Summary Response

Agents of Change and Nonviolent Action* Nonviolent action is a way for ordinary people to fight for their rights, freedom, and justice. It is frequently associated with moral or ethical nonviolence, but I will address it here as a distinct phenomenon, separate from any moral or ethical underpinnings, to expand on how it works as a pragmatic way to exert leverage in a conflict. Nonviolent action is based on the insight that power in a society is ultimately derived from people’s consent and obedience.In contrast, the prevailing view is that power in a society is inherently based on whoever has concentrated wealth and the greatest capacity for violence. But just as the economy is a subsystem of the biosphere— and therefore is ultimately governed by the laws of the biosphere—so too, systems of power that are seemingly based on violence and money are actually subsystems of thousands or millions of people’s broader behavior and obedience patterns.If those people shift their loyalties, behavior, and obedience, the balance of power in a society, and in the world, shifts. Simply put, if people do not obey, then rulers or corporations cannot rule. Nonviolent action, therefore, wields power by creating shifts in people’s loyalties, behavior and obedience patterns at a collective level. This can happen dramatically, for example as it did at moments during the Indian Independence Struggle, the US Civil Rights Movement, various labor struggles (i. . the United Farm Workers movement in the mid-late 1960s), and the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos (1986), Augusto Pinochet (1988), Apartheid in South Africa (1980s-90s), Slobodan Milosevic (2000), and the authoritarian system in Ukraine (2004). Or, shifts can happen more subtly, as when people choose to shop at locally owned businesses, boycott a product, or work to develop alternative institutions and economies.Regardless of its myriad of methods and manifestations, all acts of nonviolent action fa ll into one of three categories: acts of 1 Â © 2008 Hardy Merriman. *A slightly modified version of this essay appeared in: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, No. 2, April 2008 pp. 241-2. commission—that is, people do things that they are not expected, supposed, or allowed to do; acts of omission—that is, people do not do things that they are expected, supposed, or required to do; or a combination of acts of commission and omission. In order to promote shifts in people’s obedience and behavior patterns, it is important to understand why people obey and behave as they do in the first place. Reasons will differ from society to society, but two of the most common reasons for obedience that I encounter in my work with activists and organizers around the world are that people feel there is no alternative way of behaving and they lack confidence that their actions make a difference. Many people have forgotten that they are the true power holders in their society.Of cou rse formal education, corporations, governments, and media all reinforce the narrative that power resides among the few individuals in a government building or corporate headquarters, and that money and guns (on which they have a monopoly) are the ultimate source of strength. This narrative suits their purposes well. Successful nonviolent movements throughout history, however, have awakened people to the fact that through their collective actions, people who are organized around a common vision and act strategically are far stronger than armies and money.Any contemporary grassroots movement that wants to gain traction should take note of this fact and make reminding people that they are powerful a central point of its rhetoric. Taking this one step further, successful movements not only tell people that they are powerful, they demonstrate people’s power by setting clear, achievable objectives and then documenting and publicizing their victories. The victories themselves may b e limited, but their impact on mobilizing people can be enormous.For example, the US Civil Rights Movement concentrated its strength on desegregating buses in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955-56 and desegregating Nashville lunch counters in 1960. The Indian Independence Movement focused its effort on gaining concessions from the British on the Salt Acts and others laws in 1930-31. Once achieved, these objectives were small 1 Gene Sharp, Waging Nonviolent Struggle: 20th Century Practice and 21st Century Potential, (Boston, MA: Porter Sargent Publishers), 2005, p. 547. 2 Â © 2008 Hardy Merriman. A slightly modified version of this essay appeared in: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, No. 2, April 2008 pp. 241-2. relative to the mammoth task of overturning segregation in the entire US South or gaining independence in India. But their true impact was in their catalyzing effect on the movements themselves. These victories showed people that their actions mattered and that they were capable of making a difference, which led to great increases in support and mobilization and propelled these movements to the national and international center stage.These objectives were not achieved merely because the US Civil Rights Movement or the Indian Independence Movement occupied the moral high ground. They were achieved also because of hard work, creativity, and skillful political analysis. This is true of all successful nonviolent action. However, many neglect this fact and instead assume that nonviolent action consists primarily of public protests, expressions of outrage, and moral injunctions, or that its success depends on a charismatic leader or some sort of mystical power. It does not.Nor does it require people who are ideologically committed to pacifism or ethical nonviolence. What it does require is an inclusive vision that unites people, sound strategic planning, effective public communications, and the identification of appropriate methods for the situation. There is no one -size-fits-all recipe—nonviolent action is place-specific. While the principles that govern it, such as power being based on consent and obedience, are constant across all struggles, its application depends on the context and particulars of a given society.Whether it manifests as bold public action, subtle shifts in buying patterns, or both (most movements have a wide variety of tactics that are designed to be used by people with different levels of involvement), it provides a way for people to use or create political space in their society from which to leverage concessions from an entrenched adversary. Fortunately, a lot of intellectual work, research, and communication have been done about how people can use, and historically have used, nonviolent action to achieve great results.Demand for this knowledge is increasing among those who recognize the power and potential that nonviolent action holds. You won’t read about this in most 3 Â © 2008 Hardy Merriman. *A sligh tly modified version of this essay appeared in: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, No. 2, April 2008 pp. 241-2. newspapers, and you won’t find a lot of politicians talking about it, but if you talk to grassroots organizers and members of civil society around the world, they will tell you. They recognize that it is the people in a society who are the agents of change and that structural change is created from the ground up.They are not waiting for a person to lead them, because they understand that most government and corporate leaders will not take the lead to do what is right if their populations are disengaged and do not know the means to hold them accountable. Therefore, people around the world are increasingly looking towards nonviolent action (which they may use in conjunction with voting, the legal system, or other traditional means of making change) as a pragmatic way to empower their communities to win human rights, freedom, justice, transparency, women’s, indige nous people’s and minority rights and environmental protection.Regardless of the objective for which nonviolent action is used, its prerequisite is the same: a reframing of the concept of power in people’s minds. Sharing this knowledge, and awakening people to their power, is an essential task in shifting humanity’s course. 4 Â © 2008 Hardy Merriman. *A slightly modified version of this essay appeared in: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, No. 2, April 2008 pp. 241-2. Summary Response Agents of Change and Nonviolent Action* Nonviolent action is a way for ordinary people to fight for their rights, freedom, and justice. It is frequently associated with moral or ethical nonviolence, but I will address it here as a distinct phenomenon, separate from any moral or ethical underpinnings, to expand on how it works as a pragmatic way to exert leverage in a conflict. Nonviolent action is based on the insight that power in a society is ultimately derived from people’s consent and obedience.In contrast, the prevailing view is that power in a society is inherently based on whoever has concentrated wealth and the greatest capacity for violence. But just as the economy is a subsystem of the biosphere— and therefore is ultimately governed by the laws of the biosphere—so too, systems of power that are seemingly based on violence and money are actually subsystems of thousands or millions of people’s broader behavior and obedience patterns.If those people shift their loyalties, behavior, and obedience, the balance of power in a society, and in the world, shifts. Simply put, if people do not obey, then rulers or corporations cannot rule. Nonviolent action, therefore, wields power by creating shifts in people’s loyalties, behavior and obedience patterns at a collective level. This can happen dramatically, for example as it did at moments during the Indian Independence Struggle, the US Civil Rights Movement, various labor struggles (i. . the United Farm Workers movement in the mid-late 1960s), and the downfall of Ferdinand Marcos (1986), Augusto Pinochet (1988), Apartheid in South Africa (1980s-90s), Slobodan Milosevic (2000), and the authoritarian system in Ukraine (2004). Or, shifts can happen more subtly, as when people choose to shop at locally owned businesses, boycott a product, or work to develop alternative institutions and economies.Regardless of its myriad of methods and manifestations, all acts of nonviolent action fa ll into one of three categories: acts of 1 Â © 2008 Hardy Merriman. *A slightly modified version of this essay appeared in: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, No. 2, April 2008 pp. 241-2. commission—that is, people do things that they are not expected, supposed, or allowed to do; acts of omission—that is, people do not do things that they are expected, supposed, or required to do; or a combination of acts of commission and omission. In order to promote shifts in people’s obedience and behavior patterns, it is important to understand why people obey and behave as they do in the first place. Reasons will differ from society to society, but two of the most common reasons for obedience that I encounter in my work with activists and organizers around the world are that people feel there is no alternative way of behaving and they lack confidence that their actions make a difference. Many people have forgotten that they are the true power holders in their society.Of cou rse formal education, corporations, governments, and media all reinforce the narrative that power resides among the few individuals in a government building or corporate headquarters, and that money and guns (on which they have a monopoly) are the ultimate source of strength. This narrative suits their purposes well. Successful nonviolent movements throughout history, however, have awakened people to the fact that through their collective actions, people who are organized around a common vision and act strategically are far stronger than armies and money.Any contemporary grassroots movement that wants to gain traction should take note of this fact and make reminding people that they are powerful a central point of its rhetoric. Taking this one step further, successful movements not only tell people that they are powerful, they demonstrate people’s power by setting clear, achievable objectives and then documenting and publicizing their victories. The victories themselves may b e limited, but their impact on mobilizing people can be enormous.For example, the US Civil Rights Movement concentrated its strength on desegregating buses in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955-56 and desegregating Nashville lunch counters in 1960. The Indian Independence Movement focused its effort on gaining concessions from the British on the Salt Acts and others laws in 1930-31. Once achieved, these objectives were small 1 Gene Sharp, Waging Nonviolent Struggle: 20th Century Practice and 21st Century Potential, (Boston, MA: Porter Sargent Publishers), 2005, p. 547. 2 Â © 2008 Hardy Merriman. A slightly modified version of this essay appeared in: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, No. 2, April 2008 pp. 241-2. relative to the mammoth task of overturning segregation in the entire US South or gaining independence in India. But their true impact was in their catalyzing effect on the movements themselves. These victories showed people that their actions mattered and that they were capable of making a difference, which led to great increases in support and mobilization and propelled these movements to the national and international center stage.These objectives were not achieved merely because the US Civil Rights Movement or the Indian Independence Movement occupied the moral high ground. They were achieved also because of hard work, creativity, and skillful political analysis. This is true of all successful nonviolent action. However, many neglect this fact and instead assume that nonviolent action consists primarily of public protests, expressions of outrage, and moral injunctions, or that its success depends on a charismatic leader or some sort of mystical power. It does not.Nor does it require people who are ideologically committed to pacifism or ethical nonviolence. What it does require is an inclusive vision that unites people, sound strategic planning, effective public communications, and the identification of appropriate methods for the situation. There is no one -size-fits-all recipe—nonviolent action is place-specific. While the principles that govern it, such as power being based on consent and obedience, are constant across all struggles, its application depends on the context and particulars of a given society.Whether it manifests as bold public action, subtle shifts in buying patterns, or both (most movements have a wide variety of tactics that are designed to be used by people with different levels of involvement), it provides a way for people to use or create political space in their society from which to leverage concessions from an entrenched adversary. Fortunately, a lot of intellectual work, research, and communication have been done about how people can use, and historically have used, nonviolent action to achieve great results.Demand for this knowledge is increasing among those who recognize the power and potential that nonviolent action holds. You won’t read about this in most 3 Â © 2008 Hardy Merriman. *A sligh tly modified version of this essay appeared in: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, No. 2, April 2008 pp. 241-2. newspapers, and you won’t find a lot of politicians talking about it, but if you talk to grassroots organizers and members of civil society around the world, they will tell you. They recognize that it is the people in a society who are the agents of change and that structural change is created from the ground up.They are not waiting for a person to lead them, because they understand that most government and corporate leaders will not take the lead to do what is right if their populations are disengaged and do not know the means to hold them accountable. Therefore, people around the world are increasingly looking towards nonviolent action (which they may use in conjunction with voting, the legal system, or other traditional means of making change) as a pragmatic way to empower their communities to win human rights, freedom, justice, transparency, women’s, indige nous people’s and minority rights and environmental protection.Regardless of the objective for which nonviolent action is used, its prerequisite is the same: a reframing of the concept of power in people’s minds. Sharing this knowledge, and awakening people to their power, is an essential task in shifting humanity’s course. 4 Â © 2008 Hardy Merriman. *A slightly modified version of this essay appeared in: Conservation Biology, Volume 22, No. 2, April 2008 pp. 241-2.

