Beowulf Essays (2905 words) - Beowulf, Geats, English-language Films

Beowulf Beowulf begins with the story of the first king in the Danish dynasty, Scyld Sceafing. The king was abandoned as a baby and later went on become a successful, powerful leader of the Danish people. Following the death of Scyld Sceafing, his son Beowulf (not the Beowulf of this story) becomes ruler of the Spear-Danes and much like his father, Beowulf is respected and beloved by his subjects. After a reign of many years, Beowulf dies and his son Healfdene inherits the throne. Healfdene fathers four children including Heorogar, Hrothgar, and Halfga. Hrothgar succeeds his father and after achieving much glory and fame as ruler of the Danes, he decides to build a great mead hall as a monument to his success and symbol of his greatness. He names it Heorot. After the completion of Heorot, Hrothgar holds a banquet for his subjects where scops sing of the creation of the Earth by God and the Danes celebrate the peaceful, festive times in which they live. After the festivities continue for many years, the singing and music awakens an evil, part-human monster named Grendel who is a descendant of the biblical Cain. Angered by the noise and apparent happiness of the Danes, Grendel travels to Heorot at night when the soldiers within are sound asleep after their day celebrations. Grendel kills thirty warriors and escapes into the night satisfied with his evil deed. Hrothgar is deeply saddened by the deaths and fears the attack may be the beginning of a long war with the monster. Grendel continues his murderous rampage the following night and a war with Grendel ensues which lasts twelve years. Stories of the Danes' suffering at the hands of Grendel spread to foreign lands. The Danes exhaust all means of defense against Grendel and attempts to pay the monster to cease his harassment are useless. The Danes' desperation becomes so great, they abandon their Christian beliefs and begin worshipping ancient deities from their pagan past. When news of the Danes' troubles reaches Geatland, Beowulf, thane of Hygelac, gathers fourteen of his strongest, bravest men to voyage across the seas to help Hrothgar and his people. Upon arriving, Beowulf and his men are greeted by a Danish coast guard sentinel. The sentinel is alarmed to see armed men approaching the Danish coast and directly asks Beowulf to state his business. The guard is clearly impressed by the Geat's armor and weapons and conveys his respect for the noble men. 4 Beowulf informs the soldier that he and his men are followers of Hygelac from the clan of the Geats and explains that he is the son of Ecgtheow, a respected and renowned leader known throughout the land. Beowulf explains that he has come to help Hrothgar and the Danes. After learning that the Geat's intentions are noble, the guard agrees to escort the men to Hrothgar. 5 Wulfgar, a Danish soldier and advisor to Hrothgar, interrupts the men's journey to see Hrothgar and interrogates them about their identity and intentions. Beowulf introduces himself and explains his purpose. Wulfgar, impressed by Beowulf's confidence and the appearance of his men, welcomes the visitors and encourages Hrothgar to meet them. 6 While receiving Beowulf, Hrothgar explains that he remembers Beowulf as a boy and recounts several experiences shared with Beowulf''s father, Ecgtheow. Hrothgar views Beowulf's prescence as a blessing for the Danes because of his reputation as a great warrior and his noble ancestry. He offers treasures to Beowulf and the Geats if they can end Grendel's terror and return Heorot to its previous glory. Beowulf expresses his desire to challenge Grendel to a battle to the death and says he will trust in God and will thus refuse weapons or shields. 7 Reassured by Beowulf's confidence, Hrothgar recalls further stories of Ecgtheow. He explains how while new to his throne he helped Ecgtheow avoid a battle by sending treasures to his enemies. Hrothgar then immediately begins discussing his troubles with Grendel and explains his displeasure in seeing his mead hall abandoned by his warriors. The Danes and the Geat warriors then go to Heorot where they are entertained by scops and drink mead. 8, 9 During the banquet, a courtier of Hrothgar named Unferth is overcome by jealousy of Beowulf's reputation and challenges the merit of his courageous feats. Unferth tells of a swimming competition from Beowulf''s past in which Beowulf was defeated by a warrior named Breca. Beowulf explains that both warriors were armed only with swords to protect them from sea monsters and that

