings with Miss Havisham, Pip first thought of the idea of becoming a gentleman and leaving his poor life. When he is informed of a fortune that will due to be his, he thought his secret benefactor was Miss Havisham, so he became confident of her kindness and Estella’s hand in marriage.Miss Havisham drives the plot by giving Pip the idea to leave his first known home away from Joe, Mrs. Joe, and Biddy. In addition, she was thoroughly thought to be the secret benefactor of Pip throughout the novel until Magwitch revealed it was him. Later, Miss Havisham changes her personality and became a totally different person as she regrets the pain she had given Pip and it was assumed she attempted suicide by catching herself on fire, leading Pip to rescue her. This event also influenced Pip to realize that his great expectations are not very significant towards him, but human feelings.Thus, he thanks and prays for Miss Havisham’s well being and made up with Joe and Biddy for leaving them in the first place to be a gentleman. Also, Miss Havisham let Estella go free to do whatever she wants, so she married Drummle. However, she realizes that Drummle is not the man for her and after his death, she meets Pip and finally admits that she now sees that Pip has feelings of love for her. Dickens was once again clever to come up with such a disheartening background story for Miss Havisham that can explain her wild behavior and set up her personality change, which to a great extent affected the lives of Estella and Pip greatly.Another major instance of the plot being greatly influenced include Estella’s background story along with her secret connection to Magwitch and Molly. Estella is also an â€Å"orphan,† but n ot as the same extent to Pip because she was adopted by Miss Havisham and both of her parents were still alive at the start of the novel. Estella’s life changed when there was trouble between her two parents in the past as her mother, Molly, was accused of killing a woman over her real husband, Abel Magwitch, or Estella’s father.Molly was also accused of murdering her daughter, Estella, but she is clearly alive, so that clears up the accusation. Also, Jaggers defended Molly in court by saying she was too weak to strangle another person. Then, the family separated afterwards, which lead the three members of the family to different directions in their lives: Molly became Jagger’s housekeeper, Magwitch became an infamous convict, and Estella was adopted by Miss Havisham. All of these events wouldn’t have happened if Molly was a mentally unstable woman, who thought of murdering someone and had destroyed her own child unbeknownst to her husband.The family†™s past leads them to their new personalities in the novel and were important characters that lead the buildup of the climax of Great Expectations. In conclusion, the novel, Great Expectations, has an outstanding â€Å"Literary Quality† as the course of the novel is greatly affected by the effects of character movement and their involvements with each other. There were many pieces in the novel that has led to an impactful shift towards the novel’s plot and conflict story with each and every character in the novel having some contributions towards it.

Free Online Public Schools K-12 for Colorado Students

Free Online Public Schools K-12 for Colorado Students Colorado offers resident students the opportunity to take online public school courses for free. Below is a list of no-cost online schools currently serving elementary and high school students in Colorado. In order to qualify for the list, schools must meet the following qualifications: classes must be available completely online, they must offer services to state residents, and they must be funded by the government. Virtual schools listed may be charter schools, state-wide public programs, or private programs that receive government funding. List of Colorado Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Colorado Calvert AcademyColorado Virtual AcademyDenver Connections AcademyDenver Public School OnlineInsight School of Colorado About Online Charter Schools and Online Public Schools Many states now offer tuition-free online schools for resident students under a certain age (often 21). Most virtual schools are charter schools; they receive government funding and are run by a private organization. Online charter schools are subject to fewer restrictions than traditional schools. However, they are reviewed regularly and must continue to meet state standards. Some states also offer their own online public schools. These virtual programs generally operate from a state office or a school district. State-wide public school programs vary. Some online public schools offer a limited number of remedial or advanced courses not available in brick-and-mortar public school campuses. Others offer full online diploma programs. A few states choose to fund â€Å"seats† for students in private online schools. The number of available seats may be limited and students are usually asked to apply through their public school guidance counselor. (See also: 4 Types of Online High Schools). Choosing a Colorado Online Public School When choosing an online public school, look for an established program that is regionally accredited and has a track record of success. Be wary of new schools that are disorganized, are unaccredited, or have been the subject of public scrutiny. For more suggestions on evaluating virtual schools see: ​How to Choose an Online High School.

