Thursday, October 31, 2019

Choose from the list of topics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Choose from the list of topics - Essay Example Just because a behavior is unusual to some, does not make it unusual to others. For example, Catholics can choose to attend their religious services once a week, not at all or every day, depending on the neighborhood in which they leave. While it might seem unusual to some to want to go to church every day, are they hurting anyone? As a Muslim, I am required by my faith to pray five times a day. May I choose to pray more? Of course I may, but if I were to pull out my prayer mat and pray more than five times a day, I may be seen as unusual. That does not, however, mean that I need to be treated for a religious disorder, because I am not harming myself. I can also pray more than five times a day while conducting my daily life without much interruption. Since unusual religious behavior is a rather broad term, I have used rather broad examples above. However, there are religious behaviors that are not only unusual, but harmful to a person physically and mentally. In some religions, there is a consumption of alcohol. If a person felt that by drinking the alcohol that was served until it was gone, they would become closer to their God, then this is a behavior that would not only be considered unusual but also harmful. Alcohol poisoning, drunkenness, and other factors must be taken in play. Another example to consider is a person who feels that they cannot and should not leave their house of worship, for any reason. A person that feels that only within those walls were they safe from death, fear, destruction, sickness, or any other factors. This, clearly, is not only unusual harmful mentally but also impedes living of their daily life, and therefore, the root cause of this behavior must be treated psychologically so that this person may resume their daily life. Temptation is, by its very nature, all around us. Every day we face temptation in varying degrees. Evil is all around us, and tries to tempt us into making the wrong decision; by being strong, we avoid the evil actions. We cannot, however, avoid the evil or blasphemous thoughts, from wishing the person that just cut off our car on the freeway would crash to glancing twice at the person that looks just a little bit better-looking than our significant other. Normal religious behavior is to accept the guilt for these actions and ask for forgiveness, after which we are forgiven and can go on about our daily lives until the next temptation pops up in our face. A person that feels that they must pray for forgiveness, even out in public, for the transgressions that have occurred should not be considered unusual, as they are simply practicing their faith and quietly asking for forgiveness. However, if a person was praying constantly, excessively, refusing to stop and wracked with guilt over the slightest transgression, that would be both harmful to them as well as prohibit them from living their daily life. They should then be treated for a religious disorder. Along those same lines, if a person felt that they were doomed to hell, becoming depressed and despondent because of what they saw as the many numerous transgressions that they had committed, they should be treated for a religious disorder. They have become a danger to themselves, sinking into deep depression and unable to live their daily lives as they are constantly dwelling on these so-called transgressions and what they see as a need for forgiveness. Persons in this state

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Organic vs Non-Organic Essay Example for Free

Organic vs Non-Organic Essay What should I eat? That is the question on millions of American minds in the recent years. For years we have fallen for hype, forgoing one food type in favor of another, only to hear months or years later were doing it all wrong. More recently, the nations attention has turned to organic foods in our quest to eat healthy, get slim and live a long and active life. Pesticides, websites and newspapers warn, are leading to an unhealthy America. The use of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, otherwise known as DDT, is brought up time and time again. Prior to 1973, the use of DDT was widespread and our main weapon against the war on pests. We now know the use of DDT led to massive effects on wildlife and humans (DDT- a Brief History, 2012). Who’s to say one of the many other pesticides and insecticides we spray today won’t take a similar turn down the road, articles ask? While it’s true any pesticide we use in traditional farming can lead to health problems in humans if consistently exposed, safeguards are put in place and testing is standardized by the United States government to prevent illness and death from the foods we eat. The same cannot be said about organic produce and meat. Organic foods do not have to withstand the same amount of rigorous testing as non-organic and what testing does take place is not even standardized (Tenser, 2013). This can lead to an increased threat of health problems for those who thought they were making the healthier choice. Studies have shown there is no real significant advantage, health wise, in choosing organic over non-organic and that label, and the higher price that accompanies, might not actually be worth it. Proponents of organic foods say they are free from pesticides and hormones used by companies to produce larger animals faster, thus leading to increased profits. Several of the pesticides used today have come under scrutiny of regulatory agencies. More of the vitamins and complex micro nutrients our bodies need to survive are retained when synthetic pesticides are not used. Using natural and biological pest control, organic foods are safer and a healthier alternative to commercialized fruits and vegetables. In actuality, it’s all a myth. There is no organic product on the market today that is free of synthetic pesticides. Over the years, the soil has retained some of the pesticide runoff, which keeps all foods today from being completely free of chemicals (Hom, 1992). The increase in manure usage that accompanies the shunning of synthetic fertilizers leads to an increased risk of E. coli and Salmonella outbreaks (Griswald, 2013, p. 1). This is because manure consists of a greater amount of bacteria and its use runs the risk of cross contamination. The rise