Expansion in American History essays

Expansion in American History essays The expansion that took place in America in the early twentieth-century in many ways was a a departure from previous the expansion of the previous century. On the most basic level, the land to be acquired was different. No more uninhabited (or nearly uninhabited considering the Indians) tracts of contiguous land remained to be gobbled up and made into states. The territories in question were now islands in the Caribbean and south Pacific, areas with established governments seemingly unsuitable for state hood, bringing up another departure. America now focused more on spreading its influence through the western hemisphere, ensuring that it maintained a stronger presence than its old world competitors, than on simply adding more acres to the Union. Despite these significant changes, the root motivations for expansion - protection of U.S. intrests and economic growth - remained the same from one century to the next. Thomas Jeffersons Louisiana purchase opened up a golden era for westward expansion, and the territories gained from France would prove vital to Americas economic future. As textile, steel and oil industries began to boom so did the need for the raw materials grown and mined in the west. The government, in order to feed the growing industries with the needed ore, oil or crops, encouraged expansion with the Homestead Act and subsidized rail road companies laying down track into this new frontier. Expansion had contributed to U.S. becoming the economic super power that it did, and now the continuation of such prosperity would raise a demand for expansion. Americans must now look outward. The growing production demands it, Cried Alfred Mahan (document C). Arguing that if America were to compete with the imperialist activities of the European powers, depicted in Thomas Nast's cartoon as plundering thieves, and control trade through the western hemispher ...

Furloughs In Place of Layoffs

Furloughs In Place of Layoffs Free Online Research Papers Abstract Many organizations are turning to furloughs as an option over layoffs. In the short-term, furlough will optimize the cost of productivity while closing the budget gap. In the long-term, the organization is saving because they are able to keep their top employees and not have to hire and re-train staff. In our current time of economic crisis, furlough is an optimal choice for reducing costs and maintaining the integrity of the organization in the least invasive aspect. Executive Summary Are furloughs an optimal option over layoffs in order to reduce a deficit? I currently work at the University of California, San Diego which is part of the implementation for furloughs in an attempt to reduce the deficit without increasing the unemployment rate in California. Currently the state of California is in a 26 billion dollar deficit and climbing, and has resulted in furloughs for state employees. Furlough’s are defined as the placing of an employee in a temporary non-duty, non-pay status because of lack of work or funds, or other non-disciplinary reasons (Bellafronto Cleveland, 2009). In the current difficult economic times many employers are being forced to make difficult decisions to keep their businesses viable, including laying off employees to reduce payroll costs. More employers, however, are considering alternatives to layoffs. These alternatives allow employers to retain staff, particularly top talent and employees with institutional knowledge (Bellafronto Cleveland, 2009). Employers understand that keeping tenured and often loyal employees employed in anticipation of an inevitable upswing in the economy will also reduce the need to re-hire and re-train personnel which is a very costly and timely endeavor (Heathfield, 2009). Although reducing employee salaries may be an easy solution to an economical crisis, such reductions are often discarded as too demoralizing and often leads to employees looking for new employers. In order to avoid losing valued employees, many employers are attempting to reduce labor costs without layoffs are considering two alternatives: 1) mandatory furloughs and 2) reduced work hours. When done correctly, these can result in cost savings, but there are important legal considerations to keep in mind. This paper will discuss the economical impact of furloughs (Bellafronto Cleveland, 2009). Definition Employee furloughs is a mandatory time off work with no pay. Usually furloughs are implemented as an alternative to a layoff. Employee furloughs can occur in both public and private sector organizations (Heathfield, 2009). Furloughs are often implemented when revenue or projected revenue fails to match expenses. Currently, the state of California, is in a budget crisis and there is a mandatory employee furlough being implemented amongst all state employees. At the UC system all 10 campuses are required to take a mandatory furlough or pay cut. During mandatory employee furloughs, employees are required to take unpaid or partially paid time off of work for periods of time (Heathfield, 2009). The employees generally have either scheduled time off or a set amount of days required to be taken off per month or throughout the fiscal year (Bellafronto Cleveland, 2009).. To schedule employees with a contract, including union-represented employees, for employee furloughs, the contract must be renegotiated. The negotiations about employee furloughs generally include a call-back date (Heathfield, 2009). In the state of California the UC school system gave each university the option between mandatory furlough and reduced salary. All of the UC’s individually held town meetings to hear the voice of the employees to analyze what the employees preferred. The employees voted and pushed for a furlough instead of a cut in salary. Although the furlough does ultimately result in a reduced salary, it is demoralizing to have employees work the same amount of hours for reduced pay. As an employee of the UC system, I also voted for the furlough. I strongly believe that it is easier to accept a non-paid day off than a reduction in salary. Fortunately, during employee furloughs, benefits usually continue, which is one of the employee furloughs differentiating factors from a layoff. In addition, other companies have implemented work sharing programs. Work sharing is an Unemployment Insurance program that allows an employer to reduce the number of hours an employee works during a week while unemployment compensation makes up some of the difference in income. Since the current issue is that the state is in a budget deficit, utilizing unemployment would not be cost efficient for the state (Heathfield, 2009). Factors or Costs According to the UC President Mark G. Yudof, effective July 16th, 2009, the UC Board of Regents approved a systemwide furlough as part of a plan to offset $813 million in state funding reductions for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 fiscal years. The furlough is viewed as a short-term solution to close the deficit and manage the budgets under the new budget for the upcoming fiscal year. If the furlough is successful, the university will be able to remove the furloughs and ensure long-term success. Although the university is optimistic about the furlough, it is demoralizing and difficult for the employees to endure. In the current economical situation, and with the constant news of businesses laying off employees, UC employees are appreciative to have a furlough in lieu of a mass layoff. Most California business are amidst a human resources hire freeze, and it is difficult to obtain new jobs. The hire freeze amongst other corporations gives the UC an increase market power. Although, we are amidst a furlough, the furlough is only applicable to non-federally paid employees. The UC campus is made up of both federal and state funds. Fortunately, the furlough is only applicable to state funded employees, such being the case that the federal funded research programs are still very much thriving and now have market power with regards to hiring highly qualified applicants. According to our human resources department, for each job opening we have over 300 applicants and most of the applicants are over qualified but in the current economy are willing to take any job. The university is able to obtain a highly qualified candidate for a lower salary. The federal research funds are an important revenue source for the UC system. These funds are released to the UC along with a 54.5% indirect cost rate that is associated with every dollar spent. For example for every $500,000 that is awarded to the university, $272,500 is allocated as indirect costs. Indirect are allocated as funds are spent, therefore, for every dollar spent 54.5% is revenue for the university. It was a wise decision to exclude the federal research funds of the furlough, because in the end the university would lose revenue and if the funds are not spent by the time allotted, the funds are to be returned to the government. In addition, it is calculated that for every 1 million dollars awarded by the federal government, 17 jobs are created. Measurement According to the UC California Budget News (2009), the UC system faces an unprecedented $813 million deficit in state support. The furlough plan is part of a system wide strategy to address the deficit. In an effort to lessen the hardship on employees, the UC has devised a plan is based on a sliding scale. Employees who have higher salaries will have a larger number of furlough days and a correspondingly higher salary reduction. Salary reductions range from 4 -10 percent. The UC President estimates that the furlough implementation will produce a savings that is estimated to cover about one-quarter of the universities budget gap. On a personal note, I will incur 16 furlough days which is equivalent to a 6% salary cut (UCSD, 2009) In addition to the furloughs, the university also plans to increase student fees in order to eliminate another quarter of the budget gap. All of the departments have been given strict guidelines for immediate debt restructuring, drastic cuts in spending on campuses and within the Office of the President will make up the remainder of the budget gap (UCSD, 2009). Analysis Implementing a furlough is a way to reduce expenses in order to close the budget gap. In doing so, employers are able to keep their staff, and will save money in the long-term as well as the short-term. Hiring new staff is very expensive and not cost-efficient, there are costs associated with training, background checks and it often takes a minimum of 6 months for an employee to get caught up to speed with the other employees. The furlough is a more favorable option to layoffs for employees as well as employers. Although the employees are required to take mandatory furlough days, the workload or demand is not decreasing. The university is constantly in high demand with regards to education as well as research. We are now facing the issue of supply, where supply is the laborers needed to run the university. There are a lot more expectations given to employees who have to do the same amount of work in less demand, and this could affect the productivity of the university. Summary In summary, furloughs are an optimal option over layoffs when used to reduce a deficit. Cost analysis have shown that furloughs are both a short-term as well as a long-term solution to budgetary deficits. The UC system proved to be a great example of an organization that is using this options in order to maintain productivity as well as maintaining the integrity of the UC system. References Maurice, S. Thomas, C. (2008). Managerial Economics, 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. Bellafronto, E. Cleveland B. (March 5, 2009). Furloughs may be smarter than layoffs. Legal times. Heathfield, S. (2009). Employee Furloughs. About.com http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryf/g/furlough.htm UCSD. (July, 2009). University of California Budget News. universityofcalifornia.edu/budget/?page_id=87 Research Papers on Furloughs In Place of LayoffsMoral and Ethical Issues in Hiring New EmployeesTwilight of the UAWAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaLifes What IfsThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationPETSTEL analysis of IndiaThe Project Managment Office SystemNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This NiceOpen Architechture a white paperResearch Process Part One