Tda 2.1 Transitions Essays

Tda 2.1 Transitions Essays Tda 2.1 Transitions Essay Tda 2.1 Transitions Essay TRANSITIONS A transition is any significant stage or experience in the life of a child or young person that has a bearing on their behaviour and/or development. TRANSITONS: Emotional Intellectual Physiological Physical Children and young people naturally pass through a number of stages as they grow and develop. Often being expected to be able cope with these changes. Some children may have to face very particular and personal transitions not necessarily shared or understood by their peers subsequently it is important to understand a child or young person in context of their life. Being able to recognise and understand the impact of any transition is vital as is recognising the role of parents and carers in supporting children and young people at points of transition. At these points all parties involved with the child or young person must understand the need for reassurance, advice and support. SKILLS IDENTIFY TRANSITIONS: Listen to concerns Recognise/take account of signs of change in attitude/behaviour Build honest and open relationships Always take into account age, development, family culture and background Manage in a timely manner Help to reach a positive outcome PROVIDE SUPPORT: Empathise Communicate simple, reassuring messages Reassure children, young people, parents and/or carers Explain what is happening Explore/Examine possible actions/ways to deal with new or challenging situations Identify opportunities to discuss the effects and results of transition Work within your own limitations Make effective links with other professionals if necessary Where appropriate, illustrate the benefits of transition KNOWLEDGE Recognise how children and young people respond to change Consider issues of identity Be aware of possible signs of transition Know the likely impact of key transitions Understand that additional support may be required when dealing with children/young people with disabilities or special education needs Know when to seek specialist advice Recognise the influence of peer groups and how this may vary according to culture WHEN AND HOW TO INTERVENE: Know about: Organisational procedures Relevant legal frameworks Appropriate referral routes Local resources Understand your own role and its limitations as well as the importance of providing care and support