in organic farming has led to many of the food borne illnesses that plagued much of the 2000s. The use of hormones is grossly overstated; commercial chicken is not injected with hormones, contrary to what organic food suppliers want you to believe. The use of hormones does nothing to help the chicken become larger or grow faster. Hormone use would simply be a waste of money since no profit is gained from it (Poultry Housing Tips, 2012). In regards to the argument fruits and vegetables grown organically have more of the vitamins and nutrients retained in them, this is true, however a person focused on a well-rounded and healthy diet has no fear of missing certain nutrients their body needs. Not to mention, often times a scrubbing of soap and water cleans off all pesticide residue from any fruits and vegetables you are going to enjoy. If you can afford them, buy them, recommends New York University professor Marion Nestle, PhD (Zelman, n. d. ). Spending a few dollars more for that organic chicken will save mountains of hospital bills down the road, organic food marketers say. Consumers of organic foods spend on average $4000 more a year, convinced the extra expenditure is well worth it in the long run. Also, by spending more, youre told you’re helping save the environment; by not using synthetic pesticides the soil and streams cannot be contaminated. It is true a lean toward more organic farming leads to a more stable growing environment and an increase of local food production (Berger, 2013, p. 1). Still, organic foods are often trucked across state lines to groceries throughout the country. What the use of natural agents saves environmentally is canceled out by the exhaust spewed into the atmosphere and the fossil fuels used during the journey. The cost of organic foods is just not worth the payout. There have been many studies showing there is no real health benefit to eating organic foods (Watson, 2008). Fruits such as bananas and oranges and vegetables such as peas are not eaten whole; they require peeling which means they require less pesticide, meaning the higher price tag on the organic bananas just aren’t worth it. And as the price of organics rises, organics are seen as a status symbol, an â€Å"elitist stratification. † Organic food marketers capitalize on the class divide, marketing organics as a way to lead the beautiful, healthy life of the wealthy. They stress organics are healthier, better, worth the cost (Sprague, 2013, p 1). This is just simply not the case. A well rounded diet is all anyone needs to stay healthy and lead an active life. With this in mind, the higher price tag is just not worth the hype. It has been shown time and time again that organic foods do not have a greater health benefit compared to commercial foods. The label doesnt justify breaking the bank. A well rounded diet is just as beneficial to a healthy society, with or without the use of synthetic pesticides. Organic foods are not the guiding light they claim to be. There is one tried and true method to end most health concerns. Eat a varied diet. Getting all the vitamins and nutrition you need is up to you, not up to a label. References Berger, A. (2013). Organic foods are a healthier alternative. In Points of view reference center (p. 2). Retrieved from http://web. ebscohost. com. proxy. devry. edu/pov/ detail? sid=9b34ea84-d9c3-4c4a-8cf5- 2fe5b8ae172f%40sessionmgr112vid=1hid=113bda ta=JnNpdGU9cG92LWxpdmU%3d#db=pwhAN=43286303 DDT- A brief history and status. (2012, May 9). Retrieved May 25, 2013, from http://www. epa. gov/pesticides/factsheets/chemicals/ddt-brief-history-status. htm Griswald, A. (2013). Organic food: Overview. In Points of view reference center (p. 1). Retrieved from http://web. ebscohost. com. proxy. devry. edu/pov/ detail? sid=e32326f0-2d1a-4489-9176-71e40074d5be%40sessionmgr113vid=1hid=113bda ta=JnNpdGU9cG92LWxpdmU%3d#db=pwhAN=43286302 Hom, L. (1992). About organic produce. Retrieved May 25, 2013, from http://www. ocf. berkeley. edu/~lhom/organictext. html Poultry housing tips. (2012, April). Retrieved May 25, 2013, from The University of Georgia website: http://www. poultryventilation. com/sites/default/files/ tips/2012/vol24n4. pdf Sprague, N. (2013). Organic food is unnecessary and the current food.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Role of Information Technology in Business

Role of Information Technology in Business Question 1: What is a system?  A set of detailed methods, procedures, and procedures were created to carry out a specific activity, to perform a duty, or to solve a problem. An organized, purposeful structure consisting of interconnected and interdependent elements (components, entities, factors, members, parts, etc.). These elements are constantly interacting with each other to maintain their activity and the existence of the system, in order to achieve the goal of the system. What is Systems Theory: System theory and system science is multidisciplinary research system in general, and found the target mode, and illustrate that it is possible from various fields of research can be discerned, and in all the nesting level is applicable to all types of systems are in principle. It can be considered as a specialized system of thinking or for the goal of system science and system engineering. The focus is on general purpose in a wide range of systems (specific models with individual areas) that are useful. Who developed Systems Theoryà ¯Ã‚ ¼Ã… ¡Theoretical biologist L.V. Bertalanffy (L.Von.Bertalanffy) was founded. He put forward the theory of open system in 1932, and put forward the idea of system theory. In 1937, the principle of general system theory was put forward, which laid the theoretical foundation of this science. Question 2 Identify FOUR different types of Information Systems used in business organization: Transaction Processing Systems: Transaction processing systems meet the data collection, storage, processing and outputting functionalities for the core operations of a business. Customer Relationship Management Systems: Business owners use customer relationship systems to synchronize sales and marketing efforts. CRM systems accumulate and track customer activities, including purchasing trends, product defects and customer inquiries. Business Intelligence Systems: Business intelligence systems can be complex as they identify, extract and analyze data for various operational needs, particularly for decision-making