8 top health care jobs for 2018

8 top health care jobs for 2018 Of all the industries growing like crazy over the past few years, few have seen as much growth (or projected growth in the coming years) as health care. It’s a confluence of social issues- growing population (particularly aging Baby Boomers), more attention being paid to self-care, and more attention generally being paid in public to the health and wellness needs of the general population. Industry growth means health care professionals of all kinds are needed. Whether you’re trying to decide where to focus your education to start a career in allied health or you’re looking for a job that you can build without going to med school or nursing school, there are lots of opportunities. Let’s look at some of the fastest-growing health care jobs for the coming year.1. Registered NurseWhen you hear the word â€Å"shortage† to describe a health care field, it’s usually in reference to nurses. Nurses are one of the main backbones of the health care ind ustry, and there is always a huge demand for competent, qualified, and compassionate professionals to step into the nursing world. Registered nurses (RNs) coordinate and provide direct patient care, assess patient condition, record patients’ medical data, administer treatments and medication as prescribed by a physician, develop treatment plans, operate and monitor medical equipment, perform diagnostic tests, and educate patients and their families on follow-up care. Nurses can be found virtually anywhere there’s a medical facility, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, home health care services, nursing homes, schools, clinics, or health-focused government agencies.What you’ll need: RNs typically hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), or a certificate from an accredited nursing program. In all states, nurses need to be licensed, so be sure to check your own state’s requirements for licensi ng (including any standardized tests like the NCLEX).How much they make: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses make a median annual salary of $68,450, or $32.91 per hour.For more on how to snag registered nurse jobs:Create A Winning Registered Nurse Resume!How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse?2. Nurse PractitionerNurse practitioners, also known as Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are nurses who are located midway between registered nurses and physicians. In addition to standard nursing duties, nurse practitioners often have increased ability to coordinate primary patient care, prescribe medications, order tests, and develop treatment plans for patients.What you’ll need: Nurse practitioners need to have a master’s degree (or higher) in an advanced nursing program, as well as pass a national exam. What a nurse practitioner can do, as well as licensing requirements, can vary by state, so be sure you’re aware of your own state’s requirements and policies on nurse practitioners.How much they make: According to the BLS, nurse practitioners make a median annual salary of $107,460, or $51.67 per hour.For more on how to snag nurse practitioner jobs:What Type of Nurse Are You?6 Reasons You Should Seriously Consider Becoming a Nurse Practitioner3. Home Health AideHome health aides are caregivers who travel to patients’ homes to provide medical and daily living care. Patients may include elderly or chronically ill patients who are not living in specific nursing care facilities, but need help with daily activities. A home health aide’s duties typically include medical tasks like checking vital signs and administering medication or prescribed treatments, as well as assisting with daily life tasks like walking, using the bathroom, feeding, dressing, or leaving the house. This is a field that is growing even more than other health careers, with a rapidly expanding population of older ad ults who need help, but want to stay in their own homes.What you’ll need: Home health aides typically have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Most home health agencies provide on-the-job training for aides, though a background in medical terminology or health care can be helpful.How much they make: According to the BLS, home health aides make a median annual salary of $22,170, or $10.66 per hour.For more on how to snag home health aide jobs:How to Write a Strong Home Health Aide Resume (Examples Included)What Does a Home Health Aide Do?Top 7 Healthcare Careers That Don’t Require A Graduate Degree4. Physician AssistantPhysician assistants (PAs) are medical professionals who work as part of a team with physicians, surgeons, nurses, and other health care professionals. Their duties include examining, ordering, and analyzing diagnostic tests; performing treatments like setting broken bones and giving shots; prescribing medicine; developing patient care plans; and educating patients and their families. PAs typically work in hospitals, clinics, or doctors’ offices.What you’ll need: Physician assistants typically hold a master’s degree from an accredited Physician Assistant program. All states require PAs to be licensed, so be sure to know your own state’s requirements for certification.How much they make: According to the BLS, physician assistants make a median annual salary of $101,480, or $48.79 per hour.For more on how to snag physician assistant jobs:How to Write a Perfect Physician Assistant Resume (Examples Included)5. Dental HygienistDental hygienists are the ones who often do much of the heavy lifting at your dental appointments, working directly with patients to evaluate signs of dental disease, clean teeth, apply treatments, take x-rays, educate patients on good dental care (even though you swear you’re flossing every day), and assist dentists with procedures. This is a field expected to grow m uch faster than average over the next year.What you’ll need: Dental hygienists typically hold an associate’s degree from an accredited dental program. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed, so be sure to know your own state’s requirements for licensure.How much they make: According to the BLS, nurse practitioners make a median annual salary of $72,910, or $35.05 per hour.For more on how to snag dental hygienist jobs:What You Need to Know About Being a Dental Hygienist6. OptometristIf messy bodily functions aren’t your thing, you might want to consider a career as an optometrist. Optometrists focus on patients’ eyesight, and their duties include evaluating eyesight issues, testing for eye diseases, prescribing medicine, determining the need for glasses or other corrective eyewear, performing treatments, and evaluating patients for vision-related signs of serious diseases that can affect eyesight (like diabetes).What you’ll need: Optometrists need to complete a Doctor of Optometry (OD) program, which typically takes four years to complete (on top of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree). All states require optometrists to be licensed, so be sure to know your own state’s requirements.How much they make: According to the BLS, nurse practitioners make a median annual salary of $106,140, or $51.03 per hour.For more on how to snag optometrist jobs:11 High-Paying Jobs with High SatisfactionNo Medical Degree? No Problem for These Five Healthcare Jobs7. Physical Therapy AssistantPhysical therapy assistants work with patients under the direction of a physical therapist, helping patients recover from illness or injury. Their duties typically include helping patients move according to a prescribed treatment plan, observing patients, recording patient progress and data, massaging or stretching patients’ muscles, and helping patients use devices and equipment (like walkers or crutches) to move.What yo u’ll need: Physical therapy assistants need to have an associate’s degree from an accredited allied health program. All states require physical therapy assistants to be licensed or certified, so be sure to know your own state’s requirements.How much they make: According to the BLS, nurse practitioners make a median annual salary of $45,290, or $21.77 per hour.For more on how to snag physical therapy assistant jobs:Job Spotlight: Physical Therapist Assistant (VIDEO)9 High-Growth Careers in Healthcare Support8. EMT/ParamedicThese first responders are the ones you want near you in a crisis- able to act calmly and help sick or injured people no matter what’s going on around them. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics respond to emergency calls and are responsible for assessing a patient’s condition immediately, providing emergency medical care as necessary, preparing to move the patient to a medical facility, transporting patients safely in an ambulance or other emergency vehicle, communicating patient conditions to other medical staff, keeping records of the patient’s condition and treatment, and using and maintaining emergency medical equipment. An EMT or paramedic’s cases may range from serious accidents or emergencies to basic first aid.What you’ll need: EMTs and paramedics need to complete an accredited medical training program. All states require emergency medical personnel to be licensed or certified, so be sure to know your own state’s requirements.How much they make: According to the BLS, nurse practitioners make a median annual salary of $32,670, or $15.71 per hour.For more on how to snag EMT/paramedic jobs:10 Jobs Where You Can Be a Hero9 top jobs to pursue if you’re bilingualWhat You Need to Know About Becoming a ParamedicThe best jobs you can work during the graveyard shiftIf you’re looking for a field that is unlikely to face a downturn anytime soon, then 2018 could be the year to start looking seriously at a career in health care. Many of the fastest-growing opportunities require specific education and training programs, but if you’re not ready to make that commitment, there are lots of good opportunities for building medical experience and kicking off a challenging, fulfilling career in the health care industry.

