Thursday, December 26, 2019
10 Geographic Facts About Easter Island
Easter Island, also called Rapa Nui, is a small island located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean and is considered a special territory of Chile. Easter Island is most famous for its large moai statues that were carved by native peoples between 1250 and 1500. The island is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much of the islands land belongs to the Rapa Nui National Park. Easter Island has been in the news because many scientists and writers have used it as a metaphor for our planet. Easter Islands native population is believed to have overused its natural resources and collapsed. Some scientists and writers claim that global climate change and resource exploitation may lead to the planet collapsing as did the population on Easter Island. These claims, however, are highly disputed. Interesting Facts The following is a list of the 10 most important geographic facts to know about Easter Island: Although scientists do not know for sure, many claim that human habitation of Easter Island began around 700-1100 C.E. Almost immediately upon its initial settlement, the population of Easter Island began to grow and the islands inhabitants (Rapanui) began to build houses and moai statues. The moai are believed to represent status symbols of the different Easter Island tribes.Because of Easter Islands small size of only 63 square miles (164 sq km), it quickly became overpopulated and its resources were rapidly depleted. When Europeans arrived on Easter Island between the late 1700s and early 1800s, it was reported that the moai were knocked down and the island seemed to have been a recent war site.Constant warfare between tribes, a lack of supplies and resources, disease, invasive species and the opening of the island to foreign slave trade eventually led to Easter Islands collapse by the 1860s.In 1888, Easter Island was annexed by Chile. Use of the island by Chile varied, but during the 1900s it was a sheep farm and was managed by the Chilean Navy. In 1966, the entire island was opened to the public and the remaining Rapanui people became citizens of Chile.As of 2009, Easter Island had a population of 4,781. The official languages of the island are Spanish and Rapa Nui, while the main ethnic groups are Rapanui, European and Amerindian.Because of its archaeological remains and its ability to help scientists study early human societies, Easter Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.Although it is still inhabited by humans, Easter Island is one of the worlds most isolated islands. It is approximately 2,180 miles (3,510 km) west of Chile. Easter Island is also relatively small and has a maximum altitude of only 1,663 feet (507 meters). Easter Island also has no permanent source of freshwater.Easter Islands climate is considered subtropical maritime. It has mild winters and year-round cool temperatures and abundant precipitation. The lowest average July temperature on Easter Island is around 64 F (18 C) while its highest temperatures are in February and average about 82 F (28 C).Like many Pacific Islands, the physical landscape of Easter Island is dominated by volcanic topography and it was formed geologically by three extinct volcanoes.Easter Island is considered a distinct eco-region by ecologists. At the time of its initial colonization, the island is believed to have been dominated by large broadleaf forests and palm. Today, however, Easter Island has very few trees and is mainly covered with grasses and shrubs. Sources Diamond, Jared. 2005. Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. Penguin Books: New York, New York.Easter Island. (March 13, 2010). Wikipedia.Rapa Nui National Park. (March 14, 2010). UNESCO World Heritage.
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
The Wife Of Bath s Prologue And Tale - 1697 Words
Sawyer Guest English 470 04 April 2016 Empowering Women, or Degrading Them? Exploring Anti-Feminism in The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue and Tale. So often, scholars tend to put a large focus on feminism seen throughout Geoffrey Chaucerââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue and Taleâ⬠, but they may not be seeing the larger picture of it all. There are definitely characteristics of the Wife that make her a strong female personality in the story, but is it fair for us to say that she embodies the characteristics of an entirely feminist character that completely overcomes the anti-feminism present in society during her time period? There are in fact many somewhat subtle, yet strong anti-feminist messages being portrayed through the Wifeââ¬â¢s tale, which I will be exploring and explaining in depth. To many, the Wife of Bath is considered a strong female character that defends women and feels strongly about men giving up sovereignty in order to establish equality in a marriage. Rigby states that the Wife is a ââ¬Å"persuasive defender of the vision of equality in marriage.â⬠(134), but in ââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologueâ⬠, the Wife practically confesses to having manipulated four of her five husbands for ââ¬Å"Bothe of here nether purs and of here chest.â⬠(Chaucer 103) This simply displays that she used all of them for her own sexual pleasure their wealth. In her prologue, the Wife so blatantly accuses her husbands of saying and doing things to her ââ¬Å"in hir dronkennessâ⬠, but then states ââ¬Å"al was fals.â⬠(linesShow MoreRelatedThe Wife Of Bath s Prologue And Tale990 Words à |à 4 PagesThe Wife of Bath s Prologue and Tale is about female empowerment it shows strong protagonists. I believe Geoffrey Chaucer used The Wife of Bathââ¬â ¢s Tale to advocate for feminism. Chaucer used a strong female character to expose female stereotypes. It was an oppressive time for women in male-dominated society. During the Middle Ages, Chaucer wrote from a womanââ¬â¢s point of view something that was not normal at that time. He set his feminist ideals through the characters of the Wife of Bath and the oldRead MoreThe Wife Of Bath s Prologue And Tale1338 Words à |à 6 PagesChaucer penned one of the great stories on the plight of being a woman as retold in The Canterbury Tales. ââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue and Taleâ⬠points out the fallacy of medieval churches view on women being the lesser gender. ââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue and Taleâ⬠follows a woman, the Wife of Bath, who tries to defend the experiences she has had in her life against the judgements of men. The Wife revealed the prejudice against women at the time by saying, ââ¬Å"it is an impossibility that any scholarRead MoreThe Wife Of Bath s Prologue And Tale2067 Words à |à 9 Pagesââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologueâ⬠and ââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Taleâ⬠by Geoffrey Chaucer functions as a way to both satirize and represent female equality. In particular, The Wife of Bath challenges the stereotypes of what may appear to be ââ¬Å"normalâ⬠treatment of women during this time period (TheBestNotes.com). She identifies the distinctions between ââ¬Å"traditionalâ⬠gender roles and relates them to passages from the bible, which are then taken out of context. These passages are meant to justify The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢sRead MoreThe Wife Of Bath s Tale Prologue And Story878 Words à |à 4 Pagesit back later. In the Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Tale Prologue and story, this idea called into question. During both of these stories, the idea of give and take is a major topic. Largely because the ones that are getting, are giving up essential control over their lives. In a world where divorce seems to be at an all time high, these tales attempt to shed light on what it would take to create a happy marriage or relationship. During the prologue of The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Tale, the wife discusses her thoughtsRead MoreThe Wife Of Bath s Prologue And Tale Essay1722 Words à |à 7 Pagestheir male counterparts. However, The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue and Tale, a poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer, redefine those ideals set upon women. The poem is broken up into two parts one is the prologue which includes a woman who talks about the rules set by the church and society on women. As well as how society looks upon women who live her life style. She counters these teaching by her knowledge of the bible by introducing biblical men who had more than one wife. It is later revealed that her soleRead MoreThe Wife Of Bath s Prologue And Tale2098 Words à |à 9 PagesAfter reading ââ¬ËThe Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue and Taleââ¬â¢ I can see clear indications and agree that Chaucer was an anti-feministââ¬â¢ by studying in depth both the prologue and tale I am going to show how Chaucer conforms to a pat riarchal perspective in which he believes women are inferior to men making them the weak and unstable sex, who are neither socially, politically or economically equal to a man. In Chaucerââ¬â¢s `The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue and Taleââ¬â¢, Chaucer opens the book with the strong opening sentenceRead MoreChaucer s The Wife Of Bath s Prologue And Tale1358 Words à |à 6 PagesThe Tactics Chaucer Uses in ââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue and Tale: To Point Out the Faults in His Society After reading Chaucerââ¬â¢s work: ââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Taleâ⬠, and having been exposed to different interpretations of it, it is now to my knowledge that there have been many critical works that suggests opinions and thoughts about how to interpret both the tale and prologue. There have also been questions askedâââ¬one being, ââ¬Å"so, did we actually figure out what women really wantâ⬠, and the answer toRead MoreThe Wife Of Bath s Prologue1134 Words à |à 5 PagesThe Wife of Bath uses bible verses in ââ¬Å"The Wife of Bathââ¬â¢s Prologue.â⬠Further, she employs the verses as an outline of her life to find reason in God to justify her actions. Nevertheless, the purpose of the verses differs within each stanza of the poem. The Wife of Bath is a sexually promiscuous, lustful, and manipulative woman. She marries men one after the other as they get older and die. In order to combat and overthrow the speculation and criticism being thrust upon her by societal norms becauseRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem The Wife Of Bath Essay873 Words à |à 4 PagesAnalytical Essay on the ââ¬Å"Wife of Bath.â⬠Question One Description of the Wife of Bath in terms of her progressive feminism, rhetoric style, and her prolog tale. Comparison of her as a women attitude towards general medieval attitude towards women. ââ¬Å"Wife of Bathâ⬠Tale provides insight and understanding of the women change and their view mainly in matters of family, marriage, authority and marital affairs. The Prolog is double the size of her Tale, a lot of information about marriage group is givenRead MoreGeoffrey Chaucer View and Change on Judgement968 Words à |à 4 Pagesthese people, but he actually did something about it. He had problems with some social aspects during the 1300s which included the church, gender differences, and hypocrisy. He wrote about these problems in a set of tales widely known as The Canterbury Tales. The first is The General Prologue which describes a pilgrimage to Canterbury that many people endure, but on this specific journey, twenty-nine different people travel together to Canterbury. He uses two types of satire to relinquish these opinions
Monday, December 9, 2019
Elegy Written In A Country Chrchyard Essay free essay sample