purposes. BIS information systems may provide analyses that predict future sales patterns, summarize current costs and forecast sales revenues. Knowledge Management Systems: Knowledge management systems organize and dissect knowledge and then redistribute or share it with individuals of an organization. The purpose of these information systems is to bring innovation, improve performance, bring integration and retain knowledge within the organization. Question 3 Choose any three type of information Systems identified earlier and describe them: Describe the concept of each system and also draw a symbolic representation wherever possible Transaction Processing Systems: Transaction Processing Systems also known as sales information system, provide to the personnel system, is on business processes for the support of information system can provide a powerful tool support for a job to complete. For example, ERP system, we can be seen as a typical business processing system, it can be related to the production, procurement and other business links, based on some functional modules to provide a good support. Customer Relationship Management Systems : relationship management (CRM) is an approach to managing a companys interaction with current and potential future customers. The CRM approach tries to analyse data about customers history with a company, to improve business relationships with customers, specifically focusing on customer retention, and ultimately to drive sales growth. MIS are built on the data provided by Transaction Processing system.   Ã‚   It generally manages the internal files and summarizing. The level of management in MIS is mid level; those are responsible for the processing of further processes to the higher management. Business Intelligence Systems: Business intelligence (BI) can be described as a set of techniques and tools for the acquisition and transformation of raw data into meaningful and useful information for business analysis purposes.The term data surfacing is also more often associated with BI functionality. The integration of documents, records, collection of knowledge and its retrieval are included in this system. Knowledge Management Systems: Knowledge management (KM) is the process of capturing, developing, sharing, and effectively using organizational knowledge. It refers to a multi-disciplinary approach to achieving organizational objectives by making the best use of knowledge. This usually provided by the front staff or accounting management team, which provide the key data required to support the operation. Task 2 Question 1 : Identify and explain the purpose and function s of any one computer application most commonly used in any type of business organisation. Microsoft office products: It can do all the accounting steps for the purpose of Excel. It can perform all the accounting calculations is the function of excel. Question 2: Identify and explain the purpose and functions of any one computer application used in any common functional area within a sub-system of a business organisation. Office Microsoft is a set of office software package based on Windows operating system developed by Microsoft Corp. Commonly used components are Word, Excel, Access, Power point, FrontPage, etc. Office Word Microsoft is a text file Office Access Microsoft is done in the database Office Excel Microsoft is done with tables and data processing Office Outlook Microsoft is to send and receive mail Office PowerPoint Microsoft is making a slide. I think the Microsoft office make us easy to manage something important. And It is very user-friendly, can record some useful data whenever and wherever possible. Question 3 : Identify and explain the purpose and functions of any two computer applications uniquely used for different types of businesses. Answer: Kakaotalk: Kakao Talk is a Chinese from South Korea by the second largest shareholder of the Tencent (It is a Chinese company) as a free chat software, similar to WeChats QQ chat software, applications for iPhone, Android, WP, blackberry and other smart mobile phone communication. The application to the actual phone number to manage friends, with the push notification service, to quickly send and receive information among friends and colleagues as well as pictures, voice intercom. Similar to the domestic QQ, even if friends are not online, friends can also receive your talk kakao messages, just like texting. Skype:Skype is an instant messaging software, which has the function of IM, such as video chat, multiplayer voice conferencing, multiplayer chat, transfer files, text chat and other functions. It can be free of high clear voice dialogue with other users, you can also call the domestic international telephone, either a fixed telephone or mobile phone can be directly dialed, and can achieve call transfer, SMS and other functions. Difference: Now Skype network phone is very mature, good quality and good, the charge is reasonable, let a person without charges of worry , and it is very easy to use. Kakaotalk is good but some old people cannot use it very well. Question 4: Explain the effects of information technology on business systems in terms of benefits and costs. (a) The following two one off benefits of adopting information technology: The delivery of products and services will be timely and effective. Peoples mistakes will be reduced, and the cost will be reduced. (b) The following two ongoing benefits of adopting information technology: This technique can be repeated using more than one purpose, so there will be a large number of uses. Make this technology can save money in the stock holding area. (c) The following two ongoing costs of adopting Information Technology: Upgrade operating system time cost. The company and the service cost paid to the user. (d) The following two one off costs of adopting information technology: Information systems play an important role in a company or an organization. The cost of each character is different. As an information system of a company, in order to promote their company or provide some online platform for their customers, so it costs more money.There are also some software required to pay. Task 3 Answer A DATA: Data is a collection of specific contextual information, as well as in a business organization, for the maintenance of a specific object data, and information workers. .There are THREE types of data. These are as follows: Primary Data: it is first-hand information