Livy and Polybius on the Life of Hannibal from Carthage

Hannibal, argueably the greatest war hero of the Ancient World, second to Alexander the Great was both loved and hated throughout the Hellenic world and has remained a major historical character studied through ancient history circles today. Livy and Polybius two brilliant ancient historians have left an invaluable insight into the life of Hannibal from Carthage and have documented in their writings the footsteps of this most famous warlords achievements against Rome. This essay will include an outlook on Hannibal from both authors perspectives, Livy and Polybius and will also include who the historians were, when they wrote and what type of works they performed. Livy was a Roman historian who existed between 59 B. C- 17 A. D. Born Titus Livius in Patavium the most elegant city in Italy, came from Aristocratic blood and born into a world of opportunity and luxury. Livy lived many years after the battles between Hannibal and Rome approximately 150 years later so his sources of writing were not first hand accounts so therefore not entirely accurate. Livy moved to Rome at the age of 30 and after a brief stint writing and teaching philosophy began a large scale documentation on the history of the Roman empire. Due to a wealthy family inheritance Livy was financially free to live a quiet life of study in the library, becoming the most influential author of his era. Livy,s writing was very colourful and dramatic with a very story telling style. He was brilliant at glamourising Rome stating history was written by the winners, making the enemy read bigger and bolder than they really were, a gross style of exaggeration to allow rome to seem like an unconquerable dynasty who defeated the undefeatable. A very imaginative story telling style that won many hearts throughout the Hellenic world. I am Roman, I am great, Rome is great. Livy had no political or military blood lines or experience in public office, was not a man of war but more an academic who wanted to escape the evils of civil war so present during his time and escape to the library to write about the joys of the past. In book 21 of his ancient writings Livy shows positive perspectives on Hannibal declaring him the commander and chief of the Carthaginians and a soldier who led the way in battle, the first to enter the fight and the last to leave the battle. Livy also states that Hannibal was an opportunist who continuously practiced and observed others where necessary to become a great leader of men, however Livy does conclude his view speaking in negative terms about Hannibals inhumane cruelty, absence of truth, disrespects oaths and has no sense of religious codes. The truth is that Rome never defeated the carthaginians in battle and during their last battle at Cannae the roman army were slaughtered by Hannibal losing 70,000 men in one day, the Romans never fought the Carthaginians on land again and were forced to find other methods in exterminating their enemy, Livy never gave the reader an exact truth but more a moral story of history as he was an astute Roman who loved all things Rome. Polybius was an Ancient Historian from Greece, one of the greats. His views of Roman history provided his readers with historical means for individual self improvement. Polybius was born in Megalopolis in 202 B. C the son of Lycortas a general of the Achaean league. With his fathers influence Polybius served as an ambassador to Egypt and also served as a cavalry commander. In 169 B. C Polybius was dispatched to assist Rome against Macedon however Rome suspected Polybius of half hearted support and was shipped to Rome as a political hostage living comfortably under house arrest behind the city walls of rome. Eventually Polybius was appointed tutor to Roman aristocratic children and given permission to access Roman documents and readings in order to utilise his craft of writing literature. Polybius became honoured by both Greeks and Romans and was an eyewitness to historical events of his day including the 3rd macedon war and the 3rd punic war. Polybius insisted on travelling to where the history was made, to the battle fields, engaging other military men, including tracking down other military soldiers who fought fore and against Rome in the 1st and 2nd Punic wars. Polybius on Hannibal reads a very neutral account basing his views on eyewitness accounts including his own and referencing from other readings and sources of history. Polybius was himself a man of war who had real life experience into the mindset of a soldier in battle. His opinions neither favour nor ridicule Hannibal. Polybius endeavoured and discovered in book 9 an honest side to the character of Hannibal stating for I think that men in these circumstances are compelled, not occasionally but frequently, either by the suggestions of friends or the complexity of affairs, to speak and act contrary to real principles. Polybius unearths here the human condition of Hannibal a highly motivated man, a man with a plan who did not just sit around, a man groomed for war his whole life and loyal to the oath of his father, I will hate Rome my whole life. Polybius also expresses a comparison in book 9 mentioning other exceptional historical figures like Cleomones from Sparta, a most excellent king and most cruel tyrant and then again as a positive individual most obliging and benevolent. Polyibius is clearly stating a reasoning here acknowledging the cruel reality of war and how generals are compelled to change with the changes of circumstance. Having studied the historical writings on Livy and Polybius the reader can conclude that Polybius was more favourable to Hannibal. Although Livy did praise Hannibal in the early passages of book 21 he did conclude by attacking his code of conduct and methods when campaigning and on the battle field and illustrates Hannibal as an extremely cruel character. Livy failed to use primary sources in his readings accompanied with his story telling style, his readings were written from an enterrainment point of view particularly to the Romans as Hannibal was a true enemy to Rome. Polybius however prided himself on keeping it real and stating only the facts, praising his heros or villians only if they deserved it. , expressing always a non biased opinion. Polybius always documented his findings from eyewitness accounts and information stemmed from interviews he had performed personally with those who had served beside Hannibal, taking himself along the exact same routes tracing Hannibals steps to were the history occurred. Livy and Polybius writings of the punic wars between Rome and Hannibal from Carthage painted a picture of his achievements and gave insight into the man known as Hannibal, the difference between the two authors were the styles in resourcing the material to keep the work accurate and correct. Polybius achieved plausible accounts which deems him the most credible. It’s a pity that all historians were not as good as Polybius.

Justifications on the Need to Bring Back the Military Draft Essay

In today’s evolving and trying world, there is nothing absolute about the exercise of individual’s freedom or free choice. Consideration of several significant factors results to flexibility, if not violation of even this basic requirement of independence or free will. The said condition is concretely manifested by a discussion on the necessity to bring back the military draft in the United States. This is because despite the fundamental argument against the reimplementation of the Selective Service System in the American military, it is ultimately essential to reflect on some principles aimed at benefiting the majority of the population hence paving the way for a requirement to set aside one’s liberty or rights. By its nature, a military draft or the American Selective Service System implies an infringement of citizen’s free choice of whether to join the United States military voluntarily or not. The system is not new as it has been implemented by previous administrations. However, criticisms against its execution made the past Presidents halt the controversial military draft on the premise that it violates human rights particularly one’s privilege to a freedom of choice as far as joining the military. As the system was not totally discarded, there is now the possibility of imposing again the military draft after careful deliberation of at least three main necessary justifications. Proponents of the re-imposition of the system argue the underlying principle that military draft challenges freedom. This is primarily due to the vital reason that the military draft serves as a payback opportunity for the government and country in general to raise the estimated usefulness and value of all citizens. This is made possible because the people’s selective services into the military will increase benefits or returns which the government needs in having an expensive cost of military training and education. Additionally, the military draft paves the way and has even proven to be a concrete way of unifying the country as it destroys class and racial distinctions among Americans. Most importantly, military draft is critically important in ensuring national defense and security in the face of an inevitable military conflict. While the system is an obligatory manner of breaching one’s liberty, these economic, unifying and safety considerations are, therefore, rational principles which justify the need to undertake another round of military draft. Military Draft, an Overview For a clearer and objective discussion on the need to bring back the military draft, it is empirical to present the general concepts behind the system which calls for the selective services of American people into the U. S. military. Military draft, as the main function and basis of the Selective Service System, is activated upon the direction of the U. S. President and the Congress. As mandated by law, the Selective Service System maintains its promptness and effectiveness in managing a military draft despite its current inactive status. Upon the restoration of the military draft, the system requires for the carrying out of a National Draft Lottery to identify the people to be drafted. In the conduct of the military draft, the Selective Service System requires the registration of all male American citizens with at least 18 years of age but had not reached 26 years of age, not taking into consideration their place of their residences including foreign male migrant-residents in the country (â€Å"Military Draft†). The U. S.  President and the both houses of the Congress authorize the military draft during an emergency such as armed crisis which entails additional military crowd because of the insufficiency in the supply of the volunteer military. Thereafter, a lottery is conducted wherein the dates of birth of the citizens are used as the basis for finding out the system of drafting the citizens. Duties of all members of the Selective Service are activated where the State Directors and Officers of the Reserve Forces are called into for military service. There will be physical, psychological and ethical assessments of all registrants and upon release of evaluation result, a registrant will have to report for if he needs to be exempted or that his service needs to be deferred. Registrant claims will be evaluated and passers will be given induction orders and are given ten days to be inducted until finally turned over to the military (â€Å"Military Draft†). Benefit Justification While not commonly attributed as justification for the need to restore the military draft, the beneficial aspect of carrying out the system is significantly essential. A study about the draft or conscription of American citizens into the military and its increasing returns revealed this condition. This is because the noteworthy mounting returns, such as the requirement for the least fundamental training and education in the military preparation and service, are attractive grounds behind the selective service or military draft (Ng 382). While the draft inevitably results into incompetence, freedom violation and injustice, the study showed that the effectiveness of military draft in recording the increasing returns in the U. S.  Armed Forces compensates the cost allotted in carrying out the military draft. The study further justified that in the condition where the level of mounting returns was elevated and that the needed degree of military service became big particularly when the nation is at war, the popularity and requirement of military draft could not be totally eliminated. The same study also noted the economists’ apparent disregard of the principle behind the probable appeal of military draft and reiterated the result which hinted that the efficiency percentage of military draft soars as the level of increasing returns in the U.  S. military also becomes high. To concretely justify this point, it just merely presented an idea that an increase in the degree or number of military drafts is synonymous to having an increased in the number of military personnel thereby working more to the advantage of the U. S. Armed Force in its military undertakings (383). Unifying Justification Despite circumstances which made previous Presidents decide to discontinue the military draft, the system definitely helps in crushing class distinctions in the country. Hence, this unifying justification makes it one of the positive points for considering the return of the selective or random military recruitment. In particular, the military draft resulted into an amicable educational condition where the educated and not became united and even helped each other as they became one in achieving a common goal. In fact, this homogenizing system did not only exist in the learning structure because military draft also widened the cultural perspectives of the military draftees. As the class distinctions were removed so are the racial separations among the future military personnel. In short, the selective service system enhanced the equality grounds in the country as compared to what has achieved by other measures and institutions (Koch A23). Koch emphasized the need for the nation to return to the military draft after it proved to be an established means which returned unity among people and within the country. The selective service system provided a universal language for the public which covered the military draftees as well as their respective families and the people around them. It also credited the honor among the draftees and leveled their respective sacrifices which they have done for the nation. It eventually unified more the American people who are one in their search for power and thereafter carry with them an appreciation of the real value of conflict, unity and winning (Koch A23). National Security Justification Foremost the positions of bringing back the military draft is the rationale that it prepares and secures the country for an eventuality of another armed conflict, both internally and externally. This was illustrated by Hod and Hod when he ignited the call for the return of the military draft in the name of defending and ensuring the safety of the country. In a work directed to the public, Hod and Hod wrote that the military draft also prepares the nation and its people to see the world in a precautionary aspect. Ultimately, it was meant to pave the way for the upholding of the nation’s protection and safety against possible armed conflict within and outside the country (Hod & Hod 73). This national security position was corroborated by Rangel and Vennochi who both supported the need for the restoration of the military draft. As a Korean War veteran and now a U. S, Representative, Rangel believed that the requirement to defend and secure the country should be a shared sacrifice among all Americans. He added that a renewed call for the system enables for an increased vigilance and acceptance of the random military system as the people appreciate more the draft based from the safety benefits it will bring to the country (Rangel 1). Vennochi, supported the idea by stressing a point wherein the military draft will speed up the country’s armed fight against Iraq and other terrorists-laden nations. He added that restoring the military draft will awaken the country and force involvement among Americans to have their share in protecting and ensuring the nation’s security (Venocchi 1). Conclusion Every undertaking has its advantages and disadvantages. Despite criticisms against the military draft, its restoration is definitely important and needed in order to increase the benefits it offer to the nation, to break barriers and enhance unity among people and ultimately to guarantee that the country in always ready and capable to defend itself from conflict. While the issue of military draft has resulted into several criticisms, it was able to stand its way and justified that it may be inevitable for the country not to bring back military draft primarily due to the position that it was aimed at working to the advantage and not to detriment the people and the country as a whole.

