Summary of a book chapter Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 9

Summary of a book chapter - Assignment Example A small nation facing external threats relies on alliances to overcome such security issues (Duffield, 1992). According to the author, alliances have been a common place in modern history. There have been close to 648 alliances since the early 19th century up to the 21st century. However, most of these alliances have been significantly small with an average of three member nations. Alliances are common in a number of European nations. The author concurs with the notion that alliances are a major influence on international relation. The author attributes a number of outbreaks and spread of the military conflict to alliances. He supports this assumption by stating that the establishment of international alliances can have significant effects on the security of the individual nation and help to determine both the likely outcome of a war (Duffield, 1992). The author provides a number of factors that explain the persistence and collapse of alliances. Approximately 263 alliances with both defensive and offensive attributes have existed for close to 200 years. The author provides estimates of their mean of duration and standard deviation at 13.4 and 13.1 respectively. Defensive alliances with no offensive elements lasted longer. According to the author, wars and shift in the map of global politics that such wars occur are the key factors affecting the persistence or the collapse of alliances (Duffield 1992). Out of the many alliances formed in the late 19th century, a few outlived the First and the Second World War. The author provides other factors behind the persistence and the collapse of wars. The motive behind the formation of alliances is a key determinant of whether the alliance will last for long or whether it will collapse after a short duration. According to the author, as long as the motives for the formation of alliances remain in place, then the alliance will persist. The author agrees that international relation is a key motive for an alliance

Unweeded garden Essay Example for Free

Unweeded garden Essay Although audiences of today have not experienced such a controversy among the royal family as in the 1600s, they would still understand how immoral the marriage between Claudius and Gertrude is and would recognise how it brings instability in the royal household and consequently the state. Although, some of those in a modern audience would see it as an affair too close too home which is likely to cause emotional distress for Hamlet rather than as incestuous. Modern audiences would also understand how the state depends on the control and stability of the royal family. If there is decay and dislocation in the royal family, the state will suffer. Subsequently, the state transforms from a place of peace to an unweeded garden in which there is disorder. This imagery of the unweeded garden clearly illustrates the idea of transformation. Denmark used to be a state where there was control and order, just like a garden. However, the same way a garden that has not been looked after produces weeds, is the same way a country without control creates disorder. This then leads to chaos and finally foul play leaving the state rank and gross in nature. During Hamlet, not only Denmark goes through a transformation, the characters themselves go through a transformation during the course of the play. The language used shows this. Looking at Claudius language in the beginning of the play, it is confident and eloquent. He deals with four items of business: his accession; the threat from young Fortinbras; Laertess suit and Hamlets behaviour. There are no interruptions during the Kings speech other than agreement from his faithful courtiers. However, this only occurs because each of them are involved in the manipulation of the kingdom as they gain great rewards from their king. Each affair is emphasised with a caesura. Taken to wife. underlines that Gertrude is his wife, no questions asked and So much for him. ends all conversation to do with the previous king. Intellectual language is also used filial obligation which shows his authority as king. However, as the play progresses, Claudius character transforms into a different king. During the scene in which Claudius prays for forgiveness, the audience are confronted with a different character. The language here is very unlike the language in the beginning of the play. There are many questions and the character becomes trapped in the language. What then? What rests? What can it not? The language also emphasises the characters now tortured soul as in the syntax Pray can I not instead of I can not pray. It could be argued that as Denmark changes, so does its king. The decay and dislocation of the state has an effect on Claudius and so instead of being in control like before, he is unable to hold the state together. Like Claudius, Hamlet also transforms during the play. One might say that this character is the core concept of transformation. The language in the beginning of the play displays Hamlets weariness conveyed by the listless tempo of the words How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable. The verse starts and stops, punctuated by expressions of pain and confusion: -why, she she married-O most wicked speed! Hamlet transforms from circumstances in which he cannot understand himself or the world he is living in into states of despair or even anger. Hamlet often questions the existence of man what piece of work is a man? and Shakespeare shows the characters incomprehension with long speeches containing long sentences in which there are many questions Hamlet is asking himself such as: What is this quintessence of dust? Shakespeare shows Hamlets despair with dismal consistency of tone and tempo as the character seeks to find out whether he is equal to the task that has been set. This contrasts with scenes in which the language of Hamlet is agitated and irritated. Shakespeare emphasises his disgust with disease imageries referring to prostitutes especially when confronted with Gertrude or Ophelia: you jig, you amble In the closet scene, while Hamlet speaks to his mother, his language transforms once again. The words used are similar to that which a preacher uses for love of grace Confess yourself to heaven repent virtue However, the greatest transformation affecting Hamlet, happens when Hamlet has just returned from England. The encounter with Fortinbras army encourages Hamlet to reflect on the nature of honour and resolves him to have bloody and impulsive thoughts: O, from this time forth My thoughts be bloody or be nothing worth. (iv. iv. 65-4) Hamlet announces: This is I, Hamlet the Dane (v. i. 251-2) And in doing so, he demonstrates that he finally understands who he is and what responsibilities he must uphold. Transformation occurs not only through Denmark but also through the characters. The closing action of the play is the removal of the bodies from the field and this could be seen as the finally transformation. The bodies from the Denmark in which there was corruption and dislocation are removed in order to make way for a new Denmark, a Denmark for the living. Whether this final action determines a positive outcome for the state is for the audience to decide, however, the atmosphere at the end of the play contains some element of hope rather than complete despair as in the opening scene. The theme of transformation therefore introduces and concludes Shakespeares play, Hamlet.

SWOT Analysis of the COCOM Structure Essay example -- Business Analysi

The Idea of the Combatant Command structure was first emerged during World War II with the establishment of the different geographical theaters of operation that was composed of militant forces from different services. A single General or Admiral was appointed the single commander nominated by the President of the United States and was supported by a joint staff. With the implementation of the Goldwater Nichols Act of 1986, COCOM Commanders attained a nontransferable command authority over different service forces directly to the Secretary of Defense. Today there are 6 Geographic commanders consisting of the newest member the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), and U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). There has been a significant amount of criticism and arguments over the structuring and organization of the Combatant Commanders. Arguments have been made over personnel and budget restraints to peacetime efforts and the need for continued assistance. This Essay will analyze the COCOM structure using a SWOT analysis to look at both the internal and external points of the different commands and the overall effects the COCOM has on the world. This essay will finally offer and modification of the structure that would benefit the organization. The SWOT analysis is an acronym that stands for Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats. The idea of this assessment was developed by a man name Albert Humphrey in 1960’s. His team of researchers at the Stanford Research Institute originally developed a long range corporate planning model called SOFT meaning Satisfactory, Opportunity, Fault,... ...N Douglas M. â€Å"SOUTHCOM Posture Statement.† Washington, DC, 6 March 2012. Andrew Feickert, â€Å"The Unified Command Plan and Combatant Commands: Background and Issues for Congress,† Congressional Research Service, Novemnber 7, 2011, 60. Kniskern and Ducey, â€Å"SWOT and Structured Assessment Methodology,† 7. GEN James N. Mattis, â€Å"Statement: Commander U.S. Central Command Before the Senate Armed Services Committee,† Washington, DC, 6 March 2012, 6. Stavridis, â€Å"EUCOM Posture Statement† 60. Ibid., 60 GEN Douglas M. â€Å"SOUTHCOM Posture Statement.† 24. Feickert, â€Å"The Unified Command Plan and Combatant Commands,† 64. U.S. Government Accountability Office. â€Å"Defense Management: U.S. Southern Command Demonstrates Interagency Collaboration, but Its Haiti Disaster Response Revealed Challenges Conducting a Large Military Operation,† GAO-10-801, July 2010, 25.

Christianity in Crime and Punishment Essay -- essays papers

Christianity in Crime and Punishment While reading Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky, the notion that it is a novel about Christianity seems absurd at first. Its central story focuses on revenge, murder and punishment – ideals contrary to Christian beliefs. Although the book may appear to be non-Christian, there were many instances where faith, suffering and redemption were present. These occasions show that the underlying theme of Crime and Punishment is one of Christianity. The references to icons, Lazarus, New Jerusalem and the constant presence of suffering prove that the novel has biblical connotation. In the beginning of the novel, when Raskolnikov goes to the pawnbroker to pawn his father’s watch, Dostoevsky describes Alyona’s apartment. â€Å"The furniture, all very old an of yellow wood, consisted of a sofa†¦ In the corner a light was burning before a small icon.† Even from the very first chapter, Dostoevsky made a reference to a Christian image. An ‘icon’ is a picture or representation of a saint or other Christian figures. I believe that the author did this to make it evident right from the start that Crime and Punishment is irrevocably a novel about God. An icon reappears every now and then in the rest of the book to reiterate that God will always be around, watching and guiding over everyone. Also near the beginning of the story, the man Raskolnikov met at the bar, Marmeledov, declared the first primary Christian message in the novel. Ironic as it was, being that he was drunk, he cried out, â€Å"Crucify me oh judge†¦ He is the One... He will forgive my Sonya.† The idea that God could forgive is a very strong belief throughout the novel and this concept is one that is vital to the transformation of ... ...tly, she knows that he loves her and that they will have a future together. â€Å"†¦ The dawn of a new future, a perfect resurrection into a new life...† The Lazarus image recurs. Love has raised them from the dead. This love is the love of God that has shown through their suffering. By loving Sonya, I believe Raskolnikov is ready to love God. The seven years that remain on his sentence have a religious significance too, for seven is the number of creation, as well. In closure, the Christian content in Crime and Punishment is definitely evident and teaches many morals to the reader. The story has a message of faith and enlightens those who do not have any. In reading this novel, I came to realize that â€Å"you must accept suffering and redeem yourself by it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  For if you do not, then you will being like Raskolnikov and suffer the punishments for dong the crime. Christianity in Crime and Punishment Essay -- essays papers Christianity in Crime and Punishment While reading Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky, the notion that it is a novel about Christianity seems absurd at first. Its central story focuses on revenge, murder and punishment – ideals contrary to Christian beliefs. Although the book may appear to be non-Christian, there were many instances where faith, suffering and redemption were present. These occasions show that the underlying theme of Crime and Punishment is one of Christianity. The references to icons, Lazarus, New Jerusalem and the constant presence of suffering prove that the novel has biblical connotation. In the beginning of the novel, when Raskolnikov goes to the pawnbroker to pawn his father’s watch, Dostoevsky describes Alyona’s apartment. â€Å"The furniture, all very old an of yellow wood, consisted of a sofa†¦ In the corner a light was burning before a small icon.† Even from the very first chapter, Dostoevsky made a reference to a Christian image. An ‘icon’ is a picture or representation of a saint or other Christian figures. I believe that the author did this to make it evident right from the start that Crime and Punishment is irrevocably a novel about God. An icon reappears every now and then in the rest of the book to reiterate that God will always be around, watching and guiding over everyone. Also near the beginning of the story, the man Raskolnikov met at the bar, Marmeledov, declared the first primary Christian message in the novel. Ironic as it was, being that he was drunk, he cried out, â€Å"Crucify me oh judge†¦ He is the One... He will forgive my Sonya.† The idea that God could forgive is a very strong belief throughout the novel and this concept is one that is vital to the transformation of ... ...tly, she knows that he loves her and that they will have a future together. â€Å"†¦ The dawn of a new future, a perfect resurrection into a new life...† The Lazarus image recurs. Love has raised them from the dead. This love is the love of God that has shown through their suffering. By loving Sonya, I believe Raskolnikov is ready to love God. The seven years that remain on his sentence have a religious significance too, for seven is the number of creation, as well. In closure, the Christian content in Crime and Punishment is definitely evident and teaches many morals to the reader. The story has a message of faith and enlightens those who do not have any. In reading this novel, I came to realize that â€Å"you must accept suffering and redeem yourself by it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  For if you do not, then you will being like Raskolnikov and suffer the punishments for dong the crime.