, Research Paper ELEGY ( WRITTEN IN A COUNTRY CHURCHYARD ) Thomas Gray? s Elegy laments the decease of life in general while mourning long gone ascendants and exhibiting the passage made by the talker, from heartache and mourning to acceptance and trust. It was written in 1742 and revised to its published signifier in 1746, and is one of the three high spots of the elegiac signifier in English literature, the others being Milton? s? Lycidas? and Tennyson? s In Memoriam. It was foremost published, anonymously, in 1751, under the rubric # 8220 ; An Elegy wrote in a State Churchyard. # 8221 ; Although believed to be started in 1742 the exact day of the month of composing of the Elegy, apart from the reasoning stanzas, can non be precisely determined. The Elegy was concluded at Stoke Poges in June, 1750, where Gray was buried. The Gods acre as described by Gray is typical instead than peculiar ; of the five disputed # 8220 ; masters # 8221 ; Stoke Poges bears the least resemblance to the cemetery in the Elegy. The verse form starts off dark and drab frequently bestiring images of decease. The first four stanzas set up the clip and scene of the verse form. There was a curfew around the clip that this was written and the first line supports this. It was wrung at eight Os? clock as a signal for snuff outing fires and marked the terminal of the twenty-four hours. The first stanza besides includes a? ploughman? ( line 3 ) who, after a difficult twenty-four hours, is on his manner place. There is a? solemn hush? ( line6 ) which besides suggests dusk or some clip in the eventide. Line 15 topographic points the talker in the verse form in a cemetery. ? Each in his narrow cell everlastingly laid? ( line 15 ) describes people resting everlastingly in their narrow cells, which are normally associated with caskets or the narrow Gravess that they were placed into. The talker of the verse form so goes on to speak about the lost pleasances of the dead. Line 21 starts depicting these pleasances by utilizing a fireplace or a hearth which symbolises the visible radiation of life. The ? sires? mentioned in the 4th stanza will no longer experience the heat of the fire ( line 21 ) or the love of a adult female ( line 22 ) . They will non see being welcomed by their childs when they come place from work or the Fieldss ( line23 ) and holding them? mount their articulatio genuss? for a buss. All these things are worldly pleasures that the dead will no longer experience. Stanzas seven through nine trade with decease as a portion of life. For case, in line 29 and 30 the talker provinces that they shouldn? t allow their aspirations confuse their fate, intending the dead. Every one of us awaits the? inevitable hr? ( line35 ) and all our work, wealth, ownerships and beauty that our life bestows on us all lead to the same? waies? . ? The waies of glorification? ( line 36 ) which? lead but to the grave? . This besides evokes the feeling of hopelessness ( brought approximately by the decease of his friend ) which Gray must hold been traveling through at the clip he wrote this. The basic construct of these few stanzas is that no affair what one does in his or her life and how valuable he or she believes it is one can non get away decease ; decease is inevitable. The following subdivision of the lament ( stanzas 10 -15 ) goes into the description of T he unhonored dead or people who received no acknowledgment for their life? s work. We foremost see this in line 45 where the talker poses a inquiry. ? Possibly in this ignored topographic point is laid / Some bosom # 8230 ; fire? are the two lines that present the inquiry who lies in this grave? and are they of import? The talker so says that there are many great people born who are neer recognised. Like a flower in a desert they? bloom spiritual world? and ? waste their sugariness on the desert air? ( lines 55-56 ) They could hold been a? small town Hampden? ( line57 ) in mention to John Hampden who defied King Charles I by defying his resurgence of a revenue enhancement on transportation without the consent of the Parliament. The talker besides includes Milton and Cromwell. These people could hold been celebrated but? They kept the noiseless tenor of their manner? ( line 76 ) and take a different manner of life. They were neer of import but they will ever be a? portion of history in a states eyes? ( line 64 ) . They will populate on in the memories of their friends and relations. The people who are being described by the talker could hold been? pregnant with heavenly fire? ( line46 ) , in other words they might hold been particular, but they neer were. However they will populate on everlastingly as ordinary people in our memories: ? # 8230 ; in our ashes live their accustomed fires? ( line 92 ) . This is exemplified in stanza 24 when the talker makes a mention to Gray himself. The talker states that Gray is aware of the? unhonored dead? ( line 93 ) and by associating their? artless narrative? ( line 94 ) forever Burnss their memory into our heads. The Elegy takes a sudden bend in stanza 24. Gray now incorporates himself as an person who might besides be remembered. ? Haply some hoary-headed boyfriend may state? ( line 97 ) or possibly some gray adult male may one twenty-four hours retrieve Gray as he walked with? headlong stairss? ( line 99 ) at? the cheep of morning? ( line 98 ) to see the dawn on the? highland lawn? or tableland. This history continues up to and including stanza 29 where Grey walks into a cemetery and reads his ain headstone which is included as the last three stanzas of the Elegy as the Epitaph. It is non, nevertheless, his headstone but that of his friend. He sees his friend in himself merely as we soon see our sires in ourselves and so he places his ain name on the headstone. By the terminal of the Elegy the talker learns to accept his loss. The realization that life goes on and that the memory of his friend will populate on, merely as his will populate on, helps to get by with the loss. Grey started the Elegy by showing the reader with a quandary. In this instance that quandary was How do I get by with my loss? By the terminal of the Elegy that quandary was answered. The reply was that his friend will live on in his bosom and subsequently in his remains as supported by line 92: ? # 8230 ; in our Ashes live their # 8230 ; fires? . 1. Starr, Herbert W. , erectile dysfunction. Thomas Gray, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard. Columbus, Ohio: Charles E. Merril Pub. Co. , 1968 2. Young, Robyn L. , erectile dysfunction. Poetry Criticism, vol. 2. Detroit, 1991 3. Magill, Frank N. , erectile dysfunction. Critical Survey of Poetry, English Language Series. California, 1992
Monday, December 2, 2019
Red Scare Describes free essay sample
American involvement, nor did they support the subsequent draft. In response to the dissent, Congress passed the Sedition Act (actually, amended the Espionage Act). It was important in relation to the Red Scare because it allowed for censoring of radical literature as well as regulation of the mail. It was directed against subversives and, therefore, cast a very broad net. Because of the Sedition act, many individuals were arrested for distributing media that criticized the American military (Eugene Debs, head of the Socialist Party, was one of them).It was in response to this act that Justices Oliver Wendell Holmes set forth the clear and present danger doctrine and marked the beginning of modern First Amendment jurisprudence. Therefore, the Sedition Act of 191 8 was important in the imposition of censorship after World War I. Reds were seen as a danger to the American system of government, economic stability, and way of life. We will write a custom essay sample on Red Scare Describes or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In this sense, the war produced an era of intolerance for subversives, and it was this attitude that provided a ripe setting for the Red Scare of 1 919 to take place.The Sedition Act was the legal excuse people used to regulate, censor, prosecute, and deport Americans thought to be radicals. Intolerance during the war would cause Americans to fear immigrants and radicals afterward, and it would only take a little spark to cause full blown hysteria. The Bolshevik revolution in Russia only deepened Americans fears because they felt the same thing could happen on their soil. The labor unrest following the end of World War I would prove to be instrumental in igniting the fire that was the Red Scare of 1919.The years after the war were marked by economic turmoil and labor unrest. At first, laborers expected the good working conditions, a staple Of the wartime economy, to continue after the war was over. The economy was in good shape because war time contracts had cased industry to boom. Labor was supported by the government during the war in order to keep production levels high. After the war ended, however, contracts were canceled, which caused rising unemployment, and managers stopped cooperating with labor. Also, the cost of living had risen 99% by 1919 because of inflation.Without government support, labor unions began to strike in order to recapture the anis they had made during the war. One such strike took place in Seattle and involved sixty thousand workers (Painter, 346). Soon, this strike and others were labeled as a communist effort to undermine the American economy. The cycle of hysteria had begun. Labor unions were seen as Bolshevik sponsored organizations, and union members were labeled as communists. America began to become afraid because they saw there way of life slipping away. This fear would soon turn into action.The fear of radicalism stemmed, as stated earlier, from the era of intolerance during World War l. Propaganda techniques that once united the American public against Germany and hyphenated Americans during the war were easily converted into an instrument to cast a negative light on Bolsheviks. After all, America was not happy with Russia leaving the war and instituting a form of economy that was directly opposite of capitalism. Bolsheviks, therefore, were seen as a threat to democracy. Likewise, the forming of the Communist International was seen as an attempt to spread communism throughout the world.People felt insecure after the war, and this feeling was only bolstered by the idea that communists were working to overthrow the American economy and government. When a series of mail bombs were discovered, one of which exploding at Attorney General Palmers home, they were labeled as a communist effort to undermine America. The Red Scare of 191 9 had begun. Labor unions were hardest hit. However, anyone seen as radical was persecuted and labeled a red. Elected officials who were members of the socialist party were dismissed from office.In fact, the New York State Assembly dismissed five elected socialists. However, the most vivid example of the extent of the scare is illustrated by the Palmer raids, in which six thousand people were arrested and five hundred were deported. There were very few Communists in the United States in 191 9, yet Palmer viewed them as a huge threat. Encouraged by Congress, Palmer began a series of showy and well publicized raids against radicals and leftists. Striking without warning and without warrants, Palmers men smashed union offices and the headquarters of Communist and Socialist organizations.They concentrated, whenever Seibel, on aliens rather than citizens, because aliens had fewer rights. As quickly as it had began, the Red Scare of 191 9 ended. Although the hysteria had subsided, consequences still arose. The scare, as well as the raids, was seen as unproductive. Of the numerous arrests made in association with the scare, only a small percent of the suspected communists were deported. Therefore, government persecution of subversives only stopped because it was not working as well as hoped, yet the fear and hatred of radicals was still looming in the distance.It would again resurface in the asss during the McCarthy era when another Red Scare, more organized and brutal, would take place. America had learned how to deal with reds, and these lessons would be effectively applied in the next crusade against communism in America. Finally, a more visible and immediate consequence of the Red Scare of 1 919 was the mass fear of immigration that took place afterwards. The highly visual raids by Palmer had a deep effect on Americans because the raids exposed the enemy. Restrictions and quotas were placed on immigration, especially on those people coming from Eastern Europe.Fear of communists urine into hatred of immigrants, and American citizens would have a hard time excepting new arrivals. In many cases, immigrants were automatically labeled as subversives, anarchists, and communists. The association between immigrants and social upheaval would have a negative effect on American immigrants in the years to come, a fact most vividly portrayed through the trial of Cacao and Vendetta. Also, for many years to come, unions were seen in a negative light. The association of communism with unions would continue to be a hindrance for labor and the advancement of labor reforms.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Free Essays on Wilfred Owen
