Saturday, August 31, 2019

Eliminating the 12th Grade

Would eliminating the twelfth grade in Utah affect seniors? Currently Senator Buttars says it will save money for schools if senior year was to be eliminated. I believe that the Utah state legislation should not eliminate the twelfth grade because there are classes that you have to take senior year, catch up, and preparation for college. Firstly, I think the Utah legislation should not eliminate the twelfth grade because there are classes that you can only take your senior year. These days we have four years of english and science. It would be a bummer if we as students have to take those classes again in college. Also some students need the credits to graduate. Without those two or three credits then how will they graduate? Then the rest of the year could be enjoyable. Secondly it gives them time to catch up on classes they may have failed in previous years. I know it would be terrible, but retaking those classes would really help, especially when you failed the past years. Other than just making up the class up with packets, it would be easier for you. Also it would give others a second chance to be someone. Thirdly, seniors won’t be as prepared for college as they should be. If this is so, then we coming up seniors won’t be able to have the knowledge for what is in store in college. If we go to college without all the knowledge that we have from high school, then what is the use of going? It would also drop motivation for the upcoming, knowing that the twelfth grade won’t be able to be taken anymore. Also bringing down students dreams of being what they want to be when they grow up. It would be a disappointment to see that students won’t be able to fulfill their dreams. However some students think the twelfth grade should be eliminated because some students don’t go to their classes. On the contrary they are wrong because there are some students that come to class and care about their grades. In conclusion, I still believe the twelfth grade should not be eliminated because some classes have to be taken senior year, they won’t have to play catch up and they will be prepared for college. Now ask yourself, ‘Am I ready for college?’

Friday, August 30, 2019

Memorandum

This memorandum is written to assist the decision making about to raise capital for further growth and recapitalize the ownership structure of TRX thorough Initial Public Offering. The analysis is examined from two scenarios. One is that TRX keep on IPO at lower price of $9 per share; another is that it postpones the IPO in 2006. I would project the IPO price of 2005 and 2006, respectively based on the management plan. According to the TRX’s balance sheet and financial data, TRX was a very young technology-integration company which founded in 1999. By 2004, TRX generated $113. m in total revenues and the ensuing half year it generated about $62m which was already ahead of the last year’s pace. Not only had the top-line revenue growth in industry, the company created the surprised high mean margin growth of EBITDA which was 188. 8% from 2002 to 2005 as well. (Figures show in Appendix 1) Although TRX still represented the negative net income right now, the company must have tremendous profit potential to be expected, because TRX will completely remove low-margin business in 2008 in order to generate strong cash-flow and the more of higher-margin business would stems from TRX’s four top clients. Thus, in order to fuel the rapid growth of the business, TRX should be considered as a good candidate for going public. Nevertheless, TRX first failed to go public in 2000 attributed to the overall stock market conditions were awful since the dot-com bubble burst in the late 1990s. From travel industry condition performance, TRX encounter the recession of travel industry, which affected its fortunes since the company closely related with the overall health of the industry. From the overall stock market conditions, the performance of NASDAQ was volatility throughout 2004, even dropped a low in August 2004 and thereby the pricing of IPO was poor when the company prepare to IPO. Even though the rebounded of stock market in the first half of 2005, the market conditions still acted unstable with weak performance of IPO. Once again, TRX experienced the bad news of industry during its road show. These broader market climates were seemed like unfavorable for the company’s IPO. In reposed to the first filed IPO, TRX turned to raise capital from outside strategic investor Sabre with issuing 15m convertible note and another 5m was from its original investors BCD and Hogg Robinson in order to support company’s growth until it attempted the second time to IPO. Actually, Going public gives these investors the opportunity to exit, proving an attractive harvest strategy especially when the TRX’s stock price closed at a higher price in the post-IPO. However, the final price range of IPO offered by CSFB was $9 per share which was lower than the price Sabre paid for its share. Here, I use comparable analysis to estimate the IPO price based on the management plan in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Since a perfectly comparable company can’t be found, I chose primary sectors’ multiples which most close to TRX with online travel and payment processing. Moreover, the average median multiples are calculated the reason I used median multiples over mean is that more accuracy projections will estimated without outliners involved in mean. Also, I chose the next years’ EBITDA and net income, respectively due the stock prices reflect the present value of future earnings. He company could offer the lender partial ownership in the venture in exchange for loan principal by swapping their debt for equity. The improves the profitability of the venture by lowering debt service payments while lowering debt liability on the balance sheet and replacing it with equity. Also, the lender is trading fixed-rate debt for equity with a potentially higher total return. If the firm is doing very well , and lenders fell that the return on investment will likely be better with equity position, this becomes an attractive option for debt holders. Memorandum My background and interests are fairly diverse and require a more in depth explanation and presentation and this is the rational behind my presentation of this exploratory memo. Hopefully, this memo will clearly address all issues in a manner that will shed light on my background. My primary academic focus is economics and international trade and I approach these avenues in a manner that is significantly different from the way many other people may approach said disciplines. I am a foreign national who was born in Korea and I believe this gives me a different perspective on international trade and economics as I have a great deal of experience seeing the actual â€Å"international† aspect of trade and economics while many people who have limited experience with foreign economies may have a limited understanding in regards to how it works abroad. More than just interested in things that involve politics and the economy, I have also invested a great deal of my time in charitable pursuits. I served as vice President of my church and from this position I was able to invest a great deal of time in charitable pursuits. These pursuits included helping out with individuals who were infirmed and in need of assistance. This experience proved very rewarding on levels that were professional, personal and spiritual. I also place a significant emphasis on my life towards the pursuit of athletic excellence. In particular, I enjoy skiing and snowboarding and have invested a great deal of time developing a proficiency in these sports. A healthy mind only remains healthy when the body that supports it is equally strong so I take the development of an athletic cardiovascular system very seriously. An inability to properly communicate remains one of the more damaging aspects that could undermine an individual’s ability to achieve maximum potential in the workplace. More than anything, I would prefer to develop the enhancement of my grammar, syntax and communicative language in a manner that would effectively be quite impressive to the reader. This does not mean that I would like to master the English language for the sole purpose of being able to misrepresent my knowledge on a particular subject by burying and hiding a lack of knowledge within the confines of excellent grammar and syntax. What I wish to do is to make my knowledge of a particular subject matter and my ability to communicate my knowledge, feelings and ideas within the confines of the business community in such a way that it becomes clear I have a solid and serious pragmatic ability to apply my knowledge on the subject. This is not to say, however, that I have extremely limited experience in business or professional communication. On the contrary, I have a fairly expansive degree of experience with business communication. I do, however, realize my limitations in this area and I will to expand my skills and capabilities in order to eliminate any limitations I may have. While some may assume (erroneously) that the Snowboarding Club that I served as president of would be exclusively a leisure pursuit, this is about as silly of a statement as stating the multi-million dollar snowboarding industry is nothing more than a leisure pursuit. As President of this club I would perform my duties as professionally as I would have performed the same duties for a more ‘established’ club such as an economics club, etc.   As part of my duties as President, I would routinely communicate with various entities and individuals by way of traditional business writing (I.E. pen and paper) and by way of electronic communication (email, etc) In terms of why I am taking this course, the primary reason is that the course is required. So, yes, it is a mandatory course designed to facilitate my graduation, but that is not entirely the whole case. There is much more to it than merely taking a course designed with one sole goal of graduating and receiving a degree. To do this without having developed any real or significant skill would be ludicrous and totally self defeating in terms of the way such an attitude would undermine my entire education. So, regardless of the administrative reason why I am taking this course, all courses are electives as I have elected to attend the University in order to develop my professional skills. In other words, my attendance in this course is primarily to learn the material and then take the material and develop it into functional skills that can carry into the workplace and in life in general.                                                                Memorandum This memorandum is written to assist the decision making about to raise capital for further growth and recapitalize the ownership structure of TRX thorough Initial Public Offering. The analysis is examined from two scenarios. One is that TRX keep on IPO at lower price of $9 per share; another is that it postpones the IPO in 2006. I would project the IPO price of 2005 and 2006, respectively based on the management plan. According to the TRX’s balance sheet and financial data, TRX was a very young technology-integration company which founded in 1999. By 2004, TRX generated $113. m in total revenues and the ensuing half year it generated about $62m which was already ahead of the last year’s pace. Not only had the top-line revenue growth in industry, the company created the surprised high mean margin growth of EBITDA which was 188. 8% from 2002 to 2005 as well. (Figures show in Appendix 1) Although TRX still represented the negative net income right now, the company must have tremendous profit potential to be expected, because TRX will completely remove low-margin business in 2008 in order to generate strong cash-flow and the more of higher-margin business would stems from TRX’s four top clients. Thus, in order to fuel the rapid growth of the business, TRX should be considered as a good candidate for going public. Nevertheless, TRX first failed to go public in 2000 attributed to the overall stock market conditions were awful since the dot-com bubble burst in the late 1990s. From travel industry condition performance, TRX encounter the recession of travel industry, which affected its fortunes since the company closely related with the overall health of the industry. From the overall stock market conditions, the performance of NASDAQ was volatility throughout 2004, even dropped a low in August 2004 and thereby the pricing of IPO was poor when the company prepare to IPO. Even though the rebounded of stock market in the first half of 2005, the market conditions still acted unstable with weak performance of IPO. Once again, TRX experienced the bad news of industry during its road show. These broader market climates were seemed like unfavorable for the company’s IPO. In reposed to the first filed IPO, TRX turned to raise capital from outside strategic investor Sabre with issuing 15m convertible note and another 5m was from its original investors BCD and Hogg Robinson in order to support company’s growth until it attempted the second time to IPO. Actually, Going public gives these investors the opportunity to exit, proving an attractive harvest strategy especially when the TRX’s stock price closed at a higher price in the post-IPO. However, the final price range of IPO offered by CSFB was $9 per share which was lower than the price Sabre paid for its share. Here, I use comparable analysis to estimate the IPO price based on the management plan in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Since a perfectly comparable company can’t be found, I chose primary sectors’ multiples which most close to TRX with online travel and payment processing. Moreover, the average median multiples are calculated the reason I used median multiples over mean is that more accuracy projections will estimated without outliners involved in mean. Also, I chose the next years’ EBITDA and net income, respectively due the stock prices reflect the present value of future earnings. He company could offer the lender partial ownership in the venture in exchange for loan principal by swapping their debt for equity. The improves the profitability of the venture by lowering debt service payments while lowering debt liability on the balance sheet and replacing it with equity. Also, the lender is trading fixed-rate debt for equity with a potentially higher total return. If the firm is doing very well , and lenders fell that the return on investment will likely be better with equity position, this becomes an attractive option for debt holders.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Public Education System

