Influences of Beat Poetry to the Society Free Essay Example, 1000 words

The debate surrounding the obscenity of the Howl brought more fame and national interest on the works of the beat poets. Ginsberg s poem Howl had lines that talked about homosexual sex. These lines were of much concern to the authorities. Other beat poems such as naked lunch which was composed by Burroughs, dwelt much on drug use. Apart from lines of homosexuality, the beat poems also contained explicit descriptions of sexual practices. The victory in the courts ended an era of poetry censorship in the United States thereby giving composers freedom to come up with more beat poems of their choice (Zott 54). Other composers of beat poetry include Diane di Prima and Neal Cassandra. However, the most notable beat composers include William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac. They came up with some of the classic beat poetry pieces such as naked lunch and on the road . In addition, these artists participated in the writing of poetry as well as being part of the beats. The term beat gener ation was actually coined by Kerouac, where he described his status and those of his friends in the beat generation during the post-war years (Gray 67). On women empowerment, beat poems and beat generation members have been criticized for portraying American women as housewives. We will write a custom essay sample on Influences of Beat Poetry to the Society or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page

Essay on Legalizing Drugs or Joining the Drug Addict Circle

Over the years, drug abuse has been a rising problem in almost every country in the world. Day by day more people are involved in this endless cycle of drug craving, money shortage, and drug related crimes. Congressmen and politicians of United States, seeing this unstoppable crime wave which is about to spread throughout the country, begin to address various kinds of possible solutions to end this crisis in the most efficient and effective way. As discussed in Alan M. Dershowitzs The Case for Medicalizing Heroin and Charles B. Rangels Legalize Drugs? Not on Your Life, the most popular proposition set forward by growing number of leaders now is to legalize the use of drugs; but will it help solving the problem or make it even worse?†¦show more content†¦He even goes further to suggest the possibility of considering legalizing other drugs if the result of experiment turns out to be positive. But is everything as simple as Dershowitz and other advocates of legalization think? If drugs are legalized in real life, will we be able to see improvements or deterioration? All the arguments Dershowitz make seem reasonable from the surface, but if you take a step back and think it through, legalization is not a simple task as Dershowitz thinks it is; and there is a big chance that it might bring up more problems than there already is. In order to make it work, numerous decisions have to be made beforehand and the government has to make sure they always have everything in control; because once things started to get out of hand, it will be too late for any damage control. Moreover, teenage addicts are not likely to quit their addiction just because they cannot get it legally; they can either buy it from drug dealers who always find a way to access to the drugs no matter what or they can ask adults to buy it for them. Also, the black market is not going to be out of business if drugs are legalized; instead, they would have more buyers than they did before the legalization since purchasing drugs is no longer

Franz Schubert Free Essays

It was Franz Peter Schubert, who said to a friend â€Å"I have come into the world for no other purpose but to compose†. For someone to be so certain, focused and dedicated at such a young age with extraordinary talent and promise, finding out more about Schubert’s life and astonishing music was a must for me. Franz Peter Schubert was bone in Vienna, on January 31, 1797 to his father, Franz Theodor Schubert and his mother, Elisabeth Vietz. We will write a custom essay sample on Franz Schubert or any similar topic only for you Order Now Because Schubert father was a schoolmaster, he began receiving lessons from his father at an early age, as early as age five. A year later Schubert was enrolled in his farther school and taking lessons not only from his farther but also piano lessons from his brother Ignaz. Schubert was very talented and gifted, there were times when his instructor would try to teach him new things which he already had knowledge of. It was at age eleven when Schubert became a choirboy in the court chapel and won a scholarship to the Imperial Seminary. It was at the Imperial Seminary that Schubert was introduced to the symphonies of Mozart and visits to the opera that strengthen his musical knowledge. At an early age Schubert played the viola and also wrote many of his early string quartets in the family string quartet, with his brothers Ferdinan and Ignaz on violin and his father on the cello. Schubert composed many masterpieces in his late teens while teaching at his father’s school. While teaching Schubert also continued private lessons in composition from Salieri which had a huge impact on Schubert’s musical training than any of his other teachers. By the time Schubert was eighteen he composed 143 songs including The Erlking, which grabbed my attention. The Erlking is rich with emotions and has a physically powerful dialogue. When listening to The Erlking you can visualize the movement and passion so well that it gives you chills. Schubert’s Erlking is one of the earliest and finest examples of musical romanticism. In Schubert’s Erlking, there is the narrator, father, son, and the Erlking, which is all song by one person. Because the Erlking s done by one person, that one singer is to deliver each character in its fitting tone. The frighten child is song in a high register in minor, while the father is sung in a low register that distinguishes with the high pitched of the son cries, and the Erlking has modest melodies in major keys. The Goethe’s ballad tells a story of a father riding on a horseback through a storm with his ailing child in his arms, as the child is being followed by the Erlking which denote s death. At the very beginning of the Erlking, the piano begins with rapid octaves. It is said that the triplet rhythm unifies the occurrence of the song and suggests that it represent the horse’s dash. The narrator then paints the perfect picture so that you are able to perceive this wild late ride as the farther holds his unwell son so tight and closely to him. As the Goethe ballad continues the son cries out to his father, my father in a forte tone to inform him of the Erlking and his presents. The father, who uses a lower register tone, try to consol the boy and keep him calm by suggesting that the Erlking is a streak of mist and the whispering promises from the Erlking was only wind rustling in the dead leaves. After the son cried out for the last time to his father even louder than before, â€Å"My father, my father, now he is taking hold of me! The Erlking has hurt me! † The piano stops and the father reach the courtyard weary and anxious with his child dead in his arms. It was on You Tube where I first had the pleasure of seeing and not only hearing the performance of The Erlking. Jessye Mae Norman the soprano Opera singer performed The Erlking. Jessye Norman was born in Augusta, Georgia on September 15, 1945 to Silas Norman an insurance salesman, and Janie King Norman. Norman is one of the most admired contemporary opera singers and recitalists, and is one of the highest paid performers in classical music. Jessye Norman is also known for the direct and emotionally expressive qualities of her singing and for her formidable intellectual understanding of the music and its style. During the performance of The Erlking, Jessye Norman gave great passion thought the recital with her body movement and facial expressions. The distinctions between the narrator, son and father were very obvious and the tones were delivered well. In a New York Times article, Norman explained to John Gruen, â€Å"As for my voice, it cannot be categorized and I like it that way, because I sing things that would be considered in the dramatic, mezzo or spinto range. I like so many different kinds of music that I’ve never allowed myself the limitations of one particular range. Although Norman decides not to label her voice, there are some vocal critics that feel that she is not a dramatic soprano, but deem her to be more of a rare soprano voice type known as a Falcon. The Falcon voice is an intermediate voice types between the soprano and the mezzo soprano that is similar to the dramatic soprano but with a darker color. Norman, nevertheless, refuses to position any label on her voi ce. Although Franz Schubert died at such a young age he was able to write over 600 songs, he composed symphonies, string quartets, operas, art song and piano pieces as well. Schubert was recognized to be more than a great song composer only after forty years after his death when the Unfinished Symphony was performed. It was in 1828 when Franz Schubert die, he was only thirty one years old. The cause of his death was said to be typhoid fever, which is a worldwide illness, transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person that contains the bacterium salmonella enterica. Later it was said that Schubert’s cause of death was syphilis. To recognize Schubert a memorial was built in Vienna’s Stadtpartk to honor and always remember his greatness. Schubert’s grave was move to Zentralfriedhof the largest and most famous cemetery in Vienna, where it is now near Beethoven whom he admired deeply. REFERENCE http://www. charlierose. com/view/interview/10121 http://www. classicalarchives. com/composer/3308. html http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=Iz5TV8LWbro http://www. bach-cantatas. com/Bio/Norman-Jessye. htm How to cite Franz Schubert, Papers Franz Schubert Free Essays Franz Schubert (1797-1828), the earliest master of the romantic art song, was unlike any great composer before him: he never held an official musical position and was neither a conductor nor a virtuoso; his income came entirely form composition. â€Å"I have come into the world for no other purpose than to compose,† he said. The full measure of his genius was recognized only years after his tragically early death. We will write a custom essay sample on Franz Schubert or any similar topic only for you Order Now Schubert was born in Vienna, the son of a schoolmaster. Even as a child he had astounding musical gifts. If I wanted to instruct him in anything new,† recalled his amazed teacher, â€Å"he knew it already. † At eleven, he became a choirboy in the court chapel and won a scholarship to the Imperial Seminary. Schubert managed to compose an extraordinary number of masterpieces in his late teens while teaching at this father’s school, a job he hated. His love of poetry led him to the art song; he composed his first great song Gretchen am Spinnrade (Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel), when he was seventeen, and the next year he composed 143 songs , including The Erlking. When he was nineteen, Schubert’s productivity rose to a peak; he composed 179 works, including two symphonies, an opera, and a mass. At twenty-one, he gave up teaching school to devote himself to music. He associated with a group of Viennese poets and artist who led a bohemian existence; often, he lived with friends because he had no money to rent a room of his own. Working incredibly fast, from seven in the morning until early afternoon, he turned out one piece after another. He spent his afternoons in cafes and many of his evenings at â€Å"Schubertiads,† parties where performances in the homes of Vienna’s cultivated middle class; unlike Beethoven, he did not mingle with the aristocracy. The publication and performance of his songs brought him some recognition, but his two most important symphonies–the Unfinished and the Great C Major–were not performed in public during his lifetime. Schubert died in 1828, age thirty-one. His reputation was mainly that of a fine song composer, until the Unfinished Symphony was performed nearly forty ears later and the world could recognize his comprehensive greatness. Schubert’s Music Along with over 600 songs, Schubert composed symphonies, string quartets and other chamber music, sonatas and short pieces for the piano, masses, and operas. The songs embrace an enormous variety of moods and types; their melodies range from simple, folk like tunes to complex lines that suggest impassioned speech, and their piano accompaniments are equally rich and evocative. Schubert’s imaginative harmonies and dissonances provide some of the most poetic moments in music. The spirit of song pervades his instrumental music, too, and his longer works often include variation movements based on his own songs; his famous Trout Quintet in A Major (1819) is an example. Many of the symphonies and chamber works have long, lyrical melodies, and a number of them–especially the Unfinished Symphony (1822) and the Great C Major symphony (1825-1826)–are comparable in power and emotional intensity to Beethoven’s. The Unfinished was written six years before Schubert’s death; no one knows why it has only two (rather than four) movements. The Great C Major was discovered ten years after his death by Robert Schumann. How to cite Franz Schubert, Papers