Analysis of Thomas Teo’s Theories

Analysis of Thomas Teos Theories First review The first article focuses on whether psychological codes of ethics are morally oblique, authored by Thomas Teo. The researcher hypothesizes that both American and Canadian moral code in their current form are not equipped to address challenges like epistemological violence. The second hypothesis is that the codes are not immune to ideological changes especially with regard to war on terror and lastly the researcher hypothesizes that the psychological codes are blind or inarticulate with regard to issues touching on financial conflicts of interest that are observed in recent versions of Diagnostics and statistical manuals. The researcher uses examples derived from academic papers and also psychological practices; the researcher hopes to uncover the discrepancies between the psychological codes that make them lack flexibility. The first issue tackled in the paper concerns epistemological violence in psychological practice; epistemological violence can be viewed from the c ontext of interpreting empirical information; psychological research provide both empirical information and theoretical interpretations made by the researcher. Most time the empirical data does not influence the theoretical interpretation made by the researcher and thus calls for the hermeneutic process. The term epistemological violence stems from interpretations made which are detrimental to a particular person or group; for instance, Black people are naturally violent and less law-abiding as compared to their white and Asian counterparts; these are interpretations based on speculative hermeneutics and they have the potential to bring more disruption than good to the society. Both Canadian and American psychology associations address this issue by stating that psychological research should provide insight that is beneficial to the society and not do harm; the Canadian code emphasizes that research should be knowledgeable and sensitive to the cultural differences. But the proponent s of scientific sexism and racism can argue that the harm to society is irrelevant with respect to the truth; others can argue that putting the harm clause in research psychology is tantamount to censorship and impede progress in psychological research. It is imperative that psychological society include statements in the code that emphasize the harm that emanate from research interpretations. Application of psychological knowledge in the fight against terror is the next issue of interest. Both Canadian and American psychology Associations have clear code that prohibit their members from participating in acts of torture of terrorism detainees. It is imperative to understand that psychology as a profession is open to political, social influences which have always propelled the development of the discipline. The ethical code 1.02 that underpins the relationship between ethics and law was changed; in 1992, the code stated that is a psychologist’s ethics conflicted with the law, he/she was to make his contention apparent and take steps to reconcile the contention in a sober manner. But as a consequence of the happenings the September 11 th , the code was modified to state that if a psychologist encountered a conflict between ethics and the law, he/she was to make his/her commitment to ethical code be known and take requisite steps to resolve the conflict. If the dilemma could not be reconciled, the psychologist would abide by the requirements of the law. It is thus apparent that political-economic influences led to the alteration of the ethical code, and both the American and Canadian psychological societies did not put requisite safeguards to prevent psychologists from engaging in torturous activities. It is necessary that when changes are made to the code, the highest standards of ethics are involved so as to prevent violation of human rights.

International Scholarship Candidates Selection Essay

International Scholarship Candidates Selection - Essay Example Further, RasGas may choose candidates who will fail to complete their chosen educational programs and create a sunk cost loss for RasGas. The use of an objective rating scale linked to organizational goals and future performance can limit these potential losses and increase the chances of securing productive employees post graduation. In order to create a winning proposition, one of the focus areas for RasGas is the 'development of its employees and the organisation', which can only be realized when the company is in a position to objectively rate the performances. Motivational factors arouse a need, propelling a person to channelise his efforts and energies in the direction of fulfilling those needs. These needs are aroused in the employee of an organization to increase the output, provide quality, increase efficiency, maintain industrial peace etc. An effective management must understand the fact that there are at least two ways by which the behavior of employees could be directed towards the productive pursuits in the organization. One is by changing the personality, i.e. the internal psychological structures of the person, which is a long-drawn and uncertain process. Another strategy is to modify the characteristics of the situation prevailing around the employees. These situational factors have tremendous influence in shaping one's personality. Providing suitable ambience and opportunities for career development and education hold the key in setting the process in motion. 2. Aim: To design a Success Predictability Scale for scholarship candidates Objectives: Analysis of the present policies of RasGas to encourage the talent. Analysis of the levels of motivation and urge for pursuing higher studies amongst the existing staff by conducting interviews and by observing them on the job. Analysis of the internal reports and other data about RasGas available in the public domain. Establishing a documentary link between scholarship awards and degree fields that supports the long-term goals and objectives of the organization. 3. Benefits to the Organization: The benefits to RasGas for using an objective success potential scale linked to organizational objectives for scholarship candidates are: Enhance the reward potential of opportunity costs associated with a scholarship candidate. Lower potential and actual economic losses associated with the scholarship program. Increase the chances of successful degree completion by scholarship candidates. Saving of as much as $500,000 US on candidates who are less likely to complete their assigned programs and make contributions to the organization that exceed the organization's investment in their education. Motivated employees, who in turn help the company more efficient and competitive. Motivation and encouragement leads to lesser attrition rates and turnover ratios, which in turn saves lots of costs associated with recruiting a team of new person time and time again. RasGas considers its workforce as one of its greatest assets and with people from over 36 different nationalities working together within the organisation, encouraging career development