In the past few decades school has shifted its focus from education to fashion. Students are judged upon their shoes or jeans rather than their knowledge. Uniforms in the public education system is a great idea, not only is it cost effective, but also it gives the students a chance to concentrate on their studies and not have to worry about what to wear tomorrow. Plus the crime or violence rate drops in schools that have a uniform policy, and those that do not belong on campus are spotted quicker and easier. Private schools ave already adopted this idea as well as some schools in England and Australia. Early morning or late evening fights over what is allowed to be worn to school could come to an end if uniforms are issued in the public The kids that come from lower class level backgrounds are the kids out there selling drugs and committing the crimes, but the money made goes to buy the latest designer jeans, just so that they are â€Å"cool† at school. A difference in the violence on school grounds has decreased in areas were school uniforms are mandatory. Gang activity is not as high because the students can not show their colors or signs at school. Sgt. Joe Battle, a Long Beach, California juvenilia officer states that, â€Å"uniforms take away the No. 1 reason that kids treat each other differently; how they look† (Ritter, 1A). Long Beach was the first public school in the nation to have mandatory school uniform policy. The crime rate there is down 76 percent, and assaults on school property is also down by 85 percent (Starr,1). One of the reasons behind the sudden change in school policy has to do with the recent school hootings. The most famous and talked about one was the Columbine High School. The two teens were able to bring in weapons to the school under trench coats. With uniforms this could have been prevented, because long coats are not to be worn in the school. Even the President of the United States is moving to the uniform policy. President Clinton has given speeches during his State of the Union address including that uniforms keep kids, † from killing each other over designer jackets† (Ritter, 1A). The way that the kids are dressed is more important than the grades they make. The students are able to focus on the education rather than someone else's new clothes. Parents that were not too sure of the idea agree that there are more positives than negatives to wearing uniforms. The students are less distracted and can concentrate on the teacher. Students admit that having everyone wear the same thing is easier on them. No one worries about whether or not they wore something last week or that they don't have the name brand labels to flash around. Kids that can't afford the name brands are the ones with the lower test scores and poorer attendance. The cost of uniforms in comparison to the latest fashion is ridiculous. For what it would cost to buy a major household appliance, two or three of the latest designer outfits can be bought. The students who don't have the money to buy all the newest clothes tend not to go to class as much because they feel they don't fit in. It used to be that the kids that wore the K-Mart or Wal-Mart brand of clothes were thought of as uncool. Uniforms don't only bring down the cost of clothes for the parents, but the school spirit is higher and the students feel a sense of unity. The line between the poor and rich kids is brought down, the students can no longer tease on another because of their clothes as they are all dressed the same. Administrators can spot a person who does not belong on campus faster and easier if they a don't have a school uniform on. Uniforms can be bought at almost any clothing store. Prices range from $5-$7 for shirts, $10 for shorts and pants and $7 for a jumper. Now compare that to $30-$80 for jeans and$15-$30 for a shirt. Majority of parents only buy two or three uniforms a school year Students all dressed the same that is the whole idea. But there some negative aspects of this area. Psychologist Ruth Rubinstein at the Fashion Institute of New York argues that having students dress alike decreases their sense of expression or creativity. Although students can express themselves in the classroom or even wear different socks. Some days are specified for the optional dress down, where the children can wear what ever they would like. If the students have to wear uniforms then so should the teachers and staff. How can the students be expected t follow the teachers lead if they are not in uniforms as well? This makes the whole school equal and the principles' job easier for enforcing the dress code. Some schools do have strict dress codes if a not a uniform policy. Students must wear clothing that is appropriate for a learning environment. No sleeveless shirts or offense slang or short, shorts are not allowed. Students that do not follow the rules could be suspended. Schools could go as far as to not allow skirts to be worn. Some schools have an optional uniform policy. Most parents and students choose to wear uniforms because of At the moment many public schools are only using uniforms under a voluntary basis. With this system they hope to increase awareness of the benefits that these uniforms hold. These uniforms will help to lower budgets, school violence and help students become more accepted among their peers. Fatal accidents could be avoided with the use of uniforms in the public school system. It is not just a fast growing trend to make the school look better, but also a way to increase the chances of a more secure learning environment.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Integrating Internet Resourses Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Integrating Internet Resourses - Essay Example I will also give a quick review about the quality and availability of these resources. I will also make use of the examples and illustrations to analyze how and what different types of internet resources are being used in our teaching and learning processes. I will also try to develop a general understanding about the underutilization or overutilization of these resources. In the end I will also try to identify the type of internet resources which are most needed in my area of field. Integration of military science or history into course The seeds of community college were planted in USA just before the second Civil war in 1862. The intension was that higher education should not just be restricted to the privileged few but it should be available to all. These public universities are supposed to prepare students for careers in engineering, medicine and military services etc. these public institutions prepare the first national work force. These not only helps in meeting community need s but developing critical thinking and help them in choosing a career path for them. (Kent A Phillipe L. G., 2005) E-learning in Higher Education Institutions Recent technological advancements and extensive use of internet has not only (Mapuva, 2009)transformed our businesses but the usage of internet has found inroads into our education system as well. Especially in the higher education there has been unprecedented demand for tertiary education and a no. of students are enrolling for distant learning programs. Internet has become an indispensible and a very important tool of imparting education. Internet has not only transformed the way through which knowledge can be accessed or retained but it has also transformed the basic structure of traditional teaching. It has transformed the ways through which knowledge is disseminated, interaction with the course material and the associated resources. Now every university has to reorganize itself to inculcate e-learning and newer methods of teaching. I as a military instructor although doesn’t approve of distant learning but a strong propagator of integrating other internet resources in the teaching system. Military science and internet resources Internet helps in interacting a large no of educational, research and other related organizations through its extensive academic and research based network linking. Its importance to military science can be understood from the fact that it was first developed as a military network by US department of Defense, originally called APPRANET. In 1989 it was finally decommissioned from military services and was devoted to education and research purposes. (Kumar, 2005) Types of internet resources utilized Internet is the future in research and in planning and facilitating higher education because of ever decreasing funds as well. We can categorize the different internet resources that are available. They are listed below List serves, newsgroup, email discussion groups Federal State and local government Electronic publications Library access catalogues/ literature search Peer comparisons Admissions Fact books, Management information systems, Intranet Policy studies Environmental scanning Professional development Association Higher education Research Online survey All of the above types are generally used in the higher edu

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

AN INVESTIGATION OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL DISCLOSURE IN ANNUAL REPORTS Research Proposal

AN INVESTIGATION OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL DISCLOSURE IN ANNUAL REPORTS OF Saudi ARABIA FIRMS - Research Proposal Example Facilitating transformation in the traditional structure of annual reports might prove costly, and therefore the more pragmatic approach is to encourage voluntary IC disclosure in a company’s annual reports. Based on the structural framework and objectives of a company, disclosure depends on corporate governance decision. New approach adopted in presenting the annual reports to the readers should help stakeholders make proper value assessment through the company’s intellectual capital (Li et al., 2008:137). In order to meet the goal of profit maximization through enhanced performance, intellectual resources of an organization play an indispensable role. The problem faced is the paucity of IC related information in the annual reports of the four Saudi Arabian banks that have been selected for this paper. Since IC is not legally mandatory for inclusion in annual reports, this component is also considered as â€Å"unaccounted capital† (Abeysekera & Guthrie, 2005: 151). This paper will focus on intellectual capital disclosure in annual reports of Saudi Arabia firms. The necessity of IC information is steadily gaining importance from profit seeking perspective. While details about financial data and physical factors of products are easily available in annual reports of companies, there is now growing demand for disclosure of IC information (Vandemaele et al., 2005: 417). The objective of this paper is to learn how several banks in Saudi Arabia disclose intellectual capital in their annual reports. Further, this paper will explore the contribution of IC theory in the success and development of an organization. For the purpose of address the research objectives, the research question of this paper is â€Å"To what extent is intellectual capital is represented under different categories in the annual reports of Saudi Arabian banks?† The purpose is to learn how human capital is displayed in four

Maritime Logistics at Hitachi Transport System Company Essay

Maritime Logistics at Hitachi Transport System Company - Essay Example According to the paper supply chain management encompasses bringing together business operations through coordinated activities to ensure that there is flow of input from supplies to manufacturers till goods and services reaches to the final consumer. Therefore, this assessment focuses on providing a sharp insight on the principles of third party logistics, advantages and disadvantages of third party logistics and suggested improvement that could be implemented at Hitachi Company(selected company for assessment) to make maritime logistics more effective and efficient. From this paper it is clear tha in above connection, logistic providers have realized that information technology is a key to success. Therefore, logistic leaders and information technology executive are anticipated to implement the following six principles. The principle of automation to increase business profitability, the principle of leverage technology, the principle of configured solutions, the principle of collab oration with all stakeholders, the principle of measures for improvement and the principle of delivering truth version. The principle of automation entails implementing computerized systems that can perform complex task and allow employees to focus on customer. The principle of leverage technology focuses at preventing time wastage and speed up time to the market.