which we collect by ourselves. Secondary Data: This data is second hand or it is collected from third party Quantitative and qualitative data: Qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis should be unified, complement each other, qualitative analysis is the basic premise of quantitative analysis and qualitative not quantitative is a blind, no value for quantitative; quantitative analysis to qualitative analysis more scientific and accurate, it can make qualitative analysis of the extensive and in-depth conclusions. Answer B Information: Information can be defined as an organized form of the original data set, in the organization of information plays a very important role in the decision. Example of three different type of information: Inspections: It can be defined as a collection of raw data for a particular thing, to prove things to a decision-making layer. Research: A collection of data in a particular field or discipline. Survey: It is the simplest way to gather information. Question 2: The three sources where information can be gathered:- 1 social survey Social survey is an important means to obtain real and reliable information. Social survey refers to the use of observation, inquiry and other methods directly from the community to understand the situation, the activities of the collection of data and data. 2 build intelligence network Management activities require accurate information, comprehensive, timely. In order to achieve such a request by a single channel to collect information is far from enough. Especially administration and government decision-making. Therefore, it is necessary to collect information in various way, that is to establish the information network of information collection. 3 development of strategic intelligence Strategic intelligence is designed for high-level decision-makers, only for high-level decision-makers to use more strategic information than general administrative information. Question 3: Threats to DATA: (1)Security of Data There are three threats that make our information be not safe: Malware: Its like a malicious software that is designed to get access to a computer without the owners consent. Malicious software is not the same as defective software, but it has a legitimate purpose, but contain harmful errors Hackers: If the system is not well protected, then the hacker can easily access the file without the owners permission. Even if they can copy or delete files. Such a person is called a hacker. In a business environment, because there is a huge network, so hackers can easily break down the system Virus: It may be considered a software designed to disrupt or stop the systems work. It can be through a system to another, it can also enter the system through email, Internet, flash drive and other accessories (2)Integrity of data The three threats to integrity of data are mentioned below : Software Attacks Human Errors Natural Disasters A) software attack is the most common threat today, resulting in the change of data or information is disclosed. B) error in the input data Natural disasters are also responsible for it. For example: earthquakes, floods, fires, volcanoes, tsunamis, etc. Question 4: Answer A HR Admin: A human resource management role is the combination of management and human resource It is also known as human resources and personnel It will be to the organization from the organization department to the Department and our own background and talents Finance: Under the conditions of certainty and uncertainty, with the passage of time, the distribution of assets and liabilities is a field. Sales: A sales is the exchange of a commodity for money or service in return for money or the action of selling something. Answer B There are three types of data related with above three sub-systems: Finance related data: There are number of finance data that specialized in sending and collecting the data to traders and investors. Sales data: All the data used in sales is known as the sales data Like the Web server log, Internet streaming data.Usually at the time of sale, these data are referred to as big data HR ARD The administrator stores data in a place known as the database administrator. Task 4 Quention1 Answer A Principle of Perception Principle of Reputation Principle of leadership [B] Objectives of Principle There is a verb in Chinese: A great company needs a great leader. But to be a great leader is to learn from the past, look into the future, and look to the future. The companys reputation is one of its most valuable assets and needs to be protected. A company that manages their market perception has achieved great success. Question 2 A: Three planning and control system used in business. 1. Multi-mode manufacturing applications: It includes planning, production scheduling 2. Supply Chain Management applications: It includes sale performance, purchasing, promotion, inventory management and forecast 3. Configurable enterprise financials: It also includes accounts receivable and payable. Answer B The financial allocation of enterprise plays a very important role in the enterprise, which includes all the data and records.It retains all accounts receivable, accounts payable and account payable record The relationship between strategic planning for multi-mode and product manufacturing application Therefore, in every business, management strategy and plan is a multi-part of manufacturing mode

Friday, October 25, 2019

Comparing The Murder of Duncan in Macbeth and The Assassination of Kennedy :: comparison compare contrast essays

