Feminist Reading of Hardy’s the Return of the Native Essay

Most of Hardy’s novels or better to say all of them are considered to be modern. In fact, one can notice so many features of modern novels in his fiction. By referring to Robert Schweik’s article (1994) pertaining to the idea that Hardy has influenced so many modern novelists such as D.H. Lawrence, one of the key critics of Hardy novels, chiefly in the notion of feminine and treatment of women which is one of the distinguishing features in his fiction. One can regard this type of treatment of women in Jude the Obscure, the sixth and the last of his major fictions, in a way that Sue, the heroine of the novel, is a liberated, unconventional and broadminded feminine who rebels against the conventions of the Victorian society. Although at the end Sue thrusts upon the social laws and ideologies, she is very much a modern type of woman or as Elaine Showalter stated the obvious in her division of the female literary tradition into three stages . Here the second stage is immensely relevant that is the stage of protest against the standards and the values and, a call for autonomy (Literature of their own, 13) Hardy established in his fiction. Moreover, by making a female character like Tess, in Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Hardy tries to criticize the Victorian society, the very strict one with that particular Victorian code and respectability which is a traditional type of dealing with women in the community in which the only way to protest is to commit suicide. While many critics have disagreed with the matter that Hardy treats with his heroines in a kind and tender way, Rosemarie Morgan gives us evidence regarding this idea: â€Å"While he [Hardy] was writing the Return of the Native†¦he was reading the works of a woman he greatly admired, whom he regarded as one of the â€Å"Immortals† of the literature, and who has happened to be highly unconventional—he was reading George Sand Mauprat and was taking notes.†(Morgan, 1988: 41) Hence, this statement tells us that Hardy’s favorite novelist was an openly and defiantly unconventional and liberated woman whose writings Hardy thinks highly of. Morgan also goes on with this idea and bestows on us a nice  statement from Sand’s novel which were Hardy’s notes: â€Å"Men imagine that a woman has no individual existence, and that she ought always to be absorbed in them: and yet they love no wo- man deeply unless she elevates herself, by her character above the weakness and inertia of her sex.† (Morgan, 1988: 41-42) Interestingly, the â€Å"existence† of such a female resulted in many heroines in novels of Hardy and those come after him. The Return of the Native is perhaps the strongest example of Hardy’s demonstration of struggle of women to establish their identities. In fact, it is the document of their attempts and battles against natural and social laws. The purpose of this paper also is to have a feminist reading through using the recurrent theme of individual as Eustacia versus society as patriarchal society with its own ideologies and conventions. By considering Wollstonecraft’s concept â€Å"women’s duty†, the idea that is mostly applicable to Victorian women and mostly the folk people of Hardy’s novels like what one sees in characters like Thomasin or Susan Nunsuch or Olly (what simply they call her â€Å"besom-maker†), his heroines like Eustacia are against this notion. In fact, there is a redefinition of that very concept in his fiction The novel demonstrates a restless passionate woman searching for fulfillment in the monotonous surroundings of Egdon Heath, where the inhabitants are steeped in the older traditional ways of life. Eustacia considered being a discontented and passionate dreamer who dismisses the opinions of society. She is mysterious by nature and has â€Å"Pagan eyes, full of nocturnal mysteries†¦..assuming that the souls of men and women are visible essences, you could fancy the color of Eustacia’s soul to be flame-like† (The Return of the Native: 51) Certainly, Eustacia has a reputation on Egdon Heath of witchcraft, as a person whose only desire is to use her beauty as a means of attracting the men. One can observe how the folk women hate her, that how they talk behind her or also there is almost no conversation between Eustacia and the other female characters throughout the novel. As evidence, there is a scene in the church, exactly the time of Wildeve and Thomasin marriage, â€Å"Susan had pricked Miss. Vye with a long stocking needle† (RN: 149), as a means of her hatred. But, just in opposite, whatever is thought by the folk people is not Hardy’s objective. He attempts to  criticize the narrow-mindedness of such people, their counterfeit superstitions particularly religious ones. Using Althusser’s â€Å"Ideology†, here, it is very much pertinent to the social laws, the church and what the â€Å"Fathers† are establishing. By reading closely the chapter called â€Å"Queen of Night†, the mysteries regarding Eustacia is unfolded. The common element in the chapter is the high spirited woman rebelling against the constructions of her pres cribed â€Å"woman’s lot† and seeking a life of wider personal freedom than customarily granted to women: â€Å"she had the passions and instincts which make a model goddess, that is, those which make not quite a model woman.† (RN: 55) Through studying the relationship between the men and the women in the novel, Eustacia and Wildeve and also Eustacia and Clym, any other mystery of such a woman will be resolved. First of all, the relationship between Eustacia and Wildeve is discussed. What is found in the character of Wildeve is that he is only a â€Å"womanizer†. What he does in the novel, is playing with women and mostly with Thomasin through procrastinating their marriage and preserving his affair with Eustacia. Oddly enough, only a letter being the reason to leave this woman and go for the marriage, however, later Wildeve returns to her all over again. Furthermore, the name he has chosen for his bar is also debatable which is â€Å"Quiet Woman Inn†. It symbolically presents the nature of a Victorian woman. As a matter of fact, not to go too far, Thomasin may be the main focus in this notion. She is â€Å"quiet lady-like little body† (RN: 19) as Susan calls her, also an obedient, devoted, pas sive one that later in the essay will be discussed more. The object of study of their relationship here is the matter of strength of Eustacia. Her nature proves that she is stronger than Wildeve, for she captivates and declines him in accordance with her tendency. She even threatens him to quit the legacy of passion she has presented upon him, â€Å"I had given you up, and resolved not to think of you anymore.† (RN: 52) thus, the belief that women are the â€Å"weaker sex† is eroded by Eustacia. In regard with the â€Å"power† and strength, also another interesting statement of Eustacia is bearable: â€Å"I determined you should come, and; you have come! I have shown my power. A mile and half hither, and a mile and back again to your home—three miles in the dark for me. Have I not shown my power?†(RN: 54) Moreover, in another important relationship in the novel between Eustacia and Clym, everything changes for  Eustacia. Clym has come from Paris, a city of ambitions for Eustacia, in fact, what she was r eally waiting for. But in an opposite way, an idealist and intellectual Clym is not very much interested in what her beloved thinks of. His core intention to return is just to improve his hometown, to educate them. He has forgotten that his hometown deals only with furze-cutting. Mrs. Yeobright tells him that â€Å"after all the trouble that has been taken to give a start, and when there is nothing to do but to keep straight on towards affluence, you say you will be a poor man’s schoolmaster. Your fancies will be your ruin† (RN 147), however, Clym is too idealistic to recognize that the rustics need material comfort before achieving spiritual contentment. It is intriguing that Clym is trying to uplift mankind rather than to recognize what has really happened to his own life or to Eustacia. It is obvious that he has only attracted to her physical beauty and just has thought of her as a helpmate for his idealistic job. Stave asserts that â€Å"Clym assumes marriage will relieve him of the distress of passion and will provide him a helpmate in his mission to educate the Egdon folk† (Stave, 1995: 60) . Or also in another scene he tells his mother that â€Å"she is excellently educated, and would make a good matron in a boarding-school.† (RN: 161-162). One can also say Clym defied and denied Eustacia’s desires in order to attain his personal ambitions. Oddly enough, the more she fights to avoid the hostility of the heath, the further it dominates her. She marries Clym to save her body and soul from hostile environment around her by leaving heath for Paris but, as it seems, she is quite unaware of the fact that in the patriarchal Victorian society, once a girl is married, she becomes the man’s estate, and is made to satisfy his desires. Actually, Eustacia’s hopes are shattered by her husband’s selfishness. Additionally, the main character foil in the novel is Thomasin, as Hardy calls her â€Å"a good heroine†. She is intriguingly defines herself â€Å"a practical woman, I don’t believe in hearts at all† (RN: 130). She symbolizes the ideal partner, an agreeable and devoted woman which is immensely in contrast to Eustacia. Thomasin, in the first eleven chapters of the book one, reveals her true purpose for marrying: it is not for love but for the family reputation she says: â€Å"But I don’t care personally if it never takes place,† she added with a little dignity; â€Å"no, I can live without you. It is aunt I think of.  She is so proud, and thinks so much of her family respecta- bility, that she will be cut down with mortification if this story should get abroad before— it is done.†(RN: 37) Hence, as it is said, she is a very idol of a Victorian woman who makes the men, like Wildeve, to tread the path of abusing the women as their own possession and property. In concluding what is said till now and by taking into account the most important female of the novel, one can say that from her first appearance till her tragic end, Eustacia is agonized because she does not consent to man’s desires and principles. Hardy desires her to commit suicide rather than be debased to living in a cottage with an indecisive idealist, and a blind man as Duffin observes â€Å"yields little allegiance to emotions† (Duffin, 1991: 201). Her tragic end is an indication of refusal to be an obedient, conventional and passive man. In fact, Hardy’s greater heroines are not static at all but are very much dynamic and just attempting to advance through the interaction of anything out the domestic world. Works Cited: Deen, L.W.1960. â€Å"Heroism and Pathos in The Return of the Native. †Nineteenth century Fiction,Vol.15,No.3,p.211. Duffin, H.1991. Thomas Hardy:A study of the Wessex Novels, The Poems, And The Dynasts, Anmol Publication, New Delhi. Hardy, T. 1995. The Return of the Native, Wordsworth Editions Limited, Hertfordshire. ———- . 1995. Jude the Obscure, Wordsworth Editions Limited, Hertfordshire Harvey, G. 2003. The complete critical guide to Thomas Hardy, Routledge,, London Millgate, M. 1971. Thomas Hardy: His Career as a Novelist, The Bodley Head, London and Sydney. Morgan,R.1988. Women and Sexuality in the Novels of Thomas Hardy,Routledge,London. ———-, 1992. Cancelled words: rediscovering Thomas Hardy, Routledge. London. Showalter, E. 1977. A literature of Their Own, University Press, Princeton. Schweik, R, 1994. â€Å"Modernity in Hardy’s Jude the Obscure† in Bloom’s Modern Critical Views: Thomas Hardy. Ed. Harold Bloom 2010. Infobase Publishing. Wolstonecraft, M: Vindication of the Rights of Women, Everyman Library, London.