Community Vulnerability

Question: Discuss about theCommunity Vulnerability. Answer: Introduction The human dignity is a moral vision which cannot be taken away. It holds a strong position from the start to end of a human life as it is our inherent value. As human being is a social animal, they need to make broader contribution for the realization of common good. Common good is superior to personal good as it is involved in benefit of the wider community (Chung, 2016). In this digital age, information technology is usually synonymous with mobile devices, internet, gadgets and computers of all kinds. The information and communication technology helps people in uniting them with their closed ones (Mel, 2011). Human beings have a personal sphere of life and they value privacy. They certainly do not want their personal information to be accessed by others. However, information technology (IT) has been advancing constantly thereby reducing the amount of control over data. In the future, I shall respect ones human right to keep information restricted so that there is maintenance of self-worth in the society. I shall use my skills and tools and technology to nurture positive human experience. I have great opportunities in developing their cross-disciplinary skills sets (Standring, 2012). However, social media has made it too easy for people to voice their opinion as there is anonymity of the keyboards. The information technology has granted the protection of anonymity which is giving the people an opportunity to demonstrate their inner evil. The informational technology allows social media channels to foster cruelty, rudeness and other ill will. The employees may use their social media account for manifesting their views of work. Technology comes with a price. In an IT firm, there are IT professionals who have skills and abilities to decode information or hack accounts. I shall ensure that screening employees and securing password of the employees so that relations are not jeopardized. There are people indulging in the sadistic pleasures of shaming and humiliation, which raise a question if information technology is a boon or curse for the society. Internet is more like a mental torture chamber for some people as the people doing wrong are clearly against the common good and human dignity. In the words of Galileo, human beings may be running the risk of explaining what is unknown (privacy) by what is even more unknown (human dignity) (Mel, 2011). While there are various causes of information technology proving beneficial for common good, the advent of technology is also leading to invention of deadly bombs, automatic rifles and other weapons that is destroying millions of lives. Not only destruction of life, but we have reached a point where we cannot survive without information technology. As stated before, information technology plays a crucial role in uniting people from different corners of the world, there are predators that pretend to be the relatives of the people and create scams. Sharing information on information technology is giving people an unprecedented power. The mob mentality and social amplification are leading to mundane events which are leading to devastating consequences (Bunge, 2015). Every human being has rights to privacy and security. Where information technology as the main cause of privacy issues, I shall try and solve the privacy issues that people face in information technology. I shall develop privacy enhancing technologies that can be useful in providing privacy to the users. It is argued that technology not only influences accessibility of information, but also changes the privacy norms. According to the precautionary principle, as an IT professional, I can come up with strategies for managing the risks that would prevent harm to the common public. Breaches of privacy have an ontological impact (Beitz, 2013). I would like to argue regarding human dignity lying in a minus and not a plus. Human being, the species always want things which are surrounded by questions, having doubts, or leads us to feeling nostalgia (Bunge, 2015). Therefore, we observe that information technology is bound by several privacy and confidentiality issues. It is my responsibility as an IT professional to utilize the technology in a manner that benefits the wider community. The human rights of privacy need to be respected for maintaining self-worth. References Beitz, C. (2013). Human Dignity in the Theory of Human Rights: Nothing But a Phrase?.Philosophy Public Affairs,41(3), 259-290. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/papa.12017 Bunge, M. (2015).Treatise on Basic Philosophy: Ethics: The Good and The Right. Dordrecht: D. Reidel. Chung, W. (2016). Social media analytics: Security and privacy issues.Journal Of Information Privacy And Security,12(3), 105-106. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15536548.2016.1213994 Mel, D. (2011). The Firm as a Community of Persons: A Pillar of Humanistic Business Ethos.Journal Of Business Ethics,106(1), 89-101. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1051-2 Standring, S. (2012).The Art of Column Writing. Oak Park: Marion Street Press, LLC. Zhang, L., Amos, C., Pentina, I. (2015). Information Disclosure on a Chinese Social Media Platform.Journal Of Information Privacy And Security,11(1), 3-18. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15536548.2015.1010981

Language Teaching Methodology free essay sample

One would expect that students who consistently perform well in the classroom (tests, quizes, etc. would also perform well on a standardized achievement test (0 100 with 100 indicating high achievement). A teacher decides to examine this hypothesis. At the end of the academic year, she computes a correlation between the students achievement test scores (she purposefully did not look at this data until after she submitted students grades) and the overall g. p. a. for each student computed over the entire year. The data for her class are provided below. What does this statistic mean concerning the relationship between achievement test prformance and g. p. a.? 3. What percent of the variability is accounted for by the relationship between the two variables and what does this statistic mean? 4. What would be the slope and y-intercept for a regression line based on this data? 5. If a student scored a 93 on the achievement test, what would be their predicted G. We will write a custom essay sample on Language Teaching Methodology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page P. A.? If they scored a 74? A 88? A professor in the psychology department would like to determine whether there has been a significant change in grading practices over the years. It is known that the overall grade distribution for the department in 1985 had 14% As, 26% Bs, 31% Cs, 19% Ds and 10% Fs. A sample of n=200 psychology students from last semester produced the following grade distribution:for independent- online calculator Research has demonstrated strong gender differences in teenagers approaches to dealing with mental health issues (Chandra Minkovitz, 2006). In a typical study, eight-graders are asked to report their willingness to use mental health services in the event they were experiencing emotional or other mental health problems. Typical data for a sample of n=150 students are shown in the table.  Do the data show a significant relationship between gender and willingness to seek mental health assistance?

Nervous Tissue Glial Cells Structure and Function

Nervous Tissue Glial Cells Structure and Function Neuroglia, also called glial cells, are cells of the nervous system. They compose a voluminous support system that is essential to the proper operation of nervous tissue and the nervous system. Unlike neurons, glial cells do not have axons, dendrites, or conduct nerve impulses. Neuroglia are typically smaller than neurons and are about three times more numerous in the nervous system. Glia perform a plethora of functions in the nervous system. These functions include providing support for the brain, assisting in nervous system repair and maintenance, assisting in the development of the nervous system, insulating neurons, and providing metabolic functions for neurons. Types of Glial Cells and Their Function There are several types of glial cells present in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system of humans. Six main types of neuroglia include: AstrocytesAstrocytes are found in the brain and spinal cord and are 50 times more prevalent than neurons. Not only are astrocytes the most abundant neuroglia, but they are also the most abundant cell type in the brain. Astrocytes are noted for their star-shape. They reside in endothelial cells of the CNS that form the blood-brain barrier. This barrier prevents some substances from entering the brain and permits others entry. The two main categories of astrocytes are protoplasmic astrocytes and fibrous astrocytes. Protoplasmic astrocytes are found in the gray matter of the cerebral cortex, while fibrous astrocytes are found in white matter of the brain. The primary function of astrocytes is to provide structural and metabolic support for neurons. Additionally, astrocytes aid in signaling between neurons and brain blood vessels. This allows blood flow to increase or decrease depending on neuron activity. Other functions of astrocytes include glycogen storage, nutrient provision, ion co ncentration regulation, and neuron repair. Ependymal CellsEpendymal cells are specialized cells that line the cerebral ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord. They are found within the choroid plexus of the meninges. These ciliated cells surround the capillaries of the choroid plexus and form cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Functions of ependymal cells include CSF production, nutrient provision for neurons, filtration of harmful substances, and neurotransmitter distribution.MicrogliaMicroglia are extremely small cells of the central nervous system that remove cellular waste and protect against microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.). Microglia are thought to be macrophages, a type of white blood cell that protects against foreign matter. They also help to reduce inflammation through the release of anti-inflammatory chemical signals. Microglia also function to protect the brain when neurons become injured or diseased by disabling the malfunctioning neurons.Satellite CellsThese glial cells cover and protect neur ons of the peripheral nervous system. They provide structure and metabolic support for sensory, sympathetic, and parasympathetic nerves. Sensory satellite glial cells are involved in the development of chronic pain. OligodendrocytesOligodendrocytes are central nervous system structures that wrap some neuronal axons to form an insulating coat known as the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath, composed of lipids and proteins, functions as an electrical insulator of axons and promotes more efficient conduction of nerve impulses. Oligodendrocytes are found in the brains white matter, while satellite oligodendrocytes are found in gray matter. Satellite oligodendrocytes do not form myelin.Schwann CellsSchwann cells are neuroglia that wrap around some neuronal axons to form the myelin sheath in peripheral nervous system structures. Schwann cells help to improve nerve signal conduction, assist in nerve regeneration, and aid in antigen recognition by T cells. Schwann cells play a vital role in nerve repair. These cells migrate to the site of injury and release growth factors to promote nerve regeneration. Schwann cells then myelinate the newly generated nerve axons. Schwann cells are being heavily researched for their potential use in spinal cord injury repair. Oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells indirectly assist in the conduction of impulses as myelinated nerves can conduct impulses quicker than unmyelinated ones. Interestingly enough, the white matter in the brain gets its color from the large number of myelinated nerve cells that it contains. Other Animal Tissue Types Neuroglia are just one type of tissue found in animal organisms. Other tissue types include: Nervous Tissue: This is the primary tissue of the central nervous system. It is composed of neurons and is responsible for controlling body functions. Epithelial Tissue: This tissue covers the outside of the body and lines organs. It provides a protective barrier against germs. Connective Tissue: As the name suggests, connective tissue supports and connects tissues to other underlying tissues. Muscle Tissue: The primary tissue responsible for movement, muscle tissue is capable of contraction. Sources: Purves, Dale. â€Å"Neuroglial Cells.† Neuroscience. 2nd Edition., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10869/.Sofroniew, Michael V., and Harry V. Vinters. â€Å"Astrocytes: Biology and Pathology.† SpringerLink, Springer-Verlag, 10 Dec. 2009, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00401-009-0619-8.

