Monday, September 30, 2019

Musical Instruments Essay

1. Do you believe it is still possible that new musical instruments could be invented and widely distributed? Empirically, though the diversity of musical instruments has reached a quite high level, human has never stopped their exploration into music. So, I think it’s highly possible that several new musical instruments can be invented and widely distributed. The musical history has already proved this. Before 19th century, the majority of musical instruments are acoustic, and most people at that time held the opinion that we already have enough instruments. However, accompany with the development of electricity and latter computer technology, electronic music has grown rapidly. Musical instruments are no longer bonded within the acoustic. Maybe in the future, we can even use the photon to make some music. 2. Do you think that existing orchestral instruments will be drastically altered in the future? I think some fine turning may occur on existing orchestral instruments but drastically change may not happen. With hundred years of development and perfection, orchestra has already formed its own system and process. Its requirement to musical instruments is almost fixed. Already some fine turning may be applied in order to achieve better acoustic effect, but the outer shape and essential component of these musical instruments won’t be changed since they have already be a symbol of orchestra. 3. Will the computer and other electronic instruments eventually replace acoustical instruments? Which do you prefer? Definitely not. Diversity is an essential part of music, if all the music is generated by electronic devices, it can be quite boring and people will suffer aesthetic fatigue. Personally, I prefer acoustical instruments, why, just personal taste. 4. Please open YouTube and listen to composition Desintegrations for 17 instruments and computer tape (1983) created by French composer Tristan Murail (1947-). Can you separate sound materials created by the acoustic instruments from the tape material? Are they often fused? Are they created to resemble each other? For those parts in which only one instrument occurred I can figure out the type, while for those with more than two, I can not. Yes, they often fused together, especially in modern music. Yes, they do resemble to each other otherwise the music won’t achieve harmonic sound effect.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Acetate department Essay

1) What were the objectives of the production reorganization at Acetate? The main objective of the production reorganization at Acetate Department was to improve production capacity, to increase productivity. 2) Why do you think the objectives of the reorganization were not realized, even though no employees lost their jobs, and salaries were increased? Even though no employees lost their jobs and salaries were increased, we can note that the productivity of the output productions of the company faced a colossal slowdown in the several months after the construction of work and technical training were completed. 3) Would the company have been better served leaving the production system as it was ? Yes, because if the company didn’t change the organizational structure of the Acetate Department, the firm would not be facing losses as a result of the mistakes made by some of the operators. 4) Imagine you were hired as an external management consultant to come up with a plan to address the problems at Acetate. How would you go about developing a strategy, and what would that strategy involve? Production was almost identical under the old technology, absenteeism had increased markedly, and several judgemental errors by operators had resulted in substancial losses. The principal reason for these is the lack of motivation, as work in this department became a routine for the employees. Even though no one was dismissed, the workforce in the department was reduced. Working became boring, and the department was not a pleasant place in which to work anymore for them. The Acetate Department was completely

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The subject is leadership and the research about King Fahad, the king Paper

The subject is leadership and the about King Fahad, the king of Saudi Arabia - Research Paper Example Being a leader and the king of Saudi Arabia, Fahad had a dual responsibility to grow and arrange a culture of selflessness. He had to perform his work selflessly and the greatest challenge is that he had to convince his subjects to work selflessly for their own benefits and for the country too. King Fahad backed the United Nations at some point offering 5.5% of the national income of Saudi Arabia through many funds such as OPEC and Saudi funds for the purposes of international development (Weston 67). Due to his good leadership qualities and selflessness, he also offered aid to foreign groups like Nicaraguan Contras and Bosnian Muslims in the early wars of Yugoslavia (Nasser and Esber 83). He had also supported the Palestinians in various ways. King Fahad commonly took time to determine the way he would communicate with his people. Most of the Arabians became loyal to him due to the developments initiated by him and for always taking the time to inspire his subjects to work hard (Mor dechai 45). The King himself sought to tackle corruption by seeking to instill discipline in line with Islamic laws. The kingdom, under his leadership witnessed astronomical growth in the education sector, infrastructure and economic development. He realized how much backward his kingdom was in terms of literacy level and sought not to educate only close members of his family but looked beyond familial relations seeking to develop the entire kingdom. Even in anger, the king appeared composed and expressed his views confidently. When Saddam Hussein attacked Kuwait, Fahad urged the Americans to help in evicting Iraq from neighboring Kuwait. He did this considering the welfare of the Kuwaiti while at the same time opposing the breakup of Iraq which was the aggressor as noted by Sicherman (par 9). Many people in the world normally follow an assertive leader. Assertiveness in a hostile environment for the sake of the protection of the Saudi monarchy is perhaps one of the greatest tactics that the leader has demonstrated. While keeping a watchful eye on the developments of the world around, the King was been able to ensure that the massive natural resources enjoyed by the kingdom did not turn into a curse like it commonly happens. In spite of facing numerous challenges with respect to military organization and the use of oil resources, King Fahad remained firm in raising the country’s annual budget to about 55 billion USD. In doing so, he ensured that the military got a generous share of the budget allocation considering the volatile situation if the Middle East at that time. Furthermore, he struggled against the wishes of other major oil producers to protect the interests of consumers. In order to accomplish this goal, he directed the use of the country’s oil reserves to supply the produce to countries such as the United States of America and Canada. Countries struggling with handling greed and selfish interests from various quarters must apply assert iveness as demonstrated by this great leader. Fahad inquired much about how he could help develop his kingdom. He realized that the country needed to implement a government scholarship program to help men and women of Saudi Arabia further their studies in western universities both for postgraduate and undergraduate studies. In spite of criticism in taking this measure, he made the decision to implement the program

Friday, September 27, 2019

A business memorandum on any topic pertaining to Real estate Term Paper

A business memorandum on any topic pertaining to Real estate - Term Paper Example Nevertheless, some jurisdictions necessitate that the government body or department offer to buy the property before choosing to use the eminent domain. According to the 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution, ‘there shall be no taking of private property fro public use, without proper compensation.’ Nonetheless, eminent domain has been in place since the United States of America has been in existence or was established. The 5th Amendment of the United States Constitution only brought about the concept of just compensation. However, without this Amendment, we find that the government could seize whatever property they wished with no compensation. The city pays homeowners in a section of the city with low-housing costs. The city has the plans of putting up or establishing a new housing development hopping to attract the higher-income families. However, the former owners of the homes are given compensations for their home; in some instances, given more that the estimated value of their homes. This actually sound good to some extent. However, the problem that arises is that the previous owners of the homes are not in a position of affording housing in the newly established development; this forces them to move far from their original neighborhood. This greatly changes a neighborhood’s composition, and there is no way of getting to know whether it will be favorable of not. One could loose historically significant structures only because they appear to be found in the way of a new project. Individuals could get considerably less funds than for that the total worth of their property is. Eminent domain, back in the old days, was used in taking a piece of land for civic or public use like bridge, dam, road or new lake. The individual was always given ‘fair market value’ for the property seized. For instance, even though an individual

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Presenting song as poem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Presenting song as poem - Essay Example This kind of music usually uses a simple vocabulary, and known words ."Dear mama" opens with a statement that shows there will be not so many sophisticated words: "You are appreciated". So, the message and the theme of the poem are stated very clear and directly. In this case this sentence , according to the style of music is equivalent to all the literary devices used in other poems or songs. Even this thing happens it does not mean this song has less suggestive meaning. The word choice is much more related to the events that influenced the speaker's attitude or feelings about his mother: the problems from school, with the police, Thanksgiving Day. The speaker uses the blacks' dialect or the street language for showing an affiliation to a group. Here his mother is shown as an icon, "black queen", "sweet lady", but she also has a terrestrial side, understanding and helping him. Being a straight song the figurative language is not so much used , but it can still be found some literary devices. At the beginning of the text the speaker makes a simile between his family and other ones: "Over tha years we wuz poorer than tha other little kids", his condition being much poorer.

The disilluusionment of an american physician by sandeep jauhar Essay

The disilluusionment of an american physician by sandeep jauhar - Essay Example This book was preceded with another one, Intern which addressed the story from the perspective of any other new person in the field who comes to the field with high expectation only to realize that things are not as they seem out there. After acknowledging that there are challenges, the book, disillusionment of an American physician emphasizes on the need for urgent reform within the sector something that i have also witnessed in professional life. Dr. Jauhar brevity is particularly evident. For example he addresses corruption in the book. It is true that corruption is prevalent and that implies that only the rich get the good services at the expense of the poor in our health care system (Jauhar, 2014). Reading through the book, one gets the feel of what awaits in the real practice. One understands that, what is taught at medical school may not be very practical because some aspects of what is taught in school are not found in real practice. Dr. Jauhar gives an account of how insurance companies are supposed to be begged to make payments for patients, some of whom are in critical conditions and this goes to show how the society has become to self centered. Through the book, one gets a feel of the kind of relationship that exist between the doctors and the patients in the real world; this is evident through numerous accounts of patients who sometimes insist on certain types of treatment even in cases when the doctors do not agree. The significance of the book is highlighted in the author’s ability to face the truth to the extent of showcasing the unscrupulous nature of some doctors in the profession; for example, the author talks of the story of Dr. Chaudtry’ that has private practice. Like any other doctors of his time, he is faced with declining remuneration, numerous laws suits longed against hospitals and doctors and fraudulent insurance