Maimonides Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Maimonides - Research Paper Example He was regarded as one of the popular Jewish Philosophical figures from the medieval ages. He was also a great â€Å"Torah† (name given by the Jews to the first five books of Bible) scholar and a well-known physician. Mimonides was born in Cordova, Spain on Passover eve (a unique fast day in Judiasm) in 1135 and died in Egypt (Tiberias) on 20th Tevet (fourth month of Hebrew calendar), December 12, 1204.Besides Maimonides, Cordova was also the birthplace of Avveros (Davidson 7-9). His father â€Å"Maimon†, was the direct descendent of the King David. Maimon served as a judge in the city’s Rabbinical Court. His mother passed away soon after his birth (Mangel). Maimonides was born during the age which is considered by many scholars as the end of the golden period of Jewish culture in the IberismPennisula after passage of first few years of Moorish rule. Muslim rule was established in Cordova and it stood and served as one of the greatest intellectual centers of the world at that point of time (Stroumsa 65). However as reported by Jacobs and Broyde, the situation took a turn and the events became worse when the Almohads invaded in 1148. They offered the local non-Muslims to choose either between Islam or else exile. Otherwise, they will be executed if they would not follow any one of the given alternatives. The family of Maimonides had to leave Cordova forcefully and after wandering here and there for so many years, they at last get settled in Fez, Morroco in 1160. In Morroco, they were unknown to the local authorities which supported them to pass as Muslims.There Maimonides studied at the University of Al-Karaouine.At that time, he started to work on his first religious master piece, â€Å"Commentary on Mishnah†. However, this dual life was increasingly threatening as the Maimonides’ popularity was growing steadily and the higher authorities were investigating regarding the religious disposition of this highly intellectual and gifted young man.  The ongoing inquiry had caused him to be charged with the crime of having reverted from Islam due to the evidenceprovided by an informer. But, due to the intervention of a Muslim friend, he remained successful in escaping the situation. However, these circumstances caused his family once again to leave Fez in 1165 and spent life in search of some shelter. Afterwards, they started their journey and went to Acre, to Jerusalem, and then to Fustat (Cairo), where they settled themselves in 1166 (Jacobs &Broyde). In Egypt, Maimonides had to face a number of misfortunes right in the starting years. Jacobs and Broyde had mentioned in their article that his father, Mai mon had died during that period too. After the demise of his father, his brother â€Å"David†had taken the responsibility of supporting the family by trading of precious stones. His financial support had provided Maimonides with the comfort of continuing and devoting himself to study Torah and author his first scholarly work on the Mishnah which started in 1166 and finished in 1168. This work of Maimonides was established as a seminal work in the Jewish Law. But it was not the end of losses for Maimonides, as his brother got perished in the sea in 1171. With his brother, his own fortune along with the large sums of other traders that had been entrusted upon David, were also lost with him. That event had affected the health of Maimonides and he remained sick for a long time span. After recovering his