Americas Own Monster Professor Ramos Blog

Americas Own Monster The killer is America’s oldest and most popular monster, and he grows more powerful every day. In the last month, there have been six mass shootings in the United States, five of them in the last week alone. There is no shortage of events to study, yet, as the frequency of shootings and body count in the U.S. continue to rise, there are few studies available which analyze the uniquely American phenomenon. That is not to say that mass shootings and killings do not occur worldwide. In 2015, one hundred and thirty people were killed in France as a result of an attack perpetrated by terrorist organization ISIL. In 2011, 67 Norwegians were victim to a mass shooter, an incident which still today marks the most devastating mass shooting worldwide. Still, while many countries around the world have experienced their own unique versions of this tragic phenomenon, the United States remains the only country where this continues recur on a regular basis. But why? In the event of a mass shooting, one of the most popular courses of action to take is to begin to tie the event to one of the many radical political or religious ideologies present in our world. In the shooting which occurred only yesterday (at the time of writing this), the shooter claimed to have executed his attack as a result of the â€Å"Hispanic invasion of Texas† (Politi). In the 2016 shooting at an Orlando Nightclub, the shooter claimed to be acting in retaliation over a recent U.S. airstrike which killed ISIL leader Abu Waheeb (Doornbos). The perpetrators of the 2015 San Bernardino shooting were found to have committed themselves to jihadism (Baker). These allegedly idealogical attacks are comparable to many worldwide events in which mass violence is perpetrated in the name of political or religious extremism. But, in my opinion, this does not speak to the violence in America. Political, idealogical, and religious extremism is nothing new in the world, nor is it uniquely American, yet only in the United States does this supposedly lead to frequent acts of mass violence. This fixation on a shooter’s motive is of little importance to solving the problem of violence in America, and, in fact, is useless when analyzing many of the most violent incidences to occur in the United States. The 2017 Las Vegas, which left 58 dead and is still by and far the worst shooting to occur in the United States, left little to no information as to a motive for the shooting. There was no extreme political or religious affiliation, nor a clear motive for the violence; the shooter had seemingly done it for no other reason than he could. The personal beliefs of the shooters are only contributing factors to the violence, up until the moment that they aren’t. Instead, there is a far more important factor to the violence which occurs in the United States, and that is the media glorification of its many killers. The killers of these United States have long been glorified by our media and our people, and, according to at least one study, is the major contributor to the continuing violence. Speaking only to news coverage, a study by doctor Jennifer B. Johnston and her coauthor found that the most common thread in the mass violence is the shooters own narcissism and a desire for fame; this, along with an increase in news coverage, twenty four hour news coverage, and the rise of social media have only served to contribute to this fever. In what other situation can a person go from total social isolation to media deity in less than 24 hours? Attempted villainization in the media and in society is hardly effective either, as the perpetrators of mass violence are rarely without their supporters. In 2018, the FBI arrested a woman just before she could execute an attack of mass violence. Previous to her arrest, the young women had operated a Tumblr account devoted to posting images of various media deified American killers, and had even begun to correspond with a currently incarcerated killer, before leaving to chase stardom of her own (Wootson). In film and television, killers are something to be celebrated, with documentaries, films, and television series devoted to the crimes of various real life and fictional killers. The fictional Batman villain â€Å"Joker† has inspired far more awe than he has fear from his many fans, with his face found plastered on anything from t-shirts to coffee mugs to bumper stickers. Remove Batman from the 2008’s film â€Å"The Dark Knight† and move the action from fictional city Gotham to real life city New York, and the Joker is nothing more a highly successful American terrorist and murderer. The â€Å"Dark Knight’s† follow up film’s opening was marred by an action of violence, which occurred at one of the film’s midnight showings. The perpetrator of the violence, with his dyed hair, was given the nickname â€Å"Joker† by his fellow inmates. In response to this, the killer told his psychiatrist, â€Å"they kind of turned me into a super villain. At least I’m remembered for doing something† (Meyer). It is clear that this fetishization of killers by American media is the major contributing factor to t he proliferation of violence in America. America’s worship of its monster is hardly something new, instead it is only more present today because of the rise of the internet and twenty four hour news cycles. The death of western legend and infamous killer Jesse James led to swarms of visitors to his residence, and his dead body photographed and sold as a souvenir across the country. A 1950’s American killer had his personal automobile travel the country as a carnival exhibit, which could be viewed by anyone for the price of 25 cents. The fascination with killers has been present in America as long as there have been killers to be fascinated with. It is only since the rise of media and the internet that the fascination has truly exploded and, with it, the number of killers, as well. The killer is America’s own monster, and America loves its creation. Jeffery Jerome Cohen in his analysis of monsters in human culture, called Monster Culture (Seven Theses), explains this love in thesis six, â€Å"Fear of th e Monster Is Really a Kind of Desire.† Cohen explains that the â€Å"simultaniety of anxiety and desire, ensures that the monster will always dangerously entice.† It is such that as long as we continue to fetishize the monsters who commit heinous actions of violence that there will continue to be those inspired to commit violent actions of their own. Perhaps it is time we, as members of American society, re-examine our interests and the media we choose to consume. There have been no signs at all that the increasingly frequent mass killings in America are coming to an end, and while arguments centered around gun control, religious and political extremism, and racism (contributing factors to many of the killings) continue, a major facet of the problem goes unnoticed. Theaters continue to fill for showings of films about villainous fantasies, and we continue to give our love to the real life killers of the past. It may be that this problem cannot and will not end in a society like ours, a society where a fictional city suffers a terrorist attack and we put the terrorist on a t-shirt. Baker, Al, and Marc Santora. â€Å"San Bernardino Attackers Discussed Jihad in Private Messages, F.B.I. Says.† The New York Times, The New York Times, 16 Dec. 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/12/17/us/san-bernardino-attackers-discussed-jihad-in-private-messages-fbi-says.html. Cohen, Jeffrey Jerome. â€Å"Monster Culture (Seven Theses).† Doornbos, Caitlin. Transcripts of 911 Calls Reveal Pulse Shooters Terrorist Motives.† Orlandosentinel.com, Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2018, orlandosentinel.com/news/pulse-orlando-nightclub-shooting/os-911-calls-released-orlando-shooting-20170922-story.html. Gun Violence Archive.† Gun Violence Archive, www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting?year=2019. Johnston, Jennifer, and Andrew Joy. â€Å"Mass Shootings and the Media Contagion Effect.† American Psychology Association, Western New Mexico University, apa.org/news/press/releases/2016/08/media-contagion-effect.pdf. Meyer, Jeremy P. â€Å"Meyer: The James Holmes ‘Joker’ Rumor.† The Denver Post, The Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2016, denverpost.com/2015/09/18/meyer-the-james-holmes-joker-rumor/. Politi, Daniel. â€Å"El Paso Suspect Reportedly a Trump Supporter Who Wrote Racist, Anti-Immigrant Manifesto.† Slate Magazine, Slate, 4 Aug. 2019, slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/08/el-paso-suspect-shooter-trump-racist-manifesto.html. Wootson, Cleve R, and Mark Berman. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A Woman Wanted to Commit a Mass Murder so She Contacted Dylann Roof, Authorities Say.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ The Washington Post, WP Company, 11 Dec. 2018, washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/12/10/woman-wanted-commit-mass-murder-so-she-contacted-dylan-roof-authorities-say/?utm_term=.8aeb13bca056.