Corporate social responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Corporate social responsibility - Essay Example uch definition of the corporate social responsibility could be tied up to the utilitarian Theory, which generally points to the greatest happiness principles as the foundation of morals. It states that actions should be in right proportions as they tend to promote happiness. In reality this postulation is wrong, as actions conceived to be in right proportion tend to support the opposite of happiness. Philosophers Jeremy Benthan and John Stuart Mill argues that the resolution of ethical dilemmas require a balancing effort, where harm is minimized as a result of decisions to maximize the benefits. Mill is known for his greatest happiness principle, which provides that ethical dilemmas are resolved by brining greatest good to the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism is a calculating approach to ethics since it assumes that the quantity and quality of happiness can be weighed. It is often presupposed that happiness is the same as maximizing profit or return on capital investment. Improved profitability will generate happiness for the same. But to the utilitarian principle property, one must consider the possibility that the pleasure derived from increased profitability has bee achieved at the cost of a greater pain to other people. Some of the issues to which utilitarianism has been applied include providing health care even as costs escalate; protecting the environment even as electricity is generated; driving cars, operating factories and outsourcing manufacturing of clothing to developing countries. Utilitarianism is a theory of balancing that requires looking at the impact of proposed solutions to ethical dilemmas from the perceptions of all those who are affected. This theory accepts the cost-benefit analysis as a natural tool, as it measures not only the direct costs and benefits to an organization but also externalities. Corporate social responsibility is also defined as the â€Å"continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and to

Human Cloning is Immoral Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Cloning is Immoral - Personal Statement Example This Dolly was produced by a cell picked from the udder of an adult sheep. This could also have applied to cells picked from the nose, lungs, skin or elsewhere else. Cloning is not a new invention. There are instances of cloning that occur naturally, for example, some instances the reproduction of aphids and the use of runners in the propagation of some plants like strawberries. In human beings, identical twins are natural clones (Cernaj and Cernaj, 207). Despite the existence of natural clones even among the human race, artificial production of such persons is immoral and a threat to the human society. First, it should be noted that for the technique to be more efficient, it will require a lot of experimentation and the achievement of more refined human products will only be possible at the expense of having deformed babies. This is so inhuman. Who will be ready to own these deformed individuals? In any case, extreme cases of deformities could prompt the killing of such persons. Although the cloning of beautiful women, geniuses, and people of high integrity could be a very nice idea, no one can block the inclusion of bloodthirsty tyrants like Lenin and the likes of Hitler. This means that cloning puts the human society at risk of having a pool of such dreadful men. If many people were cloned from one person, it would pose such a great task for criminologists because it would be difficult to trace the exact criminal among them all. The above is true especially if there was no proof of fingerprints left at the scene of a crime. This will mean that all the clones have to be arrested and investigated thoroughly. If cloning was done basically to reproduce geniuses, this would threaten the survival of other people in the society. This is because such people will take up the top jobs in the society as the rest scramble for the low positions. It will also make the existence of those persons with lower mental abilities to be nearly impossible.

Operations Management and Supply Chain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Operations Management and Supply Chain - Essay Example The firm can also adequately satisfy customers and gain a larger market share than the firms, which apply the conventional methods that mostly base on engineering capabilities. The use of QDF also reduces defects and reworks apart from reducing the design and the manufacturing costs (Kumar, 2014). With the application of QFD, investigation of the product characteristics occurs at every stage of product development. While with the conventional methods, testing occurs for the finished product at the end. It therefore implies that with QFD it is simple to identify the area that requires improvement. Generally, QFD as a product design approach encourages research and innovation in production therefore firms that utilize this method constantly change their product designs and attract new customers and hence rapid growth and expansion (Kumar, 2014). QFD relies on market surveys to identify the needs and desires of customers. To avoid causing harm and inappropriate decisions the survey has to be accurate and reliable. By so doing, it is thus easier for the firm to identify future market trends of their customers and thus make early preparations to meet the requirements. This will also help improve the efficiency in production and minimize uncertainties which results in high confidence in the operations of the firm that also lead to high morale in investing more in the business (Kumar, 2014). They include respect to other designers, truth, honesty and avoiding all conflicts of interests as well as maintaining confidentiality of all the important information. In addition, designer has to be committed in developing and innovating as well as acknowledging the contribution of others and give credit when required. The Lord hates cheating, but delights in honesty (Proverbs 11). QDF is an effective and ethical method of production that aims at satisfying customer