Nutritional Value of Menu Items At a Local Fast-Food Restaurant

In my pursuit to investigating the balancing the qualities of healthy choices of fast food restaurants were a challenging venture. During a recent visit to McDonalds, I ordered a healthy menu and then selected a very unhealthy menu. My choices included for the healthy choice a rice shrimp burger, side salad, vanilla reduced fat ice cream cone, and Dasani water.   In my selection of an unhealthy selection I chose a Big Mac, large fries, Mcfurry with Oreo cookies, and a large coca-cola drink. The assessment of my analysis provided an interesting result to the pursuit of a nutritional value meal. In my selection of my healthy selection, I discovered that McDonalds provided an easier approach to being able to select a more nutritional food selection compared to other fast food restaurants (McDonalds, 2008). The healthy selection calorie intake was less than 500 which on a world platform is a great attribute for McDonalds to develop and incorporate an excellent healthy meal. The healthy selection was tasty and fulfilling that was surprising for a fast food restaurant. However, the ingredients were not sacrificed in order to make the healthy food selection with low calories which was a good marketing decision at McDonalds. The unhealthy selection posed a greater challenge due to the higher calorie but the taste was slightly more fulfilling with a huge guilt after taste due to the 1,000 calorie meal. The difference was the feeling of self indulgence to an extreme that was both satisfying and somewhat uncomfortable. However, those feelings did not prevent the challenging temptation to stop eating the unhealthy menu selection. In the future, the fast food restaurants could create a marketing angle that ignites a strong sense of identification and acceptance depending on the social environment. For instance, on the healthy choice a marketing plan that provides an emphasis on a surprising taste of trying something new, rather than the ordinary. The imagery of the marketing ad or commercial should present a creative and alluring concept in order to entice the viewer to indulge in a new experience by making a more nutritional choice. In regards, to the marketing angle for the unhealthy selection the marketing angle can focus showcasing a back drop of self-indulgency that goes along with the sensation eating the item. In doing so, the viewer can relate the two and make a concise choice to select the unhealthy item over the healthy one. The key is the effective translation of marketing the extreme in either selection that relates to the selection – that encourages participating in enjoying the menu item. References McDonalds Inc. (2008) Official International Website. Retrieved from http://www.mcdonalds.com            

The Louisiana Purchase

Describe the events leading to the purchase of the Louisiana Territory in 1803. Discuss the terms of the treaty and how Jefferson reconciled his strict interpretation of the Constitution with the acquisition of the territory. Before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the entire Louisiana territory covered what is today known as the Midwest. The purchase of the land was a monumental step in the expansion of the United States. Thomas Jefferson became the 2nd president of the United States in 1800 and assumed control in 1801.He envisioned a society of independent farmers that were free from the restraints of industrial towns and the mobs of European cities (Brinkley p. 181). In 1763, France lost control of the Louisiana Territory to Great Britain. Under the Treaty of San Ildefonso in 1800, France regained control of Louisiana in an acquisition that Napoleon Bonaparte hoped would become the heart of the great French empire in America (Brinkley p. 200). Napoleon envision a French empire that would control much of the trade and establish French dominance in the New World.All was not well within the French empire though; African slaves in San Domingo would revolt under the leadership of Toussaint L’Ouverture in the West Indies. Napoleon would have to send an army to restore order in the Indies. This revolt was but the start of the problems of Napoleon realizing his ambitions in America (Brinkley p. 200). Thomas Jefferson had begun to reconsider his association with France after he learned of the secret treaty in which France regained Louisiana.Jefferson had become even more alarmed in the fall of 1802 when he learned that the Spanish intendant who controlled the Louisiana Territory had announced a new regulation (Brinkley p. 200). American vessels had long used the Mississippi River as a supply route to get cargo to New Orleans in order to load ocean bound ships for export. The new regulation revealed by the Spanish forbade the use of the route effectively shuttin g down the lower Mississippi. Upon learning of the new regulation, Jefferson sent his French ambassador to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans (Brinkley p. 00). His ambassador, Robert Livingston, took it upon himself to try and purchase the majority of western Louisiana as well. While Livingston was trying to acquire Louisiana, Jefferson had persuaded Congress to appropriate funds to expand the army and the construction of a river fleet (Brinkley p. 200). Jefferson wanted to give the illusion that the US had partnered with the British if the problems with France were not resolved soon. Shortly afterward, Napoleon decided to accept the United States offer to purchase Louisiana.On April 30, 1803, James Monroe and Richard Livingston signed the agreement with France for the purchase. The United States purchased Louisiana from the French for $80,000,000 francs ($15mil US. ). The US also had to promise certain exclusive commercial privileges to France and to incorporate its residents in to the Union (Brinkley p. 201). The agreement stated that Louisiana would occupy the â€Å"same extent† as it had when France and Spain had controlled it (Brinkley p. 202).Thomas Jefferson was pleased with the acquisition of Louisiana but was unsure if he possessed the authority to accept the agreement terms. He was convinced by his advisors that with this treaty making power under the Constitution, that his acceptance of the agreement was justified. In 1803, the French assumed control of Louisiana from Spain and immediately transferred the rights to the territory to the United States. Louisiana was admitted into the Union as a recognized state in 1812. Brinkley p. 202) The purchase of Louisiana was a major step in the development of the Midwestern United States. Gaining control of the territory from France helped the United States regain the power to transport goods down the Mississippi River to get to the port of New Orleans. This was a big deal to the United States as New Orleans was the focal point of moving goods across the ocean for export.Bibliography †¢ Brinkley, A. (2007). American History: A Survey. Boston: McGraw Hill.

