Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Achebe vs. Conrad essays

Achebe vs. Conrad essays In a critical essay of Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness, Chinua Achebe accuses Conrad of being a terrible racist, and points out places in the novel where Conrad is very biased and prejudiced. Based on Achebes points, and my reading of the book, I have to agree with him. Heart of Darkness is about Marlow, and his journey up the Congo river, to meet a famed man named Kurtz. Marlow receives a job as a boat captain with a Belgian company which specialises in trade in Africa. After arriving at the Central Station in Africa, he finds that his ship has been sunk, and waits several months for the parts needed to fix it. During this time his interest in Kurtz grows, and as he is rumoured to be ill, the delays in fixing the ship are made even more costly. Eventually Marlow does get the parts needed to repair the boat, and he and a crew of Pilgrims and Cannibals set out on the long and laborious journey up the Congo. During their journey, Marlows ship is attacked by a tribe of natives, but only one person is killed. They finally arrive to Kurtzs camp expecting to find him dead, but instead they are greeted by a crazy Russian trader, who assures them that everything is great and that Kurtz is fine. He claims that Kurtz has made him smarter, and that he can not be judged the same way a regular person would be. He sais that Kurtz has made himself a god to the natives, and has gone on murderous raids in search of Ivory. The large number of severed heads around Kurtzs cabin prove to Marlow of Kurtzs methods. Then a bunch of natives carry Kurtz out of his cabin on a stretcher, and a group of natives surround the camp. Kurtz speaks to them and they leave. Kurtz is carried on to the ship because of his illness. The Russian tells Marlow after swearing him to secrecy that Kurtz is planning an attack on the ship so as to convince the Company that he is dead. The Russian then flees in a canoe, fearing Kur...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Differences Between Communism and Socialism