Monday, August 26, 2019

Modern Artist - Constantin Brancusi Research Paper

Modern Artist - Constantin Brancusi - Research Paper Example The paper "Modern Artist - Constantin Brancusi" investigates Constantin Brancusi's art. He was strongly influenced from the African and oriental art and most of this work pieces also reflect his admiration towards them. Some of his prominent works include Sleeping Muse (1908), The Kiss (1908), Prometheus (1911), Mademoiselle Pogany (1913), The Newborn (1915), Bird in Space (1919) and The Column of the Infinite that is commonly called with the name The Endless Column (1938).Keeping in view his interesting in wood carving, initially he got the training as a carpenter and stonemason. However, when he settled in Paris he recognized his great interest and capabilities in sculpture making. Brancusi has been regarded among the prominent central figures of the modern movements. He pioneered abstraction and paves the way towards the evolution of new genre in the field of art. Brancusi strived to make simple work pieced using few basic elements. He was also admired by the work of August Rodin however, he was most interested in searching for pure form and in the end he succeeded to convey the sense of gravity through his work pieces making from few basic elements. His art work is not only praised for the visual elegance but he also showed the sensitive use of material blended with direct peasant carving and Parisian Avant-grade. His style was based upon his non-conventional approach towards art and creation of art pieces. He believes that main purpose of art work in to reveal the hidden truth.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Exam Habits Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exam Habits - Research Paper Example deed, both the parents and the teachers have a desire for students to perform well, however, they provide little guidance on determining the most appropriate learning techniques that would work to enhance educational outcomes (Barrass, 2002). Based on this perspective, this paper examines Exam habits are determined by the learning techniques that students engage. There are various principles that comprise the states of learning. First, an individual must be in the right state of mind. Knowledge is impacted when a particular individual makes an effort towards learning. An example of such an aspect involves the learner to have positive expectations towards the learning process (C.E., 1988). Secondly, is that there must be a variety of ways of input. Some individuals learn better by using numerous input methods. This involves aspects such as asking of questions during the learning process. In the different states of learning, there are four main stages of competence. The first stage is that of unconscious incompetence in which an individual is mot in a position to understand something while at the same time does not recognize the lack of such understanding. In learning, it is essential that one understands the need for understanding for effective learning. The second stage is that of conscious incompetence. This stage involves one individual who does not understand concept although such individuals know of the lack. This state of learning involves making mistakes, which is an integral part in effective learning as long as one is able to realize the mistake and make adjustments (C.E., 1988). Conscious competence involves the state of an individual having critical understanding of an issue. An important aspect at this stage is the need for concentration. Concentration is important in learning as it enhances better understanding of concepts. The last stage is unconscious competence, which involves the state of an individual having practiced a skill and therefore,

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Strategic Information System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Strategic Information System - Essay Example y, the information system is used as an academic sort of study of the systems usually with some particular reference to information and complementary networks of software and hardware that organizations and the people use in collecting, creating, filtering, processing and distributing data. Any the information system normally aims at supporting the operations, decision-making and the management (Haav, 2009). The strategic systems usually are computer systems that normally implement the business strategies. They include the systems where the information service resources that are applied to the strategic business opportunities in a manner that the computer systems have a great impact on the organizations products as well as the business operations (Ulrich, 2010). The strategic information systems mostly are those that are developed in response to the corporate opportunities and the initiatives. The central idea usually comes from the business operational people and the information services that supply the technological abilities and the capabilities in realizing profitable results. Zara, one among the world’s largest companies of fashion had a simple and a unique type of focus in linking the customers demand to the manufacturing and consequently linked the manufacturing to the distribution. Their major issue has been related to the current information technology kind of platform that they use in operating their chain in the retail stores (Quintela VarajaÃŒÆ'o, 2010). The business model could be split into three main components which are; capabilities, concept and the value drivers. The most fundamental concept has been maintaining the production, the distribution and the design that eventually would enable the organization to be able to respond quickly to the shifts in the customer demands. The value drivers for the organization conclusively are tangible and intangible as well in the benefits that are usually brought back to the stakeholders (Barzdin, 2011).

Friday, August 23, 2019

The role of the creative artist Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The role of the creative artist - Essay Example ve important role in influencing the worldview of people and culture and further imply a declaration that worldview entails more than abstract ideas or theoretical concepts. Creative artists usually root the image-making and image-perceiving nature of people because people do not live by ideas alone. Artists normally express their affirmations and denials through paint on a canvas, tension and release of sound, music, poems, stories and drama making them more image-making and image-using creatures with the help of great images, metaphors and analogies (Essential Humanities Web). It is apparent that no one can doubt the abilities of artists especially how people organize their lives and make their decisions based on the images such as either heroes, love song, hymn, and landscape that have ideational aspect and communicate certain meanings. It is worth noting that art serve the salutary function of reminding people such as religious people and politicians that their worldview is the basis of theoretical thought inviting awareness about them. Although people may not accede to the accumulation of possessions, their minds are usually full of images of things such as big houses and fancy things, their actual behaviour may run in the direction of covetousness (Essential Humanities Web). Another good instance is when people such as Christians possess theoretical belief in the ideals of chastity and faithfulness in marriage, creative artists may fill their minds with nude images and songs of seduction that may greatly change their sexual behaviour to perhaps lust and sexual licence. Creative artists largely transform people’s worldview and further affect the quality of our life and character by the images that the artists habitually take into peoples’ minds. All creative artists transform peoples’ worldview because they usually use the language of images. For instance, visual artist applies such as paint and stone to see and touch while musicians use physical

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Slavery and sectionalism, between the North and South Essay Example for Free