European Attitudes Towards Benin Bronzes

European Attitudes Towards Benin Bronzes The Art of Benin Read Reading 2.3 On the British loss of antique works of art from Benin in AA100 Book 3, Chapter 2 and look closely at Plate 3.2.25 Display for Benin bronzes at the Horniman Museum, London, 2007 and Plate 3.2.26 Display of Benin bronzes at the Horniman Museum, detail, 2007 in the Illustration Book. Drawing on your understanding of these sources, discuss the ways in which European attitudes to the Benin bronzes have changed over time. To discuss the ways, in which Europeans attitudes to the Benin bronzes have changed over time, we need first to go back to the period when they first were discovered, in 1897, following the British invasion of the Benin kingdom. We will also look into how the Victorian viewed the bronzes, and their craftsmen. Since the discovery of the artefacts, the bronzes have caused lots of debates and different opinions. It has been debates who produced the bronzes, when and for whom, and as a consequence museums and anthropologists have debated how they should be displayed. The Benin bronzes were discovered in 1897, during the time period, when the great interest in the British empire was flourishing, and stories of the imperial adventures around the world were very popular by the people in Britain. In the 1880s and 1890s, when Africa was heavily and brutally colonised by the Europeans, a new trend developed back in Europe. The deeper the colonists expanded into Africa, missionaries, civil servants, capitalists were not far behind. Letters, pictures and unusual objects were sent home to Britain, to later be shared and reproduced in books, newspaper and museums. Tales of estranged encounters and experiences with the natives, in particular primitive rituals, involving sacrifices and cannibalism, were very much on the agenda at the time. When the Kingdom of Benin was conquered by the British in 1897, it resulted in a traumatic end of the centuries-old kingdom and their ruler, Oba, the god-king. The news travelled fast about the British invasion, and the frontline journalists arrived just a few days later after the conquest. The weekly illustrated newspaper The Illustrated London News (ILN) was particularly interested in reporting stories that created a sense of drama. Artists along with journalists were at the frontline to convey in pictures about the events within the British empire. There were lots of eyewitness accounts of the events around the conquest. However, it needs to take into consideration, that they are somewhat biased as they were written by the British for the British, which resulted in a style of reporting that portrayed scenes of savagery and brutality by the natives. In the extract from the ILN, written in March 1897, for example, Benin is described as a city of blood having its pit full of dead and dying; human sacrifices were strewn about on every hand (Reading 2.1 in Loftus and Wood, 2008, p. 79). Taking those eyewitness accounts into consideration, with the findings of the artefacts, it is not strange the bronzes were described as having the most grotesque appearance (Reading 2.1 in Loftus and Wood, 2008, p. 79), and that the Africans were seen as dark and dangerous people (Loftus and Wood, 2008, p.45), a stark contrast to the white civilised Europeans. As a result, the significance of the bronzes was somewhat tainted by the preconceptions of the primitive and uncivilised African culture that little attention was given how the bronzes had been displayed or used before they were removed from the scene as the photograph shows (Figure 2.2 in Loftus and Wood, 2008, p. 50). Afterwards, the artworks and objects were brought to Britain, to the frustration of Henry Ling Roth, anthropologist who wrote in his book; and sold for a few hundred pounds a large number of castings which had cost thousands to obtain, as well as much blood of our fellow countrymen. (Reading 2.3 in Loftus and Wood, 2008, p. 80). But, it did not take long for collectors, scholars and art historians in Europe and America to realise the pure craftsmanship and the value of the Benin bronzes, thus tried to obtain the finest pieces. Roth points out; From what I can ascertain, the bulk of these bronzes has been secured by the Germans (Reading 2.3 in Loftus and Wood, 2008, p. 81) suggesting if the British government have had the proper knowledge of the study of anthropology, the Bini articles would be represented at British Museum, instead of the Royal Museum for Ethnography, in Berlin where the largest collection of 580 Benin artworks was acquired. Art historians and scholars were at first somewhat dubious that the bronzes had been produced by the craftsmen of Benin. Instead they were looking for other explanations, even so far as whether there was a possible link between Benin and ancient lost civilisations such as the Gnostics. The British Museum had to rush and to produce research about the Benin artworks as the popular interest in the African culture corresponded with the growing debates about the history of the human race. The debate about the origin of the Benin bronzes was considerable. Questions were raised about how the aesthetic qualities shown in the bronzes could possibly been created by a society such as Benin, which was perceived backwards and primitive, with stories of human sacrifices and brutality. When the British Museum held an exhibition of the Benin bronzes in September of 1897, the Times wrote a report, that no evidence or links, between Benin and lost ancient civilisation had been found, and the report concludes unexpectedly, with a surprise, that the magnificence bronze work was made by negro craftsmanship (Reading 2.2 in Loftus and Wood, 2008, p. 79) and not by any ancient lost civilisations. Subsequently, this new information caused somehow confusion for the British Museum, as the Benin plaques did not fit into the chronology of events as first presumed, and therefore the choice to display the Benin bronzes in the Assyrian basement can only be seen as an alternative option, given the difficulty of placing them among already existing artefacts with established chronological narrative. The Times describes the choice of display; An exhibition of a remarkable kind has been arranged in the Assyrian basement in such uncongenial surroundings (Reading 2.2 in Loftus and Wood, 2 008, p. 79). Consequently, when the Benin bronzes entered museum collections, both anthropologists and museum curators had difficulty to explain how these uncivilised primitives could produce something equivalent, in technical mastery, like the sculptures from the Italian renaissance for example. The way the artefacts and objects are displayed and described in museums are important for communicating the skilled knowledge about history and art to the general public. However, it is always difficult for the historian to know how the material has been interpreted by the viewer. Even tough, the facts about the new knowledge of the Benin artworks had been presented, it did little to change the racists ideas. Artworks were seen as evidence of civilisation, something Africa did not demonstrate in terms of progress, and therefore was seen as backward by the Europeans. The ethnographic museums, were likely to put together the display of what we regard today as artworks, together with functional items; like tools and weapons and utensils, which used to represent ideas how the primitives lived. Non-western objects were seen as scientific evidence and provided cultural knowledge, but not as art. One of the biggest changes that the modern movement brought, was the way art was displayed. One can probably say for certain, that the change evolved naturally, as art is always receptive to outside influence. Ann-Christine Taylor says in the interview about the exhibition in Paris; French museums with large ethnographic collections, were deserted by the public. Nobody knew what to do with these collections anymore. (Taylor, A. speaking in The Art of Benin, 2008). The problem they had on their hand, developed into the idea, to create a brand new cultural institution. Their aim was to try to capture peoples attention and interest by using visually spectacular objects. Their idea resulted in the exhibition, Benin, Five Centuries of Royal Art, shown in Musee de Quai Branly, in Paris. The museum made use of space and lightning, to emphasise each of the objects artistic quality in its own rightful way. There is some anthropological information about the plaques, to not solely adopt an aesthetic route. Nevertheless, many anthropologists were angry, as the exhibition was presented as works of art, emphasising on the visual impact rather than testimonies of cultural diversity (Taylor, A. speaking in The Art of Benin, 2008) While the debate how to best display the Benin bronzes continues, many museums were adopting the cross-referencing, bonding the gap between art and anthropology. However, some museums, such as The Pitt River Museum in oxford for example, has resisted and deliberately kept the traditional way of displaying objects with explanatory labels in glass cases. (Figure 2.9 in Loftus and Wood, 2008, p. 72). The Horniman Museum on the other hand, decided to take a step further and changed their display of its Benin bronzes, and incorporated both anthropological and aesthetic aspects. (Illustration Book, Plate 3.2.25 and Plate 3.2.26) Most significantly, it does not stop at the moment of aesthetic contemplation, it continues deeper into the entire culture of Benin, in the past and present. Making use of a variety of texts and photographs with new information based on contemporary research by Joseph Eboreime, a Nigerian historian. (Loftus and Wood, 2008, p. 75) The controversial views of the Benin bronzes have undergone a natural evolution since the discovery in 1897. But it is not only the bronzes, it is the whole transformation of western views towards Africa that has taken place. The Benin bronzes were mystifying for the Victorian anthropologists, and not easy to fit into a racist representation of primitive ways of life. Later throughout the twentieth century, the works of art started to become almost solely of aesthetic admiration rather than as a kind of historical evidence. There are signs, like those, that can be seen in The Horniman Museum, that the world of art is in for a new movement. Primitive art has become world culture, and the Benin bronzes stands as evidence of a shared human history. (word count 1633) Bibliography AA100 Illustration Book: Plates for Books 3 and 4 Loftus, D. and Wood, P. (2008) The Art of Benin: Changing Relations Between Europe and Africa II, AA100 Book 3, Chapter 2. The Art of Benin (2008) AA100 DVD ROM