Diagnostic Writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Diagnostic Writing - Essay Example The patriarchal society was created by men to maintain a dominant position in the society that restricts the role of women in any decision making and promotes a set of rules for their conduct and actions, both within the family and outside the family environment. The women are denied the basic right for self expression and empowerment of women has increasingly become a major issue for the societies at large. Later, when the women, especially those coming from lower strata of society and from black community, started sharing work with their counterparts, they were denied their rightful wages and status. Truth’s speech in 1851 at Ohio’s Women’s Rights Convention, is a persuasive text that question’s the society’s moral right to deny the women equal rights when they have shown that they are capable of working alongside men, in every field. In her speech, Truth has pointed out that though women, in general, have been denied equal rights and decision powers but the ‘black’ women have even been stripped of their gender identity and denied the basic minimum respect that ‘white’ women command! She has been highly critical of system that lets the ‘black’ woman do the work of men but when it comes to recognizing them at par with the men, there is no hesitation in highlighting the gender discrimination. It is but for a woman, Mary, that ‘Jesus our God’ was born so how can a society morally deny the women any rights? She says that she has worked like a man, borne lashes and at times, even done better than them. At the same, she has borne and reared children who were sold into slavery in front them and still she has not been accorded the status of either a woman or equal partner! She has exhorted the women to fight collectively for their rights because ‘if the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to

Magnesium calcium lithium, Sodium, and Potassium Essay Example for Free

Magnesium calcium lithium, Sodium, and Potassium Essay In this lab, six different metals were tested for their reactivity in water. From less reactive to most reactive, the metals were as follows: Aluminum, Magnesium, Calcium, Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium. A pattern found in the periodic table explaining the reactivity of metals is the further down in a family, and the further left in a period, the more reactive the metal will be. Aluminum and Magnesium were both the less reactive. Neither of the metals produced hydrogen, or not enough to have a positive test to prove it was there. Metals + H O H + Metal Hydroxide Calcium gave off a large amount of Hydrogen gas. Lighting a splint, placing it in the test tube, and hearing a loud pop proved this. When the calcium was placed in the water, it caused the temperature to rise to such a high level it was not possible to hold with bare hands. This could be because the electrons are moving so quickly that it causes the temperature to rise. The calcium formed a white, powder-like precipitate at the bottom of the test tube. Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium all had very violent reactions in water. Phenolphthalein was added to the beakers after the metals had reacted, and the water turned a pink/ purple color proving that these metals make bases, and therefore have a pH between eight and. Common reactions between metals were they all formed hydrogen gas, even if it was a very small amount. Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium all tested positive to be a base with phenolphthalein, and all had an oily surface. A pattern found in the periodic table explaining the reactivity of metals is the further down in a family, and the further left in a period, the more reactive the metal will be. This is because the elements in period I, Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium, only have one valence electron, and it is quite simple to lose it. Also, the further down the family, the more the ionization energy decreases because of the shielding effect (the inner electrons block the attraction of the nucleus for outer electrons) and atomic radius (the greater the distance between the nucleus and the outer electron). However, the further to the right of the periodic table, the more the ionization energy increase because of the nuclear charge, electron arrangement ( an electron in a full of a half full energy level requires additional energy to be removed), and atomic radius. This explains why Aluminum was the least reactive, and Potassium was the most reactive.

To Kill A Mocking Bird :: To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

The theme of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mocking Bird is the existence of racism and prejudice in the 1930 – 40's. Harper Lee succeeds in presenting the topic in a manner that is not overly simplistic and thus achieves the task of allowing the reader to fully appreciate the complex nature of unjust discrimination. Harper Lee's inclusion of characters such as Tom Robinson, Boo Radley, Dolphus Raymond and many others, aid the reader to grasp the concept of racism and its central role in the town of Maycomb. To Kill a Mocking Bird is narrated retrospectively from the view of Scout, the daughter of Atticus Finch a lawyer of Maycomb, and younger sister of Jem. The informal vocabulary of the narration is still good enough to suggest it is spoken from the view of an adult Scout, (looking back at her childhood) but is casual enough to be understood by most readers. Maycomb's racist attitude in To Kill a Mocking Bird is fueled by the events which occurred soon after World War I. After a devastating stock market crash, many employers lost a substantial amount of money and therefore could hardly afford to hire staff. Many resorted to buying slaves; it was cheap and required little responsibility on their part. This event led to the employment of Negroes. The Industrial revolution did not occur in South America since it was only logical to simply buy slaves rather than expensive machinery. The civil war soon followed, and declared that Negroes were no longer considered slaves and if they were unhappy with work conditions they could leave. Few did, since jobs were already dangerously scarce and by about 1930 racism toward blacks was obvious. Negroes were accused of stealing the jobs of white people and this led to a system of separate public transport, schools and even drinking fountains. To Kill a Mocking Bird expresses the racist attitudes of Maycomb most dominantly in the court case involving Tom Robinson (who's lawyer is Atticus Finch) and Mayella Eule. The trial makes blatantly obvious to the reader that Tom Robinson, the black man accused of rape is innocent and yet the jury finds him guilty. It also establishes that Mayella was actually beaten by her father and although the evidence that points to this occurrence is circumstantial, it is made perfectly clear. The court case also clarifies to the reader the frightful nature and obvious abundance of racism within the small town of Maycomb.