The Differences Between Communism and Socialism The difference between communism and socialism is not conveniently clear-cut. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but these economic and political theories are not the same. Both communism and socialism arose from protests against the exploitation of the working class during the Industrial Revolution. While applications of their economic and social policies vary, several modern countries- all ideologically opposed to capitalism- are perceived as either communist or socialist. In order to understand contemporary political debates, its important to know the similarities and the differences between communism and socialism. Communism vs. Socialism In both communism and socialism, the people own the factors of economic production. The main difference is that under communism, most property and economic resources are owned and controlled by the state (rather than individual citizens); by contrast, under socialism, all citizens share equally in all economic resources as allocated by a democratically-elected government. This difference and others are outlined in the table below. Communism vs. Socialism Attribute Communism Socialism Basic Philosophy From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. From each according to his ability, to each according to his contribution. Economy Planned By Central government Central government Ownership of Economic Resources All economic resources are publicly owned and controlled by the government. Individuals hold no personal property or assets. Individuals own personal property but all industrial and production capacity is communally owned and managed by a democratically elected government. Distribution of Economic Production Production is intended to meet all basic human needs and is distributed to the people at no charge. Production is intended to meet individual and societal needs and distributed according to individual ability and contribution. Class Distinction Class is abolished. The ability to earn more than other workers is almost nonexistent. Classes exist but differences are diminished. It is possible for some people to earn more than others. Religion Religion is effectively abolished. Freedom of religion is allowed. Key Similarities Communism and socialism both grew out of grass-roots opposition to the exploitation of workers by wealthy businesses during the Industrial Revolution. Both assume that all goods and services will be produced by government-controlled institutions or collective organizations rather than by privately-owned businesses. In addition, the central government is mainly responsible for all aspects of economic planning, including matters of supply and demand. Key Differences Under communism, the people are compensated or provided for based on their needs. In a pure communist society, the government provides most or all food, clothing, housing and other necessities based on what it considers the needs of the people. Socialism is based on the premise the people will be compensated based on the level of their individual contribution to the economy. Effort and innovation are thus rewarded under socialism. Pure Communism Definition Pure communism is an economic, political, and social system in which most or all property and resources are collectively owned by a class-free society rather than by individual citizens. According to the theory developed by German philosopher, economist, and political theorist Karl Marx in his classic 1848 book, â€Å"The Communist Manifesto,† pure communism results in a society in which all people are equal and there is no need for money or the accumulation of individual wealth. There is no private ownership of economic resources, with a central government controlling all facets of production. Economic output is distributed according to the needs of the people. Social friction between white and blue collar workers and between rural and urban cultures will be eliminated, freeing each person to achieve his or her highest human potential. Under pure communism, the central government provides the people with all basic necessitates, such as food, housing, education, and medical care, thus allowing the people to share equally from the benefits of collective labor. Free access to these necessities depends on constant advances in technology contributing to ever-greater production. In 1875, Marx coined the phrase used to summarize communism, â€Å"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.† Pure Socialism Definition Pure socialism is an economic system under which each individual- through a democratically elected government- is given an equal share of the four factors or economic production: labor, entrepreneurship, capital goods, and natural resources. In essence, socialism is based on the assumption that all people naturally want to cooperate, but are restrained from doing so by the competitive nature of capitalism. Socialism is an economic system where everyone in society equally owns the factors of production. The ownership is acquired through a democratically elected government. It could also be a cooperative or public corporation in which everyone owns shares. Again, the four factors of production under socialism are labor, entrepreneurship, capital goods, and natural resources. As in a command economy, the socialist government employs centralize planning to allocate resources based on both the needs of individuals and society as a whole. Economic output is distributed according to each individual’s ability and level of contribution. In 1980, American author and sociologist Gregory Paul paid homage to Marx in coining the phrase commonly used to describe socialism, â€Å"From each according to his ability, to each according to his contribution.†Ã‚   What Is a Socialist Democracy? Democratic socialism is an economic, social, and political ideology holding that while both the society and economy should be run democratically, they should be dedicated to meeting the needs of the people as a whole, rather than encouraging individual prosperity as in capitalism. Democratic socialists advocate the transition of society from capitalism to socialism through existing participatory democratic processes, rather than revolution as characterized by orthodox Marxism. Universally-used services, such as housing, utilities, mass transit, and health care are distributed by the government, while consumer goods are distributed by a capitalistic free market.   The latter half of the 20th century saw the emergence of a more moderate version of socialist democracy advocating a mixture of socialist and capitalist control of all means of economic production supplemented by extensive social welfare programs to help provide the basic needs of the people. What is Green Socialism   As a recent outgrowth of the environmental movement and the climate change debate, green socialism or â€Å"eco-socialism† places its economic emphasis on the maintenance and utilization of natural resources. This is achieved largely through government ownership of the largest, most resource consumptive corporations. The use of â€Å"green† resources, such as renewable energy, public transit, and locally sourced food is emphasized or mandated. Economic production focuses on meeting the basic needs of the people, rather than a wasteful excess of unneeded consumer goods. Green socialism often offers a guaranteed minimum livable income to all citizens regardless of their employment status. Communist Countries It is difficult to classify countries as being either communist or socialist. Several countries, while ruled by the Communist Party, declare themselves to be socialist states and employ many aspects of socialist economic and social policy. Three countries typically considered communist states- mainly due to their political structure- are Cuba, China, and North Korea. China The Communist Party of China owns and strictly controls all industry, which operates solely to generate profits for the government through its successful and growing export of consumer goods. Health care and primary through higher education are run by the government and provided free of charge to the people. However, housing and property development operate under a highly competitive capitalist system. Cuba   The Communist Party of Cuba owns and operates most industries, and most of the people work for the state. Government-controlled health care and primary through higher education are provided free. Housing is either free or heavily subsidized by the government. North Korea Ruled by the Communist Party until 1946, North Korea now operates under a â€Å"Socialist Constitution of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.† However, the government owns and control of all farmland, workers, and food distribution channels. Today, the government provides universal health and education for all citizens. Private ownership of property is forbidden. Instead, the government grants people the right to government-owned and assigned homes. Socialist Countries Once again, most modern countries that identify themselves to be socialist may not strictly follow the economic or social systems associated with pure socialism. Instead, most countries generally considered socialist actually employ the policies of democratic socialism. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark all employ similar predominantly socialist systems. The democratically chosen governments of all three countries provide free health care, education, and lifetime retirement income. As a result, however, their citizens pay some of the world’s highest taxes. All three countries also have highly successful capitalist sectors. With most of their needs provided by their governments, the people see little need to accumulate wealth. As a result, about 10% of the people hold more than 65 percent of each nation’s wealth. Sources and Further Reference Engels, Frederick (1847). â€Å"Principles of Communism.†Bukharin, Nikoli. (1920). â€Å"The ABCs of Communism.†Lenin, Vladimir (1917). â€Å"The State and Revolution Chapter 5, Section 3.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Difference Between Communism and Socialism.† Investopedia (2018).Marx, Karl (1875). â€Å".†The Critique of the Gotha Programme (From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs)Paul, Gregory and Stuart, Robert C. â€Å".†Comparing Economic Systems in the Twenty-First Century Cengage Learning (1980). ISBN: 9780618261819. (From each according to his ability, to each according to his contribution.)Heilbroner, Robert. â€Å"Socialism.† Library of Economics and Liberty Kallie Szczepanski  contributed to this article.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Macro3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Macro3 - Essay Example The consumption of education is an example of a consumption of a good that provides a social benefit that exceeds the private benefit that the student receives. Society benefits from having a skilled labour force which lowers unemployment rates and increases domestic productivity. This benefit exceeds the private benefit a single individual receives from consuming education. As such, those that choose to not consume education may decide not to do so because they will enjoy the benefits of a skilled labour force. Government expenditures on goods and services are primarily done because the market system would not efficiently allocate resources to produce these goods or services. This could be because consumption of the good or service provides considerable social benefit which the market cannot quantify, or the good or service is non-excludible, meaning that once provided, no one can be excluded from consuming it. Thus inorder to assure optimum provision and consumption of the good, government would The corporation is treated as a separate entity for tax and legal purposes. As such there a number of benefits associated with incorporating a business. In Limited Liability companies, owners of the corporation are not liable for the corporation’s debts. In most countries, tax rates facing corporations are lower than those facing private individuals and there and corporations are able to qualify for more tax deductions than private individuals. A corporation can continue to exist beyond its current owners. However, forming a corporation is not a costless task and involves a number of legal requirements. In addition, most countries regulate corporations, forcing them to comply with a number of behavioural practices meant to protect employees, shareholders and consumers. Conforming to regulation is also