Comparing Frost’s Mending Wall and Rosenblatt’s A Game of Catch :: comparison compare contrast essays

Robert Frost’s   Mending Wall   and Roger Rosenblatt’s A Game of Catch Humans have an uncanny ability to place themselves at a comfortable distance from each other and call it a â€Å"mutual understanding,† a â€Å"friendship,† or even â€Å"true love,† but it is all lies. The essence of man’s mystery is somewhat of a paradox. He yearns to become more familiar with those around him, yet he is unwilling to allow this to happen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The power of "Mending Wall," one of Frost's most often quoted poems, rests upon an opposition. Its two famous lines contradict each other. The poem upholds that:   Something there is that doesn't love a wall.   But it also asserts that: Good fences make good neighbors.   The contradiction is reasonable, for two different types of people utter the conflicting remarks and both are right. Man cannot live without walls, boundaries, limits and especially self-limitations; yet he resents all fetters and is happy at the destruction of any barrier. In "Mending Wall" the boundary line is useless:   There where it is we do not need the wall.   And, to stress the point, the speaker facetiously adds:   He is all pine and I am apple orchard.   My apple trees will never get across   And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.   One may find far-reaching connotations in this poem. As well as that it states one of the greatest difficulties of our time: whether national walls should be made stronger for our safety, or whether they should be let down, since they impede our progress toward understanding and eventual common humanity.   "Mending Wall" can also be considered a symbolic poem. In the voices of the two men the younger, capricious, "modern" speaker and the old-fashioned farmer who replies with his one dogged sentence, his inherited aphorism. Some may hear the opposition of two forces: the zeal of revolt, which challenges tradition, and the spirit of restraint, which insists that customs must be upheld, built up and continually rebuilt, as a matter of principle.   The poet himself looks down upon such symbolic analysis. He denies that the poem says anything more than it seems to say. The dispute is the heart of the poem. It answers itself in the paradox of people, in neighbors and competitors, in the antagonistic nature of man.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Roger Rosenblatt’s essay, â€Å"A Game of