Learning and Sleep Essay

Title: 234 Provide support for sleep Level: 2 Credit Value: 2 GLH 13 Learning Outcomes The learner will; Assessment Criteria The learner can; 1. Understand the importance of sleep 1Explain how sleep contributes to an individual’s well-being 2Identify reasons why an individual may find it hard to sleep 3Describe the possible short-term and long-term effects on an individual who is unable to sleep well 2. Be able to establish conditions suitable for sleep 1 Describe conditions likely to be suitable for sleep 2 Minimise aspects of the environment likely to make sleep difficult for an individual. 3 Adjust own behaviour to contribute to a restful environment 4 Describe actions to take if the behaviour or movement of others hinders an individual’s ability to sleep 3. Be able to assist an individual to sleep 1Explain the importance of a holistic approach to assisting sleep 2Encourage the individual to communicate the support they need to sleep 3Assist the individual to find a position for sleep consistent with their plan of care 4Support the individual to use aids for sleep in ways that reflect the plan of care and follow agreed ways of working 4. BE ABLE TO MONITOR SLEEP 1ESTABLISH WITH THE INDIVIDUAL. and others how sleep will be monitored 2Record agreed observations relating to the individual’s sleep and the assistance given 5. Know how to access information and advice about difficulties with sleep 1Describe situations in which additional information or assistance about sleep would be needed 2Explain how to access additional information and assistance Additional information An individual is someone requiring care or support Agreed ways of working will include policies and procedures where these exist Others may include: †¢family †¢friends †¢advocates †¢line manager †¢health professionals. †¢others who are important to the individual’s well-being Unit aim (s) This unit is aimed at those working in a wide range of settings. It provides the learner with the knowledge and skills required to establish conditions suitable for sleep and support the individual to sleep. Assessment requirements specified by a sector or regulatory body (if appropriate) This unit must be assessed in accordance with Skills for Care and Development’s QCF Assessment Principles. Learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4 must be assessed in a real work environment. Details of the relationship of the unit and relevant national occupational standards HSC216.

Servant Leadership Research and Application Essay

Servant Leadership Research and Application - Essay Example Thus, servant leaders have consideration for the needs of others, works on stewardship towards others and are people oriented and not self oriented. A servant leader, places themselves in the position of followers, allow for interaction and ensure that each and every person’s needs are met with inclusion of the stakeholders. A servant leader in an organization will ensure that they maintain an interactive working environment for all the employees. Servant leadership involves a leader emerging from being a servant, pushed by desire to lead others and cater for their welfare. It is more of a participative leadership whereby the leader allows for participative decision making and delegation of powers. James & Don (2009) argue that style creates an environment whereby the followers can actually attain their full potential. The style thus focuses more on improvement of performance and satisfaction of employees. In contrast autocratic or authoritative leadership style requires clearly defined tasks, a close monitoring of their execution and results, and decision making authority resting on the executive. The style unlike servant leadership involves a clearly defined distinction between the authoritarian leaders and those being led and involves direct supervision of followers and may lead to an environment of fear to the followers. It involves a chain of command where authority flows from the leaders at the top to the employees. In this style, the followers are not involved in decision making but just follow whatever is set by the leaders and unlike in servant leadership, autocratic leadership involves a clear distinction between leaders and followers where followers have no ability to interact with the leaders (Bill, 2011). Democratic leadership on the other hand is more compared than contrasted to servant leadership as it involves the sharing of ideas between leaders and followers, participation whereby

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Congressional Consideration of New Deal Legislation - Essay Example It wasn’t but 50 years ago that America was engulfed in the â€Å"Great Depression†. Political pundits and members of Congress alike compare our current situation as the worst economic climate since the Great Depression. While the times of that era were certainly tough, the strength and enduring spirit of the American people proved to be resolute and we as a country rose from the ashes like a phoenix. While the spirit of the American people has an ethereal reason on why we overcame the Great Depression, any well-versed scholar of American history knows that it was indeed President Franklin Delanor Roosevelt’s New Deal that catapulted our country out of the economic abyss. â€Å"We have had recessions before and we will have them again; and always, when we do, we can be thankful to the New Deal. For nearly half a century, its innovations in the thirties have helped to keep recession from deepening into depression.†1 The Great Depression lasted from the end of 1929 to the early 1940s, beginning in the United States but slowly spreading to other countries as well, because they had become economically dependent on each other. This era is a widely studied and thoroughly examined time in American history. There are numerous underlying reasons for the Depression, and there are many theories on why it occurred. Some of the seeds that gave root to the Great Depression can be linked to events far before the time of that gloomy era. â€Å"The roots of the Great Depression can be traced back to the world war of 1914-1918 and even beyond. Some authorities describe it as the ultimate collapse of the industrial revolution, with the machine devouring the man†¦..Between 1920 and 1930 economists ceased pondering the question of ‘America’s capacity to produce,’ which had preoccupied them for fifty years and turned belatedly to â€Å"America’s capacity to consume, about which the y

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Obama Inaurgural Speech - Essay Example Despite all the issues the country has been able to recoup and has been able to fight back all issues successfully (Yahoo News, 2009). The president’s speech focused a lot on how he would work on solving issues which the country is currently facing, however this would be possible only if the citizens took up some responsibility. He also mentions that the success of the country mainly depends on the hard work, honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism. He highlighted the importance of these aspects for the country’s success. He paid a lot of importance to the divided efforts of every individual of the country to work towards fighting all the issues that the country is currently facing, which he felt is an important promise and a price to be paid by every citizen of the country (Yahoo News, 2009). President Barack Obama recognised and highlighted a number of issues that are being faced by the country at present. In the inaugural speech Obama has addressed a number of issues which he plans to resolve. President highlighted the issues of the country moving into a recession and also highlighted the various issues that have been caused due to the irresponsibility of a few people, greed and collective failure of a number of decisions made. He felt that these issues would definitely cause the country to decline to a great extent. Thus to resolve this President has tried and requested the country to understand their responsibilities and to take actions to ensure a united improvement of the country (Yahoo News, 2009). The President also mentioned the issue of conflicts and discord which has been prevalent in the country and has decided to try and solve these issues. The President highlighted that United States of America is a country with a number of different religions and a number of different cultures. Also he aims at improving the economic condition of the country and this he mentioned required responsible spending by

Accounting Scholarship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Accounting Scholarship - Essay Example Next, to this, it is further stated that my aims and objectives are crystal clear. My personal interests, understanding, and abilities in the field of Accounting drive me towards the achievement of professionalism in this field. I also feel that the field of Accounting offers prestigious career options for students like Finance Specialists, Accounting Associates, Financial Accountant, Budget and Management Analysts, Accounting Assistants and Accountants. So, I greatly wish to have some association with any of such jobs as my future career to achieve best possible excellence. Furthermore, I also want to mention that it is my utmost desire to serve in any of a big firm of Accounting in the US like Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, KPMG etc after completion of my higher studies. The progress and success of these companies really inspired me a lot and motivated to perform even better in life.Next to academics, I also wish to mention here my community involvement. I worked at community level voluntarily several times. I have the great impression as far as my teachers are concerned as I have always participated in class activities, presentations and discussions. I have also created good impression amongst my peers and teachers. So, right now I judge myself as a successful student who is enthusiastic in chasing his goals- a person who wants to consume his tendencies in the accomplishment of his goals. Please give me a chance for this scholarship. I am sure that you will find me a very successful and distinct person.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Media Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Media - Essay Example So, businesses have the responsibility to know their constituents (consumers or investors) (Borges, 2009; Aaker and Joachimsthaler, 2000). Social media has been the right place for authentic and transparent conversation between organisations and the stakeholders. It has helped organisations to be aware of the investors’ expectations. We completely agree with the statement that social media has enabled organisations to know their customers and investors. Inspiring the customers Presently, in the age of digitalization, social media has allowed organisations to realize taste and preferences of their customers and also influence them through a number of products and services (Aras, Aybars and Kutlu, 2010; Godfrey, Merrill, B. and Hansen, 2009). Social media has helped customers to identify themselves as individuals desire to maintain cordial relationship with the organisation or brand. The conversations exchanged between organisations and customers prove highly beneficial for both the parties. This in turn helps in building a strong sense of community (Zarella, 2009). Getting work doneThere are a number of organisations that have leveraged social media for triggering a viral chain of interest concerning corporate social responsibility activities, which are executed by organisations. The organisations generally communicate with their stakeholders and customers in order to gather knowledge about their interests and impart knowledge about their products and social responsibilities.