Jazz in the 1920s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Jazz in the 1920s - Essay Example This important event in history marked the importance of New Orleans as a regional musical center. The "Congo Square" became the breeding ground for what will become a very significant part of the American culture. In this place, the formerly slaves in the community were allowed to express themselves through music and other art form. Thus, they sang "work songs filled with irony, imagery, and love-relief from the tensions of their lives (American Popular Music 2005)." The blues, which is a precursor of jazz also flourished in the "Congo Square" giving way to the creation of jazz music. Compared to other types of music, jazz has its distinct characteristics. Jazz is characterized by blue notes, syncopation, swing, call and response, polyrhythm and improvisation. This repot will specifically look at the Jazz Age (1920s) and one of the most influential figure during that time. This paper will focus on the significance of jazz after the World War I and the significant places where it flourished. One section will give an account to the contributions of Louis Armstrong in jazz music. It will also briefly explain the situation jazz in the post World War II. A decade after the World... The 1920s, which is often regarded as the Roaring Twenties came to be known as the "Jazz Age." The decade witnessed the collapse of the America's traditional set -up. Its old perceived social conventions had ruined by the Great War but new principles developed. Jazz became the popular music embodying the "let-loose" social attitude during the period. It is during these times that people seem to get tired of the previous war and were expressing their relief through the use of mediums like music. Women, in particular, felt triumphant in their newfound freedom (that is, being granted the right to vote in 1920). They began to stick to a more liberated culture by bobbing their hair and wearing short flapper dresses. After the war, it became apparent that the public desired entertainment which led to the opening of public dance halls, clubs, and tearooms in cities. New dances like the Charleston are widely popular in dance floors and clubs. Black dances like the shimmy, turkey trot, buzzard lope, chicken scratch, monkey glide, and bunny hug were eventually adopted by the white public which implies the growing in the Arican-American culture. The new music, new dances and new fashions which dominated the new era outraged many as the Catholic Telegraph quoted:"The music is sensuous, the female is only half dressed and the motions may not be described in a family newspaper. Suffice it to say that there are certain houses appropriate for such dances but these houses have been closed by law (The Jazz Age 2006)." The Rise of Jazz Accordingly, two disparate, but important, inventions of the second half of the nineteenth century quietly had set the stage for jazz to capture the spotlight in American popular music by the 1920s-George Pullman's invention of

Five Ways Leading to the Mystical Union Assignment

Five Ways Leading to the Mystical Union - Assignment Example St. Teresa said let me suffer or die. They look at their old selves with disgust. In raising oneself to purity one has to be ready, for example poverty is common, so one has to endure pain and suffering. This phase has two components; mortification and detachment. The later refers to voluntary poverty, which according to the Catholic Church is chastity where, there is cleansing of the soul from all personal desires. Finally one must obey the voice and teachings of God. A good example is the biblical beatitude that says, blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall receive the kingdom of God. The mystic must detach from all material stuff and aim for purity, because God is pure. Mystics here choose to associate with only clean creatures. Material possessions usually cloud our aim for reaching purity. According to St. John of The Cross, we are nothing; we have nothing and therefore lack nothing. Mortification on the other hand is purification, to ensure the death of old habits of the old self, which prevents oneself from becoming a new being. Any necessary physical and mental torture is required to free oneself from earthly pleasures and satisfaction. It can only stop when one has shed selfhood. Love of all people and creatures, plus service to humanity is important. Old days had the step of physical torture, which included several ways of crucifying oneself. 3) Illumination. This stage transfers self centeredness into a God-centered world. Once detached from earthly attathchments, the mystic is sure of the existence of God. The mystic and the superior being are not yet one, the relationship can be compared to betrothal but not marriage. There is consciousness of the presence of God; therefore there is joy and pleasure. It is a... The essay "Five Ways Leading to the Mystical Union" describes five ways to achieve the state of union with reality and considers the nature of mysticism. According to Evelyn Underhill, mysticism is the state of union with reality. But in order for mysticism to occur there has to be changed in an individual’s life, after the experience beyond human description. The first way 'The awakening of self' is a stage much higher than religious conversion. A person moves from a stage of physical limitations, placed on them by the world and moves to a state of greater revelation. People find meaning in life. The second one is 'Purgation of self'. The awakened parson goes higher, on the slow spiritual journey in order to arrive at a higher consciousness of reality. The path involves shedding off older, evil self of the world and embracing God. The next way 'Illumination' transfers self-centeredness into a God-centered world. Once detached from earthly attachments, the mystic is sure of the existence of God. The mystic and the superior being are not yet one, the relationship can be compared to betrothal but not marriage. 'The dark night of the soul' is the fourth way which is a purification of the spirit before it merges with the absolute. There is no joy but fatigue, deprivation, and darkness. The old temptation of mystics’ desire for earthly desires creeps in, due to exhaustion from friends and family. And the final way 'The unitive life' comes after years of destruction of selfhood. Here the old self is replaced by the divine self.

Jellyfish Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Jellyfish - Essay Example Jellyfish have no head, spine, heart, eyes, or brain. Instead of having a brain, the creature has a nervous system also referred as the nerve net that consists of receptors that detect the odor, light, and other responses. Additionally, Jellyfish has sensory organs known as Rhopalia that helps in maintaining balance. They have a primitive sense that consists of the neural net and eye spots commonly used to sense dark and light. Jellyfishes’ body is comprised of three layers. The outer layer referred as epidermis, the inner layer known as the gastrodermis, and the middle layer referred as the mesoglea. The epidermis is the most important layer that covers the external body of this creature. The epidermis protects the skin from the invasion of harmful substances in the body. The gastrodermis protects the inner layer of the jellyfish. Typically, Jellyfish has a simple digestive cavity referred as the coelenterons that are used as the stomach and excretory organ. The coelenterons operate like a gullet, intestines, and stomach through the mouth. On average, the length of jellyfish tentacle is two to ten meters and the length can grow tremendously. A study conducted by King (22), indicates that the longest jellyfish to have lived was 120 feet. Jellyfish are carnivores and they tend to increase rapidly when the food is plentiful. These creatures feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton just to name a few. Jellyfish are nonaggressive, free-swimming, and surrounded by tentacles with poisoning and stinging cells. The tentacles contain sacs filled with poison that can be life-threatening. With its severity in mind, researchers have provided facts and information on how to treat this sting. To remove the sting, one should use tweezers, thick clothing, gloves, or sticks (Lindeen 33). According to this research, one should not touch the sting with bare skin since the sting is poisonous and can severely affect the skin. One should throw away the item used for removing the sting to avoid stinging yourself later. To fully deactivate the poisonous sting, one should pour vinegar on the stung for