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research often is the preferred approach to problem design as results are precise. Many researchers prefer the exact measurement and statistical analysis that quantitative research offers. Observation in quantitative research allows classification and the statistical models built document the outcome of a study. The data collected in a quantitative investigation creates answers in numbers and statistics. Deductive reasoning is used to design quantifiable tools that collect pertinent data.Results are accurately measured and presented, as a â€Å"quantitative research paradigm is empirical in nature; it is also known as the scientific research paradigm† (Atieno, 2009, p. 14). Characteristics of a Quantitative Problem Statement The problem statement explains and justifies the decision to use quantitative analysis methods. The problem statement is a succinct and definite, implying data gathering and examination. â€Å"Quantitative research is a means for testing obje ctive theories by examining the relationship among variables,† (Creswell, 2008, p. ). Creswell (2009) indicated if a problem calls for factors that influence the result or a best outcome approach, then a quantitative approach should be used. Characteristics of a Quantitative Purpose Statement As Jenkins (2009) discussed, an effective purpose statement is in alignment with the problem statement. The nature of the study, data collection methods, and the study population identify the design approach. Variables identified in the design and logic of the problem contributes to the project design and hypothesis.Formulation of Quantitative Research Questions and Hypotheses The quantitative research questions and hypothesis clearly seek to answer the problem statement. The hypothesis is the premise of the study, the expected outcome of the study presents anticipated results in a quantitative manner. The questions and hypothesis create a logical basis to identify data collection methods suitable for problem solving. Quantitative Data Collection Procedures Data collection processes reflect the activities as originally outlined in the problem and purpose statements.The construction of formal instruments occurs to measure the quantifiable data gathered and analyzed. Constraints to data collection procedures such as organization, budget, time, and access to the survey population factor into the design process (Jenkins, 2009). Quantitative Data Analysis Procedures The results from the data collection process derived from trend analysis and surveys use statistical methods of measurement (Atieno, 2009). The results provide an exact result numerically measured.The precision offered by gathering data through easily quantifiable tools give reliable results. The data alone does not provide an answer; statistical methods for analysis provide a reliable means of clarifying a large data set (Jenkins, 2009). Statistical analysis is used to mitigate risk when a degree of uncertai nty is present. Numbers from the researched data set use statistical analysis and reporting for analysis. Descriptive statistics allow the presentation of results using graphs and charts (Jenkins, 2009).Visual communications provides a clear graphic representation that allows simple cognition of complex data. Research Fundamentals Quantitative research is a preferred method of problem-solving because of its precision. A properly designed problem statement and purpose statement drives the research process and deductive logic is used in the data gathering design. Results are analyzed using statistical methods to create a result set. Presentation of results may include visual communication tools such as charts and graphs, providing simple tools to understand complex trends and ratios.

The Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009

The Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009 An act is a law enacted as legislation. The Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009 was first presented to States Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) in the United States for discussion in July 8 2009. The act covers any financial product or service to be used by a consumer for personal, family, or household purposes.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Postner (2009), the Agency has authority over financial products and services ensuring consumers have adequate information on financial products and services so as to make rational decisions. The agency should also be responsible for designing standard products. The agency’s decree is to seek to espouse intelligibility, straightforwardness, justice, answerability, and access in the market for (consumer) financial products or services. Its objective s according to Govtrack (n.d.) include; ensuring that all consumers especially the marginalized have access to financial services, protecting consumers from any form of exploitation and ensure equality in treatment of all consumers, ensuring easy access and use of any information that may help consumers make good decisions in regard to financial products and services, and ensuring smooth running of the financial products and services and bringing out ideas that may bring about growth and development in the markets. Wright and Zywicki (2009) highlight the major setbacks of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency as; It uses high bureaucracy levels which may lead to increased expenses and wastage of time in carrying out the procedures, It has been seen as a major cause of financial crisis as many people result in borrowing to buy houses they could not afford and hence being unable to pay their mortgages and It may reduce competition and availability of credits to consumers and may a lso limit customer choice. Evans and Wright (2010) observe the effects of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency to be; Increased interest rates paid by consumers, reduced borrowing capacity of consumers hence reducing consumer spending and low rate of new jobs created in the economy. Conclusion Although the Consumer Financial Protection Agency has been viewed to have many negative aspects, here are some of the positives aspects I have realized; it ensures that the financial products are of high quality and beneficial to consumers by adhering to set standards. It allows for fair competition and outlaws prepayment penalties and protects consumers against malicious lenders.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Recommendations There should be no stiff regulations on borrowers. Regulation should ensure that lenders deal with informed borrowers hence avoiding deception Co nsumers should be given adequate information on changes on rates that may arise during payments of loans There should be penalties on lenders who deceive consumers by taking advantage of their ignorance on financial products and services. Way forward Implementation of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act will affect providers and consumers of financial products and services in some ways; it will lead to sweeping of consumer financial protection. The act will lead to formation of Consumer Financial Protection Agency which will ensure that other existing financial protection laws are executed in a proper manner. It will also control consumer financial products, authorize disclosures, and necessitate businesses to offer consumers plain vanilla products to ascertain quality and standard and strictly enforce penalties against any malpractices. The agency will also prohibit adjustable-rate mortgages since consumers usually don’t put into consideration the possibility of fut ure increase in interest rates and ban pre-payment penalties on mortgages. Reference List Evans, D.S. and Wright, J.D. (2010). The Effect of the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009 on Consumer Credit. George Mason Law Economics Research Paper No. 09-50; Loyola Consumer Law Review, Vol. 22, No. 3, 2010, pp. 277-335. Govtrack (n.d). Text of H.R. 3126: Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009.  Retrieved from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/111/hr3126/textAdvertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Postner, A.R (2009). Treating Financial Consumers as Consenting Adults. Wall Street journal, New York: Dow Jones Company. Wright, J D. and Zywicki, T. J. (2009). Three Problematic Truths about the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009. Lombard Street, Vol. 1, No. 12, September 14, 2009; George Mason Law Econ omics Research Paper No. 09-48.