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Middle East Customs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Middle East Customs - Essay Example Waltke. He later went for overseas study in University of Goettingen in Germany between August 1982 to July 1983 where he furthered his education under the supervision of Dr. Rudolph Smend, Dr. Rykle Borger and Dr. Lothar Perlitt. He holds a doctorate degree in Philosophy in Old Testament from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia which he was awarded in 1988. When he was studying in this University, he wrote a dissertation titled "A Rhetorical Analysis of the Book of Chronicles" under the supervision of John H. Hayes. Cracking Old Testament Codes helps the readers to understand the Old Testament and also enhances the way preachers interprets the Old Testament accordingly. The book is divided into two sections whereby the first three chapters are said to be an introduction for the reader to understand the concept of literary forms "genres" when we relate it to Old Testament. The Author begins the section with an article titled "Literary Forms of the Old Testament". In this section, the author tries to establish in written communication the reality of such forms which he explains in the Old Testament. According to the author, understanding of "genre" is quite involving as it concerns establishing the form, content and later on the textual unit function. He urges that there should be ten basic genres in the Old Testament and not the traditional five that are common on hermeneutic in older works. He also urges that for genres to function properly in the text, there are supposed to be ten in number. T he author advocates the use of three different genres namely:- Narrative History and, Law Moreover, prophecy is seen as a combination of prose and poetry that has three different genres that include: Oracles of Salvation, Announcements of Judgment and apocalyptic. Poetry is divided into psalms of lament and psalms of praise while wisdom has two main divisions that include proverbial and non-proverbial wisdom. The second division of the book are the ten chapters that mainly emphasizes on the values and dangers in the interpretive process in literary form perspective. "Genre criticism" is distinguished as it concerns with the final canonical form not the prior sources whether it is oral or in written form as it is commonly known with source criticism to some rhetorical criticism and degree form. This section has ten chapters and each one of them addresses the ten genre of the Old Testament literature. These chapters are viewed to very useful to the readers as they are very simplified for the reader to grasp the content easily. They are seen to be having very useful instruction and information for the readers. Finally, the last chapter is seen as giving instruction to the preachers to use the knowledge they acquire in these chapters when preparing the sermon. IV. Evaluation. Cracking Old Testament Codes is a valuable book to the reader as the author took time to think about his audience and every

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Religious Studies Cumulative Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Religious Studies Cumulative Paper - Essay Example For example in all religions it is good to speak truth while it’s bad to cheat, steal, lie or kill fellow human beings. After 9/11 divide between religions has increased manifolds due to pursuing of terrorism by few fundamentalists. It is very important to understand what is meant by religious tolerance, what are its limits, how terrorism and terrorists should be separated by the large Muslim community and so many other related issues. It is also important to have a look at main religions of the world and see their views about violence and tolerance. It is imperative to note that what a religion preaches may not be followed by its follower. In this case whether a religion should be blamed or its followers. All religions trace back their roots to a creator or God. This fact should be a source of harmony or difference between various religions. Historically which religion has remained most peaceful and why?. All these questions need answers however it is not clear whether these answers will settle old questions or create new ones. Outline. The paper will be covered in the following outline:- 1. What is Religious Tolerance and what are its limits. 2. Why Religious Tolerance is important. 3. Is there really a clash of civilizations going on? 4. What are the major religions of the world and what do they say about Religious Tolerance. 5. Is Religious fundamentalism a good thing or bad? 6. Should a religion be separated from its followers or not. 7. Scientific, biological, spiritual, ethical, moral and social dimensions of religion. 8. Is Religious tolerance linked to Government actions? 9. Should an individual handover his religious freedom to a church or any other ruling institution 10. Social and political issues in religious tolerance. 11. Difference in opinion about religious tolerance amongst various thinkers. 12. Final outcome of the discussion. Discussion on Outline There are 19 major religions of the world with Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduis m being bigger ones according to population of followers. Hinduism is not a religion in classic sense since there is no single founder, center of origin or single scripture. Rather Hinduism is a combination of beliefs and traditions practiced over thousands of years. Tolerance is one of the core values in Hinduism expressed through centuries of co-existence with other religions in the sub-continent. Teachings of this religion propagate that all beings in whole universe are one family or â€Å"vasudhaiva kutumbkam†. This family includes smallest creatures, animals and mankind, all created by God. Amongst all creatures, mankind has the ability to think and rule the earth, therefore bears greater responsibility to exercise tolerance. Man must show tolerance to fellow beings irrespective of religion or caste. Hinduism preaches that tolerance is essence of human life and all other religions or paths leading to God are true and legitimate. It is wrong to consider oneself on true pa th while others at a wrong one. Due to belief of tolerance Hinduism in India co existed for centuries with Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism and many other religions at the same time. In Indian history very less Hindu rulers invaded foreign lands in the name of religion. As said by Gandhi the famous Hindu leader â€Å"The chief value of Hinduism lies in holding the actual belief that all life (not only human beings, but all sentient beings) is one, i.e. all life coming from the universal source, call it Allah,

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Annotating Photos Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Annotating Photos - Essay Example The second photograph shows a refining zone with cloud emissions. The area is de-forested and there is no sign of life in the neighborhood. This photo clearly depicts the effects of consumption on the environment and the people since there are no residential houses in the neighborhood. The third photograph shows the shore line which has being lowed with a sub-marine at a distance. The sea shore also appears to be deforested and lifeless and it is quite eminent that the harbor is not well developed due to pollution in the neighborhood. The forth photograph was selected because it clearly depicts a well established and developed oil refinery in the given region. In refining non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels, the refinery emits smog which pollutes the environment by forming acid rain. The fifth photograph clearly shows smog being produced from the emission of the production of fossil fuels i.e. oil in oil cylinders. The smog leads to the formation of acid rain which leads to increased temperatures since heat collects in air thus making it thick and intense. The six photographs show automobiles collecting raw materials like sand from the sea shore. Two other private cars are also seen in the region. Automobiles consume non-renewable sources of energy i.e. oil which pollutes the environment consequently leading to global warming. The seventh photograph shows deforested land with ... The eighth photograph shows a raised sea level. Two automobiles i.e. a private van and a ferrying lorry are at work. Consumption of fossil fuels by automobiles and other forms of production and processing leads to raised levels of the atmospheric temperatures makes sea waters to evaporate. The ninth photograph shows a deforested coastal area with heaps of collected raw materials i.e. sand from the sea shore. This sand is to be ferried away for consumption which leads to lowered sea levels consequently leading to de-forestation which increases atmospheric temperatures. The tenth photograph depicts a town dwelling/a city with sky scrappers, monuments, artifacts, trains and other forms of public and private transport. These consume fossil fuels especially oil which lead to pollution thus affecting visibility in the region. The eleventh photograph shows a manufacturing factory at the background with the foreground being left deforested and without any form of life or human dwelling. Use of non-renewable sources of energy lead to emission of smoke which affects visibility and leads to formation of acid rain. Finally, the last photograph shows a production factory i.e. steel works. The environment is deforested and there is no form of life or residential dwelling in the region. The production factory emits smoke which leads to increased temperatures thus global warming which affects the environment adversely. Taking photographs in Alba was not such an easy and pleasant task. The photographer had to withstand adverse heat, smog, poor visibility and unwelcoming sceneries. Most of the land was deserted thus the photographer could seek help or ask any guidance. The photographer realized that the land in Alba was in such a dismal state and the temperatures

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Sociological Imagination Essay Example for Free

Sociological Imagination Essay The term ‘Sociological Imagination’ refers to the awareness of the relationship between personal experience and its connection with society as a whole (Mills 1959). The purpose of this essay was to examine a social issue in contemporary Australia, and discuss how sociology might explain it. The social issue chosen is obesity, in particular, childhood obesity. Overweight and obesity rates have increased rapidly over the past 20 years, not only in Australia, but in developed countries around the world. Nearly two-thirds of Australian adults and one-third of Australian children are classified as overweight or obese (MacKay 2011). While an individual’s body weight is determined by many factors, it has been widely recognised that an increase in obesity is due to changes in the social, environmental and physical environment (MacKay 2011). This issue affects people of all ages, genders, social classes and geographical locations. Take a look at an average day in society. Most of us have jobs, we rise at a set time every day, go to work or university usually driving or public transport, eat lunch usually on the run, come home after a long day of sitting down to crash out in front of the TV, grabbing whatever is easiest along the way. Compared to our ancestors’ active lives of hunting and gathering, it’s very unnatural, yet it’s what we do. We, as individuals, have a skewed work/life balance due to society’s fast pace style of living and the lifestyle we have as adults, has serious repercussions on the children of today. A report by Cleland et. al (2012) found that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely to be less active and less healthy than their higher socioeconomic counterparts. Another report by Van Dyck et. l (2012) found that people living in lower economic areas tended to exercise less due to areas being deemed un-walkable or unsafe to exercise outside in. The increase in sedentary behaviour among children, in particular the increase in screen time, is another factor that has contributed to the increase in childhood obesity (Stanton 2009). While this is a factor affecting all social classes and socioeconomic areas, it may be slightly higher in lower economic areas due to outside being unsafe, however I have not found evidence to support this. Many people attribute childhood obesity to bad parenting (Olds et. al 2010) which could be one cause due to busy lifestyles and the rising cost of living; however I feel it is not the sole cause. Children are bombarded with information on ‘healthy’ foods yet ‘unhealthy’ food options are constantly at their fingertips. Children receive information on healthy eating and the importance of exercise in schools and in society, alongside TV advertisements advertising fast foods and canteens stocking unhealthy snacking alternatives. In conclusion, responsibility for both causing and preventing obesity lies with many different players. While it is an individual’s choice to eat certain foods and be active; it is much harder for a child who relies on parental figures to achieve this. It is not only parents’ responsibility to encourage healthy eating and active lives, they must also practice what they preach and provide these options for their children. Children are, after all, the future of Australia.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Tropicana Marketing Strategy