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Understanding Organisations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Understanding Organisations - Essay Example Understanding Organisations The firm was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford and since then it has manufactured a large number of commercial cars. Ford also manufactures luxury cars but they are marketed under the brand Lincoln. The chief executive of the company has taken measures since 2008 to simplify the fleet of all Ford cars across the world (Vlasic, 2008). The company has also shaped several automotive components. Ford Australia is an Australian subsidiary company of the original corporation. This subsidiary was founded in Geelong, Victoria in the early 1925. In May 2013 Ford president Bob Graziano has announced to cease the manufacturing process of the company in Geelong (Reuters, 2013). The industry for automobiles is highly competitive in nature in the current economic era. The establish firm of Ford has undergone certain losses since the last six years. The president claimed that the company’s manufacturing cost in Australia is extremely high when compared to that of Asia and Europe (News Geelong, 2 013). Thus, in order to reduce its costs and losses the company has decided to cease its operating plants in Geelong by 2016, as its fabrication in Geelong is not economically viable in the long run (Lambreth, 2007). The decision of Ford to cease its manufacturing unit in Geelong Australia may be actually beneficial to the economy of the country according to modernistic view (Goodwin and Wright, 2007). It is believed by many economists that the domestic economy of Australia would evolve as a result of the decision taken by Ford. Newscastle was another city that experienced a similar situation in 1999, when the city lost the BHP Steelworks. After BHP steel ceased its business in Newscastle, the city shifted its competences towards medical research, education and innovation. Thus the decision of BHP Steelworks was a blessing for Newscastle in 1999. It is thus felt that the people for Geelong should be optimistic regarding their future despite of experiencing a closure of Fords manufacturing and loss of employment opportunities. It is believed by the modernistic thinkers that this incident would help Geelong to carve new ways for improvements of in segments of the economy like academics and medical research. Though it is true that the loss of Ford business would render many individuals jobless but still according to the modern optimistic view the growth of other industries would surely generate more employment opportunities in Australia (Raschella, 2013). Environmental Impact The decision of Ford to cease its manufacturing division in Geelong would surely create a stressful atmosphere in its working environment. The closure of the factory was reported to cease 510 job losses in Fords Geelong engine plant (News Geelong, 2013). The president of the Australian branch of the company along with its CEO Bob Graziano stated that it was necessary to end the production unit of the company in Australia because the company faced a loss of almost $141 million in the recent financial years. Such situation would surely create an uncanny environment in the existing workplaces of the company. The existing workers would fear to lose their jobs in this crisis, when the company is facing severe financial instability. The employees would surely resist to the decision of manufacturing cease, as they would not want their jobs to be lost. Internal

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Songs of the 50s Essay Example for Free