Logistics and Transportation as a Category within a Category Essay

Logistics and Transportation as a Category within a Category - Essay Example This essay discusses that Category Management is a retailing and supply management process of managing categories as SBU (strategic business unit) produces better business results, with emphasis on delivering consumer value. In Category management, has to be given priority the retailer and the supplier work together to achieve certain targets that are mutually beneficial. Working together offers comparatively better opportunities, as it endless sharing of resources and insight. Category management usually focuses on using key methods such as range assortment, allocation and flow, inventory levels, shelf space, promotion, merchandising and pricing. Category management can be defined as a marketing strategy where a full set of products, excluding individual products or brands, is managed as an SBU. It focuses on the entire product category, by which a marketing manager can easily understand market trends and preferential tastes of the customers. Another definition of category managemen t is it is that, a strategic management of product groups through business partnership. It aims to maximize profit and sales, by satisfying consumers and shoppers. â€Å"This mutual understanding lays a solid foundation for category management†. The two key elements of Category management are †¢ To provide the consumer and the shopper with what they need, in relation to place and time. †¢ To categorise products in order to reflect consumers’ needs based on how the product is used, purchased or consumed. It is a long term continual business philosophy, normally approached through a series of short term projects, involving sharing of information and close working relationships by suppliers and retailers. A supplier uses the expertise available, the knowledge about the shopper, the consumer, and their needs and behavior. The retailer uses the expertise of the customers, their purchasing behavior and the way they purchase. The concept category management originated in North America in 1980. It introduced changes in the traditional relationship of the supplier and the retailer to a more collaborative extent. In 1992,  category management began to gain a momentum through AC Neilson, who started publishing information to several supply chain associations and suppliers. This won a lot of recognition across Europe, UK and Canada. The standard model for a category management is an 8- step process. Developed by the parent group, they Define the category Assess the role of the category within the e retailer Assess the performance of the category Set objectives and targets Engage in Category strategies Perform Category tactics Involve in Plan implementation. Review and evaluate. In category definition steps, the job is to determine the product which constitutes a category and its segmentation. In category role, the definition of the purpose of the category is in relation with retailers’ portfolio. The analysis of various category performances is carried out in the third step and set targets and objectives in the next step. The fifth step defines marketing and in store service strategy for the category. In category, there are tactics sessions determining optimal products, promotions, placement, pricing and supply methods. In plan implementation stage, making a written plan ensures this tactics to achieve strategies, to fit the role and meet the scorecard. In category review, the purpose is to monitor measure and modify the progress of the categories. The 8-step pro cess is criticized for being bulky and time consuming. Nielson process is a 5-step process. It pinpoints Reviewing the category Targeting consumers Merchandise planning Implementing the

Governance issues in a family business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Governance issues in a family business - Essay Example Conflicts can be avoided and resolved if arise because of good governance strategies that govern not only the business but also the family that runs that business. In this paper, I intend to describe a family business I learnt about on the internet and a governance issue related to it. Many small and medium sized family businesses are running in India today that contribute a great percentage of GDP to the country. But most businesses survive only until the third generation and very few pass on to the fourth generation because of generational conflicts and difference of opinions and perspectives between the elders and the youngsters of the coming generations. The family business I learnt about was the Ambani Family of the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). It is â€Å"the largest private sector enterprise in India, a Fortune 500 company, and one of the largest private sector conglomerates in the world† (Shah). In this business, the family relationships once held very much impor tance in determining the business position of a family member. According to Reliance Industries Limited, Backward vertical integration has been the cornerstone of the evolution and growth of Reliance. Starting with textiles in the late seventies, Reliance pursued a strategy of backward vertical integration - in polyester, fibre intermediates, plastics, petrochemicals, petroleum refining and oil and gas exploration and production - to be fully integrated along the materials and energy value chain. Common governance issues that normally arise in Indian family businesses include decision-making being centralized; proxy sons holding control; owner becoming larger than the business; and a lack of strategies. The Ambani family had power, wealth, and control. After the death of Dhirubhai Ambani, his sons Mukesh and Anil split up and the family business broke. The governance issue here was the fights and conflicts between the family members who ran the business. Neither the higher education al degrees nor the experience could save the family squabbles to occur. A dispute over the control of power was the main governance issue that resulted in the splitting of the business. The dispute began with conflicts over roles in July 2002 and continues till the current disagreement over the price of natural gas when the brothers started accusing each other drawing government ministers and other politicians into the battle. Ambani versus Ambani rivalry has made the two brothers lose a big US$1 billion project in a competition to win the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link, and fame of course. Governance issues like this one bring bad name to the organization and are the main cause of splitting up or failure of a business that was running smoothly and earning large profits before the dispute. What we can learn from this particular case is that the family members especially those who are so close to each other like brothers, should make certain family pacts and policies before starting the al liance so that they know what are their limits and what needs to be done in case of a conflict. The family members should most necessarily be able to keep their family relationships and the business relationships apart so that both do not coincide and result into a dispute that is aired by bad family relationships. It is very hard in family businesses for the partners to keep their otherwise relations apart from

Human Trafficking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Human Trafficking - Essay Example This was the case with one student studying ballet, who found herself performing in a topless bar and considered herself fortunate that she was able to return home at all. The slave trade that evolved and peaked in the 19th century considered humans as property rather than chattel, captured on raiding expeditions into West Africa. European traders shipped them to the New World. In North America, the Slave Codes of 1705 sealed the fate of African Americans as slaves, property rather than human beings (History of Slavery). It is this use of humans as property that has evolved into the human trafficking trade, a serious unresolved problem in the 21st century. Can sexual exploitation and forced labor ever be considered legitimate endeavors? ‘Modern-Day Slavery’ According to a 2002 conference report, the government seems to have been after to campaign against trafficking that already exists rather than looking for sources of trafficking and trying to prevent it in the first p lace. With young women and children, male and female, from Albania, Moldova, and the Ukraine forced into prostitution by way of Russia and Turkey and sent to Central and Western Europe, the trafficked persons are often ignorant of what will happen to them. This was the case in the early days of slavery in West Africa when slavers invaded communities and took people away from home and family against their will. Can the present resurgence of human trafficking in the world be compared to slavery as it existed in the past?... European traders shipped them to the New World. In North America, the Slave Codes of 1705 sealed the fate of African Americans as slaves, property rather than human beings (History of Slavery). It is this use of humans as property that has evolved into the human trafficking trade, a seriously unresolved problem in the 21st century. Can sexual exploitation and forced labor ever be considered legitimate endeavors 'Modern-Day Slavery' According to a 2002 conference report, the government seems to have been more apt to campaign against trafficking that already exists rather than looking for sources of trafficking and trying to prevent it in the first place. With young women and children, male and female, from Albania, Moldova, and the Ukraine forced into prostitution by way of Russia and Turkey and sent to Central and Western Europe, the trafficked persons are often ignorant of what will happen to them (Human Trafficking). This was the case in the early days of slavery in West Africa when slavers invaded communities and took people away from home and family against their will. Can the present resurgence of human trafficking in the world be compared to slavery as it existed in the past This paper will discuss briefly the chronological development of slavery from pre-Columbian times to the present, and each section will be addressed according to the various descriptions of "slavery" and how each description applies t o specific time lines. Five aspects of slavery-bondage, property, servitude, forced labor, and trade route--will be explored. Slavery, Then and Now Pre-18th Century - Slavery was a private and domestic

Law Enforcement Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Law Enforcement - Assignment Example In this regard, the project aims to respond to six questions after selecting a state and recording pertinent information relative to criminal activities in the area. To achieve the objective, the state of New York is examined for violent criminal incidents, such as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault for the period 2006 to 2009. Law Enforcement 1. Select a city, town, or municipality in the United States and examine trends in criminal activity over the last 3 years. Analyze reported crime statistics for major/minor offense categories such as murder, robbery, rape, and CREATE A TABLE OF THE RESULTS. ... What are the overall patterns of crime that you see in the selected town or city? What have you learned by the data? From the data, one learned that in the state of New York for the years 2006 to 2009, majority of violent crimes is reflected in the area of aggravated assault, followed by robbery. Only a negligible amount was recorded in rape and the least in murder. Most notable however, was that the total number of violent crimes have been exhibiting a declining trend from the period 2006 up to 2009. On the other hand, for minor offenses like property crimes, the trend manifests predominance of larceny representing more than 75% of total crimes in 2006 and reaching to 75% in 2009 with the least crime in motor vehicle theft representing only about 10% in 2006 and further declining to 7.5% of all property crimes in 2009. Is there a pattern? In what direction are the trends going? What crimes are on the decline or rise? While it was seen from the chart, there is no clear apparent patte rn in the incidents of violent crimes. The number of incidents for aggravated assault, for example, manifests an up and down pattern where the assaults from 2006 increased, then decreased in 2008 before increasing again in 2009. The same goes with other violent crimes, where the number of incidents increase and decrease intermittently. However, from the total violent crimes, it was eminent that the total number has been manifesting a decreasing trend or pattern since 2006. For minor offenses, the overall manifested trend as exhibited in the total property crime is declining for the period under review and larceny dominating the property offense classification. 3. What are the surprises and usual results in the data that you analyzed? Actually, for a city as New

Do androids dream of electric sheep novel by philip k. dick PowerPoint Presentation

Do androids dream of electric sheep novel by philip k. dick - PowerPoint Presentation Example He swore to protect the andys as without doing so, he could no longer be considered a member of the Mercer. All other characters in the novel were against the androids except for Harry and John who made it possible for them to exist or live. Generally, it was in this chapter that thorough investigations were instigated to find and eliminate androids especially by Deckard who was one of the corps. In chapter nineteen of this novel John and Baty can be seen having a little misunderstanding. The misunderstanding in this case is brought about by the issue of the bounty hunter who was seen approaching their apartment. John was being told by Baty to keep the hunter from entering the apartment, did not listen and exited the apartment continuing his journey to where he always released the spiders given to him by Mercer. On reaching the point, He meets Deckard who talks to him after a flashlight has lightened up in his face. The conversation between Deckard and John in this case was all about the live creatures that were put down by John. Deckard who wanted to know the apartment from which John collected the spiders didn’t succeed as John was not willing to tell him with the reason of protecting the three andys. Actually, this chapter of the book depicts on the various conversations and actions by John, Baty and Deckard. The Androids that were being protected by John were later done away with or killed by Deckard after mimicking John Isadore’s voice that made the androids to open the door. Deckard in this book was said to have a listening gear that could help him in identifying the androids in their hidden location. Generally, this chapter depicts on how the androids were killed despite the protection that was instilled by John. This chapter depicts on the conversation between Harry, Deckard and John after the death of the androids. Harry is mentioned in this chapter telling Deckard on his action of sending a crew to help in picking or taking away the