Microeconomics: Corn Market Problems

Corn Market Problems Since April there have been some major issues with the production in the Corn Belt of America. The central and west areas of the Corn Belt are relatively unaffected, but the north and east areas have seen some major decreases in corn output due to underweight corn and corn diseases. North Dakota, Indiana, Illinois and parts of Iowa have seen the most damage, mainly because of molds and mycotoxins. Many fear that this shortage of corn will affect the grain trade and the economy as a whole since many of the corn is too damaged to be used for feed or energy.Some farmers have experimented with mixing good quality corn with the underweight corn in order to meet the national standard for corn weight, so this may help a little. With a shortage like this, on a product that has so many purposes, it would be hard to find a substitute; therefore we can expect the demand of corn to rise. A rise in demand will also lead to a rise in price and a rise in quantity demanded. Farm ers will strive for maximum efficiency and cut corners to yield as much corn as possible, but the supply still will not be enough.The shortage of corn will cause the supply curve to move to the left. This means that price will increase, but the quantity supplied is going to be limited. Hopefully there can be enough corn in other areas to pick up after the north and east ends of the corn belt. The market-equilibrium price will be affected as well. Since there is an obvious shortage and corn suppliers are unable to produce as much corn as normal, the rise in demand and decrease in supply will inevitabley lead to an increase in market price.

Pimples and Acne Treatments Essay Example

Pimples and Acne Treatments Essay Example Pimples and Acne Treatments Essay Pimples and Acne Treatments Essay Pimples and acne appear on the skin when a pore(s) on the skin is blocked by oil from the oil glands, dirt, or other debris that end up on the skin throughout the day. What happens next is the body naturally reacts to the foreign object by using the bacteria present in the pores which unfortunately causes inflammation, thus a pimple is born. Pimples and acne are a result from hormonal imbalances, sedentary lifestyle or improper diet combined with other factors. While treating the root cause of pimples may take time, there are various natural pimple treatments that can be used to soothe or get rid of the pimple very quickly. Natural Treatments: Aloe Vera: The liquid extract or gel from Aloe-Vera plant is excellent for soothing individual pimples and acne as well as helping to prevent a breakout. The skin absorbs this gel 4x’s faster than water, plus the ingredients in the gel soothe the irritated pores. The excellent anti-bacterial properties of the gel reduces the inflammation by quickly penetrating through several layers of tissues and breaking up residue, dead cells and destroying the bacteria. You can also create other home-made remedies to soothe inflammation of the pimple without it scarring. Some examples: Hold an ice cube against the pimple will reduce the redness but it may not eliminate the pimple entirely. A teaspoon of juice from crushed cilantro or mint leaves combined with a pinch of powdered turmeric, when applied on the pimple reduces the inflammation and redness of the pimple. Applying lemon juice on the pimple for about fifteen minutes is an effective remedy to treat the pimple without scarring. The citric acid in the lemon juice is a great exfoliant. Garlic can be applied topically by rubbing crushed garlic on the pimple. It will reduce inflammation and prevent the infection from causing a breakout. A paste made from crushed cinnamon and honey is also effective in treating individual pimples. Apply this paste on the pimple for 15 minutes and then wash it with water. Cinnamon has natural anti-bacterial properties, which reduces the pimple quickly and gives a clear skin. Most importantly, never try to burst the pimple as this will spread the infection and cause scarring. However, natural treatments may be effective against individual pimples but they are not as effective against moderate or severe forms of acne such as cystic acne. Conventional Treatments: In cases of mild acne, benzoyl peroxide solution is considered particularly effective, but it has its share of controversies. It is known to cause side-effects like skin irritation, blistering, reddening and discoloration of hair clothes or any product that comes in contact with it. Studies are also being conducted to investigate if the free radicals, produced in the skin by benzyl peroxide, will cause skin cancer. In the case of a severe form of acne called cystic acne, utmost care needs to be exercised. If not treated immediately, these can leave a permanent acne scar on the skin. Hence, powerful oral medications like isotretinoin are recommended by the dermatologists, which act swiftly against the infection and prevent scarring. However, isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects and should not be taken by pregnant women. Finally, drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily, intake of nutritious well balanced diet and a healthy fitness regimen helps maintain pimple and acne free skin, naturally. If you want to get rid of your pimples and acne for good, it is certainly possible. I was a former sufferer and have gotten rid of them by using natural pimples and acne treatments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Compulsory Education and Its Importanc

Advantages and Disadvantages of Compulsory Education and Its Importanc Advantages and Disadvantages of Compulsory Education and Its Importance National University Sociology 100 Professor Jessica Skropranic March 3, 2013 Advantages and Disadvantages of Compulsory Education As of today, Compulsory education has become a huge impact to society in countless numbers of ways. People take what education has to offer, for granted, but even though people do, they should not take it for granted, but take advantage of this law given. With the help of compulsory education, there can be many helpful successes we can encounter such as well-organized people and a society that has improved and not only changed, for the better. Compulsory Education affects the lives of adults and children, but it will have its own advantages and disadvantages like the many things that we come across in life. There is a reason why compulsory education is still an ongoing development in our country today. Keeping the law will also create a better education that is fine tuned for children as the time goes by. But it will still have its own disadvantages as well. Before knowing the differences between the advantages and disadvantages, we first need to know and understand what Compulsory Education is and how it plays an enormous factor today in the United States. Compulsory Education was discovered back in 1852, by a man named Horace Mann. Horace took his time and persuaded the state of Massachusetts to create a system of education that required children in the country to attend school and become educated, whether it be home, public, or private school. In 1918, after 66 years after it has been established, every state in the country embraced the Compulsory Education law, and from then on, it still continues to have an influence in todays society as we speak. This law expresses the age for beginning school and how long a child is required to stay educated, within the confinements of school grounds. The National Conference of State Legislatures express the definition of Compulsory Education in Every state and territory requires children to enroll in public or private education or to be home-schooled. More than half32 statesrequire students to begin their education by age 6. Some states set their age requirements as low as age 5 and as high as age 8. All children are required to continue their education into their high school years, with 26 states setting the cutoff age at 16. (NCSL) Photo 1: Retrieved from chartsbin.com/view/xo6 Compulsory Education plays a tremendously important factor. It has become very effective when it comes to schooling. For example, an article on the Internet states, One additional year of compulsory schooling leads to 8% higher annual wages, and a 6% lower likelihood of not being employed in any given year. (CentrePiece) It serves as breakthrough to education in society and provides a greater learning experience for children in school. It also leads to many increased accomplishments for many childrens futures as of today. We dont necessarily need compulsory education, but without it, our society would be extremely different. Our nation wouldnt be as educated as we are today simply because Compulsory Education is particularly important for the matter of how we live our lives. Compulsory Education is one of the reasons why society is how it seems today. Photo 2: Retrieved from compulsoryeducation.wordpress.com Compulsory Education not only has its own disadvantages, but the stronger and more positive effect it has, are the advantages that this law offers. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Compulsory Education decreases, juvenile crime, teen pregnancy, and also the dropout rates for teenagers in high school nowadays. They mention this effect in To encourage more students to attend institutions of higher education and to decrease dropout rates, juvenile crime and teen pregnancy, some state legislatures have increased the school attendance requirement to age 17 or 18. (NCSL). Compulsory education supports this because teenagers and children across the country have these troubles and even though it decreases them, at some point it will not always have a good outcome to it. It depends on the schools and teachers. But this law still has an effect, and its effect is mostly keeping teenagers off of the streets from harm and to have them focus in school better. The reason why