A poem which I have recently read is: ââ¬Å"Dulce Et Decorum Estâ⬠by Wilfred Owen. The main point Wilfred Owen tries to convey in this poem is the sheer horror of war. Owen uses many techniques to show his feelings, some of which Iââ¬â¢ll be exploring. Wilfred Owen is a tired soldier on the front line during World War I. In the first stanza of Dulce Et Decorum Est he describes the men and the condition they are in and through his language shows that the soldiers deplore the conditions. Owen then moves on to tell us how even in their weak human state the soldiers march on, until the enemy fire gas shells at them. This sudden situation causes the soldiers to hurriedly put their gas masks on, but one soldier did not put it on in time. Owen tells us the condition the soldier is in, and how, even in the time to come he could not forget the images that it left him with. In the last stanza he tells the readers that if we had seen what he had seen then we would never encourage the next generation to fight in a war. Owen uses imagery constantly to convey the conditions and feelings experienced during this war. Firstly I will be exploring Metaphor as it is used so much in this poem. The first metaphor which I will examine is: ââ¬Å"Haunting Flaresâ⬠on line 3 of the first stanza. This quote has so many connotations, my first opinion on this was that the flares which the enemy are firing to light up the battle field are said to be representing the souls of the soldiers fallen comrades. This could also be said to represent the power the enemy has on their own mortality as the bright flares would light up the battle-field exposing everything to their view, this indicates that the enemy always seem to have power upon the soldiers, almost godly. The second metaphor which I will explore is: ââ¬Å"An ecstasy of fumblingâ⬠on line one of the second stanza. This metaphor is significant as it describes the quick manner in which the soldiers will have been t... Free Essays on Wilfred Owen Free Essays on Wilfred Owen A poem which I have recently read is: ââ¬Å"Dulce Et Decorum Estâ⬠by Wilfred Owen. The main point Wilfred Owen tries to convey in this poem is the sheer horror of war. Owen uses many techniques to show his feelings, some of which Iââ¬â¢ll be exploring. Wilfred Owen is a tired soldier on the front line during World War I. In the first stanza of Dulce Et Decorum Est he describes the men and the condition they are in and through his language shows that the soldiers deplore the conditions. Owen then moves on to tell us how even in their weak human state the soldiers march on, until the enemy fire gas shells at them. This sudden situation causes the soldiers to hurriedly put their gas masks on, but one soldier did not put it on in time. Owen tells us the condition the soldier is in, and how, even in the time to come he could not forget the images that it left him with. In the last stanza he tells the readers that if we had seen what he had seen then we would never encourage the next generation to fight in a war. Owen uses imagery constantly to convey the conditions and feelings experienced during this war. Firstly I will be exploring Metaphor as it is used so much in this poem. The first metaphor which I will examine is: ââ¬Å"Haunting Flaresâ⬠on line 3 of the first stanza. This quote has so many connotations, my first opinion on this was that the flares which the enemy are firing to light up the battle field are said to be representing the souls of the soldiers fallen comrades. This could also be said to represent the power the enemy has on their own mortality as the bright flares would light up the battle-field exposing everything to their view, this indicates that the enemy always seem to have power upon the soldiers, almost godly. The second metaphor which I will explore is: ââ¬Å"An ecstasy of fumblingâ⬠on line one of the second stanza. This metaphor is significant as it describes the quick manner in which the soldiers will have been t...
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Authors can now accept quotes from Freelancers
Authors can now accept quotes from Freelancers Reedsy now allows authors to receive quotes from professional editors and illustrators Reedsy is already making waves in the publishing industry. Last month, we gave authors the best marketplace to find publishing professionals. Today marks a new milestone with Reedsy: weââ¬â¢re allowing authors to request quotes from freelance editors and illustrators. Browse the marketplace Reedsy allows you to browse our curated network of publishing professionals. Access to these people is no longer the sole privilege of publishing houses. Now indie authors can find them in a single click. Weââ¬â¢re very proud of the people we have on board. Weââ¬â¢ve lost track of how many bestsellers weââ¬â¢ve seen in their portfolios.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Hitler Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Hitler - Essay Example Hitler at sixteen years old dropped out of school and went to Vienna with the intention of pursuing his dream. However, things did not out on his favour and the school where he was to attend refused to enroll him. He had to fend for himself doing all manner of undesirable jobs so as to survive. During this stay, he developed an interest in politics. His anti-Semitism and discernment of Jews started here (The Jewish Library, 2014). After five, years, Hitler decided to relocate to Munich where he joined the Germany army. His potential of a brave and skillful soldier were quite evident and was promoted through the ranks. He participated in World War I which Germany actually lost the war. There was much causality including him which led him to be admitted in hospital for several months. Devastated by the aftermath of the war he believed to be the person who was going to liberate German from its enemies. After healing, he was sent to spy on groups which seemed to be a threat to the German rule at the time. However, he deserted his mission and imposed himself as the leader of the group he was to spy on. Hitler is one of the best orators of all time; this talent helped him gain popularity among the people. With time, he increased the membership of the group tremendously. His dictatorship began to be visible as he never tolerated any opponents. He had a special force that could teach a lesson those who opposed him an d those that disrupted his meetings (The Jewish Library, 2014). His growing popularity made him attempt to overthrow the government but failed terribly and was sentenced to serve a 5yr jail term. However, the nine months spent in jail taught him important lessons in life about politics. After being released he decided in order to be the leader of Germany he had to gunner enough popularity and influence. His great speeches helped him receive support from the people that felt oppressed by the then regime.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Public vs Private Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Public vs Private - Research Paper Example (IFA, 2010) As a public sector manager, establishing solutions to the company should be based on the element of identifying and solving individual problems; not using a solution to solve multiple problems. Each problem cannot be viewed as identical, and as a result each problem will have its own unique solution. In the public sector, the government will seek to find a unitary solution for a multitude of problems and thus is the reason as to why the problems may only be solved in the short term or even not solved at all. It is for that reason the public sector manager must seek to solve problems on an individual analysis. This will aid in the manager providing a long-term solution to the problems that may ail the company (Infor, 2011.). The essential factor is the efficiency of the company and a SWOT analysis of the company will be essential to avoid catalyzing the collapse of the company. Making sure that the each and every problem of the firm is looked into will facilitate the improvement in the function of the company. Another factor that the manager will require to integrate into the company is innovation. In many public sector companies, operations are carried out in an archaic manner as the government puts little or no emphasis on the improvement of a companyââ¬â¢s operations. This is something that is evident in the methodologies and functions of several government owned firms, and it is something that benefits the private sector, whose constant search for improvement on their operations and products has resulted in the increased demand for products and services from the private sector. (Infor, 2011). As a public sector manager innovation is always essential in any business circle, and therefore it is important to constantly seek ways and means of improving the fortunes of the corporation; be it in terms of business model, structure, product development or even the product or service in production. Again this will be essential, but to
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Metabical Analysis Essay Example for Free
Metabical Analysis Essay All other Weight-Loss Options in Exhibit 2 are more expensive that the target $30/ month out of pocket cost. No other weight loss option offers cost containment cards. No other product combines two mechanisms for weight loss: Metabical combines two pharmacologic mechanisms to produce weight loss: Fat blocker, meditonan and appetite suppressant, calosera. Due to the dual mechanism, the medications can be dosed in lower levels and therefore have a better safety profile and fewer side effects than either of the medications that have similar mechanisms, Meridia (prescription appetite suppressant phentermine) or Xenical (originally prescription fat blocker, now over the counter in a lower dose with fewer side effects, Alli) Metabical is dosed once daily, which leads to better patient compliance than over the counter Alli, which must be taken with each meal in order to block fat absorption. Metabical is FDA approved, which demonstrates efficacy and relative safety as compared to over the counter or herbal remedies. Metabical is dispensed by prescription only, which allows physicians to have more control and awareness of what their patients are taking, and to coordinate the use of Metabical with other prescription drugs in a group of patients (moderately obese), who are prone to obesity related disease states, such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint injuries. Metabical is the only prescription weight loss medication with an indication for moderate obesity (BMI 28-30). Other prescription weight loss preparations are indicated for morbidly obese patients with BMI 30. * As a prescription drug, physicians are also able to combine Metabical with nutrition counseling or behavior modification support.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
The Matrix â⬠Over-Zealous Fans and Hero Worship :: Movie Film Essays
The Matrix ââ¬â Over-Zealous Fans and Hero Worship There are too many zealous fanzines on the web devoted to The Matrix and its sequels, and these are not fan sites that dissect CGI or allow you to download doctored photos of Keanu Reeves. Such obvious surface obsessions are no longer the norm. Instead, these new sites cater to a much more frightening fantasy. They foretell of the "depth" within The Matrix: the great religious teachings, the deep philosophies, the hidden Christ elements. And, it is true that The Matrix essentially scraped the loose and pliant first layer of skin from Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism to create the aura of mystic machinery in the film. However, let's face it, all resemblances to Christ figures---living or dead---is purely incidental. But, such easy-to-digest philosophy allows the average film viewer to feel that he "gets" what he considers a "deep" philosophy. Let's just avoid the whole joke about packaging "deep" philosophy in two-hour chunks of shiny latex-laden kung fu. It's been done. But, essentially, I don't believe that the "deep" religiosity of the flick is the true motivation of most devotees. Such vapidity is merely a convenient cover for something much more selfish: The idea that any typical American slacker will be plucked free from his lackluster, lazy existence and converted into the Messiah without any real effort----just a few kick-ass computer games shoved into the back of his head and he's all set to save the world. It's the ultimate fantasy for our couch potato hordes. Even I comprehend the adrenaline rush that half-ass Messiahness can create: All power, no effort. Additionally, maybe there are other factors that contribute to our American slacker relating to the major characters of The Matrix. Besides the nice no-step route to simple saviorness, there are other bonuses to this job. Maybe those who find The Matrix deep and philosophical are really just interested in the strange fact that the "enlightened" get to wear sexy, perfectly tailored black clothing and sunglasses that would cost more than my Ford Ranger if they weren't blipped from the nothingness of a "loading" program. That's really the only reason I can personally see for converting an entertaining, but plot-flawed, flick like The Matrix into a set of life philosophies: When you're enlightened, baby, you look good. Neither Buddha nor Christ ever had the duds to compete with Neo. So, we've got an easy route to Messiahness and a kick-ass wardrobe.