Research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 26

Research Paper Example However, marked differences can be observed between the film adaptation and the original short story despite both of them being based on similar subjects. This paper will attempt to highlight the differences between the two - The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Sleepy Hollow – and will try to compare the two based on elements including plot, characterization, and theme. It is quite common that books being adapted into films lack consistency. While the author may have chosen to present the story line in a different manner, there are many aspects of the story that are not retained during film making. Similar is the case with the film, Sleepy Hollow, which although follows largely the same story line, but differs on the basis of several aspects. The plot for a large part follows the similar super natural scheme as the original short story. The para-normality is one aspect of the original plot that is particularly retained including the use of the same time period. This adds a tinge of horror in the film. For the most part, the plot is changed where Ichabod works in forensics as part of the police while the original story depicted Ichabod as a teacher. This change significantly affects the story line where Ichabod instead of being stupefied becomes determined to find the truth behind the horse rider. The story is extended to include the depiction that the headless horse rider is actually a ghost of a mercenary who died during the revolutionary war. Then follows a story where Ichabod attempts to uncover the truth behind the apparition of the headless horse rider. The change in the story line produced several changes into the characterization of Ichabod, Brom, Katrina, and the inclusion of other characters. In the short story, Ichabod’s character is displayed as having many flaws despite being a strong character. Ichabod while

The Letter of Paul to Romans Essay Example for Free

The Letter of Paul to Romans Essay Romans is the longest and most theologically significant of the letters of Paul. It can be described as a tractate letter, one that is composed of a theological argument or series of arguments. A letter essay as it may be, it was received by the people of the church at Rome who were mostly Gentiles. Paul, as the author of the letter to Romans, must have written the letter in Corinth. This is most likely on the near end of his third missionary journey. While there is no certainty of the date in which the letter was written, A. D. 57 is the best alternative. Preparing his way for his planned mission to Spain, Paul might have written his letter for the particular reason of asking for support from them. Yet he also presented his matured views on the issue between the Jews and Gentiles and the law and gospel. In addition, he set forth a teaching on a basic system of salvation that Rome had not received from an apostle ever since. In his letter, Paul explained why it is necessary for God to manifest His righteousness and that humankind can experience this righteousness only by faith. All have sinned and cannot be brought into a relationship with God by mere good works. God alone can change this by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through Him, we can be justified before God and this justification can be gained only by faith. Justification means being blameless to God and this can be achieved by having faith in Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we can be freed from the bondage of sin and hence, sin can no longer dictate our actions, decisions, and our very lives. This is the power of God for salvation shown through the gospel to us. Paul, as well, emphasized that even though God had made a covenant to the Jews, being born as a Jew does not mean that they are automatically saved. It is their shortcomings to accept God’s righteousness that is to be blamed. Also, Gentile Christians (including us since we are not Jews) are not to boast and be arrogant on this matter for it is from Israel that salvation has come. Thus, we are ought to respect each other and humble ourselves down. The Christian is to serve God, as stimulated by His grace, by putting on the armor of light. This means that we must leave behind the deeds of the darkness and that we shall not grant the desires of our sinful nature. We are also ought to love others as ourselves no matter how unlovable they are for Jesus Christ died for them as well. Though free from the law, we still have to submit to the government because God has delegated His authority to them too. In this modern era, many circumstances might hinder us from doing good works. Yes! It is through faith that we are saved but faith without works is dead. Therefore, our lives must reflect on whom we put our faith in. Whatever this contemporary world throw at us, we must stand firm in our faith and even in our actions. Furthermore, do not let good works do the saving rather, mix it with faith and allow God to do the work of salvation. As the saying goes, walk by faith and not by sight.

Externality Definition Essay Example for Free

Externality Definition Essay 1. An externality is defined as a benefit or cost that is imposed on a third party, such as society, other than the producer or consumer of a good or service, or, more simply, an economic side effect. The more of a product that is consumed or produced, the more of an externality that results. When discussing externalities in general terms, positive externalities refer to the benefits and negative externalities refer to the costs associated with the production or consumption of a good or service. Public goods are one of the more common examples of positive externalities. Public goods are goods which are difficult to exclude people from benefiting from or from getting a free ride. Public goods, such as national defence, clean water, clean air, law enforcement, etc., are generally good for most, if not all of society. Negative externalities exist in many situations. One of the most common examples is that of pollution. In these situations, the producer and consumer finance the goods produced but society must bear the cost of pollution that is introduced into the environment as a by-product and is thus a negative externality. Using the above mentioned example of negative externality, pollution, a steel producing firm might pump pollutants into the air. While the firm has to pay for electricity, materials, etc., the individuals living around the factory will pay for the pollution since it will cause them to have higher medical expenses, poorer quality of life, reduced aesthetic appeal of the air, etc. Thus the production of steel by the firm has a negative cost to the people surrounding the factory-a cost that the steel firm doesnt have to pay. 2. Negative externalities are a property rights problem. Who owns the air that the steel mill pollutes? Ronald Coase put forth the solution which is known as the Coase Theorem: Under perfect competition, once government has assigned clearly defined property rights in contested resources and as long as transactions costs are negligible, private parties that generate or are affected by externalities will negotiate voluntary agreements that lead to the socially optimal resource allocation and output mix regardless of how the property rights are assigned (Ronald H. Coase, The Problem of Social Cost, The Journal of Law and Economics, October 1960). In other words, if there are negligible transactions costs, as long as someone owns the rights to the air around the steel mill, the efficient outcome will prevail. For example, if the steel mill owns the rights, then the individuals that live around the mill will be willing to pay the steel mill not to produceup to the cost that they are incurring from health care, reduced aesthetic appeal of the air, etc. This amount that they are willing to pay becomes an opportunity cost for the steel mill if they produce. Thus they will cut production to the optimal level. On the other hand, if the people own the air, then the steel mill would have to pay them that same amount for the right to produce. Thus the negative externality is directly added to the steel mills marginal cost. 3. Based on experience, this theorem would not apply to the steel industry case discussed above. For example, with a steel factory that trespasses on the lungs of a large number of individuals with pollution, it is difficult if not impossible for any one person to negotiate with the producer, and there are large transaction costs. Hence the most common approach may be to regulate the firm (by imposing limits on the amount of pollution considered acceptable) while paying for the regulation and enforcement with taxes. This adds to the producers marginal cost and will cause them to reduce output.