The Development and Institutionalization of Slave Trade Essay Example

The Development and Institutionalization of Slave Trade Essay Example The Development and Institutionalization of Slave Trade Essay The Development and Institutionalization of Slave Trade Essay The Development and Institutionalization of Slave Trade BY vwoods 1987 Slavery, the condition of one human being owned by another (Slavery), has gone through many stages in its development and its reception around the world. As part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BCE, slaves were a large part of civilized society as entertainers in the gladiator arena. These slaves would have been forced to compete, but with their victories and their deaths they would gain respect and some even their freedom. In Africa before the 16th century, slavery and systems of ervitude existed throughout the continent. African slaves during this time were often captives of war or indentured servants; however they were not treated with disrespect. Instead it was common practice for such slaves to be fully integrated into the village or tribe to which their owners belonged. Slaves would live side by side with their owners and could eventually become each others peers. It wasnt until the colonization of the New World and the spread of tobacco cultivation (Foner 101), began that the bond of slavery became less about the slave and more about cheap nd lifelong labor. As Eric Foner states in Give Me Liberty! An American History, no European nation embarked on the colonization of the New World with the intention of relying on African Slaves for the bulk of its labor force (101). Unfortunately, as the New World began to develop and expand its agriculture base, namely tobacco, that the demand for workers increased. European settlers originally had no plan to meet the labor request. Their first resort was to force Indian labor (Morgan 52). This plan began to unravel quickly however, since the Indians were easily susceptible to oreign diseases and began to die off before profits could be made (Morgan 53). It became clear that the Indian population would not support the labor force needed, and so the Europeans began looking elsewhere. Having considered other options, Europeans set their sights on Africa (Morgan 53). The nations of West Africa had had long standing relationships with the different European nations. In the early years of what would become the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Spain and Portugal were the first nations to export slaves from Africa in great numbers. Records show that from the years 1500 to 1 550 over 64, 000 slaves were exported by these two countries alone (Number of Captives). These same records conclude that until the 1640s, Spain and Portugal were the only two countries with significant numbers in the slave trade. In 1619, the first Africans, twenty in all, arrived in Virginia (Foner 105), and with their arrival, the flood gates opened. It was at this time that other nations, namely Great Britain and the Netherlands, became more involved in the slave trade. The British and the Dutch began importing laves to the New World to meet the needs of the colonies. The British colonies of Virginia and Maryland, as well as the Dutch colony in New York, made up the Chesapeake area, with each having its own large tobacco industries that needed to be fueled by slave labor. By the turn of the century, the British and the Dutch had imported nearly 640,000 slaves to the colonies. With the importation of large number 0T slaves came more ana more laws tnat trlea to ratlonallze slavery as well to create a never ending supply of new slaves. Laws were passes regarding the birth of slave children as well as interracial children, with nearly all laws stating that if the mother was a slave that the child was a slave also, and became property of the slave owner. These laws consequently made sexual abuse of slave women profitable for slave holders (Foner 106). In such a short time Virginia had changed from a society with slaves, in which slavery was one system of labor among others, to a slave society, where slavery stood at the center of the economic process (Foner 108). Across the Atlantic, as stated efore, slavery was practiced throughout much of Africa among the various tribes and villages. However, with the increasing demand for slaves, coastal tribes would raid the inland tribes and capture their fellow Africans and sell them to the Europeans for small valuable trinkets. These newly captures slaves couldnt possibly have known what their futures held for them in the New World, if they made it there. Within the borders of the New World slaves tried to escape whenever possible, but rarely succeeded in such a new and strange world. Slaves newly imported were ubject to laws and customs that they didnt understand, and since many of them came from different villages few could communicate with each other (Marques). Slave rebellion was kept under control by the fierce and open violence aimed at those who stepped out of line. Fear for ones life suddenly became more important than freedom for many of the newly enslaved. As the years progressed the slave trade would see fluctuations in the number of slaves exported from Africa and imported to various countries as well as into the colonies, and then the United States of America. Political tensions, including the Revolutionary War, contributed to decline in slave importation but it wasnt until the 1831s that the slave trade essentially ended, at least for the United States. As History is bound to repeat itself, in recent times, there are numerous occasions were slavery has peaked and then declined. Fortunately these recent incidences, have never reached such catastrophic and saddening numbers as the Tran-Atlantic Slave Trade had. Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty!. An American History. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. New York: W. W. Norton, 2011. Print. Marques, Leonardo. Slave Trading In a New World. Journal of the Early Republic 32. 2 Academic search complete. web. 4 oct. 2012 Morgan, Philip D. Origins of American Slavery. OAH Magazine of History 19. 4 (2005): 51-56. Academic Search Complete. Web. 4 Oct. 2012 Number of Captives Embarked and Disembarked Per Year. The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database. Emory University, 2009. Web. 4 Oct. 2012. Slavery. Encyclop? ¦dia Britannica. Encyclop? ¦dia Britannica Online. Encyclop? ¦dia Britannica Inc. , 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2012

Canadian history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Canadian history - Essay Example Canadian economy in general flourished during the period in question and even later on because it realized and responded positively to external opportunities and pressures; on the domestic front it improved inland transportation, allowed immigration developed an atmosphere for enterprise and imported technology from Europe leading to a steady growth of an economic infrastructure. One may argue that compared to Europe, the Canadian economic structure had peculiar characteristics comparable only with Australia. Canada has a small population living in an area which is endowed by the nature with plenty of raw material in high demand in Europe. Since there was no government emphasis on and efforts to developing the manufacturing sector, the Canadian entrepreneurs could focus on staples export to Europe and America. After the Confederation was announced in 1970, Canada found itself in the throes of breaking away from British political influence yet having to depend on it for the sale of its staples and import of manufactured goods. It had to set its own policies as a quasi-independent country even when it cannot shrug off the mainly European heritage. This was also a period when Europe itself was passing through the epochal period of industrialization and attendant socio-political change. The cultural difference between the people who ran Canada (such as British and French) and the changing geographical aspects impeded a uniform growth in economy. For instance, if the growth was propelled in some regions by the export of staples to Europe, in other regions domestic progress fueled the economic growth. Also, the progress at the national level varied from one period to the other. One aspect of Canada's economic growth is also stated to be a combination of dependent and independent progress workin g in coordination yet historians have been able to distinguish periods when economic growth was dependent and when it was independent. Therefore, studies of Canada's economic history revolve around H. A. Innis who proposed the development of staples export dependent on Europe and John Rae who was in favour of an independent model of growth. There are many versions of the staple theory proposed by Innis during the nineteenth century and of course many off-shoots of the independent John Rae's economic theory including the Nationalist School in the nineteenth century. But according to Neill, "the political fractionation and geographical expansion that constituted Confederation eventually tipped the balance, for Canada as a whole, in favour of growth dependent on primary product exportshowever, between 1866 and 1896, the central Canadian economy grew at a steady pace, unaided by any significant expansion of staple exports." (Neill, 1991) At a time when Canada enjoyed good relations with Europe especially in terms of trade, it was faced with a threat from the United States which viewed Canada as a weak British colony. Table 1: TRADE OF CANADA WITH VARIOUS COUNTRIES DURING 1886-1955 Year Total($ millions) U.S. U.K. 1886 96.0 44.6

Data Analysis of noise study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Data Analysis of noise study - Essay Example Finally, this scale has an absolute or fixed zero point. An employee who scores a zero in test must have answered all the questions incorrectly. The ANOVA is used whenever there are three or more groups to compare. In this case it would be an appropriate tool because there are three groups to compare; Constant Sound, Random Sound and with No Sound. (There is no difference in the mean productivity of those who have background music at constant volume, those who have background music at periodically varying volumes and those who do not have background music at all) (There is a difference in the mean productivity of those who have background music at constant volume, those who have background music at periodically varying volumes and those who do not have background music at all.) The test results are statistically significant at the 5% level; that is, at the 5% significance level, the data do provide sufficient evidence to conclude that there is a difference in the mean productivity of employees who have background music at constant volume, those who have background music at periodically varying volumes and those who do not have background music at all. Once we have obtained the results from One-Way ANOVA, follow-up tests are required to find out which group’s mean significantly differs from the other group means. The test which we will be conducting is called Tukey HSD test. (i) Since 2.766 (ii) The second part shows that 3.631 > 3.57 therefore there is a significant differences in the mean productivity of the group which have background music at constant volume and the group which who had no background music. (iii) Finally, the results of the last part reveal that as 0.864 < 3.57 therefore there are no significant differences in the

Evidence Based Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Evidence Based - Research Paper Example In United States, the Card Vascular Disease (CVD) has become a serious cause of death, especially dangerous for the diabetic patients. The Card Vascular Disease (CVD) correlates with the different levels of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride contained particles. To increase the Card Vascular Disease (CVD), there are many types of lipids by containing those particles, which promote the plaque formation between the tissues (only transporting lipids are not harmful for the tissues) to increase the risk factors of diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are due to high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated level of triglyceride and low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (Runhua Hou, 2009). LDL-C level should be lowered to avoid CVD. The patients are treated with multiple drugs to achieve the goal of reducing its level 30% below the baseline. Some patients can be treated with single drug, but other needs more drugs including statins, bile acid sequestrants (BAS) and ezetimibe. Medical research has proved that there is positive relationship between Low Density Lipoprotein and the coronary heart disease. The nursing process to treat the patients has proved that the Statins drug is very beneficial for the heart patients to lower the disease risks. Statins are safe to use by mixing it with other drugs to benefit the patients for cholesterol-lowering therapy (Lawrence Baruch, 2008). Ezetimibe is mainly used to reduce the amount of lipids so also known as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. It blocks the passage of lipids through the intestine. Ezetimibe is used as monotherapy or it is combined with smvastatin (Lawrence Baruch, 2008).A high concentration of LDL-c causes hypercholesterolemia (hFL) and premature coronary heart diseases (Christos Pitsavos, 2008). Decreasing the level of LDL-C is the first requirement to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult

IAS 40 Investment Property Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

IAS 40 Investment Property - Essay Example There has been a widely held debate in terms of a need to classify a property as an investment property or a property which is in use by the owner. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) provides a clear cut difference between the property which is intended to be held as investment and the property to be held for the purpose of use other than any investment purpose (Deloitte, 2012). On the other hand, if Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are taken into consideration, then there cannot be found any difference between the two as such. However IFRS has recognized the need for providing specific guidance especially for the property which is to be held by the owner for the purpose of investment (Deloitte, 2012).This article aims to study the various impacts of IAS 40 â€Å"Investment Property† with respect to different elements. The paper is structured in such a manner that first section highlights the overview of IAS 40 in which a brief history, definition, obje ctive and scope of Investment Property is briefly discussed. Second part of this article outlines at the accounting treatment of Investment Property such recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements are explained in detail. Next section provides a brief comparison of IFRS and GAAP in respect of Investment Property followed by a section which illustrates an example reproduced from the annual report of a publicly listed company. Discussion and conclusion of IAS 40 will summarize this article.