Tropicana Marketing Strategy Not many people know about the benefits of drinking juices. The core marketing strategy should be to make people aware the benefits and additional advantages should be highlighted. Surveys should be done to increase awareness among the people. This will in result help the organization to increase the shares in market and get more profits. Vision The underlying vision of the company is to become the worlds premier beverage industry and thereby creating healthy financial rewards and growth. Moreover they are also of the opinion to provide largest range of refreshing, preservative fruit beverages for health and well being of every household (tropicana.com, 2013). Core Objectives The core objectives of the company are to increase awareness of the Tropicana Juice, to inform people that the product is composed of 100% natural ingredients and to portray the product as a healthy drink. They are promoting health and wellness of the individuals and focus only on reformulation. The biggest advantage the company has strong product portfolio which is assisted them in developing niche business. Target Market Primary Adults: 21- 30. These people are more concerned about their health and are usually professionals. Choose nutritious diet Concerned about their outlook Dont care much about the price. Secondary Elderly: 50+. People who are more about their health rather than outlook Require solutions for health problems Concerned about diseases. Want a longer life. Channels for Marketing Tropicana juice has made use of print advertising as well as television commercials for years. These will be the channels of marketing for now as well. The advertising will highlight the benefits of juice and also show how children enjoy the product. Advertising The previous ads showed the Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Creations range of mixed juices, as the company was looking to increase awareness of products other than its orange juice In 2012, the marketing campaign came up with a new tagline Tap Into Nature. Tap Into Nature highlighted Tropicanas relationships with its growing networks and, in the U.S., says that its juice was made from 100% Florida oranges. It was big change for the company, which for several years had been using a blend of Florida and imported oranges (Berinstein, 2003). Recently Tropicana introduces a new marketing campaign. It was a crowd specific advertising campaign made of tweets posted by New-Yorkers. TheÂÂ  tweets featuring the hashtag #WorstMorningEverÂÂ  were reviewed by the team, and the more interesting ones are used and displayed in the subway, on busses, in stores, on billboards or on taxis. People would tweet all day telling a story about impressive that occurred to them in the morning and that Tropicana Juice changed their moods (Meeks, 2010). Web Presence Tropicana has a lot of web presence which shows that they are making used of the power of social networking sites such as Google+, twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Tropicana can enhance their web presence for advertising purposes (Grewal, 2011). Other media plan choices can be: Billboards Magazines Radio Core Strategies Their advertising print and media will be based on two messages: 1. 100% pure drink 2. Large amount of Fruit in Each Bottle They have selected these themes because they would be most effective in reaching their health-conscious target audience of 21-30 year-old people. The goals of their campaign are to increase product awareness and increase sales. Therefore, they must first increase awareness of Tropicana health benefits to increase sales of the product. Tropicana uses health benefits and humor as consistent themes in their advertisement to attract the attention of their audience. Sometimes advertisements are planned to raise awareness of the product, and some are advertisements that are intended to promote sales. The beginning commercials will be made on account of increasing the awareness of people. The later ones will be based on increasing the sale because it will be assumed that people are familiar with it (Llc, 2010). Marketing Recommendations Product Make clearer packaging to make it more close to natural. Price -Prices should be lowered as an increased price decreases the number of buyer from purchasing. Placement Expand distribution area. Keep product location consistent within grocery stores. Measurement Method The two major aims we set in this advertising campaign are to increase awareness of Tropicana Juice from 30-40% and to increase its sales by 30%. To make sure that their progress towards getting their objectives done is accurate we will conduct surveys before starting the plan, after each phase, and finally at the end of the campaign. The survey will include likeness of the product, purchasing history, how people are aware about the product, and likeness towards the brand. By surveying before and after each phase, assessment can be done to check their advertising efforts and if any required, necessary changes can be made to keep us on the track to successful campaigning. As we mentioned earlier, we plan on conducting post testing to measure consumer attitude towards the product (Laszlo, 2008). It is of core importance that buyers are pleased with Tropicana Juice and that they all view at it as a healthy and fresh option to drink. 500 buyers will be interviewed before and after each phase to make sure that the efforts being done is advertising for raising awareness and promotion is successful or not and if the sales have increased to the target level. A sales test can be done to determine the percentage of growth in sales. Using these measurement methods, we can know if their advertising campaign was successful in meeting their goals within the timeframe (Hephaestus, 2011). Keys to Success They keys to success is that store design will be both visually attractive to customers and intended for fast and well-organized operations. The marketing strategies are aimed to put together a solid base of loyal customers. They have created an atmosphere where employees love coming to work and can bring in good money. They are committed to providing excellent quality juices at all time. Conclusion The market of juices is increasing because the utilization of juices increases every year and it is also anticipated that it will be increase continually due people change the life style and more health conscious attitude. They prefer juices on other soft drink. Consumers want to drink fresh juices on a regular basis as they are increasingly adopting Western lifestyles, particularly the younger generation which is enormously influenced by the Western media.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

An Open Minded Woman Rooted in Indian Tradition :: Interview Essays

An Open Minded Woman Rooted in Indian Tradition "I don't mind if my parents try to find a boy for me. Arranged marriages are still a common thing in my family. I don't know what my parents will say if I have a boyfriend here and he is from another country. I am sure that they will not adamantly reject it, but they maybe disappointed." What a surprise for me that in the year 2000, there are some people who still undergo arranged marriages. I am thinking that it must be awkward for me to do it, but it is not for Preeti. Preeti Kela, a freshman student at State College, was born and raised in the crowded city of Calcutta. Her long, black, and wavy hair, her caramel skin color, her black eyes, and her facial features make it obvious to others that she is Indian. Her family came from Rajashtan, one of the states in India. It is true that for her family, arranged marriages are not something new. Her older sister went through one last summer. Moreover, Preeti does not mind this tradition as long as her parents give her enough time to get to know the man and feel comfortable with him, and she can decide on her own whether or not to marry him. Although she seems quiet and shy, Preeti is not a close-minded woman and she always expresses her opinion. She is open to new ideas and different cultures. She went to a British Catholic school from the very beginning of her education. She had to learn everything using English. It shows that Preeti opens to new things since her childhood. If she agrees with the tradition of arranged marriage, it does not necessarily mean she just does whatever it says. She told me that once she argued with her mom about the way they pray. Her mom, who is a conservative Hindu, required her to pray in front the idols, read the mantra, and does meditation in the big temple or her family shrine. Preeti likes to pray in her room by herself. For her, it is not necessary to pray in a specific place and read the mantra every time she prays, and it does not need to be in front of the idols.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Racism Essay -- essays research papers

What is Racism?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Racism is one of those unusual things which seem to escape the understanding of clear and to the point definition. Racism is a system of racial discrimination and prejudice. The concept of race as classifying people can be seen as misleading people and prejudicial as far as it’s involved in the quality of human life. The term race has been quite confusing because of its four principle connotations. 1. Physical anthropologists have called races the various subspecies of the human race characterized by certain phonotypical and genotypic traits. 2. Laymen have profusely used the word race to describe a human group that shares certain cultural characteristics such as language or religion. 3. Race has been loosely used as a synonym for species. 4. Many social scientists describe race as a human group that defines itself and/or is defined by other groups as different from other groups by moral excellence of having an essential characteristics and unchangeable characteristics.(Van den Berghe, Race and Racism pg. 42) The last key term to define racism is any set of beliefs that organic, genetically transmitted differences between human groups are associated with the presence or the absence of certain socially relevant abilities or characteristics, hence that such differences are a legitimate basis of invidious distinctions between groups socially defined as races. Racism in America There is no nation in the world that sees â€Å"racis...

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Hamlet: Act V-scene 2 - The Climax :: essays research papers

Hamlet: Act V-Scene 2 - The Climax In Act V-Scene 2, as the play begins with Hamlet fill in the detail of what happened to him since he left Denmark, Hamlet concedes that there was a kind of fighting in his heart. But clearly his inner struggle has been manifested from the time of his first appearance in this play. Now it is to hear no more expression of self-approach or doubts that he will act positively against Claudius. What is impressive is his decisiveness. He is able to formulate a plan and to execute it without delay. He has found man's wisdom, or reason, to have its limitation: fortune, accident, chance - call it that what it will and can determine the course of events, as his own experience aboard the ship proves. He was able to find in the dark the commission for his own death; by chance, he had in his possession his father's signet for sealing the forged document. No less by chance, the pirates proved kind and, for sufficient compensation, they returned him to Denmark. Throughout the play, after we have itemized Claudius' major crimes, the Prince does not receive an answer to his question, one which is basic to his status as a moral symbol in the play: - is't not perfect conscience, To quit him with this arm? And is't not to be damn'd,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To let this canker of out nature come   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In further evil? It has been seen here a Hamlet who is still in doubt, still troubled by his conscience; and his view should not be ignored, if only because it illustrates once more the difficulties of interpretation. One may argue that there is no need for Horatio to answer Hamlet's question since he has already expressed deep shock at the latest evidence of Claudius' villainy. So the Hamlet in this scene has resolved all doubts; there is no longer a kinda of fighting in his heart. As the scene progress, Horatio reminds Hamlet that Claudius is sure to learn soon what has happened to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Hamlet's reply shows him to be controlled and confident. Now he expressed regret that he had so forgot himself as to offend Laertes, stating that he sees the image of his own cause in that of Ophelia's brother. Probably no more is intended that Hamlet makes reference to the fact that both have endured great losses, for Hamlet's cause transcends the personal or domestic, involving as it does the welfare of the State. The Prince's determination to win back the goodwill of Laertes make understandable his prompt agreement to participate in the fencing