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Pylori associated gastritis
Helicobacter Pylori associated chronic gastritis resulting in duodenal ulceration or Peptic ulcer Dsease. Gastric pain at night and when hungry: ulcer Is duodenal as the pyloric sphincter is open. Single punched-out lesion In the duodenum where of peptic ulcers occur. H. PyIori most common cause of peptic ulcers. Erythematous stomach and history of dyspepsia: This indicates inflammation associated with chronic gastritis: result of long term hyperacidity in the stomach and duodenum. Patient was a smoker. Smoking reduces blood flow and Impedes healing of the epithelium and mucosa.Presence of curved and spiral-shaped bacilli within the superflclal mucosa of the antrum (no mention of the body of stomach) indicates H. Pylori infection. This induces hyperacidity, increasing the risk of duodenal and gastric ulceration (H. PyIori in of people with peptic ulcers). Large numbers of neutrophils in the lamina propria extending into the epithelium forming pit abscesses and large numbers of plasma and lyrnphocytic cells with germinal centres Infiltrating the lamina proprla Is characteristic of chronic gastritis as the body mounts an Immune response.Gastric epithelium regenerates rapidly, replacing damaged cells. Extensive blood supply to mucosa. Predisposing factors: H. Pylori infection 80% of peptic ulcers Smoking- reduces blood flow, impedes healing. High-dose corticosteroid use (inhibits prostaglandin production) More commonly seen in people with alcohol cirrhosis (alcohol stimulates gastric acid secretion), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (reduces 02 blood perfusion), chronic renal failure and hyperparathyroidism (promote gastrin secretion). 3) Natural history: o Peptic ulcers usually heal within weeks but reoccur within months(75% after one year) unless treated.Longer healing indicates quicker reoccurrence unless stimulus is removed. o A longer period of symptoms before presentation is associated with poorer response to treatment. Complications: o smaller vessels- anaemia o large vessel- malema or haematemesis o major artery: life threatening. o Perforation- spillage of GIT contents into peritoneum: leads to infection (peritonitis) o Obstruction- pyloric stenosis from continuous healing and scarring near pyloric valve. (10% of patients) Leads to hour glass deformity of stomach. o Carcinoma development- (1% of gastric ulcers, never duodenal ulcers)
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Is male more aggressive than female? Essay
It is generally thought that human males tend to behave more violently and aggressively than human females ââ¬â and it seems true. In United States, most of the homicides during 1980 to 2008 are males, representing 90% of the total number (United States Department of Justice, 2010), and it is also the trend in the whole world. The reason of the difference between man and female in violence is always explained biologically ââ¬â the testosterone level of adult males is 20 times to females, as testosterone would make people more aggressive (Terburg & Aarts & Honk, 2011). However, it is not a suitable explanation to the question as the testosterone level of boys and girl are same until they are about eight years old and boys actually acting more violently and aggressively since four-year-old. A more reliable explanation would be the different of size of corpus callosum, which is the part that connects the right and the left hemisphere in the brain. As boys are having a smaller co rpus callosum than girls, they are more difficult to work under trauma and neglect comparing to girls. Therefore, boys needs to receive more love and caretaking than girls in order to keep their corpus callosum. If their caretaker could not give them enough attention, their prefrontal cortices, which are the part of brain related to self control and empathy would be damaged. The amygdala, which is the part of brain forming the feeling of fear, would also be excited, and fears would be formed. As a result, their serotonin levels would be decreased and product more corticosterone, and these would led to the decrease of calming ability and the increase of stress hormone. Therefore, boys are more easily to have weaker selves, lower empathy, lower control on avoid to behave violently and more fears. However, the society is most likely to give less care and love to males as the society requests males to be brave, strong and independent. Males are hard to gain love and caring as they need to fit in a image of male in the society. The situation increase the aggressive of male further. These factors led to the difference of violent behavior and aggressive level between boys and girls (Demause, 2010). In other species, mainly mammals such as rat, would have a similar gender difference which male is more violently and aggressively than females. According to a study (Adams, 1991), males are much more easily to fright with another male than female when during the breeding season while in theà presence of females. However, the gender different of violent would only occur in this moment. Male and female are having no difference on aggressive level and behaving violent in other situation such as defending and offending according to the study. The reason of this difference is that males need to defeat other males to mate with female during the breeding season in order to reproduce the next generation. The violent of male during this period is base on the genetic setting, which creature needs to reproduce continuously. Although there are similar gender differences of violent behavior between animal and human, they obviously do not having similar theories. The gender difference of violent of human is because of the difference of brain structure and the pressure needed to bear. The difference is not just occurred because of biosocial reason, but also artificial reason. Although the brain structure could not be changed, the most importance reason to increase the violent behavior and aggressive level of male is still base on how the family and society treat them. Generally, people will not blame and punish non-human animals for their bad behavior including killing people because people consider that the behavior of animals are genetic and could not be controlled by themselves. Although some of these animals may be killed as they are considered to be dangerous to human, most of them would not be seen as guilty. Some may think that part of human personality had been also designed in the DNA before birthing, so it is not fair to blame human who had done something wrong as the personality had soon designed how he or she would behave and he or she is forced to do the bad behavior by the DNA. However, human is differing from other non-human species because human have the ability to control their behavior. Human have the ability to learn to behave good by considering the others and do something that would not harming and annoying others. Actually, genetic is not very importance for affecting humanââ¬â¢s personality. For example, although the diff erence of violent behavior and aggressive level between male and female is partly related to the genetic different as mentioned, it could be changed by suitable nurturance. Male could build up a static and calm personality if they had received enough love and care from the society and family. The later and earlier generation of criminal are not inheriting the personality the genetic of behaving badly. It is obvious thatà nurture plays a more importance role of shaping oneââ¬â¢s personality than genetic factor. Therefore, human can and should avoid behaving badly. Human have developed a lot of way and system in order to teach human avoid doing something which would harm others and doing something that would benefit others and the society. Civilization and education are common way to teach people how to control their behavior and doing something that would be good for the society. Human build up moralities in order to set rules of how human act and behave. Human could learn how to behave good through moral education and taking the behavior of their family members, friends and society as example to learn how to behave good. It is also a big different to animals as animals would only living following their instinctive reaction. They do not have the ability to recognize what is right and what is wrong. They also do not have the ability to learn how to behave good and consider the situation of other.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
General Electric GlaxoSmithKline
General Electric GlaxoSmithKline Changes in Technology That GE Has Undertaken in Product and Process General Electric (GE) built Local Growth Teams (LGT), which was a process change of the manufacturing technology that the company has always used. The new process shifts the focus of production to where the company has a high potential of selling its commodities.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on General Electric GlaxoSmithKline specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, LGT allows GE to build latest offerings, which are separate from the items that are already in its inventory. Previously, all subsidiaries of GE worked as part of the whole company; however, fresh subsidiaries under the LGT structure operate as new companies. Therefore, their interaction within the organization occurs as a form of partnership enabling them to obtain necessary resources when needed, and still maintain their autonomy for operation (White and Bruton 2-3). The com pany also introduced the concept of ecomagination. This was another method innovation in the use of technology. It merged the generation of energy and the process of manufacturing vehicles that use the spawned energy. The innovative process of production gave general electric the ability to create new opportunities, which increased its products value and their market demand (White and Bruton 4). GE also undertook product innovation changes. In the first case, the company used a system-integration approach for existing products to improve them and increase their market share. While developing LGT structures, GE used applied research methods to utilize existing knowledge, about the products in its inventory to develop first-hand products.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The up to date products by LGT improve the firmââ¬â¢s market position in emerging countrie s that lack a sustainable market for its traditional products. Therefore, the above example illustrates the use of systems integration as a type of innovation. For example, the company applies the same basic research that developed ultrasound machines technology to develop portable ultrasound-machines in India and China. The firm also re-engineered its work progression. Instead of controlling the processes of LGT from once central location, GE allowed all LGT to operate independently and consolidate their functions as individual companies. This ensured that the organization was deleting all unnecessary hindrances in management levels and work. The above innovation was an example of using applied technology to create altered merchandises. The company introduced new-fangled products, which lead to new opportunities in emerging markets. At the same time, the company introduced the modern process of researching and manufacturing that concentrate of its high-growth market. Combination of Technology and Management General Electric has made changes to its organization, which gives it a market advantage when using technology. The firm altered its structure where necessary like in the case of LGT. It also reviewed its personnel policies and leadership. The firm created local teams that understand the needs and challenges of specific markets. This allowed the company to come up with products that are relevant and cost-effective in their respective markets.