Analysis of attention defect disorder in children of usa Essay

Analysis of attention defect disorder in children of usa - Essay Example These three symptoms are hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention though the degree to which each of these symptoms may vary2. Inattention leads to serious difficulties in focusing one's attention on one single object: a few minutes are enough for such people to get bored with a task. Any activity, which requires deliberate, conscious attention or mental organization to effectively cope with a task, is difficult, sometimes impossible to people with ADHD. Hyperactivity results in failure to maintain calm during any long period of time. Squirming the sear, roaming around the class, wiggling feet, touching everything within the reach, doing several things at once suddenly bouncing from one activity to another - these behavioral patterns are common to hyperactive children and adolescents. And finally, impulsivity manifests in inability to control the immediate reactions and think before acting. Impulsivity makes behavior impossible to predict: interruptions of speech, word salad; runn ing into the roadway without looking around first; sharpened irritability are most common signs of impulsive behavior3. Although no direct visible correlation has been confirmed to exist between ADHD and mortality, studies suggest that ADHD is a serious risk factor that often leads to s

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International Public Relations application excercise - Essay Example I decided to obtain an MSc in public relations because this educational arena will assist me in developing my PR skills that will be required when I will be serving as a public relations officer for a particular organization. This course will not only provide me with theoretical knowledge related to the field of public relations, it will even assist me in applying this theoretical knowledge in the practical settings. MSc in public relations will assist me by teaching me how to use relations with media to conduct effective and efficient PR campaigns and will develop my consultancy skills through different coursework and assignments. 2. Currently the female gender is leading the industry of public relations; out of the 100% of the workforce of the public relations industry, 85% are females as stated by the Public Relations society of America. In accordance to the statistics of Orange County, women are the owners of well established PR agencies and they are mainly leading in niches such as boutique. The academic literature falls short of explaining the reason why the PR industry is led by the female gender and why the female gender is the most preferred industry by women. Certain practitioners of the industry believe that women have the characteristics and skills required to make it into the PR industry. Women do not only lead the professional side of the industry, they even lead the educational side of the industry. In the US, over 60% of the individuals who enroll in different kinds of PR educational programs are females. According to a PR professor of the Cal State Fullerton and a member of the society of American Public Relations is of the idea that women have the required skill set that are highly desirable in the PR industry. He stated that females are better public relation representatives as during their educational life they perform better in listening, observing and communication. These

WorkBook Exercise Essay Example for Free

WorkBook Exercise Essay 1. What demographic variables were measured at least at the interval level of measurement? Education, Marital status, type of feeding, amount of household and infant care responsibilities. 2. What statistics were used to describe the length of labor in this study? Were these appropriate? Hours. These are appropriate because they are the standard. 3. What other statistic could have been used to describe the length of labor? Provide a rationale for your answer. Minutes could have been used instead for more precise data. Days would be to general. 4. Were the distributions of scores similar for the experimental and control groups for the length of labor? Provide a rationale for your answer. I believe that they are similar as they are only a three hours difference. 5. Were the experimental and control groups similar in their type of feeding? Provide a rationale for your answer. The experimental and control groups were very similar in their type of feeding because they were only +/- 2 in each sub-category. 6. What was the marital status mode for the subjects in the experimental and control groups? Provide both the frequency and percentage for the marital status mode for both groups. The marital status mode is separated/divorced. Frequency and percentage for separated/divorced in experimental group: 1, 3.1% Frequency and percentage for separated/divorced in controlled group: 1, 2.8% 7. Could a median be determined for the education data? If so, what would the median be for education for the experimental and the control groups? Provide a rationale for your answer. Yes, a median can be determined for the education data. Experimental: 11, Some college Controlled: 13, College graduate or higher The median is the middle number for a sequence of numbers. 8. Can the findings from this study be generalized to Black women? Provide a rationale for your answer. No, the majority of the statistics were for white females. 9. If there were 32 subjects in the experimental group and 36 subjects in the control group, why is the income data only reported for 30 subjects in the experimental group and 34 subjects in the control group? Numbers do not always total 32 for experimental group or 36 for control group because of missing data. 10. Was the sample for this study adequately described? Provide a rationale for your answer. No, the sample for the study only gives majority of the data for white females. The sample also leaves out several large racial groups.