Wal-Mart Information Technology Company Analysis Research Paper

Wal-Mart Information Technology Company Analysis - Research Paper Example Wal-Mart owes much of its success to the early adoption of an Information Technology as compared to its competitors. The store has continually evolved to adapt to changing market needs through enhancing its Information Technology strategy. This has given it a competitive edge over other retailers by enabling it to price its products more competitively. Information Technology use by Wal-Mart continues to enhance its market leadership and dominance. 2.0 Information Technology characteristics and dynamics of Wal-Mart Despite of Wal-Mart’s large size, it has one centralized information system that is developed internally giving it much advantage in operations that enables it price its products competitively in comparison to other retailers. In 95% of Wal-Mart’s Information Technology endeavors, much of the development is done by internal staff, managing programming and process engineering and not relying on commercial software or outsourcing. The company has also been able to maintain its Information Technology budget at a lower rate than its market competitors. These costs do not grow at a similar rate to sales despite the entire Wal-Mart business model relying heavily on Information Technology. Wal-Mart as a whole relies on information technology to attain its business objectives and meet the needs of its clients (Sullivan, 2004). The information system at Wal-Mart is a centralized system that manages supplier and consumer data all in one avenue. The centralized system analyzes data from Wal-Mart’s Discount stores, Supercenters, Sam’s clubs, Neighborhood markets and world wide stores from one location. The Information Technology staffs concentrate on building software for all its systems, both at home and in international markets. As a result, any new code affects the global operations of the entire retail store. This leverages the Information technology efforts resulting into massive savings in investments in the department (Sullivan, 2004). Wal-Mart’s system enables it capture all of a day’s sales and product information in real time from all of its global operations. This information is instrumental in making timely decisions as regards sales of particular products. The information is also used by buyers to make buy decisions that eventually affect Wal-Mart’s sales. Availing real time data is one of Wal-Mart’s Information System’s hallmarks. This information enables decision makers at Wal-Mart to act fast and decisively and to take immediate corrective measures where a problem is noticed. This has worked to enhance Wal-Mart’s market leadership over the competition (Sullivan, 2004). Wal-Mart also seeks to synchronize its online operations as well. This it will be achieved through the synchronization of its online sites such as walmart.com, samsclub.com, asda.com, walmartmexico.com.mx. Such synchronization will result in similar efficiencies as those experienced through the centralization of the brick and mortar stores operational information. The platform to host this system will be scalable, Java based and running on IBM’s WebSphere and Informix database. The aim of this is to achieve efficiencies in growth and enhance scalability with the ultimate goal of cost effectiveness that translates to more affordable products for the final consumers enhancing its market leadership (Sullivan, 2004). One of the more identifiable uses of Information Technology by Wal-Mart is the use of radio frequency identification in tracking stocks.

Business Law Assignment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Business Law Assignment - Coursework Example The paper tells that in the Constitution of the United States, Article 1, Section 2 refers to the qualifications that must be met to serve as a member of the House of Representatives. It states that â€Å"No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen†. Article 1, Section 3 of the Constitution delineates the requirements to become a Senator, by stating that â€Å"No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen†. The qualifications to serve as President of the United States are found in Article 2, Section one. The document states that â€Å"no Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United Statesâ€Å". The Age requirement for the House of Representatives is five years less than the requirements for senate and ten years less than for president. The age and citizenship requirements for Senate exceed those of the House by five and three years respectively. They are less than those for President by five years for both categories. The qualifications to serve as President are the highest exceeding the age requirement for the House by ten years and the Senate by five years, and the citizenship requirement for the House by seven years and for Senate by five years. All three of the offices require that the Person be a natural born Citizen of the United States. Question 2: Stanglin argues that the ordin ance violates the equal protection, because there is no rational basis to suppose that children are at a greater danger being near a class E dance hall than a skating rink. I disagree with this statement. The Equal Protection clause states that "no state shall ... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws† (US Const., amend. XIV). This statement taken on its own can be taken either extremely strictly or be loosely interpreted, but there is a rather extensive history of supreme court cases that has led up to the current guidelines on interpreting this clause. Some of the most famous of these cases had to do with equality between races, women’s suffrage and the rights of immigrants. Currently the equal protection clause is interpreting as protecting state governments from discriminating against these types of rights--fundamental or inalienable rights. For cases like Stanglin’s, where no fundamental rights are involved, the state ne ed only to show there is some type of rational basis for whatever distinction they make through the law. Since the state passed the ordinance in the interest of protecting the youth from drugs and dangerous sex, it was not passed arbitrarily and thus not irrational. Personally, it seems to me that Stanglin filed this suit simply out of personal interest, because he would lose money for his business. I don’t think the equal protection should ever work in this way. The clause is not to be used for protecting the profit seeking interests of business from regulations imposed by local governments. It is to protect people from arbitrary and unjust discrimination of the law. Question 3: The primary element in this case, is the fact that Hernandez relied upon a promise that a business made to him, which they failed to keep causing him to suffer monetary loss. Thus I am certain Hernandez should win this case given that the circumstances meet the criteria for promissory estoppel. The t ext defines a promise in a promissory estopp

Theoretical Perspectives and the Strong Argument Essay

Theoretical Perspectives and the Strong Argument - Essay Example Functionalism, Behaviorism, dependency theory, critical theories, and other approaches, including international ethics, post-colonialism, post-modernism, historical sociology, state cartel theory, and geopolitics. (Baylis and Smith, 2001) Then, in order to define historical events of the global policy within conceptual framework, according to Sens and Stoett, we must connect international relations with theoretical perspectives as their origins but on the contrary as their outcomes. (2005) So, let us begin the thorough examination of methods of global politics with the Realism. It can be classical (for example, writings of Thomas Hobbes), neo-realist, offensive, defensive, neo-classical, and liberal (English school). (Brown, 2005) Being separated into three main groups, realist theories presented nation-states as the â€Å"main actors in international politics.† (Burchill, 2001) Firstly, â€Å"statism† is believed to be a â€Å"state-centric theory of international rel ations;† then, â€Å"survival† theory signifies that global policy is a â€Å"struggle for power between self-interested states† (Bucher, 1998); thirdly, â€Å"self-help† theory claims that â€Å"no other states can be relied upon to help guarantee the state’s survival.† (Brown and Nardin, 2002) Furthermore, theoretical approach of Liberalism, originated from the utopian tradition rather than from rational, claims that â€Å"state preferences†¦ are the primary determinant of state behavior,† (Der Derian, 1995) depending on culture, economy, or governance; on the contrary, Realism hold that only â€Å"high politics† could determine the nature of things in the international relations, not â€Å"low politics,† as it was stated by Liberalism. Afterwards, Neoliberalism, being widely known as neoliberal institutionalism, can be treated through a suggestion that only international institutions as an international cobweb of global institutions must be regarded as relevant enough to solve the problems with state autonomy and sovereignty within politic, human rights, economic, and social dimension. Also, Post-liberalism is focused constantly on the defining of terms of autonomy and sovereignty with a means of interdependency between states, global institutions, and non-state agents. Moreover, not being originated from positivist/rationalist group of theories, Constructivism could not be traced to the Realism or Liberalism. Therefore, arguing that â€Å"international policies is shaped by persuasive ideas, collective values, culture, and social identities,† Constructivism views the theoretical framework of global policy as socially constructed. Ultimately, if Realism was tended to determine the global politics by the factor of nation-state military power and Liberalism viewed international cobweb of global institutions as principally framed with the means of non-state agents, concepts

Federal Liability Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Federal Liability Law - Essay Example They also started destroying the properties of the Black Americans so that they can accomplish their objections and influence the forthcoming elections. Moreover, they started discriminating in the registration of voting on the basis of color and race. In order to stop the violence of the Ku Klux Klan Act, President Ulysses Grant took power in his hands and implemented the Civil Act of 1871 against the southerners on April 20, 1871. President Ulysses Grant made use of his power and sent federal troops to the south to stop the harassment and slaughtering of the Black Americans. During his period many supporters of the Ku Klux Klan Act were under arrest and prisoned for the massacres they had committed. He also had forbidden discrimination on the basis of color and caste (Kappeler, 2006). According to the section of 1983, if any police officer, government officer, mayor or municipality violates any constitutional law then he will be sued by the citizens. In the past the government and the municipalities could not be sued under the law because they enjoyed immunity. According to the section of 1983, the state enjoys immunity but the municipality and other government parties do not. The Supreme Court has developed various tests to check whether the conduct constitutes the state or the private action of the state officer. These tests include the public function test, the nexus test and the state compulsion test. A policy was established by plaintiff to create municipal liability for the conduct of the police officer. In order to establish municipal liability a police officer must violate a constitutional right. According to the Supreme Court, the failure to train results in deliberate differences. The concept deliberates that indifferences exist when police officers com e in contact with the rights of the people. Therefore various steps were taken by the Supreme Court to reduce the deliberate differences. Training programs

The History and Politics of Charter Schools in Indiana Research Paper

The History and Politics of Charter Schools in Indiana - Research Paper Example According to different policymakers and reformers, charters schools would help in improving the overall standard and structure of education in the state. These charter schools allow enrollments without the element of any discrimination. The main purpose behind these charter schools is to provide an ease in education with excellence and effectiveness (Cheung, 1998). Undoubtedly, the numbers of charter schools are increasing rapidly. It has been estimated that there are nearly 4900 charter schools in the United States with an average of 400 charter schools opening on yearly basis (Lake, 2010). On an account, it has been estimated that till 2011, there are total of 36 charter schools that have been authorized in Indiana with 22 schools already functioning while 10 schools were set to start their operations in future. Two schools were shut downed even before opening of their academic operations due to lack of resources while just one school had been shut down officially due to inadequate and unsatisfactory results and governance. These charter schools have increased in number throughout in the state of Indiana with the highest number of charter schools operating in the main city of Indianapolis, where they account for 11 charter schools out of the overall 22 charter schools in the state (Plucker et.al, 2004). History of Charter Schools Movement in United States:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The concept of charter schools was coined in late 1980s. Ever since this concept has come into force, it raised a thought that charter schools would help in increasing the quality of education. The historical movement for charter schools began in 1991. This movement was aimed to achieve a new milestone in offering high-quality education through the establishment of wee-defined public schools for both children and their parents (Source: Mayor Sponsored Charter Schools: 2010). Charter school funding is complex to understand and has gone through many phases of development. Many pol itical camps have appreciated the implementation of charter schools as it would influence the process for improving the standard of education all around the United States (Butryomowicyz, 2011). The History of Charter Schools Movement in Indiana: The state of Indiana has played a key role in the national charter school movement. This law was signed in May 2001 by the Governor Frank O’ Bannon. The law signed extended the right and permission to the concerned groups to play a positive role in the establishment of such charter schools in Indiana. The purpose behind the creation of Indiana’s charter school legislation is to recommend the various innovative but diverse options in public education to not just to students but also to cater the academic need of their families and the educators. This legislation is focused to target and serve in delivering the quality education to diverse populations of students hailing from different backgrounds (Source: Mayor Sponsored Charter Schools: 2010). In Indiana, the policy for charter schools was well-appreciated and positive work began when Indianapolis strategizes its own charter school after the acceptance of the law that passed in the state in year 2011. Since then this policy has remained in a continuous cycle of change (Plucker et.al, 2005).

