DQ1 Problem Response, and conclusion, DQ Payouts to Shareholder w9DB Essay

DQ1 Problem Response, and conclusion, DQ Payouts to Shareholder w9DB - Essay Example In a situation where the managers know that the correct value of their shares is $14.50, the best thing they should do to raise $500 million is by borrowing the money. This is because the investors will know that the price of the share is underpriced and will not be willing to buy equity. This can be explained as follows: We know the cost of borrowing is $ 0.20 per share and if the firm sells 37 million shares at a discount of $1 per share ($14.50 - $13.50), they will have to bear the cost of $37 million or, $0.27 per share (Putra, 2008). Therefore it will be advisable to issue debt in such a scenario. According to my personal opinion, if the firm has no distress costs and only tax benefits, it will issue equity only if it is overpriced. However the investors will try to buy the shares of the firm at the lowest possible price since they know that the equity is overpriced. This will result in declining the market price of the equity and the firm will not benefit at all. So it would be better for IST to issue debt in such a scenario as it will only enhance its market price. Putra. (2008, September 12). How are Earning Per Share (EPS) calculated? In Accounting Financial and Tax. Retrieved from http://accounting-financial-tax.com/2008/09/how-are- earning-per-share-eps-computed/ Repurchase Tender offers – This approach is generally used in large equity purchases. In this approach, a firm fixes the specific price at which it wants to purchase back the shares, the number of shares it wants to buy back and the time period for the offer. It further invites the stockholders who are willing to surrender their shares for repurchase by the firm (Putra, 2009). Open Market Purchases – This approach is primarily used for smaller repurchases. In this method, the firm has the liberty to decide the number of share it wants to buy back and also the time of repurchase. In this approach, the firm buys back the shares from the market itself but at the

Examining Government Regulations Essay Example for Free

Examining Government Regulations Essay To briefly describe the current government regulations or standards I researched about kid’s having a single parent that does not get the additional cash assistants that they need to help support their family would be if a kid happens to be born in a family that happens to get additional cash assistants they are normally turned down to get any more. In the state of Ohio the percentage of kid’s with a single parent is at 31% witch is the highest it has ever been. A list of Agencies that will help a single parent with rent and other things that will help them raise their kid’s. â€Å"1. Local Non Profit Agencies Every county has designated agencies that are established to help individuals in times of distress. Local non-profit agencies are equipped to assist single mothers with rent, utility bills, daycare assistance, food, clothing and other necessities. Because they will base the amount of your grant off of your assets and other personal criteria, you will be required to meet with a caseworker who will discuss their program and input your information, including your earned income, proof of residence, past due bills and dependent information. Local non-profit agencies include: Department of Human Services, Department of Social Service Provides WIC, food stamps, daycare assistance and health care assistance such as Medicaid and Medicare, Transportation Assistance, Soup Kitchen, Rent assistance, Free or reduced meals for school-aged children. 2. Local Food Bank. Food banks are commonly found in all areas across the nation and can be accessed by anyone in their time of need. Donations come from grocery stores, wholesalers, restaurant owners and individuals. Once the food is brought in, volunteers sort and pack food kits for families in need. Single mothers can apply with their local food bank to receive assistance with obtaining food. In many cases, single mothers who make too much money to receive additional state or federal benefits are able to receive food donations from food banks. 3. Community Churches and Religious Organizations. Some community churches and temples have organized programs to help single mothers and individuals with low incomes. While the requirements may not be as stringent as local organizations, some churches may still want applicants to show documentation to receive assistance. Local churches often have programs in place to help women with shelter, rent payments, utility payments, clothing needs and food attainment. In addition to local food banks, many churches also have food pantries for members of the community that are in need. 4. Federal Assistance Organizations. When you have exhausted your options on a local level, or simply require further help, there are a variety of federal programs designated to help low-income families and single mothers. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) A federal assistance program that provides temporary cash assistance and food stamps to single mothers and low-income individuals, showing a need. Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) A federal assistance program that provides assistance with energy-related costs, including paying utility bills, weatherization procedures and/or energy-related home repairs. 5. Grants for Single Mothers There are a variety of grants available to single mothers who are the primary head of household. Some grants have been established for single mothers furthering their education and others are available to all single mothers meeting necessary criteria. While loans must be paid back, grants do not need to be repaid. Institutional grants, The Womens Opportunity Awards, Sunshine Lady Foundation.† There are only a few obstacles that would prevent me from meeting the needs of my target population and those would be the lack of funding the state provides as well as the huge number of people who need the help. Every year more and more people need help with and the funding as well keep’s going down more and more every year as well. Some of the things that need to be considered for change to the social policy that may be necessary in order for my issue to be resolved or for my target population to have its needs satisfied would be for that state to come up with another way to make funding to help those who need the help. Another way would be for that to hold a fun raiser to donate the money to the groups that help those in need.

Our Church Choir :: Personal Narrative Essays

Our Church Choir Last year our church choir was preparing for its twenty-seventh spring concert, and I was in charge. No, I was not president of the church choir, I was the "musician's representative!" I had not an inkling what that meant, but, sure enough, my ignorance would not linger. I was to be in charge of organizing all things musical, from equipment to musicians. The musicians seemed almost ready. The choir still had three songs to learn, but with rehearsals every night and impromptu performances in the dining halls, on the shuttle buses I felt generally confident. As a rule, when you are putting on a performance and feel "generally confident" one week before show time, begin panicking. The first disaster struck close to home: our drummer's grandmother passed away. Apart from the tremendous blow this tragedy dealt both him and the choir, we needed to find another drummer. Then, like an ominous slinky, the rest of my carefully laid plans fell one on top of the other. Our directors took ill. The music was taking too long to teach. Our pianist, gone. Our strongest soprano's voice, history. And I broke a bass string. I could do nothing but laugh . . . and cry. I managed to do that quite a bit. But just when Murphy's Law seemed martially imposed, things got miraculous. The night before the concert, an old church choir drummer stopped by to learn all two hours of the music. The choir learned the rest of the music that same evening and, when we finished, the room glowed with harmony. We were rough, but overall, the evening returned my general sense of confidence. (See above rule.) When I arrived the next evening, a troubling sight greeted me: a cart with none of the sound equipment I had ordered. We had no microphones. We had no speakers. I had already lost my wits by this point, and now I was inches from losing hope. A group assembled to see what could be salvaged from the situation and was mildly successful. But with all these distractions, the choir could not possibly be . . . Brilliant! The choir was brilliant. I have never been part of such a beautiful musical experience. But what is the point of this story? This story explains how our church choir operates: by grace of God and family.

Alfred Adler Essays -- BIOGRAPHY Alfred Adler

Alfred Adler was born outside of Vienna, Austria on February 7, 1870. He was the third child (second son) of what would eventually be seven total children. As a child, Alfred developed rickets, which kept him from walking until he was four years old. At five, he nearly died of pneumonia. At one point, Adler heard the doctor tell his father that â€Å"Alfred is lost†. It was around this time that Adler decided to become a physician. (Corey 2005) Due to frequent illness, Adler was pampered by his mother throughout most of the first few years of his life. This ended, however, with the arrival of a third son, a younger brother, who â€Å"dethroned† him. This left Adler in the middle, so to speak, due to being â€Å"dethroned† by the newly arrived sibling while still being overshadowed by his older brother Sigmund. The difficulty in his relationship with Sigmund was not short-lived. In fact, it lasted throughout his childhood and into adolescence. The relationship with his parents also showed contrast. While he maintained a trusting relationship with his father, the relationship with his mother was extremely flawed. Adler did not feel close to her, and that could have stemmed from the jealousy produced by the subsequent children and the relation lack of attention he received. During his school years, Adler was an average student. Despite his illnesses and physical limitations, he preferred activities outdoors to remaining indoors for his education. However, with his schoolwork, his primary goal at times was competing and possibly surpassing his brother Sigmund. In 1895, at the age of 25, he received a medical degree from the University of Vienna. During his college years he became attached to a group of socialist students. It was there that he found his future wife, Raissa Timofeyewna Epstein. She was a social activist who had immigrated to Austria from Russia for higher education. They married in 1897 and eventually had four children, two of whom became psychiatrists. (Boeree 1997) His medical career began far from the world of mental health. His first post in the medical field came as an ophthalmologist, but he soon switched to general practice, and established his office in a lower-class part of Vienna. His clients included, among others, the performers who worked with the nearby circus and it has been suggested that the extraordinary abilities of the performers le... ...ment, and therapy concepts that could be nothing but beneficial to anyone seeking counseling.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I’ve yet to fully understand how much true training in the Adlerian model is available for graduate school, but I can only hope it’s an available option because it seems to be the best route for me, personally, to take. BIBLIOGRAPHY The Psi Cafà ©: A Psychology Resource Site (2001). Alfred Adler. Retrieved April 19, 2005, from the World Wide Web: http://www.psy.pdx.edu/PsiCafe/KeyTheorists/Adler.htm#About Boeree, Dr. C. George (1997). Personality Theories: Alfred Adler. Retrieved April 21, 2005, from the Shippensburg University Website: http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/adler.html The Alfred Adler Institute of New York (2004). About Alfred Adler. Retrieved April 22, 2005, from the World Wide Web: http://www.alfredadler-ny.org/alfred_adler.htm Minnesota State University-Moorhead â€Å"MSUM† (2005). Adlerian Overview of Birth Order Characteristics. Retrieved April 16, 2005, from the MSU-M Website: http://www.mnstate.edu/kausar/psyc202/Birth%20order%20Characteristics.htm Corey, G. (2005). Theory and Practice Of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Belmont, California: Thomson Learning Alfred Adler Essays -- BIOGRAPHY Alfred Adler Alfred Adler was born outside of Vienna, Austria on February 7, 1870. He was the third child (second son) of what would eventually be seven total children. As a child, Alfred developed rickets, which kept him from walking until he was four years old. At five, he nearly died of pneumonia. At one point, Adler heard the doctor tell his father that â€Å"Alfred is lost†. It was around this time that Adler decided to become a physician. (Corey 2005) Due to frequent illness, Adler was pampered by his mother throughout most of the first few years of his life. This ended, however, with the arrival of a third son, a younger brother, who â€Å"dethroned† him. This left Adler in the middle, so to speak, due to being â€Å"dethroned† by the newly arrived sibling while still being overshadowed by his older brother Sigmund. The difficulty in his relationship with Sigmund was not short-lived. In fact, it lasted throughout his childhood and into adolescence. The relationship with his parents also showed contrast. While he maintained a trusting relationship with his father, the relationship with his mother was extremely flawed. Adler did not feel close to her, and that could have stemmed from the jealousy produced by the subsequent children and the relation lack of attention he received. During his school years, Adler was an average student. Despite his illnesses and physical limitations, he preferred activities outdoors to remaining indoors for his education. However, with his schoolwork, his primary goal at times was competing and possibly surpassing his brother Sigmund. In 1895, at the age of 25, he received a medical degree from the University of Vienna. During his college years he became attached to a group of socialist students. It was there that he found his future wife, Raissa Timofeyewna Epstein. She was a social activist who had immigrated to Austria from Russia for higher education. They married in 1897 and eventually had four children, two of whom became psychiatrists. (Boeree 1997) His medical career began far from the world of mental health. His first post in the medical field came as an ophthalmologist, but he soon switched to general practice, and established his office in a lower-class part of Vienna. His clients included, among others, the performers who worked with the nearby circus and it has been suggested that the extraordinary abilities of the performers le... ...ment, and therapy concepts that could be nothing but beneficial to anyone seeking counseling.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I’ve yet to fully understand how much true training in the Adlerian model is available for graduate school, but I can only hope it’s an available option because it seems to be the best route for me, personally, to take. BIBLIOGRAPHY The Psi Cafà ©: A Psychology Resource Site (2001). Alfred Adler. Retrieved April 19, 2005, from the World Wide Web: http://www.psy.pdx.edu/PsiCafe/KeyTheorists/Adler.htm#About Boeree, Dr. C. George (1997). Personality Theories: Alfred Adler. Retrieved April 21, 2005, from the Shippensburg University Website: http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/adler.html The Alfred Adler Institute of New York (2004). About Alfred Adler. Retrieved April 22, 2005, from the World Wide Web: http://www.alfredadler-ny.org/alfred_adler.htm Minnesota State University-Moorhead â€Å"MSUM† (2005). Adlerian Overview of Birth Order Characteristics. Retrieved April 16, 2005, from the MSU-M Website: http://www.mnstate.edu/kausar/psyc202/Birth%20order%20Characteristics.htm Corey, G. (2005). Theory and Practice Of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Belmont, California: Thomson Learning