Prelude to Foundation Chapter 1 Mathematician

CLEON I-†¦ The last Galactic Emperor of the Entun dynasty. He was born in the year 11,988 of the Galactic Era, the same year in which Hari Seldon was born. (It is thought that Seldon's birthdate, which some consider doubtful, may have been adjusted to match that of Cleon, whom Seldon, soon after his arrival on Trantor, is supposed to have encountered.) Having succeeded to the Imperial throne in 12,010 at the age of twenty-two, Cleon I's reign represented a curious interval of quiet in those troubled times. This is undoubtedly due to the skills of his Chief of Staff, Eto Demerzel, who so carefully obscured himself from public record that little is known about him. Cleon himself†¦ Encyclopedia Galactica [1] 1. Suppressing a small yawn, Cleon said, â€Å"Demerzel, have you by any chance ever heard of a man named Hari Seldon?† Cleon had been Emperor for just over ten years and there were times at state occasions when, dressed in the necessary robes and regalia, he could manage to look stately. He did so, for instance, in the holograph of himself that stood in the niche in the wall behind him. It was placed so that it clearly dominated the other niches holding the holographs of several of his ancestors. The holograph was not a totally honest one, for though Cleon's hair was light brown in hologram and reality alike, it was a bit thicker in the holograph. There was a certain asymmetry to his real face, for the left side of his upper lip raised itself a bit higher than the right side, and this was somehow not evident in the holograph. And if he had stood up and placed himself beside the holograph, he would have been seen to be 2 centimeters under the 1.83-meter height that the image portrayed-and perhaps a bit stouter. Of course, the holograph was the official coronation portrait and he had been younger then. He still looked young and rather handsome, too, and when he was not in the pitiless grip of official ceremony, there was a kind of vague good nature about his face. Demerzel said, with the tone of respect that he carefully cultivated, â€Å"Hari Seldon? It is an unfamiliar name to me, Sire. Ought I to know of him?† â€Å"The Minister of Science mentioned him to me last night. I thought you might.† Demerzel frowned slightly, but only very slightly, for one does not frown in the Imperial presence. â€Å"The Minister of Science, Sire, should have spoken of this man to me as Chief of Staff. If you are to be bombarded from every side-â€Å" Cleon raised his hand and Demerzel stopped at once. â€Å"Please, Demerzel, one can't stand on formality at all times. When I passed the Minister at last night's reception and exchanged a few words with him, he bubbled over. I could not refuse to listen and I was glad I had, for it was interesting.† â€Å"In what way interesting, Sire?† â€Å"Well, these are not the old days when science and mathematics were all the rage. That sort of thing seems to have died down somehow, perhaps because all the discoveries have been made, don't you think? Apparently, however, interesting things can still happen. At least I was told it was interesting.† â€Å"By the Minister of Science, Sire?† â€Å"Yes. He said that this Hari Seldon had attended a convention of mathematicians held here in Trantor-they do this every ten years, for some reason-and he said that he had proved that one could foretell the future mathematically.† Demerzel permitted himself a small smile. â€Å"Either the Minister of Science, a man of little acumen, is mistaken or the mathematician is. Surely, the matter of foretelling the future is a children's dream of magic.† â€Å"Is it, Demerzel? People believe in such things.† â€Å"People believe in many things, Sire.† â€Å"But they believe in such things. Therefore, it doesn't matter whether the forecast of the future is true or not. If a mathematician should predict a long and happy reign for me, a time of peace and prosperity for the Empire-Eh, would that not be well?† â€Å"It would be pleasant to hear, certainly, but what would it accomplish, Sire?† â€Å"But surely if people believe this, they would act on that belief. Many a prophecy, by the mere force of its being believed, is transmuted to fact. These are ‘self-fulfilling prophecies.' Indeed, now that I think of it, it was you who once explained this to me.† Demerzel said, â€Å"I believe I did, Sire.† His eyes were watching the Emperor carefully, as though to see how far he might go on his own. â€Å"Still, if that be so, one could have any person make the prophecy.† â€Å"Not all persons would be equally believed, Demerzel. A mathematician, however, who could back his prophecy with mathematical formulas and terminology, might be understood by no one and yet believed by everyone.† Demerzel said, â€Å"As usual, Sire, you make good sense. We live in troubled times and it would be worthwhile to calm them in a way that would require neither money nor military effort-which, in recent history, have done little good and much harm.† â€Å"Exactly, Demerzel,† said the Emperor with excitement. â€Å"Reel in this Hari Seldon. You tell me you have your strings stretching to every part of this turbulent world, even where my forces dare not go. Pull on one of those strings, then, and bring in this mathematician. Let me see him.† â€Å"I will do so, Sire,† said Demerzel, who had already located Seldon and who made a mental note to commend the Minister of Science for a job well done. 2. Hari Seldon did not make an impressive appearance at this time. Like the Emperor Cleon I, he was thirty-two years old, but he was only 1.73 meters tall. His face was smooth and cheerful, his hair dark brown, almost black, and his clothing had the unmistakable touch of provinciality about it. To anyone in later times who knew of Hari Seldon only as a legendary demigod, it would seem almost sacrilegious for him not to have white hair, not to have an old lined face, a quiet smile radiating wisdom, not to be seated in a wheelchair. Even then, in advanced old age, his eyes had been cheerful, however. There was that. And his eyes were particularly cheerful now, for his paper had been given at the Decennial Convention. It had even aroused some interest in a distant sort of way and old Osterfith had nodded his head at him and had said, â€Å"Ingenious, young man. Most ingenious.† Which, coming from Osterfith, was satisfactory. Most satisfactory. But now there was a new-and quite unexpected-development and Seldon wasn't sure whether it should increase his cheer and intensify his satisfaction or not. He stared at the tall young man in uniform-the Spaceship-and-Sun neatly placed on the left side of his tunic. â€Å"Lieutenant Alban Wellis,† said the officer of the Emperor's Guard before putting away his identification. â€Å"Will you come with me now, sir?† Wellis was armed, of course. There were two other Guardsmen waiting outside his door. Seldon knew he had no choice, for all the other's careful politeness, but there was no reason he could not seek information. He said, â€Å"To see the Emperor?† â€Å"To be brought to the Palace, sir. That's the extent of my instructions.† â€Å"But why?† â€Å"I was not told why, sir. And I have my strict instructions that you must come with me-one way or another.† â€Å"But this seems as though I am being arrested. I have done nothing to warrant that.† â€Å"Say, rather, that it seems you are being given an escort of honor-if you delay me no further.† Seldon delayed no further. He pressed his lips together, as though to block of further questions, nodded his head, and stepped forward. Even if he was going to meet the Emperor and to receive Imperial commendation, he found no joy in it. He was for the Empire-that is, for the worlds of humanity in peace and union but he was not for the Emperor. The lieutenant walked ahead, the other two behind. Seldon smiled at those he passed and managed to look unconcerned. Outside the hotel they climbed into an official ground-car. (Seldon ran his hand over the upholstery; he had never been in anything so ornate.) They were in one of the wealthiest sections of Trantor. The dome was high enough here to give a sensation of being in the open and one could swear-even one such as Hari Seldon, who had been born and brought up on an open world-that they were in sunlight. You could see no sun and no shadows, but the air was light and fragrant. And then it passed and the dome curved down and the walls narrowed in and soon they were moving along an enclosed tunnel, marked periodically with the Spaceship-and-Sun and so clearly reserved (Seldon thought) for official vehicles. A door opened and the ground-car sped through. When the door closed behind them, they were in the open-the true, the real open. There were 250 square kilometers of the only stretch of open land on Trantor and on it stood the Imperial Palace. Seldon would have liked a chance to wander through that open land-not because of the Palace, but because it also contained the Galactic University and, most intriguing of all, the Galactic Library. And yet, in passing from the enclosed world of Trantor into the open patch of wood and parkland, he had passed into a world in which clouds dimmed the sky and a chill wind rued his shirt. He pressed the contact that closed the ground-car's window. It was a dismal day outside. 3. Seldon was not at all sure he would meet the Emperor. At best, he would meet some official in the fourth or fifth echelon who would claim to speak for the Emperor. How many people ever did see the Emperor? In person, rather than on holovision? How many people saw the real, tangible Emperor, an Emperor who never left the Imperial grounds that he, Seldon, was now rolling over. The number was vanishingly small. Twenty-five million inhabited worlds, each with its cargo of a billion human beings or more-and among all those quadrillions of human beings, how many had, or would ever, lay eyes on the living Emperor. A thousand? And did anyone care? The Emperor was no more than a symbol of Empire, like the Spaceship-and-Sun but far less pervasive, far less real. It was his soldiers and his officials, crawling everywhere, that now represented an Empire that had become a dead weight upon its people-not the Emperor. So it was that when Seldon was ushered into a moderately sized, lavishly furnished room and found a young-looking man sitting on the edge of a table in a windowed alcove, one foot on the ground and one swinging over the edge, he found himself wondering that any official should be looking at him in so blandly good-natured a way. He had already experienced the fact, over and over, that government officials-and particularly those in the Imperial service-looked grave at all times, as though bearing the weight of the entire Galaxy on their shoulders. And it seemed the lower in importance they were, the graver and more threatening their expression. This, then, might be an official so high in the scale, with the sun of power so bright upon him, that he felt no need of countering it with clouds of frowning. Seldon wasn't sure how impressed he ought to be, but he felt that it would be best to remain silent and let the other speak first. The official said, â€Å"You are Hari Seldon, I believe. The mathematician.† Seldon responded with a minimal â€Å"Yes, sir,† and waited again. The young man waved an arm. â€Å"It should be ‘Sire,' but I hate ceremony. It's all I get and I weary of it. We are alone, so I will pamper myself and eschew ceremony. Sit down, professor.† Halfway through the speech, Seldon realized that he was speaking to the Emperor Cleon, First of that Name, and he felt the wind go out of him. There was a faint resemblance (now that he looked) to the official holograph that appeared constantly in the news, but in that holograph, Cleon was always dressed imposingly, seemed taller, nobler, frozen-faced. And here he was, the original of the holograph, and somehow he appeared to be quite ordinary. Seldon did not budge. The Emperor frowned slightly and, with the habit of command present even in the attempt to abolish it, at least temporarily, said peremptorily, â€Å"I said, ‘Sit down,' man. That chair. Quickly.† Seldon sat down, quite speechless. He could not even bring himself to say, â€Å"Yes, Sire.† Cleon smiled. â€Å"That's better. Now we can talk like two fellow human beings, which, after all, is what we are once ceremony is removed. Eh, my man?† Seldon said cautiously, â€Å"If Your Imperial Majesty is content to say so, then it is so.† â€Å"Oh, come, why are you so cautious? I want to talk to you on equal terms. It is my pleasure to do so. Humor me.† â€Å"Yes, Sire.† â€Å"A simple ‘Yes,' man. Is there no way I can reach you?† Cleon stared at Seldon and Seldon thought it was a lively and interested stare. Finally the Emperor said, â€Å"You don't look like a mathematician.† At last, Seldon found himself able to smile. â€Å"I don't know what a mathematician is suppose to look like, Your Imp-â€Å" Cleon raised a cautioning hand and Seldon choked off the honorific. Cleon said, â€Å"White-haired, I suppose. Bearded, perhaps. Old, certainly.† â€Å"Yet even mathematicians must be young to begin with.† â€Å"But they are then without reputation. By the time they obtrude themselves on the notice of the Galaxy, they are as I have described.† â€Å"I am without reputation, I'm afraid.† â€Å"Yet you spoke at this convention they held here.† â€Å"A great many of us did. Some were younger than myself. Few of us were granted any attention whatever.† â€Å"Your talk apparently attracted the attention of some of my officials. I am given to understand that you believe it possible to predict the future.† Seldon suddenly felt weary. It seemed as though this misinterpretation of his theory was constantly going to occur. Perhaps he should not have presented his paper. He said, â€Å"Not quite, actually. What I have done is much more limited than that. In many systems, the situation is such that under some conditions chaotic events take place. That means that, given a particular starting point, it is impossible to predict outcomes. This is true even in some quite simple systems, but the more complex a system, the more likely it is to become chaotic. It has always been assumed that anything as complicated as human society would quickly become chaotic and, therefore, unpredictable. What I have done, however, is to show that, in studying human society, it is possible to choose a starting point and to make appropriate assumptions that will suppress the chaos. That will make it possible to predict the future, not in full detail, of course, but in broad sweeps; not with certainty, but with calculable probabilities.† The Emperor, who had listened carefully, said, â€Å"But doesn't that mean that you have shown how to predict the future?† â€Å"Again, not quite. I have showed that it is theoretically possible, but no more. To do more, we would actually have to choose a correct starting point, make correct assumptions, and then find ways of carrying through calculations in a finite time. Nothing in my mathematical argument tells us how to do any of this. And even if we could do it all, we would, at best, only assess probabilities. That is not the same as predicting the future; it is merely a guess at what is likely to happen. Every successful politician, businessman, or human being of any calling must make these estimates of the future and do it fairly well or he or she would not be successful.† â€Å"They do it without mathematics.† â€Å"True. They do it by intuition.† â€Å"With the proper mathematics, anyone would be able to assess the probabilities. It wouldn't take the rare human being who is successful because of a remarkable intuitive sense.† â€Å"True again, but I have merely shown that mathematical analysis is possible; I have not shown it to be practical.† â€Å"How can something be possible, yet not practical?† â€Å"It is theoretically possible for me to visit each world of the Galaxy and greet each person on each world. However, it would take far longer to do this than I have years to live and, even if I was immortal, the rate at which new human beings are being born is greater than the rate at which I could interview the old and, even more to the point, old human beings would die in great numbers before I could ever get to them.† â€Å"And is this sort of thing true of your mathematics of the future?† Seldon hesitated, then went on. â€Å"It might be that the mathematics would take too long to work out, even if one had a computer the size of the Universe working at hyperspatial velocities. By the time any answer had been received, enough years would have elapsed to alter the situation so grossly as to make the answer meaningless.† â€Å"Why cannot the process be simplified?† Cleon asked sharply. â€Å"Your Imperial Majesty,†-Seldon felt the Emperor growing more formal as the answers grew less to his liking and responded with greater formality of his own, â€Å"consider the manner in which scientists have dealt with subatomic particles. There are enormous numbers of these, each moving or vibrating in random and unpredictable manner, but this chaos turns out to have an underlying order, so that we can work out a quantum mechanics that answers all the questions we know how to ask. In studying society, we place human beings in the place of subatomic particles, but now there is the added factor of the human mind. Particles move mindlessly; human beings do not. To take into account the various attitudes and impulses of mind adds so much complexity that there lacks time to take care of all of it.† â€Å"Could not mind, as well as mindless motion, have an underlying order?† â€Å"Perhaps. My mathematical analysis implies that order must underlie everything, however disorderly it may appear to be, but it does not give any hint as to how this underlying order may be found. Consider-Twenty-five million worlds, each with its overall characteristics and culture, each being significantly different from all the rest, each containing a billion or more human beings who each have an individual mind, and all the worlds interacting in innumerable ways and combinations! However theoretically possible a psychohistorical analysis may be, it is not likely that it can be done in any practical sense.† â€Å"What do you mean ‘psychohistorical'?† â€Å"I refer to the theoretical assessment of probabilities concerning the future as ‘psychohistory.' â€Å" The Emperor rose to his feet suddenly, strode to the other end of the room, turned, strode back, and stopped before the still-sitting Seldon. â€Å"Stand up!† he commanded. Seldon rose and looked up at the somewhat taller Emperor. He strove to keep his gaze steady. Cleon finally said, â€Å"This psychohistory of yours†¦ if it could be made practical, it would be of great use, would it not?† â€Å"Of enormous use, obviously. To know what the future holds, in even the most general and probabilistic way, would serve as a new and marvelous guide for our actions, one that humanity has never before had. But, of course-† He paused. â€Å"Well?† said Cleon impatiently. â€Å"Well, it would seem that, except for a few decision-makers, the results of psychohistorical analysis would have to remain unknown to the public.† â€Å"Unknown!† exclaimed Cleon with surprise. â€Å"It's clear. Let me try to explain. If a psychohistorical analysis is made and the results are then given to the public, the various emotions and reactions of humanity would at once be distorted. The psychohistorical analysis, based on emotions and reactions that take place without knowledge of the future, become meaningless. Do you understand?† The Emperor's eyes brightened and he laughed aloud. â€Å"Wonderful!† He clapped his hand on Seldon's shoulder and Seldon staggered slightly under the blow. â€Å"Don't you see, man?† said Cleon. â€Å"Don't you see? There's your use. You don't need to predict the future. Just choose a future-a good future, a useful future-and make the kind of prediction that will alter human emotions and reactions in such a way that the future you predicted will be brought about. Better to make a good future than predict a bad one.† Seldon frowned. â€Å"I see what you mean, Sire, but that is equally impossible.† â€Å"Impossible?† â€Å"Well, at any rate, impractical. Don't you see? If you can't start with human emotions and reactions and predict the future they will bring about, you can't do the reverse either. You can't start with a future and predict the human emotions and reactions that will bring it about.† Cleon looked frustrated. His lips tightened. â€Å"And your paper, then?†¦ Is that what you call it, a paper?†¦ Of what use is it?† â€Å"It was merely a mathematical demonstration. It made a point of interest to mathematicians, but there was no thought in my mind of its being useful in any way.† â€Å"I find that disgusting,† said Cleon angrily. Seldon shrugged slightly. More than ever, he knew he should never have given the paper. What would become of him if the Emperor took it into his head that he had been made to play the fool? And indeed, Cleon did not look as though he was very far from believing that. â€Å"Nevertheless,† he said, â€Å"what if you were to make predictions of the future, mathematically justified or not; predictions that government officials, human beings whose expertise it is to know what the public is likely to do, will judge to be the kind that will bring about useful reactions?† â€Å"Why would you need me to do that? The government officials could make those predictions themselves and spare the middleman.