Managerial economics

Managerial economics Question I : Why would a firm choose to remain in an industry in which it makes an economic profit of zero? Name a Vietnamese firm that does this. A firm will make an economic profit of zero if its sale is a normal profit. In other words, it   cover both out of pocket expense and its opportunity cost or accounting profit equals the opportunity cost. It means that economic = 0 which be called normal profit. Suppose that, accounting profit exceeds the opportunity cost is called economic profit, beside that, accounting profit less than opportunity cost is called economic loss. In short run, a company want to maximize its profit (or minimize its loss) should produce at a certain level where additional revenue is equal to the additional cost of producing as MR = MC rule. However, the market price is not always enough high, the company get an economic profit. So it will face to out put price at the normal profit or even operating loss. The company gets an economic profit of zero when the price equals the average cost (AC) or following the formula: MC = MR = P = AC. At this time, the its sale covers fix cost, varible cost and opportunity cost so that, the firm remains in an industry and to get economic income in future. In Vietnam, firms sell its product with high competition market in the main farm maket. They sell its product at the the profit only enough for their opportunity cost. Because of all most this compay are belong the state company, so that, managers are requested to get profit at least equal interest rate. They must ensure their workersalary. Question II : How realistic is the assumption of constant variable unit costs in volume cost profit analysis? Does it detract a great deal from the value of this analysis? What is a large volume firm in Vietnam that probably has a variable unit cost?   Volume cost profit analysis is an economic analysis which is used in sure situation. It evaluate the affect of change in quantity of product on cost and profit. It bases on some limiting assumptions when the price, average variable cost are constant. So the firm may forcast its cost and sales. Conducting a break even analysis is a formula of simple math as: Break even Point = Fiwed Costs / (Unit Selling Price Variable Cost)  Ã‚   As Keat and Young (2009) wrote, â€Å"if we assum the relationship between average variable cost and price for each product remains the same and the quantities of various products are produced in constant proportions, such as assumption does not appear to be unrealistic for relatively small changes in total revenue†. However, as we known, if the company produces more than a product, which each of products has a different price and a different variable cost. So we not use above formular to caculate Break even Point. But others consider it like the most way. This analysis does not detract form its value in assumption. All most of firms in Vietnam are at small or medium size. They have variable cost and produce just one or two products. They can estimate the quantity of each at constantproportion and use average variable cost per unit to caculate the Break even Point. Question III : Price discrimination is often defended on the basis of equity. What is meant by this statement? Comment on its validity in terms of a USA company selling some products in Vietnam in relatively cheaper prices than in the USA. Price discrimination is a statement which an identical product is sold in different market at different prices. There are three degrees price discrimination. First degree of price discrimination, the firm will charge prices along demand curve all the way to the point where demand equals marginal cost. Second degree of price discrimination happens when a company use a differential price by block of service. For example in telecommunication fields in Vietnam, the price of first block of 30s per a call is different from the next block after 30s. Third degree of price discrimination is the most popular. The production may go up if the demand curve is not straight line. So customers willing to pay at low price to get the benefit than in condition of a single price monopoly, beside that, others will pay higher prices in lower price. USA firms sell several products in Vietnam with cheapper prices than in the USA. For example: the Microsoft sofware is sold in Vietnam with cheapper prices than in the USA. Almost Vietnamese can get it while in America, they can not affort to buy. Because the Vietnam market is more competitive than USAmarket. And finally, the demand curve in Vietnam market is more elastic than USAmarket. Question IV : Briefly explain the structure-conduct-performance approach to the study of industrial economic. How does this approac fit in the Vietnamese economy? The structure conduct performance (S-C-P) is used to connect elements of market structure to performance in industrial economics. On the other hand, this structure studies the way that firms and markets are organized and affected to the economy from point of view of social welfare. The industry structure is the basic of S-C-P which include buyer and seller concentration, product differentiation, condition of entry, and the elasticity of demand for the product. Performance is the measured in terms of welfare maximization. Besides, conduct is reqired pricing strategies, promotion, advertising, product development, legal tactics, and choice of product as well as the potential for collusion among companies. As Keat and Young (2009) pointed out that: â€Å"An in dusstry market with great concentration will fall far short of reaching such a goal. Its performance will be marked by both productive and allocative inefficiencies. Price will be above marginal cost, the choice and ultimately profits will be higher than under competitive circumstances. This high level of profitability arises from the industrys pricing policy and not because of any cost advantages†. (p. 374). The outcome of S-C-P method is that high industry concentration becomes a cause for the intervention of government against possible mergers. In Vietnam, the S-C-P approach is applicable for strategy researchers. It helps to evaluate the existence of competition in the industry, moreover, it measures the performance of industry and finds out its potential. Question V : Suppose the Sri Lanka government awarded contracts to private companies to rebuild the countrys infrastructure damaged by the tsunami and it based its contracts on a percentage of the cost of the reconstruction. Would this constitute a moral hazard? If so, what would the government need to do to prevent such a problem? Are these kinds of â€Å"cost plus† contracts used in Vietnam? By whom? The term of Mral hazard is appeared when a loan is made the private companies may choose to change transaction. Then, this company receive the loan, it is easier to get the money to use other purposes. Sri lanka government awarded contracts to private companies to rebuild the countrys infrastructure damage by the tsunami and it based its contracts on a percentage of the cost of reconstruction. This situation it a cost-plus price practive. In other words, the private firm will caculate the varible cost, add to it an allocation for fixed cost, after that add a profit percentage to reach a total cost of the contract. May be lead to the prolem of moral hazard so that, private firms will try go down its cost due to increase their earning. Consequently, the project is the lower quality. The government have to control closely and enforce a quality level after the contract is signed. There are many contruction in Vietnam which Vietnamese government awards contracts to build such as: buildings, bridges and highways. They also used the cost-plus pricing in contracts. However, to avoid the problem of moral hazard, the government may choose prestigious companies and apply o procedure to control better quality of projects. Question VI : How is the companys optimal capital budget determined? Does the decision-making process in this case resemble the procedure used in determined the price and quantity of output? How? The key of optimal capital bubget determined is the evaluating worth of investment projects. It means that capital project must be used correctly the cash flow and the time value of money. There are two methods which are considered as: the payback method and the accounting rate of return method. The payback method calculate the period of time essentially to get back the original investment. The accounting rate of return method is outcome (percentage) from average annual profits. These methods discount cash flows to the net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and profitability index (PI). There is a capital budgeting model which companies should use to optimize capital budgeting plan. Every project will be used internal rate of return (IRR) due to compare with marginal cost of capital (MCC) to search the optimal point on the graph.(with the vertical axis is IRR and MCC, the horizontal axis is the investment capital) where the capital budgeting of the firm is optimixed. When IRR = MCC, at that time, that is the point of the optimal investment budget. In addition, it also similar the procedure used in determing the price and quatity of out put, the company should operate a capacity where the marginal revenue (MR) equas the maginal cost (MC), MR = MC. More importantly, firms should do the amount of the investments at the point where the internal rate of return (IRR) equals the marginal cost of capital (MCC), IRR = MCC. Question VII : Explain the difference between the Moving Averrage approach and Exponential smoothing approach to forecasting. Which do you think would be better for your company? Why? The moving average approach and exponential smoothing approach is also called smoothing method. This method use an averrage of past observation to forecast future if we consider that the future is the reflection of several of past result. Acctually, the past observation to forecast one period ahead . the equation is following: E t+1 = ( Xt + Xt-1 ++ Xt-N+1 ) / N Where: E t+1 = Next (t+1) forecast period Xt , Xt-1 = Actual valual at their respective times N = Number of observation included in average Exponential smoothing method is different the moving average method. We can see its treat all the past observation as the same degree of important. However, the forecaster would belive the older past result the lesser suitable to future trend. So that, the exponential smoothing method the smaller weighing factor for older past results in the following: E t+1 = wXt + (1-w)Et Where: w is the weight assigned to an actual observation at period t. Making forecast, the fore caster no need collecting previous result as many as moving average method needs. More importantly, the w value is determined. In summary, both these forecasting methods have several advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is the simplicity of method. So two methods should be used just for short term estimates. Question VIII : A firm is making a long-run planning decision. It wants to decide on the optimal size of plant and labor force. It is considering building a medium-sized plant and hiring 100 workers. Engineering estimates suggest that at those levels, the marginal product of capital will be 100 and the marginal product of labor will be 75. If the wage rate is $5 and the rental rate on capital is $10, is the firmmaking right decision? Support your aswer. We have: MPL = 75, MPK = 100 with (L = labor: variable input; K = Capital: varible input) To maximize its profit, the firm must use two inputs (labor and capital) to meet the denmand of marginal revenue of K and L input. Wage rate of labor: w = $5 Rental rate on capital: r = $10 Leading to:   MPL   / w = 75/5 = 15 (1) MPK   / r = 100/10 = 10 (2) From (1) (2), we can see that the firm is not making the right decision or they should hire more labor and reduce capital rental value.  

Graduation Speech :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

Do we look like fortune tellers? Declare a major? Chart a course? Have a burger instead of a dog? What do you want to do when you grow up? There are more forks in the road ahead of us than at the Country Buffet -- and we're asked to choose just one! What is your favorite color? Blue. But are orange and red and puce out of the question? Banished from possibility? Put on the eternal yuck list? It just means that blue works today, but the rest of the rainbow is at our fingertips -- to use later, or not at all. We are full of secrets. We have lives and interests and talents that exist independent of math, and English, science and social studies. Secrets in the shadows of assemblies, football games, clubs, sports, dances and homework. We have friends who paint murals, write poetry, build cars, manage computer networks, train for the Olympics and save lives. Underneath these goofy caps are talents and dreams, ambitions and hopes -- enough to last decades, to build families, to change communities, to change lives. And our real destinations are secret -- even from ourselves -- and that's OK. We may have an idea, a plan, a passion. But we can't tell for sure. We will arrange flowers, electrons, words and water. We'll shape ideas, images, politics, missions and metal. We'll be productive and worthwhile, but where do we start? I'm starting with cows! While fussing over what I would do for my application project, I said to myself, "Sarah, what do you really want to do? What do you wanna have fun learning about?" and my answer was, "I would like to hang out with cows." Now, let me tell you, it is not easy to walk up to a dairy farmer and say, "Hello, can I come hang out at your farm and play with your thousand-pound puppies?" but I was fortunate enough to find an incredible mentor and family who welcomed me into their lives. A year later, I continue to learn from my "farm family," and my "cow friends." In fact, one week from today I plan to pile into a pick-up truck and head to Boise to attend the National Holstein Convention to learn more about cows and spend more time with the people who love them -- talk about great stuff! Someday, it may be because of my secret life that you've "got milk.