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on General Electric GlaxoSmithKline specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The organization holds patents to various technologies and allows its local growth teams to exploit the patents and come up with new products. To achieve this objective, the firm reorganized its management roles and objectives to realign them with technology. The new orientation implied that policy and leadership bend towards a technology that fit t he business the company wants to grow in (White and Bruton 4). Strategic Concerns for GE in Future As General Electric extends its global presence, it should also seek to develop new customer relationships in its existing markets. The company should not take for granted markets where its strategies are already doing well. Technological innovations often lead to the loss of a companyââ¬â¢s competitive advantage. For example, fresh technology might render a product obsolete or cut its production costs and force companies to reduce their prices or face the wrath of recent entrants to the market. So while GE is shifting its power to where the growth is, it should also look at existing markets that are not growing but are under threat of disruption by technology. As GE expands its manufacturing capabilities in new markets, it should also look at its capabilities more closely. Its competitors will soon copy its innovative processes of fabrication and come up with competitive outputs. T he company must ensure that the introduction of toned-down alternative products, in unknown markets, does not make it appear to be neglecting the demands, of the market. Otherwise, it might suffer a backlash on its products as consumers seek to fulfil their needs with better products from competitors. As the firm realizes high returns in new markets, it should not become a victim by defending its market share when other firms introduced superior products.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Technology and Product Changes to Monitor The firm should monitor the technologies that alter the demand of its products or render them obsolete. It should also monitor processes that tear down geographical boundaries or market barriers. These processes will either remove its competitive advantage of exclusivity or allow it to tap fresh value-creating ideas. It should look at processes that allow existing technologies to serve additional purposes, and lead to new commodities (Tidd, Pavitt and Bessant 17-21). Marketing and Technology Balance General Electric maintained a balance of its marketing efforts and technology by managing its technology and innovation as the core of its production. The company used technology to produce products of distinctive capabilities and costs. Having varied versions of the same product allowed the company to serve a wider market, including fewer traditional areas. The company also followed other technology developments within the industry but leveraged its expertise and network to create new products that eventually earn it a significant market share. GE bought technology when it realized that the development of its own technology would take time or was expensive. The firm bought other firms that already had the technology it was eyeing, or the marketing capabilities that increased its market share (White and Bruton 2-4). Special Planning Needs for GSK GSK needs to plan how to diversify its global business while it continues to simplify the operating model of the firm. The firms need to plan how to retain its competitiveness of producing new products. Therefore, it needs to reorganize its research and development area to make them more efficient. The firm needs to build an internal innovation foundation, which will support innovation. It needs processes that allow knowledge to transfer among its eight broad areas of focus. As it generates ideas and products, the firm also needs to manage them at any given time. Thus, the firm req uires an efficient evaluation process. During the planning phase, GSK needs to consider its technology and innovation strategy in relation to its dominant competitive position. It needs to look at how processes, operations and systems are influencing its capabilities. Thereafter, it should examine ways to alter its organization structure to take advantage of the knowledge for internal innovation. The company has to coordinate its operations globally to ensure the outputs for customers, stakeholders and competitors become valuable data for processing in its RD areas, which will strengthen its competitive position. Industry Trends for Consideration GSK should look at entrant companies in the eight market areas that make up its focus. The mint companies increase the competition for the existing market share and may come with new technologies, which disrupt the dominant position of GSK. In addition to checking for newcomers, the company should also observe how existent products are infl uencing the economic inefficiency that exists within the industry. When all inefficiencies cease to exist, it will no longer be profitable, for the firm to continue innovating in the particular focus area (Zahra and Ali 105-106). The firm should look at epidemic trends of neglected diseases that form the core of its research focus. The trends assist the firm to plan on the scale of resources that it should commit. The trends also provide information that might be replicable in the development of drugs for similar diseases. Above all, the company should monitor breakthroughs in treatment technologies and medical combinations. Up to date processes and products will allow the firm to introduce modern ways of using their existing technology or come up with fresh products. GSK can be innovative enough to beat its competitors in the race of introducing new products. However, the firm also needs strong retail presence to sell and grow its market share. Therefore, the company should monitor mergers and acquisitions within the production channel. It should also keenly follow the changing preferences of retailers as state requirements influenced them in their respective countries. Lastly, GSK should monitor regulatory conditions that govern the administration of health care. Often, official directives lead to the abandonment of a product in favour of another. In other cases, users develop the resistance to a specific combination of medication and require new types. The firm should look at medication resistant trends. Critical Implementation Issues The allocation of over 10 per cent of revenues on research and development was critical to the companyââ¬â¢s development of high mid-size products. The firm needed to support its innovation and marketing efforts an appropriate financial budget to make it sustainable (Betz 51). If it had not allocated funds to develop mid-size products, then it would be exposing its strategic advantage when its successful products become obs olete. Therefore, the allocation of ten per cent of revenues, on the product, research was important in the firms diversification strategy (White and Bruton 71). Without the research and development of mid-size products, the firm would fail on its strategy of delivering more products of value. Having a constant stream of new products ensures that the firm is competitive and profitable. If it instead concentrated on a few big-size products, then it would succumb to cyclic periods of good and bad performance (Betz 51). The quest for the market leadership position in the pharmaceutical industry obliges firms to remain innovative even when they are enjoying the market dominance. Besides, new diseases and their resistance are always emerging; therefore, it is paramount that the firm allocates substantial revenue to research and development. Another critical implementation issue is the return on innovation policy. Without a criterion for justifying the development of a specific product, t he firm would waste resources on areas that do not meet its expectations. For a company generating so many products in a particular period, proper control of its inventory is important to ensure that the production resources do not go to waste (White and Bruton 72-73). Influence of Changes Made in 2008 The changes made in 2008 that created Discovery Performance Units will accelerate the implementation of the firms critical issue of competitive advantage. For example, in line with the research and development of mid-size products, DPU will reduce the organizational inefficiency associated with decision-making in large organizations. In addition, concentration on particular focus areas by the DPU will enable GSK to develop better quality products and reduce research mistakes that come with diverse interests. Funding guarantees for DPU also give them a security of tenure, which allows them to plan and implement research and development calendars without financial interruptions. The eli mination of short-term discontinuances will ensure that GSK achieve its goal of providing the best science and products to consumers. The 2008 restructuring allows the firm to continue benefiting from innovations and continue developing capacities for more novelties in the future (White and Bruton 73). After the new introductions of 2008, project management at GSK has become more decentralized. The dispersion makes the firm more adaptable to emerging trends within the industry. It allows the research to focus on different technologies without compromising the firms already dominant position in specific products. Special Evaluation Needs GSK needs to determine whether the innovations coming from its research labs, and the subsequent product developments, will be successful, in the market. The firm has to know how many products it intends to produce over a given period and offer them in the marketplace. It also needs to define the quantity of each product line. The company needs to lo ok further than sales and profits when it evaluates its long-term strategy concerns. The evaluation should focus on how its products are relating to their substitutes, in the market. GSK already has strategies for its business and needs to evaluate their effectiveness and relevance in the industry. The corporation has to know if the growth of a diversified global business contributed to its dominant position. Secondly, its strategy of delivering products of more value should be evaluated against the need for making profits. Lastly, it should evaluate its efficiency strategy to see if there are additional avenues for reducing costs or increasing value. The use of an internal innovation strategy has the most influence on how well GSK evaluates its progress. The cross-fertilization of ideas encouraged by the company is also crucial for knowledge transfer with aids decision-making within the firm. The sharing of information among departments assisted the company to reorganize its operat ions in 2008. It will continue to influence the evaluation of progress within the firm. Control Systems for GSK GSK obtains much of its competitive advantage from its human capital. Therefore, it needs human-resource system to control the exploitation of human capital (Verburg, Ortt and Dicke 54). The system would assist the firm to control the compliance of its employees and increase their commitment to its goals. The company also needs a balanced scorecard system to increase the efficiency of inter and intradepartmental transactions and services (Sisaye 37). The company has many product lines and needs a just-in-time technology (JIT) system. The system will reduce transaction costs and other costs that arise from the production, distribution and sales processes. As it continues to develop products from preventing disease, the company also needs to prevent its operations from causing harm to its environment. An environment system, which reports the organizations impact on its ecolo gy, will assist it to create more value without violating environmental laws of specific countries. Betz, Frederick. Managing Technological Innovation: Competitive Advantage from Change. 2nd ed. Hoboken: John Wiley Sons, 2003. Print. Sisaye, Seleshi. The Ecology of Management Accounting and Control Systems. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006. Print. Tidd, Joseph, Keith Pavitt and John Bessant. Managing Innovation: Integrating Technological, Market and Organizational Change. West Sussex: John Wiley Sons, 2005. Print. Verburg, Robert, Roland Ortt and Wilhelmina Margaretha Dicke, Managing Technology and Innovation: An Introduction. New York: Routledge, 2006. Print. White, Margaret A and Garry D Bruton. The Management of Technology and Innovation: A Strategic Approach. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print. Zahra, Shaker A and Abbas Ali, The Impact of Innovation and Technology in The Global Marketplace. New York: International Business Press, 1994. Print.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Battle of Malvern Hill - Civil War Battle of Malvern Hill