Arts Essays – Expressionist, Fauve ; Cubist Art

In 1914, the early modernism critic Clive Bell wrote, The representative component in a work of art may or may non be harmful, ever it is irrelevant. Or, to appreciate a work of art we need conveying with us nil from life, no cognition of its thoughts and personal businesss, no acquaintance with its elements.Discuss the adequateness of this claim with mention to Expressionist, Fauve and Cubist art. On review of Claude Monet ‘s celebrated 1872 picture, ‘Impression – Dawn ‘ , one may detect its capable composing of visible radiation and atmosphere, the ocular effects of mist, fume and cloudy contemplations in the soiled H2O of a seaport ; it is the record of a fugitive minute, a glance of the Sun as it rises through the quickly fade outing mists of morning which, merely seconds subsequently, would hold risen further and changed the whole atmosphere of the scene. Monet, Degas, Pissarro and their creative person coevalss, slightly sardonically named after this renowned innovator piece, exhibited eight times before the 1890s and yet by the bend of the 20th century the Impressionists were being challenged by one of the cardinal elements of their graphics. The morning seaport, lily ponds, danseuses and elusive suburban landscapes that consumed the Impressionist canvas captured a world with which there was a turning clime offive de sieclemalaise. The representative component in a work of art that Clive Bell describes in his 1914 seminal treatise,Art, was cluttered with the irrelevances of literature, scientific discipline and engineering that detracted from the kernel of art as a important signifier composed of strictly aesthetic, instead than realistic, signifiers. Discontentment with the thought that art simply replicated life this new strain of modern creative person approached the easel in order to show instead than depict, to make instead than copy, and therefore the Impressionists dissolved into a fugitive minute of art history. Western art had become preoccupied with an art that embraced the realistic rendition of landscapes and figures, where creative persons worked in forepart of their topics, in the unfastened air instead than in a studio, taking full advantage of the proficient progresss being made in the industry of creative persons ‘ pigments to capture a true feeling of the effects of visible radiation and coloring material. In the early 1900s on the outskirts of Paris Henri Matisse besides preferred to travel out into the streets and do painted ‘impressions ‘ of the streets, the Bridgess, the river, in fact the same subjects that the Impressionists had chosen in the1860s and 1870s. The pictures Matisse made of Notre Dame, nevertheless, had small to make with the atmospheric effects sought by Monet and Pissarro. Rather, he exploited a new reading of world where wide countries of pigment and the reorganization of infinite were cardinal to an of import artistic motion that the Fauvists were shortly to open up: I did non desire to follow a conventional manner of picture ; I wanted to revolutionize wonts and modern-day life – to emancipate nature, to liberate it from the authorization of old theories and classicalism I was filled neither with green-eyed monster or hatred, but I felt a enormous impulse to animate a new universe seen through my ain eyes, a universe which was wholly mine. Henri Matisse, Andr & A ; eacute ; Derain and Maurice Vlaminck evolved this new universe through a manner of painting that earned them the name Les Fauves ( wild animals ) , and, in the brief period between 1904 and 1907 their freedom of look through the usage of pure colorss, additive design and overdone position secured a measure off from the representative component upheld by the Impressionists before them. Matisse ‘s 1904 picture ‘Luxe, Calme et Volupt & A ; eacute ; ‘ can about be viewed as a Fauvist pronunciamento, a disclosure to his circle of coevalss who admired his subjective usage of coloring material, the manner the bare figures had been simplified to the point of ornament and the placing of tree, boat and shoreline to unite the image surface into a individual plane. Through his art Matisse questioned an full heritage of landscape tradition and lead others to oppugn it excessively ; in forepart of this image I understood all the new rules ; Impressionism lost its appeal for me as I contemplated this miracle of imaginativeness produced by pulling and coloring materials. Later work of the Fauves demonstrates freedom from the realistic representation that Bell upheld as irrelevant, but remained concerned with utilizing coloring material for its ain interest. Derain sought a manner out of the deadlock of his fellow Fauvists, experimenting with concepts of a more solid and touchable world within the being of the picture, and it was Apollinaire who remarked that the Cubist aesthetic was foremost elaborated in the head of Andr & A ; eacute ; Derain. To convey nil from life, no cognition of its thoughts and personal businesss and no acquaintance with its elements spilled from a diaphanous impression in Fauvist art into a apparent purpose with creative persons with Cubist understandings. In a blazing renunciation of a tradition that dated back to at least the 14th century, a tradition that equated good picture with retroflexing observed light and signifier, creative persons such as Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso were utilizing their canvases to make a ocular experience of the universe. Art conveyances us from the universe of adult male ‘s activity to a universe of aesthetic ecstasy. For a minute we are shut off from human involvements ; our expectancies and memories are arrested ; we are lifted above the watercourse of life. The pure mathematician rapt in his surveies knows a province of head which I take to be similar, if non indistinguishable. See Picasso ‘s 1909 picture ‘Houses on the Hill, Horta d'Ebro ‘ and one can clearly see how this illustration of daring art can transport its witness to a universe of aesthetic ecstasy. Every seeable surface is broken down into comparatively distinct, comparatively level surfaces to organize a series of aspects, a assortment of quasi-geometric forms, while multiple point of views render the houses from a figure of coincident point of views. See besides Braque ‘s 1909 ‘Castle at la Roche-Guyon ‘ where the cardinal block of edifices in the landscape hovers and spills across both the foreground and background of the piece doing them into accessible, haptic entities with which the witness can prosecute. Braque and Picasso transformed painted landscape into a designed Cubist infinite, manipulated signifiers through artistic look and imaginativeness that bore small resemblance to the surface ( shallow ) world of being. Cubist image infinite has little regard for perspectival infinite, in which solid objects merely of all time recede from the witness, and where infinite itself is ever empty or hollow. In his contemplations on the Avant-garde Clement Greenberg notes that if art and literature are imitation, so what we have here is the imitation of copying. Art as an look, or imitation of imitating, as opposed to a mere representation of life, is a impression that has arguably been exploited legion times during the history of art, during periods of crisis and turbulence, but expressionist art became a preoccupation of its ain during the early portion of the Twentieth Century. The Expressionist art of Wassily Kandinsky nowadayss simplified landscapes and experiments in abstract art, where glowing colorss and ardent brushstrokes convey the work ‘s intending straight to the witness. In his 1911 ‘Improvisation No. 23 ‘ Kandinsky seems to delight in the additive motion of the lines, forms and infinites and literally improvises a design that is about musical in its hypnotic concepts of quasi-staves, points and mock-clefs. In an art-consciousness manner beyond the familiar surfaces of life and the creative persons who sought to animate them, Kandinsky painted in order to link the ocular affair of art to the interior life of adult male. A similar Expressionist phenomenon was germinating in the work of Franz Marc who besides moved off from object-orientated art to an art of lyrical look, haunted by animate beings which represented the lost artlessness of adult male. For these creative persons unnaturalistic colorss, deigned infinites, the beat of nature, symbolic and brooding images constituted the chase for look: Picasso, Braque, Mondrian, Mir & A ; oacute ; , Kandinsky, Brancusi, even Klee, Matisse and C & A ; eacute ; zanne derive their main inspiration from the medium they work in. The exhilaration of their art seems to lie in its pure preoccupation with the innovation and agreement of infinites, surfaces, forms and colorss, etc. , to the exclusion of whatever is non needfully implicated in these factors. Clive Bell ‘s axiom, that art requires nil from life, no cognition of its thoughts and personal businesss, no acquaintance with its elements is clearly demonstrated in the art motions that evolved out of the representative art at the bend of the Twentieth Century. Reactionary against the Impressionistic rendition of objects the Fauvists, Cubists and Expressionists exploited a impression that art should abandon the representative component that had held art in a headlock for centuries in favor of look and heightened attending to the media or stuffs with which they created their art. While novelists explored the job of novel authorship in plants such asUlyssesandThe Forgers, composers drew attending to the really concepts of their music and ocular creative persons made the redolent map of coloring material and organize their recurrent ‘subject affair. ‘ Bell identifies possibly one of the most of import premises in Avant-Garde art and arguably the subsequent advancement of art through the Twentieth Century owes a great debt to the critic who mused: What I have to state is this: the rapt philosopher, and he who contemplates a work of art, populate a universe with an intense and curious significance of its ain ; that significance is unrelated to the significance of life. In this universe the emotions of life find no topographic point. It is a universe with emotions of its ain. Bibliography Bell, Clive:Art, Oxford University Press, Great Britain, 1987 Gaiger, Jason and Wood, Paul ( ed. ) :Art of theTwentieth Century: A Reader, Open University, Great Britain, 2003 Greenberg, Clement:The Collected Essays andCriticism: Percepts and Judgments 1939 – 1944,The University of ChicagoPress, USA, 1988 Stangos, Nikos ( ed. ) :Concepts of Modern Art: Fauvism to Postmodernism, Thames and Hudson, Singapore, 1997 Wood, Paul and Edwards, Steven ( erectile dysfunction ) :Art of theAvant-Gardes, Open University, USA, 2004