Cost of College Essay

Flipping burgers at a fast food restaurant, stocking shelves in a grocery store, and working on a production line in a factory are just a few of the many minimum-wage paying jobs that so many people have in America. People in this country are settling for a high school diploma, minimum-wage paying jobs, and broken spirits. The cost of college is too high, and they cannot afford to further their education. Student loan debts are, for the first time in history, exceeding what Americans owe on credit cards—over $1 trillion (Sullivan, 2012, para. 1). For many, the rising cost of college may not be just a news headline, but a real life let down. The core of the problem: tuition and fees at public universities have surged almost 130 percent over the last 20 years, while middle class incomes have idled. (Censky, 2011, p. 1) Endless Cycle Many Americans are not being able to further their education because the cost is too high, which results in having to settle for a poorly paying job. Then when they start a family, they do not have enough money to send their children to college. It really is an endless cycle of an ever-growing lower and middle class. The number of college graduates is becoming less every year because of the increasing rate of tuition, room and board, and fees. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a job above minimum wage without a college diploma. Missing Out For much of U.S. history, the chance to obtain a higher education was mainly an opportunity given only to the wealthy (College Tuition Costs, 2004, p. 450). Countless brilliant and smart individuals live in the lower class of our society. It is not fair that they are not getting a chance at furthering their education just because their family cannot afford to send them. Available to certain students, of course, are student loans, grants, scholarships, and financial aid. Sadly, not everyone qualifies for scholarships or receives enough money to even make a dent in the debt they will acquire going to a university for four or more years. Furthermore, a lot of people receive zero help at all in paying for their college education. Since college is becoming less affordable for low-income students, higher education is once again becoming dominated by the wealthy (College Tuition Costs, 2004, p. 452). Being Held Back Because of Funding Because of the growing rate of tuition, room and board, and fees at universities, many seniors in high school are deciding where they attend college based on the cost. For many teenagers, the deciding factor of where they go to school is who gives them the biggest scholarship or which school costs less. Instead of going where they truly want to go, and where they know they could get the best education, they have to settle for the school that meets their financial limitations (Cost of College Affecting Application and Acceptance Decisions, 2011, p. 1). People wanting to pursue a higher education should be able to totally devote themselves to their studies. Instead, with a constantly plummeting economy, they have to worry about how to earn money (like get a job) to help pay for their education. This could be extra worry that students who are trying to focus on their studies should not have! Scholarships are very unlikely to cover the total cost and students who manage to obtain one successfully still have to work to earn their living. Earning enough money to pay for a college education is next to impossible with a part-time job, while working full-time leaves students with no time to study, which means that the money is actually wasted! With the cost of college constantly increasing, many students that are already in college cannot finish because they do not have the funds. The thought of trying to start out a life in the â€Å"real world† with potentially over $50 thousand debt is extremely daunting. Many people view borrowing money as a burden, which holds them back from wanting to take out student loans to go to college. More College Graduates Could Help Boost the Economy Student loan debts are sure to be a hot topic in the upcoming 2012 presidential debate. Unless the government steps in to help pay for college education, more and more people are going to have to give up their dreams of a higher education. Individuals should not have to give up financial security just to earn a college degree. If more people are obtaining college degrees, that increases the number of people who are likely to have higher paying jobs. According to News Hour Extra: Research shows that college graduates earn, on average, $20,000 a year more than those who only have a high school diploma. College graduates also tend to get higher quality jobs with benefits and have the chance to earn advanced degrees, which offer even greater earning potential. (Cost of College Affecting Application and Acceptance Decisions, 2011, p. 2) This fact could boost America’s economy and really help the recession. Perhaps the job market will get better and it will be easier to recuperate after the thousands of dollars spent on one’s degree. Or maybe the recession will end and funding for education will be restored. But as prices of virtually everything increase, that of a college education may continue to increase as well. Unfortunately, for now it seems that students in the United States will have to wait for a solution – unless they themselves try something drastic to alter this unfair system.

Nursing Scholarship Essays

Nursing Scholarship Essays Nursing Scholarship Essay Nursing Scholarship Essay Fort Collins, CO Accomplishments: Worked with a team to develop and implement a mass-communications-research coding scheme studying the coverage of health issues by television, print, and internet media.Performed general office clerical duties including use of a variety of computer programs and office equipment. Trained new employees on use of computer and office equipment and methods of office administration, research, and data organization. Wrote a user-guide for the office scanner. Tracked files and data for three research projects.

Daughter Conflict in Two Kinds by Amy Tan Essays

Mother/Daughter Conflict in Two Kinds by Amy Tan Essays Mother/Daughter Conflict in Two Kinds by Amy Tan Paper Mother/Daughter Conflict in Two Kinds by Amy Tan Paper Essay Topic: Mother To Mother There is often a major conflict between parents and their children. One side tries to show the other that their way is best and it should be taken seriously. Sadly if the other side does not comply or does not fully comprehend then chaos is sure to follow after. It is only when both sides can reason with each other that suitable solution is found that satisfies both ends. However I will write me views about the story coming from two different author perspectives. The short story, â€Å"Two Kinds† written by Amy Tan is a story about a girl who resists her overbearing mother’s desire to make her into a prodigy. After reading this article, Contradiction and Culture: Revisiting Amy Tan’s ‘Two kinds’ (Again) by Kristen Dinnall Hoyte, I surprisingly found it to be amazing. I strongly agree on how Hoyte describe the title of the story. Two conflicting kinds, the sad and the angry, the prodigy and the failure, the American and the foreigner (Hoyte). Hoyte and Jing-mei were of great disappointment to their parents, because they weren’t good at doing what their parents expected them to do. And after seeing, once again, my mothers disappointed face, something inside me began to die. I hated the tests, the raised hopes and failed expectations. Before going to bed that night I looked in the mirror above the bathroom sink, and when I saw only my face staring backand understood that it would always be this ordinary faceI began to cry. Such a sad, ugly girl! I made high-pitched noises like a crazed animal, trying to scratch out the face in the mirror. And then I saw what seemed to be the prodigy side of mea face I had never seen before. I looked at my reflection, blinking so that I could see more clearly. The girl staring back at me was angry, powerful (Tan 383-384). Even though Jig-mei grows through a journey of attitude, I disagreed with Hoyte, claiming that the mother was the in the story victim and that the mother was also r

In what ways has 'Globalisation' affected the international system Essay

In what ways has 'Globalisation' affected the international system - Essay Example This is done in the situation where the comparative advantages in manufacturing said component are high. Globalization of financial markets refers to the integration of financial systems between countries to achieve unrestricted flow of capital-seen in the trade in financial securities-between the member states. In defining politics and, by extension, understanding what global politics is, we should first separate as between politics and governance. The purpose of this clarification is to separate between an emerging term of global governance , which is used incorrectly in reference to global politics. Governance typically refers to managerial functions of controlling, coordinating, directing, and planning. Therefore, it is associated with proper legislations and policy - engineering by relevant authorities that help constitute proper administration by a government in power. However, politics is concerned with the power relations that circumvent these corridors of governance giving s hape to the styles or structure of governance adopted by the duly people in power1. In practice, politics is closely linked globally to actions of powerful groups who are in control-at least for a predefined period of time-of relatively vast territorial entities called countries. Synonymous with these territorial entities is the ability to willfully, conduct internal affairs (subject to certain exemptions) without external influence. The extent to which this rule is successfully adhered to is a subject that can be well assessed under global politics, present even today. Another point of clarity is required as between global governance and international relations both of which are pertinent active factors in global politics. Global governance, which is merely a trendy term to explain the constant transformation in the international political system and international relations , which is also a euphemism for the nation's policy in dealing with others similar based on an unquestioned b ias in favor of that particular nation0002. Global governance recognizes other forms of social organizations and political decision-making do not arise from a state or directed to it. According to Klaus Dingwerth and Philipp Patberg, global governance differentiates from the traditional view on international relations in four ways: The crux of international relations is the politics as between nations without paying attention to other non-state actors. Global governance considers the impact and influence of non-governmental organizations, scientific actors, and trans-national companies. The term suggests that an analysis on international interactions is done separately from other levels of social interaction. Global governance assumes world politics as a multi-level system in which all local, regional/state, national/federal and global political processes are interlinked. That, international relations traditionally is associated with power play and role of advocacy networks as insti gators and sustainers of politics beyond the state. Global governance recognizes the existence and interactions between various forms of governance in which none is superior to the others. The focus of researchers into international relations is the authority and legitimization in the states desire to pursue self-interests. Global governanc

Technical Solutions to Ensure the Building Is Energy Efficient and Research Paper

Technical Solutions to Ensure the Building Is Energy Efficient and Consistent with the Planets Ecosystem - Research Paper Example According to Speigel and Meadows (2012, p 16), most corporations and investors are seeking green solutions and want energy efficient materials to be present in their buildings. This study aims to highlight sustainability and usefulness of such products and their relevance at the end of the corporation. This paper entails the innovative and technical solutions that are necessary to ensure the building is energy efficient and consistent with the planet's ecosystem. Nowadays numerous buildings are expected to accomplish the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ratings when constructing. Speigel and Meadows (2012, p.58) assert these standards are meant to advance the sustainability goals, diminish energy utilization, and encourage sustainability of the buildings and renewability. Replenishment of Insulation and energy deficiencies in a building can be through the introduction of high-performance windows that are thick and can guarantee diminution loss of warmth during win ter. Moreover, the windows with low E have capabilities of keeping heat either in or out (Simmons 2010, p.62). These windows can be put in the rooms where workers will spend a large proportion of their time. It is essential for the internal thermal conditions to be conducive for the inhabitants to be comfortable. This windows can be initially expensive but eventually, the will be cost saving. This is because an alternative mode will be utilizing electricity to increase the thermal levels of the rooms. In addition, there are solar windows that are transparent but encompass qualities that enable them to absorb the sun’s beam. This is a renewable resource, and it will accumulatively harness energy that is clean and comparably efficient as electricity.