Set It Off (1996): An analysis

Set It Off (1996): An analysis â€Å"What is the mother fucking procedure when you have a gun to your head† (Set it Ooff- Frankie). Those are the last words Frankie says before she is shot and killed by the LAPD. Set it off Off is a crime movie, that follows the struggle and lives of four different, but similar African-American women in the projects of Los Angeles. All their independent struggles come together to create the climax to the movie. It sets the tone and makes their lives all relate back to each other. The story focuses on four main characters: Cleo (Queen Latifah), Stony (Jade Pinkett- Smith), Tisean (Kimberley Elise), and Frankie (Vivica A. Fox). Cleo, Frankie, Tisean, and Stony are all best friends and have their personal struggles and all agree they want to get up and put of the projects and begin to live the American dream. Set it off is an action, crime drama that takes place in the projects of LA. All of the female characters have lived in the projects their whole life and find that robbing banks would be their only way out. Frankie, having worked at banks for years prior, feels that her knowledge of the bank system meant that they could get in and out of the banks quickly and with a lot of money. At first Stony and T.T. dont agree with the idea, until they have their own struggle that pushes them over the limit. Stonys brother, Stevie, was brutally murdered by the LAPD, and T.T.s son was taking taken by child services for a work related accident. After these tragedies happened to the other two ladies, they agree to help rob the banks. At first they are successful and they get away the first few time, until they rob Downtown Federal where police detectives just gave a brief on the string of robberies respond to the silent alarm. Once they arrive back at the bank they, are in a stand off with three of the women and T.T. ends up getting shot and later dies in Frankies arms. This leads to a police pursuit of the remaining girls and also the death of Frankie and Cleo. Frankie out of the four women had the best life; she recently received a promotion at her job, where she is a bank teller. This all changes when a couple of thugs from the projects come into the bank and rob it. Frankie is slow to give up the money so one of the robbers grabs an older lady and shoots her right in front of her. After the robbery she is interviewed by detectives from the LAPD about her relation with the robbers. After the detectives are through with the interview, her boss fires her on the spot for the fact that she knew the robbers. After she was fired she joked with the girls about how they could rob banks and get away from all their struggles. Cleo having troubles of her own is excited and wanting to go through with the plans. When she is fired from the bank her pursuit of the American Dream is shattered, she sees that robbing banks is quick and easy money. Cleo is a â€Å"crazy† girl from the Acorn projects of Los Angeles; she is up for anything that gets her blood pumping. She is in a dead end job and is ready to do what she has to do to get her and her girlfriend out of the hood. She feels that if she doesnt get out of the hood shell either be dead or in jail, and that to her is not an option. She really hasnt had parents around in her life so she feels that her girls are all she has in this world, and she is really close with Stony and relates to her the most. Cleos American Dream is fixing up her 66 Impala and smoking weed in a middle class neighborhood where bullets dont fly by. Stony has had to grow up fast. Her parents were killed in an automobile accident when she was a young teen. She had to then start providing for her and her little brother Stevie. He was bound for UCLA, but due to finciancal issues he was not sure if he was going to be able to go. So her being the provider and not seeing any other option she has sex with a used car sales men for money. Stevie had recently graduated from high school and was college bound, when he was coming back from a friends house and the SWAT team was doing a raid on bank robbing suspects and mistook him for the suspect. They asked him to freeze and show his hands , while pulling out his hands he pulled out the bottle of champagne he also had in his hands, they SWAT team also mistook that as a gun and vicious shot him to death. When she sees her brother she acts as any one would having lost a loved one and falls to the floor and sobs. After loosing her brother she feels that she should also get out of the ghetto and agrees to help rob banks. Having to help raise her brother with little income she feels what Tisean is going through and they can relate. Stony now has no reason to live anymore her friends is all she has and she know that living in the hood could jeopardize her life and her friends lives too. Tisean is a single mother; she doesnt say much and keeps to herself. She works along side Cleo and Stony at Luthers Janitorial Services, but due to the fact that her boss Luther takes taxes out of her paychecks, she cant afford a babysitter and has to bring her baby to work with her. Her baby gets into some cleaning products and gets rushed to the hospital, where child services takes the baby from her until she can prove to be stable enough to raise the baby. This makes Tisean very depressed and in need of money fast so she also agrees to rob banks to get her son back. Tisean just wants her baby back, her son means the world to her and she feels lost without him. So having him back in her life would be her American Dream. Having all agreed to rob the banks they rely on Frankies insight on banks to get them through it, Cleos connection for weapons, and Stonys leadership and street savvy to get through their destruction. At the first bank robbery T.T gets nervous and backs out at the bank, so it leaves the other three to rob the bank. They all do well for it being their first robbery and they make away with 12,000 dollars, but that only being 3,000 a piece they know it is not enough to leave the hood so they decide to rob a few more banks. After all four women successfully rob a few more banks they need some place to keep the money so they decide on a heater duct at the building they clean. This is a good plan until Luther, their boss, finds the money and steals it so they go on a hunt for him. Knowing that all there American Dreams are at stake they go on a manhunt for their boss. They find him at a motel with a prostitute, and they bust in and demand the money form him at gun point. Cleo turns her back on him and he pulls a gun on Cleo. That leaves Tisean with no choice, but to shot and kill Luther. This puts the girls in a panic and they decide to rob Downtown Federal, a major bank in downtown LA. Knowing that this bank is big and has a lot of money this would be their last chance to achieve the dreams they have set out to achieve.Moment s before the robbery at the bank the same two LAPD detectives from in the beginning gave a brief at the bank about the robbers, so when they go to rob the bank the detectives are not far when the silent alarm goes off. Once they arrive at the bank the detectives and the women are in a stand off when a guard at the bank decides to take matters into his own hands, and he starts to shoot, hitting Tisean in the chest. The other women return fire and pull Tisean out of the bank into the get a way car. They shot out is know in the streets of downtown and their get a way car is taking heavy fire so they have to switch cars. Once they arrive at Cleos car they go to start her car and move the money, but by then its too late. Tisean had lost a lot of blood and passes away in Frankies arms. They leave her there in the car and proceed in Cleos car, still having the police right on their tails. They have no time to think so they decide to split up in a tunnel. Frankie and Stony run with half of the money, while Cleo continues in the car until she hits a roadblock and her car cant take no more. Cleo being the fight she is gets out with a machine gun and opens fire on the LAPD and she is shot to death by them. The other are still running and Frankie gets surrounded by the police , and one of the detectives approaches her unarmed to talk some reason into her and have her surrender. Jail not being an option for her she pulls her gun and ask the detective â€Å"What is the mother fucking procedure when you have a gun to your head† (Set it off- Frankie). She then starts running when an officer shoots her in the back and killing her while Stony is looking this from a tour bus on its way to Mexico. Stony on the other hand gets away and gets into Mexico, having so many memories about all that she lost her feels that she needs change so she cuts her hair and drives to the beach. All four women made the choice to take part in the violation of the law, but all four saw it to be a way out of their personal struggles and live the lavish life they saw advertise everywhere. Although three of the four women died that was all a price the women were willing to take, they knew it was that or the streets.

Living And Dying Essay -- essays research papers

Living And Dying   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tuesdays With Morrie was an excellent book in many ways. It opened my eyes up to how I would like to die and what I would like to pass on to my loved ones. I don’t always tell my parents and brother that I love them, although very rarely do I tell my closest friends. After reading this book it has helped me be more open with my feelings. After all I will never know when I will die; it could be today or it could be in 70 years. I need to start living life like there may not be a tomorrow. If I do this, even half the time, then it will make me a better person. There are several topics of life that I need to start doing to make sure that when I die I feel complete.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When I die I would like to know that I have done most everything that I would like to have done. Obviously, I will have some regrets but who doesn’t. I would like to make sure that my family is taken care of. That my grandkids have enough money to pay for college. I liked when Morrie talked about how people are always buying new cars, but all they really need is people to love them. Before I die I would like to make sure that my friends and family know how much that I care for them. In order to do this I need to make sure that I communicate to them. I shouldn’t be afraid to share my feelings. But for some reason it is hard for me to express what I feel. Although I’m working on it, it will take some time. My attitude on the baseball f...

In The Skin Of A Lion Essay -- essays research papers

When studying a novel it sometimes helps to look at the language used in a specific passage. In the novel In The Skin of a Lion by Michael Ondaatje, this approach is extremely helpful. It will help you better understand the characters and give you a clearer idea of what the author is trying to say. Within the novel, the passage entitled “The Skating Scene,'; where Patrick observes the loggers skating late at night, is stylistically interesting. By looking at metaphors, symbolism and diction, we can gain a better understanding of the characters and make connections within the scene and then to the novel as a whole.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In “The Skating Scene'; many metaphors are used throughout, making is very poetic. One very powerful metaphor seen in this passage is: “This was against the night'; (page 22). This emphasizes the light and dark imagery found in this passage. Ondaatje points out that for Patrick day is work and night is rest, however, he sees the loggers skating and having fun at night. They are going against what Patrick has been taught. In a way they are showing him a new side to life and he is transfixed. This sense of excitement is also shown in the pace of the passage. As the loggers are skating the pace gets faster, and then starts to slow down when he goes back home to his routine life. By going against the night, the loggers are essentially breaking the rules: “Their lanterns replaced them with new rushes which let them go further past boundaries'; (page 22). This idea of going past boundaries reminds us of a part later in the novel. Patrick goes past boun daries when he sets fire to the Muskoka Hotel on page 168. Instead of being an observer like he always is, he actually steps in and goes “against the night.'; By comparing Patrick in “The Skating Scene'; to when he goes to the Muskoka Hotel, we can see how he grows and changes throughout the course of the novel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another powerful metaphor in this particular scene is: “And a moon lost in the thickness of clouds so it did not shine a path for him towards the trees'; (page 20). This metaphor again emphasizes the light and dark imagery in the scene. Even though there is no path for Patrick to follow, he still finds his way to the skaters by travelling towards the light from their l... ...ple, “….they could leap into the air and crash down and it would hold the,'; (page 22), “When they collided sparks fell into the ice….'; (page 21), and “their lanterns…..let them go further past boundaries'; (page 22). Personification is also used to show that the skaters have magical powers: “A tree branch reached out, its hand frozen in the ice, and one of them skating under it'; (page 21). The idea of witches and magic reminds us of a quote on page 93. Patrick talks about Clara and says “ Something about her cast a spell on me…I don’t know what is it.'; It seems that Patrick is fascinated with people who possess these magical qualities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is evident that by doing a stylistic analysis of a passage, we can get a better understanding of characters and make connections within the passage and then to the rest of the novel. This is certainly the case with “The Skating Scene'; in Michael Ondaatje’s In The Skin of Lion. The metaphors, symbols and diction he uses in this particular passage clearly show that he is truly a brilliant writer.