Battle of Malvern Hill - Civil War Battle of Malvern Hill Battle of Malvern Hill: Date Conflict: The Battle of Malvern Hill was part of the Seven Days Battles and was fought July 1, 1862, during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Armies Commanders Union Major General George B. McClellanBrigadier General Fitz John Porter80,000 men Confederate General Robert E. Lee80,000 men Battle of Malvern Hill - Background: Beginning on June 25, 1862, Major General George B. McClellans Army of the Potomac was the subject of repeated assaults by Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee. Falling back from the gates of Richmond, McClellan believed his army to be outnumbered and hastened to retreat to his secure supply base at Harrisons Landing where his army could shelter under the guns of the US Navy in the James River. Fighting an inconclusive action at Glendale (Fraysers Farm) on June 30, he was able to gain some breathing room for his continued withdrawal. Retreating south, the Army of the Potomac occupied a high, open plateau known as Malvern Hill on July 1. Featuring steep slopes on its southern, eastern, and western sides, the position was further protected by swampy terrain and Western Run to the east. The site had been selected the previous day by Brigadier General Fitz John Porter who commanded the Union V Corps. Riding ahead to Harrisons Landing, McClellan left Porter in command at Malvern Hill. Aware that Confederate forces would have to attack from the north, Porter formed a line facing in that direction (Map). Battle of Malvern Hill - The Union Position: Placing Brigadier General George Morells division from his corps on the far left, Porter placed the IV Corps division of Brigadier General Darius Couch to their right. The Union line was further extended to the right by the III Corps divisions of Brigadier General Philip Kearny and Joseph Hooker. These infantry formations were supported by the armys artillery under Colonel Henry Hunt. Possessing around 250 guns, he was able to emplace between 30 to 35 atop the hill at any given point. The Union line was further supported by US Navy gunboats in the river to the south and additional troops on the hill. Battle of Malvern Hill - Lees Plan: To the north of the Union position, the hill sloped down across open space that extended from 800 yards to a mile until reaching the closest tree line. To assess the Union position, Lee met with several of his commanders. While Major General Daniel H. Hill felt that an attack was ill-advised, such an action was encouraged by Major General James Longstreet. Scouting the area, Lee and Longstreet identified two suitable artillery positions that they believed would bring the hill under crossfire and suppress the Union guns. With this done, an infantry assault could move forward. Deploying opposite the Union position, Major General Thomas Stonewall Jacksons command formed the Confederate left, with Hills division in the center astride the Willis Church and Carters Mill Roads. Major General John Magruders division was to form the Confederate right, however it was misled by its guides and was late in arriving. To support this flank, Lee also assigned Major General Benjamin Hugers division to the area as well. The attack was to be led by Brigadier General Lewis A. Armisteads brigade from Hugers Division which was assigned to move forward once the guns had weakened the enemy. Battle of Malvern Hill - A Bloody Debacle: Having devised the plan for the assault, Lee, who was ill, refrained from directing operations and instead delegated the actual fighting to his subordinates. His plan quickly began to unravel when the Confederate artillery, which was strung out back to Glendale, arrived on the field in piecemeal fashion. This was further compounded by confusing orders that were issued by his headquarters. Those Confederate guns that deployed as planned were met with fierce counter-battery fire from Hunts artillery. Firing from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, Hunts men unleashed a massive bombardment that crushed the Confederate artillery. The situation for the Confederates continued to worsen when Armisteads men advanced prematurely around 3:30 PM. This keyed the larger assault as planned with Magruder sending forward two brigades as well. Pushing up the hill, they were met by a maelstrom of case and canister shot from the Union guns as well as heavy fire from the enemy infantry. To aid this advance, Hill began sending troops forward, though refrained from a general advance. As a result, his several small attacks were easily turned back by the Union forces. As the afternoon pressed on, the Confederates continued their assaults with no success. Atop the hill, Porter and Hunt had the luxury of being able to rotate units and batteries as ammunition was expended. Later in the day, the Confederates began attacks towards the western side of the hill where the terrain worked to cover part of their approach. Though they advanced farther than the previous efforts, they too were turned back by the Union guns. The greatest threat came when men from Major General Lafayette McLaws division nearly reached the Union line. Rushing reinforcements to the scene, Porter was able to turn back the attack. Battle of Malvern Hill - Aftermath: As the sun began to set, the fighting died out. During the course of the battle, the Confederates sustained 5,355 casualties while Union forces incurred 3,214. On July 2, McClellan ordered the army to continue its retreat and shifted his men to the Berkeley and Westover Plantations near Harrisons Landing. In assessing the fighting at Malvern Hill, Hill famously commented that: It was not war. It was murder. Though he followed the withdrawing Union troops, Lee was unable to inflict any additional damage. Ensconced in a strong position and backed by the US Navys guns, McClellan began a steady stream of requests for reinforcements. Ultimately deciding that the timid Union commander posed little additional threat to Richmond, Lee began dispatching men north to begin what would become the Second Manassas Campaign. Selected Sources History of War: Battle of Malvern HillBlue Gray Trail: Battle of Malvern HillCWPT: Battle ofà Malvern Hill
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 3
Law - Essay Example 541). It effectively allows individuals to challenge actions by Member States or the EU institutions through the ECJ but obtain an effective remedy from his national court. Article 234 also provides guidance on what national courts should do in the event that an individual seeks to invoke his/her Community rights in order to challenge national law. This is necessary because In most Member States concepts of sovereignty prohibit challenge to the legality of statute or, a fortiori, constitutional law. Furthermore, in most Member States there are lacunae, gaps in the legal protection of individuals, arising from traditional privileges and immunities. Sometimes these limitations are justified, sometimes they are not. (Steiner & Woods, 2003, p. 130) An EC decision is ââ¬Ëbinding in its entirety upon those to which it is addressedââ¬â¢ (Article 249). Italy therefore must implement the decision. Whilst EC decisions are not described as being ââ¬Ëdirectly applicableââ¬â¢ they can be ââ¬Ëdirectly effectiveââ¬â¢ (vis-à -vis the State and the individual) provided the criteria for direct effects are satisfied: Grad v Finanzamt Traustein (case 9/70). Therefore Maria will have a remedy against her employer provided it is an ââ¬Ëorgan of the stateââ¬â¢ and she can establish her allegations of unfair treatment. (2) Where such a question is raised before any court or tribunal of a Member State, that court or tribunal may, if it considers that a decision on the question is necessary to enable it to give judgment, request the Court of Justice to give a ruling thereon. (3) Where any such question is raised in a case pending before a court or tribunal of a Member State, against whose decisions there is no judicial remedy under national law, that court or tribunal shall bring the matter before the Court of Justice. There are a number of points to note from the Article. Only a court or a tribunal may
Friday, November 1, 2019
Two Specific Organizational Forms of Business and the Possible Implica Assignment
Two Specific Organizational Forms of Business and the Possible Implications of the Principal-Agent Problem - Assignment Example Two specific organizational forms are the product-based organizational form and the functional form. The functional form is structured according to different functional departments in the organization, such as the finance, sales, marketing, product development, accounting, and human resources. On the other hand, a product based organizational form is structured according to the organizationââ¬â¢s product lines: electronics, appliances, consumer products, and others. A principal-agent relationship is defined as a relationship which ââ¬Å"occurs whenever one person acts in the interests of anotherâ⬠(Garger, 2010, p. 1). As emphasized by McGuigan, Moyer and Harris (2014), the principal-agent model ensues when ââ¬Å"owner-principals hire manager-agents to stand in and conduct their business affairsâ⬠(p. 559). Accordingly, ââ¬Å"in a functional organization, the firm is divided into functional divisions, and a division manager has responsibility for a single functionâ⠬â¢s activities on behalf of all products. In a product-based organization, the firm is organized into product divisions, and a division manager has responsibility for all functional activities in behalf of a single productâ⬠(Besanko, Regibeau, & Rockett, 2005, p. 461). The possible implications of a principal agent relationship in a functional organization versus product-based organizations are summed as follows: (1) measuring profitability in a product-based organization is easier due to the ease of offering incentives according to products; (2) when functions are deemed more significant in a functional organization, the latter is allegedly favored due to the ability to offer and apply incentive sensitivity principle; (3) in the presence of cross-product externalities within functional departments, findings revealed preference for favoring functional organizations due toà the ability of function managers to imbibe externalities in their decision-making processes; and (4) ââ¬Å"diseconomies of span generally favor the functional organization when one product is significantly more important to firm profitability than the other and favors the product organization when one function is significantly more important than the otherâ⬠.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
The Best Accounting Software Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
The Best Accounting Software Systems - Essay Example The software is best for small and medium-sized businesses because first of all, it prides itself with a very easy to use system where you can do almost all accounting job done from calculating payroll checks with correct federal, state, and local taxes, keep track of employeesââ¬â¢ pay records including vacation and sick leaves, produce accurate payroll register reports, calculate and print employees W2, W3, 1099-M at the year-end, create direct deposit files and a lot more! Computer specifications to get the most of the software would be at least 1gb RAM, 600 MB of free disk space, and preferably Windows Server 2003. What is great about this is that prices start at $249 only depending on the package you need (Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Direct Deposit, n.d.) The second alternative to payroll accounting system would be Andica software manufactured by Andica which is suitable for all types of businesses because it complies with the latest government legislation that would be sure to allow payments of salaries and at the same time be able to monitor the deductions by allowing you to do statutory calculations without being an accountant. Also, what is great about this software is that you can immediately view employee data on the screen and would give you an organized file in easy to follow reports. Some of its essential features are as follows: calculation of PAYE, National Insurance Contributions, Statutory Payments such as Statutory Sick Pay SSP, Statutory Maternity Pay SMP, Statutory Paternity Pay SPP, Statutory Adoption Pay SAP, students loan deductions and perform a range of other payroll functions.