Life of Charlemagne Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Life of Charlemagne - Essay Example However, in the bibliography that he has written he clearly chose to give in to the "lust of immortality to celebrate the glorious deeds of other times (Einhard 1)." The bibliography is obviously written with the purpose of extolling Charlemagne and highlighting his virtues for the knowledge of the generation to come. The Life of Charlemagne commences by a description of the Merovingian family which used to rule France contrasting their flaws and weaknesses with the virtues of Charlemagne's ancestors. Einhard also admitted his lack of knowledge on the birth and childhood of Charlemagne thereby skipping the time span and concentrating on his military conquest (5). Charlemagne is recognized for his success in battles from his first military undertaking in the Aquitanian War to the Saxon War, Lombard War, Slavic War, and the War of the Huns. Through military force, he is also able to gain the submission of the Breton and Beneventan. Because of these victories, Charlemagne is able to largely expand his territory: "He so largely increased the Frank kingdom, which was already great and strong when he received it at his father's hands, that more than double its former territory was added to it" (16). Aside from conquering vast lands, the ruler should also be commended by winning the allegiance of several nations which is even strengthened by his fondness of sending them letters (17). He also enhanced the beauty of his kingdom through the construction of establishment including the Basilica of the Holy Mother of God and the bridge over the Rhine at Mayence (18). The latter portion of the bibliography humanizes Charlemagne by expounding his personal traits and characteristics including his looks, the manner of his dressing, and his private life. Eidhan gave a very good description Charlemagne's and his favorite food: "His meals ordinarily consisted of four courses, not counting the roast, which his huntsmen used to bring in on the spit; he was more fond of this than of any other dish" (25). After reading the bibliography of Charlemagne, I am able to look at a deeper side of him not as a hero but as an ordinary individual, who has flaws, is fond of music, and of giving. Far from the portrayed picture of him as a hero and saint in history books, the account is much more enlightening. The translator has done a good job from lifting the Latin version into English. The account is very much comprehensible, interesting, and enriching. Works Cited Eidhan. The Life of Charlemagne. Trans. S. E. Turner. 2 February 2008

Significant Event Essay Example for Free

Significant Event Essay There’s a significant event that happened when I was only four years old. I saw my adult cousin dead in the park that my sister, bother, and I used to play in. I’m sure the memory that I have of this devastating event is not 100% accurate for a number of reasons. One being, the fact that it happened so long ago my memory could’ve been tarnished by hearing different stories from different individuals who also witnessed this dreadful event. Another reason being, the fact that I’ve tried so hard to forget this incident but I’m sure I never will. The last reason being, it was dark and everything happened so fast with a lot of things going on at once. There were so many different emotions being displayed at that time and I was just too young to understand. The affect that this event has had on my subjective well-being has been detrimental in some ways. I am unable to take my kids to a park which is very unfortunate because they deserve to experience the fun of swings, slides, and nature. I can’t get the image of his lifeless body lying there out of my head. It’s painful emotionally to even think about because although I was very young, I remember this older cousin who used to give my brother and me haircuts. This event caused me to lose out on some adult happiness affecting my subjective well-being as a whole. This event has played a significant role on the continuous development of my personality in a few ways as well. I am very humorous which can be viewed as a defense mechanism or a way to defuse a heated situation and not face reality. Like the phrase â€Å"laugh to keep from crying†. It has also given me the personality trait of sympathy. I am extremely sympathetic to people who has experienced losses within their family. Additionally, I am very emotionally sensitive to the point that it is unusual for a grown man. This sensitivity is credited to the fact that there were so many emotions being expressed that night and it was transferred to me as a young boy as an answer of how to deal with painful situations. There are positive and negative impacts involving my health caused by this event. This was far too stressful and dramatic for me to deal with at such a young age which caused a lot of negative impacts on my health. I have what people call â€Å"bad nerves† because of this situation. For example; I sometimes shake. I randomly have problems sleeping as I am subject to jump in my sleep or gasp for air. However, this event has had some positive impacts on my health when I think of the risks that I could’ve taken in that same neighborhood had I not seen the death of my older cousin. I could’ve made poor choices that would’ve got me hurt or caused me my life but because I had these images in my head constantly, I never wanted to end up like my cousin.

Corporate Social Responsibility of Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria

Corporate Social Responsibility of Oil and Gas industry in Nigeria The main objective of this literature review is to attempt answering the research questions posed in our proposal because it is the focus of this research. In doing that, we shall review definitions, recapitulate and employs insights to the studies of previous prominent researchers on the topic particularly as it concerns MNOC in Nigeria. The work shall mainly consult books, journals and articles amongst others. With the general growth of CSR in many multinational companies, it is hardly surprising that CSR attracted considerable attention in recent years. In an attempt to digest CSR, studies have focused on the meaning, drivers and scope of CSR. While some researchers say it should not exist, others said it should be philanthropic, some said it is to enhance business, and others even think it regulatory compliance. Much of the earlier work emphasized two prominent definitions: philanthropy or business enhancement. Ojala (1994) said it has three major facets: complying with the law; setting and abiding by moral and ethical standards; and philanthropic giving. The first popular/acceptable definition of CSR is by Bowen (1953, p.6) He defined CSR as the obligations of businessmen to pursue those policies, to make those decisions, or to follow those lines of action which are desirable in terms of the objectives and values of our society. Since then, many definitions followed ranging from Carroll (1979), McWilliams and Siegel (2001), Whetten et al (2002), Maignan and Ferrell (2004) and Sriramesh et al. (2009) EUs Green paper on CSR defined it as a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development defines CSR as the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of its workers. . .as well as the local community and society at large. These definitions are important to this work as they see CSR as voluntary. To CSR advocates it is giving back to the land/people from whom it has taken so much, else poverty, unemployment, lop-sided development would continue to haunt Companies. Shankar Venkateswaran (2000) said that Islands of prosperity cannot survive in a sea of poverty the sea will ultimately engulf the islands. On the contrary, critics believe that CSR are used to distract public from asking questions posed by MNC operations. To them, CSR is not committed to sustainable development as claimed because activities of MNCs are contrary CSR. Example is Shells CSR led to pioneering in triple bottom line reporting, still there was a scandal of its misreporting of oil reserves in 2004. REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH QUESTIONS People view CSR differently, some advocate while others criticize. Peter Drucker (2004) is of the view that CSR should not exist at all. He said corporate social responsibility is a dangerous distortion from business principles. If you find an executive who wants to take on social responsibility, fire him. Fast. Others said that the organizations pay taxes to ensure that society and the environment are not adversely affected by business activities. This leads us to the first research question. What could be the main drivers of Corporate Social Responsibility by multinational companies? Is it to promote corporate image and benefit business or do they have positive responsibilities that add value to the communities they do business in? Motivations to engage in CSR are varies. Some are response to market forces, globalization, consumer and civil society pressures, etc. Some see it as a higher incentive to protect brands and investments (NEEDS). CSR drivers will be reviewed in three categories: economic, institutional and social drivers Economic Drivers There has been a lot of literature supporting that CSR is to enhance business. This proposition was clearly supported by Milton Friedman (1970). To him, a corporations purpose is to maximize returns to its shareholders and not to society as a whole. He said When I hear businessmen speak eloquently about the social responsibilities of business in a free-enterprise system, I am reminded of the wonderful line about the Frenchman who discovered at the age of 70 that he had been speaking prose all his life. The businessmen believe that they are defending free enterprise when they declaim that business is not concerned merely with profit but also with promoting desirable social ends; that business has a social conscience and takes seriously its responsibilities for providing employment, eliminating discrimination, avoiding pollution and whatever else may be the catchwords of the contemporary crop of reformers. In the same vein, McKibben Bill (2006) suggests that corporations which exist solely to maximize profits are unable to advance the interests of society as a whole. Also, Lord Justices Pill, May and Keane (1997) in proving that McDonalds business contradicts its social responsibility principles ruled that eating enough McDonalds food may make ones diet high in fat therefore increase the risk heart disease in McDonaldHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_Restaurants_v_Morris__SteelHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_Restaurants_v_Morris__Steels Restaurants v Steel HYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_Restaurants_v_Morris__SteelHYPERLINK http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonalds_Restaurants_v_Morris__Steel Morris. For Johnson (1971p.54 cited in Vrabic, 2010) Social responsibility states that business carry out social programs to add profits to their organizations. He perceives CSR as long-run profit maximization not just activity to demonstrate ethical s tandards. Orlitzky, Schmidt, and Rynes (2004) in their study found a correlation between social/environmental performance and financial performance. Kurucz (2008, p.86), in his study identified four general types of business cases to support that CSR enhances business: cost and risk reduction, profit maximization and competitive advantage, reputation and legitimacy, and synergistic value creation. Cost and risk Reduction: Firm engage in CSR to reduce costs and risks to the firm, since stakeholders demands can present a potential threat to corporate financial goals (Kurucz, 2008, p. 88). Competitive Advantage: CSR can be used to gain competitive advantage over industry rivals (Kurucz, 2008, p. 89). It is also used as a lobbying strategy for tighter regulations that leads to higher market values especially in oil companies with heavy polluting activities. (Porter 1991, cited in Vrabic, 2010) Reputation and Legitimacy: CSR is made for strategic reasons and are designed to extend legitimacy and enhance corporate reputation, to maintain its legitimacy, repair or defend its lost or threatened legitimacy (Kurucz, 2008, p. 91). Miles and Covin (2000 cited in Vrabic, 2010) opined that environmental stewardship creates reputational advantage that enhances marketing and financial performance. To Brown and Dacin (1997), negative social reputation can have detrimental effect on product evaluations and positive social reputation can enhance product evaluations. This could be seen from the boycott of Shell gas station by European consumers due to Shells attempt to dispose Brent Spar oil platform in the Atlantic Ocean and the consequent 50% decline sales (Neuger, 1995 cited in Vrabic, 2010). Synergistic Value Creation Approaches advocating synergistic value creation are focused seeking opportunities to reveal, relate, and synthesize the interests of diverse set of stakeholders. Some studies, however, have taken a different approach. Lerner and Fryxell, (1988 cited in Vrabic, 2010)) argue that firms incur unnecessary costs that does not add value and reduce profitability by increasing social performance. Institutional Much as there may be economic drivers of CSR, to serve long term national interests, Governments have a strong interest in promoting CSR initiatives mostly through regulation to complement their environmental and social programs (Mazurkiewicz, 2004a). Prominent CSR researchers consider regulation as a natural adjunct to improving the social performance of business, contingent only on the correct design of market incentives (Porter and van der Linde 2000, p. 156, cited in Vrabic, 2010). In Europe, many countries have introduced legislation to mandate environmental reporting for corporations (Haigh and Jones, 2006). Also, Inter-governmental organizations like EU, UN and OECD promote CSR through various policies that encourage companies to voluntarily engage in more sustainable and socially responsible conduct of business. In the oil sector, (Frynas, 2009, p.50 52) argue that decisions are becoming politicized especially with joint venture agreements. With joint venture, Government owns shares, oil, grants licenses, provides regulatory framework, and defines respective rights and responsibilities of investors. Social Factors Moon and Vogel, (2008, cited in Vrabic, 2010) argue that in the global market, MNCs often appeared to be as powerful as states, yet unaccountable as Governments and international institutions most times create regulatory vacuum to control their actions. This vacuum the NGOs normally fill by questioning MNCs actions (Held and McGrew, 2002, cited in Vrabic, 2010). NGOs demand that companies follow the conventions and agreements signed within UN, respect basic environmental regulations adopted by western governments or regional organizations (Bandell, 2004). The second question is Why are there proliferations of youth militancy and movement, protests, invasion of oil facilities and abduction of oil workers, intense dispute and conflicts against the MNOCs in the Niger Delta despite the CSR? The problems between the oil companies and host communities are best described by Watts, (2004:198) as the story of development and counter development working with and against one another in complex and contradictory ways. The crises and hostility according to Eweje (2007) arise sometimes because indigenes feel they dont get enough social and economic infrastructures/assistance from the MNOCs. The CSR seem to escalate the crisis. This is because either by omission or commission, CSR activities and processes impact negatively on local communities, often outweighing the positive benefits CSR brings (Watts, 2004). Christian Aid (2004) says that despite Shells claims about honesty, integrity and respect for people, the oil company has failed to bring about change in the delta. It also confirmed that some of the acclaimed schools, hospitals and other social amenities have been abandoned or did not meet the needs of the communities they were meant to support. It found evidence that Shells clean-up of oil spills and repair of pipelines in Nigeria is scandalously inadequate and would never be tolerated in Europe and North America. This failure of CSR added to the bad feeling between the local community and Shell (Andrew Pendleton Christian aid report). Sometimes oil companies carry propaganda by way of CSR. Example is the CSR that followed Ogoni crisis to redeem Shells image especially with several publications and propogandas.58 Oil companies sometimes connive with the state to be violent, using private security and state agents who are often overactive in their tasks of protecting oil installations and workers. This leads to harassment, intimidation and suppression of environmental development and rights activities. Sometimes crises arise because of oil spills. Nembe indigene 3 (cited in Tuodolo 2007) said Oil activities cause serious environmental problem. Oil spills; discharge of drilling and production waste; and gas flaringà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. The negative impact of these on the peoples health and livelihood is enormous: All of us in this community are fishermen à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ there is always spillage à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ have destroyed our marine life and our occupationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. To show Shells negligence and non-sustainability, it spilled 14,000 tons of oil into the Niger Delta in 2009 while that of 2008 is between 2,200-8,000 and a daily flaring of about 604 million per day (SPDC, 2009). On their part, Shell CEO Peter Voser(2010, reported in Guardian newspapers) said that Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta, remains a very challenging place in which to operate. Security issues and sabotage are constant threats to our people, assets and the environment. Even when the crises arise, oil companies respond when and how they like. They sometimes pay compensation and initiate community projects, but do not enhance their social responsibility credentials (Omotala 2010). He said One, the oil companies à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are known for paying compensations that are far lower than international minimum standards. They are also reputed for the avoidance of payments of compensation on frivolous grounds such as attributing oil spills to sabotage for which they may not be culpable. In some instances, they only pay compensation after protracted court cases that are usually very costly to the host community. Sometimes the development does not worth it even when they are implemented. Idemudia (2009) said CSR developments must protect, preserve and conserve the environments upon which the livelihood of rural inhabitants depends to be meaningful and sustainable. MNOCs are being accused of living by their words. Example, a community leader asserts that most of these developments are only reflected on their books, not on the ground and even then it is not based on the priorities set by the communities but what suits their public relation image of the company ( Eweje, 2007). All this culminated together causes the rising violence, militancy, protests, invasion of oil facilities, pipeline vandalization and abduction of oil workers in the region which sometimes swings both the oil companies and Government to actions. Eweje (2007) concludes that no matter how laudable the CSR initiatives are if the host communities do not feel that the projects will create a sustainable economic, social and environmental development the conflict and unrest in the Niger Delta will continue. There have been questions of whether CSR differ in developing and developed countries. Amaeshi et al. (2006) in their work asked if there is a Nigerian brand of CSR or is it an imitation of western CSR practices. NEEDS XV argue that socio-culturally framed and that the socio-cultural characteristics of Nigeria are unique and as such, the practice of CSR would mainly be shaped by the socio-economic conditions in which these firms operate. To NEEDS, CSR in Nigeria would be aimed towards poverty alleviation, health care provision, infrastructure development, education, etc, not necessarily reflection of popular western standard like consumer protection, fair trade, green marketing, climate change, social responsible investments, etc. Oil spills are more in Nigeria and even where there is, prompt actions are not taken (Christian Aid 2004). Considering this point, Frynas, (2005) said that where government fails to effectively make and enforce environmental regulation, MNOC only voluntarily care to avoid oil spills and may be label it CSR. CSR today looks more of regulatory compliance in developed countries with more effective government. In Nigeria, Shell admitted that its approach to CSR causes community disorder (SPDC, 2005:28), yet Shell has not changed the practices despites its claims to CSR. While the more popular opinion like (Frynas, Christian Aid) is that there is double standard, sometimes MNOCs act the same way in both developing and developed countries. This can be justified by signing of collaborative agreements with Colombian with the Colombian Defence Ministry to provide $2.2 million on top of the mandatory war tax in 1995 by BP (Muttitt and Marriott, 2002). BP was accused of forming its own army and hiring security people with histories of human rights abuses and even murder (Beder, 2002, cited in Vrabic, 2010). Investigations revealed that BPs security firm, trained the Colombian police in counterinsurgency and intelligence techniques used against local communities, and also provided weapons to the 16th Battalion of the Colombian army, which then conducted a massacre (Gillard, 1999 cited in Vrabic, 2010). There was fierce stakeholder pressure on BP and BP evaluated its social and environmental strategies (Frynas, 2009, p. 22-23). Some years after, a senior BP manager admitted: Weve learned from our mistakesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. In Colombia we were accused of getting too close to the army and police in order to protect our operations. We listened, approached the Human Rights Watch for advice, and then organized new security arrangements (Rice, 2002, p. 135). Could it be safe to say CSR in developing countries are not at its best and if so is overlap, ineffective coordination and communication, absence of regulatory framework, partnership with Government/local communities major problems hindering the effective implementation of CSR projects? In Nigeria, Rauscher (1992, cited in Frynas 1998) says that Governments sought to attract foreign investors by permitting ecological dumping, for the sake of economic development. Ite (2004) also argued that the government has continued to renegade on its commitment that it becomes almost impossible for the CSR investments by the oil firms to contribute positively to their host communities. Oil companies blame oil pollution on political instability like sabotage because there is no comprehensive legislation on compensation payments to communities in Nigeria (Frynas 1998). But Walter and Ugelow (1979) in their work said that Nigerias environmental policy is been tolerant to corporate polluters for a long time compare to international standard. Frynas argues that there is a direct relationship between state welfare provision and the need for CSR initiatives. To him, greater social and environmental responsibilities should be taken in countries where the government does not have effective mechanisms of regulation and provision of public goods. He cited Nigeria as his example. Patricia Werhane (2007) on her own part cited corruption as a serious problem hindering CSR implementation in developing countries. She said A big challenge facing multinational corporations is how they should respond to local corruption. Both Shell Oil and Exxon/Mobile sought to carry out drilling operations at sites plagued by corrupt local and national governmentsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. (Patricia Werhane 2007) This is also Watts view when he said What passes as development is usually contracts and bribes-so-called cash payments-with influential traditional elites, orchestrated through ineffective or corrupt community liason officers (Watts, 2004). CSR ineffective coordination manifests in commercialized conflicts between individuals and groups who always fight over the benefits; community funds for development are mismanaged, misappropriated, and embezzled or shared by community leaders or clique (Watts, 2004). Social disorders like arms possession, increasing illiteracy, criminality, lawlessness and the disintegration of tradition and culture now became order of the day. CSR should be considered more as a corporate moral responsibility, and limit the reach of CSR by focusing more on direct impacts of the organization (Patricia Werhane 2007). It is suggested that for CSR to worth its onion, there should be better governmental and international regulation and enforcement, rather than voluntary measures. This is EU approach. For example, Denmark on 16 December 2008, adopted a bill making it mandatory for the 1100 largest Danish companies, investors and state-owned companies to include information on CSR in their annual financial reports. In Nigeria, FEC approved CSR policy on 21st May 2008. Also, Akwa Ibom state enacted oil and gas law stipulating social responsibility of oil companies. To Christian Aid (2004:2) the only way to instill honesty and integrity into business practice is to strip CSR of its voluntarism and enact laws that spell out minimum social and environmental standards that companies must meet. Jettison corporate social responsibility: make it corporate social accountability, because for too long CSR has served as merely a branch of PR and in some cases as the only spurts of development activity by large companies. CONCLUSION This work had defined CSR and explored the fundamental drivers of CSR. The observation is that today CSR is a consequence of various factors together interactions of various social groups and NGOs, state institutions and self promoting economic motives. Three main drivers were seen as the main promoters of CSR, and one could conclude that CSR is more of business strategy than social. In the Niger Delta the continued crises could be attributed to the fact that MNOSs do their things in their own way without actually touching indigenes lives. They employ any means to protect their business interest As regards the standard, MNOC adopt different standard for different stroke that is why this work is of the view that there should be laws guiding CSR not just MNOCs doing what they think is suitable to them. This work also found out that there are structural factors, systemic failures, absence of enabling environment hinder positive impact of CSR. Although the popular view from this review is that MNOCs engage in CSR to enhance business therefore there should be CSR regulations, it cannot be ruled out that regulations especially stringent ones and host communities problems will discourage the MNOC who may decide to move their investment to a more friendly business environment. This clearly gives room for more research.