How does George Eliot portray the changes of the character Silas Marner Essays

How does George Eliot portray the changes of the character Silas Marner Essays How does George Eliot portray the changes of the character Silas Marner Paper How does George Eliot portray the changes of the character Silas Marner Paper Essay Topic: Literature George Eliot describes Raveloe at the start of the nineteenth century through a changing world. At this time the changes in the industrial revolution were making many poor, working people leave the countryside to work in factories and live in crowded, squalid towns where small religious groups were beginning to form such as the one in Lantern Yard. There were many inequalities of society such as the high living standards of the landowners compared to the poor people in Raveloe. The first change of character is when Marner is made to move from Lantern Yard to Raveloe after being wrongly accused of stealing money from the Deacon. In Lantern yard he was highly though of and was believed to be a young man of exemplary life and ardent faith. When Marners friend, William Dane, betrays him and frames him for stealing money he is called to the church where he believes God would clear him. However he is found guilty and he was said to have despair in his soul that shaken trust in God and man, so now he begins to lose faith and trust in everyone. He is further burdened when his fianci calls the wedding off and is soon married to Marners friend William Dane. At this he moves to Raveloe. George Eliot shows the effect of this event by creating a whole new view of Marner. He looses Religion and trust, which makes him very isolated. She makes him seem like a very dark strange character by using phrases such as The little light that he possessed spread its beams so narrowly, that frustrated belief was a curtain broad enough to create for him the blackness of night. In other words its made out that Marner has nothing to look forward to because of his loss of faith. His loneliness in emphasised when he seems to find company in his money. George Eliot describes them as his seeds of desire, this makes you think that money is the most important thing in Marners life. Also he is made isolated because nothing in Raveloe is the same as Lantern Yard which also creates pity. The reader first regards Marner as being a level headed and much respected character. However when he is betrayed he shows he is very innocent and unsuspecting which shows he is too trustful, and relies too much on the teachings of God. When he moves to Raveloe the reader feels great pity for Marner. George Eliot creates this by making out that Marner has lost everything and by making him so isolated from the rest of the village, he invited no comer to step across his door-sill, and he never strolled into the village. Also the writer makes us commiserate with Marner because he loses all his respect. She creates this by making all the characters in Raveloe think that Marner is strange and also by using a group of lads that pester and torment him to show that this view runs through all the generations of Raveloe. The readers view of Marner again changes when the writer describes his money as they were like the satisfaction of a thirst to him and that his life had reduced itself to the mere functions of weaving and hoarding. It makes him seem as if he is a robot with a program. It makes him seem even stranger but again creates great empathy because he really has no life and its hard to believe that a once well regarded man had become this machine. The second incident is the arrival of Eppie. Eppie a little toddler had been walking with her mother who had passed out from being so cold and taking morphine. She was drawn to the light of Marners fire and she entered the house as Marner stood by the open door having a fit. George Eliot uses imagery of Eppies hair, being golden, looking like gold. When Marner notices her he thinks she is his gold that was stolen from him. This shows how important gold is in his life. He discovered it was a child looking much like his sister. Marner goes to the New Year party at the red house to fetch the doctor after finding the childs mother dead in the snow. Marner wants to keep the child but readers know that it is Godfrey Casss child. In this incident Silas Marner shows many new feelings such as love and importance of being which develops his character. The change in Marner that George Eliot shows is that he has started talking with people and that people in Raveloe have change there view of him and no longer regard Marner as being strange. This is shown when someone talks to him with respectful compassion. George Eliot uses the child to remind the readers of the kindness that he possessed when living in Lantern Yard and also shows a total change in Marner that his life no longer revolves around money but Eppie. This change is so drastic that it even takes Marner by surprise. I know this when he says No-no-I cant part with it. The stuttering at the beginning makes you think that he is confused, but Eppie was said to be almost a revelation. It is like another new beginning for Silas Marner. The fact that Eppie clings to Marner makes him seem like a warm, comforting character. George Eliot creates the warmth by using words to describe Marner and his actions such as soothed, perfectly quiet and wide gazing calm. Godfrey shows jealousy towards Marner but it too proud to say anything because of his conflict of regret and joy. This makes Silas Marners character seem stronger to in the readers point of view. The quote the small hand began to pull at Marners withered cheek with loving disfiguration, show as that he is like a father and rather than being a self absorbed, piteous character he is warm and strong. The strength of his character is emphasised by Godfrey being so weak in this part of the book because of all his mixed emotions. In this part of the book it seems as if Marners character is complete because for once in his life he has a reason for living that he that everyone else regards satisfactory. The reader is reminded of Silas Marners innocent side when he says Till anybody shows theyve a right to take her away from me, The mothers dead, and I reckon its got no father. George Eliot creates shock in the readers when Marner says this by using dramatic irony. This quote again shows Marners strength because he now feels he can stand up to people as from before he didnt even show signs of communication. The reader again feels sorry for Marner when he says My moneys gone, I dont know where-and this is come from I dont know where. It is as if he is still thing to make sense of everything and by comparing Eppie to money, which was the most important thing in his life, is saying that Eppie is now the most important thing in his life. Godfrey gives Marner some money to look after Eppie and states that Eppie is a Poor little thing. This shows characters in the book still feel pity for Marner because they see the child as being a burden but or Silas the child is just what he needed. The reader feels hope for Marner at this point which contradicts the other characters views because only the reader knows hoe truly important the child is to Marner and how hopeless he would be if he didnt have anything in his life still. The final incident I have chosen is in the second part of the book that is sixteen years on from part one of the book. It is when Marners gold is returned to him but is worthless compared to Eppie. Also Godfrey and Nancy (Godfreys wife) went to see Marner and broke the news that Godfrey is Eppies biological father and that he wants her to move in with him. However Eppie will not go as she sees Marner as her father which the reader gets constant reminders of as she always refers to him as daddy or father. George Eliot shows a change in Marner again, as now he is a totally fulfilled character with money and Eppie. However Marner explains to Eppie how he used to count it every night, and his soul was utterly desolate till she was sent to him. This portrays Silas as finally being an ordinary who wants and needs nothing else than Eppie. It shows he has found himself and that he has become totally dedicated to Eppie not money or religion. The writer creates great tension when Silas Marner tells Eppie how she has changed his whole life and that If you hadnt been sent to save me, I should ha gone to the grave in misery. At this Godfrey and Nancy enter Marners house. This sequence of events creates great tension because you know whats coming and you feels so sorry for Eppie and Marner who have got a nice life together which now may be turned into disaster. The tension gathers as it takes so long for Godfrey to break the news. When Godfrey announces he wants Eppie to stay with him the mood between the characters change dramatically. George Eliot creates great frustration between Silas Marner and Godfrey Cass because of the difference in class, which again creates more tension between the characters. When Godfrey says, Make her a lady; shes more fit for it than the rough life, it is like saying your no longer good enough to look after Eppie. When Eppie will not go there is a sense of relief. However when Godfrey tells his news the tension is held at a climax by the angry, shocked mood that George Eliot creates. She is keeps the tension going by using lots of commas and short sentences. George Eliot also uses lots of adjectives to describe the character feelings such as, Lively appreciation and parental fierceness. This makes the feeling more dramatic making them feel more real to the reader. She creates this mood by the actions of Eppie, Eppie had given a violent start, and turned quite pale, and also Marners actions, he answered, with an accent of bitterness. This makes all the characters uneasy with each other and creates the mood. There is great pressure and guilt on Godfrey, especially when Marner states very defensively, Why didnt you say so 16 years ago, and claim her before Id come to love her, when you might as well take the heart out of my body. It is ironic how he is accusing Marner as not being good enough to look after Eppie, when he has taken 16 years to tell her the truth. This shows another change in Marner which is that he will stand up to people even if they are a higher class when it comes down to Eppie. The quote is also another emphasis on how important Eppie is to Marner. There are again many changes in the readers view of Marner. Even in the incident there is a change of character. At first he is said to be always ill at ease when he was being spoken to by betters. However His character becomes stronger and he gains belief in himself. This is shown in the quote of the previous paragraph. Also Marner shows that he very tolerate even to Godfrey who comes across as very unfeeling, selfish and self-absorbed. This is shown when Godfrey, in effect says that Eppie would be better off at the red house. Another change in Marner is that he is always thinking in other peoples best interests, especially Eppies. This is shown when Marner says to Eppie Eppie my child, speak. I wont stand in your way. It also shows that he is very caring. The readers also regard Marner as being very respectful and respected. This is shown when he tells Eppie to Thank Mr. And Mrs. Cass, even after they nearly wrecked his life. It is shown that Marner is respected when Eppie sticks by his side, I cant leave my father. Another change is shown in the readers view of Marner when Godfrey puts pressure on Marner because he tells him he would be better off for money if Eppie went. This shows that Money no longer plays an important part in his life. When Marner tells Eppie that if she stays with him that You must make sure as you wont be sorry shows his sensitive side because he still want the best for Eppie. In incident one when Marner is set up by his best friend I think George Eliot wants us to think about the issue of trust and friendship. I also think she wants us to think how money can effect these issues. For example William was Marners best friend who had profuse amounts of Marners trust and respect. However just to get money he broke these bonds because he though money was worth more. It raises an interesting twist in the book when Marner moves to Raveloe he find that money is the most important thing in his life. Also in Incident one I think she wants to point out that there was no real judicial system and everything went to the church. Almost like god was the judge. It also shows how important religion was in those times and that it lad to injustices. In the world today it seems a strange phenomenon that people thought they could tell who was guilty, and that Marner had so much faith in God that he thought God would show the people that he was not guilty. In incident two George Eliot wants to raise the moral issue of child negligence and single motherhood in those times. She shows the desperation of single mothers in those times, again showing no judicial system and no help for people who werent involved with the church. George Eliot also shows how the whole image, appearance and actions of richer people were so important to uphold. This is shown when Godfrey walks away from his only child and his ex-wife. It is also shown when Mrs Kimble wont take Eppie, Mrs Kimble, hesitating, how-ever to take those dingy clothes into contact with her own ornament satin bodice. Also in incident two the writer wants us to show us the difference in class and how it effected the actions of those people. For example the higher class take pity on the lower class. This is shown by several offers of money to Marner. It also shows that the rich used money to get out of taking responsibilities. In incident three George Eliot wants us to think about the moral issue of class again. It seems ironic how Godfrey feels he has the right to own Eppie after Marner has been her father for sixteen years. She shows how the higher class expects respect from the lower class and the lower class seems to oblige to this expectation. This is shown in the brief quote Thank Mr. and Mrs. Cass. The fact that Marner refers to Godfrey and Nancy as Mr and Mrs shows respect. The writer also wants us to think about the importance of money in the different classes. It seems much more important to Godfrey who uses it to try and bribe Eppie to leaving Marner; this also shows how money makes people think they have power. It used to be of most importance to Marner until he found Eppie. It makes us think about the moral that money is nothing if you dont have anyone to share it with.