Quimica Del Atlantico Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Quimica Del Atlantico - Essay Example It opened a plant in Baracaldo in 1955. External environment and internal strategic capabilities The strengths of this company can be analysed through a study of its steady growth. Quimica del Atlantico grew steadily over years and opened two more factories one which was located at Santurce and the other at Portugalete. The company was over the years consistent in allocation of significant resources and efforts to research and development and was thus able to produce a number of products and processes. These include- baked enamel used for refrigerators, pollster fishes used for wood product, use of electro deposition for paint application systems, water soluble baths through immersion used especially in automobiles factories, the powdered paint and lastly the Kolormatik system. The company adopted a number of strategies to maintain its position. Its basic tool was technology and the desire to be on the lead in technology caused the company to sign agreement for transfer of technology with other companies in various states. With the advanced technology the sales of the company increased immensely. In 1985 the company estimated the products that were sold to approximately 12,000 retail outlets in Spain which was a whopping 75 percent increase. In addition to the huge sales turnover the company had varied and numerous buyers for their products. These included home decorating paints and automobile body repair paints both of which represented 50 percent of the company’s sales. The other 50 percent was accounted by sale of paints which were manufactured for industrial customers. The most important industrial customer was automobile OEMs meaning original equipment. These accounted for 30 percent of QA’s total sales. The remaining 20 percent went to other industrial sector which includes automobile components and spare parts, domestic appliance manufacturers, metallographic industry, toys, furniture, railroad stocking etc. The company also grew to be a le ading employer in the industry. Its total work force in the year 1986 amounted to about 575 employees. This huge number of employee’s meant that the company was indeed doing very well. Quimica Del Atlantico was leading in Spain in the refinishing segment since the Spanish civil war ended in three products. These are one white paint and two black paints. This means that in addition to making huge volume of sales the company was also leading in quality product thus widening its markets even more. Towards the end of 1950s QA was able to position itself well when SEAT at that time started manufacturing cars in Spain. The automobile industry was so far the most important customer of QA. Subsequently other paint manufacturers and automobile OEMs established industries in Spain. This was the onset of competition but also the onset of a wider market for its product as more automobile industries came to birth as well as competing paint manufacturers. However until 1985 the customers w ere limited to within the country. There were no exports until 1986. Spain became a member of European communities in 12th June 1986, a political and economical factor which created a new opportunity for the company. This meant a new dawn to the company as Spain had become a part of the regional trade agreement. The company contemplated venturing into the new markets within the European community and also hunting for raw material at a lower cost within the Europe

Méliès’s Trip to the Moon Essay Example for Free

Mà ©lià ¨s’s Trip to the Moon Essay The film opens with a gathering of academics in a lecture hall. They have robes, beards and pointed hats. They are standing at first in ranks in the room, five more men join them and are given telescopes by female servants. The leader enters and assumes a position at a blackboard on the left where he draws an image of the Earth and the Moon and a bullet-shaped craft landing on the Moon. They all being discussing or arguing about the project. The technique used for acting is based on what one might see acted out in the theater with no modern cinematography such as close-ups or zooms are used to focus the attention on a particular character. All the characters appear onstage and if there is any focus on a certain action is done through theatrical technique such as the females marching out and handing out telescopes and leaving. When the main character, seeming like a professor comes in the group sort of comes to attention and stand still at first while the professor speaks and draws on the board. One’s attention’s shifts to the group again as they discuss and argue with over-large gesticulations in this silent film without written inter-titles. It is a silent stage drama recorded on film, else it would be mime theatre. The film’s scene changes almost like a shift of scene in the theatre. There is a very fake-looking space capsule that is being worked on and some of the astronauts try out the interior. There is a moment when someone falls into a shallow barrel. Possibly, this was meant to be a comic touch which would be at home later in vaudeville. There is no camera movement. It is as if one had a good seat at the theatre and watching a series of tableaux vivantes. The film owes much more to the stage and picture books than to any already-developed film technique. The subsequent boarding of the space-bullet on the left with the cannon on the right looks especially fake and hand-drawn. There is little aim at a believable set and much over-acting: doffing their hats and so on to an imaginary group of spectators, actually us who are watching the living theater more than a film by today’s standards. After the firing of the cannon, there occurs the use of something like special effects where the Man in the Moon, framed by clouds comes closer to the viewer and has human like expressions which show the space vehicle hitting him in the eye. It is a real human looking like he has whipped cream on his face.