Fuel Cell or Battery Essay -- Environment, Carbon Pollution

Introduction An increase of carbon pollution around the world has called for better options for the future of motoring. The two types of motoring options which have been developed are the hydrogen fuel cell and electric battery vehicles. Both of which provide pros and cons within the system, on the environment and cost wise. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles A hydrogen fuel cell is an electrochemical cell which directly converts the chemical energy in hydrogen and oxygen to electricity with pure water (figure 1). In general fuel cells have a similar arrangement which consists of an electrolyte and two electrodes, but there are many types of fuel cells which are classified by the kind of electrolyte used (DOE Energy Efficiency, 2006). An electrolyte is a liquid or gel that contains ions and can be decomposed by electrolysis and is present in a battery. The hydrogen fuel cell pathway consists of three conversion stages, the conversion of electricity to hydrogen, the conversion of hydrogen back to electricity and finally, the conversion of electricity to mechanical energy (Stephen Eaves, James Eaves, N/D). A Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is widely regarded as the most promising for light-duty transportation. Hydrogen gas flows through channels to the anode, where a catalyst causes the hydrogen molecules to separate into proto ns and electrons therefore increasing the production of energy (DOE Energy Efficiency, 2006). The Polymer Electrolyte Membrane also operates at a temperature of 50–100Â ºC and has a 50–60% electric efficiency . (Bill Siuru, 2007) As the electricity production process is direct through an electrochemical device in a fuel cell, it never goes through the step of being a high-temperature gas through norm... ...drogen vehicles were to be more widely used, methods of producing hydrogen in a cost-effective way would have to be developed and producing enough to power an everyday car would also be a challenge (U.S. Department of Energy 2010). Conclusion Fuel cells are clean, fuel efficient, and fuel flexible. Any hydrogen-rich material can serve as a potential fuel source for this developing technology. Although it is reduces carbon emissions new research will have to be carried out to ensure it becomes cost-worthy for everyday users. Battery powered cars are for the moment the most viable and inexpensive option however the carbon emissions are adding to the already thinning atmosphere. By implementing hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative for maybe large forms of transport there will be a significant reduction of greenhouse gases for everyday transportation users.

Steven Levitt

Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner shows that in life, everything has a hidden side. The book also discusses many topics, such as: incentives are the cornerstones of modern life, the conventional wisdom is frequently wrong, dramatic effects often have distant causes, â€Å"experts† often use their informational advantage to serve their own agenda, and knowing what to measure and how to measure it makes a complicated world much less so. (Levitt & Dubner 12).In this essay, I will be focusing on how incentives are the cornerstones of modern life, conventional wisdom is often wrong, and how â€Å"experts† often use their informational advantage to serve their own agenda. â€Å"An incentive is always a tiny object with astonishing power to change a situation. † (Levitt and Dubner 17) All incentives can be categorized by three types of incentives: moral, social, and economic. Some of which, may have adverse effects, such as with daycare in Israel de cided to start charging people a $3 fine per child for anyone that was more than ten minutes late.One would assume that in response to this, parents would be more likely to pick up their kids in a timely fashion, but instead, the opposite happens. The amount of late pick-ups increase dramatically. The logic behind this is parents were able to pay off their guilt for being late. In other words, they saw paying the extra $60 a month as a way to substitute a moral incentive. (Levitt & Dubner 19-20). These adversaries, nevertheless, can be predicted and used to the advantages of others.In illegal drug-dealing countries, such as Brazil, the government is legalizing all drug use and treating it as an addiction problem, rather than a crime. Surprisingly, this has lowered the amount of drug-related matters. In the United States, we try to crack down on drug use with strict laws and police enforcement. Consequently, this has caused the amount of drug-related delinquencies to sky-rocket in th e past decade. It is like a teenage kid. If you tell them not to do something, they are most likely going to do it anyways just to spite you and rebel; opposed to allowing them to do it and them just not doing it.Most incentives though, can be predicted and used to stimulate or punish people, but like in the â€Å"Daycare Dilemma,† are stronger and more enhanced for some circumstances than others. For example, police departments started posting pictures of johns and prostitutes in local papers and news stations to shame the guilty party. As Levitt & Dubner put it, â€Å"Which is a more horrifying deterrent: a $500 fine for soliciting a prostitute or the thought of your friends and family ogling you on www. HookersAndJohns. com? † (Levitt & Dubner 18).In this case, a social incentive was more humiliating and punishing to them than an economical one. Another key value in Freakonomics, is that â€Å"conventional wisdom† is often wrong. We form certain â€Å"notion s† about how things and people should be. Such as a women’s rights activist. Studies have shown that they actually dramatize the statistics they give to guilt more people into standing behind their foundation. Most people would think that if anyone wanted to the right thing it would be activists, but that’s not always the case. In chapter 6, we learn about two boys named Winner and Loser.Some might think â€Å"Well, with a name like Winner, he is better off to succeed. Unlike his brother, Loser, who is set up to fail. † Conversely, Loser went on to thrive. â€Å"He went to prep school on a scholarship, graduated from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, and joined the New York Police Department, where he made detective and, eventually, sergeant. † (Levitt & Dubner 182) Winner however, was not so â€Å"inspired† by his name. He grew up to be a criminal with more than thirty arrests. Most people would think that with a sure-fire name like â€Å" Winner† he was bound to succeed, so how did he end up in jail?Well, another example of someone not quite living up to their â€Å"destiny† is Ted Kazinsky, also known as the Unabomber. Kazinsky grew up in a white-suburban neighborhood with two parents. As a child he was known to be incredibly bright, like his parents. He later went on to attend and graduate from Harvard. In this case, he had everything going for him, yet, he became an infamous terrorist. These are just a few instances of orthodox thinking and knowledge being proven to be mistaken. W. C. Fields once said, â€Å"A thing worth having, is a thing worth stealing.† (Levitt & Dubner 21)In this case, knowledge is used to exploit consumers. It happens every day, to almost everyone; professionals use their information to their benefit. A common example is in autorepair shops. Most people have gone in to get an inspection or to have a small problem fixed, and gotten a bill for WAY more than expected. Even a fter the mechanic has assured you that it won’t be costly. Furthermore, another example of it is in real estate. One would think that since real estate agents work off commission that they would want to get you the maximum profit  possible; which they do, but they don’t at the same time.Studies have shown that real estate agents will hold out for the best deal possible when selling their own home, but encourage you to take the first decent deal to come along. (Levitt & Dubner 8). The best way to stop this, is to do a little research on your before consulting an â€Å"expert. † In conclusion, economics is the study of incentives and how people react to them. Freakonomics, however, studied the hidden meanings beyond that and the cases where incentives not only reacted as expected, but where they were reacting differently as well  Levitt and Dubner did that by sticking to five main philosophies in their book, knowing what to measure and how to measure it makes a complicated world much less so, â€Å"experts† often use their information to their advantage, dramatic effects often have more subtle causes, â€Å"conventional wisdom† is often wrong, and incentives are the cornerstones of modern life. (Levitt & Dubner 12).Three of which, I believed to be the most important: â€Å"specialists† often use their information to their advantage, â€Å"conventional astuteness† is recurrently false, and incentives are the keystones of contemporary life.

Liability and a Environmental Liability Essay

A liability is a present obligation of the enterprise arising from the past events, the settlement of which is expected to result in an outflow from the enterprise of resources embodying economic benefits whereas An environmental liability is an obligation to pay future expenditures to remedy environmental damage that has occurred because of past events or transactions, or to compensate a third party that has suffered from the damage. An environmental liability exists when there is a requirement, based on statute, regulation, or legal agreement to perform cleanup (i.e., removal, containment, disposal) from federal operations that resulted in hazardous waste. Environmental liabilities must be recognized on the financial statement for probable and measurable future outflows or expenditure of resources for environmental cleanup, closure, and/or disposal actions. Obligation based on the principle that a polluting party should pay for any and all damage caused to the environment by its activities. In some countries, this is a strict liability if the damage can be attributed to a specific party. The principle of liability applies to environmental damage and imminent threat of damage resulting from occupational activities, where it is possible to establish a causal link between the damage and the activity in question. The essential characteristic of a liability is that the enterprise has a present obligation. Therefore , an environmental liability is probable if for example : 1. A legal obligation is exists 2. The management wants to prevent, reduce or repair substantial environmental impacts 3. A company in the US has been named by the US EPA as a potential responsible party to clean up as US Superfund site.

Middle Class and Hard Work

In life, all individuals want to stand out. They want to be the diamond in the rough, but only a few of them can ever be such a thing. According to Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, he asserts that individuals who are granted opportunities and advantages, which not everybody is given by fate, are more successful. He implicates that opportunity, hard work, birthdate, 10,000 hours rule, and the background of the person are essential factors when being an outlier.Out of these aspects, working ard would have to be the one factor that surpasses the rest in this scenario. Malcolm Gladwell emphasizes many characteristics on what being an outlier is. The most important is hard work, â€Å"†¦ [for] if you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires†(1 51). Without hard work, nothing will ever be accomplishable. Tonina Hoang, a McDonald's franchisee, writes, â€Å"l work hard to ensure that they stay motiva ted and develop their careers†¦ Nothing ever comes without having to work for it.Everyone who is famous, or a doctor, or a lawyer has gotten through the baby steps and have overcome many obstacles to reach where they are now. Gladwell states that, â€Å"No one who can rise before the dawn three hundred sixty days a year fails to make his family rich†(137), further emphasizing that success is achievable if hard work is put in. Hard work will eventually pay off in the end. â€Å"A Success Story' an article in the Infotrac Newsstand claims that â€Å"hard work, patience and dedication helped Muhammad Ayub of Wasa] become assistant director (legal) from a Junior pump operator. Always have optimism because one may think people do not notice what one does, but in fact, everyone notices whether one is putting effort or Just going through the motions. Gladwell touches on how â€Å"We overlook Just how large a role we all play–and by ‘we' I mean society–in determining who makes it and who doesn't†(33). Sometimes people do not see how big of an impact they have to the society, but everyone is essential in order for the society to function properly. Gladwell fortifies diligence when he asserts â€Å"Hard work is only a prison sentence when you lack motivation†(42).In order to be successful, the individual must have the motivation to pursue their ambitions without feeling obligated to. Although working hard is a critical aspect in becoming an outlier, there are other factors that are important but not as critical. Gladwell claims â€Å"It comes from our time: from the particular opportunities that our place in history presents us with†(58). People are given different opportunities; they all depend on the time one was born nd how each and everyone's background began.Not everyone had the same openings. For example, a lower class family would not have had the same chances as a middle class family. Gladwell affirms, †Å"It's knowledge that helps you read situations correctly and get what you want†(87). Being highly intelligent is perhaps another key factor in becoming an outlier, for not being so, one would not have as much success as others. However, none of these things would ever be possible if one does not push oneself and commit to work harder than others.Outliers play a huge role on society It we did not nave them, some ot the high quali corporate items, like Apple products, would have never been created. Success does not come as easy as it may seem. However, if one decided to stand out from the rest of society with Gladwell's guidelines, they could possibly become the next outlier. Outliers are not Just born out of the blue (although some may be); they work hard, take the opportunities when they are given the chance, and overcome their social status.