Literature Review Relating To Geothermal Energy

Literature Review Relating To Geothermal Energy The General Scheme of Geothermal Energy Development Bill 2010 is a publication by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources outlining details of the Geothermal Energy Development Bill which is being drafted. The Bill aims to provide a legislative framework for the vesting, licensing and regulation of geothermal energy. Publication is expected in July 2011. The Geothermal Energy Resource Map of Ireland report was commissioned by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and carried out by the CSA Group (now SLR Consulting Ireland) and was completed in July 2004. The report reviewed existing knowledge of geothermal energy utilisation in Ireland, identified potential resources of geothermal energy in Ireland, created geothermal models of Ireland and produced a series of geothermal maps of Ireland, reviewed the current status and utilisation of geothermal energy resources in Ireland, and provided strategic recommendations regarding future utilisation in the context of International Best Practice. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (2004)Â   The final output of this study, apart from the written report is a series of geothermal maps showing measured and modelled geothermal subsurface temperatures at various depths ranging from 100m to 5000m. This is useful for researchers, consultants and decision members interested in exploring geothermal potential at any location. Sutainable Energy Authority of Ireland (2004)Â   (Retrieved 8/11/2010) 2.2 The Kyoto Protocol 2.2.1 Global Warming and Climate Change Global Warming is the phenomenon whereby the earths surface temperature rises over time which causes climatic change. Global Warming is caused by the release of Green House Gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere thus creating what has become known as the greenhouse effect. The primary GHG is Carbon Dioxide (CO2) which contributes to global warming through the process of burning fossil fuels. 40% of all CO2 emissions are from power plants, 33% from motor vehicles, and 3.5% from aircraft. (http://globalwarming.com/2009/03/causes-of-global-warming/) (30/11/2010) 2.2.2 Introduction of the Kyoto Protocol The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty formed by the United Nations (UN) at its Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 with the objective of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. [1] Climate Lab http://climatelab.org/United_Nations_Framework_Convention_on_Climate_Change Retrieved 12/11/2010 The treaty provided for updates or protocols that set mandatory emission limits. The principle update is the Kyoto Protocol which was initially adopted in Kyoto, Japan on 11th December 1997 and came into force on 16th February 2005. Under the Kyoto Protocol, participating Annex 1 countries (industrialised countries and member states of the European Union) agreed to commit themselves to a reduction of four greenhouse gas emissions of 5.2% collectively from 1991 levels. 188 states ratified the protocol including 37 industrialized countries. [2] UNFCCC http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php Retrieved 12/11/2010 One major obstacle for the establishment of the protocol was the refusal of the worlds largest CO2 emitter, the United States, to sign the treaty. The second major obstacle is that rapidly developing nations like China and India face no legal obligation to meet the limits set out to reduce their GHG emissions. China is the worlds second largest CO2 emitter. 2.2.3 Ireland and the Kyoto Protocol Ireland signed the Kyoto Protocol on 19th April 1998 and ratified it on 31st May 2002. [3] UNFCCC http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/status_of_ratification/items/2613.php Retrieved 12/11/2010 While the Kyoto Protocol required Annex 1 countries to reduce its GHG emissions by 5.2% between 2008 and 2012, the European Union wishing to show leadership in this area undertook to reduce emissions by 8% for the same period. Although an 8% reduction was sought across the EU, Irelands target was an increase of 13% in emissions based on 1990 levels which is the base year for Kyoto limits. This value reflects growth in the economy and expected future growth. This increase is compensated by bigger reductions in other countries. [4] Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. (HKEX) http://www.hkex.com.hk/consul/paper/cp200906dm_e.pdf Retrieved 12/11/2010 The National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) was published in October 2000 as a basis for government policy in relation to climate change. Its aim was to set Ireland on a pathway to reaching its targets in relation to the Kyoto Protocol. http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Atmosphere/ClimateChange/NationalClimateChangeStrategy/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,923,en.pdf Retrieved 20/12/2010 Irelands emissions peaked in 2001 at a time when Ireland was experiencing high employment, a strong economy, and further growth was anticipated. The years to follow showed reduction in emission levels yet the targets set out under the Kyoto Protocol remained what appeared to many to be an over ambitious target. 2002 showed that Ireland was 23% above emissions for 1990. In 2005 emission levels stood at 25% above base level. In 2004 and 2005, when it became apparent that more needed to be done to ensure Ireland met its targets, the government intensified its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The 2006 budget saw the introduction of excise relief for biofuels and the introduction of new building regulations to provide higher standards of energy conservation. [5] Irelands Pathway to Kyoto Compliance Review of the National Climate Change Strategy http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Atmosphere/ClimateChange/NationalClimateChangeStrategy/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,1289,en.pdf Retrieved 12/11/2010 The National Climate Change Strategy 2007 2012 was published in order to show clearly the measures by which Ireland will meet its 2008 2012 commitment, to show how these measures will sustain post 2012, and to identify the areas in which further measures are being researched and developed to enable Ireland to meet its 2020 commitments. The report states that electricity generation from renewable sources provides the most effective way of reducing the contribution of power generation to Irelands greenhouse gas emissions. [6] National Climate Change Strategy 2007 -2012 http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Atmosphere/FileDownLoad,1861,en.pdf Retrieved 12/11/2010 The strategy shows the range of measures which have been developed that aim to reduce Irelands carbon dioxide equivalent by 17 million tonnes (Mt). With regard to electricity generation, the aim is 15% of energy to be generated from renewable sources by 2010 and 33% by 2020, biomass to contribute 30% of energy input at peat stations by 2015, support for combined heat and power projects, and formation of the National Ocean Energy Strategy. 2.2.3 Looking Beyond 2012 Steps have already been taken to introduce a new treaty to operate once the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. The 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 15) agreed the Copenhagen Accord to the UNFCCC in December 2009. Whilst not legally binding, the Accord endorses the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol. 114 countries representing over 80% of global GHG emissions have agreed to the accord including Ireland. Many have concerns regarding the Accord because it is not legally binding and no legally binding replacement exists for the Kyoto Protocol, the Accord was drafted by just 5 countries, and the Accord sets no real targets to achieve emission reductions. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8423831.stm (23/12/2010) 2.2.4 The Stern Report The Stern Report on the Economics of Climate Change was published for the British Government in 2006 by economist Nicholas Stern, chair of the Grantham, Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics. The key message of the Stern Report is as follows: What is going to happen to the climate over the next 20-30 years has already been determined and is irreversible. Actions over the next 20-30 years will affect what happens in the decades to come. Climate change threatens the basic elements of life including access to water, food, health, land use and the environment. Stabilization of all GHGs at 550ppm is recommended. The costs of stablilizing the climate are significant (1% of global GDP) but manageable. Delay would be dangerous and much more expensive. Action demands and international response. The key actions outlines by Stern include: Increase in efficiency of energy use. Strict emission trading rules to support the transition to low carbon development paths. Extensive use of renewable and other low carbon technologies. Fivefold increase in low carbon technologies Research and Development. Reduction in deforestation. Freris, L Infield, D. (2008) Renewable Energy in Power Systems. West Sussex, UK: Wiley 2.3 EU Policy 2.3.1 General European countries generate more than 4000 GWh/year from geothermal sources predominantly in Italy, Iceland, Turkey and Russia. Direct use such as GSHP usage is however, much more widespread with usage in most European countries. http://ec.europa.eu/energy/library/geotherm.pdf (23/12/2010) High availability and low carbon emissions make geothermal energy one of the best prospects for influencing GHG emissions in Europe. The European Union has been one of the most consistent supporters of the Kyoto Protocol. Member states of the EU have made a commitment to be met by 2020 known as the 20-20-20 target. These are to reduce GHG emissions 20% below 1990 levels, ensure 20% of EUs energy comes from renewable sources, and ensure a 20% reduction in primary energy consumption compared with projected levels, to be achieved by improving energy efficiency. These commitments were outlined following the need for a follow on from the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012. In 2005 renewable energy accounted for just 8.5% of energy consumed in the EU. The need to in4crease this figure is recognized by the EU and measures have been taken to encourage member states to expand their renewable energy production and to rely less on conventional carbon emitting energy production systems. Europe is also at the front of cutting edge new geothermal energy research with an ongoing European Hot Dry Rock (HDR) project at Soultz-sous-Forets in France which is supported by the EU. 2.3.2 Blue Book on Geothermal Resources The EU published its Blue Book on Geothermal Resources in 2002 in order to identify a series of measures which could promote the use of geothermal energy sources across the EU. The publication corresponded with the need for Europe to expand on renewable energy sources in order to meet its targets of 12% by 2010. The publication acknowledges that expanding use of geothermal resources will show a significant reduction to CO2 emissions and thus help make Kyoto targets more achievable. A geothermal energy generation plant produces on average just 136 g/kWh of CO2 compared to 1042 g/kWh for a typical coal fired power plant. The report recommends that the EU increase the exploitation of geothermal energy in the EU and associated countries and to support European firms within the sector to improve their share of the world market. The Blue Book outlines 12 measures the EU proposed to take to enhance the usage of geothermal technologies in Europe as follows: To stimulate the creation of European consortia and joint ventures among different subjects interested in investing in geothermal projects in Europe and abroad. To favour National Geothermal Associations and the European branch of the International Geothermal Association (IGA). To support the newly created European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC). The maintenance and improvement of the EUs existing research and financing programmes. To promote the environmental benefits of geothermal energy through favourable financing conditions such as tax exemptions or reductions, tax incentives, financial incentives for end users, loans and special interest rates for investment in RE resources. Geothermal energy should be included in specific target projects and demonstration projects both as an environmentally friendly resource and as an indigenous energy supply for saving imported fossil fuels. To establish an insurance system for EU countries in order to cover the geological risk. Implement proper actions devoted to the systematic integration of geothermal energy into existing and new EU and national RE development programmes. Promote directives in order to acknowledge RE investments (including geothermal) with an extra price or a contribution for the KWhe/KWht produced which corresponds to the external benefit derived from the substitution of conventional energy sources. Increase the use of information brochures and actions of the Multi-energy type, with the objective of increasing the level of information and confidence of using geothermal energy by decision-makers, private and public operators, town planners, designers, even within EU programmes. Promote a detailed study for the evaluation, in quantitative terms of the external benefits from substitution by geothermal applications. Considering the good development perspectives of this application, special attention could be devoted to the promotion and support for the GSHP market. 2.3.3 Energy 2020 Energy 2020 A strategy for competitive, sustainable, and secure energy was published by the European Commission on 10th November 2010. It sets out ambitious targets for member states with regards to energy. Known as the 20-20-20 policy, member states are required to: Reduce GHG emissions by 20%, rising to 30% provided that other developed countries commit themselves to comparable emission reductions and economically more advanced developing countries contributing adequately according to their responsibilities and respective capabilities. Increase the share of renewable energy to 20% Make a 20% improvement in energy efficiency. There is also an ambitious target of 80 95% emission cuts by 2050 amongst EU and other industrialized countries. These targets are fully supported by the European Parliament. The commission proposes to focus its initiatives on the traffic and building sectors which it believes provide the biggest potential for energy savings and to provide investment incentives and financial instruments to promote energy reductions. 2.4 Irish Policy 2.4.1 General Irelands policy regarding energy and renewable energy is largely based upon meeting targets set out under both the Kyoto Protocol and the European Commissions 2020 energy targets. A White Paper released in March 2007 sets out the Governments Energy Policy for 2007 2020 which includes reaching 15% of energy produced from renewable sources by 2010 and 33% by 2020. To date, progress has been made mainly due to the wind energy sector. Since 2006, Ireland introduced a feed in tariff which pays a fixed rate for energy input to the national grid from renewable sources. 2.4.2 The REFIT Scheme Between 1995 and 2003 Ireland operated a tender or Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) scheme to promote RES-E. This scheme was replaced in 2006 when Ireland introduced the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) as a major instrument towards encouraging expansion of the RES-E sector in Ireland. The scheme financially rewards input into the national electricity grid from renewable sources outlined in table x.x below. As part of the scheme there is a 15 year guarantee which aims to provide investor security. Geothermal energy is not currently included in the REFIT programme which is one major obstacle to the growth of the geothermal electricity generation sector in Ireland. The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (2010) outlines plans to extend the scheme to include Anaerobic Digestion/High Efficiency Combined Heat and Power (CHP) biomass technologies, ocean (wave and tidal) energy and offshore wind. 2.4.2 Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland Building on the energy Green Paper and related consultation process conducted during 2006, the Irish government released a energy White Paper in March 2007 outlining the Irish Governments Energy Policy Framework 2007 2020 to deliver sustainable energy future for Ireland. Ireland faces similar energy challenges to those being confronted worldwide. The document also reasserts Irelands prohibition of the use of Nuclear energy in Ireland on grounds of safety fears, security, economic feasibility, and system operation. 2.4.3 Geothermal Energy Development Bill 2010 In a debate with The Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security on 16th September 2009, GT Energy who have since submitted a planning application to South Dublin County Council to develop a Geothermal Energy Plant at Newcastle, Co. Dublin, outlined their concerns regarding obstacles they faced with the existing legislative framework. They outlined that their investors and board of directors were uneasy with the lack of legislation and scope within planning regulations to allow for their proposed development. Arising from this debate and increasing pressure from other sources, the Department of Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources decided to draft the Geothermal Energy Development Bill 2010. The bill is currently in draft form and publication is expected in July 2011. The bill will allow for the licensing of companies to explore for and develop deep geothermal energy resources. Under the EU Directive on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (2009/28/EC), Ireland is required to generate 16% of its gross energy consumption from renewable resources by 2020 and 12% of its heat consumption. As Ireland is currently highly dependent on the use of fossil fuels for energy production, it is vital that measures are taken to expand the use of available renewable energy options. Already, large scale hydroelectric and wind energy developments are operational, but further advances are needed. The move by the Irish Government to draft a Geothermal Energy Bill is another step towards regulation and legislating what could become another major large scale renewable energy production industry for Ireland. The need for the Bill is based on the feeling that Ireland lacks a comprehensive legal and regulatory that provides the allocation of ownership interests and ancillary rights in the resource. Third party interests were also not protected in a systematic manner and as a result, potential investors in the sector are deterred from making significant commitment in Ireland. The bill will be able to grant exploration and development licences for deep geothermal energy resources and regulate the ownership of resources, ancillary rights and the protection of third party interests. The Bill aims to pursue two main policy objectives by facilitating the development of large scale geothermal energy in order to increase its contribution to Irelands renewable energy targets and to avoid over regulation of small scale projects. The EU Directive on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (2009/28/EC) has set a target that 16% of gross energy consumption in Ireland will need to come from renewable sources by 2020. The Directive recognises geothermal energy as one of the means by which this target can be met. The heat market in Ireland consumes approximately one third of primary energy supply and is very highly dependant on fossil fuels. Alternatives to fossil fuels for direct heating include biomass, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), and geothermal energy. The introduction of this legislation is also based on the introduction of regulation and legislation in other countries. Sweden, for example, has inferior geothermal resources compared to Ireland, and yet its utilisation is much greater. This can be attributed to Swedens regulatory system which provides a solid licensing system and security for potential investors. Article 10.1 of the Constitution states that All natural resources, including the air and all forms of potential energy, within the jurisdiction of the Parliament and Government established by this Constitution and all royalties and franchises within that jurisdiction belong to the State subject to all estates and interests therein for the time being lawfully vested in any person or body. This in effect, gives ownership of the geothermal energy resource to the Irish State. 2.4.4 National Renewable Energy Action Plan (2010) The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (2010) was published under the requirements of Article 4 of Directive 2009/28/EC on renewable energy. The plan sets out Irelands national targets for the share of renewable energy from different sources in 2020 and demonstrates how Ireland will meet its overall national target established under the Directive. Irelands overall target is to achieve 16% of energy from renewable sources by 2020 however, the government has set a target of 40%. Although ambitious, in the past Ireland has surpassed the target set undet the 2001 European RES-E Directive which required an increase from 3.6% RES-E in 2001 to 13.2% in 2010. In 2009, this target was already surpassed with Ireland achieving 14.4% RES-E. This increase is largely attributed to the development of onshore wind sources. In terms of transport, the plan outlines the governments two pronged strategy to increase the use of biofuels and accelerated development and use of electric vehicles in Ireland. A target of 10% of electric vehicles has been set for 2020. A target of 12% renewable heat by 2020 has also been set. Initial focus will be on biomass but geothermal resources will also be considered in due course. http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/NR/rdonlyres/C71495BB-DB3C-4FE9-A725-0C094FE19BCA/0/2010NREAP.pdf 2.5 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) 2.5.1 General The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), formerly the Irish Energy Centre, was set up by the government in 2002 with the mission to transform Ireland into a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices. The Geothermal Energy Resource Map of Ireland final report was published by SEAI in July 2004 along with resource mapping which was compiled following extensive testing and research carried out by The CSA Group. The report focuses mainly on the use of geothermal for heating purposed rather than electricity production. The report looks at historic use of geothermal energy in Ireland, current use, and possible future uses. It found that Ireland is particularly well suited for the use of Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) as suitable temperatures for this technology can be found at relatively low depths. Various examples of current geothermal use in Ireland are outlined. 2.5.3 Geothermal Usage in Ireland to Date Ground Source Heat Pumps are the most common type of geothermal energy utilisation in Ireland to date with over a thousand domestic installations up to 2004. GSHP technology is examined in more detail in Chapter 3. Apart from domestic usage, geothermal energy usage is quite limited in Ireland with only a handful of installations in offices, universities etc. Tramore Civic Offices, Co. Waterford mains supply flows through a purpose built 500,000 litre reservoir. Some of this water is then piped through an open loop to a heat exchanger. The mains water transfers the heat but is kept separate to the heat exchange operation in order to keep it potable. UCC Art Museum uses drilled borehole technology with water rising at 20 litres/sec to 2 heat exchanging units to heat the 3 storey building. Mallow Swimming Pool, Co. Cork also uses a borehole to provide heat for the swimming pool. The water is approximately 19.5Â °c and is boosted by conventional means at the pool. 2.5.3 Geothermal Resource Mapping As part of their report, CSA also compiled a comprehensive set of maps showing Irelands geothermal properties at various locations and depths. In order to carry out the mapping, CSA embarked on a process to gather as much information as they could from exiting boreholes, from previous studies and from data available from Imperial College, London, Minerex, Tara Exploration etc. A database was formed consisting of borehole ID, co-ordinates, depth tested, basal temperature, surface temperature (assumed to be 10Â °c where not available), depth (20-100m intervals), temperature (20-100m intervals), geothermal gradient (20-100m intervals) and finally inflection point in the geothermal gradient profile, where applicable. 2.5.3 Geothermal at shallow depths (0-100m) The report finds that Ireland is particularly well suited for the exploitation of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) technology. GHSPs are heating systems that pump or transfer heat to or from the ground. These systems use the earths relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings. This technology is the most common use of geothermal energy in Ireland to date. Typically in Ireland, horizontal closed loop systems are used, positioned 0.6 1.0m below ground surface although often as deep as 2.0m. Soil temperatures in Ireland range from 10ËÅ ¡c 11ËÅ ¡c. (Aldwell and Burdon 1980) 2.5.4 Geothermal at medium to deep depths (100-5000m) One of the major limitations of this report in terms of its deep geothermal resource assessment is that there was only a very limited amount of deep geothermal data available on which assessment could be based. It is therefore, not possible to identify locations where good deep geothermal resources exist outside a few known locations. The results from the measurement and modelling of 98 boreholes as part of the study indicate that the best proven potential for medium and deep geothermal resources in the Republic of Ireland are in the northeast and northwest midlands where temperatures of up to 40Â °c 60Â °c are recorded at depths of 1000m. From the study it is also interpreted that at 2500m depth from surface there is potential for temperatures of 60Â °c generally north of the Limerick Dublin line with hot spots in the region of 80Â °c in Co. Clare, the east midlands and Co. Cavan. At 5000m depth values greater than 100Â °c are predicted north of the Limerick Dublin line. Figure x.x is the Lindal diagram which shows the applications for geothermal resources depending on temperature. http://www.gns.cri.nz/var/ezwebin_site/storage/images/media/images/lindal-diagram2/31871-1-eng-GB/lindal-diagram.jpg