† â€Å"The government officials could not do so as effectively. Government officials do make statements of the sort now and then. They are not necessarily believed.† â€Å"Why would I be?† â€Å"You are a mathematician. You would have calculated the future, not†¦ not intuited it-if that is a word.† â€Å"But I would not have done so.† â€Å"Who would know that?† Cleon watched him out of narrowed eyes. There was a pause. Seldon felt trapped. If given a direct order by the Emperor, would it be safe to refuse? If he refused, he might be imprisoned or executed. Not without trial, of course, but it is only with great difficulty that a trial can be made to go against the wishes of a heavy-handed officialdom, particularly one under the command of the Emperor of the vast Galactic Empire. He said finally, â€Å"It wouldn't work.† â€Å"Why not?† â€Å"If I were asked to predict vague generalities that could not possibly come to pass until long after this generation and, perhaps, the next were dead, we might get away with it, but, on the other hand, the public would pay little attention. They would not care about a glowing eventuality a century or two in the future. â€Å"To attain results,† Seldon went on, â€Å"I would have to predict matters of sharper consequence, more immediate eventualities. Only to these would the public respond. Sooner or later, though-and probably sooner-one of the eventualities would not come to pass and my usefulness would be ended at once. With that, your popularity might be gone, too, and, worst of all, there would be no further support for the development of psychohistory so that there would be no chance for any good to come of it if future improvements in mathematical insights help to make it move closer to the realm of practicality.† Cleon threw himself into a chair and frowned at Seldon. â€Å"Is that all you mathematicians can do? Insist on impossibilities?† Seldon said with desperate softness, â€Å"It is you, Sire, who insist on impossibilities.† â€Å"Let me test you, man. Suppose I asked you to use your mathematics to tell me whether I would some day be assassinated? What would you say?† â€Å"My mathematical system would not give an answer to so specific a question, even if psychohistory worked at its best. All the quantum mechanics in the world cannot make it possible to predict the behavior of one lone electron, only the average behavior of many.† â€Å"You know your mathematics better than I do. Make an educated guess based on it. Will I someday be assassinated?† Seldon said softly, â€Å"You lay a trap for me, Sire. Either tell me what answer you wish and I will give it to you or else give me free right to make what answer I wish without punishment.† â€Å"Speak as you will.† â€Å"Your word of honor?† â€Å"Do you want it an writing?† Cleon was sarcastic. â€Å"Your spoken word of honor will be sufficient,† said Seldon, his heart sinking, for he was not certain it would be. â€Å"You have my word of honor.† â€Å"Then I can tell you that in the past four centuries nearly half the Emperors have been assassinated, from which I conclude that the chances of your assassination are roughly one in two.† â€Å"Any fool can give that answer,† said Cleon with contempt. â€Å"It takes no mathematician.† â€Å"Yet I have told you several times that my mathematics is useless for practical problems.† â€Å"Can't you even suppose that I learn the lessons that have been given me by my unfortunate predecessors?† Seldon took a deep breath and plunged in. â€Å"No, Sire. All history shows that we do not learn from the lessons of the past. For instance, you have allowed me here in a private audience. What if it were in my mind to assassinate you? Which it isn't, Sire,† he added hastily. Cleon smiled without humor. â€Å"My man, you don't take into account our thoroughness-or advances in technology. We have studied your history, your complete record. When you arrived, you were scanned. Your expression and voiceprints were analyzed. We knew your emotional state in detail; we practically knew your thoughts. Had there been the slightest doubt of your harmlessness, you would not have been allowed near me. In fact, you would not now be alive.† A wave of nausea swept through Seldon, but he continued. â€Å"Outsiders have always found it difficult to get at Emperors, even with technology less advanced. However, almost every assassination has been a palace coup. It is those nearest the Emperor who are the greatest danger to him. Against that danger, the careful screening of outsiders is irrelevant. And as for your own officials, your own Guardsmen, your own intimates, you cannot treat them as you treat me.† Cleon said, â€Å"I know that, too, and at least as well as you do. The answer is that I treat those about me fairly and I give them no cause for resentment.† â€Å"A foolish-† began Seldon, who then stopped in confusion. â€Å"Go on,† said Cleon angrily. â€Å"I have given you permission to speak freely. How am I foolish?† â€Å"The word slipped out, Sire. I meant ‘irrelevant.' Your treatment of your intimates is irrelevant. You must be suspicious; it would be inhuman not to be. A careless word, such as the one I used, a careless gesture, a doubtful expression and you must withdraw a bit with narrowed eyes. And any touch of suspicion sets in motion a vicious cycle. The intimate will sense and resent the suspicion and will develop a changed behavior, try as he might to avoid it. You sense that and grow more suspicious and, in the end, either he is executed or you are assassinated. It is a process that has proved unavoidable for the Emperors of the past four centuries and it is but one sign of the increasing difficulty of conducting the affairs of the Empire.† â€Å"Then nothing I can do will avoid assassination.† â€Å"No, Sire,† said Seldon, â€Å"but, on the other hand, you may prove fortunate.† Cleon's fingers were drumming on the arm of his chair. He said harshly, â€Å"You are useless, man, and so is your psychohistory. Leave me.† And with those words, the Emperor looked away, suddenly seeming much older than his thirty-two years. â€Å"I have said my mathematics would be useless to you, Sire. My profound apologies.† Seldon tried to bow but at some signal he did not see, two guards entered and took him away. Cleon's voice came after him from the royal chamber. â€Å"Return that man to the place from which he was brought earlier.† 4. Eto Demerzel emerged and glanced at the Emperor with a hint of proper deference. He said, â€Å"Sire, you have almost lost your temper.† Cleon looked up and, with an obvious effort, managed to smile. â€Å"Well, so I did. The man was very disappointing.† â€Å"And yet he promised no more than he offered.† â€Å"He offered nothing.† â€Å"And promised nothing, Sire.† â€Å"It was disappointing.† Demerzel said, â€Å"More than disappointing, perhaps. The man is a loose cannon, Sire.† â€Å"A loose what, Demerzel? You are always so full of strange expressions. What is a cannon?† Demerzel said gravely, â€Å"It is simply an expression I heard in my youth, Sire. The Empire is full of strange expressions and some are unknown on Trantor, as those of Trantor are sometimes unknown elsewhere.† â€Å"Do you come to teach me the Empire is large? What do you mean by saying that the man is a loose cannon?† â€Å"Only that he can do much harm without necessarily intending it. He does not know his own strength. Or importance.† â€Å"You deduce that, do you, Demerzel?† â€Å"Yes, Sire. He is a provincial. He does not know Trantor or its ways. He has never been on our planet before and he cannot behave like a man of breeding, like a courtier. Yet he stood up to-â€Å" â€Å"And why not? I gave him permission to speak. I left off ceremony. I treated him as an equal.† â€Å"Not entirely, Sire. You don't have it within you to treat others as equals. You have the habit of command. And even if you tried to put a person at his ease, there would be few who could manage it. Most would be speechless or, worse, subservient and sycophantic. This man stood up to you.† â€Å"Well, you may admire that, Demerzel, but I didn't like him.† Cleon looked thoughtfully discontented. â€Å"Did you notice that he made no effort to explain his mathematics to me? It was as though he knew I would not understand a word of it.† â€Å"Nor would you have, Sire. You are not a mathematician, nor a scientist of any kind, nor an artist. There are many fields of knowledge in which others know more than you. It is their task to use their knowledge to serve you. You are the Emperor, which is worth all their specializations put together.† â€Å"Is it? I would not mind being made to feel ignorant by an old man who had accumulated knowledge over many years. But this man, Seldon, is just my age. How does he know so much?† â€Å"He has not had to learn the habit of command, the art of reaching a decision that will affect the lives of others.† â€Å"Sometimes, Demerzel, I wonder if you are laughing at me.† â€Å"Sire?† said Demerzel reproachfully. â€Å"But never mind. Back to that loose cannon of yours. Why should you consider him dangerous? He seems a naive provincial to me.† â€Å"He is. But he has this mathematical development of his.† â€Å"He says it is useless.† â€Å"You thought it might be useful. I thought so, after you had explained it to me. Others might. The mathematician may come to think so himself, now that his mind has been focused on it. And who knows, he may yet work out some way of making use of it. If he does, then to foretell the future, however mistily, is to be in a position of great power. Even if he does not wish power for himself, a kind of self-denial that always seems to me to be unlikely, he might be used by others.† â€Å"I tried to use him. He would not.† â€Å"He had not given it thought. Perhaps now he will. And if he was not interested in being used by you, might he not be persuaded by-let us say-the Mayor of Wye?† â€Å"Why should he be willing to help Wye and not us?† â€Å"As he explained, it is hard to predict the emotions and behavior of individuals.† Cleon scowled and sat in thought. â€Å"Do you really think he might develop this psychohistory of his to the point where it is truly useful? He is so certain he cannot.† â€Å"He may, with time, decide he was wrong in denying the possibility.† Cleon said, â€Å"Then I suppose I ought to have kept him.† Demerzel said, â€Å"No, Sire. Your instinct was correct when you let him go. Imprisonment, however disguised, would cause resentment and despair, which would not help him either to develop his ideas further or make him eager to help us. Better to let him go as you have done, but to keep him forever on an invisible leash. In this way, we can see that he is not used by an enemy of yourself, Sire, and we can see that when the time comes and he has fully developed his science, we can pull on our leash and bring him in. Then we could be†¦ more persuasive.† â€Å"But what if he it picked up by an enemy of mine or, better, of the Empire, for I am the Empire after all, or if, of his own accord, he wishes to serve an enemy-I don't consider that out of the question, you see.† â€Å"Nor should you. I will see to it that this doesn't happen, but if, against all striving, it does happen, it would be better if no one has him than if the wrong person does.† Cleon looked uneasy. â€Å"I'll leave that all in your hands, Demerzel, but I hope we're not too hasty. He could be, after all, nothing but the purveyor of a theoretical science that does not and cannot work.† â€Å"Quite possibly, Sire, but it would be safer to assume the man is-or might be-important. We lose only a little time and nothing more if we find that we have concerned ourselves with a nonentity. We may lose a Galaxy if we find we have ignored someone of great importance.† â€Å"Very well, then,† said Cleon, â€Å"but I trust I won't have to know the details-if they prove unpleasant.† Demerzel said, â€Å"Let us hope that will not be the case.† 5. Seldon had had an evening, a night, and part of a morning to get over his meeting with the Emperor. At least, the changing quality of light within the walkways, moving corridors, squares, and parks of the Imperial Sector of Trantor made it seem that an evening, a night, and part of a morning had passed. He sat now in a small park on a small plastic seat that molded itself neatly to his body and he was comfortable. Judging from the light, it seemed to be midmorning and the air was just cool enough to seem fresh without possessing even the smallest bite. Was it like this all the time? He thought of the gray day outside when he went to see the Emperor. And he thought of all the gray days and cold days and hot days and rainy days and snowy days on Helicon, his home, and he wondered if one could miss them. Was it possible to sit in a park on Trantor, having ideal weather day after day, so that it felt as though you were surrounded by nothing at all-and coming to miss a howling wind or a biting cold or a breathless humidity? Perhaps. But not on the first day or the second or the seventh. He would have only this one day and he would leave tomorrow. He meant to enjoy it while he could. He might, after all, never return to Trantor. Still, he continued to feel uneasy at having spoken as independently as he had to a man who could, at will, order one's imprisonment or execution-or, at the very least, the economic and social death of loss of position and status. Before going to bed, Seldon had looked up Cleon I in the encyclopedic portion of his hotel room computer. The Emperor had been highly praised as, no doubt, had all Emperors in their own lifetime, regardless of their deeds. Seldon had dismissed that, but he was interested in the fact that Cleon had been born in the Palace and had never left its grounds. He had never been in Trantor itself, in any part of the multi-domed world. It was a matter of security, perhaps, but what it meant was that the Emperor was in prison, whether he admitted the matter to him self or not. It might be the most luxurious prison in the Galaxy, but it was a prison just the same. And though the Emperor had seemed mild-mannered and had shown no sign of being a bloody-minded autocrat as so many of his predecessors had been, it was not good to have attracted his attention. Seldon welcomed the thought of leaving tomorrow for Helicon, even though it would be winter (and a rather nasty one, so far) back home. He looked up at the bright diffuse light. Although it could never rain in here, the atmosphere was far from dry. A fountain played not far from him; the plants were green and had probably never felt drought. Occasionally, the shrubbery rustled as though a small animal or two was hidden there. He heard the hum of bees. Really, though Trantor was spoken of throughout the Galaxy as an artificial world of metal and ceramic, in this small patch it felt positively rustic. There were a few other persons taking advantage of the park all wearing light hats, some quite small. There was one rather pretty young woman not far away, but she was bent over a viewer and he could not see her face clearly. A man walked past, looked at him briefly and incuriously, then sat down in a seat facing him and buried himself in a sheaf of teleprints, crossing one leg, in its tight pink trouser leg, over the other. There was a tendency to pastel shades among the men, oddly enough, while the women mostly wore white. Being a clean environment, it made sense to wear light colors. He looked down in amusement at his own Heliconian costume, which was predominantly dull brown. If he were to stay on Trantor as he was not he would need to purchase suitable clothing or he would become an object of curiosity or laughter or repulsion. The man with the teleprints had, for instance, looked up at him more curiously this time-no doubt intrigued by his Outworldish clothing. Seldon was relieved that he did not smile. He could be philosophical over being a figure of fun, but, surely, he could not be expected to enjoy it. Seldon watched the man rather unobtrusively, for he seemed to be engaged in some sort of internal debate. At the moment he looked as if he was about to speak, then seemed to think better of it, then seemed to wish to speak again. Seldon wondered what the outcome would be. He studied the man. He was tall, with broad shoulders and no sign of a paunch, darkish hair with a glint of blond, smooth-shaven, a grave expression, an air of strength though there were no bulging muscles, a face that was a touch rugged-pleasant, but with nothing â€Å"pretty† about it. By the time the man had lost the internal fight with himself (or won, perhaps) and leaned toward him, Seldon had decided he liked him. The man said, â€Å"Pardon me, weren't you at the Decennial Convention? Mathematics?† â€Å"Yes, I was,† said Seldon agreeably. â€Å"Ah, I thought I saw you there. It was-excuse me-that moment of recognition that led me to sit here. If I am intruding on your privacy-â€Å" â€Å"Not at all. I'm just enjoying an idle moment.† â€Å"Let's see how close I can get. You're Professor Seldon.† â€Å"Seldon. Hari Seldon. Quite close. And you?† â€Å"Chetter Hummin.† The man seemed slightly embarrassed. â€Å"Rather a homespun name, I'm afraid.† â€Å"I've never come across any Chetters before,† said Seldon. â€Å"Or Hummins. So that makes you somewhat unique, I should think. It might be viewed as being better than being mixed up with all the countless Haris there are. Or Seldons, for that matter.† Seldon moved his chair closer to Hummin, scraping it against the slightly elastic ceramoid tiles. â€Å"Talk about homespun,† he said, â€Å"What about this Outworldish clothing I'm wearing? It never occurred to me that I ought to get Trantorian garb.† â€Å"You could buy some,† said Hummin, eyeing Seldon with suppressed disapproval. â€Å"I'll be leaving tomorrow and, besides, I couldn't afford it. Mathematicians deal with large numbers sometimes, but never in their income.-I presume you're a mathematician, Hummin.† â€Å"No. Zero talent there.† â€Å"Oh.† Seldon was disappointed. â€Å"You said you saw me at the Decennial Convention.† â€Å"I was there as an onlooker. I'm a journalist.† He waved his teleprints, seemed suddenly aware that he was holding them and shoved them into his jacket pouch. â€Å"I supply the material for the news holocasts.† Then, thoughtfully, â€Å"Actually, I'm rather tired of it.† â€Å"The job?† Hummin nodded. â€Å"I'm sick of gathering together all the nonsense from every world. I hate the downward spiral.† He glanced speculatively at Seldon. â€Å"Sometimes something interesting turns up, though. I've heard you were seen in the company of an Imperial Guard and making for the Palace gate. You weren't by any chance seen by the Emperor, were you?† The smile vanished from Seldon's face. He said slowly, â€Å"If I was, it would scarcely be something I could talk about for publication.† â€Å"No, no, not for publication. If you don't know this, Seldon, let me be the first to tell you-The first rule of the news game is that nothing is ever said about the Emperor or his personal entourage except what is officially given out. It's a mistake, of course, because rumors fly that are much worse than the truth, but that's the way it is.† â€Å"But if you can't report it, friend, why do you ask?† â€Å"Private curiosity. Believe me, in my job I know a great deal more than ever gets on the air.-Let me guess. I didn't follow your paper, but I gathered that you were talking about the possibility of predicting the future.† Seldon shook his head and muttered, â€Å"It was a mistake.† â€Å"Pardon me?† â€Å"Nothing.† â€Å"Well, prediction-accurate prediction-would interest the Emperor, or any man in government, so I'm guessing that Cleon, First of that Name, asked you about it and wouldn't you please give him a few predictions.† Seldon said stiffly, â€Å"I don't intend to discuss the matter.† Hummin shrugged slightly. â€Å"Eto Demerzel was there, I suppose.† â€Å"Who?† â€Å"You've never heard of Eto Demerzel?† â€Å"Never.† â€Å"Cleon's alter ego-Cleon's brain-Cleon's evil spirit. He's been called all those things-if we confine ourselves to the nonvituperative. He must have been there.† Seldon looked confused and Hummin said, â€Å"Well, you may not have seen him, but he was there. And if he thinks you can predict the future-â€Å" â€Å"I can't predict the future,† said Seldon, shaking his head vigorously. â€Å"If you listened to my paper, you'll know that I only spoke of a theoretical possibility.† â€Å"Just the same, if he thinks you can predict the future, he will not let you go.† â€Å"He must have. Here I am.† â€Å"That means nothing. He knows where you are and he'll continue to know. And when he wants you, he'll get you, wherever you are. And if he decides you're useful, he'll squeeze the use out of you. And if he decides you're dangerous, he'll squeeze the life out of you.† Seldon stared. â€Å"What are you trying to do. Frighten me?† â€Å"I'm trying to warn you.† â€Å"I don't believe what you're saying.† â€Å"Don't you? A while ago you said something was a mistake. Were you thinking that presenting the paper was a mistake and that it was getting you into the kind of trouble you don't want to be in?† Seldon bit his lower lip uneasily. That was a guess that came entirely too close to the truth-and it was at this moment that Seldon felt the presence of intruders. They did not cast a shadow, for the light was too soft and widespread. It was simply a movement that caught the corner of his eye-and then it stopped.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Thirteen Days vs. the real Cuban Missile Crisis