Changes in UK Labour Productivity: Analysis

Changes in UK Labour Productivity: Analysis Introduction The Agents’ scores for capacity constraints: The series of scores inside the Agents’ Summary of Business Conditions, which is generated by 12 regional officies (Agencies), is a tool for Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to track the underlying trend in economic factors. The Agents in each region gather the information on economic conditions from their contacts, then judge what value to score subjectively. The scores are the simple way that Agents alter the intelligence they gathered before into a quantitative assessment of the economy over time (Colin Ellis, Tim Pike, 2005). Figure 1: Capacity Constraints Scores in Agents Summary of Business Conditions from Jan, 1998 to Sept, 2014 (Source: Bank of England) Most of the scores are based on a comparison of recent months with the same period a year earlier, however, there are some exceptions like employment intentions or capacity constraints, which are looking forward. The scores range from -5 to +5 with -5 is denoted that rapidly decreasing level and +5 is rapidly growth. In this case, a positive score in Capacity Constraints means that companies face with a little or no pressure on capacity demand and vice versa. In the chart above, it can be seen that there are two downward sloping periods between 2009 and 2013 when were the double-dip recession occurred in the UK. The trend also illustrates an improving progress within a year recently, with a rise of 0.6 points on both sectors. The UK productivity puzzle Productivity experience in cross-country and historical views: The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2007-2008 has caused a significant damage to the economy of most developed countries in the world, including the UK. The decline in output has led to a considerable decline in labor productivity in the UK. Labor productivity has been improving from 2013, but it still be less than its pre-crisis level of around 16% (see Figure 2 below). This shortfall can be referred as the â€Å"UK productivity puzzle and it has took a great effort from economists in order to explain the situations, however, it has yet to be answered completely so far. Figure 2: The UK Labour Productivity (1998-2013). Sources: Moneymovesmarket.com It can be seen from figure 3 that a weaker performance in labour productivity during the latest recession than all previous post-war recessions. In all recessions before, the first fall in productivity was usually short-lived and the productivity began to increase and regained its peak level after just only almost a year and a half. Figure 3: Productivity per person after UK recessions (Source: Office for National Statistics) However, this latest episode did not see the same stories as its two previous. Between early 2009 and mid-2010, the productivity made a rise of of approximately one percent and continually levelled off and it did not rise further over the next year as both output and employment saw really slow recoveries.At the time of Q3/2011, the employment was rising sharply while the growth of GDP has shrinked (see Appendix), therefore creating a renew decrease in labour productivity. As a result, the UK productivity still be underneath its pre-recession peak around 4 percent. One remarkable point is that the increasing employment and the weak labour productivity seem to be an odd thing to see among the GFC. If the business is expected to stay weak typical companies will shed labour to boost productivity up. The productivity weakness of the UK is also unusual when comparing with some international stories for recent years. Despite their increasing growth before the GFC, it has been significantly weaker than some high-income countries’ economy. Looking at figure 4, it is easily seen that the UK productivity performance was consistent with that of other countries suggests that some common factors might be involved.Nevertheless, as mentioned above, there has been a downward slope in UK productivity in mid-2011 which was not encountered to the same level elsewhere.The weak productivity of Germany is due to the unusual strong employment referred to the past. One additional point is that only Italy has the similar trend with the UK, showing the impact of GFC on their labour productivity. There are some reasons why these comparison might exaggerate the productivity puzzle’s size. Measurement inaccuracy could take account for a very small piece of productivity weakness. Moreover, expenditure on research and development (RD) is considered as a part of GDP, therefore GDP can be lifted by around 1.5% points. Another reason here is that the decrease in North Sea oil and gas output (see Appendix) slowed trend growth in labour productivity in this sector. In total, although the measurement issues can explain up to 4% point of the shortfall in productivity there are lots of things to research the remaining. Figure 4: Labour productivity per person across countries between 1999 and 2013 Source: Thomson Reuters Datastream, Eurostat and ONS Cyclical explanations on productivity shortfall Lower factor utilisation as a result of weak demand conditions The first hypothesis suggests that weakness in productivity is cyclical in nature, driven by weak demand conditions. Firms are unable or unwilling to shed labour or dispose of capital but sometimes, they are not as productive as they might have been. The difference between the lower utilisation level and more normal levels of capacity utilisation is called â€Å"spare capacity within firms†. The first reason for this hypothesis is that they need to keep business going by holding a minimum level of staffs, so-called ‘overhead labour’. Therefore, some firms might not have been able to cut employment below the minimum base, like the guards for the construction until it is sold, for example. Anothing reason should be remarked here is that companies believe the weak demand is temporary. In past experiences, companies made decisions to having fired workers in the early stages of the recession. Conversely, they found it hard to find workers with the appropriate, firm-specific skills. Thus, they missed the opportunities to make a breakthrough on the market. Recently, companies might desire to ‘hoard’ underutilised workers to avoid those lessons from the past. From 2007 to 2012, the proportion of reduced output companies but holding employment rose from about 20 percent than the pre-crisis period (see figure 5). It also suggests that these holding action of firms contributed to the decrease in productivity measured, shown by the diamonds in the chart. Figure 5: Proportion of reduced output firms but holding labour (from 2005-2012). Source: ONS and Bank calculations Spare capacity is measured in the business survey that provide a significant degree of idle capacity within companies in the initial stages of the crisis. However, this business survey just uses the qualitative methods, thus it did not capture the amount of spare capacity in each firm. One additional thing is all answers are subjective so it can be changed over time. It might take no effect on the size of the UK productivity puzzle. Other cyclical factors Some sectors had diverted the resources toward activities which is not immediately counted as output. Consequently, it cannot tribute to the total productivity. In contrast, there are some point which indicated that the cyclical hypothesis alone cannot fully explain the productivity puzzle. Effect of persistent factors on productivity puzzle Tangible and intangible capital investment effects on the shortfall The consequences of the GFC made the firms’ desire in investment in physical capital more difficult because the tighter credit conditions may lead to a higher cost to obtain finance. The stagnated situation in this period also made investments become less efficient, causing directly the material deterioration in the capital stock of worker. Moreover, a considerable fall in real wages during the crisis (see Appendix) while the cost of capital went up have led the relative cost of labour to capital to be decreasing. Hence, it have provided a motivation to switch to use labor-intensive business and companies decided to increase the labour working hours. However, the production output did not go up due to the low demand conditions, therefore the productivity has been decreased. Firms also invest in ‘intangible capital’ which include some types like intellectual property rights or brand names, etc. One main point here is the strong relationship between two types of capital investment mentioned above. For example, the innovated implementation can be processed alongside the introduction of plants and machinery. However, RD expense is considered as the innovation input; that means even though firms have invest a huge amount of money but without new valuable output, which are some types of product or process innovation, there will be an inverse impact on the productivity. According to the data of the UK Innovation Survey, there has been a fall of about 30% in both product and process innovation among the crisis despite an increasing trend in spending budget on RD (see figure †¦). These capital channels have explained a considerable proportion, about 3 to 4 percentage points, of the shortfall in the UK. Impaired resource allocation and the higher firm survival Figure 6: Decomposition of the UK Labour Productivity (2004-2012). Source: ONS and Bank calculations. Looking at the graph above, it is seen that there is a downward sloping trend in the contribution from reallocation, as a result of higher insolvencies or firing behavior (Riley et al, 2014), and its contribution decreased even further, becoming minor between 2010 and 2012. As mentioned above, uncertainty have made firms more wary when investing and labour reallocation. Moreover, the financial system have played a role to have impaired the movement of resources through two channels: impaired capital allocation and higher firm survival. Broadbent (2012, 2013) declares that considerable changes in rates of return on capital across sectors might not be associated with the following movements of capital stocks. In addition, Barnett et al (2014b) highlight an economic model with multiple firms and sectors to analyse that a high price dispersion might be used to explain the productivity loss with around 3 to 4 percentage point. According to Arrowsmith et al (2013), there has been a bank forbearance which provide the measures of support to firms struggling to meet its debt obligations. Although the direct impact have been a little at around one percentage point, the overall impact might have been greater because the widespread effect of the forbearance in the whole sector. Moreover, Arrowsmith et al (2013) indicated that the low level of Bank rate has supported to retain the borrowing costs for firms fairly low. The unusually low rate of firm collapse is to have lowered labour productivity by up to 5 percentage points. Relationship between the labour productivity and monetary policy decision The outlook for inflation in the medium-term depends on the balance of demand and supply in the economy. In theory, if supply is greater than the goods and services that people demand, prices will tend to fall and vice versa. Hence, the MPC should make an assessment about up-to-date indicators and prediction in supply, as well as demand. In recessions, demand typically falls by more than supply. An output gap opens up – the economy can supply more than is currently demanded. And unless that gap is closed, it will push down on costs and prices. But assessing the size of the output gap is very difficult, for exactly the reasons we have been discussing today. Early estimates of economic activity can be revised substantially, so it is hard to know just how weak demand and output really are. And it is equally difficult to know the extent to which the supply potential of the economy has been affected by the recession. 1 | Page

Problems of Uninformed Voters

Problems of Uninformed Voters Did you know many Democrats are opposed to standardized testing? Did you know many Republicans don’t believe there should be a set minimum wage? Many people don’t even know what the parties and candidates they are voting for represent. In the 2012 Presidential Election, Bipartisan Policy Center estimated there were about 126 million voters. Voting is essential in a democracy. Voting is the definition of a democracy. A democracy is a form of government in which people elect leaders by voting according to Merriam-Webster dictionary. Throughout American history, thousands of people have fought for this right to vote. We advocated for men of all ethnicities to be able vote, and later we extended this right to women. However, a democracy functions best when informed citizens vote. Unfortunately, much of today’s population is not quite as informed as they should be. Many adults lack the crucial knowledge to make informed political decisions, like voting. First, we will examine how uninformed voting is a problem today. Second, we will discuss why uninformed voting occurs as often as it does. Finally, I will offer a solution for this perpetual problem.   Ignorant voters hurt democracy. You cannot run an effective democracy when the citizenship is weak. Voting is a crucial aspect of citizenship. It is how you display commitment and respect to your country and form of government. People do not take this responsibility seriously enough. When people vote impulsively or don’t put enough thought into their decisions, our democracy is not a true reflection of what the people want. A survey was conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2012 to determine how knowledgeable the public was on the presidential campaign. Their findings were alarming. Only 60% of registered voters were aware that Romney opposes gay marriage. Only 66% of registered voters knew of Obamas policy that allows undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as juveniles to remain here and apply for work permits. Additionally, in a 2006 Zogby Poll, 73% of Americans were able to identify the names of The Three Stooges, while a whopping 42% could identify the three bra nches of government. 77% of Americans could name off two of Snow White’s Seven Dwarves. On the other hand, 24% of people could name off two of the nine Supreme Court Justices. As sad as it is, the average voter probably spends more time becoming informed on which car to buy than who they want to run their country. Who you elect into office has such a huge impact on the future of all Americans, not just yourself. So don’t you agree we should be somewhat familiar with the candidates stances on current issues? And that we should understand the basic setup of our government and the officials that run it before we vote? Not knowing crucial details of a candidates intentions, you may be disappointed when they do something you weren’t expecting. And unfortunately, once your ballot is casted, you cannot take it back. For this reason, voters need to stay relatively updated on campaign issues, current events, and general workings of the U.S. political system.   Obviously, you can see how prevalent uninformed voting is in today’s society. But why is this happening so frequently? Well, think about like this. From the moment children are born, their lives are being shaped by those around them, in other words children learn what they live. And they spend the first eighteen years of their lives, some of the most influential ones, living with their immediate family. Inevitably, families who vocalize their political beliefs will naturally sway their child in that direction. Furthermore, their circle of friends will play a factor too. In my American Civics class last year, we put on a mock trial. Before the trial, we had to determine our political affiliation. As a class, we had to get up and divide ourselves into groups based on which party we wanted to represent in the trial. I observed that everyone just so happened to fall into the same group as their friends did. There were cliques within the parties. No one had the confidence to sp lit from their friends and represent their individual ideas. Family and friends can inhibit people from forming their own opinions. This results in a biased political perspective which may not reflect your core values. In other cases, it’s simply that people don’t care enough to become informed. They just vote to because they feel obligated to, but don’t give the decision much thought. People have disengaged themselves from politics because they don’t think it directly affects them. However, this could not be further from the truth. U.S. government and politics regulates so many aspects of our lives. It funds our public school, provides grants and loans for higher education, builds and maintains the roads we drive on everyday, provides the water that runs through our homes, and determines how much we pay in taxes. Most citizen have at least one political interest or concern. By voting, you can have a say in it. So take advantage of this opportunity and ta ke it seriously.   Now, how do we go about addressing this problem? Ideally, people would take matters into their own hands. You would perform research on the issues and stances of the politicians running for office. Once you establish where you stand, then you can compare the politicians views with your own and the one you are most compatible with is the politician you should vote to elect. It would also benefit you greatly to follow significant world-wide events. You should also be able to accurately depict the functioning of our government and which branches are responsible for which tasks. Reading the politics section in your paper, flipping to the news channel every once in a while, tuning into electoral debates during campaigns, and subscribing to magazines like Time, Newsweek, or U.S. News and World Report will keep you in the know. For someone who is apathetic in politics, the motivation to become informed has to come from within you. And to be brutally honest, many people would hear this a nd it would go in one ear and come right back out the next. As a last resort, we could require that all registered voters pass a comprehension test to prove their knowledge of politics. If we threaten to take the option to vote away from the uninformed, it could be just the spark we need to get them thinking seriously about politics. Amendments 15, 19, 24, and 26 to the Constitution only say that you cannot deny someone a vote on account of race, sex, failure to pay tax, or age after the individual reaches 18. Immigrants have to pass a test before being allowed to vote. Why do we assume that that all American-born citizens already know everything they need to know before voting? We have now analyzed the consequences of being an uninformed voter, the root cause of uninformed voting, and potential solutions to the problem. Winston Churchill once said, â€Å"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.† It doesn’t have to be that way. We can all become more informed.

