Research Techniques For The Creative Media - 1744 Words

Research Techniques for the Creative Media Industries Qualitative and Quantitative: There are two types of research: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research is exploratory research – such as looking at and analysing people’s behaviours, values and opinions or aspirations. Types of qualitative research that are available are customer feedback, videos or interviews and open answer questions. Qualitative research is more in detail than quantitative would be as qualitative explores what people think about a certain subject and how other people’s opinions change and differ from one another.There are several pros and cons of qualitative research – and advantage of qualitative research is that you are able to explore topics in more depth and more detail, often less expensive, do not need to recruit as many participants or use extensive methods so you are able to get more research without spending a lot of your budget which is highly recommended and it also fills in the gaps left by quantitative research and data. Cons of qualitative d ata also vary like one major disadvantage of qualitative research is that it cannot quantify how many of your audience answer one way or another. Another disadvantage is that this makes it extremely difficult to create any type of solid statistic, qualitative data is also quite time consuming due to the extensive questions and exploratory research. Qualitative data also has unstructured information, this makes it hard to interpret as wellShow MoreRelatedUnit 3 Research Techniques For The Creative Media Industry3269 Words   |  14 PagesUnit 3 Research Techniques for the Creative Media Industries Assignment 1 When working in the creative media industry you will need to do a lot of research and will come across the terms, primary, secondary, quantitative, qualitative, market, audience and product research a lot. The reason for this is because they are the different types of research you will need to use when gathering information that you need. Primary research is any type of research that you collect yourself. There are manyRead MoreResearch Paper: Content Analysis of Nine Creative Concepts Found in Magazine Advertisements.1392 Words   |  6 Pages1 MAIN ISSUE This research is a quantitative, cross-sectional, exploratory and descriptive content analysis of selected advertisements from two different magazines published in August 2012 using the nine different creative concepts as main emphasis. 2 RESEARCH CRITERIA The main research problem deals with the use of creative concepts in advertisements which is a mass media issue and therefore contributes to the existing knowledge in communication studies. The issue is also of interestRead MoreResearch Paper: Content Analysis of Nine Creative Concepts Found in Magazine Advertisements.1386 Words   |  6 Pages1 MAIN ISSUE This research is a quantitative, cross-sectional, exploratory and descriptive content analysis of selected advertisements from two different magazines published in August 2012 using the nine different creative concepts as main emphasis. 2 RESEARCH CRITERIA The main research problem deals with the use of creative concepts in advertisements which is a mass media issue and therefore contributes to the existing knowledge in communication studies. The issue is also of interest toRead MoreChanging Face of Indian Advertisements1456 Words   |  6 Pagesconsumer connects with promotional techniques used by advertising industry in India. The advertising industry in India is changing at a very fast pace. The promotional techniques that are now being used by the companies is focusing on a social cause and using common people as their brand representatives rather than using celebrity faces. Television, often called â€Å"king† of the advertising media has been constantly facing challenges from not only the digital print media, but also from the internet adsRead MoreDifferent Sources Of Information And Forming New Facts1203 Words   |  5 PagesResearch in the media industries is investigating different sources of information and forming new facts to suggest innovative outcomes. Quantitative Research and Qualitative Research are the two main methods of research. The different types of research methods carried out by the creative media industries are: Audience, Market and Production Research. Market research is the process of gaining the relevant information to identify the demands of any gaps in the market. Questionnaires are frequentlyRead MoreTraditional Ideas Of The Screen1348 Words   |  6 PagesTraditional ideas of ‘the screen’ have been challenged by recent developments in media technology in various different ways. The screen can be referred to in multiple ways such as a cinema screen and a computer screen. In ‘The World Viewed: Reflections on the Ontology of Film (1971), Stanley Cavell believes, â€Å"A screen is a barrier†¦It screens me from the world it holds - that is, makes me invisible. And it screens that world from me - that is, screens its existence from me.† After reading what CavellRead Moresales development and Merchandising Essay1212 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Task A Research report describing the elements of the product in a business and services context After selecting a hotel of your choice, carry out an individual research into the element of the product of this hotel, and produce a written report of your findings which should include: a) A discussion about the key components of the product and how the product mix contributes to sales and profit (ref. 1.1, 1.2) b) An assessment on how market segmentation contribute to maximise sales (ref. 1.3) Read MoreMCKI Assignment1508 Words   |  7 Pagesfront sheet Qualification Unit number and title Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Creative Media Production Unit 16: MANAGING COMMUNICATIONS KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION Student name Assessor name FESTUS EDOBOR Date issued Completion date Submitted on 05/11/2014 Assignment title Assignment: MANAGING COMMUNICATIONS KNOWLEDGE INFORMATION I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged. Student signature: Date: GRADE DESCRIPTORSRead MoreSop Essay Examples824 Words   |  4 PagesTwenty years commercial experience within the creative industries has taught me that the process of creative interaction is often collaborative and has allowed me to develop tactful communication skills, building relationships between colleagues, clients and suppliers. Consequently, my training in photography and graphic design combined with media and communications consultancy experience continues to influence my independent photographic and educational practice. My professional interest in editorialRead MoreInternet Marketing1291 Words   |  6 PagesAssignment Brief LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of this unit a learner will: 1 Understand marketing through the internet 2 Be able to use the internet for promotion using digital marketing communications 3 Be able to produce market research to support customer relationship management 4 Be able to design an internet marketing plan. |Learning outcomes: |Assessment criteria for pass: The learner can: |Evaluation checklist | |On successful

Things You Wont Like About History Essay Topics and Things You Will

Things You Won't Like About History Essay Topics and Things You Will You receive a preview of your essay and ask to produce corrections if necessary. If you don't learn how to begin your essay or in which to search for supporting info, we'll be thrilled to help you you. If you would like to compose the essay yourself, we believe it would be best to decide on a universal subject or issue. Although writing a history essay can look like a daunting prospect especially if it's the case that you don't feel you're a very good writer, it isn't as bad since most folks would want to imagine. You spend a whole lot of education on writing argumentative essays. In situations when you get to pick the topic for an argumentative essay, you need to be wise and locate a title that will intrigue a reader. You can quite readily become a very good writer when you have the right subjects to work with. If you opt to be an independent essay writer, you can expect the exact same. If you're assigned an essay on something from earlier times and you're permitted to pick your own title, below are some history topics you may want to think of before you commence writing. Thus, our writers are almost always prepared to cooperate together with you throughout the essay writing face. For example, if you ask us to compose a paper on one of many American history essay topics, you can be sure your writing will be consistent with the language style you request. Thus, writing a history paper will surely be fun, if you only opt for a really intriguing history essay topic. Choosing History Essay Topics Select something you're interested in. Write a list of ideas you've got or a list of things you're interested in. The absolute most important thing to keep in mind is you have to select the topic most interesting to you! Keep in mind the big choices you might have remodeled the earlier twelve a very long moment. History Essay Topics - Dead or Alive? Almost everything c an be an issue of History when focused in some specific ways. Advertisement If you would like to experience history, consider staying in historic Kitchener hotels. The conclusion of slavery isn't marked with one specific date, but using a very long procedure and chain of events. History is a subject that's always tightly linked to the idea of time and space. You thought that war may be coming. Among the difficulties with history generally is that folks consider it dull and boring. Maybe you simply do not know the subject well enough, and that's the reason you can't locate the idea for your history essay. Narrowing down a specific era Once you've got a notion of the nation you want to write about, you will then have to select a specific era in that nation's history. There's plenty if useful information regarding the Web. A variety of reasons lead youth from throughout the world to our site. Do not increase your probability of being discontinued from your studies as a result of trusting people who cannot even assist with choosing history essay topics for high school students. Use the aid of true academic experts and receive the service you have earned! The Foolproof History Essay Topics Strategy The Federal Reserve played a huge part in the Great Depression. Social unrest is now a fearful vision. World History Research Papers involve an amazing amount of information. The Importance of History Essay Topics All our writers pass a considerable procedure to look at their abilities. There are lots of selections of topics based on the subject you would decide to compose a paper. In the event you can't find your subject here, don't hesitate to have a talk with our staff and put an order for a customized history essay on your specific subject. The subject for discussion ought to be manageable, i.e. you ought to be in a position to explore the subject in the most detailed way based on the quantity of pages you need to write. What History Essay Topics Is - and What it Is Not Perhaps you still must understand more about the way to compose a history paper. It is an impossible task to write a great history paper if you write about something you find boring and don't care about whatsoever. A superb history paper is inside your reach, hire one of our writers to receive it! Writing a research paper about such a considerable moment in the American history can be quite advantageous there's already plenty of research on the matter.