The year is 1962 and American surveillance planes discover that the USSR is in the rocess of placing nuclear ballistic missiles in Cuba. The missiles have a said they are capable of reaching the majority of the United States Air Force bomber bases effectively crippling their ability to retaliate. It Is a race to find a means of removing the missiles before they become operational. Thus the problem for the President is to decide whether to use force or diplomatic means to keep the missiles un-operational.Initial diplomatic attempts to come to a peaceful conclusion fail and the Secretary of Defence proposes a naval blockade which they call a â€Å"quarantine† nd if the Soviets ignore the blockade, the Navy will forcibly remove the ships from going to Cuba. This would quickly escalate the situation which Is clearly what the Secretary of Defence wanted but the President with help of his Special Assistant; Kenneth O'Donnell, realized that an invasion of Cuba by Americans would lead to the Soviets invading Berlin effectively causing a World War Ill.In the end through unique communication methods between the US and the Soviets the Soviets agree to remove the mlsslles from Cuba providing the us promises never to Invade Cuba as well as remove missiles from Turkey. One of the most criticized aspects of the movie Is that Kenneth O'Donnell; who was Special Assistant to the President had a very influential and substantial role in the movie. Quite often he is found dissuading President Kennedy from the so called solutions from the Secretary of Defence and his entourage.He is always reminding Kennedy of the repercussions of the actions that Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara proposes. At one point Kenneth said in reference to surveillance flights and the rules of engagement; that if a plan were shot at, the site would be bombed, â€Å"This is a setup. The chiefs want to go in. They need to redeem themselves for the Bay of Pigs. † This seemed quite reasonable a s the Bay of Pigs was an unsuccessful attempt at military invasion of Cuba and those in charge needed redemption.Unfortunately; although Kenneth O'Donnell appeared a great protagonist, he did not have that kind of role In the crlsls In reality. Following the release of the movie the actual former Secretary of Defence; Robert McNamara, said â€Å"For God's sakes, Kenny O'Donnell didn't have any role whatsoever In the missile crisis; he was a political appointment secretary to the President; that's absurd. It may seem as though McNamara could have Just been bitter about the way he was portrayed in the movie but the conclusion he came to was generally what all those involved in the crisis thought about O'Donnell's role. Although McNamara pointed out that the role 1 OF2 O'Donnell played was slmllar to lea Sorenson saying â€Å"It was not Kenny O'Donnell who pulled us all together†it was Ted Sorensen. Ted Sorensen was President Kennedy's Special Counsel ; Adviser and it makes muc h more sense for him to have taken on the role O'Donnell portrayed as President Kennedy once called him his â€Å"intellectual blood bank. † leading one to believe that the President must have had reat faith in Sorenson. President Kennedy asked Sorenson to take part in foreign policy as well as being a member of Excomm (The Executive Committee of the National Security Council) during the Crisis.All of this would lead one to believe Sorenson must have played the role of O'Donnell in reality. So why didn't the producer Just stick with that in the film? It was because the appearance of Kenneth O'Donnell is much more appealing to the average American. He is the perfect protagonist, Just an average middle class American trying to do the right thing. That is why he was given this role and it is understandable why this trade off would be ade for entertainment purposes as Thirteen Days is a movie and not a documentary.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Ritz-Carlton Hotels