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum)

The Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum) Eastern tent caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum) may be the only insects recognized by their homes rather than their appearance. These sociable caterpillars live together in silk nests, which they build in the crotches of cherry and apple trees. Eastern tent caterpillars may be confused with gypsy moths or even fall webworm. What Do They Look Like? Eastern tent caterpillars feed on the leaves of some favorite ornamental landscape trees, making their presence a concern to most homeowners. In truth, they rarely do enough damage to kill a healthy plant, and if you want an interesting insect to observe, this is one to watch. Several hundred caterpillars reside communally in their silken tent, built in the crotch of tree branches. Models of cooperation, the eastern tent caterpillars live and work in harmony until they are ready to pupate. The caterpillars emerge in early spring. In their final instar, they reach over 2 inches long and sport visible hairs down the sides of their bodies. The dark larvae are marked with a white stripe down their backs. Broken lines of brown and yellow run along the sides, punctuated by oval spots of blue. Malacosoma americanum moths break free of their cocoons after three weeks. Like many moths, they lack bright colors and appear almost drab. A close look reveals two parallel lines of cream across wings of tan or reddish brown. Classification Kingdom - AnimaliaPhylum - ArthropodaClass - InsectaOrder - LepidopteraFamily - LasiocampidaeGenus - MalacosomaSpecies - Malacosoma americanum What DoThey Eat? Eastern tent caterpillars feed on the foliage of cherry, apple, plum, peach, and hawthorn trees. In years when Malacosoma americanum is abundant, the large number of caterpillars may defoliate their host trees entirely and then wander to less preferable plants to feed. The adult moths live just a few days and do not feed. Life Cycle Like all butterflies and moths, eastern tent caterpillars undergo complete metamorphosis with four stages: Egg - The female oviposits 200–300 eggs in late spring.Larva - Caterpillars develop in just a few weeks, but remain quiescent in the egg mass until the following spring, when new leaves appear.Pupa - The sixth instar larva spins a silken cocoon in a sheltered location, and pupates within. The pupal case is brown.Adult - Moths fly in search of mates in May and June, and live just long enough to reproduce. Special Adaptations and Defenses Larvae emerge in early spring when temperatures tend to fluctuate. The caterpillars live communally in silken tents designed to keep them warm during cool spells. The broad side of the tent faces the sun, and caterpillars may huddle together on cold or rainy days. Before each of three daily feeding excursions, the caterpillars tend to their tent, adding silk as needed. As the caterpillars grow, they add new layers to accommodate their larger size and to move away from the accumulating waste of frass.​ Eastern tent caterpillars exit en masse three times each day: before dawn, around midday, and right after sunset. As they crawl along branches and twigs in search of leaves to eat, they leave behind silk trails and pheromones. The trails mark the path to food for their fellow tentmates. Pheromone signals alert other caterpillars to not only the presence of foliage but provide information about the quality of the food on a particular branch. Like most hairy caterpillars, eastern tent larvae are thought to deter birds and other predators with their irritating bristles. When they perceive a threat, the caterpillars rear up and thrash their bodies. The community members respond to these movements by doing the same, which makes for an amusing group display to observe. The tent itself also provides cover from predators and between feedings, the caterpillars retreat to its safety to rest. Where DoEastern Tent Caterpillars Live? Eastern tent caterpillars may infest the home landscape, making tents in ornamental cherry, plum, and apple trees. Roadside stands of trees might provide suitable wild cherries and crabapples, where dozens of caterpillar tents decorate the forest edge. These early spring caterpillars require the warmth of the sun to heat their bodies, so tents would rarely, if ever, be found in shaded woodland areas. The eastern tent caterpillar lives throughout the eastern United States, to the Rocky Mountains and into southern Canada. Malacosoma americanum is a native insect of North America. Sources Eastern tent caterpillar. Texas AM University.Eastern tent caterpillar.  University of Kentucky Agriculture Department.T. D. Fitzgerald. The Tent Caterpillars.Stephen A. Marshal. ​Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity.

American History Timeline From 1860 to 1870

American History Timeline From 1860 to 1870 1860 February 27, 1860: Abraham Lincoln, a lawyer from Springfield, Illinois, gave a speech at Cooper Union in New York City. Lincoln delivered a forceful and well-reasoned argument against the spread of slavery and became an overnight star and a leading candidate for the upcoming presidential election.March 11, 1860: Abraham Lincoln visited the Five Points, the most notorious slum in America. He spent time with children at a Sunday school, and an account of his visit later appeared in newspapers during his presidential campaign.Summer 1860: Candidates did not actively participate in campaigning in the mid-1800s, though Lincolns campaign used posters and other images to inform and win over voters.July 13, 1860: Albert Hicks, a pirate convicted of murder, was hanged on present-day Liberty Island in New York Harbor before thousands of spectators.August 13, 1860: Annie Oakley, sharpshooter who became an entertainment phenomenon, was born in Ohio.November 6, 1860: Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States. December 20, 1860: In response to Lincolns election, the state of South Carolina issued an Ordinance of Secession and declared it is leaving the Union. Other states would follow. 1861 March 4, 1861: Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated as the president of the United States.April 12, 1861: In the harbor at Charleston, South Carolina, Fort Sumter was attacked by Confederate guns.May 24, 1861: Death of Col. Elmer Ellsworth, an event which energized the North in the war effort.Summer and Fall, 1861: Thaddeus Lowe began the U.S. Army Balloon Corps, in which aeronauts ascended in balloons to view enemy troops.December 13, 1861: Prince Albert, the husband of Britains Queen Victoria, died at the age of 42. 1862 May 2, 1862: Death of writer and naturalist Henry David Thoreau, author of Walden.September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam  was fought in western Maryland. It becomes known as Americas Bloodiest Day.October 1862: Photographs taken by Alexander Gardner  were put on public display at Mathew Bradys gallery in New York City. The public was shocked by the carnage depicted in the photographic prints. 1863 January 1, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.July 1-3, 1863: The epic Battle of Gettysburg  was fought in Pennsylvania.July 13, 1863: The New York Draft Riots began, and continue for several days.October 3, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring a Day of Thanksgiving to he observed on the last Thursday in November.November 19, 1863: President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address while dedicating a military cemetery at the site of the Battle of Gettysburg. 1864 January 3, 1864: Death of Archbishop John Hughes, an immigrant priest who became a political force in New York City.May 13, 1864: The first burial took place at Arlington National Cemetery.November 8, 1864: Abraham Lincoln won a second term as president, defeating General George McClellan in the election of 1864. 1865 January 16, 1865: General William Tecumseh Sherman issued Special Field Orders, No. 15, which was interpreted as a promise to provide forty acres and a mule to each family of freed slaves.January 31, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in America, was passed by the United States Congress.March 4, 1865: Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for his second term as president of the United States. Lincolns second inaugural address is remembered as one of his most notable speeches.April 14, 1865: President Abraham Lincoln was shot at Fords Theatre and died the next morning.Summer 1865: The Freedmens Bureau, a new federal agency designed to help the freed slaves, began operation. 1866 Summer 1866: The Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, was formed. 1867 March 17, 1867: The annual parade for St. Patricks Day in New York City was marred by violent clashes. In the following years, the tone of the parade was changed and it became a symbol of the emerging political power of the New York Irish. 1868 March 1868: The Erie Railroad War, a bizarre Wall Street struggle to control shares of a railroad, played out in the newspapers. The protagonists were Jay Gould, Jim Fisk, and Cornelius Vanderbilt.May 30, 1868: The first Decoration Day  was observed in the United States. The graves of Civil War veterans were decorated with flowers at Arlington National Cemetery and other cemeteries.February 1868: Novelist and politician Benjamin Disraeli became Prime Minister of Britain for the first time.Summer, 1868: Writer and naturalist John Muir arrived in Yosemite Valley for the first time. 1869 March 4, 1869: Ulysses S. Grant  was inaugurated as president of the United States of America.September 24, 1869: A scheme by Wall Street operators Jay Gould and Jim Fisk to corner the gold market nearly took down the entire U.S. economy in what became known as Black Friday.October 16, 1869: A weird discovery on an upstate New York farm became a sensation as the Cardiff Giant. The huge stone man turned out to be a hoax, but still fascinated a public which seemed to want a diversion.