Strategic Human Resource Management Essay Sample free essay sample

1. BACKGROUND/SCENARIO 1. 1 INTRODUCTION ON STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Human Resource Management refers to the policies. patterns and systems that influence employees’ behaviour. attitudes and public presentation ( Noe. Hollenbeck. Gerhart A ; Wright. 2012 ) . Peoples are considered as the most valuable resources of a house or organisation. In order for a house to win and last in the market. the house needs the right forces. at right topographic point and clip. The new coevalss of workers are seen as the 1s with lesser trueness to their companies and have more outlooks for liberty. self-development and greater engagement in company determination devising. The importance of human capital had been accelerated by the increasing accent on knowledge-based fight in the current disruptive environment. Careful direction of the workers who has been considered as valuable resource calls for a strategic focal point on human resource direction ( HRM ) in the house. In today’s competitory market. we hear and see that many organisations are prosecuting into strategic planning to last and thrive. Besides that in human resource and direction circles. we can hear a batch about Strategic Human Resource Management. But what precisely is Strategic Human Resource Management ( SHRM ) . what are its cardinal characteristics and what is the difference between Strategic Human Resource Management and traditional human resource direction? Strategic Human Resource Management can be thought of as â€Å"the form of planned human resource deployments and activities intended to enable an organisation to accomplish its goals† ( Noe. Hollenbeck. Gerhart A ; Wright. 2012 ) . In other words. SHRM can besides be said as the linking of human resources with strategic ends and aims which improves concern public presentation and develop organisational civilization that surrogate invention. flexibleness and competitory advantage. Through SHRM. an organisation accepts and involves the human resource maps in the preparation and execution of the organization’s schemes through human resource activities such as recruiting. choosing. preparation and rewarding. 1. 2 INTRODUCTION ON THE RESEARCH 1. 2. 1 PURPOSE OF RESEARCH This research was done to look into the relationship between strategic human resource direction patterns and organisational public presentation. which so looks at the deductions of the findings for both directors and practicians. The research was done in Singapore and it links to HRM patterns and organisational public presentation in Singapore. 1. 2. 2 OBJECTIVE OF THE RESEARCH The premier aim of this survey was to find the relationship between strategic HRM and steadfast public presentation. Besides that. the survey was besides used to see how each strategic HRM variables and package of the strategic HRM variables together affect firm’s public presentation. 1. 2. 3 HYPOTHESES The following specific hypotheses were tested:1. Extensive preparation is positively related to steadfast public presentation ( fiscal and HR ) 2. Selective staffing is positively related to steadfast public presentation. 3. Authorization is positively related to steadfast public presentation. 4. Performance assessment is positively related to steadfast public presentation. 5. Broad occupation design is positively related to steadfast public presentation. 6. Performance-based wage is positively related to steadfast public presentation. 7. A package of strategic HRM variables are positively related to steadfast public presentation. 2. EMPIRICAL PAST STUDIES ON SHRM The outgrowth of surveies related to strategic HRM was seen since two decennaries ago. In the 1990’s. the researches were attracted to the construct of bundling of human resource patterns and had conducted legion surveies on it. Ferris. Russ. Albanese and Martocchio had conducted a survey on 2. 236 houses from the United States building industry to analyze on how effectual direction of human resources can lend to positive organisational public presentation. In their survey. they have identified the functions played by three of import organisational maps and activities on house public presentation. First is the position and importance of HRM map. where they found that houses with HRM sections are by and large high performing artists. The 2nd 1 is the function of brotherhoods whereby houses that had higher per centum of their work force unionized performs better than those with lower per centum. Finally is the strategic planning where houses performed better when they were engaged in formalistic strategic planning. Cutuher-Gershenfeld had classified labor-management dealingss into traditional. adversarial and transformational dealingss where he concluded that transformational labour dealingss are associated with higher degree of organisational public presentation. This was based on his analysis across workgroups in the primary fabrication installation for Xerox Corporation. Arthur conducted a questionnaire on human resource directors from the United States steel mini-mills and found out that Millss with â€Å"commitment† systems had higher productiveness. lower bit rates and lower employee turnover. It was found by Macduffie that advanced HR patterns affect public presentation non separately but as a group. This means that a group of HR patterns is needed to see a higher public presentation in a house. Huselid discovered that high public presentation work patterns were associated with lower employee turnover. greater productiveness and higher corporate fiscal public presentation. This determination can be related to what Arthur had discovered earlier with the â€Å"commitment† system. Subsequently. Delaney and Huselid found positive association between HRM patterns such as preparation and staffing selectivity. and perceptual house public presentation steps. Then Huselid. Jackson and Schuler found out that big houses in United States are more adept in their proficient HRM capablenesss than in their strategic HRM capablenesss. Generally. all this surveies had revealed a positive relationship between HRM patterns and steadfast public presentation. 3. Measurements 3. 1 STRATEGIC HRM VARIABLES In this research. six different variables were used to mensurate a firm’s strategic HRM system. These six variables were assessed utilizing different standards.The first variable is extended preparation which were assessed utilizing six-item Likert-type graduated table. The six-item graduated table was used alternatively of five-item graduated table in order to acquire a more accurate consequence. Some of the points under preparation were sum of money spent on preparation. chances for preparation and consistently structured preparation procedures. The 2nd variable is selective staffing which was assessed utilizing five points adapted from Snell and Dean. These points captured facets of staffing patterns such as high choice standards and sum of money spend on choice. Following were the authorization. public presentation assessment. wide occupation design and eventually performance-based wage. The graduated table measurings for these variables were adapted from Bae and Lawler. Empowerment was measured utilizing 11 points. One of the points was allowing adequate discretion in making work. Performance assessment was measured utilizing five points. wide occupation design was measured utilizing four points and performance-based wage was measured utilizing five points. 3. 2 Organizational PERFORMANCE VARIABLES The questionnaire was prepared based on eight points from Khandwalla. The eight points were segregated into two graduated tables which was the fiscal public presentation and HR public presentation. Long tally degree of profitableness. growing rate of gross revenues or grosss and fiscal strength were classified under fiscal public presentation. whereby employee occupation satisfaction. employee committedness or trueness. public image and good will. merchandise ( or service ) quality and employee productiveness were classified under HR public presentation. The five control variables that were used was steadfast size which was measured as the amount of full clip and portion clip workers. brotherhood position. industry. ownership type and state of beginning for foreign houses. 3. 3 THE Sample The survey was done utilizing a mail study attack. The mark group for this study was individual in charge of human resource section and a entire 0f 2160 companies were targeted as the initial respondents. Each house that was included in the study had at least 50 full clip employees. These companies are either private limited or public limited with at least two full old ages of operation. The questionnaire was pretested by first administering it to five human resource executives from Singapore-based companies. The issues assessed during the pilot trial were face cogency. instructions and statement lucidity. questionnaire layout and length. Based on the respondents’ remarks. some betterments were made to the questionnaire. 4. Result 4. 1 METHOD OF ANALYSIS A factor analysis was conducted before the information was analyzed. Basically. the factor analysis is done to prove the cogency and dependability of the variables. In this instance. the intent was to cut down the figure of statements stand foring the six HRM variables into a more manageable set. Through the factor analysis. the category â€Å"broad-job design† was discarded and replaced with team-based work. The earlier one was removed because all the variables that supposed to mensurate the factor did non lade together. Then the information was analyzed utilizing two theoretical accounts of hierarchal arrested development. In the first theoretical account. the control variables were used as independent variables against steadfast public presentation. In the 2nd theoretical account. assorted strategic HRM factors identified in the explorative factor analysis phase were added to the theoretical account. 4. 2 SURVEY RESPONDENTS The study respondents were from a sum of 191 companies. The companies were from six different industries dwelling of fabrication. building. commercialism. conveyance and communicating. fiscal and concern services and other services. Majority of the respondents were from the fabrication industry followed by other services and so commercialism. The companies are either local houses. Japan. United States. Europe or other Asia based states. Among these assorted ownerships. bulk of the respondents were from local houses. followed by Japan and United States based companies. 4. 3 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Fiscal public presentation here refers to the grades to which the fiscal aims being or has been accomplished. The preparation. selective staffing. authorization and public presentation assessment have a positive impact on the fiscal public presentation. These variables affect the fiscal public presentation separately and besides as a package. Performance assessment has the highest positive impact on fiscal public presentation followed by authorization. choice and preparation. The team-based work and performance-based wage is non positively related to fiscal public presentation of a house. Performance assessment is a formal system of reappraisal and rating of single or teams’ undertaking public presentation. Performance assessment will actuate employees to keep or better their public presentation. They will be given to work more expeditiously. Since employees are considered as valuable resource in a house. their betterment will automatically convey more net income to the house. This is one illustration on how public presentation assessment can give positive impact on fiscal public presentation. Authorization on the other manus gives opportunities to employees to utilize personal enterprise and to take part in broad scope of issues. including issues affecting fiscal affairs in the house. Therefore. this can take to a better fiscal public presentation. 4. 4 HR PERFORMANCE All the six variables have a positive impact on the firm’s HR public presentation. Authorization has the highest positive impact followed by preparation and choice. Empowerment gives the employees a motive to prosecute in job resolution and determination devising. With this they have self efficaciousness to execute the occupation. They would be able to place a job quicker and work out it in a better manner. Besides that. authorization besides leads to multitasking. The employees would be able to make broad scope of occupation and non excessively focused on one occupation. This will finally take to occupations being done faster and efficaciously. Training on the other manus. will assist to heighten and better the competence and accomplishment of an employee. This competence and accomplishment will so take to better organisation public presentation. 5. CONCLUSIONS This research indicates that the strategic HRM variables have positive consequence on organisational result particularly firm’s HR Performance. The variables that were tested in this research straight influences employees’ productiveness. occupation satisfaction and committedness. This standard so leads to a better organisational public presentation. We can besides see from this research that certain variables affect the facet of the public presentation more than the other. This shows that each variable has its ain influence towards a firm’s public presentation. For illustration. HR public presentation was affected more by authorization instead than public presentation assessment. This is different in the instance of fiscal public presentation where public presentation assessment had the highest positive impact on fiscal public presentation. From this. we can state that effectual execution of strategic HRM variables will ensue in better organisation public presen tation. First. a house should make a thorough survey on their firm’s mission and aims. Then they should make up ones mind on which of these strategic HRM variables should be focused and implemented to accomplish the firm’s ends. In this research. a figure of restrictions were identified. One of it is that this research consists of a comparatively little sample size. There were merely 191 companies who participated in this survey. out of 2160 companies which were targeted. Besides that. this research has narrowed down its mark group of companies by merely looking into six types of industries. There is besides an imbalanced dislocation of companies where foreign based company was dominated by Japan companies. The 2nd restriction of this research is that there were no any probes on how a firm’s organisational values affect the HRM scheme. Each house differs in the sense of organisational value that they pattern. Therefore. these values might impact the organisational public presentation of a house. Another drawback of this research is that it merely focused on human resource executives to pretest the questionnaires. This could hold lead to common-source prejudice 6. RECCOMENDATIONS It is recommended to utilize more representative samples in the hereafter surveies. This means that the survey should look into a broader scope of industries and ownership instead than concentrating merely on certain industry types and ownership. With that. a more balanced dislocation of companies will be. This will give a more accurate consequence. Besides that. the pilot trial should non merely consist of those from human resource but besides from other occupations like directors and fiscal executives. to minimise the common beginning prejudice. Besides that. any future survey should besides utilize multiple channels of informations aggregation. In this research. merely one channel was used which was a mail study attack. There are many other channels that can be used such as giving the questionnaire face to face or holding an interview. Then we can compare the informations collected by each channel. This will give more informations to be analyzed. In future survey. the possibility of HRM system as go-between variable between HRM values and organisational public presentation should be investigated. This means that the nucleus values practiced by a house should besides be taken into consideration and should be linked to the variables of strategic HRM. This would demo how the value affects the organisational public presentation. Mentions 1. Arthur. J. B. ( 1994 ) . Effectss of human resource systems on fabrication public presentation and turnover. Academy of Management Journal. 37. 670-687. 2. Bae. J. . A ; Lawler. J. J. ( 2000 ) . Organizational and HRM schemes in Korea: Impact on house public presentation in an emerging economic system. Academy of Management Journal. 43. 502-517. 3. Business Times. Singapore. July 23. 1999. 4. Cutcher-Gershenfeld. J. ( 1991 ) . The impact on economic public presentation of a transmutation in workplace dealingss. Industrial and Labor Relations Review. 44. 241-260. 5. Delaney. J. T. . A ; Huselid. M. A. ( 1996 ) . The impact of human resource direction patterns on perceptual experiences of organisational public presentation. Academy of Management Journal. 39. 949-968. 6. Ferris. G. R. . Russ. G. S. . Albanese. R. . A ; Martocchio. J. J. ( 1990 ) . Personnel/human resources direction. unionisation. and scheme determiners of organisational public presentation. Human Resource Planning. 13. 215-227. 7. Huselid. M. A. ( 1995 ) . The impact of human resource direction patterns on turnover. productiveness. and corporate fiscal public presentation. Academy of Management Journal. 38. 635-670. 8. Huselid. M. A. . Jackson. S. E. . A ; Schuler. R. S. ( 1997 ) . Technical and strategic human resource direction effectivity as determiners of house public presentation. Academy of Mana gement Journal. 40. 171-188 9. Khandwalla. P. ( 1977 ) . The design of organisations. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. 10. Macduffie. J. P. ( 1995 ) . Human resource packages and fabricating public presentation: Organizational logic and flexible production systems in the universe car industry. Industrial A ; Labor Relations Review. 48. 197-221. 11. Noe. R. A. . Hollenbeck. J. R. . Gerhart. B. . A ; Wright. P. M. ( 2012 ) . Human Resource Management: Deriving a Competitive Advantage. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies. Inc. 12. Snell. S. A. . A ; Dean. J. W. . Jr. ( 1992 ) . Integrated fabrication and human resource direction: A human capital position. Academy of Management Journal. 35. 467-504. 13. Tichy. N. M. . Fombrun. C. J. . A ; Devanna. M. A. ( 1982 ) . Strategic human resource direction. Sloan Management Review. 23. 47-61.