Case Application – Making you Say Wow (Chapter 3 page 68-69) When you hear the name the Ritz-Carlton Hotels, what words come to your mind? Luxury? Elegance? Formal, or maybe even dull and boring? Very expensive? Three words that the company hopes come to mind are exemplary customer service. Ritz-Carlton is committed to treating its guests like royalty. It has very different corporate cultures in the hotel and lodging industry, and employees are referred to as â€Å"our ladies and gentleman. † Its motto is printed on a card that employees carry with them: â€Å"We are Ladies and Gentleman serving Ladies and Gentleman. And these ladies and gentleman of the Ritz have been trained in very detailed standards and specifications for treating customers. These standards were established more than a century ago by founders Caesar Ritz and August Escoffier. Ritz employees are continually schooled in company lore and company values. Every day at 15-minute â€Å"lineup† sess ions at each hotel propoerty, managers reinforce company values and review techniques. And these values are the basis for all employee training and rewards. Nothing is left to chance when it comes to providing exemplary customer service.People looking to get a job in this hotel are tested both for cultural fit and for qualities associated with a real passion to serve customers. A company executive says, â€Å"The smile has to come naturally†. Although staff memebers are expected to be warm and caring, their behaviour towards guests had been extremely detailed and scripted. That is why a new customer service philosophy implemented in mid-2006 was so different from what the Ritz had been doing before 2006. The Company’s new approach is almost the opposite from what the company had been doing till 2006.Do not tell employees how to make guests happy. Now they are expected to figure it out. Says Diana Oreck, vice president, â€Å"We moved away from the heavily prescriptive , scripted appproach and toward managing to outcomes†. The outcome didn’t change, though. The goal is still a happy guest who’s really happy and delighted by the service received. Howevery, under the new approach, staff members interactions with guests are more natural, relaxed, rather than sounding like they are reading lines from a book.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Private Passions and Moral Responsibilities: Hamlet Essay