Essay on Tony Soprano Essay Example

Essay on Tony Soprano Essay Example Essay on Tony Soprano Essay Essay on Tony Soprano Essay Tony Soprano is one of the major characters in the phenomenal hit series The Sopranos. The Sopranos is a high-quality drama series in American television produced by David Chase. It was originally aired on the HBO network. The drama series is all about the New Jersey Mafia leader named Tony Soprano and the complexities that he experiences as he attempts to manage the frequently incompatible necessities of his family life and the unlawful and immoral association he leads. Tony manages his own household as well as a very controversial organization. His troubles are said to be product of his complicated lifestyle which originated from his own family background. His mother was said to be a psychotic person who was even involved in a plot to murder him (Rucker, 2003). This scene is very emblematic in a sense that before the end of the series, Tony was said to be treated for a particular psychological disorder. The characters and the environment that affect Tony’s everyday living contribute to the convolutions of Tony’s character. While he tries to fix his family, he is also attempting to make his organization doing well in a sense that he never miss to kill a single person that he perceives to be a threat not only to the mafia but also to his family (just like what he did to Big Pussy and to Christopher’s fiancà ©e) (Greene Vernezze, 2004). Throughout the series, Tony undergoes so many struggles. The first one is when he has to be treated due to his panic attacks. Later one, he has to deal with several plots against him including the instance when he has almost killed his uncle for being the mastermind of a murder-plot against him (wherein his own mother is also involved). The next troubles that he has are more on his fight against FBI agents who attempt to spy on the mafia and try to capture him. While he tries to maintain an order inside the Soprano household, Tony is also the very one who contributes to the destruction and disorder of his family. He is described as unfaithful to his wife (Rucker, 2003). So many scenes suggest this theme. Among he most notable instances are when he made an argument with his own sister Janice and his own daughter, by which he tries to convince the two ladies to listen to him and follow what he commands (for he says that what he is doing is for their own sake and for the sake of their family). But no matter how his character tries to portray a defender of his family and his group, Tony fails to embody a heroic character as how others strangely claim. A hero never hurt his wife, his children, his mother or father, his uncle or even his friends. But Tony does all these things beginning from very small things that could inflict damage to any one of them. While he only cares for himself and only for himself, he acts and tries to make others believe that he is doing a very heroic act for the sake of protecting his family and his group (Gabbard, 2004). But the real thing is that, he is just doing these things to suit his own interests. Towards the end of the series, it says that all the criminal acts that Tony does are starting to hunt him (where all things turn out to be against what he plans and wants to happen). After tracking and crashing down all his enemies, Tony finds himself playing the character that he never imagined to be played by him. He becomes the person who is being hunted and being pursued more than how the FBI does (Gabbard, 2004). Yet such realization depicted by his character is never attractive at all. The series end, having him gained his old self and defeating Phil, the person who hunted him and wished death for him. He saved himself and his family. Having a very negative interpretation on Tony Soprano’s character all throughout the television series The Sopranos could be regarded as something that would make the audience think of the real reason why such series is structured and made they way it is seen in television. Audience and even the press people could say that such TV series only depicts what could really happen in real life or what is really there in reality; but what they miss is the point that, the character of Tony is no more than an illustration of a mad man who created his own monsters and then acting like a patriotic knight by fighting with them and exclaiming in the end that he does that for his family; that he should be regarded as a hero well in fact he is the very antagonist in the whole series . The scenes in the series which illustrated how Tony’s dreams prophesize the future shows that Tony himself knows that his unlawful and immoral acts would soon hunt and destroy him but then he still chooses such as the path of his life. Though the ending apparently shows how Tony and his family become one again, it does not change the fact that Tony himself caused the almost wreck not only of his family but of his own life.