Kiss Of The Spider Woman Essays - High School Musical, Fences

Kiss Of The Spider Woman In the play Fences, which was written by August Wilson, Bono, Gabe, and Alberta are all very important people in Troy's life. Bono is Troy's best friend, and through him the reader learns that Troy is a very strong character. Through Gabe, people can see some of the guilt Troy has inside. Alberta helped Troy escape from his problems, and have a few laughs every once in awhile. Each one of these characters tells the reader something different about Troy. Throughout the years, Bono has always been there for Troy. They have been friends for about eighteen years. Bono never hesitated to tell Troy anything, especially his opinion on Alberta. ?I know what Rose means to you, Troy I'm just trying to say I don't want to see you mess up.? (p.63) Bono's words show the reader how much he cares about Troy. Bono was always straightforward with Troy. He even said, ?That's right. I know you. I know you got some Uncle Ramus in your blood. You got more stories than the devil got sinners.? (p.13) Much of Troy is shown in Bono because he has been with him through the good times and the bad. Another character who has helped reveal complexities about Troy is Gabe, Troy's brother. Gabe has a metal plate in his head; caused by his time in War World II. The government in return gave Gabe monthly checks. The only way Troy was able to pay for his house was through the governments' money. ?That's the only way I got a roof over my head?Cause of that metal plate.? (p.28) When Gabe moved in with Miss Pearl, Troy started to feel guilty. He was feeling culpability because not only was Gabe's money paying for Troy's house, but now he was paying money to Miss Pearl that could have been Troy's. When Gabe said, ?Got me two rooms. In the basement. Got my own door key too.? (p.25) Troy felt very guilty. He could have used that money for his own family. Also, almost weekly Troy had to pay $50 to get Gabe out of jail. Neighbors complained that he was disturbing the peace. Gabe added to Troy's character tremendously. Alberta is another character that helps reveal some of the complexities of Troy. Alberta is the woman with whom Troy had an affair. She helped Troy escape from his everyday life problems. When asked about Alberta, Troy had replied, ?She gives me a different understanding about myself. I can step out of this house and get away from the pressures and problems?be a different man.? (p.69) When he is with Alberta he feels that he does not have anything to worry about. This is shown when Troy says, ?I ain't got to wonder how I'm gonna pay the bills or get the roof fixed. I can just be a part of myself I ain't never been.? (p.69) Alberta also helped Troy realize the value of responsibility. When Alberta passed away, Troy was the only one who originally had to take care of Raynell, until Rose said she would. Alberta was very important in this play. Throughout this play, many of Troy's complexities are shown through other characters. Through Gabe, Bono, and Alberta, Troy shows all of his complexities as a man.

Breaking Muphrys Law

Breaking Muphrys Law Breaking Muphry’s Law Breaking Muphry’s Law By Mark Nichol A recent newspaper blog post about a typographical error on Mitt Romney’s iPhone â€Å"With Mitt† app it refers to â€Å"A Better Amercia† inevitably succumbed to Muphry’s law, which states that any criticism of a writing or editing error will itself contain such an error. After commenting on the mistake, the blogger referred to the microblogging site Tumblr, writing, â€Å"And there’s already a Tumblr [page] for this with people goofing on the slip-up†¦.or what that be a Tumbeler?† That final phrase (which also reveals that the blogger obviously didn’t read my post about ellipses), should read, â€Å"or would that be a Tumbeler?† (If you want to ruin a joke that features a deliberate typographical error, there’s nothing better than immediately preceding it with an accidental typo.) The adage the blogger’s boo-boo upholds is also known, with variations, as McKean’s law, after lexicographer Erin McKean; Skitt’s law, named for an alt.usage.english contributor; and Hartman’s Law of Prescriptivist Retaliation, the grandiloquent nomenclature of technical writer and fiction writer and editor Jed Hartman. A blogger with the handle Zeno called it the Iron Law of Nitpicking, a better label, perhaps, as it does not credit a particular person, but Muphry’s law (which only indirectly refers to a specific source) is of course the most appropriate moniker. An Australian editor named John Bangsund explicated the law as follows in 1992: (a) If you write anything criticizing editing or proofreading, there will be a fault of some kind in what you have written; (b) If an author thanks you in a book for your editing or proofreading, there will be mistakes in the book; (c) The stronger the sentiment expressed in (a) and (b), the greater the fault; (d) Any book devoted to editing or style will be internally inconsistent. The oldest known statement along these lines, however, is one from early twentieth-century writer Ambrose Bierce (best known for his caustically misanthropic Devil’s Dictionary), who in 1909 wrote in a writing handbook, â€Å"Writers all, both great and small, are habitual sinners against the light; and their accuser is cheerfully aware that his own work will supply (as in making this book it has supplied) many ‘awful examples.’† The moral of the story one I disregard by writing this post, which according to Muphry’s law should be rewarded by divine retribution in the form of commenters pointing out some error I’ve introduced is, â€Å"Writers in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Redundant Phrases to Avoid11 Writing Exercises to Inspire You and Strengthen Your WritingHow to Style Titles of Print and Online Publications

The History of How Dogs Were Domesticated

The History of How Dogs Were Domesticated The history of dog domestication is that of an ancient partnership between dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and humans. That partnership was likely originally based on a human need for help with herding and hunting, for an early alarm system, and for a source of food in addition to the companionship many of us today know and love. In return, dogs received companionship, protection, shelter, and a reliable food source. But when this partnership first occurred is still under some debate. Dog history has been studied recently using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which suggests that wolves and dogs split into different species around 100,000 years ago. Although mtDNA analysis has shed some light on the domestication event(s) which may have occurred between 40,000 and 20,000 years ago, researchers are not agreed on the results. Some analyses suggest that the original domestication location of dog domestication was in East Asia; others that the middle east was the original location of domestication; and still others that later domestication took place in Europe. What the genetic data has shown to date is that the history of dogs is as intricate as that of the people they lived alongside, lending support to the long depth of the partnership, but complicating origin theories. Two Domestications In 2016, a research team led by bioarchaeologist Greger Larson (Frantz et al. cited below) published mtDNA evidence for two places of origin for domestic dogs: one in Eastern Eurasia and one in Western Eurasia. According to that analysis, ancient Asian dogs originated from a domestication event from Asian wolves at least 12,500 years ago; while European Paleolithic dogs originated from an independent domestication event from European wolves at least 15,000 years ago. Then, says the report, at sometime before the Neolithic period (at least 6,400 years ago), Asian dogs were transported by humans to Europe where they displaced European Paleolithic dogs. That would explain why earlier DNA studies reported that all modern dogs were descended from one domestication event, and also the existence of evidence of two domestication event from two different far-flung locations. There were two populations of dogs in the Paleolithic, goes the hypothesis, but one of them- the European Paleolithic dog- is now extinct. A lot of questions remain: there are no ancient American dogs included in most of the data, and Frantz et al. suggest that the two progenitor species were descended from the same initial wolf population and both are now extinct. However, other scholars (Botiguà © and colleagues, cited below) have investigated and found evidence to support migration event(s) across the central Asia steppe region, but not for a complete replacement. They were unable to rule out Europe as the original domestication location. The Data: Early Domesticated Dogs The earliest confirmed domestic dog anywhere so far is from a burial site in Germany called Bonn-Oberkassel, which has joint human and dog interments dated to 14,000 years ago. The earliest confirmed domesticated dog in China was found in the early Neolithic (7000–5800 BCE) Jiahu site in Henan Province. Evidence for co-existence of dogs and humans, but not necessarily domestication, comes from Upper Paleolithic sites in Europe. These hold evidence for dog interaction with humans and include  Goyet Cave  in Belgium,  Chauvet  cave in France, and  Predmosti in the Czech Republic. European Mesolithic sites like Skateholm (5250–3700 BC) in Sweden have dog burials, proving the value of the furry beasts to hunter-gatherer settlements. Danger Cave in Utah is currently the earliest case of dog burial in the Americas, at about 11,000 years ago, likely a descendant of Asian dogs. Continued interbreeding with wolves, a characteristic found throughout the life history of dogs everywhere, has apparently resulted in the hybrid black wolf found in the Americas. Black fur coloration is a dog characteristic, not originally found in wolves. Dogs as Persons Some studies of dog burials dated to the Late Mesolithic-Early Neolithic Kitoi period in the Cis-Baikal region of Siberia suggests that in some cases, dogs were awarded person-hood and treated equally to fellow humans. A dog burial at the Shamanaka site was a male, middle-aged dog which had suffered injuries to its spine, injuries from which it recovered. The burial, radiocarbon dated to ~6,200 years ago (cal BP), was interred in a formal cemetery, and in a similar manner to the humans within that cemetery. The dog may well have lived as a family member. A wolf burial at the Lokomotiv-Raisovet cemetery (~7,300 cal BP) was also an older adult male. The wolfs diet (from stable isotope analysis) was made up of deer, not grain, and although its teeth were worn, there is no direct evidence that this wolf was part of the community. Nevertheless, it too was buried in a formal cemetery. These burials are exceptions, but not that rare: there are others, but there is also is evidence that fisher-hunters in Baikal consumed dogs and wolves, as their burned and fragmented bones appear in refuse pits. Archaeologist Robert Losey and associates, who conducted this study, suggest that these are indications that Kitoi hunter-gatherers considered that at least these individual dogs were persons. Modern Breeds and Ancient Origins Evidence for the appearance of breed variation is found in several European Upper Paleolithic sites. Medium-sized dogs (with wither heights between 45–60 cm) have been identified in Natufian sites in the Near East dated to ~15,500-11,000 cal BP). Medium to large dogs (wither heights above 60 cm) have been identified in Germany (Kniegrotte), Russia (Eliseevichi I), and Ukraine (Mezin), ~17,000-13,000 cal BP). Small dogs (wither heights under 45 cm) have been identified in Germany (Oberkassel, Teufelsbrucke, and Oelknitz), Switzerland (Hauterive-Champreveyres), France (Saint-Thibaud-de-Couz, Pont dAmbon) and Spain (Erralia) between ~15,000-12,300 cal BP. See the investigations by archaeologist Maud Pionnier-Capitan and associates for more information. A recent study of pieces of DNA called SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphism) which have been identified as markers for modern dog breeds and published in 2012 (Larson et al) comes to some surprising conclusions: that despite the clear evidence for marked size differentiation in very early dogs (e.g., small, medium and large dogs found at Svaerdborg), this has nothing to do with current dog breeds. The oldest modern dog breeds are no more than 500 years old, and most date only from ~150 years ago. Theories of Modern Breed Origination Scholars now agree that most of the dog breeds we see today are recent developments. However, the astounding variation in dogs is a relic of their ancient and varied domestication processes. Breeds vary in size from the one pound (.5 kilogram) teacup poodles to giant mastiffs weighing over 200 lbs (90 kg). In addition, breeds have different limb, body, and skull proportions, and they also vary in abilities, with some breeds developed with special skills such as herding, retrieving, scent detection, and guiding. That may be because domestication occurred while humans were all hunter-gatherers at the time, leading extensively migrant lifeways. Dogs spread with them, and thus so for a while dog and human populations developed in geographic isolation for a time. Eventually, however, human population growth and trade networks meant people reconnected, and that, say scholars, led to the genetic admixture in the dog population. When dog breeds began to be actively developed about 500 years ago, they were created out of a fairly homogenous gene pool, from dogs with mixed genetic heritages which had been developed in widely disparate locations. Since the creation of kennel clubs, breeding has been selective: but even that was disrupted by World Wars I and II, when breeding populations all over the world were decimated or went extinct. Dog breeders have since reestablished such breeds using a handful of individuals or combining similar breeds. Sources Botiguà © LR, Song S, Scheu A, Gopalan S, Pendleton AL, Oetjens M, Taravella AM, Seregà ©ly T, Zeeb-Lanz A, Arbogast R-M et al. 2017. Ancient European dog genomes reveal continuity since the Early Neolithic. Nature Communications 8:16082.Frantz LAF, Mullin VE, Pionnier-Capitan M, Lebrasseur O, Ollivier M, Perri A, Linderholm A, Mattiangeli V, Teasdale MD, Dimopoulos EA et al. 2016. Genomic and archaeological evidence suggests a dual origin of domestic dogs. Science 352(6293):1228–1231.Freedman AH, Lohmueller KE, and Wayne RK. 2016. Evolutionary History, Selective Sweeps, and Deleterious Variation in the Dog. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics 47(1):73–96.Geiger M, Evin A, Snchez-Villagra MR, Gascho D, Mainini C, and Zollikofer CPE. 2017. Neomorphosis and heterochrony of skull shape in dog domestication. Scientific Reports 7(1):13443.Perri A. 2016. A wolf in dogs clothing: Initial dog domestication and Pleistocene wolf variation. Journal of Archaeolog ical Science 68(Supplement C):1–4. Wang G-D, Zhai W, Yang H-C, Wang L, Zhong L, Liu Y-H, Fan R-X, Yin T-T, Zhu C-L, Poyarkov AD et al. 2015. Out of southern East Asia: the natural history of domestic dogs across the world. Cell Research 26:21.