Phtography Essay -- Art, Sally Mann

Sally Mann’s photographic work has received both reverence and controversy, most notably her book Immediate Family (1994), which contains nude and suggestive photographs of her three children, has also sparked overwhelming critical discussions and speculation, whilst challenging the prevailing concepts of family and childhood in the United States. Produced immediately after the Reagan revolution, which reinstated family values and a more conventional moral sensibility as vital to the framework of public policy (Berlant, 1997, p. 7), Mann’s work has resulted in her immersed into debates surrounding child pornography, the inversion of familial relationships, motherhood, and conveying a complex notion of the maternal gaze. Hà ©là ¨ne Cixous states that â€Å"binary oppositions underline most of Western [philosophical] thought† e.g. male/female, active/passive, natural/unnatural, logical/emotional (Conley, 2000, p.148) which have the effect of forming a set of standardised values within patriarchal society. Conversely, Immediate Family moves towards a state where what is traditionally considered antipodal co-exists, where neither is repressed, and offers an alternatively paradigmatic relationship between binary opposites. In addition to this, by considering Mann's work in terms of Cixous's understanding of the Freudian concept of the Uncanny, a more fluid and permeable reading of Immediate Family can be produced. The Uncanny is characterised by a strangeness that "uncovers what is hidden (anxiety) and by doing so, effects a disturbing transformation of the familiar into the unfamiliar'' (Jackson, 1981, p.65), resulting in an inability to decipher what is considered to be 'real' and what is t hought to be 'imaginary'. Mann is known for ten... ... is ultimately the girl’s subversion of the border dividing life and death. The familiar becomes dauntingly unfamiliar, as with â€Å"dreams that slip past our perceptual defences triggering a response but never quite revealing their meaning† (Williams and Newton, 2007, p.207). Subsequently, this expresses a blurring of boundaries and embodies the notion of metamorphosis where divisions cease to be defined. The animation/inactivity duality of the body defies the binary opposites of 'rational' thinking, and in doing so, introduces the Uncanny into this photograph. The more one analyses and observes this photograph, the more it constantly shifts across the prescribed boundaries of illusion and reality, often entering controversial areas. â€Å"Winter Squash† demonstrates how Mann takes the viewer from a visual affirmation of childhood and youth, to an inherent fear of death.

The Sociological Impacts of Wireless and Modern Computer Technology :: Essays Papers

The Sociological Impacts of Wireless and Modern Computer Technology Introduction of the significance of Wireless Technology on Society Today’s society is one filled with physical interaction, being replaced by wireless communication with known parties instead of communication between casual strangers, creating a deterioration of casual interaction and the influx of the wireless dependency with family, businesses and friends. From the invention of the landline telephone, wireless technology has been a dream to people who like to stay in touch and communicate with the ones they love without having to be tied down to one location; yet the various types of influences, impacts and dependencies that wireless communication has upon the world wide daily life is something that sociologist have been studying closely in order to monitor the underlying effects of this sort of technology. The ways in which people view wireless technology is one of the most important researching tools that determines the future effect of the products, and to what extreme people will allow wireless technology to monitor their lives. Definition of Wireless Technology Wireless technology is a form of technology that uses a certain wavelength of radio wave space to transfer information that was previously transferred via landline wires. The important difference of wireless communication is that it has the ability to monitor, record and connect people from anywhere, at anytime, to anyone. Different Sentiments Towards Wireless Technology There are certain indicators that show how society feels towards new inventions and technologies being integrated into our social patterns, and one of them is the rate of adoption by consumers. There are certain stages of innovation adoption within the consumer realm that identifies the products importance and strength within society; first are the innovators, they are usually the high income, high education, low age, male sector of society who like to have new gadgets to show off to their friends. This innovation crowd is important to the second stage of innovation, the early adopters who see the innovator enjoying his/her product and receiving productivity or enjoyment from it and therefore adopting it themselves. Innovators look at products that have a relative advantage over products that they already own; compatibility and complexity of the product are two main factors.

N. J. Ask

N. J. Ask is a state assessment of students in various fields. It is a foundation for excellence and proficiency.   Following its establishment to meet the requirements of the no child left behind act.   It is a state assessment of student’s achievement in language arts, math and science.   It replaces the elementary school proficiency assessment. The Grade 5 test format is specifically designed to serve as â€Å"off-grade† assessments in New Jersey.   NJ PASS is modeled on the existing New Jersey Assessment of skills and knowledge (NJASK). Therefore, the format of the interim assessments is very similar to those. Combining multiple choice items and constructed response items, all designed to the CCCS.   There is one open ended writing task for grade 5 and every other grade. Those interim assessments consist of items from Riverside publishing’s secure pool of items field tested in New Jersey but previously used on any commercial form of NJ PASS. NJ Ask Grade 5, test format employs an assessment center which is an integrated system of exercises designed to generate behaviors similar to those required for success in a target job.   These behaviors are usually measured in simulations that are similar to those activities performed in a given job.   Each activity measures and mirrors a different aspect of the job performance in those activities and observed by evaluators who are trained to be fair and objective. They compare each participant’s performance to predetermined performance guidelines to determine who will perform effectively in a particular job.   Furthermore, a distinct examination is developed for the title, Deputy Fire Chief.   The test consists of four scenario – based oral exercises.   Each scenario is developed to stimulate tasks and assess knowledge, skills and abilities that incumbents or supervisors of incumbents deemed important to job performance. Usually, the scenario oral exercises cover four topics areas which include; incident command; non-fire, Administration, supervision, and incident command; fire. As a reader, the fifth grade students are able to synthesize details in order to make connections and generate new ideas.   The student utilizes literary elements and authors purpose to analyze text.   And as an advanced writer, the student establishes and maintains a strong focus and elaborates supporting details to convey ideas effectively.   The student includes narrative techniques using fluid transitions, strong appropriate word choice and sentence variety to purposefully engage the reader.   This is what the grade 5 students are taught to do, sufficient and effective for their level.   They do it sufficiently and effectively. PART 2 The New Jersey core curriculum content reflect the belief that all students can and must learn enough to assume their role as concerned citizens, equipped with necessary information and decision making skills.   This is achieved through a constructive and sequential objections and test alignment. The test dates for the examination is usually sent via mail approximately two weeks before test date.   Candidates usually receive a notice which shows the date, time, location and room which they should report for examination.   For purpose of clarity and transparency candidates are to bring the notification card, two forms of identification and two pencils to examination center.   And the examination format is usually in accordance with the core curriculum content standards of NJ for grade 5.   In fact, the examination is held at a central location. PART 3 Assessment techniques are techniques used for students to simply ease and facilitate their learning process.   Among the numerous assessment techniques include; A case for reading: the format is to introduce the students censorship and how challenges to books occur then invites them to read a challenged or banned book and decide for themselves what should be done with this book at school by writing a persuasive essay explaining their perspectives. This assessment exposes the kids to issues of censorship and challenged or banned books they critically evaluate books based on relevancy, biases and errors also to develop and support a position on a particular book by writing a persuasive essay about their chosen title. Persuasive writing is an important skill that cannot be taught too early but writing an argument can seem intimidating to elementary students.   This task encourages students to use skills and knowledge they may not realize they already have.   Students are then asked to choose their own persuasive piece to analyze and learn some of the definitions associated with persuasive writing.   I believe this technique helps the students to work cooperative groups to brainstorm ideas and organize them into a cohesive argument to be presented to the class and to analyze the works of others to see if it contains effective persuasive techniques. Searching for Gold is an assessment technique which the real Gold is the enquiry skills and content area skill knowledge that students develop.   In small groups, students create a project to aid in their oral representation of their researched topic. Once research is complete, each group teaches the rest of the class what they have learned through an activity of their choice.   Ideally this assessment technique will by all means help the students to work in cooperative groups, develop presentation materials using visual aids, deliver oral presentations to teach others about their topics, select research topics based on interest and so on. Developing, writing, and evaluating persuasive speeches, is one of the objectives of an assessment technique tagged â€Å"Vote for me† By using the relevant examples of political campaigning.   This technique teaches students the characteristics of effective persuasive speech writing and oral argument.   By studying an online tutorial and looking at examples, students learn what makes a strong speech.   A second online tool helps them learn how to formulate a persuasive argument.   Students then apply this information in two ways; by writing their own speeches and by evaluating others. Although students are writing speeches to be delivered orally, they practice skills needed for all effective writing.   In the context of voting, an assessment is made by asking â€Å"what is voting†.   With an eye on creating a graffiti-wall manual at the end of the unit students listen to information read around from a variety of sources as well as read from fiction and non-fiction books.   Students participate in an ongoing exploration of information from current sources including child-oriented web-sites, newspapers and orally in writing. This less on touches on the history of voting as a civil right, and current elections while asking students to explore the difference between fact and opinion.   This exercise will enable the students write an opinion essay about their favorite candidate, share prior knowledge about elections, discuss information about the voting process, as presented by a variety of text sources read with partners, participate in creating a graffiti-wall mural on the topic of voting. On the whole, the assessment techniques of course will enhance better learning capacity and development mentally. PART 4 In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students who are receiving special education services must participate in each subject area of a statewide assessment with the following exception: â€Å"if the nature f the students disability is so severe that the student is not receiving instruction in any of the knowledge and skills measured by the statewide assessment and the student cannot complete any of the questions on the assessment in a subject area with or without accommodations the student shall participate in a locally determined assessment of student progress (New Jersey administrative code chapter 6a:14-4.11(a)2). Also decisions about participation and accommodations/modifications are made by the individualized education program or 504 team.   Information about test content and item types from specifications booklets can be used to make this determination. Furthermore, any accommodation or modifications of test administration procedures for students eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) or eligible under section 504 of the rehabilitation Act of 1973 must be specified in the students IEP or 514 accommodation plans. In all students for modifications under section 504 may not be classified but do have a permanent or temporary impairment in a major life function-Performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing and speaking.