Cyber security Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cyber security - Coursework Example More than one person should have passwords that permit accessibility of files. This can save time wastage when one person who has the password is sick, on vacation or is dead. Individuals with the passwords should be known so that any breach or leakage should be traced to the one responsible. In as much as several governments are trying to come up with e-government systems that have user friendly and basic graphical interface, they should put up measures that ensure that information security is maintained. They should not only focus on minimizing the costs of data storage. They should lay emphasis on data privacy and confidentiality. 2. Cyber-crime is a transnational issue that makes extradition exceedingly difficult. Using the Wikileak’s case, discuss whether or not the breach of the U.S. classified network warrants the extradition and trial of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in the United States. Data security is an essential issue when it comes to security information of any nation. Strict international laws against data leakage are inevitable for the benefit of every country. Trials of individuals who breach another country’s security network should be left for the aggrieved country. Data breach and leakage should be considered a crime, whether it is done from an office or at home. The United States government is unable to try Mr. Assange, a Swedish and founder of Wikileaks, for breaching the confidentiality of the United States security and official data. The United States cannot try him since there is no international rule that considers his actions a crime. Additionally, national rules and laws of a single state cannot be applied to citizens of other countries. It is extremely essential that cyber security be considered a vital issue in a meeting of the United Nations. In the meeting, it is anticipated that the organization should declare cyber breaching and

Environmental impact of carbon fuel consumption ( cars, taxis, buses, Essay

Environmental impact of carbon fuel consumption ( cars, taxis, buses, air plane...) - Essay Example The article cites that they only eat organic food which is mostly grown within a 250 mile distance to make it possible to access the food manually. They also do not use paper, they do not produce trash and most important is that they use no carbon-fueled transportation. Implementing these measures according to Beavan can significantly reduce the depletion rate of our environment and see a brighter future for the next generation. In the film â€Å" no impact man† there are similar measures as there is no use of elevators, television, no cars and/or buses, no cleaning products and no garbage. In this movie the food is also organic and he gets it from around Manhattan. There are critics of his families measure as they argue that starting from the mere air they breathe which is made of carbon dioxide to the buildings they live in which were made by machinery to the trucks that bring food in the city they still are accountable for some of the deterioration of the atmosphere. Howeve r it is important to note that with the level of ozone layer depletion at this point it is crucial to take measures to prevent further or slower depletion in order to have a future. This paper looks at some of the benefits and ways of using less fuel consuming cars and buses to the environment. The Beavans are four months into their experiment which involves the use of non-fuel transportation to run their daily activities. This paper advocates for the reduction in the use of cars, taxis, buses or anything that we usually use daily that consumes fuel. In the article Michelle Conlin asserts that she uses her scooter even in the rainy and snow seasons and never uses any other means of transportation. The use of the scooter can help reduce the carbon emissions significantly in the environment and help in living in an environment that is free of any fuel pollution. The wide use of cars, buses and machinery

Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach - Essay Example They are not in any way inferior or less powerful than the male race. In fact, in the book, it expresses a desire to look at gender without attaching certain and specific roles to it. Women don’t have to be born with an already fixed set of actions and functions in the society that are expected of them. Women can now do what all men can. The book additionally points out that when it is said that women should have more power in the society than what they have now, it clearly also expresses that they do not overpower the men either. As a response to this notion of absolute equality of gender, I personally think that this should truly be the case in a better world. Both men and women should be given equal opportunities, and roles should not be attached to their gender so as to not limit them from the work or functions they might want to have in the society. Who is to say that women should be the one to stay at home and do the household chores while the men should be the one to work and earn the money for the family? Who is to say that women are incapable of performing certain jobs than men, that women may not be as strong or as powerful as men? Today, we are already seeing changes that are moving towards gender equality. More and more women are now becoming more empowered. Compared to the olden times, we are now seeing a significant change in the way people perceive gender and the roles that play around them in the society. Less and less functions and responsibilities are limited and are expected now for each ge nder. With the onset of the age of modernity, people are now starting to realize that with gender equality comes a better world. There is no longer any prejudice or discrimination for both genders, and people are no more liberated to do what they want to do without being condemned or hindered. Although we still see today that men and women are still not completely equal in the society as

Final Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Final Exam - Essay Example For instance, the government of UAE has a tendency of overstaffing departments. In most of these cases, these individuals do not have the necessary educational backgrounds and experiences to fit, in these departments. The need to overstaff government departments and agencies arise from the unemployment rates (Jabbra & Jabbra 137). Additionally, this need arises from the country’s dependence on oil production and economy. Recent efforts focusing on branching out face stiff competition and resistance from the oil industry and government activities directed towards the oil industry. Few non-energy based businesses face challenges in thriving in this economy because they lack the work force that has been concentrated, in the energy industry. The complexity and rigidity of rules in UAE further provide challenges to the adoption of Western governmental cultures. These rules are developed with an aim of concentrating power and growing the size of the government. This has led to an in crease in unethical practices such as nepotism, corruption and misuse of public resources and office. The government or public sector creates immense job opportunities for the UAE residents. However, these jobs are usually open for UAE residents. For instance, Etisalat, which is a semi governmental corporation, is overstaffed with UAE residents (Jabbra & Jabbra 140). ... For instance, in 2010, the government was rocked with several corruption scandals that threatened its administrative processes. The size and extent of power, in UAE government, facilitate instances of corruption. In addition, corruption is a crucial issue in government owned corporations especially in the oil and telecommunication industries. Though corruption is not as rampant as in other states, it occurs through careless and unscrupulous businesses. It is essential to note that administrative processes in UAE occur in an environment that does not facilitate accountability (Jabbra & Jabbra 141). The administrative environment in UAE does not have proper checks, balances, and appropriate safeguards that can prevent these instances of corruption. As public servants carry out their official duties, they lack accountability for their behaviors and actions, which favors instances of corruption. Establishing accountability in administrative processes is a crucial tool and strategy in red ucing the unenthusiastic effects of corruption. In this case, all public servants will be accountable for their actions and decisions. This ensures that these public servants reach decisions that aim at improving their departments. Accountability is essential because workers become answerable for their decisions and actions (Jabbra & Jabbra 138). Additionally, it creates awareness that negative actions, behaviors and decisions lead to possible legal proceedings. Accountability will also help in addressing bureaucracy because it helps in the development of a functional administrative structure with spelt out duties and responsibilities for each administrative function. Question 3 In my opinion, public administration is both an art and science. Public

Long term Care in USA vs. Europe and East Asia Essay

Long term Care in USA vs. Europe and East Asia - Essay Example The major limitation associated with this informal arrangement of long term care provision by the USA is that there is no uniformity in the manner in which the frail, disabled and the individuals with chronic illnesses are attended to. Thus, those who are dependent on private long term care insurance and out-of-pocket spending eventually end up missing on quality long term care, considering that their resources are easily depleted, to a point where they can no longer be able to cater for such medical and non-medical needs of the deserving individuals (Saltman, Dubois & Chawla, 2006). It is against this background that the U.S. Congress is assessing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, with a view to establishing a formal program through which uniform long term care can be offered in the USA (Campbell, Ikegami & Gibson, 2010). According to the data released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2008, Medicaid accounted for 71% of the long term care services that were provided in the USA, while out-of-pocket spending followed at 18% and finally private long term care insurance at 7% (Harris-Kojetin, Sengupta, Park-Lee, Valverde, 2013). These statistics indicate that the only individuals who benefit from long term care in the USA are those capable of meeting the expenses through out-of-pocket paying, joining private long term care insurance or enrolling for the Medicaid plan. This leaves out the bulky of the frail, disabled and the deserving dependent senior citizens in the USA without the access of long term care services. This is contrary to the situation in Europe, where countries such as Germany, Norway and Denmark have a formalized program for supporting long term care for all the deserving citizens, without causing them to deplete their resources (Saltman, Dubois & Chawla, 2006). Additionally, long term care services in some of the East Asian countries such as

Final Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Final Exam - Essay Example For instance, the government of UAE has a tendency of overstaffing departments. In most of these cases, these individuals do not have the necessary educational backgrounds and experiences to fit, in these departments. The need to overstaff government departments and agencies arise from the unemployment rates (Jabbra & Jabbra 137). Additionally, this need arises from the country’s dependence on oil production and economy. Recent efforts focusing on branching out face stiff competition and resistance from the oil industry and government activities directed towards the oil industry. Few non-energy based businesses face challenges in thriving in this economy because they lack the work force that has been concentrated, in the energy industry. The complexity and rigidity of rules in UAE further provide challenges to the adoption of Western governmental cultures. These rules are developed with an aim of concentrating power and growing the size of the government. This has led to an in crease in unethical practices such as nepotism, corruption and misuse of public resources and office. The government or public sector creates immense job opportunities for the UAE residents. However, these jobs are usually open for UAE residents. For instance, Etisalat, which is a semi governmental corporation, is overstaffed with UAE residents (Jabbra & Jabbra 140). ... For instance, in 2010, the government was rocked with several corruption scandals that threatened its administrative processes. The size and extent of power, in UAE government, facilitate instances of corruption. In addition, corruption is a crucial issue in government owned corporations especially in the oil and telecommunication industries. Though corruption is not as rampant as in other states, it occurs through careless and unscrupulous businesses. It is essential to note that administrative processes in UAE occur in an environment that does not facilitate accountability (Jabbra & Jabbra 141). The administrative environment in UAE does not have proper checks, balances, and appropriate safeguards that can prevent these instances of corruption. As public servants carry out their official duties, they lack accountability for their behaviors and actions, which favors instances of corruption. Establishing accountability in administrative processes is a crucial tool and strategy in red ucing the unenthusiastic effects of corruption. In this case, all public servants will be accountable for their actions and decisions. This ensures that these public servants reach decisions that aim at improving their departments. Accountability is essential because workers become answerable for their decisions and actions (Jabbra & Jabbra 138). Additionally, it creates awareness that negative actions, behaviors and decisions lead to possible legal proceedings. Accountability will also help in addressing bureaucracy because it helps in the development of a functional administrative structure with spelt out duties and responsibilities for each administrative function. Question 3 In my opinion, public administration is both an art and science. Public