Managing Product-Harm Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managing Product-Harm Crisis - Essay Example What are substandard or defective products? These are products that are harmful and dangerous to consumers, therefore organizations recall such products. Recalled products are the contributors of product-harm crisis. According to Vassilikopoulou et al. (2009), product-harm crisis occurs as a result of having defective products that are harmful to consumers in the market. Though organizations seek for better and improved products, departments in charge of inspections in an organization may still miss to identify the defects of such products because of negligence. While the expectation is that running an organization comes with several ups and downs, having a product-harm crisis tops the list because of its detrimental effects of an organization. Organizations need to maintain their products’ based on the required safety levels. Consumers lose faith in a company if they find the product it offers is harmful. A harmful product is not only dangerous to consumers but also hurtful to the ecosystem. For example, milk spiked with melamine is not only harmful to human beings, but to animals such as cats and dogs. Therefore, organizations need to examine the factors that contribute to product-harm crisis because it affects it directly affects a company’s success. Yannopoulu et al. (2011) claimed that product-harm crises are crises because they directly control the media and the consumers. For example, the media spreads the news to the consumers in way that may influence them negatively. In addition, after watching the advertisements or news, consumers pay more attention to the name of the organization selling defective products or the defective product.

Construction Project Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Construction Project Management - Essay Example literatures related to this research topic are: Google Search Engine, Emrald Library Database, Proquest Library Database, Glion Library Database, and EBSCO Library Database among others. The keywords and/or keyword phrases used in this search include: Culture and project management, Factors affecting project management, Organization culture and project management, politics and construction, construction projects jointly undertaken, and multinational construction projects. After the search engine displayed result, only relevant materials were selected since not all the materials from the search results were helpful. For example, only materials that integrated culture with project management were selected, and more emphasis was given to those materials relating culture with construction projects. It is important to note that Google search engine was used mainly to search for construction projects being undertaken or those that have been completed, and are being affected by culture or w ere affected by culture (including organization culture). The other search engines (in this case Library databases) were used to search for the connection between construction project management and culture. These were related to the identified construction projects in order to identify the how organization culture normally affect project management. Literature Review Justification of use of non-peer reviewed sources Before proceeding to the literature review it is important to mention that some sources used in this section are not peer reviewed. This due to the fact finding six projects jointly undertaken by two nations in peer reviewed articles is a great challenge. The non-peer reviewed sources used in this section of the paper are mainly web sources. Politics affects everything in all... This paper stresses that other than the typical constrains of managing construction projects such as time, cost and scope, there exist a number of factors that may inhibit successful completion of construction projects however how well a construction Manager may be. The problem may become worse while managing projects that are jointly undertaken by two nations. Some of these factors may include construction projects being undertaken by two nations are: politics between the involved nations, cultural differences, and national culture. A number of projects have been hampered by these factors while others have been completed. Completion of some of these projects has been after overcoming challenges while other projects have even failed to commence due to political interests and differences. This paper makes a conclusion that the success of these projects is a result of including and solving the various internal and external factors that may be associated with the projects in the designing and planning face. Therefore, in order that projects are completed successfully, it is important that the various aspects are integrated while planning for these projects. The author of the paper among the projects that have been hampered by politics are South-Sudan- Kenya oil pipeline project, the Mexico Fence Border project, and Channel Tunnel Project among others. Amongst the ones that have been completed with schedule, budget and scope are: Upgrading of Pacific Highway project and Oresund Bridge project among others.

International Political Economy Essay Example for Free

International Political Economy Essay International monetary fund (IMF) is an international organization composed currently with around 184 member countries representing almost all the nations in the world with an exception of a few. After the failure of Breton woods it came as a substitute of a regulatory monetary authority. The organization oversees the global financial system by implementing macroeconomics policy and financial policies aimed at stabilizing the economy’s the member nations. The organization was formed with an objective of stabilizing international monetary rates and enhancing economic development among the member states. Similarly International Monetary Fund offers leveraged loans to developing countries to stimulate their economic growth and development. At an extent IMF helps in promoting expansion, and balanced growth of international trade through co-operation with other bodies like World Trade Organization and World Bank. The organization also helps in developing a multilateral system for payment of current transactions. Despite the positive attributes from the organization it has come under severe attack from many experts and organization because of some of their inefficiency of their policies and their ineffectiveness to the targeted programs. Some of the policies used by the organization in trying to address the economic imbalances in developing nations have been ineffective as they have caused adverse effects to the member countries especially third world countries. In certain extent the organization has been used as a tool by the developed nations to propagate political interests of their â€Å"masters† through giving out conditional loans to poor nations and proposing for poor policy changes. The paper analyzes the roles of IMF and its policies and the effectiveness of those policies. Although other policies have used by the organization had positive results others technically contributed to economic underdevelopment in most poor nations. Roles of International Monetary Fund International monetary fund plays various significant roles in the global economy; International monetary fund was established to help member countries improve their economies by providing guidance and monitoring economic development in those nations. IMF is also engaged in ensuring there are sound financial policies formulated and implemented by the member states. Through extensive research and analysis the organization comes along with proposition which help in developing effective financial policies in tandem with country’s existing policies. Sound financial policies proposed by the organization are meant to strengthen the financial system of the global markets and member countries. â€Å"An effective financial system promotes economic growth and reduction of poverty by mobilizing savings and allocating them to productive uses† (World Bank, 2004, p. 72). International monetary fund provides three types of surveillance to member countries. That is bilateral surveillance, regional surveillance, and multilateral surveillance. Bilateral surveillance mostly involves discussions between international monetary fund, and the member country (Axel 2006, p 769-788). To begin the discussions in bilateral surveillance, IMF technocrats usually visit the member nation to collect information, and hold discussions with government officials in that country so as to gather enough information about the area. Apart from government officials, IMF experts also hold discussions with other members in the country such as labor unions and officials from the private sector and civil society. This is to gain more knowledge on the economic status of the country, and assess opportunities and potential threats. After the mission, the IMF staff holds meeting with the authorities to inform them on the findings obtained, risks and outlook. Bilateral surveillance helps identify risks to financial stability and international monetary fund in the member country. IMF uses bilateral surveillance to provide advice to member countries on the need to adjust certain policies. Bilateral surveillance helps IMF complement multilateral surveillance. Multilateral surveillance is important as it helps IMF strengthening its surveillance efforts. It helps IMF detect systemic risks and increase awareness of the risks in member countries. It also helps identify interdependencies in the international economy. Multilateral surveillance helps IMF identify developments in the global economy. It also helps the organization evaluate financial markets, and the outlook. Moreover, multilateral surveillance helps IMF identify changes to policy, and also effects caused by policies on member countries. IMF is working hard to enhance global discussions of economic connections among countries. This is to improve international trade among the countries (Axel 2006, p 769-788). IMF provides regional surveillance to member countries. Regional surveillance helps IMF monitor regional developments, and policies used by supra national authorities. Regional surveillance helps complement bilateral surveillance as it provides information from more than one country. Regional surveillance is important for members of currency unions. This is because policies in important areas of IMF are determined at regional level. In regional monitoring, discussions with country officials are carried out, and the report is represented separately. Formal procedures are used to conduct surveillance and evaluation over the monetary, and exchange rate policies of European nations. International monetary fund has strengthened its policies on monitoring measures so as to help eliminate concerns like vulnerability to balance of payment. These measures help in eliminating external sustainability and currency crisis in many countries and these are some of concerns that have affected many countries. IMF has developed several initiatives to help improve the effectiveness of bilateral trade. For example, the organization has established external vulnerability assessment. It has also developed initiatives to strengthen surveillance in the financial sector. The initiatives used to provide surveillance in the financial sector include a financial sector assessment program, and prevention of wastage of money. Other measures include prevention of terrorism financing, and assessment of offshore financial centre. IMF has also adopted other initiatives to help in improving its efforts. The organization has improved data provision to IMF, and also analyzing surveillance systems in member countries (Axel 2006, p 769-788). IMF helps in ensuring monetary policy in member countries are utilized effectively so as to prevent inflation (Axel 2006, p 769-788). International Monetary fund intervenes in trying to stabilize the exchange rate among member states. After the collapse of the Breton woods the main aim was to regulate the exchange rate of nations in order to avoid financial and economic imbalances IMF in this instance developed policies meant to help stabilize the exchange rate between countries. Mostly the organization favors a floating exchange rate and constant evaluates monitors and give recommendation on the appropriate exchange rate policies. At the same time IMF tries to develop monetary and exchange rate policy proposals in line with the individual countries policies. Exchange rate is critical in determination of a country’s monetary and trade policies. Monetary policy is used by monetary authorities to determine and regulate the circulation of money in the economy thus directly influencing the financial and economic measures to be taken. Determination of interest rates comes from the monetary policies decision taken. Adjustment of the interest rates either by lowering or increasing influence the pattern of the economic growth. Lower interest rates tend to stimulate economic growth and development. In this case monetary policy helps in enhancing economic growth, and stability in a country. IMF gives advices to countries on how to use monetary policy appropriately. Monetary policy is also used to prevent inflation in a country by raising interest rates. Monetary policy is important to member countries as it helps in improving economic status of the countries, and also enhancing development in the country. Countries with pegged exchange rates tend to unfairly compete with others in trade. Another role of International Monetary Fund is provision of loans to member countries. The organization provides loans to member countries experiencing balance of payment problems and economic difficulties. The loans provided by IMF are important to member countries as they help countries improve their international reserves, and pay for import (Axel 2006, p 769-788). The fund also helps countries stabilize currencies, and improve economic situations in the country so as to enhance economic growth in the country by adjusting policies to correct underlying problems. Funds provided by IMF help member countries improve national policies in the countries so as to eliminate problems. This is through restructuring of existing policies or creating new policies. IMF does not provide loans for specific projects in member countries. Member countries are encouraged to borrow from IMF if they have no enough funds to finance projects so as to meet their international payments. That is if the country cannot find enough financing to meet its net international payments and maintaining international buffer. IMF provides loans to member countries having financial problems so as to correct policies in the country, and carry out reforms. Countries are encouraged to use funds from IMF to adjust economic policies in the country so as to overcome economic crisis. This is important as it helps countries correct their financial balance, and improve conditions in the country. The funds enable countries to continue paying for imports, improve their international reserves and stabilize currencies. A member country has to follow the right lending process provided by IMF so as to get loans. IMF loans are provided under an agreement between the country, and IMF. The country provides enough reasons as to why it needs the money, and then economic program is established after the agreement. The program is established by country and IMF and presented to the right people. After the arrangement is approved then, IMF releases the funds in installments as the country continues to implement the program (Axel 2006, p 769-788). International monetary fund has established facilities that are customized to address specific situations of its member countries. Developing countries use different facilities from developed countries to access IMF loans. Low income countries use extended credit facility, and other facilities to borrow loans from IMF. These facilities allow countries to borrow on concession terms. Countries can access non- concessional loans via stand by arrangements, and other facilities that offer such loans. The organization provides emergency assistance to member countries to help them recover from natural disasters and conflicts (Axel 2006, p 769-788). Effectiveness of IMF Policies IMF uses various policies to help member countries improve their situations in the country, enhance economic growth, and financial stability. The policies include structural adjustment policies, financial crisis policies, and poverty reduction policies. Most people have criticized IMF policies for their ineffectiveness. This is because the policies implemented by International monetary organization have worsened economic conditions in member countries rather than improving the prevailing situations. The main role of IMF is to improve economic and financial stability in member countries using the policies named above. So far the IMF policies have not helped eliminate economic crisis in many countries and instead it has been contrary to expectations. The policies have affected developing countries more than developed countries as these countries depend on funds and advice from IMF to improve their economic status. (Robert and Jong-Wha 2002, p 1245-1269). Structural adjustment Policy is a shift of policies implemented by member nation’s mostly poor nations towards those guided and advised by IMF for purposes of qualifying to get financial and economic assistance. Structural adjustment policies have been criticized by scholars and experts as they have been seen as instruments of accelerating poverty and underdevelopment. Political shifts and governance reforms are always expected from the member nations expecting to benefit from the IMF. Most often the policies are in line with the system of governance of the developed nations (custodians of the IMF) which are deemed to be effective and efficient. Free trade and market liberalization is always encouraged by the IMF. Structural policies force countries to slash government spending and encourage privatization which also open up countries to exploitation by foreign investors. Structural adjustment policies have increased the level of poverty in many countries by causing many workers to loose jobs and reduction in income for workers due to free markets as most enterprises are sold to foreign investors who implement â€Å"effective† measures. The policies have given debt payment and economic development priority compared to education and health services. IMF has encouraged developing countries to lower living conditions of their citizens. This has affected provision of services in developing countries much. The policies have lead to shortage of the work force in developing countries as most companies, and health centers cannot afford to hire enough personnel (Ngaire 2002, p 83-100). IMF lending policies are condemned because of the conditionality associated with the policy. IMF forces member countries to adjust economic policies so as to overcome problems that led the countries to borrow funds from IMF. The international monetary lending policies are used to provide loans to member countries. The funds help member countries improve their economic status. International monetary lending policies do not serve member countries well. The policies are not flexible, and countries do not get enough money. The conditionality help IMF know if the country is able to repay the loan given. Developing countries do not get enough loans to finance projects in the country. Shortage of funds in developing countries hinders economic growth and increases poverty. The policy force developing countries cut their spending so as to have enough funds for development projects. The policies are not flexible enough to help developing countries get enough funds. In addition, the funds provided by international monetary fund are not enough to help countries eliminate problems. This prevents control of disasters and crisis in the country (Bird and Rowlands 2002, p 173-186). Conclusion The roles of IMF are very significant and critical in ensuring the stability and economic development of not only the member nations but the entire world in general. However Economic policies implemented by International monetary are not effective as they cause stifle economic growth. The economic policies are made to help developing countries improve economic growth, but they encourage economic stagnation. This is because developing countries cut spending in other sectors to get enough funds. Member countries have to cut spending on health sector, the education sector so as to get funds to adjust economic policies in the country. IMF encourages member countries to follow conditions established be fore accessing loans. The member countries are required to adjust policies in the country to overcome problems that have caused economic crisis in the country. This forces countries to concentrate on adjusting economic policies, but not development projects in those countries. This affects provision of crucial services in health care sectors and education. They also lead to lack of employment in developing countries. This leads to poor economic growth in developing countries (Axel 2004, p 445-464).