Songs of the 50s Essay Songs of the 1950s Songs of the 50s In this paper I will research and identify 5 songs of the 1950s and what the songs reflect about the culture, mood, and values of the 1950s and the ethnic groups the artists came from. I will also discuss how accurately the songs reflect the mood, value, and perceptions of the 1950s as discussed in our readings, Nation of Nations. â€Å"All I Have To Do Is Dream† The first song I would like to address would be: â€Å"All I Have To Do Is Dream,† by the Everly Brothers. This song reiterates the basic ideology of the 1950s associated with â€Å"the good life. The song offers a neat synopsis of the mood, values, and perceptions of this era, for example, the song states â€Å"only trouble is, gee whiz, I’m dreamin’ my life away†¦. † This quote shows the leisure time available to Americans, it also reflects the time of hope during this era. The song also reflects a strong sense of optimism, confidence, and overall comfort afforded by this era. This song also seems to echo the general sentiments of the time in terms of the open attitudes toward sex with some of the romantic lyrics. Since the baby boom initiated during this era the lyrics to the mood and values are represented in the lyrics above. Since America emerged from World War II, in this era this song reinforces the American Dream. The song gives the mood and perception of happiness at having a secure job, owning a house, etc†¦ â€Å"A Lot of Livin’ To Do† â€Å"A Lot of Livin’ To Do† by Sammy Davis Jr. , Mr. Davis represents both the African American and Hispanic races and this song’s lyrics also embody the era because of the references to the â€Å"good life† with â€Å"And there’s wine, already for tasting. And there’s Cadillac’s, all shiny and new. Gotta move, cause time is wasting. There’s such a lot of livin’ to do. † These lyrics indicate the era because it was called â€Å"the culture of consumption. † The Americans experienced a large scale of spending during this time period. The song’s reference to fancy cars shows that consumer’s values definitely dominated the American economy and culture during the 1950’s. A Combination of Lyrics Through my research for this assignment I found several songs that reflected the moods of this era that did not relate to the â€Å"good life† that I would like to touch base on. My Captain† by Muddy Waters clearly reflects on the issues of the difficult working conditions for an African-American man in a big city. Their lyrics reveal racial undertones as well as the tensions and divisions within America at the time. Two other lyrics that I felt were important regarding this e ra was â€Å"Korean War Blues† and â€Å"Eisenhower Blues† by J. B. Lenoir. These songs reflect the political strive associated with containing communism during this era and the political paranoia underlying the times. The connection to the mood, perceptions, values, and politics are found in the words from the song â€Å"Korean War Blues,† â€Å"Lord I got my questionnaire, Uncle Sam’s gonna send me away from here; Lord I got my questionnaire, Uncle Sam’s gonna send me away from here; He said J. B. you know that I need you, Lord I need you in South Korea. † These lines reinforce the fear and the paranoia associated with the Red Scare and containment. Yakety-Yak The final song on my list is â€Å"Yakety-Yak† by The Coasters, this song again reflects on the era’s carefree attitude and the triumphant mood of democracy in a light way. It was also a time for teenage rebellion due to the introduction of rock-n-roll. Many adults, parents, and teachers opposed rock and roll as an emerging genre and form of social protest. The lyrics of this song exemplify the generation gap and strain as the kids were fighting for freedom from the adults, â€Å"Don’t you give me no dirty looks, your father’s hip, he knows what cooks, just tell you hoodlum friends outside, you ain’t got time to take a ride, Yakety yak, don’t talk back. † Conclusion Through the course of research for this paper I learned a great deal about the moods, values, perceptions, and politics that were expressed through songs. Even though some of the songs reflected a casual happy life style there were also the songs that reflected the imperfections of the era. This was a difficult time due to the war ending, desegregation was taking place, and it was also the time of the baby boomers. Through the songs of the 1950’s I discovered that many artists were able to vocalize their own point f view on the events of the era. References: Resource Readings: Davidson et al. : Nation of Nations, Third Concise Edition, Volume II  © The McGraw? Hill Companies, 2002 Lyrics Depot:  © 2008 LyricsDepot. com. All Rights Reserved. Retrieved February 10, 2008. http://www.lyricsdepot.com/the-everly-brothers/all-i-have-to-do-is-dream.html http://custom-essay-cheap.com/songs-of-the-50s/ http://www.biography.com/people/muddy-waters-9525002 http://timshorrock.blogspot.com/2005/01/down-in-mississippi.html http://www.metrolyrics.com/yakety-yak-lyrics-the-coasters.html