War essays

War essays The Frequency of Armed International Conflict In the 20th Century In 1962 there was a conflict between three nations so grim their actions could have affected the entire world. The Cuban missile crisis of 1962 was a very tense moment in history; these nations were almost at the brink of nuclear warfare. This is one of many armed international conflicts in the 20th century. Another name more commonly recognized for these conflicts is war, which means disputes between two governments or more. What causes nations to fight amongst each other threatening lives and risking their own as well? The immediate causes behind armed international conflicts are land ...

Thematic Unit Definition and Tips for Teachers

Thematic Unit Definition and Tips for Teachers A Thematic unit is the organization of a curriculum around a central theme. In other words, its a series of lessons that integrate subjects across the curriculum, such as math, reading, social studies, science, language arts, etc. that all tie into the main theme of the unit. Each activity should have a main focus toward the thematic idea. A thematic unit is much broader than just choosing a topic. They cover a wide range such as Australia, mammals, or the solar system. Many teachers choose a different thematic unit for their classroom each week, while others plan their teaching themes for two to nine weeks. Why Use Thematic Units It increases students interestHelps students understand connectionsExpands assessment strategiesKeeps students engagedcompacts the curriculumSaves teachers time because it incorporates all subjectsDraws on connections from the real world and life experiences Key Components of a Thematic Unit There are eight key components of a thematic unit lesson plan. Follow these guidelines when you are creating your classroom unit. Theme - Select the theme of the unit based on Common Core standards, student interests or student experience.Grade Level - Select the appropriate grade level.Objectives - Identify the specific objectives that you would like to master during the course of the unit.Materials - Determine the materials you will use throughout the unit.Activities - Develop the activities that you will use for your thematic unit. Make sure you cover activities across the curriculum.Discussion Questions - Create a variety of discussion questions to help students think about the theme of the unit.Literature Selections - Select a variety of books that correlate with the activities and the central theme of the unit.Assessment - Evaluate student progress throughout the unit. Measure student growth through rubrics or other means of assessment. Tips for Creating Thematic Units Here are three tips to help you create a thematic unit in your classroom. Find an engaging theme - Themes can be planned around books, benchmarks, skills students need to develop, or just from student interest. Find a theme that will motivate and captivate students interest. Units are typically longer than a week, so its important to find a theme that will keep the students engaged.Create fun activities - The activities you choose are the heart of the unit. These activities need to cross the curriculum and keep students interest. Learning centers are a great way for students to get hands-on experience while learning important skills.Evaluate Students Learning - While finding a central theme, and creating engaging cross-curriculum activities are important, so is evaluating what the students have learned. Portfolio-based assessment is a great way to see students progress throughout a period of time. For example, a habitat portfolio can be created to document the progress the students made throughout the unit of habitats.