Human resources Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Human resources Management - Assignment Example RasGas also supplies LNG at home and in addition to producing LNG for export markets in the amount of 37 million tonnnes each year, RasGas also supplies about 2.0 billion cubic feet of LNG at home. RasGas also ‘manages and operates’ the ‘Hellim 1 and Hellim 2 facilities’ which together produces 1.96 billion cubic feet of liquid hellim annually. RasGas is committed to increase production with a view to meeting energy demands both at home and abroad (RasGas, 2001-2013). †¦develop, produce and sell hydrocarbaons from the world’s largest non-associated gas field in a safe and environmentally responsible manner for the welfare of the State of Qatar and the satisfaction of our customers while maximizing shareholder value (RasGas, 2001-2013A). ..The safe and reliable production and delivery of products to a worldwide portfolio of customers and the superior execution of projects and technical services for our shareholders and stakeholders (RasGas, 2001-2013A). Thus, the overall strategy of RasGas as an organization is to provide high quantity, and high quality LNG in a manner that is environmentally friendly. RasGas also emphasizes efficiency and excellence in customer service, profit maximization for shareholders and satisfaction for a wider class of stakeholders. Sustainability is at the heart of RasGas’ strategy. According to RasGas, sustainability is the key to ‘business success’ (RasGas, 2001-2013B). Sustainability is therefore built on four pillars: performance improvement through competitiveness and innovation, improving relationships with stakeholders and shareholders, maintaining integrity through high operational and business standards and sustainable practices (see Figure 1) (RasGas, 2001-2013B). RasGas’ external labour market consists of operating a ‘fleet of 27 LNG carriers under long term charter agreements with ship owners’ (RasGas, 2001-2013). This fleet of carriers include ‘conventional, Q-Flex and Q-Max

IAS 40 Investment Property Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

IAS 40 Investment Property - Essay Example There has been a widely held debate in terms of a need to classify a property as an investment property or a property which is in use by the owner. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) provides a clear cut difference between the property which is intended to be held as investment and the property to be held for the purpose of use other than any investment purpose (Deloitte, 2012). On the other hand, if Generally Accepted Accounting Principles are taken into consideration, then there cannot be found any difference between the two as such. However IFRS has recognized the need for providing specific guidance especially for the property which is to be held by the owner for the purpose of investment (Deloitte, 2012).This article aims to study the various impacts of IAS 40 â€Å"Investment Property† with respect to different elements. The paper is structured in such a manner that first section highlights the overview of IAS 40 in which a brief history, definition, obje ctive and scope of Investment Property is briefly discussed. Second part of this article outlines at the accounting treatment of Investment Property such recognition, measurement and disclosure requirements are explained in detail. Next section provides a brief comparison of IFRS and GAAP in respect of Investment Property followed by a section which illustrates an example reproduced from the annual report of a publicly listed company. Discussion and conclusion of IAS 40 will summarize this article.

Quantitative finance and methods ( masters degree) Statistics Project

Quantitative finance and methods ( masters degree) - Statistics Project Example at return on capital employed and retained earnings/total assets have a very high correlation (0.6), it would be advisable to remove both of them in order to avoid the problem of problem of multicollinearity. Regarding whether to remove either retained earnings/total assets or return on capital employed based on the likelihood ratio tests, it will depend on their respective p-values. The one with its p-value approaching 1 than the other should be removed, as that implies that it is irrelevant. (e) From the coefficients of the original logistic regression, and ignoring the likelihood ratio tests, is it generally true that firms with a higher current ratio are more likely to go into liquidation? Explain. (6 marks) Firms with a higher current ratio are more likely to go into liquidation. This is because if we were to carry out a comparative analysis between the original logistic regression and Firm X statistics, it is apparent that the lower the returns of a firm, the higher the current ratio. Furthermore, it is a common knowledge that the firms with lower returns are the ones with the highest possibility if of going into liquidation. since we have concluded that firms with a higher current ratio are more likely to go into liquidation, the p-value must be less than 0.05, which shows that the model is statistically significant at the 95% confidence level. Whether the above two results are statistically significant, at the 95% level of confidence will depend on the p-value generated from the computer. If p-value is less than 0.05, the two results are statistically significant, at the 95% level of confidence. Q2. In evaluating the default risk of bank customers, two approaches are used, namely, multiple discriminant analysis and conventional methods. From a sample of 460 customers, observed results and predicted results of good and bad loans are summarised below. Q3. You are working on a research project on capital structure. You

Madness through king lear Essay Example for Free

Madness through king lear Essay In the 17th Century, madness was still a relatively new concept. Many people believed it was due to a person being possessed, which resulted in madness often being linked back to black magic and witchcraft. In context, the public would frequently visit Bedlam Hospital to enjoy the spectacle of a madmans behaviour thus, Renaissance dramatists typically used mad scenes for a comical effect. In spite of this, Shakespeare seems intent on a serious, if not slightly disturbing, portrayal of madness in King Lear. Throughout the play King Lear, we bear witness to Lears gradual and possibly inevitable descent into madness. As early as Act I Scene 1 we, as the audience, observe early signs of the kings insanity, albeit political at this point, we are alarmed at Lears decision to break up his state. Especially through the means he wishes to do so, his love-test is foolish and egotistical, as is his desire to be treated as an important, royal personage after he has given away his kingdom. It is fair to say that all through Act I Scene 1 Lear shows many times that he most concerned with appearances. Seemingly his love-test is going to plan, as Goneril and Regan extravagantly pledge their love and allegiance to their father, this is until Cordelia refuses to comply with Lears love-test, answering I love your Majesty according to my bond, no more, no less. simply meaning that Cordelia loves her father as a daughter should. Lear, in his blissful ignorance, cannot see past Goneril and Regans elaborate speeches and instead feels humiliated by his youngest daughters unadorned answer. As a result, he disowns her and banishes her, Cordelia then departs to France. We can see Lear is already losing control as he goes to strike his faithful advisor Kent and banishes him also, all because Kent questioned the Lears actions. As a consequence of Lears vituperative temper and his irrational, insane, actions he leaves himself powerless and at the mercy of his two eldest daughters, with neither his loyal advisor nor his devoted youngest daughter to protect him from what is to proceed. As the play progresses, we can see that the kings identity is gradually becoming unbeknown to him when he asks the question Who is there that can tell me who I am? 1, we can see that Lear is slowly losing his wits. Lears speeches become increasingly disjointed as he becomes more distressed, hinting at the madness that will overtake him later in the play. He is becoming progressively isolated due to his fragile mental state, thus, through Lear the idea of madness could be seen as being presented as vulnerability. In Act II, Lears changes of moods and tones indicate his escalating mental instability. His foolishness persists as he insists he will stay with the daughter that allows him to keep the most knights; there is desperation in his confrontation with his dog-hearted daughters. Eventually, the beleaguered kings rages become signs of impotence, not authority, emphasising the fact that the patriarchs insanity has left him powerless and increasingly vulnerable. When the storm starts we recognise that Lears fear that he would go mad, first voiced in Act I Scene 4, has been realised. The storm serves as a metaphor for Lears and Englands plight, his speeches establish and reflect properties of the storm. Through the storm, Lears madness is presented as destructive as his speeches are full of anger and distress, as the mad king moves swiftly from one topic to another. The violence of the imagery that the king employs reflects his state of mind. It is easy to see how Lears insanity could be viewed as destructive; he has caused his kingdoms predicament through his rash actions at the beginning of the play, he has divided his family through his egotism and in his mad rages he often behaves like a scorned child using invective language. However, all this considered, Shakespeare also presents Lears madness as pitiful. Due to his madness Lear confronts his failings: as a father and a ruler. He shows compassion to the characters that have helped him i. e. the Fool, Kent/Caious and Poor Tom. Even when Lear starts to regain his wits, we sympathise with the king as with his new clarity of vision brings with it distress and much regret. These are not the facts that make us truly pity Lear; it is the reality that wisdom came too late. Jesters were often kept by the monarch to provide witty analysis of contemporary behaviour and to remind the sovereign of his humanity; Lears Fool certainly fulfils these functions for his master. At first glance, the Fools professional madness is rendered as comical, his seemingly asinine jests often lighten the tone and provide some much needed moments of relief, the Fools flippant remark about Poor Toms clothing is a good example of him lightening the tone of a distressing scene. However, through the Fools professional insanity Shakespeare presents a hidden wisdom. Lears Fool is all-licensed which essentially means that the Fool is licensed to say things to his superior that anybody else would be punished for. Taking this, and the fact that Lear and his Fool seem to have a very close relationship (the Fool calling Lear nuncle and Lear calling the Fool boy), throughout the time the Fool exists in the play he is able to counsel Lear. The Fools sarcastic jesting is blunt and hard hitting. Almost as soon as the Fool enters in the play he harps on Lears folly, this is apparent when the king asks Dost thou call me fool, boy? to which the Fool replies All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born with2. Through the Fools madness he serves to push Lear towards the truth about his daughters this is evident when he warns Lear that Regan will side with Goneril, Shalt see thy other daughter will use kindly; for though shes as like this crabs like an apple, yet I can tell what I can tell3. And again when he hints at the dangerous situation Lear has put himself in by reversing the natural order, making his daughters his mother, The hedge-sparrow fed the cuckoo so long that it had it head bit off by it young4 this is clearly warning the king that his daughters will turn against him. Furthermore, the Fool also tries to open the kings eyes so that he can see these truths on his own, Thou shouldst not have been old till thou hadst been wise5, as well as have some insight as to why these events are occurring. The third character in question is that of Edgar / Poor Tom. Edgar, Gloucesters legitimate son, is introduced as being a passive, credulous dupe upon whom Edmunds6 devious practices ride easy. We are only given a succinct introduction of Edgar before Shakespeare haves him disguise himself as Poor Tom. In the days of Shakespeare, Bedlam hospital housed the mentally ill. When they were released Bedlam inmates were allowed to go begging for survival; this is what Edgar has been reduced to by his gullible father and his brothers trickery. My face Ill grime with filth, blanket my loins. Elf all my hairs in knots, and with presented nakedness outface the winds and persecutions of the sky7 the fact that Edgar has to disguise himself as a Bedlam beggar, wandering the countryside in nothing but a loin cloth in order to preserve his life, presents to us his vulnerability and the sheer desperation of his feigned madness. Initially, Edgar is presented as a seemingly lucid character yet, as the plot unfolds we see he has many purposes within the play. Shakespeare uses Edgars alias Poor Tom to provide some comical relief as the plot thickens as some of his antics and ramblings can prove to be amusing gibberish. However, in contrast, Poor Toms erratic breathless craziness in Act III Scene iv increases the pathos infinitely. A prime example of this would be when he (Edgar / Poor Tom) says that a foul fiend laid knives under his pillow and halters in this pew, set ratsbane by his porridge, indicating towards suicide, this speech reflects Edgars fragile state of mind and, although fake, his madness is distressing to the audience. We are reminded of Edgars humanity in Act III Scene vi (the mock trail scene) as he listens to Lears lunatic agony, his act as Poor Tom momentarily breaks down at Bless thy five wits this in turn is another moment in which Edgars caricature increases the pathos of a scene. Furthermore, I feel that Shakespeare is using Edgar / Poor Toms situation to mirror Lears. Similarly to the besieged king, Edgar is now reliant on charity and he has also had his world and expectations turned upside down. Edgars assumed madness indicates towards Lears eventual submission to complete insanity in Act III, through Poor Tom we glimpse what Lear will be reduced to. Madness is portrayed in different ways through these characters: professional, feigned and genuine insanity. Nonetheless, the idea of madness is presented as purposeful, almost like a journey, for all three of the characters in question. Edgars pilgrimage through his contrived madness serves the obvious purpose of preserving his life. The preservation of Edgars life enables him to guide his father but ultimately through his madness his valour is awakened allowing him to play the role of avenger at the end of the play. However, Edgars madness also serves a purpose to the principle protagonist, Lear, as it is noticeable that on the heath Edgars presence as his caricature Poor Tom aids Lear, as through interactions with Poor Tom the kings humanity and understanding increase. The Fools professional jesting provides some much needed moments of relief. In spite of his comic role, the Fools main purpose within King Lear is to, in essence, be Lears conscience. In other words, he bestows the king with truth and reason throughout the turbulent situations that occur during his, the Fools, time in the play. Due to the fact that he is all-licensed, and also has a close relationship with the king, he can inform and criticise Lear for his mistakes without being punished for it, this permits him to counsel Lear. Lear eventually gains the insight he needs to perceive his daughters and society for what it really is, insincere and immoral. The Fools abrupt disappearance signifies that Lear has gained all the understanding he needs to distinguish between and reality. Therefore, the Fool is no longer needed: his purpose has been fulfilled. Unlike Edgar or the Fool, Lears madness is not an imminent occurrence, it develops throughout the play. The insanity of the king is unequivocally ironic, in his apparent sanity he was introduced to be conceited and imprudent, yet when he is mad he becomes a more humble, compassionate and attractive character. At the beginning of the play Lear acts exceptionally irrational and cannot see the verity of his superficial values but as a result of his madness he demonstrates an increasingly sincere, tolerant side to his nature. Attributable to his intensifying humility he is able to recognise his wrong doings as a leader and a father thus, the kings madness redeems him as he learns the value of true emotion and is able to consider the sufferings of those close to him. Consequently, this enables Lear to reconcile with his beloved daughter Cordelia. In conclusion, the madness of King Lear is deeply distressing, it develops from and points back to the kings instability.