Essay --

Social constructionism was the theory described by Joel Best that explains how things in life become controversies or problems. The ways in which society thinks about situations and uses categories to analyze events in the world structures experiences and understandings of these events. Humans look at events beyond an objectivist approach, and instead subjectively, affected by the framework in which one lives. The social constructionist theory can be used to look at the relationship between science and the people that it serves, illustrated in Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman who died from cervical cancer in the 1950s. She sought treatment at Johns Hopkins hospital, where she visited many times and eventually passed away. During visits, her cells were taken without her consent, and given to scientist George Gey. Gey quickly realized that Henrietta’s cells were not like other cells that he had grown in his laboratory; they had the ability to grow exponentially in a cell culture, known as HeLa, and soon became seen as immortal cells. Not only that, the cells soon became one of the most prolific resources in medical research, having a major impact in the development of polio vaccines, cloning, gene mapping, and much more. HeLa became a medical controversy, not only because it helped the science world achieve so much, but also because of the ethical quandaries that it developed. Social construction can be used to help explain how HeLa cells became famous in general. According to the theory, primarily claims must be made about something. Then, the media will eventually circulate said claims, which will eventually garner a public reaction. This would lead to policies ... ...Henrietta’s life, informed consent was very informal and lax. But because of cases like HeLa and Mo, informed consent became recognized to be a problem that needed to have strict guidelines and therefore has become required. Looking at the social construct theory, the HeLa cells became viewed as controversial, which in the end made the public find other cases in its nature controversial as well, and needing guidelines to regulate scientific research. Evaluating the current policies, clearly some still believe that there needs to be more guidelines, and others believe that things such as tissue and other biological materials should considered to be under the ownership of the person whom it came from. What the social construct can say about the story of Henrietta, HeLa, and Mo shows just how influential the society is in constructing values, practices, and traditions.

15 Uses of the Tooth Paste that you Never Know

Beauty Uses Toothpaste contains many useful ingredients that can be soothing and healing to the skin. For this reason, you'll be able to use toothpaste to help you with the following issues: 1) Pimples. Reduce redness and the size of your pimples with a dab of toothpaste. Let it sit overnight, then rinse away in the morning for a noticeable difference. 2) Brittle fingernails. Since our nails are made of the same enamel as teeth, toothpaste can do a lot to help them.Simply give your nails a good scrub with some oothpaste for cleaner, shinier, stronger nails. You'll also get that dirt out from underneath them in no time! 3) Fly-away hair. A gel toothpaste is largely made with the same ingredients as basic hair gels, so you'll be able to substitute easily here. Just use a little dab and apply like a hair gel when needed. First Aid Uses Beyond beauty care, you'll also find helpful ways to use toothpaste in that first aid kit. Keep a small tube tucked inside your kit for these emergencies : 4) Bites, sores, and blisters.Apply toothpaste to areas of skin irritation to reduce tching, swelling, and irritation. Toothpaste will dry them up quickly and help them heal faster. 5) Burns. For minor burns with no open sores, a quick toothpaste application can give you instant relief. The cooling properties get to work right away, relieving that painful sting. In the long-term, toothpaste will keep the burn from becoming a painful, oozing blister. 6) Bruises. For large bruises that take forever to fade, use a little toothpaste and a wide-tooth comb.Apply the toothpaste and gently comb the bruise in one direction o break up the blood clotting beneath the skin. Toothpaste helps with circulation and fghts off the inflammation. Fashion Uses the average tube of toothpaste. Give these a try: 7) Jewelry cleaner. Before you pay for someone else to clean it, rub toothpaste onto your silver Jewelry and leave it overnight, the wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Give a light scrubbing to your diamonds to see them sparkle again, Just be sure to rinse thoroughly. Avoid using toothpaste on pearls. Show care.Scuffed or dirty shoes can look new again with a little toothpaste. Apply it irectly to the dull, dirty, or scuffed parts of the shoe, scrub with a brush, and wipe them clean. Ta-da! 9) Clothing stains. Tough stains will disappear with a little toothpaste and some brisk scrubbing. Squeeze it right on the stain and rub until it disappears, then wash as normal. If using whitening toothpaste, be advised that this can have a bleaching effect on some colors and fabrics. Household uses : Toothpaste can save you money around the house by helping with some very basic tasks: 10) Computer cleaner.Scrub away fingerprints from your keyboard with a white, aking soda-based toothpaste. Follow up with a damp cloth and your keys are good as new! 1 1) Iron cleaner. Take away the â€Å"crusties† from the bottom of your clothes iron with a quick toothpaste rinse. Just be sure to rem ove all the toothpaste before you start ironing again. 12) Baby bottles. To freshen up baby bottles and remove that sour-milk smell, put some toothpaste on your bottle scrubber and give them a quick wash. Always rinse them very well afterwards. 13) Piano keys.Like computer keys, piano keys get grubby with repeated use from the irt, oil, and grime on our fingertips. Use a damp cloth and some toothpaste to rub down the keys, then wipe them clean with a dry cloth. 14) Crayon stains. Undo your kids' damage to the walls with a damp cloth and some toothpaste. Rub it in gentle circles and watch the crayon fade away. 1 5) Odor removal. After cooking with â€Å"stinky† foods in the kitchen (fish, garlic, onions, etc. ), getting the smell out of the skin is a challenge. Wash your hands thoroughly with water and toothpaste for a quick and easy remedy.

Stillborn Babies

Still Born Babies What is stillbirth? The medical definition of a still birth is when a baby is born without any signs of life at or after 20 weeks or weighing more than 500g before labour. Death in the fetus may have occurred during pregnancy, which is intrauterine death, labour, or birth. Most still births are intrauterine. As rare as stillbirth is, it occurs once in every 160 pregnancies. What causes a stillbirth? There are a number of known causes of stillbirth. Sometimes more than one of these causes may contribute to the baby’s death essay writer reviews.Common causes include: * Birth defects: Such as Down syndrome. Others have other birth defects resulting from genetic, environmental or unknown causes. * Placental problems: Placental abruption. In this condition, the placenta peels away, partly to almost completely, from the uterine wall before delivery. It results in heavy bleeding that can threaten the life of mother and baby. Sometimes it can cause the fetus to die f rom lack of oxygen. * Poor fetal growth: Fetuses who are growing too slowly are at increased risk of stillbirth.About 40 percent of stillborn babies have poor growth. Increased risk by smoking or high blood pressure. * Infections: Infections involving the mother, fetus or placenta appear to cause about 10 to 25 percent of stillbirths. These include genital and urinary tract infections that may go undiagnosed until they cause serious complications * Chronic health conditions in the pregnant woman: About 10 percent of stillbirths are related to chronic health conditions in the mother, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney diseases, and blood clotting disorders. Umbilical cord accidents: These include a knot in the cord or abnormal placement of the cord into the placenta, causing there to be a shortage of oxygen to the fetus. Other causes of stillbirth include trauma (such as car accidents), postdate pregnancy (a pregnancy that lasts longer than 42 weeks), Rh disease (an incomp atibility between the blood of mother and baby), and lack of oxygen (asphyxia) during a difficult delivery. These causes are uncommon. What are some factors that increase a mother’s chance of a stillbirth? Women 35 years old or older: As age increases, there are more risks to pregnancy and all around health. * Malnutrition: Just like us, the fetus will only survive for so long with little to no nutrition. * Inadequate prenatal care: Women who are a high risk pregnancy have to be more careful with their daily activities. Even a regular pregnancy requires rest, low stress and being aware of your surroundings. * Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including things like cyanide, lead, and at least 60 cancer-causing compounds.When you smoke during pregnancy, that toxic brew gets into your bloodstream, the fetus’ only source of oxygen and nutrients. * Alcohol and drug abuse: Alcohol and drugs, poison the bloodstream to the fetus, it’s only sou rce of oxygen and nutrients. * African-American ethnicity: It is not known why African American women are about twice as likely as other American women to have a stillborn baby. How is fetal death diagnosed? An ultrasound can tell if the fetus has died by showing the fetus’ heartbeat. It sometimes can help explain why the fetus died.The doctor also can do some blood tests on the woman to help confirm why the fetus died. What happens after the diagnosis? After finding out that the fetus has died in the womb, the mother must go through with the birth of her stillborn. Whether the parents want to wait until labour comes naturally or if they’d like labour to be induced is their choice. Testing for the cause of the stillbirth requires permission from both parents. A specialized doctor will perform an autopsy on the baby to reveal the cause.This is mostly done to prevent a repeated stillbirth. What are the chances of a repeat stillborn? The likelihood of a recurrent stillbir th depends upon the cause of your initial stillbirth. While repeated stillbirths do happen, they are very uncommon. Even in the case of genetic defects, recurrent stillbirths are very unlikely. Bibliography 1. Babycenter. â€Å"When a baby is stillborn – BabyCenter Canada. † Pregnancy, baby and toddler health information at BabyCenter Canada – BabyCenter Canada. Babycenter, n. d. Web. . 2. March of Dimes. â€Å"Stillbirth  |  Baby  |  Loss and grief  |  March of Dimes. † Pregnancy, Baby, Prematurity, Birth Defects  |  March of Dimes. http://www. marchofdimes. com/baby/loss_stillbirth 3. â€Å"Stillbirth: Trying to Understand – American Pregnancy Association. † American Pregnancy Association – Promoting Pregnancy Wellness. National Stillbirth society, n. d. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. . 4. March of Dimes. â€Å"StillbirthA  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Loss and grief. Pregnancy, Baby, Prematurity, Birth DefectsA  |A  March of Dimes. March Of Dimes, n. d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. . 1. â€Å"Understanding stillbirth — diagnosis and treatment. † WebMD – Better information. Better health.. WebMD, 23 Apr. 2012. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. . 2. Epigee. org. â€Å"Pregnancy Help and Information: Stillbirth. † Epigee Pregnancy Resource. http://www. epigee. org/pregnancy/stillbirth. html (accessed April 11, 2013).