Slavery and sectionalism, between the North and South Essay To what extent did the American Civil War succeed in removing the two main causes of conflict: slavery and sectionalism, between the North and South? The causes of the Civil War are a subject that have fascinated historians for generations, provoking many different interpretations. From my study I have found slavery and sectionalism to be the most important causes. In the short term, the war did not succeed in eradicating these causes of conflict and actually incited further problems, such as racism and violence. The Reconstruction period failed to achieve its main aims, which were to re-unite the two sections of North and South into the Union, and to help the Negro to infiltrate that country as a citizen, and not a slave. I also aim to show that these forces are still evident in American society today, and therefore bring the historical argument up to date. Sectionalism is a multi-faceted cause, and many historians have stressed different aspects of this sectionalism as the cause of conflict. Cultural and social historians emphasise the contrast between the civilisations and values of the two regions, whereas progressive historians stress the economic gulf between the North and South, and Marxist historians believe the class difference was the overriding cause of conflict. These views are valid as a detailed insight into particular areas of sectionalism, however their narrow viewpoint ignores other contributing factors. The most reliable view is provided by Kennet M Stampp, who demonstrates that sectionalism was a culmination of these factors which together were a major cause of conflict. He uses a variety of sources, both contemporary and secondary, to provide a balanced evaluation. This is juxtaposed to other historians who may have used a limited range of sources or been influenced by the predominant view of the time. Other historians, however, have singled out slavery to be the cause of the sectional crisis, and indeed the war. Northern historians such as James Ford Rhodes particularly uphold this view: of the American Civil War it may safely be asserted that there was a cause, slavery Slavery certainly was a huge force in America. In 1860, four million people were slaves with more that three million of these working in the South. Nonetheless, revisionist historians have argued that slavery was not the main cause of the Civil War. This could possibly have been due to a new influx of evidence, or a particular historical debate. However, recently, historians have criticised these accounts for failing to appreciate the moral urgency of the slavery issue, and have given renewed emphasis to slavery as the cause of the conflict. Despite these different interpretations, it was both the multi-faceted nature of sectionalism and slavery, which caused the Civil War. According to law, slavery was removed after the American Civil War with the Emancipation Proclamation of September 22 1862: All persons held as slaves within any state, or designated part of a state shall be forever free This however, did not free them from the racism and discrimination that their emancipation incited. The Southern image of the Negro was shaped by their slave past, and therefore the image had not changed despite the war. For example, Brogan says: the mind of the section is continuous with the past Cash and his book are themselves strong evidence of the continuation of these ideas, even one hundred and forty years later. Other historians are in accordance with this view: Southern bitterness ran deep People still believed that what they had fought for wasnt morally wrong and that Africans were meant to be slaves. Thus, as Cable writes the ex slave was not a freeman, only a free Negro. These ideas were furthered by evidence from sociologists, anthropologists and psychologists who presented what they regarded as convincing evidence of the innate racial traits of Negroes, indicating that they were intellectually inferior to whites. For example Dr J C Nott, a leading Southern ethnologist in the 1850s said: The Negro races stand at the lowest point in the scale of human beings. These ideas were also passed on through the government, for example Alexander H Stephens (vice President of the Confederacy) said: equality does not exist between blacks and whites. The one race is by nature inferior in many respects, physically and mentally to the other. Thus, white people were indoctrinated by superior, and who they believed to be trustworthy figures of the time. This contemporary evidence is extremely useful to the modern historian to understand how the belief of the inferiority of Negroes was continued, and indeed reinstated, after the war, hence causing the degradation of the blacks. Economic degradation of the Negro also strengthened the white mans belief in their innate inferiority. Emancipated Negroes were potential social and economic competitors, particularly owing to the rapidly rising population of the South; therefore white men felt that they had to keep them at the bottom of the caste and economic system. This was achieved through sharecropping. Useless land was given to blacks who could take a share of the crop. The planters could therefore bring land to production without paid labour, whilst at the same time giving the chance for the black man to work under his own supervision and to sell his share of the crop to eventually buy his own land. However the blacks received poor treatment, were often cheated out of their money and remained under the control of the whites. Hence in all but appearance this was the same as the old plantation and slavery had effectively not been removed. Derrick Murphy upholds this view: Sharecropping.. kept them [the Negroes] in a position of poverty and social inferiority. Indeed sharecropping continued into the 1940s in some areas of America, such as Alabama, therefore it was another eighty years before slavery was abolished in the farms. The black codes also endorsed this idea of the black remaining under whites control. For example, a leading Northern liberal, Carl Schurz, remarked that the codes embodied the idea that although individual whites could no longer have property of the individual blacks, the blacks at large belonged to the whites at large. This could be seen as a prejudiced evaluation as Schurz is a Northerner remarking on Southern principles. However, this viewpoint is supported by fact. The black codes prohibited Negroes serving on juries or testifying against white men, disallowed Negroes marrying whites and stated that the Negroes were not allowed to leave their place of work without permission. The codes therefore limited their freedom, and reduced them to a state of pre-war slavery. Schurzs analysis is indeed correct, that the Negroes were far from being emancipated as they still belonged to the whites. Whites disallowed blacks the right to better their position through education. Post war public education was only provisioned for whites, as they believed that the education of blacks was a waste of effort, or even dangerous (Degler). All over the South in 1865-7 any white person who attempted to instruct Negroes was subject to attacks and violence. Therefore the blacks were further denied rights, much the same as they were under slavery. Under the driving will of the Radical Republicans, the fourteenth and fifteenth Amendment of 1866 and 1869 were adopted to the Constitution. These allowed the blacks to be full citizens, and equal in rights and voting privileges with white men. This threat of possible black power to white supremacy caused an upsurge of hatred towards the blacks, and an outbreak of violence and intimidation at the ballot box. Groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Knights of White Camelia, The White Brotherhood and The Pale Faces began to emerge. Their aim is shown in the official charge to the new recruits of the Ku Klux Klan in 1867: Our main and fundamental objective is the maintenance of the supremacy of the white race in this Republic. Therefore we can see that the emancipation of the slaves actually provoked worse reaction towards the Negroes, and made their life one filled with terror, which it had net been to the same extent before. However, there were also some positive moves towards equality of blacks in the Reconstruction period. Radical Republicans believed that all sons of Adam and Eve are equal in the eyes of God and therefore that it was morally wrong for Negroes to be discriminated against. They pushed for the Force Acts passed on May 31st 1870, and February 21st 1871. These said that force or intimidation used to prevent citizens from voting would be punished by fine or imprisonment. A third Force Act, the Ku Klux Klan Act of April 20th 1871, imposed heavier penalties on persons who shall conspire together, or go in disguise for the purpose of depriving any person or any class of person of the equal protection of the laws, or of equal privileges or immunities under the laws. They also pressed for a longer life span of the Freedmans Bureau, which provided food, clothing and medical care for refugees and Negroes. According to the original act, the bureaus work was to terminate within a year after the end of the war. However, through the work of the Congressional Committee on Reconstruction and the radicals, the Freedmens Bureau Bill was passed in February 1866, which indefinitely extended its life span. However the bureau was hated by most Southern men, and was subject to much criticism, for example that it was stirring up discontent among the Negroes and giving false hopes, or that the bureau employed corrupt and incompetent administrators who wasted federal money. Some of this is true, however a more trustworthy evaluation of the bureaus work is that of historian Kenneth M Stampp, who believed the bureau played a constructive role in the transformation of the Negro from slave to citizen and that the tradition that the bureau was rife with corruption and incompetence is an exaggeration. His evaluation can be regarded as more trustworthy owing to the fact that as a modern historian he is less likely to be influenced by past war views and the use of evidence as propaganda. More than likely much of this corruption will have been exaggerated by Southern propagandists to try and close the bureau down and stop any aid to the Negroes. Stampp also has a wider range of source material and t he value of hindsight to provide a more balanced argument. However, the bureau did not manage the complete transformation especially as Congress stopped its activities in 1869. Thus ended the one modest Federal effort to deal directly with some of the social and economic problems confronting the post-war South, as written by Stampp. The Radical Republicans began to decline, and were replaced with stalwarts, who were concerned with the maintaining the status quo. This meant that they were no longer concerned with the issue of Negroes, and that its crusade had lost vitality. Brognan writes, by the end of the mind 70s the Negro was seen, at best, as a bore and a nuisance. Thus, by the end of the Reconstruction Period, the Negro remained a lower caste, economically discriminated against, faced with violence, and in a position no better than that of the pre-war slavery period. Towards the end of the nineteenth century their position became worse as they faced segregation. I t began with a movement led by Mississippi Constitutional Convention of 1890, which insisted on poll taxes and literary tests to remove blacks from the voting registers. This initiated a period of segregation in hospitals, theatres, cemeteries, housing, prisons and even with water fountains. This was not helped by the fact that the North had begun to look at a Negro through Southern eyes. The post-war era may have united the Northern and Southern beliefs about the Negroes, however it caused a greater void between the two sections in other respects. The Civil War destroyed two thirds of Southern wealth, which was worsened by a population rise in the South, thus impoverishing the South. This was in direct juxtaposition with the North, who got economic benefits from the secession. It became easier for the North to go ahead with construction, for example of the transcontinental railway, without the South opposing it, and during the war years Northern wealth had grown by 50 percent. Thus, the war actually exacerbated the pre-war problems by creating an even greater economic gulf. Slavery had also hindered the training of artisans and craftsmen, and education remained a low priority for the south. Any educated Southerners would travel to the North to go to university, thus draining the South of its intelligence, and possible makers of wealth. This therefore maintained the divisions between the two sections of the country. The war also did not change the attitude of the two sections towards one another. If anything it strengthened them, and created patriotic ideas of either section: Four years of fighting for the preservation of their world, and their heritage, four years of measuring themselves against the Yankee had left the South more aware of their differences and of the line which divided what was South and what was not. Cash here provides a valuable and reliable view of the Southern viewpoint for an outsider. However, it is only a reliable view of the traditional Southern stance. Throughout his book it is interesting to note how revisionist ideas are not explored. This can be viewed in a positive manner however, in that we are given deep insight into one type of historical viewpoint, a view that many post-war Southerners would have held, one that evidently still exists today. This idea of Southern nationalism was deeply rooted in their fear of losing their traditions and therefore the status quo of the section. It was an unwillingness to change into a section like the North. They had their stereotypical views of the North, thus to change they felt they would incite moral and Physical ruin. Therefore it can be seen that not only was slavery still apparent in America after the Civil War, but also the divisions between the sections still existed. Thus the reconstruction had failed in most of its aims, and the Civil War had not succeeded in removing its causes on conflict. Even in todays society, one hundred and fifty years later, the causes behind the war are still evident in America. We can see that when the causes relate to the opinion, habits and traditions of the people they are extremely difficult to remove, and the mid set is often passed down through generations. The range of sources that I have used have all been unanimous in one aspect: they all acknowledge that the Civil War has been and will continue to be one of the most influential events that America has ever experienced, and that it is difficult to assess whether the divisions underlying the war will ever be fully removed from American society.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