Malcom X/Nation of Islam Essay -- discrimination

The Nation of Islam was founded during the Great Depression in Detroit, Michigan by a silk merchant named Wallace D. Fard. He began preaching to the black community that they didn’t deserve to live in poverty, and that the white people exploited the people so much that Fard believed that this community needed their own state. Fard accumulated more than 8,000 followers who believed that Fard was actually god, in the form of man. Elijah Poole, later known as Elijah Muhammad, took over the Nation of Islam after Fard’s disappearance in 1934. One Nation of Islam follower widely known for his work was Malcolm X. Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925 under the name Malcolm Little, the fourth child of Rev. Earl and Louise Little. Malcolm’s father was of Baptist faith that preached on Sundays, and supported Universal Negro Improvement Association and Marcus Garvey, a stirring orator who advocated black pride and a black exodus from the United States to Africa. Rev. Little spread Garvey’s message, and this, according to legend, is what got him killed by white supremacists in 1931. (Gale 1997) At age 6, Malcolm’s widowed mother Louise suffered a mental breakdown and was declared insane. Through all this, Malcolm managed to keep his spirits up by getting good grades, debating, playing basketball, and hoping someday to become a lawyer, only to have his dreams crushed at the age of 14, by a critical white teacher. â€Å"That’s no realistic goal for a nigger,† his teacher told him, and that he should aim at doing some sort of work with his hands. (Frost 2001) Malcolm’s dreams were crushed, and at the age of 16 he moved up to New York with his sister. There he worked on the streets of New York dealing drugs and hustling. By the time he was 20 years old, he was the leader of a burglar ring, and was caught with stolen goods. He was sentenced to 8-10 years in prison, which turned out to change Malcolm’s life around.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A man named Bimbi, who Malcolm admired, inspired him to straighten up. Malcolm began hitting the books, sometimes spending half the days in the prison library; it seemed he was searching for something to get him out of the rut he’s been in since he was 14. (Frost 2001)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Malcolm began receiving letters from his brother, Reginald, who told him in his writings about the Nation of Islam, the teachings of an uncle... ... into orthodox Islam. African-Americans' interest in their Islamic roots has flourished since Malcolm’s death. (Haley) The memory and image of Malcolm X has changed as much after his death as his own philosophies changed during his lifetime. Malcolm was first thought to be a violent militant, but now he is understood as an advocate of self-help, self-defense, and education. He succeeded in putting together history, religion, and mythology as a skeleton for his eventual belief in world brotherhood and human justice. In his eyes, Malcolm thought faith was a prelude to action, and that ideas were useless without policy. Malcolm X’s autobiography is read in schools throughout the United States. It has inspired some African-Americans to get involved in their Islamic roots. In 1992, Spike Lee made a movie based on the autobiography that sparked an interest in the meaning of life and death of Malcolm X. X Russ Lahey Bibliography Frost, Bob â€Å"The Complex Journey of Malcolm X.† Biography Feb. 2001, Vol. 5, p64 Gale, Thomas â€Å"Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz)† The African American Almanac, 1997, 7th ed. Haley, Alex and X, Malcolm The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Oct 1992

Why Prohibition Failed to Control American Alcohol Consumption

A single sketchy light flickers in a dark room. The smell of pure, hard liquor (most likely moonshine), permeates the air. Screams, laughter, shattering glass, and the freshly-made whiskey are shared by all in the dingy lair–until a stern knock cuts through the noise, silencing and destroying the night. It was this scenario and countless others like it that defined American Prohibition, also known as â€Å"The Noble Experiment†, a ban on any intoxicating beverage from 1920 to 1933.Reasons Prohibition was enacted was to correct corruption and reduce prison numbers, solve social unrest, lower taxes, and improve hygiene and health of the people. However, Prohibition ultimately failed in its attempt to control the behavior and vices of its citizens. One particular issue that arose from Prohibition was that it fostered corruption; poor, young immigrants gradually morphed into mobs and general crime became organized. Extensive crime syndicates solidified and what is now collo quially known as the â€Å"Mafia† formed.The public had nowhere else to turn but these bootleg distilleries (dubbed â€Å"speakeasies†), because the method of getting in was a password–and by the end of Prohibition, over one million gallons of liquor had been bootlegged and brought into the United States alone. Not only had organized crime increased, but most crimes in general did, too. In addition to distilling alcohol illegally, police budgets in the period of Prohibition had increased by 11. 4 million dollars (adjusted for today’s inflation, more than 140. 5 million dollars). Total federal expenditures on penal institutions increased by a whopping 1000%.Homicides, civil unrest, the prison population, and Prohibition violations had actually increased during Prohibition. The demand for alcohol and the elimination of the public’s legal supply ultimately played a large part in the spike in crime during this era. Besides the fact that crime multiplie d uncontrollably, Prohibition was also practically unenforceable. Interestingly enough, the act of drinking in itself was not banned, rather, only sale and distribution. Bootleggers outnumbered police officers and enforcement became laughably lax in some areas of the United States.The 21 Club, a popular speakeasy in New York City, had been raided many times by police, but the owners were never caught. Many American immigrants viewed liquor not as a vice but as an integral cultural component. Smuggling and bootlegging were in full swing, and by 1927 the number of speakeasies was twice the number of legal bars pre-Prohibition. The Volstead Act itself (the enabling legislation for Prohibition) allowed the sale and production of wine at home and for religious purposes, allowing for vineyards to sell grapes and concentrate for people to make their own wine at home.The contents of the law was full of loopholes that were often exploited, such as whiskey prescription for medical reasons. Th e Prohibition saw a sharp increase in prescriptions written for patients that called for alcohol. Prohibition had also decimated the alcohol-production industry, particularly that of winemaking. As mentioned previously, winemakers had to find loopholes and crafty ways to bypass the law. Many went out of business due to the fact that any alcohol over 0. 5% was banned, and most wines had about a 13% alcohol content.Wine for sacramental purposes was allowed, and people who acted as imposters of church figures obtained wine through this alternative route. Lack of support was widespread and only increased as Prohibition went on. The increase of chaos, loss of businesses, and most of all crime only caused any original support for the law to dwindle. Finally, at 3:32 p. m. on December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, effectively nullifying the 18th Amendment and repealing Prohibition.As the Roaring Twenties came to a close, the United States of America saw that the tax revenue gen erated by legal sale of alcohol would help take the edge off of the financial burden that came with the Great Depression. In conclusion, Prohibition in the United States is generally known as an unsuccessful experiment in enforcing morality in legislation. Illegal distilleries and speakeasies (establishments for illegally purchasing alcohol) broke out and encouraged the spread of crime. The Mafia was established as poor immigrants who found an easy way to make a great deal of money by selling alcohol to those in desperate want of it.Countless loopholes were exploited and enforcement of the laws, over time, decreased steeply. Despite the conviction by Congress that going dry would help the United States cut down on alcoholism and crime, Prohibition ended up doing the exact opposite. Overall, lack of support, increase in crime, unenforceability, and necessity of alcohol in society during the 1920s caused the ultimate downfall and failure of the American Prohibition.CITATIONS (sorry th at this version does not have them inline): http://www. cato. rg/publications/policy-analysis/alcohol-prohibition-was-failure http://www. albany. edu/~wm731882/organized_crime1_final. html http://www. westegg. com/inflation/infl. cgi http://www. digitalhistory. uh. edu/database/article_display. cfm? HHID=441 http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC1655505/pdf/calwestmed00210-0040b. pdf http://library. thinkquest. org/04oct/00492/Why_It_Did_Not_Work. htm http://www. netplaces. com/wine-guide/a-brief-history-of-wine/prohibition-wipes-out-an-industry. htm http://history. howstuffworks. com/american-history/prohibition. htm