Biography of Charles Vane, English Pirate

Biography of Charles Vane, English Pirate Charles Vane (c. 680–1721) was an English pirate active during the Golden Age of Piracy, roughly from 1700 to 1725. Vane distinguished himself by his unrepentant attitude toward piracy and his cruelty to those he captured. Although his primary hunting grounds were the Caribbean, he ranged from the Bahamas north along the East Coast of North America as far as New York. He was known as a skilled navigator and combat tactician, but he often alienated his crews. After being abandoned by his last crew, he was arrested, tried, convicted, and hanged in 1721. Start of a Career Very little is known about Vanes early life, including his parents, his birthplace, and any formal education he acquired. He arrived in Port Royal, Jamaica, sometime during the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714), and in 1716 he began serving under the infamous pirate Henry Jennings, based in Nassau, Bahamas. In late July 1715, a Spanish treasure fleet was hit by a hurricane off the coast of Florida, dumping tons of Spanish gold and silver not far from shore. As the surviving Spanish sailors salvaged what they could, pirates made a beeline for the wreck site. Jennings, with Vane on board, was one of the first to reach the site. His buccaneers raided the Spanish camp on shore, making off with some 87,000 British pounds in gold and silver. Rejection of a Pardon In 1718, King George I of England issued a blanket pardon for all pirates who wished to return to an honest life. Many accepted, including Jennings. Vane, however, scoffed at the notion of retirement and soon became the leader of those in Jennings crew who refused the pardon. Vane and several other pirates outfitted a small sloop, the Lark, for service as a pirate vessel. On Feb. 23, 1718, the royal Frigate HMS Phoenix arrived in Nassau, part of an attempt to convince the remaining pirates to surrender. Vane and his men were captured  but were released as a goodwill gesture. Within a couple weeks, Vane and some of his die-hard companions were ready to resume piracy. Soon he had 40 of Nassaus worst cutthroats, including seasoned buccaneer Edward England and Calico Jack Rackham, who later became a notorious pirate captain. Reign of Terror By April 1718, Vane had a handful of small ships and was ready for action. He captured 12 merchant ships that month. He and his men treated captured sailors and merchants cruelly, whether they surrendered or fought. One sailor was bound hand and foot and tied to the top of the bowsprit; the pirates threatened to shoot him if he didnt reveal where the treasure on board was located. Fear of Vane drove commerce in the area to a halt. His hunting grounds eventually ranged from the Bahamas along the East Coast of North America as far north as New York. Vane knew that Woodes Rogers, the new British governor of the Bahamas, would be arriving soon. Deciding that his position in Nassau was too weak, he set out to capture a larger pirate ship. He soon took a 20-gun French ship and made it his flagship. In June and July of 1718, he seized many more small merchant vessels, more than enough to keep his men happy. He triumphantly re-entered Nassau, essentially taking over the town. Bold Escape On July 24, 1718, as Vane and his men prepared to set off again, a Royal Navy frigate sailed into the harbor with the new governor. Vane controlled the harbor and its small fort, which flew a pirate flag. He welcomed the governor by firing immediately on the Royal Navy fleet and then sending a letter to Rogers demanding that he be allowed to dispose of his plundered goods before accepting the kings pardon. As night fell, Vane knew his situation had deteriorated, so he set fire to his flagship and sent it toward the navy ships, hoping to destroy them in a massive explosion. The British fleet hurriedly cut its anchor lines and got away. Vane and his men escaped. Meeting With Blackbeard Vane continued pirating with some success, but he still dreamed of the days when Nassau was under his control. He headed to North Carolina, where Edward Blackbeard Teach had gone semi-legitimate. The two pirate crews partied for a week in October 1718 on the shores of Ocracoke Island. Vane hoped to convince his old friend to join in an attack on Nassau, but Blackbeard declined, having too much to lose. Deposed by His Crew On Nov. 23, Vane ordered an attack on a frigate that turned out to be a French Navy warship. Outgunned, Vane broke off the fight and fled, though his crew, led by the reckless Calico Jack, wanted to stay and fight to take the French ship. The next day, the crew deposed Vane as captain and elected Calico Jack instead. Vane and 15 others were given a small sloop, and the two pirate crews went their separate ways. Capture Vane and his small band managed to capture a few more ships and by December they had five. They headed for the Bay Islands of Honduras, but a massive hurricane soon scattered their ships. Vanes sloop was destroyed and most of his men drowned; he was left shipwrecked on a small island. After a few miserable months, a British ship arrived. Vane tried to join the crew under a false name, but he was recognized by the captain of the second vessel that met the British ship. Vane was placed in chains and taken to Spanish Town, Jamaica, where he was imprisoned. Death and Legacy Vane was tried for piracy on March 22, 1721. The outcome was in little doubt, as a long line of witnesses testified against him, including many of his victims. He was hanged on March 29, 1721, at Gallows Point in Port Royal. His body was hung from a gibbet near the entrance to the harbor as a warning to other pirates. Vane is remembered today as one of the most unrepentant pirates of all time. His greatest impact may have been his steadfast refusal to accept a pardon, giving other like-minded pirates a leader to rally around. His hanging and the subsequent display of his body may have contributed to the hoped-for effect: The Golden Age of Piracy came to an end not long after his demise. Sources Defoe, Daniel (Capt. Charles Johnson). A General History of the Pyrates. Dover Publications, 1999.Konstam, Angus. The World Atlas of Pirates. Lyons Press, 2009.Rediker, Marcus. Villains of All Nations: Atlantic Pirates in the Golden Age. Beacon Press, 2004.Woodard, Colin. The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down. Mariner Books, 2008.Famous Pirates: Charles Vane. Thewayofthepirates.com.