International Trade Essay Example for Free

International Trade Essay Abstract One of the most confusing intolerance times is that free trade discussions are unlimited while free trade itself is growing and growing. For more than a while the government attempted to a global agreement to â€Å"lower trade barriers that have gone nowhere.† (Naim, 2007) The very last time trade was discussed they had reason to celebrate was in the late 1900’s this was when â€Å"125 nations agreed to a significant drop in trade barriers and the creation of new institution charged with supervising and liberalizing international trade, the World Trade Organization. † (Naim, 2007) â€Å"Keep in mind that, despite all the misgivings about international trade, the fact remains that countries share of economic activity related to exports is growing very fast, 1.5 faster than those with more stagnant exports.† (Naim, 2007) People know that economic growth alone may not be the right thing to help poverty; people must learn that without some kind of growth, all the efforts made will fall short. As trade grows the need for better rules is needed. International Trade The purpose of this paper is to address and discuss international trade. potential gains, the different types, the aspects and the impact of international trade. An international trade begins with what countries can do to survive the economics toughest times that must have some kind of trade. â€Å"Trading will give consumers and other countries the chance to be exposed to goods and services and not available in their countries. Almost every kind of product can be found on the international market: food, clothes, spare parts, oil, jewelry, wine, stocks, currencies, and water. Services are also traded: tourism, banking, consulting, and transportation.† (Investopedia, 2012) There are rewarding opportunities in the field of international trade intermediation, but new entrants need to be apprised of industry challenges. (Perry, 1992) International trade is â€Å"the exchange of goods and services along international borders. This trade allows for greater competition and more competitive pricing in the market. The competition results in more affordable products for the consumer.† (business dictionary, 2013) International trade also known as foreign trade has maintained since the dawn of time. Trading goods which are transported on the backs of tradesmen across tribal boundaries, and bartered and sold among neighboring, and, hopefully, accommodating tribesman. (wisegeek, 2013) Even though international trade rose national gross domestic product by providing vastly expanded economic opportunity. International trade is most commonly recognized in the exchange of goods or products. However, trading services, such as expertise in a particular field, or the ability to facilitate the trade of goods, is another common form of foreign trade. â€Å"There are many potential gains from international trade that benefit the businesses and countries that engage in trade around the world. International trade creates new markets for domestically produced products, and it often results in the introduction of new products into domestic markets. Different countries have access to different resources and are, therefore, able to produce some products more cheaply and efficiently than others. One of the major gains from international trade is that some products that would be expensive to product domestically can be imported at a much lower cost. Though there are many gains from international trade, disadvantages also exist such as the high initial costs of entering a new foreign market and the necessity of dealing with strict international trade laws.† (wisegeek, 2013) International trade is simply the exchange of services and goods across various geographical borders. The types of international trade include inter-firm trade and intra-industry trade. Both types of international trade involve the importation of goods and service. There is a difference in the methods and range in which the various trades are applied. â€Å"One type of trade included in types of international trade is intra-industry trade in which importers import goods that are similar to those produced in the country. An example of this type of sale can be seen in the importation of automobiles.† (wisegeek, 2013) In intra-firm trade, the international trade is confined to various arms or supplementary of a multi-national corporation. â€Å"Inter-firm trade occurs between different types of companies that produce different types of goods. This type of trade may be seen in case of a supplier of raw materials and a company that is importing the raw materials, which is bases in another country.† (wisegeek, 2013) â€Å"Inter-industry trade refers to the method of trade whereby parties from two countries exchange goods that are not manufactured in either country. Sometimes the reasons why the countries are not able to manufacture the items may include a lack of technical ability to produce the item or lack of raw materials. Even though it is mainly material items in inter-industry trade that are included in types of international trade, intangible items like skills and services are also involved.†(wisegeek, 2013) â€Å"International trade is conducted by businesses that are efficient enough to be competitive on the international market. Businesses in different countries tend to specialize in different sections; for example, industrialized countries may have companies that specialize in high-tech manufacturing or financial services, while developing countries may export mainly agricultural products. Governments impose tariffs or quotas to protect some domestic industries from foreign imports, and these are a barrier to international trade. Trading internationally has been facilitated by international agreements and organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). Negotiations have led to reductions in tariffs and quotas that had been a brake on international trade. Although international agreements are often hard to reach, negotiations in the WTO ensure that international trade issues are thoroughly considered.† (wisegeek, 2013) â€Å"International trade disputes may be resolved more easily as a result of the introduction of mechanisms for dispute resolution through agencies such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Countries have facilitated international trade for businesses by signing bilateral investment protection agreements that make certain guarantees for investors and provide for dispute resolution.† (wisegeek, 2013) International trade is a trade that rises above international borders. This is in direct contrast to domestic trade which is the trade that occurs within a territory or local market. International trade has been made possible by advances in technology that make it easier to communicate and coordinate the transfer of goods and services across territories. The impact of international trade can be seen in various areas including the economy, jobs, outsourcing and unfair labor practices. â€Å"One impact of international trade is its effect on the economy of the nation’s engaging in the trade. This effect is felt by both less developed and more developed nations. Most developed countries benefit by purchasing raw materials and finished products from less developed countries. Less developed countries gain by getting much needed financial resources from the trade. For instance, some developing countries in Africa and the Middle East have some natural resources like crude oil, metals and precious stones that they can sell to other countries are dependent on the financial resources. Another of International trade is its effect on jobs in the more developed countries. Most companies engage in outsourcing, which is a direct outcome of international trade.† The particular impact of international trade leads to the fears that some dishonest business associates might employ cheap labor in a manner that is detrimental to the workers from poor countries. Some concerns also arise about the potential of using underage labor in the manufacturing sector, especially the apparel and toy-making sectors. This is an undesirable impact of international trade. In conclusion, international trade affects the entire American economy. The early industrial years of American economy was based entirely on the exporting goods to other countries and these exports created the revenue to sustain the country. I addressed and discussed international trade, potential gains, the different types, the aspects, and the impact of international trade. What can international trade which begins with what countries can do to survive the economics toughest times that must have some kind of trade. Trading will give consumers and other countries the chance to be exposed to goods and service and sometimes not available for other countries. References Business Dictionary, 2013. International Trade. Retrieved February 11, 2013 from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/international-trade.html. Wise Geek, (2013). International trade. Retrieved February 11, 2013 from www.wisegeek.com/what-are-different-aspects-of-international-trade.htm. Wise Geek, (2013). What are the different types of International trade. Retrieved February 11, 2013 from www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-interentional-trade.htm Wise Geek, (2013). What are the different types of international trade. Retrieved February 12, 2013 from www.wisegeek.com/what-is-international-trade.htm. Wise Geek, (2013). What is the impact of international trade. Retrieved February 13, 2013 from www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-impact-of-international-trade.htm. Wise Geek, (2013). What are the potential gains from international trade. Retrieved February 13, 2013 from www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-potential-gains-from-international-trade.htm. Investopedia, 2012. What is International Trade? Retrieved February 11, 2013 from http://www.investopedia.com/articles/03/112503.asp#axzz2JgEj1WG4 Investopedia, 2012. What is International Trade? Retrieved February 11, 2013 from http://www.investopedia.com/articles/03/11503.asp#axzz2Kzwjb5ne Perry, A.C. (1992). US international trade intermediaries: A field study investigation. International Marketing Review, 9(2), 7-7. Retrieved February 16, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/224308899?accountid=41759. Naim, M. (2007). The free-trade paradox. Foreign Policy, (162), 96-96, 95. Retrieved February 12, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/pqrl/printviewfile?accountid=41759

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The uniform application of Community Law

The uniform application of Community Law Title: The uniform application of Community law can never be achieved because it is too easy for national courts to decide important points of Community law for themselves. Critically evaluate the above statement. Introduction Given that the European Union of 2006 consists of 25 different states, which operate under (more than)[1] 25 different legal systems and court structures based on different heritages and subject to different political and socio-economic pressures it is certainly appropriate to concede that the uniform application of Community law is a tall order. That said however, in law it is always dangerous to use the word never. Supremacy of EC Law It is first worth making the point that all forms of EC law prevail over all forms national law. Cases such as Van Gend en Loos[2] and Costa v ENEL[3] gave the European Court of Justice the opportunity to make this fundamental principle clear in the early days of the EEC in the 1960s. The sovereignty of EC law, now largely accepted by courts around the EC, underpins the Community’s pursuit of the goal of uniform application. As confirmed by cases such as Defrenne v Sabena[4] the principle of direct effect operates alongside the supremacy rule to facilitate and encourage the uniform application of EC law in the courts of the member states. Article 234 EC Article 234 of the Treaty of Rome sets down a procedure vital to the consistent application of Community law. The Article provides: â€Å"The Court of Justice shall have jurisdiction to give preliminary rulings concerning: (a) the interpretation of this Treaty (b) the validity and interpretation of acts of the institutions of the Community and of the ECB; (c) the interpretation of the statues of bodies established by an act of Council, where those statutes so provide. Where such a question is raised before any court or tribunal of a Member State, that court or tribunal may, if it considers that a decision on the question is necessary to enable it to give judgment, request the Court of Justice to give a ruling thereon. Where any such question is raised in a case pending before a court or tribunal of a Member State against whose decisions there is no judicial remedy under national law, that court or tribunal shall bring the matter before the Court of Justice.† First, it is clear from the above that national courts do not possess the jurisdiction to rule on the validity of acts of the EC institutions. As Foto-Frost v Hauptzollampt[5] confirms, all such questions must be referred to the Court of Justice and it is argued that this goes some way to ensure the harmonious application of EC law in the member states. The Article 234 mechanism ensures that ambiguous questions of EU law can be referred to the Court of Justice for an authoritative answer and its importance in the EC legal order is hard to overstate. Clearly without such a procedure the courts of the different member states could and almost certainly would resolve issues of EU law slightly and perhaps sometimes wildly differently. Article 234 allows questions to be referred from the lower courts of the member states at the discretion of those courts and importantly it imposes a mandatory duty on the supreme courts in each member state to refer questions of EU law to the European Court. In theory this procedure ensures that EU law is both interpreted and applied in a uniform manner across the Community. The duty imposed on courts of the last resort to refer questions of EU law to the Court of Justice is obviously important, because there is no further domestic appeal from such courts. The duty was confirmed inter alia, in the case Gaston Schul[6]. The CILFIT ruling[7] stipulated that the duty to refer under what is now Article 234[8] did not apply where: (a) the question of EU law is not relevant to the domestic proceedings; (b) the provision has already been interpreted by the Court of Justice and the answer is clear even though the circumstances of the current case may not be identical; (c) the correct interpretation of the law is so obvious as to leave no room for reasonable doubt. In the early days of the EEC, when the national courts of the member states were still struggling with the notion of a supreme Community law, many decisions in the UK and other member states such as Germany and Italy indicated a more lax approach to the use of what is now the Article 234 procedure. In HP Bulmer Ltd V Bollinger SA[9] Lord Denning suggested a reference would only be necessary if it was deemed to be conclusive to a judgment. Such cases do not represent the law today, having been undermined by the definitive CILFIT ruling, which has been endorsed and applied in many subsequent rulings: Intermodal Transports BV v Staatssecretaris van Financià «n.[10] It should also be noted that the European Court’s predisposition towards contextual and purposive interpretation designed to buttress and sometimes even proactively increase the efficacy of EC law is readily apparent in this field. In Broekmeulen v Huisarts Registratie Commissie[11] the question was whether the appeal committee of a medical body constituted a â€Å"court or tribunal† under the terms of Article 234. The Court of Justice held that it was imperative to ensure the proper functioning of Community law that it should get the opportunity to rule on references from as many forms of body as possible and thus included the committee in question within the notional ambit of â€Å"court or tribunal† in the context of Article 234. This general judicial policy, if consistently pursued, bodes well for the harmonious application of Community law. Concluding Comments It is submitted that to assert that the uniform application of Community law can never be achieved because it is too easy for national courts to decide important points of Community law for themselves is an unduly negative stance to take. It is undeniably difficult to achieve the perfectly uniform application of Community law in the circumstances in which the EU finds itself, and doubtless as the boundaries of the Union extend, both in geographic and legislative terms, the task of ensuring uniform application will become ever more exacting. However, the legislative mechanisms to guarantee the consistent application of Community law are in place and the Court of Justice has proved itself committed to the role of policing the application of EU law and enthusiastic in the fulfilment of that end. Inevitably teething troubles will persist as legal systems are slow to adapt to change and generally resistant to external reform but as each year passes it is predicted that Community law will enjoy more consistent interpretation and application on the foundations of rigorous jurisprudence delivered by the European Court. Perfect uniformity may never be achieved, but then where in life is perfection possible? Effective uniformity is an achievable end, and it is submitted that EU law will in time achieve this. THE END WORD COUNT: 1132 (word count for answer only exceeded word limit to account only for the reproduction of Article 234 in full) BIBLIOGRAPHY Craig De Burca, EU law Text, Cases and Materials (Oxford University Press: 2003) Steiner Woods, Textbook on EC Law (Oxford University Press: 2003) Stephen Weatherill, Cases and Materials on EU Law, (Oxford University Press: 2004) Treaty of Rome (as amended) 1 Footnotes [1] For example in the United Kingdom distinct legal systems operate in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. [2] Case 26/62. [3] Case 6/64. [4] Case 43/75. [5] Case 314/85. [6] C-461/03. [7] Case 283/81. [8] Formerly Article 177 EC. [9] [1974] Ch 401. [10] Case C-495/03. [11] Case 246/80.