Friday, November 15, 2019

Babbit Essay -- Essays Papers

Babbit The depressing tragedy known as Babbitt, by Lewis Sinclair, accurately portrays the convention of life in the 1920’s. Sinclair precisely evokes the conformity and orthodox life styles that shaped a growing culture. Man, in the 1920’s, is caught in a lifestyle where he is continually fed on what to think. Lewis cunningly explains the constraints of convention that plagued George Babbitt, and mocks society as a whole for its lack of liberal views. Babbitt throughout the novel seems to be trapped in a maze, and is told by â€Å"the machine† when to turn. Only when Babbitt revolts against conservative America does his life change, but the question is was it for the better? The economy is booming with success, and your wealth portrays ones position in society. George Babbitt is infatuated with having the latest â€Å"gadgets† and technology in his home, as is the rest of Middle-class America. Lewis portrays society as a group of self-centered people who must have the best of everything (sounds similar to our world today). Middle-class America is disturbingly the same to the last detail in the 1920’s. Life begins for Babbitt waking up to an unappreciative family, and a typical fake show of affection from his wife. Babbitt realizes his life is dull and mundane. Even the kiss from his wife is typical. Babbitt, like most men in the 1920’s, finds his home not as a haven but as a depressing reality of what his life has really become. Babbitt recognizes he is disgusted with his life, and that he doesn’t even love his wife. Only when Babbitt escapes his home does he find satisfaction. Babbitt is found in his community as a role mode l of every businessmen, even the mechanic at the gas station commends him for organization. Babbitt temporarily feels relief when freedom encompasses his life, but later in the novel Babbitt illustrates that even â€Å"business† is shaped by society. Just as business is shaped in Zenith, so are the women who live there. Women in the novel are accurately portrayed as they were in the 1920’s. Lewis presents two different scenarios in the novel, but both of these cases can follow the same mannerisms. First, Lewis depicts the loving housewife. Myra, Babbitt’s wife, continually comforts Babbitt throughout the whole novel. Myra even accepts the blame when Babbitt decides to cheat on her. Women are depicted throughout the novel as inferior when... ...e hand of social order is telling them this is â€Å"ok.† That is why liberal views in Zenith are so quickly extinguished. The superior class wants people to think that there always must be a lower class because that is the way God has planned it, which in retrospect sustains their rank as the higher class forever. It’s ironic that this idea is still relevant today. In conclusion, Babbitt’s revolt toward society had actually changed nothing. He went back to not loving his wife and continuing his job as a realtor. His popularity recovers from his era of revolt. Babbitt regains his place in the world by allowing society to influence his life. He stops fighting and this is the simple reason why his life is a tragedy. How does Babbitt analyze the successfulness of his life? He never took complete control and experienced freedom in any of his actions. He only valued the acceptance of others, rather than what was true to his heart. Babbitt life had no meaning, since he constantly let the constraints of society shape it. One must wonder if society in the 1920’s could have changed by reading this novel. This is not probable, considering that society is the same today as it was 80 years ago.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Informative Speech Essay

Attention Getter: Mothers day is coming up, and there is a few options for you to use as gifts. 1. You can spend fifty dollar on flowers just to watch them die in a week. 2. You can buy her chocolates even though most of us are constantly trying to cut back. 4. You can do nothing and look like a jerk. 5. Or can simply spend a dollar at a thrift store, and create a desk ornament using only an old book. Topic Sentence: Recently I’ve made a few of these and have gotten a really great response from family and friends. I suppose I’d call it book-origami, but I’m not sure if there’s a proper title for this sort of thing. My purpose tonight is to teach you how to make one of these. Credibility / goodwill: After I made my first book, I got several compliments on it. Afterward, I came to the conclusion it might make a great mantelpiece, or even a desk ornament. Itsinthestars.com/us shows a survey taken in 2012 that states â€Å"The average person ends up purchasing 16 gifts or more a year.† Gift buying can add up quickly so I have found that it is nice to have a backup plan in case you’re broke at the time. Surely some of us in this very room have come to this dilemma so I am hoping to provide an idea for such an occasion. Thesis: Tonight I will teach you how to make one of these decorations by first teaching you what type of books are best to use, secondly I will tell you how to prepare the process of getting started, and lastly I will be teaching you a few of the folding techniques. Body: (Chronological = steps in a process) I. The First step in making one of these book decorations is to find the right kind of book to work with A. Through trial and error, I have found that it is best to use a hardcover book. 1. The way I have been making these has been without the use of any glues or starches, and the hardcover frame seems to help the book hold its shape naturally. B. When choosing your book you will also need to consider the number of pages that it has. 2. This was actually my first book, and it has about two hundred fifty pages in it. My second book actually has over 550 pages in it. The choice you make depends on your taste, but personally I think the thicker book has a much fuller and professional look. C. You should also consider the size of the cover of your book. 1. I believe that a someone smaller book makes for the best decoration because it doesn’t take up much room. Transition: Now that you have chosen a book to work with, you are ready to divide your book in sections. A. In my first book I didn’t take a whole lot of time, and just approximately divided the book into 3 sections. 1. You might not be able to tell at first glance but one side actually has around 15 pages more using the first folding style. B. If you want to go for a truly symmetrical look, I would suggest counting out each page individually. It will take more time this way, but you will probably be happier with the end result. 1. After you have decided how much you want in each section, I would recommend marking each sections beginning and end with a bookmark. Transition : Now that you have sectioned off your book, you’re ready to start folding. (please excuse my lack of technical terms, but this is really just something I’ve been experimenting with and was not actually taught anything about origami. A. I like to start off each book with several simple corner folds. 1. After each page, you should alternate between folding the top corner down, and folding the bottom corner down. 2. The reason I start the book this way because it is a really easy technique, and it also seems to help the book expand quite a bit. B. Another fold I use quite a bit I would call an airplane fold. I call it this because it is how I remember starting off paper airplanes, again this isn’t a technical lesson. 1. This technique is done simple by folding the top and bottom edges into the middle of the page. 2. I tend to use this technique for the middle section because again, it is very easy to do, and it helps the book to stand up. C. What I have used for the outer-middle section here is actually just a variation of the airplane fold. 1. After folding both edges in, you then take the middle point of the page and fold it to either the upper or lower portion, again alternating with each following page t o get this accordion look. Conclusion: Thesis: Tonight I have taught you how to make one of these decorations by first teaching you what type of books are best to use, secondly telling you how to prepare the process of getting started, and lastly I taught you a few of the folding techniques. Closure: Now you’re ready to make one of these for yourself. I’ve only been doing this for a few months, and I have found that most of the fun comes from trying new techniques. I’ve only shared with you a couple of the techniques that I’ve used. I would highly encourage you to try some of your own ideas, get creative . You could try ripping or cutting the edges of certain pages to give them a rough look, or you could add paperclips to portions of the book to give it a specific hold. Maya Angelou once said in the book Conversations with Maya Angelou printed in 1989 â€Å"You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have† I’ve always agreed with that. I have found this to be a fun, creative and cheap idea for a gift. Mothers day is Sunday the 12th of May this year, so you should get started.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Turkish Government Memorandum Regarding