A Comparison of Macbeth and Oedipus the King Essay -- compare contrast

A Comparison of Macbeth and Oedipus Rex  Ã‚   The objective of this essay is to compare the Shakespearian tragedy "Macbeth" to the Greek tragedy, "Oedipus Rex". Although the plays share similarities, it will be seen that the fall of Macbeth is very different from that of Oedipus. Macbeth's downfall is due to his own personal decisions while the downfall of Oedipus is due to fate and the will of the gods. In Greek tragedy plot was always emphasized over character; everyone wore masks. These masks would seem to mask a person's character. This would make the character seem more universal. The mask-wearing protagonist lacks individual personality and character. This makes catharsis more relevant because the protagonist is not as individual but more universal; they could be anyone. Macbeth is an individual person; he has no mask. This makes catharsis seem more irrelevant because Macbeth is more of on individual than Greek protagonists and therefore the audience doesn't feel that Macbeth is a representation of humanity and themselves. Instead they would set him apart as an individual person and therefore catharsis wouldn't apply as much. Greek tragedies all feature some kind of religious aspect. The gods bring about the protagonist's downfall in "Oedipus Rex". Yet Shakespeare's production of "Macbeth" is not religious. Macbeth isn't portrayed as being religious in any way. However, Oedipus strongly believed in the Greek gods and they carved out his fate as proclaimed by the oracle. The Greeks had no understanding of the way that the world works compared to what we, or even Shakespeare, now know. Volcanos were blamed on the gods because the Greek's didn't know the cause. We now have scientific explanations for volcanoes... ...of the effect of catharsis. When I read Oedipus Rex I didn't feel purged of my fears of existence because I don't believe that our lives are controlled by the will of fate. Catharsis is more relevant to the Ancient Greeks than to us because of the different belief system; we have one good, caring, all-powerful God and they have many gods who don't really care about the humans that much. I think that Shakespeare hasn't tried to apply catharsis to his tragedy as much as the Ancient Greeks did to their tragedies because he doesn't make the characters as universal as the Greeks but he gives them individualism by removing the masks and giving each character a personality. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. â€Å"Macbeth.† The Complete Works of Shakespeare. Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman, 1997. Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1991.

My Friend Essay -- describe a potential classmate

Question: Many students expand their view of the world during their time in college. Such growth often results from encounters between students who have lived different cultural, economic, or academic experiences. With your future growth in mind, describe a potential classmate that you believe you could learn from either within or outside a formal classroom environment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is hard to think about specific qualities of someone whom I could learn from without examining my own background and surroundings. My hometown of Wayland, Massachusetts is probably much different than Austin, Texas. Wayland is a small suburban town about twenty miles west of Boston. It is not extremely crowded here, but there are probably enough people and buildings to generate at least a small sense of claustrophobia in someone who is used to an open landscape. Wayland is a very intellectual community, and virtually all of the adults are well educated and many hold a professional degree. Most of the high school students are diligent about their studies, and just about everybody lives a comfortable, safe life here. Unfortunately, there isn’t much excitement in this town, and unless one stays busy with a hobby, job, or other activity, it can be downright boring.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My friend, Bob was much different than anyone I knew in Wayland. I’d have to say some of my friends from Wayland would probably think Bob is a hick because of his rural background, but he’s smarter than just about all of them. I met... My Friend Essay -- describe a potential classmate Question: Many students expand their view of the world during their time in college. Such growth often results from encounters between students who have lived different cultural, economic, or academic experiences. With your future growth in mind, describe a potential classmate that you believe you could learn from either within or outside a formal classroom environment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is hard to think about specific qualities of someone whom I could learn from without examining my own background and surroundings. My hometown of Wayland, Massachusetts is probably much different than Austin, Texas. Wayland is a small suburban town about twenty miles west of Boston. It is not extremely crowded here, but there are probably enough people and buildings to generate at least a small sense of claustrophobia in someone who is used to an open landscape. Wayland is a very intellectual community, and virtually all of the adults are well educated and many hold a professional degree. Most of the high school students are diligent about their studies, and just about everybody lives a comfortable, safe life here. Unfortunately, there isn’t much excitement in this town, and unless one stays busy with a hobby, job, or other activity, it can be downright boring.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My friend, Bob was much different than anyone I knew in Wayland. I’d have to say some of my friends from Wayland would probably think Bob is a hick because of his rural background, but he’s smarter than just about all of them. I met...