Peter principle Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Peter principle - Research Paper Example o the skills required for a specific position of employment, and this idea was not taken into account in the supposedly common sense beliefs of traditional promotions.While the idea was first proposed with a humorous edge, the true implications of the theory were not that funny. The Peter Principle may expose an inherent flaw in the hierarchical promotion system that is used by many companies. Promotions may come from within a company that operates in an employment hierarchy. When this is the case, we may be tempted to believe that a person has been promoted because they are the best fitting candidate for the tasks associated with the position. However, it is just as likely that the promoted employee was selected for overall competence, rather than for any position-specific qualities. The lack of the required skill-set, as related to a position recently obtained through promotion, to perform a job effectively will consistently produce results that highlight the promoted candidate’s newfound incompetence. However, according to Dr. Peter, these employees would not face a risk of job termination unless they were so incompetent that it basically defines their being. Any level of incompetence below this line would simply fit in with other instances of promotions that are not based on specific skill sets, leaving us with a business that is defined by mediocrity. The Peter Principle has brought concern to many organizations that operate in a hierarchical manner, and as a result there have been studies developed with the goal of counteracting this effect. A 2010 study (Pluchino, Rapisarda, and Garofalo 467) discusses the principle and how its accuracy would indicate a high level of company-wide inefficiency taking place in many organizations. The researchers used a complicated computational model to test the efficiency of several promotional strategies that could be employed within a company’s hierarchy by their resistance to the Peter Principle. The results showed

On Arabian Culture Essay Example for Free

On Arabian Culture Essay The literature on social diversity and cleavages in Arab society and the Middle East as a whole suffers from several fallacies, two of which are most pertinent here. One is the tendency, particularly among Orientalists, to speak both of the mosaic nature of Arab society and of the existence of a unified mentality, or one Arab mind, without any awareness of the contradiction between these two abstractions. The other is the emphasis either on communal cleavages or on class conflicts, with the result that one becomes explanatory while the other is ignored. The interplay and coincidence of these two cleavages are rarely examined in their historical and social contexts. How can an individual define the diversity of Arab society? The diversity that characterizes Arab society needs to be analyzed within a three-dimensional framework: (a) a homogeneity-heterogeneity continuum; (b) the processes of conflict-accommodation-assimilation; and (c) social class cleavages. The continuum that covers the range from a completely homogeneous society to one of great heterogeneity encompasses a complex system of vertical loyalties and communal differentiations (ethnic, linguistic, sectarian, tribal, local, regional, and the like) that coincides as well as conflicts with social class cleavages. Arab society has historically been highly heterogeneous. Certainly, one may argue that there has recently been a resurgence of communal loyalties and mobilization, confirming the mosaic and segmentary structures of society. What cannot be granted is the static conception of these loyalties and cleavage as permanent, unchanging forms of differentiation. What is Arab society in general? The characterization of Arab society as heterogeneous, however, needs to be accompanied by an explicit clarification that not all Arab countries are similar in this respect. In fact, they differ widely in regard to their positions on the homogeneity-heterogeneity continuum. Compared to other Arab countries, Egypt and Tunisia, for instance, may be described as rather homogeneous as far as communal cleavages are concerned. These two countries tend to have fewer ethnic, religious, and tribal differences (and, hence, conflicts) than other Arab societies, and are characterized more by social complexity and social class cleavages. A second group of Arab countries, such as Lebanon and Sudan, occupy a position close to the opposite end of the continuum, each being more of a mosaic in structure and social composition. A third set, such as Syria, Algeria, Arabia, and Morocco, tend to occupy positions more in the middle of the continuum. Conventional Western literature on Arab and other Middle Eastern societies has persistently avoided any serious discussion of social class structure. Instead, it has conceived of Arab societies simply as a mosaic. At the margin of this mainstream discourse, however, there has been some occasional speculation on problems of social stratification. Whenever a discussion of this nature has taken place, it has evolved into a heated exchange. One point of view reaffirms the conclusions of the mosaic model and questions the relevance of class analysis. For instance, C. A. O. van Niewenhuijze and James Bill, in separate works, dismiss class analysis in economic terms and instead use Weberian concepts of status and power. Similarly, Iliya Harik has more recently dismissed the thesis put forward by some writers that the Lebanese civil war is actually a class struggle and expressed his â€Å"belief that class distinctions in Lebanon are too obscure to sustain the class struggle argument†. Bryan S. Turner, by contrast, has pointed out that anyone â€Å"who wants to develop a Marxist analysis of North Africa and the Middle East must start with a critique of the mosaic theory and all its related assumptions†. Such a critique, he explains, is required because mosaic analysts believe â€Å"that traditional Middle Eastern societies were not class dominated and that in the modern Middle East social class is only in the process of emerging alongside other forms of social stratification†. Nicholas S. Hopkins has applied ideas of class derived from the Marxist tradition to changes in the social structure of an agricultural town in Tunisia, concluding that essential changes in the mechanization of agriculture and in the improvement of communications â€Å"led to a shift in the organization of work away from a pattern based on mobilization of labor within the household or the extended kindred . . . and toward a pattern of labor determined by wage labor†. Consequently, this Tunisian agricultural town has shifted from a society in which rank was based â€Å"on vertical rather than on horizontal links† to one â€Å"based on class†. Hopkins argues further that not only is there class in the objective sense, â€Å"there is also class consciousness, at least in embryonic, symbolic form†. My own view is that the persistence of communal cleavages complicates rather than nullifies social class consciousness and struggle. This persistence of communal cleavages and vertical loyalties in some Arab countries is owing to the perpetuation of traditional systems in which communities are linked to their local zaims (traditional leaders) through patron-client relationships. To the extent that constructive change can be introduced in these areas, such traditional systems will give way, increasingly, to other social and class relationships. Reference: Gutas, D. (1998). Greek Thought, Arab Culture : The Graeco-Arabic Translation Movement in Baghdad and Early Abbasid Society (2nd-4th 8th-10th C. ): Routledge. Rejwan, N. (1998). Arabs Face the Modern World: Religious, Cultural, and Political Responses to the West: Gainesville University Press of Florida. Szarmach, P. E. (1979). Aspects of Jewish Culture in the Middle Ages: Albany State University of New York Press