TO: Osman Gunes, Deputy Minister of the Interior, Government of Turkey FROM: Tolgahan P? narsayha, Political Advisor to the Government of Turkey DATE: 10/3/2012 SUBJECT: Addressing the Syrian Refugee Crisis Summary The Turkish Government has spent over $300 million providing for refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria [1]. As a neighboring country with important links to Syria through culture and religion alongside being a democratic country that recognizes international laws regarding refugees, Turkey has an obligation to continue to admit civilians from Syria into its southern provinces.By analyzing Turkey’s political ideals, its adherence to international laws and its ties to Syria and the Islamic world, I emphasize the Government’s duty towards addressing the refugee crisis above any other related issue (as will be further discussed) in this report. Problems associated with the Government’s Allocation of Resources Important issues that may have a bearing on Tu rkey’s provision of adequate resources to refugees include: its support for the Syrian rebels; lack of international action in Syria; and lack of international assistance to Turkey in providing aid and accommodation to refugees [1].These issues may need to be addressed before the Government can completely fulfill its duty towards the safeguarding of innocent civilians. Turkey’s Responsibility as a Regional Power The border between Turkey and Syria stretches 877 km, and is for both countries the longest land border they share with a neighbor [2]. This is significant as the Turkish Government can expect to take in comparatively larger numbers of refugees with relation to Syria’s other border states. In the past Our â€Å"responsibility† to accept refugees at arises from the fact that both Turkey and Syria share extensive historical, cultural and religious ties.Both are members of the OIC and are Muslim countries, and in the eyes of the Islamic world, Turkey has an automatic duty to house fellow Muslims fleeing from the violence. This responsibility is more important for Turkey because it has interests in maintaining strong relations with the predominantly Muslim â€Å"Arab world†; by accepting refugees it is also portraying an image of solidarity with the Syrian people, and this would help strengthen ties with the Arab world which, in light of recent protests for freedom and democracy which have been collectively termed as the â€Å"Arab Spring†, is largely in support of Syrian opposition forces.International Obligations towards the Protection of Victims of Prosecution Turkey is a member of the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), three international agencies that determine the laws and relations that Turkish Government is bound by while it addresses the ongoing refugee crisis in the country’s southern provinces.In adherence with i nternational law and as an upholder of Turkey’s democratic and liberal ideals, the Turkish Government has a basic duty to protect and provide refuge to Syrian refugees fleeing from persecution, as stated in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Options – Re-allocating resources or calling for international assistance From the outset of the war the Turkish Government has undoubtedly been in support of the rebel cause. The Government must seriously consider the impact this may be having on its allocation of resources to accepting and accommodating refugees.As previously mentioned, international laws dictate that civilians fleeing persecution have a right to seek refuge in a foreign country. Therefore the Government’s main priority as a foreign state should be to funnel resources into building adequate facilities for civilians. In direct relation to this, Turkey should also consider how its participation in the Syrian conflict will benefit the Syrian people and at the same time how it will benefit the economy and security of Turkey. Public support for Turkey’s foreign policy towards Syria is low and the public view of the Government’s handling of the conflict is largely negative.While the Government stands for the â€Å"freedom† of Syrian people it needs to seriously re-evaluate its position; it is a neighbor country and therefore has no duty to react to the internal political situation in Syria until an international consensus can be reached. Until that point it should focus on strengthening the Turkish border, screening incoming refugees and providing facilities for them. Recommendations The refugee crisis is just one form of the greater humanitarian catastrophe that has resulted from the Syrian uprising.Although Turkey’s interests and obligations lie in protecting persecuted civilians, it must also consider wider issues regarding the conflict, including the impact of its support for Syrian opposition for ces, as well as more pertinent humanitarian issues like the displacement of Syrians within Syria itself. The Government should therefore continue to lobby the international community to take action in Syria; more than this, it should seek assistance from international governments in building refugee camps and providing aid to civilians, in order to supplement dwindling resources.