Transformation of Nora in Henrik Isbens A Dolls House Essay -- Henri

Transformation of Nora in Henrik Isben's A Doll's House During the time in which Henrik Isben's play, A Doll?s House, took place society frowned upon women asserting themselves. Women were supposed to play a role in which they supported their husbands, took care of their children, and made sure everything was perfect around the house. Nora is portrayed as a doll throughout the play until she realizes the truth about the world she lives in, and cuts herself free. Nora Helmer was a delicate character that had been pampered all of her life, by her father, and by Torvald. She really didn't have a care in the world. She didn't even have to care for the children; the maid would usually take care of that. In every sense of the word, she was your typical housewife. Nora never left the house, mostly because her husband was afraid of the way people would talk. It really wasn't her fault she was the way she was; it was mostly Torvald's for spoiling her. Nora relies on Torvald for everything, from movements to thoughts, much like a puppet that is dependent on its puppet master for all of its actions. Her carefree spirit and somewhat childish manners are shown throughout the play with statements such as, "Is that my little lark twittering out there?" (1). "Is it my little squirrel bustling about?" (2). A lark is a happy, carefree bird, and a squirrel is quite the opposite. If you are to squirrel away something, you were hiding or storing it, kind of like what Nora was doing with her bag of macaroons. It seems childish that Nora must hide things such as macaroons from her husband, but if she didn't and he found out, she would be deceiving him and going against his wishes which would be socially wrong. As the play goes on, Nora seems to transform from her delicate little character into something much more. At the end of act one, Krogstad goes to Nora for the recollection of the money she had borrowed from him. "You don?t mean that you will tell my husband that I owe you money?" (21). Since Nora was wrong in doing so socially, she could not tell Torvald or anyone else about her problem. Not only would that affect their social standard but also Torvald's ego, which inevitably would happen anyway. After Krogstad threatens to expose Nora for forging her father's signature, she realizes that no matter what she does Torvald was going to know the truth. The flaw with... ...ying in a marriage since divorce was frowned upon during that era. Her decision was a succession for all expectations put on a woman and wife by society. The story A Doll?s House is believable. It stands for every marriage where equality never took place. Many women knew their social status and lived as they were meant to, but for the few that realized there was more to the world then the sheltered life they were living, broke free. Nora was one of the women who knew her place and acted accordingly until she saw that her name had no real value. She was not looked at as an individual, but she was seen as her father's daughter or her husband's wife. The turning point for her decision to break free from this world and start her own life is very believable. She comes to see that her marriage isn't real. Nora no longer loves her husband and knows that he does not truly love her as well. She knows that there is so much more to discover in the world to understand, and until she does she will not allow another man to control her life. Works Cited: Ibsen, Henrik. A Doll's House. In Four Major Plays. Trans. James McFarlane and Jens Arup. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1981.

France and the United States Essay

This paper seeks to provide comparative analysis of early childhood education policy between France and the United States. The discussion will focus on the programs origin and what the programs were intended to achieve. The study will look at the focus, of the programs, the beneficiaries and the cost. In analyzing the early childhood policy outcome in the two countries, the paper assesses the successes as well as the shortcomings of the policy programs. The federal government has not developed a policy on early childhood education that is applicable in the nation. As opposed to the comprehensive early child education policy in France. The U. S. government has only been supporting specific preschool programs for those children from poor neighborhoods and low income families. This trend is also evident in the various states which have not been able to come up with early childhood policy that can be used uniformly by education stakeholders throughout the state. Earl childhood education program is largely left in the hands of private education providers through kindergartens. (Mitchell, A. , Ripple, C. , & Chanana, N. , 1998, p. 24). The Early childhood education policy by the government is defined in its actions which in regulating the demand and supply of early childhood education services. In implementing early childhood policy, the government provides direct and indirect financial subsidies to private providers of these services in the form of grants, contracts and tax incentives. Provision of direct and indirect financial support to parents of children in early childhood program. This support may be in the form of cash benefits, tax benefits to offset the cost of this service and vouchers to pay for the service. The government also participates by regulating players in the field of early childhood education through legislation. Early childhood education program in the U. S are run on a full day of part time basis and they include pre-kindergartens, kindergartens, compensatory education programs and nursery schools. The other programs that support early childhood education include childcare centres, family support programs, before and after school programs, family type day care homes. Because there is no clear line between the government and private support in this sector. (OECD Country report, 2000, p. 5) There is no clear data concerning the cost of early childhood education in United States. However, the federal spending on the program has been very minimal compared to grade k-12. Studies in the year 2002 reveals that the states spent 2. 5 billion dollars on early childhood education while the federal government spent 6. 5billion on early childhood program. This is in exclusion of funds spent on pre-primary education for special students. This is the contrary of the case in France where the government full funds its early childhood education program. Then enrolment in early childhood program for the year 2002 was estimated at 750,000 with 85% enrolled in private institutions. In the United States, the government has a policy that ensures quality, affordability, and availability of child care for all families. The Child Care Bureau administers federal funds to states, territories, and tribes to assist eligible families including low-income families. The childcare bureaus provide childcare for children when the parents work or participate in allowable education or training activities. Through the Child Care Bureau funds various Technical Assistance projects that promote quality, strengthen program administration are supported. The funds are also used to finance Good Start which is the president’s initiative towards early childhood education as well as carry out research to help policy makers. The child care programs in the United States involved the administrators, parents and other stakeholders than in the case of France that is more regulated from above. According to OECD report (2000, p. 21). Most children are enrolled in private institutions compared to those in public institutions with most parents taking their children for part time programs. This is illustrated in the table below showing enrolment in early childhood education programs in thousands. The only early childhood policy that received direct support by the federal government is the introduction of Head start program to take care of those children from low income families. This program is funded by the federal government of the U. S since it caters for the children of the financially deprived parents from poor neighbourhood. According to OECD report (2000, p. 18) The cost of funding this program has increased steadily, reaching almost $4. 7 billion in fiscal year 1999 and $5. 27 billion in fiscal year 2000. This program was started as a strategy to deal with problems associated with children from poor neighbourhood. Dealing with their emotional, cognitive, social and cognitive deficits ensured a well rounded individual who was prepared to adopt a life style that made them productive individuals from poor homes. The major aim is however to academically prepare students for their primary school studies. According to Mitchell, A. , Ripple, C. , & Chanana, N. (1998, p. 34-50). Research shows that those students who had undergone early childhood programs like Head Start had fewer referrals for remedial classes or special education. These students were also more likely to remain in regular classes throughout their public school years. Fewer retentions rate as preschool graduates were less likely to repeat grades. The students maintained excellent scores very few of them had failing grades in their school years. The students were acknowledged by their teachers as having greater social and emotional maturity and had a high probability of completing their high school studies without dropping out. Due development of positive attitude about school at an early age, these students had greater academic motivation, on-task behavior, capacity for independent work, and time spent on homework. Lower incidence of absenteeism/detentions. Graduates had lower incidences of absenteeism and detentions. Preschool graduates had much higher scores on measures of attitude toward school and toward particular subject areas those who attended early childhood education are found to have better self-esteem, greater internal locus of control compared to those who never attend the program. Preschool education is believed to help in preventing unwanted pregnancies among young school girls. The program is also believed to reduce incidences of indiscipline like drug abuse and delinquent acts among students, this some researchers believe is due to the introduction of rules and regulations to students at an early age hence contributing to positive upbringing. Due to improved self esteem developed from an early age, preschool graduates are more likely to participate in social activities like sports and community work. As opposed to those who did not attend early education, the beneficiaries have a better meaning for education and develop high future aspirations. This also contributes to the likelihood of them enrolling and completing their secondary education. These benefits of early childhood education are extending to the society as beneficiaries have a higher possibility of securing better paying jobs hence reducing dependency in the society. There is high unlikelihood that these people will engage in antisocial behavior in the society. (Morgan, G. , Azer, S. , Costley, J. , Genser, A. , Goodman, I. , Lombardi, J. , and McGimsey, B. , 1993, p. 45, 78). The Head Start program is however accused of contributing to inequality in the education arena as those who are considered financially stable have been ignored. This is no longer a shortfall in France as their early childhood policy caters for all children despite their family backgrounds. The increasing number of mothers securing jobs is however increasing government participation in provision of early childhood programs especially in those kindergartens which are integrated in public primary schools. For instance, District of Columbia is made kindergarten attendance a legal requirement for children. (OECD Country report, 2000, p. 14) The diagram below illustrate the increasing number of working mothers with children under age six due U. S policy on Early childhood education and care between 1960 and 1999. Despite lack of comprehensive policy regarding early childhood education, a lot of expenditure has been incurred in supporting efforts towards achieving the same. The figures reported by OECD report( 2000, p. 23) is an illustration of cost of efforts employed by U. S to achieve ECEC as compared between 1992 and 1999 constant dollar reported in millions of dollars. As opposed to the United States, France has a clear government policy regarding earl childhood education. The program is publicly funded and caters for those children between the ages of 2-6 year olds known as Ecole Maternelle. The system has specific programs for those children under age three and it is administered under the Ministry of Education delivered under education auspices of the ministere de la Jeunesse, de l’Education nationale et de la Recherche. (Oberhuemer, P. , & Ulich, M. , 1997, p. 27). These programs are freely provided by the government for eight hours during the day including breaks like lunchtime. Extension beyond these hours is optional and those parents who work for longer hours can pay for additional hours that their children are taken care of at early childhood education centres. Since these programs are meant to benefit children and their parents who earn poorly, the additional charges levied on parents take into consideration the parent’s income. Any child starting school has to go through ecole maternelle which is the preparatory level in the education system. (OECD Country report, 2004, p. 4-7). Early preschool education is divided into three sections namely: the little section, middle section and large section. The little section is meant for three year olds, the middle section is for four-year-olds and large section is for five-year-olds. Two year olds belong to very little section. France is also committed to empowering the low income parents just like Head Start in the United States hence the government organizes bridging activities for those who are about to start schooling in poor neighborhoods. Such a program is supposed to familiarize the learners with the academic in readiness for school system. The table below shows the trends in the percentage of children in the ecole maternelle by age as from the year 1960-2002 according to French background report in 2003.