Organisational Audit And Environmental Audit Marketing Essay

Organisational Audit And Environmental Audit Marketing Essay Basically, organizational and environmental auditing techniques are divided into two parts, which are the internal factor evaluation and external factor evaluation. Organisational audit is commonly referred to as internal factors evaluation while environmental audit is referred to as the external factor evaluation. Referring to the case study, Toyota USA can enhance the financial performance and effectiveness of the company through the implementation of organisational audit and environmental audit. Besides that, organisational audit and environmental audit is an important element in the strategic planning process in order for Toyota USA to react better to the changes in the external environment and apply changes to response to the changes. 3.1 ORGANISATIONAL AUDIT According to audit.gov.my, organisational audit is defined as an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organizations operations. It helps an organization accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approached to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. In other words, organisational audit is referred to as an activity which is created to assist an organisation in improving its operations by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation to achieve its objectives. 3.1.1 CUSTOMERS In another term, customers of Toyota can be described as the buyers or consumers who purchased nearly all of the organisations output. Toyota seeks to create loyal customers relationship through understanding who are their buyers and also the buyers needs and demand. They listen to their customers and their product development is driven by customers feedback. Toyota stresses on improving quality, enhancing its efficiency, minimising cost, and increasing its productivity in order to fulfill their customers requirements and be the market leader in the automobile industry as they are today. In addition to that, Toyota implemented quality control in its manufacturing process to produce quality cars. Toyota also produces different lines of cars for the different customers. For example, cars, truck, SUVs, and sports cars. The bargaining power of buyers nowadays is moderately high. This is because the buyers nowadays are more educated and they have access to informations. Toyota USA depends on its customers to survive in the business as these customers represent a large portion of the organisations revenue. Toyota will face the risk of losing its customers to competitors if they are unable to satisfy the customers demands. If the customers are unhappy, they can easily purchase a new car by selling the car that they own. Therefore, the customers have low switching cost. This is due to the reason that the number of buyers is few and not large. Besides that, Toyota also has no complete control over external factors like the prices of oil, steel, rubber, plastic and glass production, etc in which the company is highly dependent on in its manufacturing process. 3.1.2 COMPETITORS Toyota is in a strong position compared to other car manufacturers. It has one of the largest market share in the automobile industry in the US market. Toyotas close competitors include General Motors and Ford. Toyotas strongest competitor, General Motors has a high percentage of sales growth. According to media.gm.com, the General Motors February 2010 reported sales are 32% sales growth if compared to February 2009. Toyotas sales dropped 9% in February 2010 as it was forced to recall its cars from the US market due to faulty brakes. In the automotive industry, the rivalry among competitors is very strong. The rivalry increases as the competitors are very closely balanced. Toyota has to gain market share in the industry by taking it from its competitors. The high rivalry exists between these companies as these companies produce cars, trucks or SUVs. Therefore, the differentiation opportunities are low. Most often, these competitors are compared with one another. The price and quality are among the aspects which are taken into account by buyers when they are making decision in what type of car thay want to purchase. The manufacturers even compare their products with their competitors when they advertise their products. Therefore, to be more advanced, Toyota has to come out with new technologies and differentiation such as an environmentally cars which is the Hybrid cars in order to compete with its competitors. 3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT According to David, 2007, environmental audit is to develop a finite list of opportunities that could benefit a firm and threats that should be avoided. The environmental audit is not aimed at developing an exhaustive list of every possible factor that could influence a business; rather, it is aimed at identifying key variables that offer actionable responses. In other words, it means that environmental audit is the process of identifying the key opportunities and threats faced by an organisation to develop strategies which could benefit from the opportunities and avoid the impact of threats. 3.2.1 ECONOMICS FORCES In developing countries, the automotive industry is one of the main industry that contributes to the economic progress. Automotive industry helps to develop an efficient steel business, plastic industry, rubber industry, glass sector, and many more which is a vital base of economic progress. The automotive industry used to be an important industry in the twentieth century, however it has deteriorated due to the economic downturn that results in decline in sales and profits. Yet, there is a future for the automobile industry as it provides job opportunities to the residents in US. This is due to the fact that automotive industry is the main user computer chips, aluminium, steel, plastics, rubber, glass, etc. Therefore, there is a need for workers in these industries. This situation creates job opportunities for the US citizens in the various industries mentioned above which would then lead to the growth in US economic. 3.2.2 TECHNOLOGICAL FORCES Nowadays, information technology has a huge impact on businesses all around the world. Many major industries have been affected by the usage of internet, including the automobile industry. Most of the buyers will refer or browse through the internet first before making a purchase. Similarly, before purchasing a car, the buyers will go to the auto websites before going for a test drive. Therefore, the use of internet is efficient and lower in cost that offer more market opportunities to Toyota. Besides that, due to the concern for environmental and global warming issues, Toyota has conducted research to invent alternate fuel vehicles. The company decided to come up with the technology to produce electric cars to fulfil the legislation demand from the government. The production of electric car is becoming more practical these days. To compete in the market, Toyota has invented the Toyota Prius, a hybrid car that functions with an internal combustion engine. 3.3 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS 3.3.1 IFE MATRIX ANALYSIS FOR TOYOTA TOYOTA-KEY INTERNAL FACTORS WEIGHT RATING WEIGHTED SCORE STRENGTHS Financial stability 0.25 4 1.00 Strong brand name 0.25 4 1.00 Environmental friendly cars 0.20 4 0.80 WEAKNESSES Economic downturns 0.15 2 0.30 Seen as foreign importers 0.15 3 0.45 TOTAL 1.00 3.55 According to the IFE matrix analysis which I have constructed above, the strengths for Toyota which I have identified are financial stability, strong brand name, and also environmental friendly cars. Toyota has a high financial advantage, where in the year 1997, the sales turnover was  £131,511 million whereas the sales growth recorded was 29.3%. Therefore, I have given financial stability a weight of 0.25, a rating of 4, which result in the weighted score of 1.00 as financial stability is one of the important component for the success of a business organisation and Toyota has managed to maintain its financial stability. Next, I have given strong brand name a weight of 0.25, a rating of 4, that lead to a weighted score of 1.00. This is because a strong brand name will be able to gain customers trust of a product thus creating loyal customers relationship. Toyota is well known for producing cars that are of high quality as the company implemented total quality management (TQM) and j ust in time (JIT) quality measurements in the its production process. The organisation stresses on delivering quality products and value to its customers. Besides that, Toyota also manufactures environmentally friendly cars to meet the current legislation demand. Due to the concern for environmental issues such as the green house effect and global warming, Toyota has produced hybrid gas electric vehicles as an alternate fuel vehicle. For instance, the Prius model. The hybrid cars are more practical and fuel efficient. Therefore, I have given environmental friendly cars a weight of 0.20, a rating of 4, and a weighted score of 0.80 as the company responds well to the demand for more environmental friendly cars. Meanwhile, the weaknesses which I have identified for Toyota include economic downturn and where Toyota is seen as foreign importers. I have given economic downturn a weight of 0.15, a rating of 2, and a weighted score of 0.30. Toyota is a large organisation. Sometimes, being big has its own problems. The world market for cars is in a condition of oversupply. As most of Toyotas products are marketed in US, it is exposed to the fluctuating economic condition in the market. As the exchange rate for US is high, there are chances and risks for the company to experience losses during the economic recession. Next, I have given Toyota a weight of 0.15, a rating of 3, and a weighted score of 0.45 where it is seen as foreign importers. As Toyota is a Japanese car manufacturer, it is seen as foreign importers when it operates in the US market. More benefits will be given to a US car manufacturers, for instance in the aspect of incentives and benefits of tax. The US government will also priorit ise its local car manufacturers first compared to foreign companies. Besides that, the consumers in the US market will prefer to purchase cars from a US based manufacturer, for instance General Motor. Toyota would be the alternative choice for buyers in this market. 3.3.2 EFE MATRIX ANALYSIS FOR TOYOTA TOYOTA-KEY EXTERNAL FACTORS WEIGHT RATING WEIGHTED SCORE OPPORTUNITIES Global market untapped 0.25 4 1.00 Increased demand in Hybrid cars 0.25 4 1.00 THREATS Product recalls 0.25 4 1.00 Increased price of raw materials 0.25 2 0.50 TOTAL 1.00 3.50 Based on the EFE matrix analysis which I have constructed above, the opportunities for Toyota include global market untapped and increased demand in hybrid cars. I have given Toyota a weight of 0.25, a rating of 4, and a weighted score of 1.00 for the opportunity on global market untapped. Toyota has explored and expand more aggressively into new segments of the market. For example, The launch of Aygo model by Toyota is aimed to gain a market share in the youth market. Next, I have given Toyota a weight of 0.25, a rating of 4, and a weighted score of 1.00 for the increased of demand in hybrid cars. Toyota is innovative as it has conducted research and development activity, and with the assistance of advancement in technology, it is the first company that invented the commercial mass-produced hybrid gas-electric vehicles that uses gas and electric, for instance the Prius model. With the hike in oil price, the production of hybrid cars by Toyota fits the needs of consumers who are look ing for fuel saving vehicles. On the other hand, the threats which I have identified for Toyota are product recalls and increase price of raw materials. I have given Toyota a weight of 0.25, a rating of 4, and a weighted score of 1.00 for product recalls. In year 2010, Toyota was forced to recall its cars from the US market due to faulty brakes. The recall of cars has affected Toyotas image in the consumers minds where its brand name has dropped. This would then result in the decline in Toyotas sales which will lead to the companys loss. Besides that, I have also given Toyota a weight of 0.25, a rating of 2, and a weighted score of 0.50 for the increase price of raw materials. The price of raw materials cannot be controlled by Toyota and it fluctuates from time to time. During economic downturn or recession, the price of raw materials usually increase tremendously. The hike in price would then increase the cost of production for Toyota. However, Toyota has no choice but to contemplate with the price as it need th e raw materials to manufacture its cars. Toyota would have to save on its manufacturing and production costs while maintaining the quality of its products. This may result in the loss of profits for Toyota. 3.4 WHY TOYOTA NEED TO AUDIT ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS Toyota need to audit its organisational and environmental factors as it gives various benefits to the organisation. The communication between the line and staff personnel of the organisation can be increased. There is also greater employee involvement in the decision making process which would improve organisational synergy. In addition to that, Toyota will be able to come up with a few strategic options that is useful to cope and react to changes in the external environment. New opportunities and the forecast of demand can be detected through the audit of organisational and environmental factors. Through the audit of organisational and environmental factors, the information obtained will assist Toyota in the strategic planning process of the organisation. Environmental scanning has a positive impact on Toyota in terms of communication, shared vision, strategic planning and management, and future direction. It improves communication on future plans by key people in the organisation. Environmental scanning is also used to monitor the market trends and fashions. The success of an organisation depends on its ability to react to the market trends. Environmental scanning assist Toyota in detecting the changing needs to its customers so that the company can be practical in monitoring, predicting, and responding to market trends. This helps Toyota in planning ahead of its competitors by building competitive strategies. 3.5 CONCLUSION As conclusion, the organizational and environmental auditing techniques serve as tools to review and evaluate the major strengths and weaknesses in the functional areas of a business, and it also provides a basis for identifying and evaluating relationships among those areas and provides an understanding of the environment affecting the business operations. In order to understand and manage business risk well, business organisations have to monitor its business environment from time to time to track for changes and adapt to the changes in the environment. Therefore, Toyota USA should conduct the organizational and environmental auditing techniques to develop strategic formula in order to improve its business performance and also react to the changes in its business environment.

Explain the formation and the break down of the First Triumvirate :: Ancient Rome Roman History

Explain the formation and the break down of the First Triumvirate The formation of the First Triumvirate took place because of the political motives and the personal motives of the three ruthlessly ambitious power brokers in Rome. These men required the co-operation of the other two in order to further their political careers. During the time of the First Triumvirate many extraordinary powers where obtained and in some cases these where unprecedented. There are some key factors that have to be considered towards the break down of the Triumvirate. The most powerful and influential people, the Optimates became increasingly dis empowered, and a sense of desperation to regain power is felt with the use of Pompey in an a final attempt to restore power to the Senate. "By uncompromising refusal to meet the demands of Pompey, Caesar and Crassus the senate naturally drove them into each others arms. The three men agreed to form a political amicitia ....." Pompey upon return from his successful campaign in the East, disbanded his army probably to diffuse tension in Rome and prove to the Optimates in Rome he had no intention of over throwing the Government. This suggests Pompey's political naivety and the fact that Pompey thought he had done enough in order to get recognition and acceptance from the Optimates to gain land for his veterans and to have his innumerable arrangements in the East ratified. Cato also refused Pompey's offer of marriage to one of his nieces. According to Bradley "Cato was a staunch conservative, and distrusted Pompey's motives" Crassus had a problem with his supporters. He supported a request from a company of tax gatherers (Equites), that after realizing Asia had been economically raped, and virtually un-taxable due to the Mithradatic campaign, could not possibly make money from taxes, so the request he supported is that the Senate should adjust the bad bargain to on a third rebate which they had made in contracting for the taxes of Asia. This request according to Scullard was rejected under Cato's leadership which had led to the stagnation of Crassus' political career. Thus Crassus needed some support of Pompey and Caesar to kick start his career and eventually lead to the formation of the First Triumvirate. Caesar, who had been Propraetor in Spain during, 61BC, hoped to return to Rome in 60BC and stand for the consulship for the following year.

she never speaks :: essays research papers

Have you seen her? You may have walked or even drove by her more than one time. You may have noticed her glistening red skin, the voluptuous curves on her body, or used her for exercise. I cannot say it was love at first sight when I first saw her, she appeared to be like all the others I had been with; however, she possessed something that I could not describe. When the wind blew it was as if she was calling my name so I could not stay away from her. I have spent many hours in the blistering hot sun preparing myself for those special times that I would have with her. I have shed both blood and tears for her. My woman is not an average female, she is extraordinary. She never asks where have I been or why I have not called. She is content with where she is and does not complain. She does things that other women would not do. My woman is like a dirty rest area, open to the public twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. There is no admission fee.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  People call her the â€Å"neighborhood girl†. She knows the corner where she belongs to and knows how to please. For her age, she is in pretty good shape. Not just men, but people from all over the country come to be with her. She does not discriminate against anyone. People of all ages, races, classes and genders have access to her. Many people are with her at more than one time. Sometimes there can be ten to forty people with her. When I see more than one person with her, I do not get jealous with her because I know that she can make them better, and I know that they need her more than I do. The first time I was with her I only lasted for ten seconds, but I have made dramatic improvements. She has a lot of miles on her since she has been broken in from the years of pounding. Her legs stretch for miles. They are straight like runways for planes awaiting take off. She takes me places I have never seen or been before. On many occasions when I’m with her, we become one. When I am with her, I am able to distance myself from all the other odors exhausted by others who are also on her.