Comparing The Murder of Duncan in Macbeth and The Assassination of Kennedy There is a man who is a head of state. He is a very powerful man and is well liked by his subjects. The people love him. Then he is suddenly, inexplicably murdered. Someone is blamed for the murder, but the entire country knows the accused are innocent and are tools used in a cover-up. Does this situation sound bizarre? Does it sound like some work of fiction? Well, it is. It is the beginning of William Shakespeare's Macbeth. However, it is much more than that. It is real life. It is the circumstances that surrounded one of the most surreal periods of time in United States history. It is the situation surrounding the assassination of one of the US's most revered Presidents, John F. Kennedy. These circumstances suggest that the events which occur in the play Macbeth are still possible. It is possible for the circumstances surrounding Macbeth to be repeated in modern day America because no protection provides absolute safety, some men are still willing to do what Macbeth did, and the ac t could still be covered up. No amount of protection provides absolute safety. In today's world, it is easier than ever to kill someone. Any person can buy a cheap pistol and kill someone. It is also easier to kill without being caught. There are long range rifles and remote control explosives that can be used as the murder weapon while the actual perpetrator is far away. Also, it is easier than ever to find a professional assassin who will kill anyone for the right amount of money. These latter methods could allow a person to commit murder and easily get away with it. Even though the actual murderer may be caught, the person financing the operation could get away untouched. In Macbeth, Duncan was well protected by his guards. However, he was still murdered. The guards were overcome through a simple trick. "The doors are open, and the surfeited grooms Do mock their charge with snores. I have drugged their possets..." says Lady Macbeth. She had drugged their drinks, and instead of guarding Duncan, they were asleep. Macbeth was easily able to sneak past them and kill Duncan. Every precaution available had been taken to insure Duncan's protection. It is not an easy task to get past two armed bodyguards in a cramped area. However, through some deceit, Macbeth was able to accomplish this. This reaffirms the statement that no protection is absolute. Perhaps the best example that no protection is infallible occurs in the

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Explain How the Solow Growth Model Would Analyse the Effects of a Fall in the Household Saving Ratio

In this essay, I will focus on two important aspects. The first is to give a brief historical outline of the Solow growth model. The second thread runs express how the outline on the Solow growth model might explain the effect of a fall in the household savings ratio. My essay will be guided by the diagram provided on which I have to make specific references and to think through as well as explain the various steps of the Solow growth model and what this would mean for economic growth. Without dismissing earlier attempts, the foundations upon which modern economic growth theory rests on the foundations put by US economist Robert Solow (1924-) in the 1950s and 1960s. The Solow growth model is very neoclassic in that it focuses primarily on the supply side. The Solow model seems to implicitly assume that, as long as the supply of goods increases, economic growth can be attained. In this way it is apparently different from Keynesian models of which focus is on the demand side of the economy such as inflation and unemployment. One of the major central reason by Solow to come up with the Solow model came from the desire to know what happens in the long run to an economy in which capital accumulation is taking place. In pursuit of an answer to this question Solow came up with a degree of mathematical and analytical work. Solow pursued a model of an economy in which one has a single good that can be consumed or invested, and he says the total output in the economy Y to the total labour supply L and the stock of physical capital K. When Solow talked of physical capital he meant things like machinery, buildings, equipment, things used by labour to make products. The aggregate measurement of output is symbolised by (Y), labour (L) and capital (K). This means that Y,L and K are variables describing the whole economy. The Solow growth model tells us that in the long term, the development of a closed economy will remain at a steady state, where there is no more growth. In figure 2, the economy has settled down in point E. Here, the fraction of an average worker output that is being saved, equals the average required investment to account for the depreciation and decay. This being achieved with k1 amount of capital per worker, the economy produces an output of y1 per worker, the economy produces an output of y1 per worker. A sudden fall in the household saving ratio to s*< s leads to negative net investments F minus E: workers only save a fraction s* of still the same y1, and therefore there is not enough being saved in the economy to be able to finance the decay of the capital stock at k1. As the level k1 cannot be retained by the average worker which is (negative net investments), the output per worker y has to start to decrease. In a dynamic process, the economy will move along the curve y=f(k), that means the amount of output per worker y will decrease, until it settles at a new steady state, where the net invstements equal zero. This being achieved at point E*, the resulting capital intensity is k*, with which an output of y* can be produced with y* being smaller than y1. In other words, a fall in the household ratio leads to a decrease of the amount of capital stock, a closed economy is able to to retain in the long term. The decay in the existing capital stock cannot anymore be completely replaced by investments, as there is not enough money being saved in the economy due to the fall in the household saving ratio. These resulting negative net investments will force the economy to decrease its output to the level y*. Only here, the amount being saved in the economy can again replace the complete decaying capital stock, which means the economy settles at a new long term equilibrium, a new steady state. The fall in the household saving ratio has therefore reduced the productivity of the average worker in the economy. PART B How far do models of corporation and bargaining alter our understanding of the potential for corporation between states. In this essay, I will focus myself on two models of cooperation and bargaining. The first model is called realism and its thrust is to say that the international political systems as a whole is anarchic in so far as there is no world government but what exists are multiple competing sovereigns. In terms of cooperation and bargaining between states realism poses real challenges to interdependence and specialisation. The second model is called liberalism and like realism it begins by acknowledging that the system is of course anarchic but it goes a bit further to argue that the interests that states seek to pursue in conditions of anarchy are shaped very much by the nature of the society, domestic, and