Comparing Two Articles on Architecture :: Article Summary

In the history of architecture there often was a discrepancy between what the architect wants to design and what the client wants to have. In fact, sometimes an architect will do a great design and acquire awards for his design but maybe the client or user have an aversion to it. Stater (2002) and Misra (2002) argue this issue in a distinct way. In the article " it is just not Cricket", Stater (2002) explain the relationships between the architect and clients in different cases and gives two building as examples. The first case that the author shows in this article is the status of the architect who does not talk with any one and has the knowledge and the confidence, while what the client does not like may becomes secondary. Moreover, client has different situations of behavior such as incoherent, unconscious or very probably uninterested (Stater 2002). On the other hand, he said that the job of the architect seems like the doctor's job, for instance of that is when the patient come to the GP's doctor he tell him about his problems and symptoms. As a result the doctor finds the best treatment and solution for his problems. In the same way the client come to the architect and have same strategies. In terms of negative architecture design, the explanation of Stater (2002) can be seen in two examples of buildings which are the Bevin Court and the Media Centre at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Although these buildings have significant designs in terms of moderation and technique, they are not functional and inconvenience for clients. The reason of that the architect did not discuss the design with the client (Stater 2002). Conversely, in the article "Whose House Is It? Exploring User Participation in the Design Process of Residences" Misra (2002) explores that the design process must support the user needs. As well as, the author said that the architecture should be reflected and reinforced by the nature of gender, race and class relations in society. However Misra (2002) discussed four main points in seven projects in India which are the issue of user participation in the design of built environment, the architectural design process in the case of individual project is outlined, and the clients involvement, the patterns of clients-user participation evident and finally some institutional aspects that act systemically to maintain patters of user participation are outlined. In the aspect of the design of the built environment, Misra (2002) states that the behavior setting for individual and groups are the meaning of the built environment.

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Jerry Springer Show Essay -- essays research papers

Television has come a long way from the first black and white silent show to its current craze, which happens to be the television talk shows. In the nineteen eighties, the daytime airwaves were monopolised by soap operas and game shows but the trend gradually evolved to talk shows towards the nineties. Being before my time, research appears to imply that the talk show intrusion of our airwaves all seemed to start with the originals such as Geraldo Riveria, Donahue and Sally Jesse Rafael. Surprisingly though, some of the morality and the topics remain somewhat similar throughout the years, such as the improvement of society and the quality of life often show on shows like the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Montel Williams Show. As we approach the darker realms of talk shows, we come to talk shows such as the Jerry Springer show. At first impression, one may get the inherent idea that the show is basically is exploiting the misery and troubles of real life people who do not live the blessed lives that we imagine up in our ideal minds. There is no doubt to me at all that the main aim of such shows is to exploit the lives of these misfits and the more dirt the producers get, the higher their ratings. But unfortunately, it is ironic that when the decrease in society's morals is highlighted in every episode Springer airs the producers are getting richer. Looking deeper at the show, we can safely say that the show is based mainly on relationships between people. Morality is first pu...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Jurassic Park: Comparision Between Book And Movie Essay -- essays rese

Jurassic Park: Comparision Between Book and Movie Michael Crichton, a master of suspense, has created a novel for your imagination. This book involves prehistoric animals and plants from the Jurassic era. Steven Spielberg took on this book, as a movie project to add to his collection of visually mastered Science-Fiction motion pictures. Both the movie and the book have captured the imagination of people around the world. In this paper, it will show the similarities and differences for the first third of these two superb creations. One of the similarities of both the movie and the book is the construction accident. The movie and the book's opening scenes show some Jurassic Park workers loading a dinosaur into a maximum security cage. The dinosaur grabbed a hold of one of the workers causing chaos throughout the worksite. The construction worker was drawn in by the dinosaur and never returned. After this "construction accident," the worker's family was suing Jurassic Park for a sizable sum of money. The family sent out a lawyer to the island to see if the park is safe, and if its the cause for their relative's death. The book tells stories that the movie doesn't show. One of those is about a little girl. The little girl is vacationing with her parents when she goes off by herself exploring. She was looking for animals for her class, when she stumbles upon a lizard. She starts to get closer, when the lizard attacks her. The little girl ...

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Apush Supplemental Reading Notes- Early Settlements

APUSH SUPPLEMENTAL READING NOTES Early Settlements by James Horn |Please answer each question thoroughly and completely. If you have treated this assignment lightly, you will | |be at a disadvantage in writing essays that call for â€Å"substantial and appropriate outside information. † Read Early Settlements | |(http://www. gilderlehrman. org/history-by-era/early-settlements/essays/early-settlements ) by James Horn and complete the prompts below. |In two or three well thought out sentences, summarize the major point of this reading. (Please be thorough. This will be very important to| |you late in the year when reviewing for the AP test) In this reading, the author wrote about the early English settlers of | |the New World.He opens with a quote from a passage from the 16th century that speaks about the colonies in the new world, and how England| |should get involved and start to colonize as well. The author then goes into detail on the establishing of the 13 colonies of England in | |the New World and later on, the lifestyle in terms of immigrants, diversity, and population. The article ends talking about the expansion | |from the original 13 colonies to what would make Britain known as â€Å"the acknowledged master of North America†. |In a couple of sentences, what was the bias of the author? From what perspective does the author write–political, social, and economic? | |Why is this significant in the document you have read? Related article: Apush Taxation Without Representation DbqWhile most essays and articles seem to have some form of bias, I do not| |pick up in any way a sense of this at any time in the reading. He conveys his message of England’s rise to dominance of North America, | |maybe slightly hinting at bias in that sense, but nonetheless, in a writing style hat displays facts one by one, and gets straight to the| |point. This style of writing is clearly significant in the document simply because it is an easy way to limit bias, and shorten the | |article, therefore making it more reader-friendly for some- if not most readers. | Continued on the next page |Different from the â€Å"what is the main point† question above, list several things that you learned from this reading, things that you did | |not know before doing this reading. |Treaty of Utrecht (1713) gave Britain control of the areas of Hudson Bay, Acadia (Nova Scotia), and Newfoundland | |Spanish were involved in the Fr ench and Indian War | |The British 13 colonies grew in population (nearly 5 times size) over 60 years | |Surges into the backcountry (west of Appalachian) began so early (early 18th mainly) | |Black populations grew even more rapidly from about 20,000 in 1700 to 326,000 by 1760 | |Rice became the third great staple of Britain’s transatlantic commerce, alongside West Indian sugar and Chesapeake tobacco | |5,000 Algonquians who lived along the coastal plain of Virginia when the English first arrived, only about 1,000 remained by 1700 The purpose of this assignment is to help you be prepared to refer to historians or historically significant individuals in your AP test essays.In the space below, write down quotes from the document that you think might be useful. Try to be selective–choose those that are| |genuinely typical of the writer’s thinking or that highlight a major point in the writer's thinking or argument. Include page numbers so | |that you can find them again when we review. | |â€Å"English indentured ervants, Ulster Irish, Catholic Irish, Scots, French Huguenots, and tens of thousands of Germans from the Rhineland and Swiss cantons moved into the coastal plain; flocked to the burgeoning port cities of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia; trekked along fertile river valleys into the interior; and pressed on toward the Appalachian Mountains† â€Å"Together, Virginia, Maryland, and the Lower South accounted for fully 87 percent of all Africans and African Americans living in the | |mainland colonies in 1760† â€Å"The turn of the century witnessed a new direction in English colonizing activities. Peace with Spain in 1604 brought an end to | |privateering, plunder, and the need for a North American base from which to attack Spanish shipping† | | | |â€Å"Jamestown, founded on May 14, 1607, barely survived its first five years.A combination of disease, Indian attacks, faction, and the | |failure to make any signi ficant discoveries or profit brought the colony to the edge of collapse on several occasions and discouraged | |continuing investment. The discovery of a lucrative cash crop, tobacco, which could be cultivated extensively in Virginia and brought a | |handsome return in England, saved the colony but not the Virginia Company, whose exclusive charter was revoked in 1624. SOURCE: http://www. murrayschools. org/MHS/apus/ 10. 1. 2007