The Lost Thing Belonging by Shaun Tan

â€Å"More than anything else, belonging is about finding a sense of place in the world. † Do you agree? Argue your point of view, referring to Shaun Tan’s â€Å"The Lost Thing†. Achieving a sense of place in the world, mentally and physically, allows an individual to feel an awareness of belonging – a feeling unobtainable through little else. Places where imagination and distinctiveness are condemned force those who adapt to live a dull reality that holds no challenges or freedom of thought. Minority groups are set apart from the majority, with the mainstream becoming blind to those who are excluded simply because they don’t fit society’s standards.Shaun Tan’s â€Å"The Lost Thing† explores a world that directly reflects society and its inability to accept indifferences. Through Tan’s use of film techniques such as tones, costuming, and camera shots, the audience is able to have an increased understanding of belonging an d the necessity of finding a sense of place in the world. Until an individual is able to find a place where they feel security and a sense of identity, they are unable to belong in the world. Conforming to a society that eradicates individuality and creativity results in a mundane existence without challenges and freethinking.The fundamental need to belong can consequently see many altering themselves in order to fit society and its perceptions. A monotone narrative voiceover introduces the premise of the film, as the young protagonist reveals his wavering ability to remember stories that use to humour and amaze. Amused by the irony of his reflection, â€Å"I used to know a whole lot of pretty interesting stories, some of them so funny you would laugh yourself unconscious†¦but I can’t remember any of those†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , the audience’s rapport with this character is immediately established.Sepia tones are juxtaposed with the bright colouration of the lost thing p ortraying a dichotomy between the industrialised world and the misplaced ‘Thing’. Curiosity and a sense of trepidation lure the protagonist and the audience simultaneously. A playful bell on the Lost Things tolls waking the creature, which is followed by an increased diegetic sound including a growl, further displaying Tan’s use of dichotomy to create a distinction between the mechanical aspects of the society that the ‘lost thing’ has found itself in and its own gentleness.Dull and uniformed costuming of the members in society highlights the suppression of individuality in a conformed society. Dirty off-white coloured prison-like uniforms with numbering imprinted on each uniform illuminates to the responder their imprisonment and insignificant existence. A mob of members of society is seen walking in one direction, together. This use of synchronized choreography exhibits their subconsciously controlled lives. Their robotic movement implies their los s of independent thought, forcing the responder to evaluate their own society.It becomes clear to the audience that more than anything, belonging is about finding a sense of place in the world encouraged by the use of these film techniques. As conforming is blatantly the prominent theme throughout Shaun Tan’s â€Å"The Lost Thing†, Tan expresses that following a society where imagination is lost can lead to mere existence rather than having purpose, yet the protagonist conforms nonetheless. Tan stresses that although conforming might not be ideal it is by doing this that an individual is able to gain a sense of place in the world and consequently feel as though they belong.The majority of society is blinded to the ostracised minority, as they don’t follow the preordained path. The protagonist in this short film only finds the lost thing by chance, while no one else pays attention to ‘the thing’, as they have lack of sight for things they don’ t ideally fit into their lives. An engaging panning shot around the ‘thing’ when the protagonist finds the ‘lost thing’ emphasizes the singularity of the ‘thing’ he has found, reflecting specific groups that don’t adhere to society’s perceptions of normality.The responder, consequently, is influenced to feel sympathetic towards those in society who don’t inherently know where they belong. Subtle allusion utilised when the protagonist goes to pick up what he believes will be a bottle top for his collection, but unintentionally discovers the thing, introduces the concept that individuals who have molded to society are blinded to any of their surroundings that don’t coincide with society’s expectations. It is implied to the audience that unless those that are different manage to intrude on the activities of popular society they would go unnoticed due to the subconsciously encouraged blindness.The audience is humo ured by the idea that due to his lack of sight the protagonist was unable to see the huge object that is soon discovered as the ‘thing’, but instead took notice of the small bell buried in the sand next to it, for which he probably mistook as a bottle top. This literal sightlessness is further enforced by the repetition of a specific line in the dialogue of the narrative voiceover, â€Å"†¦too busy doing other stuff I guess† that is used when talking about how the ‘lost thing’ or ‘things’ go unnoticed.Specifically the very last lines, â€Å"I see that kind of thing less and less these days†¦maybe I just stopped noticing, too busy doing other stuff I guess† leads the responder to assume that the protagonist has been absorbed into society and so has inadvertently gained that blindness, allowing him to be able to simply ignore the presence of the minority. Through this line, the responder is now left feeling sorry for not o nly the ‘lost thing’ but for the protagonist as well.Symbolic representation, or the presence of the street-like arrow signs elucidate that society believes there is a path you must take, except that the chaos and disorder of these signs in many of the scenes suggests that following one particular path is difficult and that you shouldn’t have to just follow one path when there are so many to choose from. The responder is forced to question how a society can decide what particular path everyone is meant to take if there are ultimately hundreds of options.The ludicrousness of conformity in a collective group of people is highlighted due to the use of this technique. Suppression of minority groups makes it difficult for the excluded to feel as if they belong. Through demonstrating that not belonging comes from feeling as if they have no place in the world Shaun Tan successfully instills the belief in the responder that without a possibility of belonging in a physica l place it is not possible to belong in any sense.Through finding a location where one can feel a sense of acceptance an individual can achieve belonging, more than anything else. Conforming to society, although not necessary or ideal, can allow an individual to gain this feeling, even if it means adapting to dull surroundings that lead to nothing more than a mundane existence. Suppressed groups find it difficult to belong as they have no ability to feel ‘at home’ in a location, but through understanding this it is possible to apprehend that it truly is a sense of place that allows a genuine sense of belonging.Shaun Tan uses many film techniques to successfully display these concepts and ensure the responder is able to also grasp them. Tan’s â€Å"The Lost Thing† ultimately displays a metaphoric world that reflects our own society and encourages us to question our own behaviours. More than anything else, belonging is about finding a true sense of place in the world.