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Place of Consumerism in New Middle Classes
Place of Consumerism in New Middle Classes What is the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent new middle classes in Ireland? Basically an application of a Bourdieu/ Featherstone argument about new middle classes to the Irish case. Chapter One: Introduction In order to examine the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent new middle classes in Ireland, the ideas of ââ¬ËConsumerismââ¬â¢, ââ¬Ëlifestyleââ¬â¢ and ââ¬Ëemergent new middle classesââ¬â¢ must first be defined. Accordingly these definitions will occupy the preliminary discussions of this thesis in the relevant sections. The thesis will examine the role of emergent middle classes, and will attempt to tie this discussion to analysis of how and why demographic trends such as the emergence of new middle classes have evolved, and what place Consumerism has in the lifestyles of those individuals within these new demographic cleavages. Economic events and socio-economic developments (both historical and contemporary) linked to these events have been the main precipitative forces responsible for these emergent sociological contours[i]. The economic and socio-economic climate in Ireland and how this has developed will therefore be a centre point in examining the role of emergent new middle classes and how Consumerism has impacted the role and lifestyle of these sectors. These ideas will be introduced in the literature review and they will be fleshed out throughout the thesis in order to gain a holistic and comprehensive insight into the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent new middle classes in Ireland. This analysis will be contextualised with reference to the theories of Bourdieu (1979) and Featherstone (1992) whose cultural perspectives on society have mainly rationalised Consumerism in terms of subjectivity and individual perceptions; therefore repudiating the idea that Consumerism is simply an objective, independent market force which operates within neo-classical[ii] and laissez-faire[iii] boundaries. Images of Irish society will be very important in this thesis and the images/themes which will be examined throughout the thesis to facilitate this discussion of Consumerism are images of secularisation, images of Class Dealignment, images connected with the Celtic Tiger and the process of diversification. The next section will examine the methodology of the thesis. This will link the above mentioned theoretical definitions, arguments and analysis into the wider empirical and qualitative aims of the thesis. The chosen methodology is discourse analysis, and turning to a discussion of the definition of what exactly this is, is a natural progression. Accordingly, this discussion of definition will follow in the next section. The next section will also introduce the methodological framework of the thesis. It will define the various applications and forms of discourse analysis and it will explain how these will be considered throughout the thesis. Chapter Two Methodology: Discourse Analysis This thesis will rely primarily upon empirical evidence gathered through discourse analysis. The writer has selected a number of cultural themes from selected publications and these will be examined empirically and through discourse analysis. These are diversification[iv] (both political and cultural), images of Class Dealignment, images of secularised society and the imputations which arise from the phrase ââ¬ËCeltic Tiger[v]ââ¬â¢. These will be looked at in depth as the thesis progresses, and will be placed within the context of wider themes of economic, political and socio-economic factors which the writer will also examine in terms of broad and contextual discourse analysis. Discourse analysis is an interdisciplinary[vi] method of analysing sociological trends[vii] through the analysis of language[viii] and speech[ix], and how political ideas are disseminated through language[x]. This method will be used throughout the dissertation as a means of analysing the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent middle classes. Discourse analysis has been differentiated and divided into niche areas in terms of its application. For example, discourse analysis may be used on a micro scale which would involve minute analysis of grammatical structure[xi], language and the composition[xii] of language[xiii]. This is not a method which will be concentrated upon in this thesis, as the more expansive niches within discourse analysis, which concentrates upon context[xiv] and cultural, political and other sociological forces are more appropriate ways to analyse the question title. This is because the concentration of discourse analysis in terms of wider context[xv] and a focus on specifically identified themes rather than minute form[xvi] and constructions[xvii] gives the writer a lot more room to analyse political, cultural, sociological, demographic and economic trends, which is the ultimate goal of this thesis enquiry. Chimombo, M. and Roseberry, R. (1998) give us the following in depth definition of discourse analysis: ââ¬ËDiscourse is a process resulting in a communicative act. The communicative act itself takes the form of a text. A text is commonly thought of as consisting of written or printed words on a page; but a text may also consist of sign language or spoken words, or it may comprise only the thoughts of a writer, or speaker, on the one hand, or a reader or listener, on the other. In addition to words, a text may consist of other symbols, sounds, gestures, or silences, in any combination that is intended to communicate information such as ideas, emotional states, and attitudes. It may fail to communicate, but if the intention to communicate is clearly there, it must be regarded as a textâ⬠¦..[xviii]ââ¬â¢. Chimombo, M. and Roseberry, R. (1998) then go on explain how this abstract definition applies within the context of methodology: ââ¬ËAnalysis of discourse is a methodology for examining texts and the communicative process that gives rise to them. Its primary purpose is to enable discourse analysts to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of texts. Because most texts are goal oriented, part of the purpose of discourse analysis is to enable people to recognize the intended goal of the writer or speaker and thus achieve some measure of control over the discourseâ⬠¦..The understanding that may be gained in this way helps to equalize the power relationship and enables an escape from the role of victim such that individuals may assume a greater degree of control over their lives. This book demonstrates that discourse is typically used to a greater or lesser degree for exploitation. Different types of discourse are intended to exploit consumers, voters, employees, children, women, minorities, and many other groups within society. An ability to analyze discourse offers such groups a means of protectionâ ⬠¦.[xix]ââ¬â¢. A discourse is therefore an amalgam of perspective. These perspectives are often political, economic or ideological in nature, since the articulation of a perspective through discourse is often underpinned by struggles for political power and influence[xx]. This in turn imputes that a discourse has a special connection with politics and with economics and that cultural discourses have often been appended to these primary discourses. Chimombo, M. and Roseberry, R. (1998) make this point very strongly in the following passage: ââ¬Ëâ⬠¦.The term control implies a power relationship between those who produce texts and those for whom these texts are intended. For example, politicians, lawyers, doctors, advertisers, business executives, teachers, and many others exercise power over their clients through the discourse that is characteristic of these professionals. Analysis of professional discourse can reveal these power relationships and the goals that may be hidden in them. â⬠¦.[xxi]ââ¬â¢. Cultural discourses may also be seen as having evolved indirectly from political, economic and ideological discourses[xxii]. A cultural discourse may therefore be rationalised as secondary in many ways to a political/ideological and to an economic discourse. However, it is important to understand that cultural discourses often exist within the framework of these arguably more primary discourses[xxiii]. Also, one must remember that an analysis of cultural discourse, without an adequate analysis of the wider context of the discourse and its relationship with other discourses will not be a credible analysis. The writerââ¬â¢s regard for a cultural discourse as a secondary discourse is an explanation of how cultural discourse has evolved; it is not intended to demarcate cultural discourse as less relevant than political, economic or ideological discourse. Clearly, cultural discourses have qualified and enriched these wider, politically tuned discourses and this in itself is a unique an d powerful mechanism of change. This explains the central nature of wider political discourse analysis in this thesis and it also explains why Fairclough (1995) [xxiv] in particular has argued that discourse analysis centres on the interpretation of political and ideological discourses. It is important to remember however that cultural discourse analysis is intertwined with these primary discourses in a subtle but imperative way. The following chapters will deal with definitions of lifestyle and consumerism. They will also introduce a general discourse analysis which will centre on the selected themes mentioned above and how they ultimately relate to politics, economics, and the demographic and sociological trends which have been emerging in Ireland over the last twenty years[xxv]. The concept of emergent middle classes will be defined in the following chapters also and this definition will lead into a broad and contextual discourse analysis of how middle classes emerged in Ireland. The effects of this emergence will be discussed, but all of these threads of analysis will ultimately be drawn together to look at the place of Consumerism in the lifestyle of emergent new middle classes in Ireland, and the arguments that have been made in this area by Bourdieu (1979) and Featherstone (1992). Chapter Three: Literature Review: What is ââ¬ËConsumerismââ¬â¢? Clarke (2003) gives us the following definition and explanation of Consumerism within the context of culture: ââ¬Ëâ⬠¦.Bauman (1992c, 24) reflects that the strange dialectic of dependence and autonomy between consumer and consumer society is indeed not unlike that of the grammar and vocabulary of language and formed sentences of speech: the latter are in no way determined by the former and move freely within the frame it provides. The practice of consumption amounts, in other words, to an act of enunciation, which takes place in a space filled with unattached signifiers â⬠¦ a space awaiting attribution of meaning (ibid.). The consumer is in no way manipulated, nor consumer behaviour determined, even though the consumer is formally deprived of autonomy in all forms but the duplicitous form of freedom of choice. The proliferation of relations of trust, the reliance on specialist knowledge and expertise, and the privatization of the task of constructing some form of continuity of life-experience are unavoidable features of life in a consumer society. But consumers are nonetheless in a position to make of their situation something other than what is intended. The problem, however, is that, as an act through which the presence of the individual â⬠¦ can be confirmed and reasserted (ibid.), consumption and the relations of trust it entails provides an opportunistic means for the perpetuation and dramatic expansion of capitalism.â⬠¦.[xxvi]ââ¬â¢. Therefore, as has been argued above, Consumerism is a term which describes the links between happiness, material goods/possessions and humans[xxvii]. It can be argued that Consumerism refers to the idea that material goods and possessions induce feelings of happiness and accordingly all behaviours which may be linked to the endorsement of this rationale may also be described as Consumerism[xxviii]. Consumerism is an idea which was considered by Karl Marx[xxix], whose famous critique of Consumerism and capitalist ideology (Communism[xxx]) interpreted ideas of Consumerism as immoral and subversive[xxxi]. In modern terms Socialism rejects ideas related to Consumerism in a more moderate way, but the premise upon which Socialism is built mirrors Communism in its suspicion of Consumerism[xxxii]. Consumerism may also be described in terms of economic behaviour and policy. If one considers Consumerism in an abstract manner, it is possible to argue that the freedom of individuals to choose how to spend money/dissipate resources manifests itself as Consumerism, since the marketing of goods to a consumer encourages them to exercise their freedom to choose what to purchase. Clarke (2003) has noted that this is an ongoing and repetitive process: ââ¬ËThe act of consumption is destined to repeat itself, since the human subject is irresistibly compelled to seek a unity and coherence it can never knowâ⬠¦[xxxiii]ââ¬â¢. Ideas relating to Consumerism have traditionally been associated with Western societies and have also been particularly synonymous with neo-liberal capitalism. However, it may be argued that with the growing influence of globalisation and technological advancements, the impact of Consumerism is a global one as opposed to the more traditional interpretation of Consumerism as being tied particularly to certain cultures, more so than to others. Ultimately, however, Consumerism is connected to the ideas of human rationality, freedom and choice and has evolved as a means whereby human wants are satisfied. Accordingly, Consumerism may also be seen as a sociological force since, the recognition of social standings within society can be defined in many ways according to material wealth and the