Friday, August 16, 2019

Methods of Study in Economics Essay

This method is also called as abstract, analytical and priority method. Under this method, laws are deduced in a logical manner. On the basis of certain fundamental assumptions or accepted axioms (principles) or truths which have been established and handed down from generation to generation, the required conclusions are found out. This method is called as abstract since it is based on abstract reasoning and not actual facts. However, actual situation may differ from what deductive logic suggests. For example, it is assumed that the man is rational and on the basis of this it is deduced that he will buy cheap and sell dear ones. However, in actual situation this may not happen because of the absence of proper knowledge and market conditions. The principle steps in the process of deriving economic generalizations through deductive logic are: 1.perception of the problem; 2.defining the technical terms and making the appropriate assumptions; 3.deducing hypothesis and; 4.testing of hypothesis deduced. Through the use of deductive method, many theories and generalizations have been established in economics. It is called as inverse relationship between the price and quantity demanded, the direct relationship between the price and quantity supplied etc. However, this method also suffers from certain handicaps such as (i) assumptions generally turn out to be untrue or partially true; (ii) valid conclusions cannot be drawn in the absence of proper knowledge of the whole situation and (iii) it is dangerous to claim universal validity for the economic generalizations so deduced. Inductive method: According to this method, conclusions are drawn on the basis of collection and analysis of the facts which are relevant to the inquiry. The logic in this case proceeds from the particular to the general. The generalizations are based on observation of individual examples. The principle steps in this method are †¢Perception of the problem; †¢Collection, classification and analysis of data by using appropriate statistical techniques; †¢Finding out the reasons for the relationship established through statistical analysis and to set rules for the verification of the principles. Many researches in macroeconomics have been obtained through inductive method such as principle of acceleration describing the factors which determine investment in an economy, the nature of consumption function describing the relationship between income and consumption etc. Inductive method is increasingly being used on account of the under mentioned facts: †¢Statistical induction leading to precise, exact and measurable conclusions; †¢It underlines the importance of relativity of economic laws and †¢It shows that generalizations are valid only under certain conditions. †¢However, this method suffers from †¢Risk of hurried conclusions having being drawn from an insufficient number of facts; †¢Difficulties involved in the collection of facts; †¢The fact that observation and experimentation have very limited application in a science that deals with human activities. Reference: http://classof1.com/homework-help/economics-homework-help

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Barilla Case Study: Operational Ineffeciencies

Case Presentation Barilla SpA Introduction Company & Industry background †¢ World’s largest pasta producer in 1990 †¢ Pasta Share – 35% in Italy and 22% in Europe Channels of Distribution †¢ Products divided in 2 categories – â€Å"Fresh† and â€Å"Dry† †¢ Fresh Products had 21 day Shelf Lives †¢ Dry Products had Long ( 18 to 24 Months) or Medium(10 to 12 weeks) Shelf Lives †¢ Retail Outlets – Small independent The Issue During the late 1980s, Barilla suffered increasing operational inefficiencies and cost penalties that resulted from large week-to-week variations in its distributors’ order patterns Distribution Procedure †¢ Original flow of goods and information PLANT CDC’s Barilla run depots GD’s Chain supermarkets DO’s Independent supermarkets â€Å"Signora Maria† Shops Customers Customers Customers *CDC = Central Distribution Centre GD = Grand Distributors DO = Organize d Distributors Sales and Marketing Advertising – Heavy, Brand Positioned as the Highest Quality †¢ Trade promotions – Frequent †¢ Canvass period, 10 to 12 in a year, typical duration of 4 to 5 weeks †¢ Distributor could buy as much product as desired to meet present and future needs at the offered discount †¢ Volume Discounts also given †¢ Sales representatives used more at DO’s than GD’s – Merchandise Barilla Products – Set up In-Store Promotion – Take note of competitor’s prices, stockouts, new product launches – Work out ordering strategies for the retailer etc Demand Fluctuations †¢ Just in Time Distribution Variability in Demand †¢ Reasons – – – – Transportation discounts Volume discount Promotional activity No minimum or maximum order quantities – Product proliferation – Long order lead times – Lack of forecasting systems or sophist icated analytical tools at Distributer’s end Exhibit 12: Demand Fluctuations Variability in Demand †¢ Methods employed to counter variability – Holding buffer FGs to meet Distributor requirements – Asking Distributors/Retailers to carry additional inventory Impact – Strained Manufacturing and Logistics operations* – Poor Product delivery management – Thinning retailer/distributor margins – Increased Inventory Holding costs – Impossible to anticipate Demand swings – Changing customers due to lack of storage space Bullwhip effect †¢ Amplified Variation in demand as one moves up the Supply Chain (away from the order order customer) order Factory Distributor Wholesaler Retailer Order Variation The Causes of Bullwhip Effect Demand Forecast †¢ Long lead times †¢ Order Batching †¢ Price fluctuation (Promotional sales) †¢ Inflated orders in high estimated demand scenarios Counteracting the Bullwhip Effect †¢ Reduce Uncertainty – POS – Sharing Information – Centralizing demand information †¢ Reduce Variability – Year round or Everyday low pricing †¢ Reduce Lead Times – Information lead times: EDI – Order lead times: Cross Docking †¢ Strategic Partnerships – – – – Quick Response Continuous Replenishment Advanced Continuous Replenishment Vendor managed Inventory (VMI) Just-In-Time Distribution (JITD) †¢ Vendor-Managed Inventory Concept †¢ Treats end-customer as the Input †¢ Aims at managing the Input filter that Produces the Orders †¢ Decision-making authority for determining shipments in hands of Barilla SpA †¢ Barilla would monitor the flow of its products through the distributor’s warehouse, and then decide what to ship to the distributor and when to ship it †¢ Distributor provides Data on the shipment and current stock levels for Expected Benefits of JITD †¢ Manufacturer – Reduced manufacturing costs – Better Relationship with Distributors †¢ Increased supply chain visibility †¢ Increase Distributor’s dependence on Barilla – Improvement in manufacturing planning using objective data – Reduced inventory levels †¢ Distributors – Improved fill rates to Retail stores – Additional service without any extra cost – Reduced Inventory Holding costs JITD – Internal Resistance Sales Representatives feared reduction in responsibilities †¢ Flattened sales levels †¢ Risk of Inability to adjust shipments quickly to stock-outs †¢ Lack of infrastructure to handle JITD †¢ Increased competitor shelf space at distributor †¢ Inability to run Trade promotions †¢ Unsure about the cost benefits JITD – External Resistance †¢ Unconvinced Distributors †¢ Not willing to share warehouse data †¢ Perceived power transfer to Barilla †¢ Lack of faith in Barilla’s inventory management Possible methods to counter Resistance †¢ Demonstrate that JITD benefits the distributors – Run experiment at one or more of the distributor sites †¢ Maggiali needs to look at JITD not as a logistics program, but as a company-wide effort – Get Top management closely involved Experiments at Dryproduct depots †¢ Barilla spa ran first JITD experiment at its Florence depot †¢ During the very first month of the program – Inventory dropped from 10. 1 days to 3. 6 days – Service level to retail stores increased from 98. 9% to 99. % †¢ Depot’s staff was not comfortable working with such low inventory levels – Inventory levels finally allowed to increase to 5 days †¢ One of the arguments against JITD was that it will lead to waste empty spaces in the ware houses Experiments at Dryproduct depots †¢ In Florence case – Barilla growing at rapid rate in the region – Plans to expand warehouse – Existin g warehouse able to accommodate the increased requirement – Substantial investment on expansion was avoided †¢ JITD next tried at Milan Depot – Similar performance improvement as Florence †¢ These experiments established the credibility of JITD system Implementation at D. O. Cortese †¢ The decision to implement JITD in Marchese DC of Cortese involved – Barilla: Director of Logistics, Executive vice president of sales and Manager in charge of JITD implementation – Cortese: Nine managers including Managing director, new services manager, logistics manager and logistics, purchasing, marketing and sales personnel from Cortese’s Marchese DC †¢ Consultant Claudio Ferrozzi was roped in – Neutral party trusted by both the groups Implementation at D. O. Cortese †¢ For six months, Barilla team analyzed daily shipment data of the DC – Created the data base of DC’s historical demand pattern – Simulated shipments with JITD in place †¢ The implementation yielded phenomenal results – Prior to JITD †¢ Stock out rate : 2 to 5% ( Occasionally as high as 10 to 13%) – After JITD †¢ Negligible stock out rate of less than. 25%(Never exceeded 1%) †¢ Average inventory level also dropped Adaptation to different distributors With new confidence they approached other customers †¢ Customers apprehensive about JITD repeating the same success as Cortese for them as they had varied systems †¢ Barilla’s team developed capacity to translate customer’s standard’s into internal standards Adaptation to different distributors †¢ Developed a protocol which could be used to communicate with all customers †¢ Each SKU identified with three d ifferent product codes – Barilla’s code – Customer’s code – EAN (European article numbering system) barcode – Most common barcode standard in Europe †¢ Advantages of the coding system Information can be received through any code – Reduce impact of internal changes in product or code on client’s system Communication with consumers Customer each day sent following information to Barilla via EDI:1. Customer code number to identify itself 2. Inventory for each SKU carried by DC 3. Previous day’s â€Å"sell through†-All shipments of Barilla products out of DC to consumers on the previous day 4. Stock outs on previous day for every Barilla SKU carried by DC 5. An advance order for any promotions that the customer planned to run in the future 6. Preferred delivery carton size Lessons learnt One needs to prove credibility of any new performance initiative for others to buy his/her idea †¢ Best place to experimen t with an idea is within the organization †¢ To succeed in a new initiative, involvement of top management is imperative †¢ Market is ever growing. If performance measures seem to create spare time/capacity instead of chucking them, look out for ways to increase the – Barrilla could finally succeed in implementing JITD with Cortese. Whole of top management from both sides was involved in the decision making. Which never happened earlier – Sometimes roping a consultant helps THANK YOU