Boy Scouts and Militarism

Boy scouts movements are what we can consider embedded in the culture of many countries. The appeal of this youth movement had captured the attention of young boys worldwide. The Boy Scout movement had built a decent reputation of rearing young boys with admirable characteristics. This gained reputation is the very basis why the Boy Scout movement had become the largest youth-based organization in the world. When people hear of the term â€Å"Boy Scouts†, they associate it much with camping and other fun activities.According to founder of the movement, Robert Baden-Powell, the activities of the Boy Scouts are focused on developing physical and mental fitness, camaraderie, character, and citizenship. The program of the Boy Scout movement claims to be designed to help young people to develop self-reliance, courage, and integrity, among many other admirable traits (Elleke 12-15). The truth behind those stereotypes would not be questioned. What this paper would delve on is what ma ny admirers may had overlooked regarding the nature and the origin of the of the most influential youth movement.Many critics had argued that the Boy Scout movement can find its roots as being militaristic in nature. The concept of militarism may sound too radical when aligned with the seemingly innocent movement, who talks about having fun while aiming towards being better persons. But of course, criticisms would not be heard of if they are lacking solid and convincing basis. If the nature of the origin of the Boy Scouts movement would be reviewed, the possibility of militarism could be easily disregarded. It is beyond question that the Boy Scout movement is promoting very ideal yet admirable concepts for youths.But since there is lots of evidence that suggests militaristic beginnings, this paper would argue, as a reiteration to the arguments of forerunners with the same argument: that it is undeniable that the Boy Scout movement had started as an interest group that is based much on militarism. To springboard this argument, there is no need to look far from the word â€Å"Boy Scouts. † The term â€Å"scouts† alone would ring a military function. The term would suggest military functions that are closely related to information gathering and reconnaissance.IF we give much thought on this term, we could relate it to the incorporation of outdoor activities (e. g. camping, trekking) to Boy Scout programs. The movement claims that those outdoor activities are for developing self-reliance and survival in the wild. It is hard to dismiss the notion that these kinds of activities have resemblances to military training. The question of where would Boy Scouts could use this kind of training would certainly intrigue critics. It appears that knowledge of survival in the outdoors is not as practical as the movement promotes.Knowledge of survival in the outdoors is much useful in the context of war. Militaristic Origins Scouting can be traced back from the tim e of Robert Baden-Powell, a British lieutenant- general who founded the Scouting Movement. It all started and happened during the Siege of Mafeking, Second Boer War. Baden-Powell recruited boys with ages 12- 15 years old whom he eventually trained. From this situation, he founded the Boy Scouts, which is clearly seen to be a product of a militaristic movement. The roots of British Boy Scouts, on the other hand, can be traced from its foundation in May 1909.The organization was actually composed through members of Scout troops in the Battersea District. Although lacking of financial and human power support, the organization survived through various ways of generating these two important resources. To gain financial assistance, the organization pursued to get initial funds through acquiring sponsors. The members used the weekly page of the paper Chums to generate funds from their sponsors. To gain more members, the foundation spread the news of their existence in other parts of the Un ited Kingdom.However, in October of that same year, the British Boy Scouts was reconciled with Baden-Powell’s headquarters. They became the allied organization of Baden-Powell with Sir Francis Vane giving his assurances. That time, he is the Commissioner of Baden-Powell London. One proof that the British Boy Scouts originated from a military orientation is the incident that happened the following month. It was November 1909 when Sir Francis Vane suddenly made a schism right after he was ousted by Baden- Powell from the Scout Association.The two men actually have opposing views regarding the militarism and bureaucracy. Vane made strong arguments regarding Baden- Powell’s militaristic and political leadership over his headquarters staff. Here, the British Boy Scouts proved their support to Sir Francis Vane. They came with Sir Francis Vane in his schism and chose him to be their leader. From this point, The British Boy Scouts expanded its connections and alliances through founding another organization in the early 1910—the National Peace Scouts. It was actually a joined organization with the Boy’s Life Brigade.From a small organization, the British Boy Scouts, late known as Brotherhood of British Scouts, expanded through forming some allies with other countries such as the United States, Hong Kong, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Indi, New Zealand, and South America. It was then called The Order of World Scouts in 1911. From a small organization, it expanded to 12 countries. (Jeal 428) However, The Order of World Scouts suddenly declined and eventually made its downfall when Sir Francis Vane got involved with bankruptcy, making the Brotherhood of British Scouts fell back as a domestic, small organization. The presence of militaristsIn 1910, fifty- six percent of the 250 Presidents and Commissioners, a total of 140 men, were identified as military officers, whether serving or retired (Springhall, 939-940). With this huge militaristic pr esence in the government, the Boys Scout Association can be given doubts as the organization that acts as front for further military ambitions. Involvement of the youth in war In Baden-Powell’s book entitled Scouting For Boys, one chapter discusses marksmanship which is said to be the same with patriotism (Baden-Powell 322). When World War 1 exploded, the scouts were used as auxiliary assistance of the war.Moreover, those who ages fifteen to seventeen could undergo special trainings in basic infantry techniques, entrenching, shooting, and signaling. In addition, a specific cadet corps called Mafeking Cadet Corps helped military missions through transmitting messages, decreasing the duties of the military men while providing the boys with something to do during the siege. The Mafeking Cadet Corps composed of