Comparison of Wilfred Owen Poems Essay

Wilfred Owen is a twentieth century poetry writer who was born in Oswestry in Shropshire. In 1915 he enlisted fighting on the western front. During a spell in the Craglockhart hospital he met Seigfried Sassoon who encouraged him to develop his poetry. Owens’s poems are amongst the most famous and poignant of the war. He died in1918 trying to cross the Sambre canal. From his work I will analyse and study two poems. The poems which I have chosen are Dulce Et Decorum Est and Disabled. The reason why I decided to analyse these poems is because I felt that they both told a catastrophic and heartbreaking story of what war was really like. Both of these poems were written at a time when Wilfred Owen seemed to be bitter, some may say disenchanted by the whole situation. Arguably his most famous poem, ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’, is a fine example of his narrative, first-person poems, written through his own eyes and based on his own experiences and views of the war. I have chosen to describe Dulce Et because it shows the struggle of a group of people who have to overcome the most extraordinary events day in day out. I have chosen Disabled because it shows the struggle of one man who everyday contemplates his wasted life. All he has are the memories but they seem to become more distant as the days go on. Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patri Mori translated in to English means It Is Sweet And Honourable To Die For Ones Country. If someone is reading the poem for the first time and learns of the English meaning of the title before reading the poem they may feel it is a poem that represents the army in a positive way. However this assumption could not be further from the truth. After reading the poem a number of times I have come to a conclusion that Owen has titled this poem Dulce Et Decorum Est because of the strong statement that he makes in the poem. In a way I get the feeling that Owen was mocking the saying but I do not think he was mocking the army as a whole just that single principal. The soldiers are weighed down by all the things that they are carrying, perhaps they are even weighed down by the expectation of their country. Owen says, † Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs† The soldiers are exhausted and so tired that even when the flares go off behind them they do not have the energy to or even feel like turning around to see them. Owen describes the soldiers as being â€Å"Drunk with fatigue† He is saying that the soldiers are so tired that it is as though they are drunk. Owen is trying to say that the soldiers are as though they do not know entirely what they are doing. They are just being led along like zombies because they are inexperience and have no clue to what is happening. These men are but mere shadows of the bright vibrant people that started on this epic journey. The pace of the poem quickens in the second stanza. The soldiers are awoken by a gas attack. This effectively shatters the mood that Owen has told of us in the opening stanza. The soldiers are now awoken by the fact that their lives are in extreme danger and they now have to be fully aware of all their surroundings. Owen says, † Dim through the misty panes and thick green light, As under a green sea, I saw him drowning† The green light Owen talks of is the sight of toxic gas which they can see through their gas masks. Owen uses a simile saying that the man is drowning in a green sea. The reality of this is that the man is drowning in a sea of his own toxic blood. He tells us how this memory has stayed with him. The sickening sight of a man plunging at him. Owen seems to have a great fear of the gas attacks when he talks about them. He talks of all of the nightmares he has had because of the war and this event in particular He states, â€Å"In all my dreams before my helpless sight† The word ‘helpless’ shows that he could not do nothing to help that man apart from stare at him and feel sorry for him. He describes how the man was taken away and the narrator Owen walked behind and saw his face. Owen is still haunted by the nightmare. â€Å"We flung him in† The dead bodies are treated like meat there are so many deaths it becomes like a routine thing. He realises the horror that is standing behind the man who has been gassed to death. â€Å"My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory.† Owen is saying that if you could see the horrific events he had seen then you would not believe the lie. By saying this he is expressing the bitterness he has not only for the army but the situation as a whole. He believes that the army has portrayed the life of a soldier at war as being heroic and exciting but in real life it is the complete opposite. Owen adds more examples of this throughout the last stanza for example he says, â€Å"If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth coming-corrupted lungs,† In this quote he describes the situation that the men where in and how their lungs were pumping out blood instead of air. Owen is trying to make the reader understand that the war was told to be very fascinating and an intriguing experience but in reality that is far from the truth. Owens main question to the reader in the last stanza is before going into the army think carefully about what you are doing as you might experience something in great contrast to what you may have imagined. The poem is describing a terrible shocking death by gas, how can it be sweet and honourable to die for ones country if you die like this. This is the country that sold him the old lie. â€Å"Dulce et decorum Est pro patri mori.† In the poem ‘Disabled’ Owen is describing someone that he knew in the army. This man was in the Scottish regiment, He has had his leg blown up when he was fighting in the war. His disability is extremely severe, because he has no legs and his arms are sewn at the elbow. He has to be dependant on other people to feed him, clothe him and wash him. He is in an institute, a nursing home of some sort. He wants very much to be in the dark because then everything will be quiet. He is sick and tired with life and is waiting to die. He hears voices of boys singing, these are voices of people playing just as he had once played. He talks about the evenings. He says that at this time the towns atmosphere was fun and happy everyone is dancing having fun. He is very sad that he will never again experience this. He says the girls look upon him like he has some kind of disease. He talks of how he will never again feel the waist of a woman, he also talks about how he, â€Å"threw away his knees in the war†. This quote is a metaphor and it means that his leg got blown up during the war and it does not mean that he literally threw his knees in the war. This type of literary device is used so that the poet could compare one object with another directly instead of using like and as. In the third verse Owen describes the effects after war and how your appearance could change drastically. He says, â€Å"For it was younger than his youth, last year. Now, he is old; his back will never brace.† Owen is trying to show that this person went to the war very young and now as he has came back he is so old that he can not even support his own back. Owen is showing the truth about war and that you do not become heroes when you come back from war instead you become unpopular and hated by people. His negative opinion about war becomes even more apparent when he mentions the blood lost by many soldiers during war. â€Å"He’s lost his colour very far from here, Poured down shell-holes till the veins ran dry.† Owen portrays the war in a pessimistic way and tries to influence people to listen to what he is saying and that war is horrible because it could ruin many people’s lives He feels that he has given so much for his country and he does not get anything back in return instead many people do not even want to know him. â€Å"And leap of purple spurted from his thigh.† He loved his youth. When his leg had blown away a massive part of him was now missing. One time he saw blood down his leg from a football injury, he thought this was great. Now he has no leg. He wonders why he joined the army. He tries to impress people as they told him he would do well in the army. There were a couple of reasons why he signed up the first reason was that his dear Meg would be pleased of him and the second reason was that in those days men thought that if they went to fight in a war the ladies back home would find them more attractive and think of them as heroes. At the time he was not frightened of being afraid. Owen says â€Å"And no fears of fear have come yet† He had thoughts of all the swords and other weaponry that he would receive in the army. He felt very happy in handling all the sophisticated machinery. He had great thoughts of wearing the smart uniform and making those proud salutes. At this moment he had no worries about the war and what he would face but instead he imagines all the enjoyable aspects of war. This quote shows that the war in those days was portrayed as exciting and pleasurable and that no one was told about the injuries that happen during war. So I think this is why the person in this poem had no worries because he did not know the disastrous affects that could scare him for life. He thought that playing football was great, the buzz he got from the cheering. People thought of him as hero. He thought that people would cheer for him in the army, he wanted to be a hero in the army. He thinks of the army spirit, the pride in his unit. He tells about how he was given cheers and the noise of the drums as he leaves. He is so very optimistic. When he is brought back the cheers were not like the ones before the cheers are in contrast to what he imagined. This is ironic to him because he thought everyone will be proud of him and greet him with honour but it was the opposite of what he had expected. Only a few people cheered when he came back only one man inquired this man was the priest. This makes him feel in a way betrayed because he was told that you would become a hero after the war and that your family and friends will be proud and thrilled that you fought for your country. As you can see this is not true and many people ignore him because of his appearance. The man feels that what he has done has been of no use because nobody appreciates that he risked his life for the sake of his country. His final thought in the poem is one of total depression. He thinks that life is pointless. He is so helpless he can not go to bed without someone there to help him. He feels as though he only has a few years left. He wants to be put to death as he feels like he has and can do nothing that he feels will make his life tolerable and he feels as though nothing that he does or feels will make him feel his life is worth it. He feels as if he has been demoralised and disheartened by the people that he used to once know. As you can see from both poems they are very powerful. Each of the two poems make a statement. One difference between the poems is that Dulce Est. is a view on the army as a whole and describes the effects of the soldiers. With Disabled it is just a description of the turmoil of one person. One issue that I feel both poems, have in common is that they both talk about how the soldiers were lied to and how they were sold a lie. This is more true of Dulce Et because it shows that all the soldiers where told the lie but with Disabled it just shows that one man was told the lie. Because of this lie many soldiers were affected in Dulce Et and only one person from Disabled was affected by it. If a person wanted an example of army life was like for a platoon at its worst I would show them Dulce Et Decorum. If I was asked about a poem that describes a poem where a person can see how the war affected people. I would recommend the poem Disabled because as you can see, it has devastating after effects. Disabled is in my opinion the most emotional of the stories as it represents a mans struggle for his life. This man can offer nothing to his country now. He can not even offer himself something. His life is in total disarray and nothing in his life is worth living for. While the people in Dulce Et are still alive this mans souls has in effect died. He has lost his colour and can not get used to the fact of being unpopular. I find Dulce Et Decorum to be the most powerful of the two poems. My reasons are as follows, although Disabled is a very good, very powerful poem in it’s own right it only describes the view of one person in the army. I think that what makes Dulce Et so powerful is that Owen speaks for the masses in the army when he talks of the daily horrifying sights and regular attempts by the Germans to gas them. This poem realistically showed the horrifying events which occurred during war. Reading these poems can enlighten a person. At the moment many people around the world must be thinking that their lives are so stressful and are under extreme pressure. But their life is no way as stressful and pressurising as these young men must have gone through. These events can put many social problems into perspective. Everyday this man had to battle through endless pain and suffering in sake of their nation but is it worth it? Is risking your life worth it for your country? I believe that war should never be the solution to any problem and that many people should discourage war instead of encouraging it.