transnational over which they seek to rule and particularly liberals stress the role of dominant powerful groups within society in shaping the nature of the national interests and this is clearly illustrated in a story about the development of India`s national interest in chapter 6. The fundamental difference between the two models is that liberalism says it is not just anarchy plus the distribution of power, it`s anarchy, and the distribution of power plus interdependence. The prospects for cooperation between states under conditions of both anarchy and interdependence bring to fore three aspects of the game. The first, the game is positive-sum when states are concerned purely with their absolute gains but the chance for bargaining and cooperation to mutual advantage are real and if the positive-sum is changed negatively it results in zero-sum games in which neither will be prepared to move from the original position hence blocking cooperation. The third is when states care about both their absolute gains and their relative positions giving us an indeterminate outcome and it very much depends on how the nations weigh the one against the other. In answering the question topic therefore, I am diving into a web of complexity. The realists`philosophical thrust claims that in an anarchic system, what then differentiates states are rather their capabilities as compared to their functions. In short it is the power of states, not their common purposes (survival), that differentiates one international political system from another (Bromley, 2004 p113) In the Realist mode therefore, the state will seek to avoid as necessary as possible forms of interdependence that create vulnerability in relation to issues of security, so they will avoid all forms of subordination with relation to other states in terms of power, since the superior power of some may also threaten the security of the weak. An example in our world today could be United States with the killing of Osama Bin Laden, where the US Navy SEALS are accused of transgression and trespassing into Pakistan without sovereign rights. In just some few words one could say that the international political systems between and among states according to realists comprise an anarchy of similar, competing political authorities in which each strives to maintain or improve its relative power base. Mexico epitomises this concept in the 1910 revolution and the subsequent creation of the PRI in 1929 which fostered a strong nationalistic ideology geared toward maintaining the independence of the country from foreign economic and political influences. Having outlined in short the essence of realist philosophy, there is need therefore, to ask what implications does this realist thinking have on cooperation and bargaining between states? The realist thinking has very essential implications in the fact that cooperation between states have to be severely limited even with big organisations like WTO because what should be avoided at all costs are dependencies. Even if there are benefits that accrue from cooperation with another state, you simply cannot depend on another country since this can create vulnerabilities lets say in cases of diplomatic fallout or cases of war. Another recent example is the treacherous diplomatic fallout between United Kingdom and Malawi with consequences on bilateral relations and especially the impact it will have on a largely dependent country Malawi. That limits considerably the scope for cooperation. According to Huysmans the other element that restrict cooperation between states, or even regional blocks in this case, sometimes like the European Union, â€Å"they are not calculating primarily their benefits from cooperation in terms of what they would gain in comparison to their major competitors, because what matters is not how much richer I become as a state, what matters is how much richer I become as a state compared to you, because then I`m more powerful, can translate to military power, economic power and so on† (Huysmans, Audio CD, 2010) In short state actors have to guarantee their own self-preservation, that is to say individuals in a state of nature or states in an anarchic international system will not willingly cooperate if the result is an increase in vulnerabilities and/ or decrease in relative power. Paul Hirst, a sociologist and political theorist served a blow to to realists`arguments by going against the view that sovereign control of territory is forged purely internally by arguing that states need to interact in the anarchic realm of international politics with other states. The achievement of sovereignty therefore, is at least partly the product of agreements between states in the form of recognition of each others`sovereign rights (Bromley 2004, p120) In this case therefore one dependents on the other. This then is the best chance to bring into play liberalism which argues that what we need to look at is the way in which the different national interests of states, that are shaped by the societies over which they rule, are configured together when put together at an international system. What we have are states all interacting with one another, all chasing national interests, as defined by their dominant groups, and those interests configure in different ways sometimes states interests are conflictual, sometimes cooperative and at some points mutually beneficial. Trade liberalisation is an example where arguably, the interests of states that are mutually engaging in trade liberalisation are not in conflict. They can both benefit from trade. States may come to view their position in relation to the others in a much more absolute terms and as a consequence of that, with full understanding of the fact that the structure of international system is interdependent as well as anarchic, enduring cooperation is at least a possibility. The states according to Bromley face an environment of what is called â€Å"strategic inter-dependence† to mean the strategies that one can champion are conditioned by their anticipation of the strategies that others will pursue (Bromley CD 2010). Unlike, the realists, the assumption is that when states`interests interact internationally, it is not always the case that states will focus on their position or be worried about dependence, and the argument pursued is that security is only one value among others, that security will be balanced alongside other considerations