Growth of Islamic Banking in the UK

Growth of Islamic Banking in the UK Islam is one of the worlds three major monotheistic religions; the other two religions are Judaism and Christianity. All three religions are the same historical origins and have many familiar beliefs. The main principle of Islamic banking and finance are depend on Islamic laws known as Shariah which mean (interest) (Riba) free. Interest is strictly prohibited in Islam which means Muslim cannot receive or paid interest in any transaction in which money is exchange for money. The interest that you give in order to increase the wealth of the people does not increase in the sight of Allah and the Zakat that your pay in order to win Allahs approval, its payers do indeed increases their wealth. This is very powerful and superb statement of Holy Quran which shows that interest is .prohibited by Allah because interest only increases wealth of individual not the society. Islamic banking is a financial system which is base on Islamic Shariah law and it is interest free financial system. The concept of Islamic banking is interest free banking because interest (Riba) is totally prohibited in Islam. The main belief of Islamic banking and finance is to discover the range of Islamic financial tools for investor and businesses that how they all collaborate without interest and what is the strategy behind all that and how the banks and financial institution encourage non- Muslims clients and offer them to use Islamic banking and finance system instead of conventional banking system. The adverse impacts of interest on the world economy in general and economies of developing countries in particularly entail that it could be the biggest threat for the developing economies and also believed by many renowned economists. it is estimated that US$ 200 billion funds managed by Islamic banking. The client of Islamic banking is not only in Muslim countries but also spreading in over Europe, northern Africa and United States of America. Islamic banking is growing day by day in different part of the world, thats why Islamic bankers, keeping speed with the stylish techniques and latest development have developed investment instruments that are both profitable and fairly motivated. Approximately 250 different Islamic and Financial institutions are operating worldwide. The growth of Islamic banking is a big threat to a conventional banking system not only in UK but also all over the world. Islamic banking system has six main features according to its product analysis. Interest free product It is Trade-related and there is a perceived genuine need for the funds. It is in purest form, it is equity related Meant to avoid exploitation no interest Invests ethically There are retail, and wholesale applications. In practice there appears to be more emphasis on the prohibition and restructuring of interest than on the potentially exploitative aspect of financing. Islamic banks operate on the basis of profit and not on paying and receiving interest. The banks can earn profit from these ways like trading leasing and by direct financing in Profit and Loss sharing contracts. The structure and conditions of these transactions must confirm to Shariah and fulfil its objectives. This means that banks advance money for productive activities on the basis of profit sharing principles. LITERATURE REVIEW With the beginning of 21st century there is a radical change and the number of Islamic banks increased and their geographical spread grew exceptionally and 76 countries covering all continents. There are number of publications in Arabic and Urdu, one of the famous books of (Qureshi 1946) regarding Islam and Theory of interest in which he seem that the public health and education is responsibility of government as a social services. Islam is concerned with the problem of economic development, but treats this as an important part of a wider problem, that of total human development. The primary function of Islam is to guide human development on correct lines and in the right direction. It deals with all aspects economic development but always in the framework of total human development and never in a form divorced from this perspective (Al-Harran 1993) Gerrard and Cunninghams (1997) study establishes that, in Singapore, where Muslims are in minority. The concept of Islamic banking system was not present amongst them in Muslim and non-Muslim. There are two different herd having two entirely different thoughts regarding movement of Islamic banking. For example when asked them, if Islamic bank could not make enough profit to share out among them in a period of one year so what they will do. Fifty two per cent of Muslims said they will prefer to continue their deposit with the movement of Islamic banking, and fifty six per cent non-Muslims said they will prefer to take out their money from Islamic banking. Since 1960s too much literature has been written on the topic of selection process of the banking system. Holstius and Kaynak (1995), Kaynak (1986),Laroche et al (1986) and the working paper of Chan (1989)Eroland El-Bdour (1989) evaluate the bank selection process in relation to conventional and Islamic banks. There were three very i mportant principle in the banking process of selection for Muslims were: first the provision of a fast and efficient service second the speed of transaction and third friendliness of bank personnel and as regard the non-Muslims, the three most important bank selection principle were: first, friendliness of bank personnel, second the provision of a fast and efficient service and third, the reputation and image of the bank. An Islamic bank is a mediator and trust of other peoples money like all others conventional banks the only one important thing which distinguish the Islamic banking to conventional banking which is induce all customers share in the form of profit and loss. This difference introduces an element of mutuality in Islamic banking, making its depositors as customers with some ownership rights inherent within it. However in practice, Islamic banks hardly look different from its conventional counterpart in terms of organizational set-up (Dar and Presley, 2000). Tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and other undesirable business sectors are excluded from Islamic investment. Ahmad, Chapter 7 Economics of Islam (Ahmad 1952), he give the picture of Islamic bank on foundation of a joint stock company with limited liability. According to his plan a current account of depositors where no pre-agreed interest and dividend would be paid. He gave the concept of Current account where depositors could participate with their capital as a partner with bank and get higher dividend as compare to account holder profit. Siddiqi(1968) gave a pioneer model which provide brief outline of Islamic banking. His model depends on Mudarabah and Shirka (partnership or Musharakah as it is now usually called). He divided the operation of Islamic banking into three different groups. Islamic bank will charge fees to provide any services for example commission or fixed charges. Foundation of financing in Islamic bank would be Mudarabah and partnership and services will be provided without any charges. According to his theory Islamic banking system is a feasible substitute of conventional banking system. Mohsin (1982) offered a new brief model of Islamic banking system in contemporary setting. His banking structure integrates the features of commercial, merchant, and development banks, mingle them in novel fashion. He include many non-banking services for example trust business, factoring, real estate and consultancy, as opinion that Islamic baking would be not stay alive with banking business alone. The arrival of Islamic Banking and Islamic Finance In accordance with the philosophy, culture and merit of Islam, the Islamic banking is describe as banking which is manage besides the conventional governance and risk management rules by the principle set down by Islamic Shariah. Interest free banking system is very fine perception that stands for with many banking instruments and operations, which keep away from interest. The ideology of the Islamic banking system is not only evading interest based transactions system which is proscribed in Islamic Shariah but also stay away from corrupt activities that contribute to accomplish the goals and objectives of an Islamic economy. First Islamic bank was established in 1963 in Egypt. The activities of this bank were interest free but it was secret project that made no references to Islam as the establishment in power at that time was aggressive to any form of Islamization. The real emerging started in 1970s as result of oil industry boom in the Gulf States, which flashed the appearing of liquidity and the revival of religious wakefulness in the Muslim world. In 1975 Dubai Islamic Bank was established, was a private initiative and it was established by Arab businessman. In the beginning governments did not greet this effort because Islamic finance disagreed with their investments in World Bank to get higher interest rate. In 1980ss the first Islamic banks united to form the Islamic Development Bank seen as the World bank of the Muslim world, that covering 56 Muslim world and contributes contribute Muslim economic thought. But the 9/11 brought too much changes on world economy which changed the views of Arabs whi ch and the rich Arabs withdrawing their investment from US $ accounts to be scared of having their accounts become frozen. All these scenarios created a great need of substitute of investment either in Middle East or in Europe, at the same time system was carrying out in the Middle East and its development was enhanced in Europe to fulfil the requirements of Muslim investors. In 1977-78 Pakistan started Islamic banking and financial system. Pakistan was one of the major Countries among those countries in the world that had been trying to apply completely interest free banking system. In June 1980 the modification was implemented in the legal framework of Pakistans financial and corporate system to authorize the issue of a new interest-free tools and modification were also created in the Banking Companies ordinance, 1962. The prohibition against usury (interest) was in the Quran take place on a number of times and pointed out interest and the proposal to ignore coddle in this action in Christianity and Judaism to involves its survival and the troubles that it carried for the society. The feudal lord who by virtue charging higher interest rate according to the historian and had power over those were anxious need to finance their survival. In the Old Testament (King James Version) Exodus, CHAPTER 22 M VERSES 25: If you lend money to any of my people that is poor by theem thou shalt not be to him as anusure, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. Lecitcus Chapter 25, verses 34-36: And if the brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay by thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea though he be a stranger, or a sojourner, that he may live with thee. Take thou no usuryof him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. In spite of the counsel beside this apply against the system offered. The contemporary financial technique be taught a tutorial from this spiritually guidance and fully struggled to implement a structure that was inadequate the level of usurious abuse. To build the market of debt based upon competition which encourage unfair nature of usury which was supposed to be decided by the forces of