Why are some acts (like sex or killing) considered by others as clean and by some as unclean?

Based on human history, it can be observed that sex and aggression have become very normal part of human life. Procreation involves sex with the objective of creating another life and to continue the existence of men (Casad 1). It is also seen as an act of pleasure and a way of showing affection. However, the sexual act done within particular context will be considered unacceptable or even unclean. Based on the theories of Sigmund Freud, sex and aggression is embedded in the nature of man (Stafford-Clark 1973). In this manner, the notion of killing also becomes a vital part of human nature.Although we are aware that death is the ultimate end of the physical body, death because of killing stirs up moral issues. In these regard, it is very important to ponder on the true nature of sex and aggression. Prostitution is considered one of the longest running professions in the world (Liberator 2005). However, it is also considered one of the main problems of society wherein people of both s exes and all ages are involved and exploited. The fact that these people are exploited and exposed in different kinds of diseases and other problems causes it to be considered unclean.Mary Douglas (1966) also points out the exchange of sexual fluid during intercourse wherein she says â€Å"each sex is a danger to the other through contact with sexual fluids†. In this regard, we are aware that direct sexual contact may pose great harm to the health through sexually transmitted diseases, making it what Douglas calls bodily pollution. In the context of prostitution, sex is also considered unclean because there are no emotional ties between the sex provider and the patron. Also in this case, sex becomes the service being traded for money.Based on the question raised regarding cleanliness, it is said that there is still the clean notion of sex. This is if sexual acts are done within the bond of matrimony or other emotional commitment. In this context, there is the involvement of l ove and the goal of procreation which makes the act clean. Because the sexual union of male and female becomes a â€Å"collaboration and distinctiveness of social units† the act becomes cleaner. Also, this suggests that physical sex is considered less clean than emotional sex or sex done for procreation.Deviation from the normal notion of sex is also considered unclean like people vowed to celibacy suddenly involves in a sexual act or people having extramarital affairs. Animals are known to kill for survival while man also kills for fun (Kemp 1997). Aggression as a part of human nature is also considered a mode for survival. Killing for survival has been a source of the notion of uncleanness. Douglas (1966, 16) quotes â€Å"the ideas of survivals are used to account for irrational rules of uncleanness†.This suggests that other than the fact that killing is morally unclean the savage use of killing for survival is also considered unclean. In the primitive context, Dougl as notes that there is â€Å"no clear distinction between sanctity and uncleanness† (Douglas 1966, 9). This is true for other later acts of killing for sacrifices or other divine purposes. In the present context, although there are still some isolated cases of killing for sacrificial offerings for their divine Gods, killing is just considered immoral and unclean.At this point, it can be considered that there is a clear realization of the disparity between holiness and impurity. This is also considered true because the primitive purpose of killing for religion is slowly fading. Usual reasons for killing and aggression have been rooted on man’s self-centeredness, personal objectives and goals. The two sections on sex and aggression show the other half of Douglas compounding of dirt â€Å"care for hygiene and respect for conventions† (Douglas 1966, 8). Although not explicitly stated in the text, there is always the inclusion of the issue of morality especially if s een in today’s context.

Character’s Personality in the Great Gatsby Essay

The Great Gatsby, a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a love story about one man’s desire to climb the social ladder and to marry the girl of his dreams. In this novel, Fitzgerald uses imagery and many symbols to reveal significant aspects of the central character, Jay Gatsby’s, personality. The green light reveals hope in Gatsby’s future. His mansion is also a symbol, representing his wealth but also how he still wishes to be classed higher in society. The Eggs also represent the barriers between the upper and lower classes of Long Island. First of all, the colour green that is displayed through the light that Gatsby notices â€Å"[Daisy] always [has on] that burns all night at the end of [her] dock† (91) represents Jay Gatsby’s jealousy towards Tom Buchanan as well as his hopes for his future, including the American Dream. Envy that Gatsby feels for Tom Buchanan is present because Gatsby loves Daisy and wanted to marry five years ago, but could not because of the difference in social class. At the time, Daisy was a rich girl and Jay, a poor boy. Daisy could not have possibly married someone as poor as Jay Gatsby and could not wait around for him either, so she married Tom Buchanan, which leads to Gatsby’s jealousy. When they are all in town, Gatsby tells Tom that â€Å"[Daisy has] never loved [him]† (124) and rather that she has loved Gatsby all along. He tells Tom that â€Å"[Daisy] only married [him] because [he] was poor and she was tired of waiting for [him]† (124). When Gatsby â€Å"[stretches] out his arms out toward the dark water† (25) at the green light, this shows Gatsby reaching for his love, Daisy Buchanan, trying to grab the woman that he could never have, which seems so close but is farther than it appears. The green light represents Gatsby’s obsession with love and his hopes to reconcile with Daisy which leads to also representing the American Dream, a dream that anyone can live the life they wish for if they work hard. The green light represents money, wealth, power and love, which is everything Gatsby wishes he had to live the American Dream. Secondly, another symbol used to reveal aspects of Jay Gatsby’s personality is his mansion. Although Gatsby lives in West Egg and lives next to Nick Carraway’s â€Å"small eyesore† (11) of a home, Nick describes Gatsby’s house as â€Å"a colossal affair by any standard† (11) and â€Å"a factual imitation of some Hà ´tel de Ville in Normandy† (11). His mansion represents his wealth and even though Gatsby is extremely rich with the money he has earned, he will never obtain his goal to be ranked high enough in society to be a part of the East Egg community with Tom and Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby’s mansion also symbolises his extravagance which is used to gain attention from people of Long Island to prove that he is just as worthy as they are. He throws big parties featuring â€Å"buffet tables, garnished with glistening hors-d’oeuvres [and] spiced baked hams† (41) and an orchestra with â€Å"oboes, trombones and saxophones, and viols and cornets and piccolos† (42). All this to prove he was like them. Gatsby’s mansion, just like the green light, also represents the American Dream. A life he wish he had. Finally, one other symbol that is exemplified throughout the book is Eggs. The division of the East and West Eggs â€Å"twenty miles from the city† (10) symbolises Gatsby’s obsession with increasing his social status. Gatsby lives in West Egg, the â€Å"less fashionable† (10) of the two Eggs. The East Egg is where all the old money is. This is a place where everyone is accustomed to their wealthy lifestyle, being born into rich families, refined and are all socially conscious. The West Egg is where the new money is and where everything is over the top and flashy. Despite the fact that Gatsby lives in West Egg, he aspires to be accepted into the East Egg Society by flaunting his wealth. In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses many symbols in The Great Gatsby to reveal significant aspects of the central character, Jay Gatsby’s, personality. The green light signifies jealousy, envy, hope and the American Dream while Gatsby’s mansion demonstrates his want to be something he is not. The division between the Eggs are also important and symbolise Gatsby’s obsession in climbing the social ladder. Works Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Penguin Books; London, England, 1950.

Does Internet Help Spread Democracy Essay

How invention of the Internet changed the world? How it contributes to the spread of democracy? Does it have any impact on it? These questions are under debate till nowadays. In this paper, I will try to express my viewpoint on this dispute. To begin with, let briefly look at the Egyptian revolution which was held in 2011. It was the first revolution where social media and Internet played the crucial role. † After 30 years of living in a â€Å"fake democratic system† under Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian people had had enough† (Pritamkabe, 2011). After fake election in 2010, people, especially young generation, decided to make a protest in order to create a real democratic system. â€Å"There was no freedom of assembly in Egypt, and protests or political activism was banned† (Pritamkabe, 2011), but social media helped people to band together . Using Twitter and Facebook, people were discussing and organizing protests against the government. Government was not happy about this and later it shut down access to the Internet for 5 days. It made situation even worse and people started to show their disappointment on the streets. A lot of videos were posted on the Youtube and the whole world could be aware about the following circumstances. All in all, the new elections were held and citizens had an opportunity to elect the new president. From this revolution, we can see how much power Internet has nowadays and that this type of media can provide actual and not fake information for other countries. One of the key elements of democracy is the good governance that means that government should focus on public interest and act in behalf of its citizens. Everybody would agree that due to the Internet, it is easier to access information you need. It enables governments, political parties and other political organizations to interface with citizens and present their ideas that lead to an increase in political participation and stimulate democracy. In addition, it allows you as the citizen to meet and exchange the views all the parties concerned. Moreover, Internet and other media help people to be aware what is going on around the world and to be up-to-date about global events. It makes people more educated and helps to make rational decisions. The other element of democracy is a freedom of opinion, speech, press and mass media. Internet is a place, where all these things became possible. Due to the Internet, people can speak their mind, share their own opinions and the most importantly – they would be heard. Now people have an opportunity to come together online and discuss on worldwide problems, provide advices and try to find solutions. Here even long distance does not play a role and it is a huge advantage of the Internet. Government accountability, and have checks and balances in a constitutional system, are crucial elements required for the functioning of a real democracy† (Pritamkabe, 2011). In order to build a good relationship between state government and its citizens, there must be transparency of governmental actions. As the result, it builds trustworthy relationship between people and government that leads to better political participation and fair elections, better observation of election results and reduction of corruption. In fact, Internet and e-governance helps to create it. Certainly, Internet has its negative side. It can be used to promote violence in the world, such as terrorist attacks. For instance, â€Å"terrorist groups like Al Qaeda have been using internet for spreading extremist and anti-American view† (Pritamkabe, 2011). There are still a lot of gang-related videos in such sites as a Youtube, which promote violent actions and incorporates more and more people. Moreover, from the Egypt example, we can see that government have a power to turn off Internet connection with respect to its own interests. It seems to be a violation of democratic system, there freedom of speech, press and mass media have to exist. To conclude, even that Internet have a negative effects on the spread of democracy, generally its positive factors overweight the negative side. I estimate that Internet possibilities, such as we know them today, are not available in non-democratic states. The development of the Internet is a result of joint actions among governments, commercials companies and individuals. It is the result of free movements of ideas and international cooperation on a global scale. In fact, these actions are heavily restricted in non-democratic countries. In authoritarian countries, Internet is used as a tool for the democratic opposition. It is used by the people who are fighting for human rights, free elections and political freedom. Therefore, Internet is a tool for spreading democracy and rooting out authoritarian rule.