like economic welfare, promotion of cultural values, or whatever. In this regard Mexico is a perfect example, in so far as Mexico joined NAFTA, not worrying so much about its position vis-a-vis its dominant neighbour, the United States but increasingly focusing on the absolute gains that Mexico might make through those policies. Chapter 9, says states sometimes interact in positive-sum ways, meaning when they interact they both gain from cooperation and bargaining, sometimes they interact in ways that are zero-sum; if I gain you lose or otherwise it is negative-sum in which both sides lose. The realists model that Jef outlines seems to advocate or assume that all cooperation because they are relative ains, are zero-sum; if I gain you lose but according to liberal thinking there are situations when it is a win-win situation (Bromley CD 2010) The Liberal model also argues that there are many situations where mutual dependence does not imply vulnerability vis-a-vis security or even worry about their relative position vis-a-vis other states and an example could be that as a country, we can come to define our national interest in terms, not of how we are progressing vis-a-vis another country but how we are coping vis-a-vis last year, focused only on our growth rate. The core claim of liberal model is that once you recognise the strategic nature of interdependence and once you recognise that the national interest is socially shaped by society and not just deriving from your position in the state system, then the possibilities of cooperation are far much greater. Concluding remarks draws three general conclusions, the game is positive-sum if states are geared solely with their absolute gains, there is chance for co-operative bargaining to mutual advantage. Anarchy is no danger to cooperation in this world. Secondly, if states evaluate their positions purely in relation to others, then all games even positive-sum ones are turned to zero-sum ones where neither will be prepared to move away from the original thereby blocking cooperation as was seen between the superpowers during the Cold War. Thirdly, when states care about their absolute gains and their relative positions, the outcome is indeterminate and depends on how they weigh the one against the other. If relative considerations do not weigh too heavily in their calculations, states may still find themselves in a positive-sum game.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Diamonds On The Inside

When you live in a small town, you often find that your life is being dissected, piece by piece, by the community. In high school, I was in what one would call the â€Å"cool† or popular crowd. I wore whatever name brand clothes were popular at the time; I only hung out with the coolest people and of course, I only dated guys from inside our little clique. I was named Class Favorite all 4 years and was also on Homecoming Court my senior year. Life, in a teenager’s life, was good. Yet, as we all know, no one can be happy when living in a cookie cutter type world. Our community had set forth this mold on who we should be and what we should act like. For the majority of my clique, we were the first ones at church on Sunday, never missing a day of Sunday school. Yet we were also the drunkest ones at Prom and Homecomings. We held offices in our school Y-Club and would talk about how we only wanted the best in our clubs. We were supposed leaders in our school, yet when I look back now, I’m kind of glad nobody followed too much. To other students in our high school, our clique had certain things to live up to. We were to have the hottest guys and the prettiest girls in our clique and everyone was supposed to drive the nicest cars. At dances, we all had to have the best clothes and get the drunkest and at school we were to have the best grades. That was their mold for us, and our purpose was to fill the mold. To parents and member in our community, we had a simple job. We were to be the smartest, most Christian, best looking, and the friendliest people. This is how they wanted us to be and this is how we tried to be. It was like they were reliving their high school lives through us. We were just like puppets and the community and our fellow students held the strings, whether knowing it or not. At my school, we had 2 separate dances. There was the Black Prom and the White Prom. Some people ... Free Essays on Diamonds On The Inside Free Essays on Diamonds On The Inside When you live in a small town, you often find that your life is being dissected, piece by piece, by the community. In high school, I was in what one would call the â€Å"cool† or popular crowd. I wore whatever name brand clothes were popular at the time; I only hung out with the coolest people and of course, I only dated guys from inside our little clique. I was named Class Favorite all 4 years and was also on Homecoming Court my senior year. Life, in a teenager’s life, was good. Yet, as we all know, no one can be happy when living in a cookie cutter type world. Our community had set forth this mold on who we should be and what we should act like. For the majority of my clique, we were the first ones at church on Sunday, never missing a day of Sunday school. Yet we were also the drunkest ones at Prom and Homecomings. We held offices in our school Y-Club and would talk about how we only wanted the best in our clubs. We were supposed leaders in our school, yet when I look back now, I’m kind of glad nobody followed too much. To other students in our high school, our clique had certain things to live up to. We were to have the hottest guys and the prettiest girls in our clique and everyone was supposed to drive the nicest cars. At dances, we all had to have the best clothes and get the drunkest and at school we were to have the best grades. That was their mold for us, and our purpose was to fill the mold. To parents and member in our community, we had a simple job. We were to be the smartest, most Christian, best looking, and the friendliest people. This is how they wanted us to be and this is how we tried to be. It was like they were reliving their high school lives through us. We were just like puppets and the community and our fellow students held the strings, whether knowing it or not. At my school, we had 2 separate dances. There was the Black Prom and the White Prom. Some people ...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Biography of Thomas Cole, American Landscape Painter