Brontotherium Megacerops Facts and Figures

Brontotherium Megacerops Facts and Figures Name: Brontotherium (Greek for thunder beast); pronounced bron-toe-THEE-ree-um; also known as Megacerops Habitat: Plains of North America Historical Epoch: Late Eocene-Early Oligocene (38-35 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 16 feet long and three tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; paired, blunt appendages on end of snout   About Brontotherium (Megacerops) Brontotherium is one of those prehistoric megafauna mammals that has been discovered over and over again by generations of paleontologists, as a result of which it has been known by no less than four different names (the others are the equally impressive Megacerops, Brontops and Titanops). Lately, paleontologists have largely settled on Megacerops (giant horned face), but Brontotherium (thunder beast) has proven more enduring with the general public - perhaps because it evokes a creature that has experienced its own share of naming issues, Brontosaurus. The North American Brontotherium (or whatever you choose to call it) was very similar to its close contemporary, Embolotherium, albeit slightly bigger and sporting a different head display, which was larger in males than in females. Befitting its similarity to the dinosaurs that preceded it by tens of millions of years (most notably the hadrosaurs, or duck-billed dinosaurs), Brontotherium had an unusually small brain for its size. Technically, it was a perissodactyl (odd-toed ungulate), which places it in the same general family as prehistoric horses and tapirs, and theres some speculation that it may have figured on the lunch menu of the huge carnivorous mammal Andrewsarchus. One other odd-toed ungulate to which Brontotherium bears a marked resemblance is the modern rhinoceros, to which the thunder beast was only distantly ancestral. Just like rhinos, though, Brontotherium males battled each other for the right to mate - one fossil specimen bears direct evidence of a healed rib injury, which could only have been inflicted by the twin nasal horns of another Brontotherium male. Sadly, along with its fellow brontotheres, Brontotherium went extinct around the middle of the Cenozoic Era, 35 million years ago - possibly because of climate change and the dwindling of its accustomed food sources.

Allowances Available to Members of US Congress

Allowances Available to Members of US Congress If they choose to accept them, all members of the United States Congress are given various allowances intended to cover personal expenses related carrying out their duties. The allowances are provided in addition to the members’ salaries, benefits and allowed outside income. The salary for most senators, representatives, delegates, and the resident commissioner from Puerto Rico is $174,000. The Speaker of the House receives a salary of $223,500. The president pro tempore of the Senate and the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate receive $193,400. The pay of members of Congress has long been a subject of debate, confusion, and misinformation. Members are paid a salary only during the terms for which they are elected. They do not, as has been widely claimed in social media, receive â€Å"their full salaries for life.† In addition, members do not get additional pay for service on committees, and they are not eligible for housing or per diem allowances for expenses incurred in Washington, DC. Lastly, neither the members of Congress nor their families are exempt from having to pay off their student loans. The salaries of members of Congress have not changed since 2009. Article I, Section 6, of the U.S. Constitution, authorizes compensation for members of Congress â€Å"ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.† Adjustments are governed by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 and the 27th Amendment to the Constitution. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS) report,  Congressional Salaries and Allowances, the allowances are provided to cover official office expenses, including staff, mail, travel between a Members district or state and Washington, D.C., and other goods and services. Outside Earned Income Representatives and senators are allowed to accept up to 15% of their base salary in permitted â€Å"outside earned income.† Since 2016, the limit on outside income has been $27,495. Since 1991, representatives and senators have been prohibited from accepting honoraria- payment for professional services that are usually rendered free of charge. In the House of Representatives The Members Representational Allowance (MRA) In the  House of Representatives, the Members Representational Allowance (MRA) is made available to help members defray expenses resulting from three specific components of their representational duties: the personal expenses component, the office expenses component, and the mailing expenses component. Use of the MRA allowance is subject to a number of restrictions. For example, members may not use MRA funds to pay or help pay any personal or campaign-related expenses. Members are also prohibited (unless authorized by the House Ethics Committee) from using campaign funds or committee funds to pay for expenses related to official congressional duties; maintaining an unofficial office account; accepting funds or assistance from a private source for an official activity; or using personal funds to pay for franked mail. In addition, each member is responsible for paying any expenses that are in excess of the authorized MRA level or that are not reimbursable under regulations of the Committee on House Administration. Each member receives the same amount of MRA funds for personal expenses. Allowances for office expenses vary from member to member based on the distance between the members home district and Washington, D.C., and the average rent for office space in the members home district. Allowances for mailing vary based on the number of residential mailing addresses in the members home district as reported by the  U.S. Census Bureau. The House sets the funding levels for the MRA annually as part of the  federal budget process. According to the CRS report, the House-passed fiscal year 2017 legislative branch appropriations bill set this funding at $562.6 million. In 2016, each member’s MRA increased by 1% from the 2015 level, and the  MRAs range from $1,207,510 to $1,383,709, with an average of $1,268,520. Most of each members annual MRA allowance is used to pay their office personnel. In 2016, for example, the office personnel allowance for each member was $944,671. Each member is allowed to use their MRA to employ up to  18 full-time, permanent employees. Some primary responsibilities of the congressional staffs in both the House and Senate include analysis and preparation of proposed legislation, legal research, government policy analysis, scheduling, constituent correspondence, and  speech writing. All members are required to provide a quarterly report detailing exactly how they spent their MRA allowances. All House MRA expenditures are reported in the quarterly  Statement of Disbursements of the House. In the Senate The Senators Official Personnel and Office Expense Account In the  U.S. Senate, the Senators Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA) is made up three separate allowances: the administrative and clerical assistance allowance, the legislative assistance allowance, and the official office expense allowance. All senators receive the same amount for the legislative assistance allowance. The size of the administrative and clerical assistance allowance and the office expense allowance vary based on the population of the state the senators represent, the distance between their Washington, D.C.  office  and their home states, and limits authorized by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. The combined total of the three SOPOEA allowances can be used at the discretion of each Senator to pay for any type of official expenses they incur,  including travel, office personnel or office supplies. However, expenses for mailing are currently limited to $50,000 per fiscal year. The size of the SOPOEA allowances is adjusted and authorized within the Contingent Expenses of the Senate account in the annual legislative branch  appropriations bills  enacted as part of the annual federal budget process. The allowance is provided for the fiscal year. The preliminary list of SOPOEA levels contained in the Senate report accompanying the fiscal year 2017 legislative branch appropriations bill shows a range of $3,043,454 to $4,815,203. The average allowance is $3,306,570. Senators are prohibited from using any portion of their SOPOEA allowance for any personal or political purposes, including campaigning. Payment of any amount spent in excess of a senators SOPOEA allowance must be paid by the senator. Unlike in the House, the size of senators administrative and clerical assistance staff is not specified. Instead, senators are free to structure their staffs as they choose, as long as they do not spend more than provided to them in the administrative and clerical assistance component of their SOPOEA allowance. By law, all SOPOEA expenditures of each senator are published in the  Semiannual Report of the Secretary of the Senate,

Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 31

Journal - Essay Example More often than not I feel depressed over my under achievement of tragic events that have taken lace in my life. This leads to some form of stress. I was a little bit surprised by the Perceived stress scale that was able to help me understand how a different situation affected my feelings and my perceived stress. My PSS score was 4. From the PSS scale, the scores that ranged room 0-13 indicate that I have low stress levels. I was also surprised by the frequency of the symptoms of stress that I experienced over the years. Top of my list was irritability, boredom. These are symptoms that I would experience quite frequently. Other symptoms that I experienced was anxiety, eating too much difficulty in sleeping, headache, restlessness and constipation. However this was not on a regular basis. The results I established from the Inventory of Collage Students’ Recent Life Experiences also took me by surprise as I was able to determine my exposure to different source of stress . I able to determine the intensity of those stressors and to get an overall score of 82. I was also able to determine which type of hassle played a greater part of my life. Hassle like Too many things to do at once, Struggling to meet your own academic standards, Not enough time to meet your obligations and financial burdens greatly impacted my life. These were the things that I had to look into more deeply so that I could manage my stress levels. The student stress scale also made me understand how each life event and the amount of readjustment that resulted to change. A major life event that I underwent is the death of a close family member. This made me stressed for quite a long time. My total score was 102. From the scale, it indicates that I have a 30 percent chance of serious health chang e. The ability to handle my personal problems, the ability not to cope with all things that I have to do. I also want to be able to handle my upsets because things

Corporate Finance Stratergy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Corporate Finance Stratergy - Assignment Example ASSIGNMENT COVERS SHEET Office use only INDICATIVE MARK All marks are subject to ratification at the appropriate Examining Board. ... †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Problem 1 1. Calculate the combined effect of the three off-balance-sheet items in Exhibit 3 on each of the following three financial ratios shown in Exhibit 2. Following is the given information of the ratios in the Exhibit 2. Exhibit 2 - Selected Ratios and Credit Yield Premium Data for Montrose EBITDA / interest expense 4.72 Long-term debt / equity 0.30 Current assets / Current liabilities 1.05 Credit yield premium over US Treasuries 55bps Following is the given information of the off balance sheet items in the Exhibit 3. Exhibit 3 – Hudson Chemical off-balance sheet items 1 Hudson Chemical has guaranteed the long-term debt (principal only) of an unconsolidated affiliate. This obligation has a present value of $995,000. 2 Hudson Chemical has sold $500,000 of accounts receivable with recourse at a yield of 8 percent. 3 Hudson Chemical is a lessee in a new non-cancellable operating leasing agreement to finance transmission equipment. The discounted present v alue of the lease payments is $6,144,000 using an interest rate of 10 percent. The annual payment will be $1,000,000. When we calculate the combined effect of the three off balance sheet items on the three ratios the following changes will take place. EBITDA / Interest Expense a. The guarantee of long term debt will not affect operating (EBITDA) or the interest expense. This ratio

What are the main differences between classical(or historical) realism Essay

What are the main differences between classical(or historical) realism and structural realism in the theory of International Relations Why are those differences relevant to the study of global politics - Essay Example Philosophers and thinkers such as Robert Gilpin and Kenneth Waltz have realized the shortcomings of Classical Realism in studying modern international relations. And thus a Neorealist Movement has been initiated to better evaluate and predict future international relations in the present context. Michael Charles Williams (2005, p.13) states ‘The first, and briefest, is simply to note that despite their declaration of fundamental divide between ‘classical’ and ‘neo’ realism, these thinkers (including Waltz) continue to claim the realist tradition as their own with remarkable consistency.’ There are a number of differences between views of structural realists and views of classical realists, although the aspects where both of them have similar opinions include the belief that nation-states are the most important actors in global politics; nation-states are basically rational; the interaction in the states is characterized by an anarchy and most im portantly, the pursuit of power affects the behavior of the nation-states. It was the Greek political scientist Thucydides who can be considered as the father of Classical Realism. The history of the Peloponnesian War which was written by Thucydides was probably the first example which showcased realist thought. A few of the basic tenets which were established by him included the beliefs that the state is the main actor in a war; the state is the entity which is solely responsible for its own security, progression and safety. However in the modern circumstance, it has been proved that the states do not subscribe to the idea of communal preservation as it did during the times of the Greeks. With the increase of cooperation and travel among countries, organizations which were more informal gradually developed. Hence it was more and more important for states to act in cooperation with other states, which can usually benefit both the