accumulation of material possessions. Consumerism is a complex idea which may be interpreted objectively as well as subjectively. This characteristic of Consumerism has invited the levels of cultural, sociological and economic analysis which the theory of Consumerism seems to have attracted. Therefore, the evolution of Consumerism and the various interpretations of the current status of Consumerism will be relevant to this thesis. Consumerism; its construction and its manifestation can be seen to oscillate with cultural mores and the development of society. This is how Consumerism may also be seen as an evolving social construct. Certainly Bourdieu (1979), Lash and Urry (1994) as well as Baudrillard (1993) consider Consumerism as a malleable social construct[xxxiv], which has developed mostly as a result of the growing economic affluence[xxxv] which may be seen in Ireland[xxxvi]. Their views are that class is demarcated in terms of taste, culture and lifestyle[xxxvii], whereas historically this demarcation was less obvious since economic limitations precluded individuals from expressing taste, culture and lifestyle in the diverse ways that are possible today. Their analysis goes on to argue that Consumerism is the vehicle through which this transition has taken effect, since diversities in taste, culture and lifestyle have largely been introduced through the marketing of Consumerism and consumerist values. Therefore the accessibility of diversity to individuals has increased as economic conditions and Consumerism have delivered more choice to the individual. Emergent New Middle Classes ââ¬ËMiddle classesââ¬â¢ is a somewhat overused term. It has historically been used to differentiate the economically disadvantaged within society from those whose incomes and resources provide them with enough money to live independently and relatively affluently within society, generally occupying the middle ground between rich and poor within society. The emergent new middle classes that are referred to in the scope of this thesis can be recognised as the product of an increasingly affluent society within Ireland[xxxviii], emerging as more individuals benefit from the higher standards of living that may be seen as a result of what is colloquially known as the Celtic Tiger[xxxix]. Cronin (2000) has an analysis of individual cultural consciousness which allows us to interpret the emergence of middle classes in a purely cultural and subjective context. He argues: ââ¬ËDiprose (1994) states that the Lockean model defines the individual as an entity which maintains the same consciousness over time and through corporeal changes, for example illness or pregnancy, thus giving primacy to the mind or consciousness over the body. Further more, the individual is defined as having identical self-presence in which, an entity is identical with itself if it has the same origin in time and space (Diprose 1994:9). So the individuation necessary for the processes of mutual recognition to occur requires a temporally bounded entity. Simultaneously, the individual is spatially bounded through the distinction between self and not-self which is produced in that same process of recognition. Here arises the constitutive contradiction of contract, identical self-presence and exchange: in these political fictions, the individual is said to have a self-contained identity prior to contract or relations with others (Diprose 1994). Patemans (1988) analysis of the contr adictory production of womens and subordinate groups status in contract echoes this tension. For the processes of contractual exchange to occur, an individual must recognise another as an individual. The characteristics that this requires are rationality and the possession of propertyâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦[xl]ââ¬â¢. Therefore, it is arguable that the emergence of new cleavages of middle classes in Ireland has arisen both through a combination of objective, market forces combined with the forces which drive individual self-perception and this in turn drives an individual to represent themselves and ultimately project this representation. Chapter Four: Discourse Analysis of Economic Growth in Ireland The development of the economy in Ireland[xli] has created unprecedented[xlii] levels of wealth[xliii] and affluence[xliv] within Ireland[1]. Accordingly this section will specifically examine the nature and underpinnings of economic progress in Ireland as this has largely given rise to[xlv] and sustained[xlvi] emergent new middle classes as the Consumerism which has evolved alongside these sectors. Economic growth in Ireland may be explained in terms of ideological transition[xlvii], the influence of the European Community[xlviii] and the influence of political leaders[xlix] throughout this period of economic transition[l]. Macro economic convergence theories[li] may also help explain the shifts in economic conditions seen in Ireland[lii]. These factors are given more in depth analysis below. The decline of state interventionism and state protectionism[liii] in Ireland led to palpable ideological shifts within the country[liv]. In an international setting, the ideological foundations of the welfare state[lv] were being replaced with more modern neo-liberal[2] conceptions of political philosophy[lvi]. This trend was particularly notable in Britain with the election of Margaret Thatcher and her subsequent repudiation of Keynesââ¬â¢ economic[lvii] theory[lviii]. These ideological shifts, which influenced Ireland[lix], (although not until many years later) partly laid the foundations for the economic revolution[lx] which was to come about in the mid-nineties[lxi]. Charles Haughey who had been in power periodically since 1979, was re-elected Taoiseach in 1987, during a deep economic recession[lxii]. Haugheyââ¬â¢s predecessor in 1987 was G. Fitzgerald. These two individuals are widely recognised as having laid the foundations for economic stability in the Republic of Ireland, with a recognition that taxation needed to be reorganised to stimulate economic enterprise and growth. Consequently, under Haughey public spending was decreased and spending on public sector employment and bureaucracy was also reduced[lxiii]. This produced a dividend in the form of economic stability, lower levels of inflation and relatively rejuvenated economic growth. Again this affected employment conditions, reducing unemployment and creating the conditions for investment in enterprise. Tax cuts were then directed at the manufacturing industries[lxiv], and later tax breaks for particular sectors of industry augmented these economic dividends in the form of a stimulat ed economy and greater levels of employment. These economic conditions led to a reduced reliance on agricultural enterprise[lxv] and this is known as ââ¬Ëeconomic diversificationââ¬â¢[lxvi]. The relationship between Ireland and the European Community and Irelandââ¬â¢s accession to the European Community in the early 1970s marked a high point politically[lxvii], culturally and economically[lxviii] for Ireland[lxix]. However, the influence of the European Community on the situation of Ireland is a controversial area of debate at the moment[lxx]. Some have argued that the influence of the European Union has been instrumental in the growth of Irelandââ¬â¢s economy[lxxi], whereas conversely there are arguments which suggest that the role of the European Community has been over stated, misunderstood and even misrepresented[lxxii]. Both propositions will be considered by the writer in following sections. The theory that Ireland prospered due to entry to the European Community has been critiqued as a facile theory[lxxiii] and this argument may be seen as even more cogent given that Powell (2003) has argued that if Ireland had prospered due to entry to the European Community, then the effects of EC investment would be identifiable and tangible. The reality is that European investment in Ireland produced some economic benefits, but the prosperity which Ireland enjoyed was precipitated by a plethora of events and shifts, which cumulatively produced the effects known as the Celtic Tiger[lxxiv]. One such shift is known as the convergence theory and economic growth in Ireland has been rationalised in terms of the convergence theory in the following way. This theory suggests that the ââ¬ËCeltic Tigerââ¬â¢ was not precipitated by circumstances, affiliations (in particular to the European Community) or events, but rather by the operation of a group of economic forces which argues that over time similar countries with similar institutions tend to perform economically in a congruous way. In this sense, the Celtic Tiger has been rationalised as a convergence as opposed to a phenomenon. Historically, this theory is plausible, as Ireland was dogged by recession in spite of entry into the EEC in 1973, under the tenure of Jack Lynch[lxxv]. This recession continued until the advent of Charles Haughey, and G. Fitzgerald who addressed the failing tax system in the Republic of Ireland[lxxvi]. The conception of taxation had been fundamentally challenged and revised in Ireland over the last twenty years[lxxvii]. This shift led to the realisation of the above mentioned ideological ideas substantively and not just rhetorically. The mid eighties in Ireland was a period characterised by high taxation and low employment[lxxviii]. Taxation was regarded as a method of bolstering the economy[lxxix] This had an adverse effect of investment, thwarted business and led to high levels of unemployment[lxxx]. In many ways this is what thwarted the progress of the economy, forcing class alignment along economic lines. Powell (2003) has argued that just prior to the millennium GDP in Ireland was $25,500 per capita, whereas in Britain this figure was approximately $23,000 per capita. This can be contrasted with the fact that in the late 1980s GDP per capita in Ireland was only approximately 65%, that of the UK GDP per capita[lxxxi]. This economic revolution has been referred to in colloquial and cultural terms as the growth of the ââ¬ËCeltic Tigerââ¬â¢. The use of the term Celtic Tiger is of great significance and it may be rationalised in terms of cultural symbolism in the following way: ââ¬ËHuman encounter with the world has always been a profoundly enigmatic affair. Traditionally, human societies attained a measure of ontological security from social arrangements that accepted the fundamental ambivalence of the world (Giddens 1990; 1994). Because traditional modes of existence were symbolically tied to the world of appearances, such societies were able to employ well established, ritualized ways and means of being-in-the-worldâ⬠¦[lxxxii]ââ¬â¢. The effects of cultural symbolism may be further delved into through examining this explanation of existence and illusions which are imparted through the ââ¬Ëappearance of thingsââ¬â¢: ââ¬ËThe continuity of such an existence was assured by the experience of tradition alone, and legitimated by forces beyond human powers. Nature â⬠¦ in the infinite detail of its illusory manifestations â⬠¦ was conceived above all as the work of hidden wills (Bloch 1962, 83). This world of illusion amounted, in other words, to an acceptance of the illusion of the world (the term illusion is apt not in the sense of its power to fool you, but in its power to put something into play, to create something: scene, space, a game, a rule of the game to invent, in fact, the mode of appearance of things (Baudrillard 1993b, 59-60)). Modernity, in stark contrast, was founded firmly on the disavowal of the fact that ambivalence is inevitable; that appearances are intrinsically deceptive. Modernity was founded on a commitment to the reality of the world (Bauman 1991). Modernity thus held out the dream of an attainable order. And order, as the promise of the removal of ambivalence and co ntingency from the world, necessarily cast contingency as a threat, and demonized ambivalence. This was, of course, a complex and multifaceted affair. It involved, for instance, a transformation of time, as time became the property of man (Le Goff 1980, 51)â⬠¦[lxxxiii]ââ¬â¢. Therefore the concept of a tiger married to the concept of ââ¬ËCelticââ¬â¢ and Celticness[lxxxiv] conveys, in metaphorical terms the speed and the pervasiveness of the new found wealth which swept through Ireland in the mid nineties, changing and fuelling market forces such as Consumerism. This terminology[lxxxv] is relevant in cultural terms since it conveys the prosperity which pervaded Ireland during this period, and continues to drive the Irish economy as one of the wealthiest countries in the European Union[lxxxvi]. This led to a dramatic shift in cultural mores and led to a redefining of class boundaries. The term ââ¬ËCeltic Tigerââ¬â¢ also cast Ireland in an advantageous light internationally, advertising the economic growth and success which the country was experiencing. This attracted foreign investment interest and raised the profile of Ireland internationally, as well as serving to extricate Ireland from the damaging and often distorted image of a country dependent on EEC funding and support. Demographically, the influence of economic forces was also dramatic and widespread. More people were in employment in Ireland and this led to a surge in industry, investment and enterprise[lxxxvii]. The tourist and the service sector industries surged forward economically, changing the sociological and cultural contours of the Republic of Ireland. Small businesses expanded and more people built hotels, shops, restaurants and food outlets[lxxxviii]. This impacted upon the tourist industry which thrived as more people were attracted to visiting locations within Ireland that were more accessible and inviting[lxxxix]. This trend too had a knock on effect with more leisure facilities being built, and a general emphasis on regenerating services and facilities in the interests of attracting tourists
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)