Biography of Thomas Cole, American Landscape Painter Thomas Cole was the British-born artist who became known for his paintings of American landscapes. He is considered the founder of the Hudson River School of painting, and his influence on other 19th century American painters was profound. Cole’s paintings, and paintings by those he taught, are known to have influenced attitudes toward American expansionism during the 19th century. The glorification of the land and the panoramic views encouraged optimism toward settling the vast lands of the West. Cole, however, had a pessimistic streak which is sometimes indicated in his paintings. Fast Facts: Thomas Cole Known For: Founder of Hudson River School of painters, admired for his majestic landscapes of distinctly American sceneryMovement: Hudson River School (American romantic landscape painting)Born: Bolton-le-Moors, Lancaster, England, 1801Died: February 11, 1848 in Catskill, New YorkParents: Mary and James ColeSpouse: Maria Bartow Early Life and Career Thomas Cole was born in Bolton-le-Moors, Lancaster, England, in 1801. He studied engraving briefly in England before emigrating to America with his family in 1818. The family arrived in Philadelphia and resettled in Steubenville, Ohio, where Coles father established a wallpaper engraving business. After becoming frustrated working in the family business, Cole taught art in a school for a brief period. He also received some painting instruction from a traveling artist, and tried striking out on his own as an itinerant portrait painter. Portrait of Thomas Cole, American painter. Smithsonian Institution / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain Cole realized he needed to be in a city with many potential patrons, and returned to Philadelphia, where he painted portraits and also found work decorating ceramics. He took classes at the Philadelphia Academy and, in 1824, had his first exhibition, which was held at the school. In 1825 Cole moved to New York City, where he began to focus on romantic landscapes, the beautifully lit panoramas that would become his enduring style. After taking a trip up the Hudson River, he painted three landscapes, which were displayed in the window of a Manhattan art store. One of the paintings was purchased by artist John Trumbull, who was widely known for his paintings of the American Revolution. Trumbull recommended that two of his artist friends, William Dunlap and Asher B. Durand, purchase the other two. Trumbull appreciated that Cole had been inspired by the wildness of American scenery, which other artists had seemed to ignore. On Trumbulls recommendation, Cole was welcomed into New York Citys cultural world, where he became acquainted with luminaries such as poet and editor William Cullen Bryant and author James Fenimore Cooper. Travels and Inspiration The success of Cole’s early landscapes established him so he could devote himself to painting full-time. He began to travel in the mountains of New York State and New England after purchasing a house in Catskill, New York. Photograph of Catskill Mountain House, a painting by American landscape artist Thomas Cole. Francis G. Mayer  / Getty Images In 1829 Cole sailed to England on a trip financed by a wealthy patron. He made what was known as the Grand Tour, visiting Paris, and then Italy. He stayed for weeks in Florence before going on to Rome, hiking much of the way. He eventually returned to New York City in 1832, having seen major works of art in Europe and having sketched scenery that would be used as material for landscapes. In 1836 Cole married Maria Barton, whose family lived in Catskill. He settled into a fairly comfortable life as a successful artist. The self-made gentry of the region admired his work and purchased his paintings. Major Works A patron commissioned Cole to paint five panels which would be known as The Course of Empires. The series of canvases essentially predicted what would become known as Manifest Destiny. The images depict an allegorical empire, and proceed from Savage State to Arcadian or Pastoral State. The empire reaches its zenith with the third painting, The Consummation of Empire, and then descends to the fourth painting, Destruction. The series ends with the fifth painting, titled Desolation. Thomas Coles The Course of Empire - Consummation, 1836, oil on canvas, 51 Ãâ€" 76 in, New York Historical Society.   Fine Art / Getty Images During the 1830s, as Cole was painting his Course of Empires series, he was harboring gravely pessimistic thoughts about America, lamenting in his journal that he feared the end of democracy. One of his major paintings, dating from 1836, is titled View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, after a Thunderstorm - The Oxbow. In the painting, a pastoral area is shown along with a portion of untamed wilderness. On close examination, the artist himself can be found in the middle foreground, on a promontory, painting the Oxbow, a bend in the river. In his own painting, Cole looks out over the tamed and orderly land, yet he is located in the wild land which is still darkened from the passing storm. He shows himself in communion with untamed American land, perhaps purposely keeping a distance from the land which has been transformed by human society. View from Mount Holyoke, Northampton, Massachusetts, After a Thunderstorm The Oxbow.   Getty Images Legacy Interpretations of Coles work have varied over time. On the surface, his works are generally appreciated for their majestic scenes and striking use of light. Yet there are often darker elements present, and many paintings have dark areas which seem to raise questions about the artists intent. Coles paintings show a profound reverence for nature, which can appear idyllic or wild and violent within the boundaries of the same canvas. While still a very active artist, Cole became ill with pleurisy. He died on February 11, 1848. His influence on other American painters was profound. Sources Thomas Cole. Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2nd ed., vol. 4, Gale, 2004, pp. 151-152. Gale Virtual Reference Library.Hudson River School of Painting. American Eras, vol. 5: The Reform Era and Eastern U. S. Development, 1815-1850, Gale, 1997, pp. 38-40. Gale Virtual Reference Library.The Hudson River School and Western Expansion. American Eras, vol. 6: Westward Expansion, 1800-1860, Gale, 1997, pp. 53-54. Gale Virtual Reference Library.