E-Commerce Payment Methods Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

E-Commerce Payment Methods - Research Paper Example Continuous studies reveal that offering alternative methods of paying increase sales because of the fact that, the several options of payment offered by an electronic store increases the likelihood for customers to find a mode that suits them best when making a purchase online. This paper will take a research that expounds on electronic commerce payment methods and their affluence on today’s world. Bill Me Later Different people have different views regarding some methods of settling debts. Likely, as a shopper, you have used several of the most popular methods of payment . However, when it comes to setting up a Web shop, exactly what does storekeeper require in order providing a choice of modes of payments to his customers? This research outlines the steps needed to take to incorporate three popular alternative methods of payment, which include Bill Me Later, Google Checkout, and Pay Pal in to a business . To begin with, Bill Me Later is an optional form of payment the, with reference to the vice president of Bill Me Later, marketing department Vince Talbert, this instrument has more than 3 million users within 700 sites and 300 call centers worldwide. During the interview, Vince Talbert said, this company offers its clients a lower cost compared to credit cards and as surprising as it may sound, it assumes the hazards of fraud for both the merchants and consumers thus guaranteeing payment for merchants3. Further findings reveal that, Bill Me Later requires a merchant account whereby, a bank extends a credit line to a business so that the business can accept payment by major credit card. In so doing, if an online merchant finds it necessary to incorporate this method into his site, Vince Talbert said the process is a straightforward one. When a willing client contacts Bill Me Later, the company representative leads him through the task required to fold the requisite data into the existing merchant account. After, to get it up and running on a site, the process is two fold. On one end, there is basic HTML work and on the other, the client needs to fill some merchant processor database work. This research revealed that, this company provides sample code together with promotional messaging and a check out screen that electronic businesses can use while at their sites. The designers the response of Bill Me Later designed it to work just like a response of an authorization card making it easy for merchants to store it in their systems. Bill Me Later is advantageous over its competitors because, according to Vince, Bill Me Later is just as simple as a Master card or Visa card transaction on both the front and back end. Consumers provide a small amount of identification data; mainly their date of birth and the last four digits of their Social Security number and authorization process take place within three seconds. This mode of payment has no complications as it only requires merchants to keep their code of response in their ordering or fulfillment management system in order for them to be able to generate settlement requests the same way they do in the case of processing a credit card4. Google Check out With Google Checkout, merchants are able to charge the credit cards of their customers and do order tracking via the fulfillment process as well as receive payments of orders in bank account. This research carried a critical evaluation whereby it foun d out that, unlike Bill Me later, Google Checkout does not require someone to have a merchant bank account.

Law Essay Questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Law Questions - Essay Example Law Essay Questions The parties should have a high probability of the outcome of the mediation process before engaging a third party to listen to his or her views. The outcome of the mediation process may not vary much compared to litigation through the court system and even more the procedure is conducted in a friendly environment (Thompson & Gordon, 2014, p. 134). However, the mediation process could result to additional expense in some cases and possibility of delay in case the parties fail to arrive at an agreement. In the case of Halsey v Milton Keynes [19], the court provided direction ADR is beneficial to the disputing parties because it helps them reach consensus at greater efficiency and cost effectively. Cost efficiency is achieved where the mediation process is carried out through Family Mediation Service or court system because most of the costs are borne by the state. Furthermore, even in a situation where mediation is provided by private mediators the cost is shared by the parties concerned. Therefore, ADR is can be cost effective dispute resolution mechanism though this will be only applicable in cases where there is a successful settlement of the issues between the parties involved. The conflicting parties are sometimes involved in the mediation process thus giving them some control of the process. The time when issues can be settled, and the privacy of the matters discussed between mediators and the conflicting parties are of great significance to the parties.

Reading journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Reading journal - Essay Example not necessarily translate into the death of their own culture as proven by the Japanese lifestyle that successfully combines the traditional Japanese culture with their own brand of American influence in their modern culture and traditions. Therefore, it is his honest opinion that America and globalization cannot be blamed for the evolving cultures and traditions in a world that shares influences amongst one another via various fields of technology, economic progress, or law creation. This reading raises a concern for me though. America has been at the forefront of globalization since the late 20th century, heavily promoting open markets and other â€Å"capitalist† beneficial actions on the world stage. Globalization is not something that happened because the world wanted it to happen. There was a country that was instrumental in influencing the other nations to give it a try. Up until recently, before the economic slump of the United States, that role was something was something the capitalists of the nation adhered to as a business model, thinking that it would be beneficial to their business growth. But the minute the model failed, they refused to accept the blame for what happened. That is not the United States that has been recognized as a world leader for centuries. Nye wants us to believe that the United States is blameless in all that has happened and that the same thing would have happened regardless of who the world leader was. On the contrary, t here are more conservative cultures in other countries that would not have allowed the same thing to happen because they would not have thought of globalization as a world business model in the first