Refelction paper about Identity and possibility Article

Refelction paper about Identity and possibility - Article Example Rather, it is the totality of everyday living experiences and is a process that develops among disappointments, triumphs and everyday living situations that cultivates the identity of a person. Self-understanding is the primary incarnation of a person’s identity. We become who we figure ourselves to become and this is on a daily basis. This is not to say that a disposition is unstable, on the contrary, it is an integration of constancy of character. The development of one’s identity is the intermingling of all human activities and relationships among precise perspectives. It is not only within the walls of the school that an adolescent’s identity is developed. More of it is through the relationships and activities that they endow themselves into. These are the things that they attain the most indulgence from and thus would most likely to shape them towards an identity that would form them into the future. The proverbial question of â€Å"Who am I?† is one that is often answered in the context of reciprocity from these core identity shaping matters. As with the subject exemplified by the author through Mac, the 14-year old boy who always gets into a fight. A deduction of this concept would equate that in the boundaries of the school he would be perceived as a difficult child. But a deep analysis of the child’s psychological thinking reveals that he is someone who can be counted on by his friends and family in the instance that his help is needed. It cannot then be concluded that he is a misfit just on the basis of his school records and the many brawls he gets himself in. Identity crisis is another major difficulty that arises within this age group. A â€Å"developmental moratorium† as presented by Erikson in his model is necessary for adolescents to augment their capability of growth as they are allowed to experiment among varied experiences in their quest for identity. It is an opportunity for them to use

Pragmatism 2 questions, very urgent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pragmatism 2 questions, very urgent - Essay Example Rorty refers to the traditional identifications of truth as â€Å"only descriptions of the world† (Fukuyama). Rorty suggests that language should not be a sign of representation. By suggesting so, Rorty essentially wants to say that people should abandon the religion, and not worship God. Instead, human conscience, language and community should be understood as a joint outcome of luck and time according to Rorty. To put it in simple words, Rorty means to negate the existence of truth altogether. By doing so, Rorty tends to evaluate a belief on the basis of its effects instead of its causes. Rorty places more emphasis upon the association of the statements’ truth with their applicability in practical terms. In this way, Rorty’s suggestion is necessarily a restoration of pragmatism. Rorty’s truth is more of a metaphor which provides solutions for troubles, resolves the issues and eases the tension. In reality, this may not be always so. In fact, in a vast ma jority of cases, people lie in order to escape temporal damage. To them, truth is devastating and demeaning. Nonetheless, the importance of truth can not be denied in any case as the ultimate effects of truth are always better than those of lie. Truth does exist and is not just an outcome of certain events. I totally disapprove of Rorty’s atheism. Explain Rorty's view of education and discuss (in detail) at least one possible objection to Rorty's view.

Deep analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Deep analysis - Research Paper Example The reverse is also true; meaning when the market demand slackens there will be a decline in capacity utilization. In the economic scene, capacity utilization is employed to track inflation pressures (Nelson 275). In United States, data on capacity utilization is released on monthly bases by the Federal Reserve Board. This helps in tracking the extent to which the country’s productive capacity is being utilized and also forecast likely growth or decline in various sectors. Capacity utilization is measured by deducting actual production from potential production. Capacity Utilization=Real actual output-Real potential Output The data released by the Federal Reserve Bank can be plotted in a graph to show historical developments in capacity utilization. Notably, capacity utilization is represented in percentages, 100% is considered a maximum level of production. Such a graph is represented in the next part; the data represented is from 1965 through to 2012 (Federal Bureau of Reser ve). Capacity Utilization in United States of America Year Question 3 One of the emergent findings is that the overall capacity utilization has declined over the years. In the 1960s capacity utilization averaged around 85 percent. ... In explaining whether these findings are to be expected it would be important to look at the general economic environment over the years. It is clear that in the 1960s, which was largely a postwar period, there was a massive growth in the economy. This massive growth was enabled by a growing demand for goods and services which prompted companies in various industries to increase their productive capacity. At the same time, companies sought to maximize on their productive capacity to meet the demand. The result was higher levels of capacity utilization. However, this scenario would falter with a general change in the economic environment. This is because the economic environment remains a major determinant of the levels of production. In times of great demand the production levels will rise and thence the capacity utilization of existent companies will also rise. Therefore, at times of slow economic growth, or recession in that case, the industries are performing below par and thence the capacity utilization is way below that of a thriving economy. Given this scenario, it is thus expected that the level of capacity utilization will falter every time there is a marked decline in economic growth. Looking at the plotted levels and matching this with the overall health of the economy, we are able to see a higher level in the 1960s. It is during this period that the United States experienced the longest period of uninterrupted period of economic expansion. At the time, the efficiency and production levels of the U.S improved markedly. However, these levels have since declined and the country hardly goes for two decades without a recession. This reality largely suggests that the findings would be

Max Weber on Democracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Max Weber on Democracy - Essay Example This is likely one of the reasons why Weber's outlook was so negative upon democracy. Weber felt that since sociologists are human beings possessed with the capability of having empathy and understanding for others, that social actions should be analyzed accordingly. Weber, unlike Marx and Durkheim really focused on the individual and not society as a whole. He focused on status, individual ideas, social class and religion in evaluating their impact on democracy. Weber felt that each of these facets had an individual and equally compelling effect upon the individual and therefore their perceived place in a democratic society. Weber did not believe in the notion of elections or of positional changing. He instead advocated that all elected officials should instead be lifetime appointments. There is a bit of a disparity here because it ultimately results in a single election for a lifetime appointment and the gravamen of American democracy is term limits. It is the term limits which stop the country from becoming a hierarchy and which allows for the continued growth of the country. Weber advocated the type of hierarchy that one would see in a college, university or Fortune 500 company. Any person who receives the lifetime appointment must have the proper credentials which of course required a certificate program of some sort. Thus, under his proposed, democracy would be a well oiled lifetime administrative machine. The problem with his thinking is that it completely flies in the face of the American definition of democracy especially as applied to term limits. Weber did not approve of democracy mainly because he found the democracy of Germany to be petty. He did not feel that a democracy could be successful in a country with a tremendous bureaucracy. The notions flew in each other's faces, however if the country was one that was run like an administrative university, perhaps he would have more open to the idea of democracy. Parson was fascinated by the notion of Citizenship. (Kivisto 68) By way of example, he wrote about the idea of African Americans enjoying the rights of full citizenship. Parson was particularly influenced by Marshall's three dimension application towards democracy. Marshall regarded the three dimensions as the civil, political and social. The process was regarded by Marshall as an evolutionary one, which for the most part Parson adopted, however as to the social dimension, unlike Marshall, Parson applied that dimension to Roosevelt's "New Deal". (Kivisto 68) In a complete break from his mentor Weber, Parsons felt that the future of democracy was bleak if not unattainable, Parsons' predictions for the future of African Americans was sunny. (Kivisto 69) Weber, however, felt that the prospects for democracy in Germany were dim. Parsons felt that America was the last word in modern society and opined that complete citizenship would occur when African Americans (and other similarly situated minorities) were granted the same rights as whites. At such time, Parsons predicted that democratic citizenship would be complete. (Kivisto 69). Sources Cuff, E. C., W. W. Sharrock and D. W. Francis, Perspectives in Sociology, third edition, London, Routledge, 1992. HM66 P36 1984. Gerth, Hans and C. Wright