Many great works of literature often focus on personal tragedy and ways of overcoming it. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, however, the inability of the main characters to confront their problems properly leads to the destruction of all. The antagonist of the play, Claudius, allows his personal ambition for power to overshadow the will of his conscience. Hamlet opens at the royal castle of Elsinore where a ghost bearing the visage of the recently deceased King Hamlet is seen walking the halls in battle gear. Later it is learned that his brother, Claudius, has taken to the throne with King Hamlet’s ex-wife, Gertrude, after only two months since the King’s passing. The son of the deceased King, Hamlet, sees the marriage as a travesty stating, â€Å"(Oh God! A beast that wants discourse of reason would have mourned longer) married with my uncle; My father’s brother, but no more like my father than I to Hercules.† (Shakespeare 13) Clearly, Hamlet sees the marriage as incestuous in the beginning ; but he doesn’t take action until he is visited by the apparition of his father who proclaims that Claudius killed him in lust for power. Hamlet is asked, â€Å"If thou didst ever thy dear father love – oh God – Revenge his foul and most unnatural murder.† (27) Here begins Hamlet’s quest to avenge his father by laying ruin to King Claudius. To be certain of the King’s guilt, Hamlet puts on a play bearing a resemblance to how the ghost described the murder. When King Claudius views it, he feels a sudden pang of conscience and abruptly leaves. This flinch provides a first glance by the reader, and Hamlet that Claudius is guilty and is at odds with himself for his foul actions. From a soliloquy after storming out of the play, the reader becomesaware of the personal anguish Claudius possesses. â€Å"O, my offense is rank, itsmells to heaven; It hath the primal eldest curse upon’t, A brother’s murder! Pray can I not, though inclination be as sharp as will. My stronger guilt defeats my strong intent.†(84) For Claudius the act of killing his brother was a grievous one that he now regrets. His strong intent and ambition for  the throne has caused him turmoil in heaven’s eyes. The primary  consequence of Claudius’s actions on his character is that he will now have to make a huge decision as is delineated further into the soliloquy. â€Å"But, o, what form of prayer can serve my turn? Forgive me my foul murder? That  cannot be; since I am still possessed of these effects for which I did the murder – My crown, mine own ambition, and my queen. May one be pardoned and retain offense?† (84) Will he give up the worldly things he now possesses for forgiveness or will he keep on, undaunted by his guilt  and remain stained by his ultimate sin? It seems that the king cannot give up his precious power, but instead asks others to join him in an attempt to oust Hamlet and retain the crown. Claudius asks Laertes, † Will you be ruled by me (†¦) I will work him to an exploit now ripe in my device under which he shall not choose but fall; and for his death no wind of blame shall we breath.† (116) Power hungry and greedy, King Claudius has rejected the notions of morality by attempting to kill his nephew and has sealed his fate in the eyes of God. Shakespeare’s Hamlet pivots on the theme of mastering passionbefore it is too late. Although Claudius confronts his sins committed in search of title and authority, he never takes the steps needed to achieve absolution. Instead, the King opts to use violence to solve his dilemma  which results in both the downfall of his royal family and the turning of his â€Å"envenomed†(144) blade upon him.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Recommendation of Internal Control for Purchases, Payables and Essay

Recommendation of Internal Control for Purchases, Payables and Payments - Essay Example There also remains the question of assessing the adequacy of the policies and procedures, and determine whether these are being implemented, working efficiently and being monitored effectively. The paper will further discuss the strengths and weaknesses in the internal control system of purchases, payables and payments. Management is responsible to ensure that proper internal controls are being exercised and being operated as intended. We believe that this information will alert to possible weaknesses in our organization and enable the management to initiate appropriate actions to address the concerns. The text book defines internal auditing as an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organizations operations. It helps an organization to accomplish its objectives by evolving a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.   The internal audit activity evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of controls that encompass the organizations governance, operations, and information systems. Internal audit reviews include the reliability and integrity of financial and operational information, effectiveness and efficiency of operations, safeguarding of assets, and compliance with laws, regulations, and contracts. These reviews also ascertain the extent to which operating and program goals and objectives have been established and whether they conform to the requirements of the organization. Besides, it also examines the extent to which results are consistent with established goals and objectives and whether operations and programs are being implemented or performed as intended.   This paper will also strive to help in improving the functions of internal controls in purchase, payable and payment first by describing the existing

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Leadership int the public Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leadership int the public - Essay Example According to Rayner (2013) these relationships are quite essential in the performance of the public organization, thus management is to see to it that these relationships are maintained effectively and remain extremely functional.An illustration of how good working relationships are important in public organizations has been reflected in the case study; when Peter Mathews took the position of the Acting Director of Immigration, his relationship with that of his ten; area and program managers was quite strained 1. If anything, his relationship to them was characterized by resentment and impasse (opposition) which is an absolute inhibition to the success of any public organization. It is evident to see exactly how Peter Mathews got frustrated at his unsuccessful efforts to connect to his managers such that he took it upon himself to figure out ways how to improve the organization which, unfortunately, only brewed more hatred; causing him to rethink his choice to take up the job in the first place. Additionally, Public service organizations the Immigration inclusive is subject to attaining high rates of performances. It is important to note with reference to Baird and Green (2008) that the performance of the public service is quite critical in guaranteeing the rule of law and safeguarding national security.This illustrates the fact that public organizations require that the management in place puts in a lot of effort to secure productivity in terms of good performance and effectiveness in accomplishing the set goals and objectives of that given organization 2. Failure to do so only shows that the government in place is not effective in implementing the laws and in protecting its citizens as well. It is for this reason that in the study, we realize that the Director General (DG) requests Peter Mathews to leave his job with an employment services group to take on a sixth month assignment as an

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

M2 Aplication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

M2 Aplication - Essay Example The aim of this application essay is using a group of 489 students in my school for the evaluation of the biases and discriminations they experience as scholars of the ELL program- Mexico. Students that did not pass the AZELLA also apply in identification of the significant gaps in their learning. One of the most pervasive discriminative factors is the inequality aspect of the learning and overall experience of the ELL. States such as Mexico are least likely to benefit from the experience than California, Texas, Florida and New York where despite the number of students available, every one of them gets adequate learning. In Mexico, a school having 489 students is at a great disadvantage and acquiring adequate learning for each student means engaging in judicial battles over finances, state budgets and education policies. The limitation of funds contributes to the failure of the tests because the ELL program appears inefficient without the required resources. Typically, such students lack the learning opportunities and equity similar to groups in New York or other extensively populated states (Richard, 2007). English Language Learners education states are in control of most of the processes involved in selection of services and evaluations at the different levels but even with poor experiences for such a group in Mexico; it is not much of an option. The populations continue to grow but the approach in ELL education is always the same i.e. the 489 students will experience known challenges, fail the AZELLA test and this will continue on to the next group without a provision of solutions. Most of the focus is on standards and accountability yet the resources and investments required in attaining this experience major flaws that create the wide gave in overall achievement (Payan, 2014). This is a prime predisposition of the ELL education and instead of focusing on the overall challenges of the program on a