Analysis of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

Analysis of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton Context By the time the bloody chaos of the First World War finally came to an end on November 11, 1918, the American novelist Edith Wharton had already been living as an expatriate in Paris for five years. During that time, she had essentially ceased to write fiction and had turned her energies instead to the Allied effort by providing war relief for soldiers and refugees. Her devotion and enthusiasm for her work was, in fact, enough to win her the French Legion of Honor. By the end of the war, however, Wharton found herself disturbed by what she saw as the profound social disruptions that had been brought on by the war. In the months after the armistice, she again picked up her pen to write what many critics consider to be her war novel. One would be hard pressed, however, to find any elements within The Age of Innocence that even remotely address the disruption and the bloodshed of the First World War. Set in 1870s New York, Whartons novel depicts a society that is in many ways the antithesis of war-devastated Europe. Old New York, Whartons term to describe this wealthy and elite class at the top of the developing citys social hierarchy, was a society utterly intent on maintaining its own rigid stability. To Wharton, Old New York imposed on its members set rules and expectations for practically everything: manners, fashions, behaviors, and even conversations. Those who breached the social code were punished, with exquisite politeness, by the other members. The differences between the fractured society following the First World War and the Old New York of The Age of Innocence are without a doubt dramatic. However, there is more of a connection between them than may first appear. Edith Wharton herself was born into the claustrophobic world of Old New York. When she began, at the age of fifty-seven, to write what would become her Pulitzer-prize winning novel, she had already witnessed an astounding amount of social change. Both horrified and fascinated by the chaos and the freedom of the new century as it headed towards modernism and war, Wharton was prompted to compare this new age with that of her own past. The Age of Innocence, then, stands as both a personal recollection of the culture of Whartons youth and an historical study of an old-fashioned world on the brink of profound and permanent change. It is believed that the expression keeping up with the Joneses once specifically referred to Edith Jones Whartons parents, who were known throughout New York for their lavish social gatherings. Born into such an atmosphere of opulence, Wharton had access to all the privileges of an upper- class upbringing: education, travel, and the assurance of a good marriage. Yet for all the luxury of her youth, Wharton felt her individuality continually stifled by the rigid expectations and narrow perspectives of her class. Not surprisingly, these sentiments become central themes in The Age of Innocence. Unhappily married at an early age to a man thirteen years her senior, Wharton faced, like Ellen Olenska, the temptations of adultery and the censure of divorce. As a writer, too, Wharton faced the criticisms of her class, who disdained and feared what they called the bohemian life of artists and writers. Post-war Paris was a far cry from this stifling environment, and Wharton was interested in tracing the differences between her past and present not only on a personal level, but also a historico-anthropological level. By the end of the War, rigid Old New York appeared as a lost world, a defunct civilization that bore little similarity to the present era. Like many authors of her time, Wharton was interested in evolutionary theories and the newly developing field of anthropology. To a great extent, it is this interest in the sociology of Old New York that gives the novel its keen sense of detached irony. While post-Civil War New York saw itself as the pinnacle of civilization, Wharton undercuts this picture by comparing its unbending societal customs to those of the most primitive tribes. Plot Overview Newland Archer couldnt be more pleased with his recent engagement to the beautiful debutante May Welland. However, his world is thrown upside down by the sensational arrival of Mays cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. Recently returned to America after separating from her husband, a philandering Polish count, Countess Olenska shocks the staid New York aristocracy with her revealing clothes, carefree manners, and rumors of adultery. Because the Countesss family, headed by the powerful Mrs. Manson Mingott, have chosen to reintroduce her into good society, Archer and May feel it necessary to befriend her. As Archer comes to better know the Countess, he begins to appreciate her unconventional views on New York society. Meanwhile, Archer becomes increasingly disillusioned with his new fianceà ©, May. He begins to see her as the manufactured product of her class: polite, innocent, and utterly devoid of personal opinion and sense of self. The Countess Olenska soon announces her intention of divorcing her husband. While Archer supports her desire for freedom, he feels compelled to act on behalf of the Mingott family and persuade Ellen to remain married. At a friends cottage near Hudson, Archer realizes that he is in love with Ellen. He abruptly leaves the next day for Florida, where he is reunited with May and her parents, who are there on vacation. There, he presses May to shorten their engagement. May becomes suspicious and asks him if his hurry to get married is prompted by the fear that he is marrying the wrong person. Archer reassures May that he is in love with her. Back in New York, Archer calls on Ellen, and Archer admits that he is in love with her. Just then, a telegram arrives from May, announcing that her parents have pushed forward the wedding date. After their wedding and honeymoon in Europe, Archer and May settle down to married life in New York. Over time, Archers memory of Ellen fades to a wistful image. But on vacation in Newport, he is reunited with her, and Ellen promises not to return to Europe as long as she and Newland do not act upon their love for each other. Back in New York, Archer learns that Count Olenski wants his wife to return to him and that Ellen has refused. After the stroke of her grandmother, Ellen returns to New York to care for her. She and Archer agree to consummate their affair. But suddenly, Ellen announces her intention to return to Europe. May throws a farewell party for Ellen, and after the guests leave, May announces to Archer that she is pregnant and that she told Ellen her news two weeks earlier. Twenty-five years pass. In that time, the Archers have had three children and May has died from pneumonia. Now Archers son convinces him to travel to France. There, they arrange to visit the Countess Olenska at her Paris apartment. However, at the last minute Archer sends his son alone to visit her, content instead to live with his memories of the past. Character List Newland Archer The novels protagonist. Archer is a wealthy young lawyer married to the beautiful debutante May Welland. He is in love, however, with Mays cousin Countess Ellen Olenska, who represents to him the freedom missing from the suffocating environment of the New York aristocracy. Archer is torn between his duty to May and to his family, and his passion for Ellen. In the end, he remains faithful to his wife and comes to be known in society as a philanthropist and civic figure. Countess Ellen Olenska Mays cousin and Mrs. Manson Mingotts granddaughter. Ellen was educated and raised in Europe. There, she married a Polish count, who cheated on her and prompted her to leave him. Upon her return to New York family, she hopes to be reintegrated to American life, but she finds only judgmentality and stifling mores. Her behavior is deemed too unorthodox for her to fit in to Old New York. To Archer, however, she is free and truly alive, her own person. May Welland The dewy-eyed and artless young thing who marries Archer. May appears to be unassailably innocent. Over time, Archer comes to see her as the living embodiment of New York society: incapable of thinking on her own, conditioned to act as she is expected. Despite her apparent innocence, May is not as naà ¯ve as Newland thinks. However, she remains a loyal wife even after she suspects that Newland is having an affair with Countess Olenska. Mrs. Manson Mingott Grandmother to May and Ellen, Mrs. Mingott is a fat and fiery old aristocratic lady who wields great influence over the New York clan. While her moral standards are irreproachable, she has some unorthodox social views. She insists on family solidarity and remains confident in Ellen, supporting her financially when she leaves New York to return to Europe. Henry and Louisa van der Luyden The descendants of pre-Revolutionary Dutch aristocracy, this elderly couple is the last word in social authority. They are last in a long line of powerful social leaders. Very quiet and non-adventurous people, they are rarely seen in public and only rarely invite guests to their solemn Madison Avenue mansion. Julius Beaufort Little is known about this British bankers past, but it is widely rumored that he left Europe after some shady business deals. With his elaborate annual balls, Beaufort is one of the most important and lavish hosts of New York entertainment. Following a scandalous business failure, he is swiftly exiled from good society. Mrs. Archer and Janey Archer Mother and sister of Archer, these two women act almost like sisters. Somewhat socially timid, they love to gossip, grow ferns, and make lace. While they are devoted to Archer, they are nonetheless frequently shocked by his social views. Lawrence Lefferts Widely considered to be the arbiter of good taste and moral values, Lefferts is also a huge gossip and an unfaithful husband. There are suspicions that he courted Countess Olenska soon after her arrival and was soundly rejected. Sillerton Jackson An elderly gentleman and good friend of the Archer family. Jackson is the unofficial archivist of all New York gossip and family history. Medora Manson The eccentric old aunt of Ellens, Medora raised her after the deaths of Ellens parents. A penniless itinerant, she is repeatedly widowed, and is tolerated by society only because of her family connections. Ned Winsett The bohemian journalist friend of Archer. Ned Winsett is one of the few people with whom Archer can really converse. He sees him as both an emblem of social freedom and its immense costs. Mrs. Lemuel Struthers Although as heir to a shoe polish fortune Mrs. Struthers is considered common, she becomes a popular hostess known for her artistic gatherings. Summary The novel opens in the new opera house, where all of New Yorks high society has assembled in its expensive box seats to see and to be seen. Newland Archer, the protagonist, has just arrived fashionably late and joins his friends in time for the climax of the opera. As he glances across the filled theater, he spots May Welland, his new fianceà ©, seated in the box of her aristocratic old grandmother, Mrs. Manson Mingott. Archer, struck anew by her pure and innocent beauty, dreams of blissful married life with May. His reverie is abruptly interrupted by his acquaintance Larry Lefferts, who notices a stranger entering the Mingott box. A slim young woman wearing a theatrical and low-cut dress takes a seat in the box, seemingly unconscious of all the attention she attracts. With shock, Archer realizes that this woman is no other than the Countess Ellen Olenska, cousin to May Welland, who has returned to New York after having lived abroad for many years. Lefferts, considered to be the authority on form, or style and fashion, and Sillerton Jackson, the unofficial archivist of all family histories and scandals within the upper class, are both shocked that the Countess would appear in good society with the rest of her family. We learn through their gossip that it is rumored that she had left her unfaithful husband, a Polish count. Newland admires the fiery and somewhat unorthodox determination of Mrs. Manson Mingott to support this black sheep of her family by not only hosting her indefinitely in her home, but also by allowing her to appear publicly in the family box at the Opera. Yet at the same time he is bothered that all of New York society will see such a scandalous figure sitting next to his innocent young fiancee. As the men continue to gossip, Archer feel compelled to take decisive action. As the fiancà © of May Welland, he decides that he has the responsibility to defend the Mingott clan. During intermission, he hurries over to the Mingott box. Although no words are exchanged between May and himself as to the reason for his sudden appearance, she shows her understanding of the situation and her gratitude to Archer with her smile. Both she and Archer are aware that by appearing in the Mingott box with the Countess Olenska, Archer is demonstrating his connection to that family and his support of their decision to include the Countess in their social activities. Archer is introduced to Olenska, who was one of his childhood playmates. He is struck by her flippant, friendly manners and finds her descriptions of New York society rather disrespectful. After the opera, many of the wealthy New York families attend the annual ball at the Beaufort residence. Julius Beaufort, we learn, is a handsome, charming, and disreputable Englishman with a shady financial history and a strong tendency toward infidelity; his wife Regina is a pretty but dull woman of reputable family background. Although many consider the Beauforts to be common, no one would ever pass their elaborate and ostentatious balls, which provide a cornerstone for New York social activities. At the ball, Archer and May officially announce their engagement. In a moment alone together in the conservatory, they express their happiness. May suddenly asks Archer to announce their engagement to her cousin Ellen Olenska. Ellen, to the relief of her family, did not attend the Beauforts ball. Analysis In the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence, Wharton immediately evokes a specific time, a place, and a society. Her panoramic description of the opera is highly effective as an introductory setting, for it not only acclimates the reader to the fashions and entertainment preferences of Old New York, but it also presents the members of this society as if they were an assembly, a closely-knit collection of individuals and families. The fact that everyone in good society attends the opera demonstrates immediately their similar tastes in art and entertainment. Yet the opera does not serve merely as a bonding activity for the very rich. Indeed, the members of the audience scrutinize each other far more than the opera itself, singling out in particular the fashions and manners of their peers. One goes to the opera to see and to be seen, to judge and to be judged. This may explain why Wharton is quick to introduce two characters who are otherwise minor to the plot. She singles Larry Lefferts out of the crowd as the foremost authority on form. Form, or a code that indicates the acceptable tastes in fashion and manners, is extremely important to this society, which is so concerned with appearances. And an unusual dress or a flippant attitude may, in fact, signify more than just a lack of taste but also a lack of proper moral values. Such a potential wantonness threatens to destabilize the delicate existing code and is therefore judged harshly. In addition to Lefferts, Wharton pauses over the character of Sillerton Jackson, the unofficial archivist of family histories. Not only does Jackson know every blood and marital