young boys was of great help to the military during the siege in 1899 to 1990. Similarities to militarism The resemblances between the Boy Scout movement and groups with m ilitaristic nature are very striking indeed.The similarities between the two would go beyond similarities in their appearance. Boy Scouts are sporting uniforms that could only have been inspired by military uniforms. But more striking is the use of badges to determine ranks or seniority. The concept of â€Å"badges† could be interpreted as one of the drawbacks of the design of the program of the Boy Scout movement. Boy Scouts could be trained and condition to think that everything they do must translate to merits. This could be more than contradicting to the movement’s preamble that is seemingly altruistic.Many critics had posted the striking similarities, even in the design of Boy Scouting badges to those that the military forces are using. It could also be included that the Boy Scout movements also conduct flag ceremonies in an almost religious manner. Only the military forces practice such religiosity towards nationalistic practices like the flag ceremony. The desig n of conducting flag ceremonies, in relation to the argument that Boy Scouting involves much militarism could have been for re-instilling nationalistic thoughts in the minds of young people.In Baden-Powell’s book, Scouting For Boys, he had something that could be relatively too hard to absorbed by young people, but not of young people under militaristic training â€Å"be prepared to die for your country is it need be, so that when the moment arrives you may charge home with confidence†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The most notable part of his line was targeted to young Boy Scouts â€Å"†¦not caring whether you are going to be killed or not† (Baden-Powell 331-332) For Baden-Powell, the ideal citizenship involves being preparedness for the possibility of death while serving the country.Those lines could be closely associated to what military personnel say all the time, like they are brainwashed or something, especially when they are set to fight in a war. Even the seemingly innoce nt practices of Boy Scouts like songs, chants, and marching finds its roots to military influences. Almost all Boy Scout song and chants have similarities to those of the military forces. There striking similarities in terms of cadence, melody, and content.There is no need to expound on marching as being military influenced. That just requires an open-and-critical mind dashed with even the slightest common sense. Moreover, the similarities go beyond appearances between Boy Scouts and the military. Even the internal design of the Boy Scout program seems to follow militaristic thinking. During the early years of the Boy Scout movement, the divisions of the early version of the Boy Scout movement have very explicit similarities to the way military forces are organized.It was like there is a corresponding branch within the Boy Scout movement to branches of the military forces. In 1912, there was the Sea Scouts, during World War 2 there was the Air Scouts of 1940 (Vane 19). In the founda tional book â€Å"Scouting For Boys†, there was a whole section dedicated for the discussion of the Navy and the Army (Baden-Powell 328-330) Misleading design Militaristic qualities are ever present and obvious at the Boy Scout movement. Yet advocates of the movement persistently dispel the argument that the movement is in anyway militaristic.Their first line of defense was the seemingly innocent and politically stripped words of Robert Baden-Powell (see introduction of this paper). But many critics view Baden-Powell’s design as misleading and leaning towards militaristic ideals. One point of argument by the movement’s critics is that misleading leanings set by Baden-Powell. The founder of the movement claims that Boy Scouts are aiming for high morality. According to critics, that kind of design is also employed by other misleading organizations such as when the pacifist group Boys Life Brigade aiming at â€Å"saving lives.† (Foster) One of the most popul ar interpretations of the Boy Scout movement as a whole is by former president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. His comments are devoid of any leanings, but still it provides good material for this discussion â€Å"†¦it does not try to make soldiers out of Boy Scouts, but tot make boys who will turn out as men to be fine citizens, and who will, if their country needs them , make better soldiers for having been scouts† (Roosevelt) A critic had analyzed Baden-Powell’s words to his publisher in 1901.Baden-Powell’s words are â€Å"if you want to ensure peace let them see you are prepared for war†¦Ã¢â‚¬  That alone could paint a militaristic interpretation, yet Baden-Powell added and pertaining to the Boy Scoutsâ€Å"†¦a wise and practical organization of the splendid material lying ready to our handsâ€Å" (Adams 123) The critic had concluded that the real motive behind the creation of the Boy Scout movement is to provide additional defen se for the British military. (Foster) Conclusion The Boy Scout movement started as an organization that has an altruistic mission of helping young people.But political opportunists had recognized the potential of the growing movement. And by their power and influences, they had managed to create a seemingly innocent movement that has subtly incorporated militaristic traits. Moreover, the Boy Scout movement can not deny the fact that their origins are of militaristic nature. Even the founder of the movement had come from the military. It is just understandable that he may incorporate militaristic ideals in the formulation of the organization that he had started.Having a militaristic origin does not reflect negatively on the Boy Scouts of today. What is the most efficient way to do is to separate negative and positive traits from militarism. They should reject negative militaristic traits like leanings towards war. More importantly, preserve positive militaristic traits like high-leve ls of discipline and nationalism. Works cited Adams, William Scovell . Edwardian Portraits. UK: Secker and Warberg. 1957 Baden-Powell, Robert. Scouting For Boys: The Original 1908 Edition.Dover Publications ,Incorporated. 2007 Boehmer, Elleke (2004). Notes to 2004 edition of Scouting for Boys. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Elleke, Boehmer. Notes to 2004 edition of Scouting for Boys. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2004 Jeal, Tim, Baden-Powell, Hutchinson. The Vane Rebellion Pages. 1989 Michael Foster. MILITARISM AND THE SCOUT MOVEMENT. Scout History Association. 17 April 2008 Vane, Sir Francis. The Boy Knight, The Council of the National Peace Scouts. 1910