AIR ASIA Essay

Sadanand Maiya Talking to TWB on receiving the Honorary Doctorate, he expressed his happiness and gratitude to the people of Karnataka and said that coming from a Brahmin family he was supposed to offer free food to poor and needy people, but in business he was helpless, and as an alternative, he had now decided to help the people in the field of Education under the banner of his own trust namely â€Å"Sadananda Maiya Charitable Trust†. The PU Block consisting of 6 floors will be named after him at Jayanagar National College campus at an estimated cost of Rs. 6 crore sponsored by him with latest hi end technologies, and will start functioning shortly. For MCA from next academic year, four floors will be almost ready by June and the remaining 2 floors will be ready by October he said. Besides this, he has donated 40 computers to his home town school and constructed PU Block at Kotta Viveka School and a well stocked library at Sneha Sagar School. Belonging to a reputed hotelier family which had established the Mavalli Tiffin Room restaurant at Bangalore in 1924, Mr. Maiya imbibed the innate ability to â€Å"CREATE† foods with lasting taste and flavour even when he was studying in the school/college. While most of the boys at his age were more enamored by various extracurricular activities, Mr. Maiya chose to spend his leisure time to observe and learn the intricate art/skill of making new/innovative foods from his forefathers at MTR restaurant. It was this informal exposure, which had made him a real practitioner of art and science of cooking many traditional foods of South India. Mr. Maiya was born at Parampaalli in Dakshina Kannada district (presently Udupi district) on July 13, 1949. After a brilliant school career in his native place, he completed the Bachelor of Engineering course in Electrical engineering at BMS College of Engineering, University of Bangalore in the year 1973. Mr. Maiya, as a partner launched MTR Foods in 1976 and by 1978 established a small-scale facility to manufacture a host of ready mix products for many popular foods, which became instant hits in the market From a small-scale ready mix unit Mr. Maiya raised the status of his organisation to a major player in the industrial landscape of the country with high visibility and consumer goodwill. MTR Foods Ltd., as seen today, was incorporated in 1997 with Mr. Maiya as Chairman and Managing Director and growth of the organization ever since has been phenomenal, with the annual turnover of registering more than Rs. 1000 million during 2002-2003. Mr. Maiya was instrumental in transforming the status of his company from a small-scale unit to an ISO 9000 company with HACCP certification. Adoption of the internationally acclaimed -System Application Product in data processing, popularly known as â€Å"SAP†, by MTR Foods Ltd, for bringing up the management efficiency to be on par with

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

A chat with my grandpa on the war in Korea

A chat with my grandpa on the war in Korea It may be hard to believe, but before this interview, I never knew that my grandfather was involved in the Korean War. It wasn’t, and isn’t, something he talks about unless he’s asked. Talking to him about his experiences taught me so much about not only him, but my family also. I know my grandfather as the man who dresses up as Santa Claus because he bears an uncanny resemblance to him, the man who bakes bread as a hobby. This information revealed a part of him that I never knew was there. Michael Sosik was born on November 11th, 1943. His father, who passed away only a few years ago, was a World War II veteran who was on the beaches of Normandy only a couple weeks after D-Day. He grew up in Pennsylvania and enlisted in the army on March 23rd, 1962. When I said I was surprised he remembered the exact date, he said, â€Å"It’s a day you don’t really forget.† When he enlisted, he was already married to my grandmother, Doris Sosik, known to former Burgess students as the widely loved Mrs. Sosik. He chose the Army rather than the Navy despite his former experience with boats because he wanted to serve two years rather than four, and he wanted Special Forces. When I asked my grandfather why he enlisted, he said, â€Å"Patriotism. The President called for people to volunteer, he said he was looking for ‘a few good men.’ I voluntarily answered the call. That was a mistake.† Michael described his first days in the service as â€Å"lost and confused.† He disliked the feeling of his civilian privileges being taken away. He had to cut his longer hair, wear the same uniform as everyone else, and had the same rank as all the other men- he describes it as â€Å"a breaking down of your individualism.† His athleticism was the only thing that set him apart from the other young men. The food he described as â€Å"pretty gross.† He said that they were fed C-Rations, which were canned in 1943, the year he was born. His job assignments varied throughout his service. He was an infantryman, he jumped out of airplanes, he was a gunner on a helicopter, he learned to fight in jungle and mountain environments, and he worked with a Chaplain, who he called â€Å"an amazing man.† A Chaplain is a Catholic priest that provided spiritual and moral support for the men who were fighting. When asked about his most memorable experiences, he recalls the time he jumped out of an airplane and came right down the center of a large pine tree, getting caught up only a few feet away from the ground. He walked away from that incident with only scratches. Another experience he had took place when he was driving a Jeep. Michael and his crew heard guns firing, and suddenly a bullet went through the spare tire of the vehicle. He kept that bullet and still has it to this day. On another occasion he was in a helicopter when the compressor stalled at about 3,000 feet up. The crew brought the helicopter down with autorotation, and the ground came up fast. When they landed, they hit the ground so hard that the tail of the helicopter broke off. These were all scary, but the experience he considers to be the worst happened once he had come back from overseas. He was stationed at Fort Bragg in the Carolina Maneuver area, which encompassed Southern North Carolina and Northern South Carolina. He was an armorer and advisor, testing gun systems on helicopters in preparation for Vietnam. It was early in the morning, and the visibility was low. There’s no radar on helicopters, so there is no way of telling what’s around other than your own vision. When they took off from the landing zone, nose down, they saw a whole formation of other helicopters coming at them over the trees. Quickly they slammed the helicopter back into the ground, destroying it. He says, â€Å"You go overseas and you’re in a combat situation and you come home and you’re just training- and you run into something like that. The only thing that’s going through your mind is, ‘I’ve been through all that, and now I†™m going to die here?’ I thought for sure I was going to die that day.† As for life overseas, my grandfather had a unique experience. I asked him what people did to occupy the time they had off. He replied that many men went to see prostitutes, but he had another hobby. He absolutely loved visiting orphanages in Korea and volunteering his time with the children. He got very attached to one of the girls he met at an orphanage. Had he been financially able, he would have adopted her. Even still, he wants to find her, but he says, â€Å"No one can seem to help me. I know her information, her name, where she was†¦ I’ve not been able to find her.† Michael traveled all over when he was in the service. He’s been all over the US, to Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Cambodia. When talking about these places, he seemed to relive his memories vividly. He said, â€Å"Korea’s very hilly. You can be standing on top of a hill looking down at this valley, and they’re covered with rice patties- but there’s clouds in the sky, so you see these light and dark green patches in the shadow of the clouds.† The relationships that he had with his fellow soldiers and his officers were stronger overseas than they were when he came back to America. For the most part they were pretty good, but he says, â€Å"There are bad apples in every barrel, just like everything else.† When he was in the US, he brought his wife with him wherever he went, so he didn’t really socialize. One friend he made was the son of a Nazi officer named Ulf. They were close overseas, and they rotated on the same day. When they got back to America, Ulf returned to the Midwest where he lived. A couple of months ago, my grandfather looked him up online and pulled up an obituary. Through this, he learned that Ulf had been living in Northborough, Massachusetts, and had died only 3 months ago. For thirteen years, they had been living less than 30 minutes away from each other. When Mike talked to Ulf’s wife, she remembered his name. I saw his face change as he said; â€Å"It is really difficult, now at my age, that these people that I worked so close to, that I risked my life with- they’re leaving this Earth.† My grandfather left the army as an E-5, which is equivalent to a Sargent. He re-acclimated quickly to civilian life. He joined VFW and American Legion, and his education was supported by the GI Bill. He served an apprenticeship, started a construction business, went into publishing, and finally started Northeast Merchant Systems in Sturbridge, which is the job he retired from. He had four children, all of which were discouraged from joining the military. He now has 15 grandchildren, including myself. When he reflects on his years in the military he say’s he’s glad that he did it, but would never recommend it. He strongly dislikes the politics involved in war. He’s proud, but he wouldn’t do it again, and maintains that were he growing up in this day and age, he would not want to be involved in that â€Å"mess.† He says that he lives with problems today because of what he did in the service, and it’s transformed the way he thinks about life. Especially, he says, it affects the way he thinks about credibility. In the army, you report what you saw, not what you â€Å"think† you saw or what you analyze it to be. This is important in life too. Many people embellish what they see, and don’t even realize it. Military service also taught him how to rely on others, and how to trust someone with your life. It was a very strange experience for me to hear my grandfather talking about how closely he knew death, when just two weeks ago I had no idea that he had ever been to East Asia. If he had been driving his jeep a little slower, or waited a little too long to land the helicopter, or missed that pine tree by a few yards, I wouldn’t be here to tell his story. I’m proud to be the granddaughter of such a laudable man.