relationship within the tight clan of Old New York, he also knows each familys scandals, whether real or rumored. Thanks to Jackson, ones private history does not remain a secret for long. Here and throughout the novel, Wharton employs certain imagery by which to portray Old New York society. She describes the evening at the opera as an extremely predictable event: one arrives there fashionably late, every family has a carriage waiting for them at the entrance, and even the ball at Beauforts that follows is an annual tradition. On a basic level, Whartons language indicates how boring such a world can be; no one acts differently from anyone else and there is no variation in the course of events from year to year. In the following chapters, Archer will become more and more frustrated with the monotony of this stultifying environment. On a more symbolic level, Wharton ironically compares the traditional behaviors and codes of cultured Old New York with those of primitive or ancient cultures. Both are obsessed with ritual events and behaviors, she indicates, and Archers concern with acceptable behavior is no different from the totem terrors that had ruled the destinies of his forefathers thousands of years ago. It is, of course, the arrival of Countess Ellen Olenska that brings tension to this perfectly ordered scene. Thanks to the good memory and loose tongue of Sillerton Jackson, Ellens appearance is preceded by her reputation. It is important to note Jacksons exclamation upon seeing Ellen in her familys opera box: I didnt think the Mingotts would have tried it on. With this statement is the implication that the actions of an individual reflect upon the family. Jackson is shocked not only because a woman of somewhat ill repute is seen amongst good society, but also because her family is choosing to support such a black sheep. Newland Archer is aware of the crucial importance of the Mingott familys sense of solidarity. When he sees how his friends negatively respond to the appearance of Ellen, he rushes over to the Mingott family box. Since May is a member of this family and Archer soon will be, it is his duty to defend their decision to include Ellen. Simply by appearing in the Mingott box, Archer is sending a clear non-verbal signal to the rest of the New York clan. This gesture, just like Mays grateful glance at Archer, is a subtle but unequivocal form of communication. Throughout the novel, Wharton must interpret these actions for her readers, for often the spoken words of her characters do not contain as much meaning as (and in some cases relate the opposite meaning of) the gesture. In the third chapter, the character of Julius Beaufort provides a clear example of the discrepancy of appearance versus reality. His personal history is spotty at best, and he is notorious for his womanizing. But because of his immaculate dress and public display of manners and hospitality, he is accepted by the New York clan. As long as Beaufort-or anyone, for that matter-can hide the unpleasantness of his past, he will be welcomed into good society. Chapters 4-6 Summary As is expected of all newly engaged couples, Archer and May begin a series of betrothal visits to their friends and relatives. The first is to Mrs. Manson Mingott, who lives by herself in a grand and unorthodox mansion near Central Park. Because of her tremendous obesity, she is confined to her house; but because of her social influence, she is not isolated from the rest of society. Mrs. Mingott happily receives the couple and instructs May on wedding preparations. As they are about to take their leave, Ellen Olenska returns home from shopping with Julius Beaufort. Archer notices that Mrs. Mingott greets them both cordially; she does not seem to consider it improper, as he does, that a married man should be seen in daylight with a recently-separated woman. As Archer leaves, he speaks briefly to the Countess about his engagement to May. She is very pleased and asks Archer to call on her soon. As Archer leaves, he inwardly remarks that the Countesss behavior with Beaufort is most likely acceptable in Europe. All the same, he is glad he is marrying a member of his own New York clan. The next evening Sillerton Jackson dines with Archer and Archers mother and sister at their home. Jackson and the two women are eager to gossip about the arrival of the Countess Olenska. When the conversation inevitably drifts to discussing her appearance in public with Beaufort, Archer shocks his family by claiming that she has the right to go where she chooses and that he hopes the Countess will get a divorce from her brutish husband, even if such things are seldom done. He remarks that he is tired of a double standard for the affairs of men and women and that it is time for women to be as free as men. Alone in his study after dinner, Archer contemplates his approaching marriage to May. Regarding her picture, he wonders to what extent she is the product of her society. Recalling his assertion at dinner that women should have the same freedoms as men, he now concludes that the nice women of his class were brought up to never desire freedom. Archer suddenly realizes that although he wants his future wife to be free and to form her own thoughts, she has been carefully trained by her family not to possess such traits. To him, May is innocent because she is ignorant. While he remains unwavering in his decision to marry her, he begins to feel that his marriage will not be entirely what he had previously expected. A few days later, the Mingott family is in great distress. After having sent out invitations for a formal dinner to be held in honor of the Countess Olenska, they have received refusals from practically all of the invites. It is clear that New York has decided to scorn the Count ess Olenska by not attending her welcoming dinner. In protest, Archer appeals to his mother to talk with Henry and Louisa van der Luyden. The van der Luydens, a frail old couple who are seldom seen in public and receive only their most intimate friends at home, are regarded as the most powerful and most elite figures in New York society. Archer hopes that their influence can atone for the slight that has been dealt to the Countess and her family. Analysis Chapter 4 opens with one of the most humorous character sketches in the novel. The immensely large Mrs. Manson Mingott is an intriguing character to Archer because of her slightly unorthodox living arrangement and her candid way of speaking. Because of her impeccable moral character and high societal status, her free style of conversation does not scandalize others or disrupt the given social standards. As such, she can easily get away with making some perceptive and occasionally critical insights into the society of Old New York. When Beaufort arrives with Countess Olenska at Mrs. Mingotts home, she asks him if he will be inviting Mrs. Lemuel Struthers and remarks that New York is in need of new blood and new money. While Old New York is intensely close-knit and hostile to nouveau-riche outsiders, it is also in risk of isolating itself completely from the rest of the world, to the detriment of its own health. The character of Newland Archer also takes on several nuances in these cha pters. In the opening Opera scene, Archer appears to be as preoccupied with correct appearances as his friends. At Mrs. Mingotts house, Wharton demonstrates how Archers thoughts on form depart from the norm. He admires Mrs. Mingotts strong personality and the slight sense of impropriety in the arrangement of her house. Yet Archer is relieved when he discovers that Ellen is out for the day, for he fears the controversy associated with her. His acceptance of unconventionality, then, is limited. Mrs. Mingotts harmless banter is not nearly as destabilizing as Ellens behavior in walking in public with Beaufort, which threatens the social code to which Archer is accustomed. In chapters five and six, we also get a glimpse into Archers thoughts on women. At dinner with his family and Sillerton Jackson, Archer attempts to defend Ellens right to have an affair following the infidelities of her husbands by proclaiming that women should be as free as men when it came to their personal relations hips. Yet Archers attempts at gender equality are belied by many of his other comments. Later that evening, he remarks to Jackson that he is sick of the hypocrisy that would bury alive a woman of her age if her husband prefers to live with harlots. While he does here defend Ellens right to manage her own affairs, he labels other women who have made similar choices as harlots. Archer also shows his unequal treatment of women in regards to his own past. In the novels elliptical allusions to his former mistress, Archer is always inclined to judge her actions harshly. Archer is also led to wonder about the usefulness of asserting such rights for women. Although he loves and admires May, he sees that she has been brought up to be a nice woman, one who would never request the right to have an affair. With this revelation, Archer begins to realize just how circumscribed the lives of May and other women in New York society really are. They have been brought up never to question inequalities or double standards. In fact, it is as if they are not even aware that such inequalities exist. They exist in a state of perpetual innocence, untroubled by what they do not know. With this revelation, Archer becomes further disillusioned with the strict codes of Old New York. Chapters 7-9 Summary At the van der Luydens formal and ostentatious Madison Avenue home, Archer and his mother relate the slight given to the Countess Olenska. The van der Luydens decide to stand by the Countess on principle: if her family has already decided to support her admittance into society, the rest of society must support their decision. To make amends, the van der Luydens decide to include the Countess at their reception for the Duke of St. Austrey. In the course of the next week, before attending the reception for the Duke, Archer learns much about the past of the Countess Olenska. After the early deaths of her itinerant parents, Ellen was left under the guardianship of her aunt Medora Manson, an eccentric and frequently widowed woman. After the death of Medoras most recent husband, she packed up and left with Ellen in tow. For years nothing was heard of them, until news reached New York that Ellen had married the extremely wealthy Polish Count Olenski. A few years later, the marriage ended in disaster, and Ellen decided to return to her New York family to recuperate. After learning of Ellens history, Archer is curious to see how-if at all-she will adapt to New York society. At the Dukes reception, the Countess raises eyebrows by appearing late and somewhat disheveled. After dinner, she leaves the side of the Duke (with whom she is expected to converse) in order to talk with Archer. They discuss, primarily, his engagement to May. The Countess reveals her ignorance of New York social customs by asking Archer if the marriage was arranged. When Archer corrects her, she embarrassedly admits that she often forgets that what is bad in European culture is good, by contrast, in American culture. As the conversation is interrupted by the other guests, Countess Olenska bids Archer to call on her at her new home the next day. Archer arrives late at the Countesss shabby, slightly bohemian flat that following day, only to find her away. He decides to wait in her living room until she returns. While he waits, he examines the room, which is artfully decorated with European bric-a-brac and exotic works of art. To Archer, who is used to the standardized Italian art appreciated by those in his class, the Countesss furnishings are novel and intriguing. Suddenly, from the window he sees the Countess descend from Beauforts cab. Inside the flat, Archer is interested by the Countesss novel, if slightly shocking, opinions on the fashions and the families of Old New York. She, in turn, looks to Archer for advice about fitting in to the New York clan. When he explains how misleading appearances are in New York, Ellen responds by bursting into tears. She remarks to Archer that the most lonely aspect of living in New York is that she is required to live around well-meaning people who insist that she pretend to be someone she is not in order to spare them any unpleasantness. Their conversation is interrupted by the entrance of the Duke and Mrs. Lemuel Struthers. Archer leaves, somewhat relieved to be spared any more upsetting emotion. As he stops by the florist to send May her daily bouquet of lilies-of- the-valley, he decides impulsively to send a bouquet of yellow roses to Countess Olenska. Analysis Wharton commences Chapter 7 with a detailed account of the nature of the power structure and chain of command within the tight-knit high society of New York. As the sole descendants of one of the most wealthy and aristocratic families in the city, Henry and Louisa van der Luyden serve as legislatures, executives, and judges in regards to certain social problems. It is they who determine the laws of family solidarity. Because Ellens family supports her, everyone outside the family must honor their decision and treat her as one of them. It is also they who judge the severity of the offense against Ellen Olenska; Wharton describes them as the Court of last appeals. And finally, it is they who decide that action must be taken to amend for the insult. By inviting the Countess to their formal reception for the Duke, the van der Luydens send an unmistakable message to those who have previously slighted Ellen. Wharton makes her depiction of the van der Luydens ironic by several different means. First of all, she shows the inconsistencies between the van der Luydens as individuals and as leaders. For all the stuffy splendor of their house and the formal quality of their interview with the Archers, Henry and Louisa are shy and retiring people who dont much like to entertain. They seldom leave their home, due both to health problems and a genuine fear of venturing out in public. Secondly, Wharton describes them in anthropological terms. The van der Luydens are mouth pieces of some remote ancestral authority which fate compelled them to wield. Wharton subtly hints that there is something primitive about the van der Luydens influence over society and that their power is due more to wealth and bloodline than to their capability and temperament. For a society that prides itself on its high culture, such a hierarchy of power seems rather crude and primeval. And finally, Whartons physical description of this harmless old couple involves a large amount of death imagery. Louisa looks like she was rather gruesomely preserved in the airless atmosphere of a perfectly irreproachable existence. This is not unlike the way Wharton sees Mrs. Mingott as a doomed city trapped under her own weight in Chapter 4. In both these cases, Whartons juxtaposition of authority figures with death imagery indicates the ineffectual nature of their power. Ruled by such archaic individuals, Old New York potentially faces a waning of power itself, or even extinction. In Chapters 8 and 9, we begin to get a better grasp of Ellens personality. Up until this point, we have seen Ellen primarily through the eyes of others: through the gossip at the opera and through Archers opinions based on their brief encounters. Now the picture of Ellen becomes more complete through the recounting of her personal history, the descriptions of her exotically furnished apartment, and through her own conversations with Archer. The very nature of their discussion proves to Archer Ellens foreignness and her lack of traditional manners. Unlike May and the rest of New York who communicate indirectly through glances and euphemistic speech, Ellen is quite candid in her opinions. She directly criticizes