market vie each other. If we bring light to current scenario of global arena, we can easily realize that it is a development of the ancient feudal system and different countries facing the same dilemma as individual did prior as the conventional Jewish lending system of the shylocks to the Indian feudal system. Actually Debt to GDP ratio is the vigorous gauge for the countries who burden debt. Islamic financial and banking system depend on the Islamic economy system and the success ratio of this system could be determine in such a way that conventional banks start their Islamic windows not only in Muslims countries but also in the non-Muslim countries where Muslims are not dominated. Some famous Western banks have Islamic subsidiaries as, Citibank, American Express, HSBC, ABN Amro, Bank of America, Standard Chartered, Commerz bank, Barclays, Dutch Bank, ANZ Grindlays, Royal Bank of Canada and many others banks in the world and this list of bank is raising day by day. On the other hand some countries such as Pakistan, Sudan and Iran adopted 100% Islamic banking and they are successful in banking system. It is fairly true that Islamic banking system is depend upon risk –sharing. The Islamic banks are involved in the practice of trading, leasing and various other modes of financing according to Shariah compliant. If the Islamic banks are stable to get Halal income, depositors as well get stable and Halal income definitely. Interest (riba) is proscribed in Islam either getting or giving interest, despite of what reason the loans are composed and what the rates on which interest will be charged. This is the main opinion among Muslim scholars and all are agree on it that interest and riba is same thing. Amanah is placed to recognize the formation and deal out the financial services that are linked with the necessities of the Shariah (Islamic Law). Islamic banking has the same principle as conventional banking except that it operates in accordance with the Shariah principles. The basic ideology of Islamic banking is the sharing of profit and loss and the proscription of Riba (Interest). Islamic banking has grown in the Muslim world and offer Islamic products and services to make sure that the procedure and practices of the bank abide by the sharpie principles. HSBC logged the Amana banking because to make it possible for the Muslims to bank in accordance to their values and beliefs and they do not want to lose their Muslim customers in Islamic countries as a result of the emergence of Islamic banking. Its headquarter is in the UAE and have regional representatives in the UK, US, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei have resources of HSBC group and HSBC Amanah distribute the financial resources that are according to the requirements of the Shariah (Islamic Law). The western media suggest that Islamic banking in its present form is a recent phenomenon; in fact the basic practices and principles date back to the early part of the seventh century. (Islamic finance A Euromoney publication 1997). According to Khalaf (2007) Due to the different believes in Muslims community Islamic banking facing deficient in affirmation of decisions. Shortage of scholars is a big and serious issue in Islamic banking system because managers are not qualified and trained to practices the Islamic finance (Iqbal, Ahmad and khan,1998). Islamic banking has not a big network in UK and Islamic bank of Britain has only eight branches in whole UK which is not enough to fulfil the requirement of Muslim customers. The opening of Islamic window in conventional bank is a big threat. Islamic banking needs to improve their services and keep priority of Islamic Sharia. Islamic banking has great opportunity to grow in UK. Because number of Muslims from different countries of world live in UK. Islamic banking is facing difficulties and challenges to growing in UK due to lack of understanding about Islamic banking in the customers and shortage of Islamic Scholars in UK. RESEARCH METHDOLOGY The Research Process Remenyi, Williams, Money and Swartz (2002:64-65), explains the research process as consisting of eight specific phases, namely: Reviewing the literature. Formalising a research question. Establishing the methodology. Collecting evidence. Analysing the evidence. Developing conclusions. Understanding the limitations of the research. Producing management guidelines or recommendations According to Hussey, J Hussey, R (1997:15), there are six fundamental stages in the research process, namely: The identification of the research topic. Definition of the research problem. Determine how the research is going to be conducted. Collection of the research data. Analysis and interpretation of the research data. Writing up the dissertation or thesis. There will be two analysis methods that are used in this research. Factor analysis will be used reduce group and independent variables whereas logistic regression will be used to analyze the correlation between the categorical dependent variable with the independent variables found in the factor analysis. Primary data will be located for the purpose of analysis which will be further discussed in the collection of data section Analysis of Data The topic of my dissertation is The Growth of Islamic banking in UK as conventional finance, a look in to past, present and our hopes for the future. It is surprising to realize that how far and fast Islamic finance has come and how well it has managed to meet the challenges it faced in two decades. Islamic banking has worked reasonably well even in short history, but it always does face challenges. All of these challenges are technical in nature. The rapid growth of emerging market in developing countries is a very hopeful sign that with strong commitment in the next decade due to existing institutional and technical hindrances that may have hampered efficient operation of Islamic banking will be removed. The dissertation is based on the following research questions. What are the component of Islamic banking and how it works? Why all the arguments about the rate of interest in Islam? What make Islamic bank differ from a conventional bank? How much better working of Islamic finance in the views of customers in UK? Why the growing rate of Islamic finance is high as compare to other European countries? Customers satisfaction regarding Islamic banking system in UK? How Islamic finance as a substitute to conventional banking system in UK? Different prospects and threaten for Islamic banking system in UK? Aims and Objectives: Key aims and objectives were established, for accomplishing the project. They are thoroughly explained down below. Aims of research project are: To understand the basic principle of Islamic banking system. To discuss the role of Shariah board and its importance in Islamic banking. To describe the different financial contracts, which Islamic banking offers Objectives of the project are: To compare the major differences between Islamic and conventional banking system. To explore the problems faces by Islamic banking. To find out why the growing rate of Islamic finance is high as compare to other European countries To give recommendations for the acceptance of credit card and some other problems. Actually this study in groping in nature, therefore a review of peoples and bank Managers and sub-managers was appropriate method for data collections. The data collected by this method from UK and from individuals would mean that the data bring together is given that only estimation of entire population. A questionnaire was designed for the population to analyze the perceptions towards Islamic banking. Moreover the implication of this kind of exclusive study on this topic, there were numerous constraint. Primary Data From the informal interviews and from the Questionnaire survey together the primary data from the few important people from the banking industry are gathered. For this purpose information collected from senior management from HSBC and Islamic bank of Britain through emails telephonic and face to face interview. Questionnaire survey has been arranged amongst Muslims and non-Muslims population of UK. Secondary Data The information gathered for this dissertation has been mainly obtained from the secondary data, which includes books, journals, research material and websites. Limitations This result may not be indicative for the target respondents due to small sample size and limited time period. Due to limited knowledge of respondent or unawareness about Islamic banking, their replies shown their own imagination or thoughts. The data gathered from the respondents and from the country like United Kingdom where people have a limited knowledge of Islamic banking as against to the conventional banking even the Muslim of the country have an inadequate knowledge of the Islamic banking. Therefore the result about the Islamic banking should be taken only as analytical and perspective rather than decisive. The research will familiarize the readers with the principle of Islamic Sharia and provide an insight into the rules and principles of Islamic banking as well. In spite of the fact that Islamic banks are operating successfully along with the conventional banks and playing a significant role in the economy of the United Kingdom. Delimitations: This study is limited to the findings and evidences based on my research mainly to the responses of the organisation involved in the project. I am choosing not to observe multiple teams, even though such comparisons might be valuable, in order to allow more depth of understanding regarding the group on which I will focus.   Additionally,  I will not use structured interviews in order to minimise my obtrusiveness. Ethical considerations: I shall immediately report to my supervisor or my college if any difficulties encounters in complying with the ethical standards. In the final research report i shall describe how i complied with the ethical standards in carrying out the Project. The identity of individuals from whom information is obtained in the course of the Project shall be kept strictly confidential. At the conclusion of the Project, any information that reveals the identity of individuals who were subjects of research shall be destroyed unless the individual concerned has consented in writing to its inclusion beforehand. Plagiarism According to the definition given in the 1997 New Websters Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, plagiarism is the unauthorized use of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as ones own (508). Pyper (2000) defines plagiarism as: .. simply theft. It is taking the words, ideas and labour of other people and giving the impression that they are your own.. To avoid plagiarism I will document the sources properly using Footnotes, Endnotes, or Parenthetical References, and i will write a Bibliography, References, or Works Cited page and place it at the end of the research paper to list the sources used. I will credit another persons idea, opinion or theory I will credit any facts, graphs, drawings, any pieces of information that are not common knowledge. I will credit whenever i use quotations of another persons actual spoken or written words or paraphrase of another persons spoken or written words. I will try to use my own words. I am not expecting to write as professionally as the authors of the books and journals which i am going to read so i will be confident enough to write my own ideas in my own words. I will Plan my assignments in good time, so i am not tempted to make shortcuts.