Legal Advice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Legal Advice - Essay Example Apparently, Heather had complied with her duties as a commercial agent. The law mandates these agents to look after the interest of the principle and action in utmost good faith; put efforts in making negotiations and where possible concludes sales; comply with the principles instructions; and communicate with the principle on necessary information. On the other hand, the principle has the duties of informing the agents within an appropriate period on the refusal or acceptance of the procured transactions of their agents. The remunerations regulations of commercial agents stipulate that an agent is entitled to commissions accrued on transactions concluded within the confines of the period of the contract. Moreover, the agent is also entitled to transactional commissions within the period of contract of the agency especially where the agent has exclusive right to a geographical setting or particular specific clients. This above entitlement is only viable if the transaction entered int o is within the geographical area in question or the group highlighted above . The regulations on commercial agency also stipulate that the agents to commercial firms are entitled to commissions on concluded transactions even after the contract has been terminated. This regulation is conscious to the agent’s effort during the contract period and the transaction ought to have been entered into within a period that is reasonable by incorporating the terminated contract . What complicates Heather’s case is that their agreement with the company.

Media and Public Life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Media and Public Life - Essay Example Such mobile phones include iPhones, for instance the blackberry phones that comprise of copious features like cameras, data storage, games, and text messengers amongst other composite features. With all these features, it is almost obvious that these gadgets are likely to take over the lives of individuals in the society. This essay shall aim to highlight the concept of mobile phones- blackberry phones- and the implications it has had on the public life. This concept shall also be related to the communication theories, in an attempt to understand the entire concept of media and public life. 2.0. Body The use of cell phones in the society almost has no specific age group. Most persons hold the view that use of cell phones allows them develop a sense of identity in the public arena. Davenport, LaRose & Straubhaar (2009) indicate that the use of mobile phones in the contemporary society can be termed as a compulsory need by the populace. This, on a great percentage, has a lot to do with the way people interrelate with each other in the society. With the introduction of the iPhones, for instance the blackberry phones, the society has in simple terms been reduced to an ‘iPhone society’. The youths are worst affected by the technology. A lot of them have been indicated to constantly be on their phones either making calls, sending SMSs, while others use up a lot of their time browsing the internet, predominantly the social media sites like Face book and Twitter. It is based on the fact that it relates to the hypothesis of Incidental Effects by Aldous Huxley, who indicates that the repercussions of the media have a huge relationship with bootlegging of style and mannerisms among persons in the public (Kumar, 2000). This can be applied in the contemporary society today. The mobile phones have experienced a lot of transformations from the telephones, to larger phones and now internet enabled smart phones. In response, a lot of individuals have gone an extra mile to move with the trendy styles especially the young generation who want to be at par with the sassy trends. Conclusively, the society has been reduced to a generation of calls and texts; thus, an advent of a new short form language that makes it easier to communicate. Turtiainen & Oksman (2004) indicate that the use of mobile phones is not only a device for making calls, but has advanced to be more of a chum to the general public. As indicated earlier, the revolution of the mobile phones has developed in an incredible manner allowing individuals to make a lot of contacts, through their internet enabled iPhones. Since human beings are interactive creatures, the blackberry phones have been of great assistance to improving this form of interactions. Sharing of pictures and chatting with online friends is possible through the click of a button. The limitless possibilities have created a situation whereby individuals are able to develop a social life on their mobile phones as their pass time activity. This kind of life provides a form of relief especially when individuals have been through tough times in their lives. This concurs with the Catharsis theory by Semyour Feshbatch, who carried experiments that concluded that components of the media that were less violent have been useful in reducing the anger and frustrations of individuals in the society (Patnaik, 2008). In the case of the social media, a lot of individ

Goebbels George Bush , propaganda on the American media Essay

Goebbels George Bush , propaganda on the American media - Essay Example The government of the US has been portraying these military officers as experts in the field of war but little did the American public realize that these officers had liaised with the government. Most of them would be paid for their opinions. (Barstow, 2008a) It has also been revealed (New York Times, 2008) that there are certain personalities in the Bush administration specifically trained to deal with issues such propaganda. One such example is a certain lady called Victoria Clarke. She had a lot of prior experience in the public relations field and has been responsible for crusading about the war in Iraq. She came up with the idea of using journalists in the war live/. She argued that this was good fro democracy as it gave Americans first hand information about the goings on in Iraq. She formed a team that would assist in the process of implanting the propaganda and also hand picked some so-called ‘analysts’ to tell Americans about the war. (Barstow, 2008b) The pentagon made sure that the analyst chosen would appear frequently in media outlets this was especially common during the first phases of the war. News images were constantly splashed with the faces of these analysts (employed military men). Whenever there was a threat against the government concerning the war, the analysts would always meet Pentagon official and then counter the claims made by other military officers concerning the war. The Pentagon propaganda group decided to use military officers as their propaganda tool because they knew that most Americans respected expert opinion especially if those experts came from positions of authority. People in the United States trust groups or persons who seem independent thus getting a group of people who do not seem directly linked the White house is the best way to sway opinion. (Barstow, 2008b) The

What can coins excavated at a roman villa tell us about the site and Essay

What can coins excavated at a roman villa tell us about the site and it's wider context - Essay Example It takes a lot of effort to divine some of these social dealings by the use of numismatics. Besides archaeologists and academicians, other groups of people are also very interested in studying these coin finds in ancient Roman sites such as social scientists, numismatists, and economists who try to impute social contexts using these Roman coins as guides for their study. However, it is often the case where there is no standard way of how to properly and scientifically catalogue these finds and moreover, and also no set standard for their coinage analysis. Be that as it may, it is still possible to know how the people in a Roman villa had lived and in relation to the surrounding communities through the study of these archaeological coins. It just takes some time and lengthy effort for archaeologists and others interested in these sites to come up with their findings and conclusions based on a careful consideration of all the artifacts in an excavation site but admittedly, there are no set standards for doing this but rather only some set patterns which may be useful to make any comparable analyses with other similar sites. This paper examines and discusses how the coin assemblage can give some useful and pertinent ideas of the wider social context in which these people lived in relation with their neighbors. A case in point of how Roman coins determined the wider context of social living in an area surrounding an ancient Roman villa is the fairly recent excavations at the San Felice Villa, which is located in the Basentello River Valley of Italy that separated the ancient vicus (Roman word for neighborhood) of Apulia from Lucania. This site is a rich archaeological dig in terms of the old architectural remains (buildings and houses), artefactual assemblage, and environmental evidence within the site itself. Preliminary evidence suggests it was a part of a larger estate; it was important in fostering local and regional connections for the villa’s

Stock Market Cycles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Stock Market Cycles - Essay Example Although the political world affects the stock market in the short term the market recovers quickly. What drives the stock market the most are interest rates, inflation, and corporate profits. Interest rates are set by the Federal Reserve. Federal policy is set through the raising or lowering of interest rates. Interest rates help dictate the demand for goods and services. This in turn affects corporate profits and inflation. Interest rates set by business and industry are set according to what people believe the Federal Reserve will set long term interest rates at. This forecasting of interest rates is driven by what the Federal Reserve is projected to do in the future. High interest rates alter borrowing costs. This has the effect of changing the availability of bank loans and household wealth. Lastly, interest rates affect foreign exchange rates (Federal Reserve San Francisco). Corporate profits drive the stock market either up or down depending upon whether corporations have a gain or a loss. Large corporate profits give corporations more to spend or reinvest in the corporation. The gains are passed on to investors through increase in value of the company's stocks and larger dividends. Most dividends are reinvested into the corporation thus increasing growth potential of the corporation. Corporate losses have the opposite affect. Losses are passed on to corporate stock holders in the form of decreased stock value and lower dividend payments. What also drives stock prices is corporate reporting. A corporation that has had a positive growth fiscal year tends to prompt a rise in the value of its stock. Likewise fiscal reporting that falls short of forecasts has the effect of lowering stock value. In addition to reporting results, a corporation's non-compliance with reporting requirements or late reporting has the affect of lowering its stock value. Mainly, t his is because non-compliance is most associated with problems within the organization or reports of an external investigation by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission). Corporate earnings have the trickle down affect of the raising or lowering of purchasing power of its stockholders and employees. Employees often benefit from owning company stock through a corporate stock option program that awards stock to employees as retirement compensation. A company seeing losses passes that loss of value on to its employees by lowering of the stock price. This has the affect of lowering the value of the employee's retirement plan. A win-win situation would be employees working hard to assist the corporation in making profits because both the corporation and the employees benefit from higher stock values. As long as corporations and individuals have buying power they will exercise that power by purchasing more stocks. That, in affect, gives the corporation more money to spend on operations that make money for the corporation. Thus stock market values rise (Bull market). The inverse lowers stock values and reinvestment and the stock market experiences a bear market. Lastly, a war has an interesting affect on the stock market. Initially, the announcement of a conflict serves to drive the market downward. But, once war production begins and corporations begin to make money because of the conflict the stock market is driven up. Works Cited: Federal Reserve