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING - Essay Example a better comprehension of the risks it is exposed to as a result of climate change and can potentially reduce its costs of energy and other resources as at will gain a positive reputation in the currently competitive corporate sector. The following report explains the UK legal requirements currently upheld and the main voluntary guidance on environmental reporting. The Companies act of 2006 requires all quoted UK companies to accurately and truthfully pinpoint and report on GHCs (greenhouse gases) that they produce. Quoted companies hereby refer to all UK incorporated companies as well as those whose shares are traded in the NASDAQ, New York Stock Exchange, European Economic Area, or the London Stock Exchange (Global Reporting Initiative, 2006). As a legal framework, the company’s annual report must include the information on emissions to the extent that individuals and government agencies will be able to comprehensively understand the company’s business. This includes the use of KPIs (key performance indicators) such as utility bills if and when applicable in the report. Failure to include the GHCs emissions can be considered to be a violation of the law unless the accountant clearly indicates in the omissions sections that the GHCs emission information was omitted (Pahuja, 2009). The Institute of Chartered Accountants in cooperation with the Environment Agency in Wales and England has published direction on environmental reporting that has been helpful in reporting on environmental impacts and social impacts. When collecting data for and reporting on environmental impacts, the law requires that the following principles are upheld. Data collected and reported must properly portray the impacts that the organization has had on the environment. Being relevant will make the information helpful to internal and external users who might need to make various decisions based ion the report. Similarly, accuracy should be attained by reducing uncertainties in the

Argos online retailer, United Kingdom. Web Development Assignment

Argos online retailer, United Kingdom. Web Development - Assignment Example Many of these shops are Argos superstores that have later opening hours and a comprehensive range of both Argos Extra catalogue and Argos catalogue goods for buyers to make a choice from before the purchase. Many people in the UK live within ten Kilometers from the nearest Argos store and it has the popularity of top brands delivery at low prices to the clients. There is ready access to the Argos full range of products on the online store for home delivery and purchase. The online service store additionally provides information on products and services such as Argos wedding list service, insurance and others-either online or offline. On one hand, Argos has its own out of the ordinary set of marketing challenges and opportunities. While the roots of marketing, unique advantages that customer cares to have, are similar for most online businesses, some ideas work well for Argos as a business in contrast to another. Small businesses have the advantage of knowing their customers on a more personal level and have easier time turning them into fans as compared to large businesses, such as Argos store. Giving the clients more than they expect is the beginning down the success road and they do the marketing to others (Cockrum 2011). In order for your web site to be productive, users must find useful information or accomplish tasks. In a goal-oriented design you must balance the needs of the users and the needs of your organizations (Concepcion 2002, p. 81). This can be achieved by setting a full set of usage scenarios for each persona. One can the use the scenarios to test the site structure making sure it offers and experience that includes all the basic elements that are needed by the users to reach their goals. In this day, marketing takes an important role in many facets of an online business’ life and process (Krug 2005). It can be defined as a management process where goods and services are provided well to reach customer needs and satisfaction. It is a way of attracting people’s attention, arousing their interests, motivating and activating their desire to take action. One strategy that can be very useful to satisfy customer needs more easily and lead a company towards success is a set of effective internet marketing tools. In simple language a website is much more than a sum of its constituent parts. One of the criteria to judge a website is the content. This evaluates the information provided in terms of usefulness, degree of information, interaction and presence of valuable graphics, audio or video (Mcneil 2008, p. 28). Structure and navigation of the website is also an important feature to look for. This refers to the framework of a website, prioritization of information, organization of the content and the method which you move through the website. Visual design with high quality appearance is also a feature to consider. The first impression a website gives is important and it often influences the visitor’s interes t in the website. This is defined by the URL length, download time, plug-ins requirement, home screen view and depth of site. Functionality of the website is also a prominent criterion. It defines the use of technology on the site where good functionality means the site works well. The presence of live links, quick load time is a factor. Also a site that works cross-platform on different browsers is an important factor. A highly functional site will anticipate the diversity of the user requirements from file format, file size and download speed. Last but not least is the interactivity and overall experience. This is the way that a site allows you to achieve an intended goal. Allowing a user to give and receive and having the user participate is important. A user with a good overall experienc