Looking for Alibrandi Essay

A world-wide hit in the late 1990s, Author Melina Marchetta wrote a manuscript about a teenage girl searching for herself and the way she is to live. Her name is Josephine Alibrandi who is a 17 year old Italian Australian or ‘wog’ as some know it, in the novel and film of ‘Looking for Alibrandi’. Much of the discussion of Alibrandi has centred around this portrayal of the multi-cultural society of Australia, although remarkably, the novel has managed to largely avoid the negative and superficial â€Å"issues† pigeon-holing so much realist fiction for young adults is victim to. There is no question that Marchetta’s own experiences as an Italian-Australian have informed her story. Nor is there any doubt that in Josephine Alibrandi she has created a fresh non-Anglo-Australian voice of great power and integrity. Nevertheless, Marchetta does find that the focus on the Italian heritage of her protagonist (and herself) can be both distracting and limiting; it was not, she says, her first impulse in telling Josephine Alibrandi’s story; Another legacy of the shared Italian-Australian heritage of both author and protagonist is the common assumption that the book must be autobiographical. The reading of her novel is in some ways complimentary, being as it is an indication of the kind of response readers have to Josephine, and to the lively and truthful tone of the novel; Marchetta has captured her characters, their situation and the inner city suburbs of Sydney acutely and precisely. The ambivalence Marchetta feels towards Josephine is revealed through the characters of Sister Louise, her headmistress, and her boyfriend Jacob, neither of whom hesitate to point out to Josephine when she is being selfish, over-dramatic, or plain stupid. A quite shocking example of this is in the scene where Jacob rescues Josephine from a violent mob of teenage boys in a McDonalds car park, and then abuses her for her stupidity in spitting on and further antagonising the ring-leader. It is an indication of the exasperation that Josephine provokes in those who care about her, and Marchetta agrees with Jacob that Josephine’s dramatic and impulsive behaviour too frequently land her in avoidable unpleasantness. To be fair, Josephine can be fairly hard on herself, and her ability at and willingness for self-scrutiny develops as she matures. It is testament to Marchetta’s care in balancing the complexities of Josephine’s character that the reader can witness her tantrums and drama-queen turns, her often thoughtless and selfish actions, and yet know that this is an essential part of her emancipation, and that it does not detract from her vitality, compassion and intelligence. Young Australian readers will find the setting of the novel very realistic and familiar. They will identify with the portrayal of Australian high school life, attending a debating meeting, the description of suburban Sydney and catching the ferry to Circular Quay, the fact of being part of a dysfunctional family ? all these details of the setting are realistic and will be instantly recognisable. Many teenagers of foreign parentage will relate to Josie’s rebellion against her Italian side and to all the references to the Italian culture.

Critically Assess Marx’s Theory of Class and Stratification

Marx class theory derived from his belief that class divisions are not found in all forms of society; classes are a creation of history. For Marx, classes are defined and structured by firstly, who owns or has property and means of production and who does the work in the production process, secondly the social relationships included in work and labour, and thirdly who produces and who rules the surplus human social labour can produce. All of these aspects of Marx class theory will be further explored in this essay. Marx believed that class divisions are not found in all societies, classes are a creation of history. The earliest and smallest societies (tribal and primitive) were classless. It is universally true that all human beings depend on the quest of meeting their basic needs – food, water, shelter and clothing. In these primitive societies, the working day was taken up with required labour in order to meet society’s basic needs and forces of production were distributed equally amongst the community. But when basic needs are met, this leads to man’s creation of new needs, as humans are forever dissatisfied animals. Marx defines human beings as producers (Callinicos, A, p. 98, 1996). Humans seek to transform nature to enable them to meet their needs and do this through two different mode of production. The first ‘forces of production’ which depends on what Marx calls the ‘labour process’. ‘‘Labour is first of all a process between man and nature, a process by which man, though his own actions, mediates, regulates and controls the metabolism between himself and nature’’ (C I 283). The relations of production is the social aspect, which involves the property rights of the productive forces, it is what distinguishes the modes of production for one another. Improvements in the labour force are determined by if man is able to produce the same amount of things but with less human labour. By been able to produce more effectively, therefore meant man gains more control over nature. Thus the developments of the labour process are a reflection of human technology (Callinicos, A, p. 8, 1996) and Marx believed that the developments of science and technology in society provide a basis on which future societies can build upon. Although Marx never said in so many words what he meant by class, his theory lies on the statement that â€Å"the history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles. ’’ That once beyond primitive socities no labour can exist without means of production, which is who controls the direct producers. The central classes in capitalism are the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Class divisions arise in society when the direct producers are separated from the means of production. The means of production, the bourgeoisie, become the monopoly of a minority and use exploitation and domination in relation to the producers, the proletariat. Marx looks at the working day in a class society and identies how capital exploits labour wage. During the first half of the day the worker produces goods in which he is paid to but during the second part of the day the worker performs surplus labour. Surplus labour is generated by how much labour time is left over after the employer has made back the equivalent of the cost of the wages of the labourer. The profit of this surplus labour is too small though to improve everyone’s standard of living, so it is taken by the minority who control the means of production. Marx decscribes four main types of class societies: Asiatic, ancient, feudal, and modern bourgeois, ‘‘the distinction between for example a society based on slave labour and a society based on wage labour – is the form in which this surplus labour is in each case exploited from the immediate producer, the worker’’ (C I 325). The practice of exploitation depends on the distribution of the means of production. In the case of slavery , it seems all the slaves labour is surplus labour , he is not permitted to any of his product. But the slave has to be kept alive in order to gain surplus power, therefore a proportion of the slaves wages is set aside to provide him his basic needs. In feudalism society, the peasant may have owned his animals and tools, but did not own the land he works on, therefore must divide his labour time between the work that needed to be done in order to provide for himself and his family and surplus labour for his lord. In both these mode of production, slavery and feudalism, exploitation is clearly visible and physical consequences are evident without question. However in capitalism exploitation is concealed. The worker is legally free, as he has volunteered to partake in the labour process. Marx wrote that workers are ‘‘ free in a double sense , free from the old relations of clientship, bondage and servitude, and secondly free of all belongings and possessions, and of every objective, material form of being, free of all property’’ (G 507). By not selling his labour power to the capitalist, the workers only other option is starvation. The means of production use economic pressures as a means of control over workers, not physical actions. Thus once the employer has employed the workers, he makes them work longer hours than necessary, creating surplus labour. In the case of feudalism, after centuries new methods of producing began to develop. But releasing these new methods worked against the ruling class–in the framework of the prior form of exploitation and the â€Å"legal and political superstructure† that had arisen out of it. This clash between the new opportunities and the structure of the previous order, was in severe crisis. Without new developments, the existing means of producing was not able to sustain any more development in the population, the Black Death followed, causing horrific events such as famines and disease and violence. The previous ways of shaping society and furthering the mode of production were brought to a halt. Marx foresaw that there could be revolution in society abolishing classes altogether. Then begins an epoch of social revolution,† , Marx wrote. Yet the ruling class were still dominating the workers, even though the mode of production had self-destructed. The ruling class dominates not only the way production is carried on, but all the other organizations and relations in society, whose structure aids the exploiters, control their power. As Marx explained, all class societies create a legal, political and ideological â€Å"superstructure† which functions to control the existing relations of production and guard the rulers from the ruled. But an important tool for the ruling class to persuade the working class is ideology– schemes of ideas that depict the recognized order as natural and positive to everyone, whatever its undeniable faults. Marx believed that the workers did not realise they were been exploited, had a false consciousness, mistaken sense that they could count on their employer. He believed that ideologies help sustain the ruling class, by giving misleading views to people about the world in order to exploit others about their position in society. It caused people to form mistaken views about the nature of society in order to keep the existing mode of production in action. Because the dominant or ruling class rules the social relations of production, the central ideology in capitalist society is that of the ruling class. Marx theory of class consciousness was an idea how to make members of a class aware that they have a common situation and interests and, moreover, are able to organize a collective defence of those interests (Elster, J, p128, Intro to Karl Marx). Marx saw that there were many logics why the proletariat would develop into a class that is conscious of its own status, power, obligations, and prospects. The objective condition of a class subsists because of its position in the productive process. Possession or non-possession of the means of production, place in the labour process, and the control over surplus regulate this. However a class such as the bourgeoisie or proletariat, may be unaware of this position, or in any case the effects of this position. Marx believed there would be a revolution, the workers would come together and rise up and fight to abolish the class system. Once everything had calmed down after the revolution, the proletariat would then own the means of production. He believed that no dominating class would exist and everything would be owned equally amongst society. He thought that if the working class were to take control of the means of production, they would inspire social relations that would help everyone proportionately, and an organization of production less at risk to repeated crises. Overall, Marx believed that nonviolent compromise of this issue was unrealistic, and prearranged and violent revolution would be necessary, because the dominating class would not surrender control without a fight. He speculated that in order to secure the socialist system, a dictatorship of the proletariat must be generated on a provisional foundation. Marx’s forethought of a revolution did not come true. As societies developed and expanded, the working classes grew to be more educated, obtaining detailed job skills and accomplishing the type of financial welfare that Marx never thought achievable.