AIDS Essay Example

Current Event on HIV/AIDS Essay Example Current Event on HIV/AIDS Paper Current Event on HIV/AIDS Paper Essay Topic: Current The article that I have chosen is: â€Å"WHO advocates circumcision to curb new HIV cases The practice would best serve males in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers say. † By Jia-Rui Chong (Times Staff Writer), Dated March 29, 2007. (Quoted). The article speaks of one of the latest finding related to HIV/AIDS involving male circumcision. The WHO recommends it as a one of its main strategies to help prevent HIV/AIDS spread in Africa. The WHO claims that this new finding and execution of it as a strategy in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS during sexual intercourse in men could save millions of lives in Africa. Male circumcision is widely being performed in the Northern African regions, and is less frequently performed in the Southern and the Eastern African regions. The WHO feels that the if it was more widely performed, it could help to prevent in the transmission of HIV/AIDS and save millions of lives. The Director of the WHO’s HIV/AIDS Department Kevin De Cock, feels this could be utilized as an additional intervention in countries where the prevalence of HIV/IDS was high and where circumcision was appropriate. This could effectively reduce the risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS in heterosexual men. In many parts of Africa, male circumcision is performed to lower extents nowadays, and if these were increased, it would help in reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Initially, when HIV/AIDS was began to spread in Africa, it was observed that men who had undergone circumcision had less frequently transmitted or developed the infection, than those who were not circumcised (BBC-Health. 2007). However, these earlier observations were unconfirmed, and only through recent trials have they been established. The risk of HIV/AIDS spread reducing after conducting male circumcision is well-documented. According to the CDC, the foreskin present on the penis is less keratinized and a greater number of Langerhans cells are present (specific cells that are targeted by the HIV virus). During sexual intercourse, the foreskin is at a greater risk of undergoing damage, and so the risk of transmitting HIV/AIDS increases. The environment existing in the area between the glans penis and the unretracted skin is such that viruses could easily survive. Besides, several individuals having ulcerated STD’s (including syphilis) have greater risk of transmitting and acquiring the disease in case the penis is not circumscribed. A clinical trial conducted in Africa to demonstrate the benefits of male circumcision on HIV/AIDS demonstrated that circumcision not only reduced the risk for transmission of HIV/AIDS but also other ulcerated STD’s. Clinical trials have also demonstrated that the spread of HIV/AIDS decreased from an infected male to a normal female, especially when the viral load was low (CDC. 2007). The WHO feels that male circumcision could help prevent the transmission of about 5. 3 million new cases of HIV infection, and reduce fatalities in about 3 million people over the next 20 years. In the year 2006, about 270, 000 new cases of HIV had developed. The Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, feels that several strategies such as condom use, determining the HIV status of the sex partner, etc, could be used along with male circumcision in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Circumcision was to be introduced free of cost to targeted males by individual nations. Dr. Mark R. Dybul, the US global HIV/AIDS coordinator, said that the US would support male circumcision as a strategy in preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS. However, the WHO expressed some amount of caution over this new finding, as men would experience a false sense of complete protection. The transmission of HIV/AIDS could not be completely stopped by using male circumcision. The transmission rates reduced by 48 to 60 %, and should not be perceived as 100 % (BBC-Health. 2007). Another study conduced in males in Kenya, South Africa and Uganda, demonstrated that risk of HIV/AIDS transmission reduced by about 60 %. Hence, the WHO advocates that men should continue using other strategies such as condom usage and questioning their sex partner of the HIV/AIDS status. The WHO and the UN had a meeting in Monteaux, Switzerland, to discuss these finding of male circumcision and the manner in which it could be utilized in the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Dr. Maria J. Wawer, who works as a Research Associate at the John Hopkins University and who also contributed in the Uganda trial, is very excited about the findings achieved through these Trials. She compares the results obtained through these trials to that of inventing a Vaccine for HIV/AIDS. She feels that the public enthusiasm would be high when a vaccine for HIV was obtained, and hence, the public should be happy about male circumcision. Dr. Maria J. Wawer, also feels that this could be used as a cost-effective strategy in preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS. During the trial, it costs about 69 US dollars for one male to undergo circumcision. The cost was high during this period, as the additional tests were performed by the researchers and surgeons were utilized to perform the procedure. Dr. Wawer feels that in the future nurses could be trained to conduct the procedure and reduce the costs of male circumcision. The author of this article Jia-Rui Chong has given his email address for any doubts and clarifications. The credentials of the author have not been mentioned, but his position at the LA Times has been mentioned. The article is a recent one, and the findings of this article have been confirmed through the websites of reputed organizations (such as BBC Health and CDC). Reference: The Article Jia-Rui Chong.‘WHO advocates circumcision to curb new HIV cases The practice would best serve males in sub-Saharan Africa, researchers say. † Los Angeles Times 31 Mar. 2007. latimes. com/news/science/la-sci-circumcision29mar29,1,1793948. story? ctrack=1cset=true Others – BBC Health. â€Å"WHO agrees HIV circumcision plan. † BBC NEWS 31 Mar. 2007. http://news. bbc. co. uk/2/hi/health/6502855. stm CDC (2007). â€Å"Male Circumcision and Risk for HIV Transmission: Implications for the United States. † 2007. CDC-HIV/AIDS 31 Mar. 2007. cdc. gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/circumcision. htm