America’s Great War: World War I and the American Experience by Robert

America’s Great War: World War I and the American Experience by Robert H. Zieger In the book, America’s Great War: World War I and the American Experience, Robert H. Zieger discusses the events between 1914 through 1920 forever defined the United States in the Twentieth Century. When conflict broke out in Europe in 1914, the President, Woodrow Wilson, along with the American people wished to remain neutral. In the beginning of the Twentieth Century United States politics was still based on the â€Å"isolationism† ideals of the previous century. The United States did not wish to be involved in European politics or world matters. The U.S. goal was to expand trade and commerce throughout the world and protect the borders of North America. The American belief at the beginning of the war was that it would be short conflict reminiscent of the fight between Germany and France in 1870(Zieger, 9). At the time both the Allies and the Central Powers, along with Americans, miscalculated the impact the involvement of American forces could have for either side. The U.S. Navy was expanded and upgraded during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt but the Army was still a minimal force. To keep with the â€Å"true neutrality† the United States initially refused to aid either side with supplies or economic assistance. Once the battles became entrenched and a â€Å"war of attrition† began, the European nations continued to look toward the United States for aid. As American financial institutions and exporters sought guidance from Wilson’s administration they received a different answer: â€Å"short term loans and credits by American financial institutions to belligerents in connection with trade were acceptable† (Zieger, 11). Americans could not over look the potential economic boost that could be achieved by supplying the European nations with food, supplies and weapons orders being requested. Both sides accepted the United States’ aid but they also sought to cut-off each other’s supply chain. While the Allies barricaded Germany’s ports with the British Navy, Germany began attacking merchant ships using their submarines, or U-boats. While Wilson was angered by the British tactics he was even more infuriated by the German’s. This would be the ultimate end of U.S. neutrality as Wilson would sternly address Germany’s actions and not Britain’s. In 1915 a German U-boat sank a Brit... ... to be President afterwards. His unwillingness to compromise with the Senate caused the Treaty of Versailles along with the League of Nations never to be ratified by the United States. The notion of the League of Nations that won Wilson a Noble Peace Prize in 1920 was never joined his own country. After the election of 1920 America would return to its isolationism roots and watch as the nations of Europe headed down a path for another world war. As Americans watched Communism rise in Russia they questioned for the first time the patronage of their fellow Americans. Economic and social reforms that started up during the war were set to a status-quo mentality. The actions set forward from the Treaty of Versailles and stance the U.S. Congress took on the League of Nations would eventually lead the world in the worst depression ever and ultimately to a second world war in a mere twenty years. Works Cited: Zieger, Robert H. (2000). America’s Great War: World War I and the American Experience. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inc. Davidson, J. (Ed.). (2002). Nation of nations: A concise narrative of the American republic. (3rd ed., Vol. 2). New York: McGraw-Hill

Catherine Lucille Moores Shambleu and Greek Mythology :: Science Fiction Greece Myth Essays

Catherine Lucille Moore's Shambleu and Greek Mythology Throughout history, humans have had legends, myths and folk tales. Many of these dealt with monsters that cannot be found on the planet Earth, at least any more, especially the myths of ancient Greece. In such cases, there can be a fine line between where myth ends and science fiction starts. In Catherine Lucille Moore’s short story "Shambleau," one such myth crosses that line. That myth is the ancient Greek myth of the Gorgons. Gorgons had snakes for hair and could turn anyone into stone by looking at them in the eyes. "Shambleau" tells the tail of something very much like a Gorgon with snakes as its hair. This creature, called a "Shambleau," comes to and terrorizes a town. In the American Heritage College Dictionary, myth is defined as: "A traditional story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that informs or shapes the world view of a people" (903). The same dictionary has science fiction defined as: "A literary genre in which the plot is typically based on†¦space travel, or life on other planets" (1221). Both definitions deal with life that is not natural to Earth. While the origins of such creatures may be different, they both deal with non-human sentient beings. Several science fiction stories deal with extraterrestrials visiting Earth in what humans would call the "Ancient" era and becoming part of a culture’s mythology. Then they might come back in the "Modern" era. One such story is Moore’s "Shambleau." Gorgons from ancient Greek mythology are creatures who look human but have snakes for hair and can make anyone or anything that looks them in the eye turn into stone. In "Shambleau," a female extraterrestrial, resembling a Gorgon but with subtle differences, terrorizes a town. A man, not knowing what she is or what she does, tries to protect her from an angry mob until he finds out her true intentions. The story ends with him promising to go off and kill her. However, it is said that she does something to humans which is like an addictive drug. Unlike a Gorgon, however, she had feline qualities such as "three fingers and a thumb, and her feet had four digits apiece too, and all sixteen of them were tipped with round claws that sheathed back into the flesh" (528). Yet, like a Gorgon, she had hair that "squirmed of itself against her cheek" (531).