Bibliography of Famous Authors Essay

In this article by Robert Scholes, it talks about the hope and memory in My Antonia. He says the characters find themselves by looking back at the past. He said â€Å"we are reminded of this past constantly: by the Bohemian customs and culinary practices of the Shimerdas; by the observations of Otto Fuch on the relationship of Austrians and Bohemians I the old country; and especially by the Catholic religion of the Bohemians, which is their strongest link with the past, and which serves to bind them together and to separate them from the protestant society of their adopted and†¦Antonia cherishes her connection with the past† it talks about the characters and their past and how it has impacted their lives. I will use this to tie back into my thesis because this is basically what my whole paper is about. My paper based on the character’s past and how it impacts them later in life. The article talks a lot of the past memories that I can use in my research paper. Lucenti, Lisa Marie. â€Å"Willa Cathers My Antonia: Haunting the Houses of Memory.† Twentieth Century   Literature 46 (2000): Literary Reference Center, Galileo. MPHS Library, 18 April 2011 (#33 a work from an online service to which your library subscribes) This article analyzes My Antonia and it’s theme of memory and how it haunts some of the characters. It talks about the story of the wolves and how its haunted Peter and Pavel and how that brings gothic to the story. It also tells why Cather included some of the memories that she did in the novel. It tells the importance of those memories to the characters. I will talk about the memories it mentions and how they are important to the story and to the characters lives. Their past is what makes them who they are and it is important to mention why they are so important to them. This article analyzes the theme and I can use some of that information to help with my argument. Meeker, Joseph W. â€Å"Willa Cather: The Plow and The Pen† Willa Cather’s Ecological Imagination. Ed. Susan Rosowski. Volume 5. Lincoln: U of Nebraska, 1986. (#18 a selection from an anthropology) In this article, Meeker talks about the symbols mentioned in Cather’s novels. It talks about the plow and the landscape in My Antonia. It also talks about how some of the symbols represent the past. The article mentioned imagery throughout the novel and how the Nebraska plains had an impact on Jim. It also mentioned some of the imagery in O Pioneers! and other novels by Cather. I will use the information to help support my thesis on the symbols and theme and how it impacts the characters in the novel. In the article when it talks about the land and how it ties back to the past, I will use that to help my thesis. It has very good detail on everything represented in the novel and it will help me develop my paragraphs on symbolism. Gross, Jonathan D. â€Å"Recollecting Emotion in Tranquility: Wordsworth and Byron in Cather’s My à ntonia   and Lucy Gayheart† Cather Studies 7 (2007): Literary Reference Center, Galileo. MPHS Library 18 April 2011 (#33 a work from an online service to which your library subscribes) This article compares My Antonia with novels from Wordsworth and Byron. They all share similar qualities in their writings. In this article it talks about theme and symbols in My Antonia. In both My Antonia and in â€Å"Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey†, they talk about the theme of nature and how it impacts the characters. This whole article compares My Antonia to other works by Cather, Wordsworth, and Byron. I will use the information about the theme of nature and symbols mentioned in the article. There’s not a whole lot I can use on My Antonia but it has good information about theme and symbols throughout out the novel. It talks about how Cather focused on landscape and sensitivity of the reader to relate the past. Hallgarth, Susan A. â€Å"Archetypal Patterns in Shadows on the Rock†. Colby Quarterly 24 (1988): 2-4. (#22 An article in a journal with continuous pagination throughout the annual volume) In this article, it talks about symbols and how they represent something in the novel. It talks about how shadows are a repeated pattern in My Antonia and how Antonia breaking away from her mother is a symbol of her going through a new beginning. It compared symbols in My Antonia to some in Death Comes for the Archbishop and how they relate to one another. In the article it says â€Å" Burden’s discovery of pastness in the present allows him to see Antonia as all the ‘image’ which do not fade and herself, a ‘battered woman’ (MA, 352, 353). So I will use that in the paragraph I will have talking about how the past still reminds him of Antonia because his childhood is basically Antonia. All of his memories remind Jim of her because she is a big part in his past.

Literary interpretation essay

Charles Dickens’ novel Hard Times puts premium on the existing economic and social burdens that pressed on individuals during his time. One of the most noticeable features written throughout the text of the novel is that it is filled with family struggles, sorrow, decaying morals as well as the element of estrangement. For example, Thomas Gradgrind, one of the characters, is depicted as a man whose deep fascination with imprudent utilitarian principles leads him to give full confidence to statistics and facts as well as to the idea of practicality of things.In essence, the book is thought to be too didactic as it appears to merely express the negative aspects of the industrial age prominent during Dickens’ time, further giving us the impression that the characters in the novel are mere caricatures and that their sentiments sequin inasmuch as the morality is being portrayed as frail. This is one of the many interesting and thought-provoking elements in the novel that has roused the minds of many, with critics taking aim at the very illustration ascribed by Dickens to the characters.Hippolyte Taine argues that the characters in the novel actually fall under two main distinctions: either the characters are individuals who both have feelings and emotions or the characters lack these two. He further suggests that the characters only serve the purpose of filling-up the content of the novel and inducing more hilarity and that Dickens actually compares the soul created by nature to that of the soul deformed by the society.The arguments being raised by Taine brings us a closer look into the character portrayals as well as into the context upon which the characters are placed. The claim being put forward by Taine indeed contains a strand of validity with regards to the histrionic villains primarily because the characters in the novel are portrayed as individuals who appear to be guised as machines by obstruct the enhancement in their feelings. This can be o bserved primarily from the exploits of Thomas Gradgrind and Bounderby where the former teaches his brood and the rest of his family through the use of facts and statistics and the latter handles his factory employees as entities without emotions thereby abusing them to further his own benefits.On the other hand, one can also perceive the notion that the didactic view of Taine only amplifies the idea that the novel of Dickens is one that is complex. Part of the reason to this can be observed from the fact that the novel itself, by suggesting themes contained in the time of industrialization, has several aspects worthy of looking into. Not only is the entirety of the novel to be treated as a whole and undivided literary work. Rather, it is a complex novel as well, suggesting subject matters such as the automation of the lives of humans, the conflict existing amid fact and fancy, as well as the significance of womanliness to name a few.Further, there are characters in the novel that ex hibit a form of doubles or alter egos which Dickens utilizes in order to challenge the perception of reality centering on the subject widespread in the prevailing forms of culture in classic realism as well as in great Romanticism. Part of this can be reflected on Bounderby’s attempt of using his workers in order to promote his personal interests, suggesting the idea that the character of Bounderby can also be analyzed in terms of personal motivations apart from the idea that the character can be primarily examined in terms of the subject’s actions.These observations lead us to the assumption that Dickens’ work is more complex than how Taine views it by didactic means. One should be reminded that, although Taine makes a good point in arguing that the characters may or may not illustrate feelings and emotions, the characters nevertheless can be scrutinized further by focusing on the motivations behind their actions and the context of the time where the story oper ates. It brings into light the complex and intricate strands of unconventional behavior exhibited during times when life ought to have been a little easier for the individual.The relative complexity of characterization is likewise significant in the novel essentially because it does not only heighten the motifs in the novel but also connects these motifs altogether in a congruent flow of thoughts that establishes the central and major contention of the novel. Among these motifs include the childhood years of Bounderby, marriages that are both uneven and miserable and the comparison of mechanical time to that of the changing of seasons to name a few.Further, several symbols depicted in the novel also add to the complexity displayed by the characters throughout the story. Some of these include the staircase imagined by Mrs. Sparsit, the Pegasus situated inside the inn, the smoke serpents that relate to the perceptions and actuations of Bounderby, and the fire or, more specifically, th e inner fire exemplified in the character of Louisa.Indeed, these factors and the rest of the literary observations go against the claim of Taine, highlighting instead the complexity of the novel of Dickens as a whole and the dense characterizations of the individuals. It can be said—as opposed to Taine’s dichotomized treatment on the characters—that the characters bend towards flexibility of character, acting as empty of emotion on this aspect and appearing as filled with emotion on the other. Bounderby, for example, shows little or no affection towards the workers while, on the other hand, exhibiting a sense of fulfillment in furthering his interests.In general, Charles Dickens’ novel has prompted criticisms that seek to critique the portrayal of characters in the novel, raising arguments that aim at simplifying the complex story into seeming dichotomies. Quite on the contrary, the overall image of the novel is already intricate and that the scenes and the characters altogether conjure the complete complexity of the work.ReferenceTaine, Hippolyte. â€Å"The Two Classes of Characters in Hard Times.†Ã‚   Hard Times : An Authoritative Text, Contexts, Criticism. 3rd ed. New York, NY: W W Norton & Co Inc, 2000. 355.