About the Greek Playwright Sophocles

About the Greek Playwright Sophocles Sophocles was a playwright and the second of the 3 greatest Greek writers of tragedy (with Aeschylus and Euripides). He is known best for what he wrote about Oedipus, the mythological figure who proved central to Freud and the history of psychoanalysis. He lived through most of the 5th century from 496-406 BCE, experiencing the Age of Pericles and the Peloponnesian War. Early Life Sophocles grew up in the town of Colonus, just outside Athens, which was the setting of his tragedy Oedipus at Colonus. His father, Sophillus, thought to have been a wealthy nobleman, sent his son to Athens for an education. Public and Religious Offices Held by Sophocles In 443/2 Sophocles was hellanotamis or treasurer of the Greeks and managed, with 9 others, the treasury of the Delian League. During the Samian War (441-439) and the Archidamian War (431-421) Sophocles was strategos general. In 413/2, he was one of the board of 10 probouloi or commissioners in charge of the council. Sophocles was a priest of Halon and helped introduce the cult of Asclepius, god of medicine, to Athens. He was honored posthumously as a hero (Source: Greek Tragedy An Introduction, by Bernhard Zimmerman. 1986.) Dramatic Accomplishments Seven complete tragedies out of more than 100 survive; fragments exist for 80-90 others. Oedipus at Colonus was produced posthumously. Oedipus TyrannusOedipus at ColonusAntigoneElectraTrachiniaeAjaxPhiloctetes In 468 BCE, Sophocles defeated the first of the three great Greek tragedians, Aeschylus, in a dramatic competition; then in 441 BCE, the third of the tragedian trio, Euripides, beat him. During his long life, Sophocles earned many prizes, including about 20 for 1st place. Here are his prize dates (when known): Ajax (440s)Antigone (442?)ElectraOedipus at ColonusOedipus Tyrannus (425?)Philoctetes (409)Trachiniae Sophocles increased the number of actors to 3 (thereby reducing the importance of the chorus). He broke from Aeschylus thematically-unified trilogies, and invented skenographia (scene painting), to define the background.

Effects of information system and information technology on Amazon.com Essay - 3

Effects of information system and information technology on Amazon.com - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that there are many ways that Amazon as a company uses information systems and information technology to perpetuate its success. First, an information system is the system that uses information technology in order to manipulate, retrieve, capture or even display data. Information systems serve several purposes which fairly lead to achieving success by a company or a business. Such roles that the information system and information technology play in a business include attaining excellence in the operation of the business, business models, offering services, and also invention of new products, the information system, and the information technology has also been a tool to attaining intimacy between the customer and the supplier, for the company to attain competitive advantage and finally so that the business can survive in the business environment. Therefore, Amazon Company seeks to achieve all these advantages through the use of the informati on system and technology. There are other factors resulting from the use of information system and information technology. Such factors include the transformation of business enterprises, the fact that the digital firms have emerged, industrial economies have transformed, and a global economy has emerged and thus giving room for a lot of competition. Information systems and information technology enable the where many businesses and companies are competing

Case Study Nike The Sweatshop Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Study Nike The Sweatshop Debate - Essay Example Nike has changed its course of action in recent years from one of sheer denial and arguments to one of policy and change. The fact that the company responded only to global media pressure and the fact that standards only changed in Indonesia because of workers strikes and consumer pressure leave something to be desired about the ethical standards of Nike. However, it is important to recognize that Nike did change, though the implementation of the 1997 policies, almost ten years later, are not fully in effect. Nike should be held ethically responsible for the working conditions in foreign factories of subcontractors. In a business decision, regardless of the international boundaries, it is important to follow a certain level of ethical standards. While it is impossible to judge if Nike absolutely knew of the sub-standard conditions, it is logical to assume that Nike could not have ignored the possibility, regardless of the information from Mr. Young, who said that the conditions were adequate in the factories. Yet, in countries where minimum age and working condition laws are not contusive to an appropriate and healthy lifestyle, Nike, by simple association, should maintain a level of dignity for their products. However, the legalities of the situation become more intricate for Nike, being an American based business, subcontracts to (mainly) Asian factories. In 1992, Nike implemented a Memorandum that "required its subcontractors to comply with local laws regulating wages and working cond itions and mandated that documentation of compliance with the Memorandum be maintained for Nike's inspection," and "required subcontractors to adhere to environmentally safe practices and to certify that they did not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, ethnic origin, or sexual orientation," yet by 1997 the subcontractors in question were obviously ignoring the Memorandum (Shaw p 6 1999). The fact that Nike created this Memo shows that in early years, the company was knowledgeable of the situation-otherwise, there would not have been a reason to respond (via the Memorandum) to negative media attention. The fact that Nike shows a response based on findings and media attention furthers the idea that they should be held legally, on an international basis, for their business practices-even those that fall under the laws of other countries. 2. What labor standards regarding safety, working conditions, overtime, and the like should Nike hold foreign factories to: those prevailing in that country, or those prevailing in the United States In 1997, the ILO (International Labor Organizations 268th Session Geneva 1997) at a Geneva Convention outlined the need for international labor laws to prevent the mistreatment of workers and, especially of children: (a) freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; (b) the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; (c) the effective abolition of child labour; and (d) the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. On that note, the shoes Nike sells from eighty to one-hundred and fifty dollars costs anywhere from twelve cents to five dollars to