Reality Tv Shows

What Reality TV Tells Us about American Culture Reality TV (RTV) and tabloid journalism have often been compared to each other. (Hill 80) Are both bringing out the worst in American culture or and they merely an example of what American culture is all about, holding a mirror up to the audience? Western culture in general and American culture in particular has always been fascinated by two things in regards to what fascinates and intrigues their interests and holds their attention, love and war. It is no different when it comes to reality TV.These polar opposites are almost always found together in life, as well as in reality TV. In Robin L. Nabi’s research presented in the journal article, â€Å"Determining Dimensions of Reality: A Concept Mapping of the Reality TV Landscape,† he draws the following conclusions from the data gathered, â€Å"The MDS [Minimum Data Set] results from both sets of data suggest that the two characteristics most salient to audiences when thin king about reality-based programming are romance and competition. † (371) These can come under many names; sex and violence, drama and action, and so on.But first we need a definition of reality TV in order to limit the scope of this analysis. Dr. Nabi and associates found that the authorities in Television production companies have not set a particular definition in regards to what is and what is not reality TV. Dr. Nabi offers us the following parameters: [There are] several key elements that characterize such programs: (a) people portraying themselves, (b) filmed at least in part in their living or working environment rather than on a set, (c) without a script, (d) with events placed in a narrative context, (e) for the primary purpose of viewer entertainment.In essence, reality programs are marked by ordinary people engaged in unscripted action and interaction. (Nabi 371) While this guideline certainly makes a good rule of thumb, one other thing must be remembered when deal ing with the genre. Unlike real life, reality TV is heavily edited by its producers to synthesize and often even contrive and misconstrue events to make them look more powerful than they were in real life. Most frequently the time frame is condensed from a week of production into twenty or so minutes of RTV.This condensation eliminates some of the nuances of real life, but often makes it more exciting. Also, editing after the fact has certain advantages as evinced by this analysis of the popular RTV show, â€Å"Cops:† [The] narrator provides viewers with information about the suspects that may not be known by the officer at the time of the chase, stop, or initial interview. The audience†¦ may be told at the beginning of the anecdote that the driver of a fleeing car has an outstanding warrant or is intoxicated. The pursuing officers may only know this information after the suspect is apprehended.Nonetheless, according to the programs, the officer is clearly making the app ropriate choice by following his or her hunch. Viewers are provided the illusion that they are watching real events unfold but with knowledge based on hindsight (a product of editing), which the officers do not have. (Prosise & Johnson 73) This poses to the audience that the arresting officers are clear in their duty and response, but in the reality of the scene, they may have not had such clear cut motives in stopping the suspect.One of the most prevalent problems associated with this type of programming and across the nations police force, is the dilemma of racial profiling that can be exacerbated by such justifications. (Prosise & Johnson) There is also a paradoxical twist to the predilection of Americans watching RTV. We, as well as many other technically proficient nations, are a culture that is inundated with news, twenty four hours a day seven days a week. There is news even when there is no news to tell. Broadcasters begin to focus on the mundane events of people with the ug liest dogs in the world, or rehash old news events for weeks or months at a time.However, Americans in droves are focusing on RTV as a seeming balm to this over information. (Javors 35; Papacharissi & Mendelson 358) Perhaps the one difference that RTV has when compared to reality news is that there is always a resolution that seems understandable. This is often not the case in real life. Sometimes missing millionaires lost in flight over the desert are never found, a young girl missing, presumed dead, in Aruba whose body is never located, all this leaves us wanting closure, perhaps RTV gives us that closure.The knowledge that at the end of the series there is always gong to be a winner is a very safe way to be satisfied. The Cops always get their man or woman as the case may be. On an individual basis, what is RTV telling us about us? Papacharissi & Mendelson in their article, â€Å"An Exploratory Study of Reality Appeal: Uses and Gratifications of Reality TV Shows,† feel tha t, â€Å"The premise of reality TV requires that individuals place themselves on public display, thus forfeiting all claims to personal privacy for the sake of transient fame and the possibility of monetary compensation. (355) So for the possibility of Warhol’s fifteen minutes of fame and the glory of the prize, a modeling contract, a million dollars, or the idol of millions, we are willing to embarrass and expose ourselves to ridicule, if the price is right. This harkens back to early TV and game shows as well as the popular series Candid Camera. Although the reality at the end of Candid Camera was the surprise that you were actually being filmed. There was no payoff other than being on TV and most participants were willing to sign their names on the release forms. This brings us back to our original associate with RTV and tabloid journalism:A core feature of popular factual television is that it presents information in an entertaining manner. The origins of reality program ming point towards a close association with tabloid news†¦ Although the tabloid news connection is often used as evidence of the ‘dumbing down' of factual television, the connection can also be used as evidence of the way reality TV attempts to present information to audiences who want to be entertained and informed at the same time. (Hill 80) In Annette Hill’s book, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television, she presents RTV as factual context in an entertainment venue.A fan of RTV, Ms. Hill fells that it is often the target of cultural profiling in associating it with the less savory aspects of reportage and the lowest common denominator (LCD) of tabloid journalism. Many would argue with her conclusion as she goes on to compare watchers of RTV with fans of horror or violent action movies. To say that fans of violent movies will exhibit violent behavior, she contends, is a gross generalization. The same gross generalization that RTV has fallen prey to i s to assume those watchers are simply â€Å"voyeurs† with no real life of their own. (Hill 83)However, psychologist and therapist are viewing RTV with a skeptical eye. They feel that there is an aching psyche in the American culture that is using RTV as a cure, much in the way the Marx referred to religion as being the opiate of the people, or as one writer updates it: Is reality TV the crack cocaine of what critic Marie Winn calls the â€Å"plug-in drug? † My answer is yes, when addicts' distorted views of reality make it impossible for them to function in the world outside the tube. Why meet the neighbors when we have the Osbournes? Why take that trip out West? Survivor is on at 9:00. Breyer 100) Some therapists further see this as the desensitizing of American culture. RTV coupled with the massive bombardment of news, mostly bad, from around the nation and the world is numbing us to any emotional ties to reality. Dr. Irene Javors compares RTV shows to the quick fix junk food restaurants and calls them â€Å"fast food programs† and states they are as bad for our minds as a constant diet of Double Whoppers with cheese and Chocolate Milk shakes would be to our bodies. She states that, â€Å"As a result, we are numbing ourselves to very real life challenges. (35) This makes us more and more unable to respond to life in any real or meaningful way and as technology reduces many interactions to words on a screen, this is not so unbelievable. In a world of justification RTV is not without them. Many proponents argue that RTV shows like American Idol, America’s Next Top Model, etc, have about them the lure of the lottery. If the person I am watching become Donald Trump’s new apprentice can do that, maybe I can become manager of the Burger King I am working for. A dollar and a dream is the mentality of the masses faced with this existential angst. (Hill 83; Javors 35) We are not alone in this.In China, often accused of attempting t o mimic Western culture, the producers of an RTV show â€Å"Ying Zai Zhongguo,† or translated somehow as â€Å"Win† in English draw a similar conclusion: †¦their hope that the program would encourage more people in China to start their own businesses. Song Wenming †¦hoped the show would introduce the â€Å"positive power† of entrepreneurship. Ms. Zhou said she hoped potential entrepreneurs would learn the importance of both perseverance and passion. There was much more in the same vein. (Fallows) Perhaps there is some altruism at the end of the tunnel when considering the cultural benefit of RTV.But the preponderance of the evidence seems to suggest that there is something deeply missing in the American psyche that needs to be healed. Is RTV the cure or part of the problem? This is the conundrum that researchers face. Although nothing new, since The Iliad and the Odyssey and before, circled around campfires and telling stories human beings have had som e desire for adventure, love, and battles. It is part of our nature, perhaps being suppressed, that RTV touches upon. Is it exploitation or vicarious therapy? This still remains the question. Reality Tv Shows What Reality TV Tells Us about American Culture Reality TV (RTV) and tabloid journalism have often been compared to each other. (Hill 80) Are both bringing out the worst in American culture or and they merely an example of what American culture is all about, holding a mirror up to the audience? Western culture in general and American culture in particular has always been fascinated by two things in regards to what fascinates and intrigues their interests and holds their attention, love and war. It is no different when it comes to reality TV.These polar opposites are almost always found together in life, as well as in reality TV. In Robin L. Nabi’s research presented in the journal article, â€Å"Determining Dimensions of Reality: A Concept Mapping of the Reality TV Landscape,† he draws the following conclusions from the data gathered, â€Å"The MDS [Minimum Data Set] results from both sets of data suggest that the two characteristics most salient to audiences when thin king about reality-based programming are romance and competition. † (371) These can come under many names; sex and violence, drama and action, and so on.But first we need a definition of reality TV in order to limit the scope of this analysis. Dr. Nabi and associates found that the authorities in Television production companies have not set a particular definition in regards to what is and what is not reality TV. Dr. Nabi offers us the following parameters: [There are] several key elements that characterize such programs: (a) people portraying themselves, (b) filmed at least in part in their living or working environment rather than on a set, (c) without a script, (d) with events placed in a narrative context, (e) for the primary purpose of viewer entertainment.In essence, reality programs are marked by ordinary people engaged in unscripted action and interaction. (Nabi 371) While this guideline certainly makes a good rule of thumb, one other thing must be remembered when deal ing with the genre. Unlike real life, reality TV is heavily edited by its producers to synthesize and often even contrive and misconstrue events to make them look more powerful than they were in real life. Most frequently the time frame is condensed from a week of production into twenty or so minutes of RTV.This condensation eliminates some of the nuances of real life, but often makes it more exciting. Also, editing after the fact has certain advantages as evinced by this analysis of the popular RTV show, â€Å"Cops:† [The] narrator provides viewers with information about the suspects that may not be known by the officer at the time of the chase, stop, or initial interview. The audience†¦ may be told at the beginning of the anecdote that the driver of a fleeing car has an outstanding warrant or is intoxicated. The pursuing officers may only know this information after the suspect is apprehended.Nonetheless, according to the programs, the officer is clearly making the app ropriate choice by following his or her hunch. Viewers are provided the illusion that they are watching real events unfold but with knowledge based on hindsight (a product of editing), which the officers do not have. (Prosise & Johnson 73) This poses to the audience that the arresting officers are clear in their duty and response, but in the reality of the scene, they may have not had such clear cut motives in stopping the suspect.One of the most prevalent problems associated with this type of programming and across the nations police force, is the dilemma of racial profiling that can be exacerbated by such justifications. (Prosise & Johnson) There is also a paradoxical twist to the predilection of Americans watching RTV. We, as well as many other technically proficient nations, are a culture that is inundated with news, twenty four hours a day seven days a week. There is news even when there is no news to tell. Broadcasters begin to focus on the mundane events of people with the ug liest dogs in the world, or rehash old news events for weeks or months at a time.However, Americans in droves are focusing on RTV as a seeming balm to this over information. (Javors 35; Papacharissi & Mendelson 358) Perhaps the one difference that RTV has when compared to reality news is that there is always a resolution that seems understandable. This is often not the case in real life. Sometimes missing millionaires lost in flight over the desert are never found, a young girl missing, presumed dead, in Aruba whose body is never located, all this leaves us wanting closure, perhaps RTV gives us that closure.The knowledge that at the end of the series there is always gong to be a winner is a very safe way to be satisfied. The Cops always get their man or woman as the case may be. On an individual basis, what is RTV telling us about us? Papacharissi & Mendelson in their article, â€Å"An Exploratory Study of Reality Appeal: Uses and Gratifications of Reality TV Shows,† feel tha t, â€Å"The premise of reality TV requires that individuals place themselves on public display, thus forfeiting all claims to personal privacy for the sake of transient fame and the possibility of monetary compensation. (355) So for the possibility of Warhol’s fifteen minutes of fame and the glory of the prize, a modeling contract, a million dollars, or the idol of millions, we are willing to embarrass and expose ourselves to ridicule, if the price is right. This harkens back to early TV and game shows as well as the popular series Candid Camera. Although the reality at the end of Candid Camera was the surprise that you were actually being filmed. There was no payoff other than being on TV and most participants were willing to sign their names on the release forms. This brings us back to our original associate with RTV and tabloid journalism:A core feature of popular factual television is that it presents information in an entertaining manner. The origins of reality program ming point towards a close association with tabloid news†¦ Although the tabloid news connection is often used as evidence of the ‘dumbing down' of factual television, the connection can also be used as evidence of the way reality TV attempts to present information to audiences who want to be entertained and informed at the same time. (Hill 80) In Annette Hill’s book, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television, she presents RTV as factual context in an entertainment venue.A fan of RTV, Ms. Hill fells that it is often the target of cultural profiling in associating it with the less savory aspects of reportage and the lowest common denominator (LCD) of tabloid journalism. Many would argue with her conclusion as she goes on to compare watchers of RTV with fans of horror or violent action movies. To say that fans of violent movies will exhibit violent behavior, she contends, is a gross generalization. The same gross generalization that RTV has fallen prey to i s to assume those watchers are simply â€Å"voyeurs† with no real life of their own. (Hill 83)However, psychologist and therapist are viewing RTV with a skeptical eye. They feel that there is an aching psyche in the American culture that is using RTV as a cure, much in the way the Marx referred to religion as being the opiate of the people, or as one writer updates it: Is reality TV the crack cocaine of what critic Marie Winn calls the â€Å"plug-in drug? † My answer is yes, when addicts' distorted views of reality make it impossible for them to function in the world outside the tube. Why meet the neighbors when we have the Osbournes? Why take that trip out West? Survivor is on at 9:00. Breyer 100) Some therapists further see this as the desensitizing of American culture. RTV coupled with the massive bombardment of news, mostly bad, from around the nation and the world is numbing us to any emotional ties to reality. Dr. Irene Javors compares RTV shows to the quick fix junk food restaurants and calls them â€Å"fast food programs† and states they are as bad for our minds as a constant diet of Double Whoppers with cheese and Chocolate Milk shakes would be to our bodies. She states that, â€Å"As a result, we are numbing ourselves to very real life challenges. (35) This makes us more and more unable to respond to life in any real or meaningful way and as technology reduces many interactions to words on a screen, this is not so unbelievable. In a world of justification RTV is not without them. Many proponents argue that RTV shows like American Idol, America’s Next Top Model, etc, have about them the lure of the lottery. If the person I am watching become Donald Trump’s new apprentice can do that, maybe I can become manager of the Burger King I am working for. A dollar and a dream is the mentality of the masses faced with this existential angst. (Hill 83; Javors 35) We are not alone in this.In China, often accused of attempting t o mimic Western culture, the producers of an RTV show â€Å"Ying Zai Zhongguo,† or translated somehow as â€Å"Win† in English draw a similar conclusion: †¦their hope that the program would encourage more people in China to start their own businesses. Song Wenming †¦hoped the show would introduce the â€Å"positive power† of entrepreneurship. Ms. Zhou said she hoped potential entrepreneurs would learn the importance of both perseverance and passion. There was much more in the same vein. (Fallows) Perhaps there is some altruism at the end of the tunnel when considering the cultural benefit of RTV.But the preponderance of the evidence seems to suggest that there is something deeply missing in the American psyche that needs to be healed. Is RTV the cure or part of the problem? This is the conundrum that researchers face. Although nothing new, since The Iliad and the Odyssey and before, circled around campfires and telling stories human beings have had som e desire for adventure, love, and battles. It is part of our nature, perhaps being suppressed, that RTV touches upon. Is it exploitation or vicarious therapy? This still remains the question.