Persuasive Essay on Global Warming Essay

Recent news all around us gives rise to much concern about global warming. Personally, I am alarmed at the rate that the earth is now deteriorating. For example, there is the fact that the second warmest global surface temperature in more than a century was recorded in 2001. News such as these should not only affect me, but the entire world. Starting from individuals like me, every little effort towards avoiding global warming would count and make a difference. On this note, it is nice to learn that there are many groups and institutions that actually endeavor to develop new technologies that could help prevent global warming. The whole world should join in this effort to save the environment. There are many issues that are bothering the human population nowadays, such as terrorism, war, economy, and others. However, there is no other issue that so pervades human consciousness recently than the issue on global warming. Many celebrities and international organizations are exerting efforts to build awareness around the world that there is a real danger to our planet, and that the time is ripe for all to take action. Everyone should be concerned about global warming, especially considering the various deleterious effects it poses on life in the planet. The gravity of the situation calls upon nations, as big movers and possessors of power in large scale, to put more effort into developing new technologies to prevent further global warming. On the small scale, recent news on global warming should be enough to wake everyone from slumber and do their part in saving our environment, which is becoming more dangerous because of continued global warming. The gravity of the current situation is shown by the fact that the second warmest global surface temperature in more than a century was recorded in 2001. Previous decades, particularly the period between 1951 and 1980, registered cooler climates. This trend of warmer climates is seen as a consequence of anthropogenic causes such as the emission of greenhouse gases (Hansen, Ruedy, Sato, and Lo 275). Such trend is alarming and should wake people up from their inaction, because the recent calculations of temperature increase foretell the possibility of even greater temperature in the coming years (King 780). Moreover, as the facts recorded at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hilo, Hawaii tell, carbon dioxide levels consistently rise at a rate of about 2 p.p.m. per annum (King 780). These data show a marked increase in the rate of carbon dioxide levels, that are way above recorded levels in previous warm periods (King 780). These facts also show how warm global temperature has gotten since the last century, which further confirm the realization of the greenhouse effect theory (King 780). It is appropriate to note that the theory of climate change can be traced as far back as 1827, when a French mathematician named Fourier thought about the possibility that the earth may be absorbing the heat that should be sent back to space (King 779). At the time, Fourier built upon the observation of British scientist Tyndall that minority gases in our atmosphere, namely, carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, cause the greenhouse effect (King 779). This theory is fast demonstrating its reality, as shown by the above observations. Globally, there are observed environmental changes that have become worse in time. Among these are deforestation, greenhouse gas-induced warming, loss in biodiversity, and desertification (Grimmond 83). These environmental changes are caused largely by the rapid increase in human population (Grimmond 83). The effects of all these environmental changes are being felt both in large and small scale. The effects of these changes in small scale climate change can be seen at the urban level, wherein broader environmental changes are being felt in greater magnitude (Grimmond 83). Urban climates have changed. Among the effects of urbanization on climate are the alteration of energy and water exchanges and airflow due to surface and atmospheric changes and urban warming due to direct anthropogenic emissions of heat, pollutants and carbon dioxide (Grimmond 83). While there are some cities that can be considered lucky, because their large spaces of irrigated greenspace provide cooler temperature, a majority of the cities experience up to a 10-degree-Celsius difference in temperature (Grimmond 83). The materials chosen and used in the construction of buildings and other infrastructure in urban locations and other factors such as the distances between such structures all contribute to urban warming (Grimmond 86). The morphology of cities, particularly in terms of the width, height and density of the buildings therein, affect solar access in daytime and the cooling rates at night (Grimmond 83). Unfortunately, urban warming has grave implications to inhabitants, such as those relating to their well-being, health and comfort (Grimmond 86). Compared to rural environments, urban locations are warmer by an average of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius (Grimmond 83). One of the scariest implications of urban warming is felt mostly by the poor (Grimmond 87). For example, heat waves swept all over India in 1998 and caused injuries and deaths (Grimmond 87). The same catastrophe occurred in France and Spain in 2003 (Grimmond 87). With regard to the effect of urban warming on human comfort, there is involved a vicious cycle. The intense heat makes people uncomfortable. Thus, they would want to use airconditioning systems (Grimmond 87). The increase use of airconditioning, on the other hand, generates more heat and demands more energy through increased generation of electricity, which again would cause increased urban warming (Grimmond 87). Indeed, this is not an unjustified fear. The increased use of airconditioning had already been observed in large continents such as Asia, Europe and North America (Grimmond 87). Such increased demand has been observed to cause amplified electricity generation (Grimmond 87). This, in turn, results in the production of more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which again leads to intensified global warming (Grimmond 87). With the continued abuse by people of the environment and the continued generation of heat, risks greater than the heat waves experienced in many countries are very likely to arise (Grimmond 87). It may be considered that the contribution of urban development and urban warming to the global scenario is small; however, the dangers tat urban warming poses should not be ignored (Grimmond 87). Gases from urban areas, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are the leading anthropogenic sources of global warming (Grimmond 87). Moreover, as discussed above, the experience of warmer climate in the cities lead to increased consumption of energy, which again causes global warming (Grimmond 87). The combinations of many factors, including those occurring in urban zones, would surely give rise to global consequences and implications (Grimmond 87). It is important, in any effort to convince people into action, to make them understand the implications at stake (Grimmond 87). The strategies towards solving the problem of global warming cover a wide range, and any move should involve the participation of all stakeholders (Grimmond 87). For example, in the community level, each person can do his small but significant part in mitigating global warming, by avoiding or minimizing the use of airconditioning in order to reduce consumption of energy. Reduced demand for airconditioning would lead to decreased demand in energy supply, which would lead to less production of greenhouse gases (Grimmond 87). Thus, a simple act of minimizing the comforts of the modern world could do wonders in preventing further global warming. The threat of continued and sustained global should be enough to raise concerns among all people, because of the extreme events that we should be prepared for as a consequence of global warming (King 780). For one, global warming causes more water vapor to remain in the atmosphere, which is exactly what the greenhouse effect means (King 780). Increased water vapor is a result of increases in the level of carbon dioxide in the air, and comes alongside the increase of temperature in the seas and the earth (King 780). Deforestation is another negative effect of global warming (King 780; Saxe, et al.). The increased temperature leads to decreased rainfall, which leads to dryer conditions and more forest fires (King 780; Saxe, et al.). Increased global heat contributes to easier catching up of large fires in the forest. In turn, deforestation again increases global warming, like a vicious cycle. Deforestation deprives the planet of vital carbon sinks, which are required to balance the global carbon budget (Saxe, et al. 389). Fortunately, this can be reversed through the planting of more trees and building more density in the forests, in order to counter the production and existence of carbon in the atmosphere (Saxe, et al. 389-390). Global warming can also cause the loss of the Greenland ice sheet (King 780). This would cause serious problems because it could raise the sea level around the globe by approximately 7 meters over a period of about a thousand years (King 780). It could also cause enhanced retreat of glaciers in some places (King 780). Further effects of global warming can also be observed in the oceans, through increased acidity (King 780). The increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere cause a corresponding increase of the same in oceans, thereby increasing their acidity (King 780). Thus, there are already observed effects on coral reefs and plankton population, while wider impact on marine life and on the food chain is yet to be observed (King 780). To date, a documented total of 17 coral reef ecosystems have been found to be degraded around the world. This is a huge blow to the planet, since it is estimated that â€Å"coral reefs provide support to ecosystems worth more than $375 billion per annum to the global economy (King 780).† These terrible consequences should be enough to make everyone concerned about global warming and its deleterious effects on all aspects of life in the planet (King 780). People should be concerned about destroying life and support systems in different ecosystems, which would eventually affect human lives. Having seen the scary possibilities that come alongside global warming, everyone should join the movement towards making this planet greener and healthier. People should be moved by stories of forest fires, destruction of ecosystems, and deaths due to heat waves, that are occurring all over the world (King 780; Saxe, et al. 389). The planet is becoming less safe with each passing day that people live in ignorance of the damage they are causing the environment. Continuous apathy and inaction could lead to more catastrophic deaths and further destruction of the planet, which possibilities should raise alarm and concern in all mankind. Each person can definitely do his share in minimizing the anthropogenic causes of global warming. We have seen how a simple act of minimizing the consumption of airconditioning could have positive effects on the environment. It is time that each of us does our share to save our home. This is the only way that future generations could still enjoy earth as we know it. Works Cited Grimmond, Sue. â€Å"Urbanization and global environmental change: local effects of urban warming.† Cities and Global Environmental Change: 83-88. Hansen, J., Ruedy, R., Sato, M., and K. Lo. â€Å"Global Warming Continues.† Science, New Series 295 (2002):275. Kellomaki, Seppo, Rouvinen, Ismo, Peltola, Heli, Strandman, Harri and Rainer Steinbrecher. â€Å"Impact of global warming on the tree species composition of boreal forests in Finland and effects on emissions of isoprenoids. Global Change Biology 7 (2001): 531-544. King, David. â€Å"Climate change: the science and the policy.† Journal of Applied Ecology 42 (2005): 779-783. Saxe, Henrik, Cannell, Melvin G. R., Johnsen, Oystein, Ryan, Michael G., Vourlitis, George. â€Å"Tree and forest functioning in response to global warming.† New Phytologist 149 (2001): 369-400.