Friday, November 8, 2019

7 Bad Habits You Need to Get Rid of in 2017

7 Bad Habits You Need to Get Rid of in 2017 Often, New Year’s resolutions are about what you’re going to do. I will go to the gym. I will get my house organized. But just as important are the resolutions where you decide to stop doing something. It’s a way to edit your life. Here are seven strategies for turning 2017 into a year of â€Å"no.† (But in a positive way!)1. Say no to jealousy.Comparing yourself to others is a fast track to frustration. Sure, you may not have what others have or be as talented in some areas. And you know what? You might never be, and that’s A-OK. Find the skills and aspects of yourself that are unique- or at the very least, ones that work for you. Focus on building those up so that you shine in your best areas. Forget everyone else†¦ they’re probably just trying to keep up with others as well, and who has time for that kind of endless loop?2. Say no to self-doubt.If you find yourself holding back from speaking up in a meeting because you’re worri ed about how it will be received or what  others will think of you, push past it and speak up. Your perspective is valid. And your ideas could lead to greater things for you or your company. Self-doubt keeps progress from happening.3. Say no to being a lone wolf.If we didn’t need others to be successful, every company would be one person big. You’re part of a team because all of the members’ roles and skills complement each other on the way to getting things done. Ask for help when you need it, and make an effort to bond with your colleagues.4. Say no to inertia.â€Å"Later, I’ll do it later.† â€Å"The time isn’t right.† â€Å"There’s too much going on.† Do any of those sound familiar? The timing will likely never be perfect to start that project or implement your idea. So stop waiting around, and take steps to get started. Even if they’re tiny ones, the first steps can be the hardest- so once you’ve got ten those out of the way, it’ll be that much easier to keep moving.5. Say no to oversharing.Do you post everything you eat on Instagram? Let the world know the status of your date while you’re still on it? Social media creates an environment that encourages us to share our minutiae with the world, but should we? This year, make an effort to hold some things back, and start being more choosy about what you put out there. A little mystery never hurt, right? If your coworker really needs to know what you binged on Netflix last weekend, she can ask.6. Just say no.If you find yourself saying yes to everything because you feel obligated, it’s time to take a choosier approach. Your cousin’s friend’s roommate will be able to find someone else to help him move. Your colleague shouldn’t be depending on you to cover for her every day while she sneaks out for a smoothie. It’s okay to be selective about what you agree to do. Having the power to sa y no empowers you to set and keep your own priorities, instead of letting everyone else set them for you.And finally†¦7. Say no to standing in your own way.It’s easy to confuse fear and hesitance with instincts. When you feel yourself resisting something in your head, ask why. If you can’t come up with a valid reason why you’re avoiding it or otherwise not moving forward, then say no to that little voice and move forward. You are your own resistance, and you are the only one who can get around that.Try the Year of No, and see what happens. This is not an excuse to say no to everything (you’re gonna have to suck it up and do some things you don’t want to do; sorry and welcome to life!), but rather to say no to the things holding you back. You might be amazed at how many yeses you start to get once you start saying no more often!

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Turgor Pressure and the Important Tree Cell