Comparison of the physiology of CNS and other Body Parts Essay - 1

Comparison of the physiology of CNS and other Body Parts - Essay Example During the diagnosis and the treatment of these conditions, medical pathologists will point out the microscopic as well as the gross changes in the appearance of tissues and cells; they check the biochemical changes that are evident in different areas, including body fluids like urine and blood. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is made up of the spinal cord, the brain, sensory organs, as well as the rest of the nerves that link these organs with other parts of the body (Rask, 1999). The CNS has certain characteristics that make its pathological processes different from the rest of the body. Most important, the organ is located in the spinal column and a bony skull, which makes it difficult to expand like many other organs in the body. In addition, the fact that the brain is contained in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and lacks the typical lymphatic system significantly limits its immunologic capability. This structural uniqueness, also, means that the manner in which CNS responds to heali ng is different from the rest of the body. Some of the keys characteristics of CNS that makes it different from the rest of the body organisms include the non-regenerative ability of the neuron which is its functional unit; the complexity of function and structure; the concept of blood-brain barrier; and Glial framework instead of fibroblastic (Seiffert et al., 2004). The brain is made up of millions of neurons, which are classified as either motor, sensory or autonomic (McCorry, 2007). The pathological processes in different neurons differ depending on their neuronal interconnections, differences in morphology, electrical and metabolic activities and neurotransmitter type, among many others. These differences cause selective exposure of some neurons to pathological problems such as neurodegenerative and hypoxia diseases.

Syncretizing Views in Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Syncretizing Views in Religion - Essay Example Thus, according to the Chinese community, syncretism is a mixture of more than one religion. There are several definitions that have been brought out in relation to syncretism to fit the Chinese religious community. According to Judith Berling, syncretism is the affirmation, borrowing and integrating the various concepts, practices, and symbols in one religion to another through reconciliation and selection. To incorporate the Chinese religion and syncretism, the natural dissonance that exist in religious ideas and gestures may disappear. In the article, syncretism is not meant to permit the monopoly of mixing of religious ideologies in a multi –religious community. Furthermore, to fully understand syncretism, one has to consider three aspects in religious interaction. These are what are not applicable. For instance, one has to understand that syncretism does not apply with ecumenicism. According to the article, ecumenicism applies in understanding the universal truth. This as pect asserts that different religious views are sustained separately by tradition in the external elements and not truth perceptions. This may include modes of discourse and other ritual practices. Therefore, there is one truth which is common in this kind of truth. Secondly, syncretism is not considered inclusivism.... Therefore, this is a perfect syncretic combination among dominant religions. Furthermore, compartmentalism is not an aspect of syncretism. This is because it recognizes that various teachings deal with varied of reality and are concerned with different truth aspects. Thus, each religious tradition functionally is specialized in one way or the other and can easily complement the other without reducing the other. Furthermore, each addresses several issues without overlapping one another. More so, each religion has a specific realm of thoughts. This concept accepts the issues in Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism as practiced in China. For one to really analyze a text as syncretic, he or she has to understand that syncretism is not related to eclectism. This is the ability of one religion to adopt the other despite the differing religious doctrines. In this article the concept of three teachings is basically a concept of syncretism. In the three teachings, there is one origin and similar teachings. As depicted in the article, Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism are not an innovation by Yuan. The Tang dynasty is the core unifier of the three concepts. Thus, the efforts to keep the three distinct and not unified were achieved as they developed organizations, ritual practices and intellectual thoughts. The three are believed to have had a common set of teachings. Despite the different philosophical teachings among the three concepts, there were efforts to merge the three into one religious doctrine. They thus devised a poem which illustrated the emperor as a syncretic. Furthermore, the development of the song in the dynasty to develop the neo-colonialism ushered a relationship in the three teachings to merge as one phase. What is believed to have