Turgor Pressure and the Important Tree Cell Turgor pressure, also called turgidity when occurring in trees and most plants are the pressure of cell contents exerted against the plant cell wall including tree leaf and stem cells. A turgid plant cell contains more water and minerals in solution than flaccid (deflated) plant cells and exerts a greater osmotic pressure on its cell membrane and walls. So, turgor is a force exerted outward on a plant cell by the water contained within the sturdy cell wall. Water and its solutions fill up tree cells up to its optimum expansion capability determined by the cell wall. This force consequently gives a succulent plant rigidity and helps non-woody plants to keep erect. Woody-stemmed plants have extra structural support in the form of wood cells and bark. When you actually see a mature woody-stemmed plant like a trees leaf wilt due to low turgor pressure, major damage may have been done and tree health compromised. Extreme turgidity can result in the bursting of a cell but is rare in nature. The tree cell wall is designed to handle pressures beyond the cell membrane. Turgor and Osmosis in Trees Turgor pressure is not the mechanism that rises solutions from roots to leaves. Trying to describe this simply, the process of osmosis creates tree and plant turgidity by the osmotic propensity of moving a heavy water volume of weak solution from the roots toward a low water volume of high solution in the leaves and branches. A solution, in this case, is simply a water mixture of solutes in the leaves being concentrated and high and the water-holding solutes entering the root being diluted and low. In this particular botanical example, water is the solvent with a mixture of dissolved concentrations of various nutritive substances called the solute.   As the trees liquid reaches a static or equal solution mixture from root to crown, turgor pressure becomes optimal and pressure increase stops. The Important Tree Cell Wall and Membrane A trees cell wall is a tough, flexible wicker basket that is rigid but flexible and has the ability to stretch and expand as the cell membrane inside expands. It surrounds the delicate cell membrane and provides these cells with structural support and protection. The cell wall will also act as a filter but the major function of the cell wall is to act as pressure support for the cell and its contents. The trees cellular membrane is a protective and functional cell layer that separates tree cell contents from the outside environment but is permeable to the organic molecules and minerals necessary to support tree life. Osmosis through the cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of tree cells. The basic function of the cell membrane is devoted to the protection of the cell contents from outside invasions of foreign materials.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Islam vs Christiainity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Islam vs Christiainity - Essay Example John the Baptist was beheaded by local authorities causing many of his followers to look to Jesus for leadership. Initially, Jesus’ message was fundamentalist Judaism. He promoted basic ethics such as loving one’s neighbor and returning hatred with kindness. He had an apparent ability to heal the sick. Many of Jesus’ followers believed that he was a messiah, sent by their God, to drive out the Romans and establish a new Jewish state. At some point, Jesus too believed he was the messiah. The authorities, concerned with his popularity, had him arrested, condemned to death and crucified. After Jesus’ death, the less messianic, more religious aspects of his teachings were emphasized, primarily through the gospels of four of his disciples, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The disciple Paul was responsible for separating Christianity from its Jewish roots. He introduced the idea that Jesus was the son of God and that faith in God was the only way to be saved from sin. The early Christians were split into two hostile groups for nearly a century. One group followed Peter and the other group followed Paul. Peter’s followers were predominantly Jewish, following many Jewish traditions, as Jesus had done. Paul’s followers were more accepting of non-Jewish converts and waived Jewish law for those not born into the religion. Both Peter and Paul were executed in Rome in approximately 64 AD. Christianity had certain strengths and strong psychological, as opposed to philosophical, messages of protection hope and forgiveness. Christianity’s greatest strength was its egalitarianism – it was first and foremost a religion of the poor. By the third century the Roman Empire was being attacked from every direction. In 395 it officially split into two halves, the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire. In 410 the Visigoths destroyed Rome and the Western Roman Empire. In the late 600’s Arabs conquered Egypt and Syria which were

Friday, November 1, 2019

The Medias Influence on Today's Woman Term Paper

The Medias Influence on Today's Woman - Term Paper Example This is the reason why most women contend that they either lose or gain weight to fit into the figures or the images they see in the media. Women believe that being underweight and skinny is beautiful and sexually appealing that directly translates to success. This explains the skinnier standard as a body image that women try to attain in their course of daily lives. There is a close relation between what women see in the television media and how they correlate with the eating disorders in young adult women. Wang (204) says that media is the key cause of eating disorders experienced in young women. This is lent credence by other studies on integrative model for change in behavior that provide that the media can influence the behavior of any person through the airing or publishing of what type of lifestyles and personalities are destined for rewards and successes. This is because when a person gets to believe that his actions will satisfy others, he gets to act in that prescribed mann er. This is the easiest way to confirm that a person will likely be influenced by what he sees or reads in the media, the media plays this role by influencing traits and norms of the women. One area in which the media has had a direct impact on women is diet and unhealthy trends in dieting. This is especially through the television programs and magazines that will make the woman try to emulate the images that are presented as presentable and desirable. For example, most magazines would put on the covers of the particular magazine, pictures of skinny and emancipated women who are seen by the women fraternity as sexy with desirable body figures.... This paper approves that there is need to challenge the images portrayed by the media and challenge and reconsider demands that are unrealistic. This will enable the woman to develop self-esteems and develop oneself independent of media influences. Media messages should be identified and challenged in preventive programs that include that discouraging the notion that beauty is a woman’s main aim in achieving success and happiness and that a woman should be ashamed of her body size. I would, therefore, put positive redefinition of the image of woman as composed of many factors including self-acceptance that will help the woman resist attempts for thinness or being skinny. Some questions are provided to be considered by an individual including women when evaluating media messages, one question is whether real women look like the models in the specific adverts portrayed in the media and whether buying the product being advertised will make the woman look like the model. It is also important to ask yourself whether the model looks like the picture portrayed because of the product. This essay makes a conclusion that It is quite clear that the print media and television has the effect of determining how women portray themselves in terms of body image. Creating too much attention to magazines and television programs or movies lead to body image dissatisfaction, which often lead the woman to eating disorders. As a conclusion, the media has a serious impact on the image of women in terms of the body, which is likely to affect their mental and physical health in a negative manner.