The Issue Of Hate Crime - 1284 Words

Trump as the president-elect has divided the country more than it has brought it’s people together. ‘There has always been hate and divisions,’ some would say. While this is true, this kind of prevalence has not been at the forefront of the political, personal, social, etc. sphere in a long while. Headlines are becoming more trigger inducing and there has been an uproar of hate crimes across the nation. While both sides have contributed to the hatefulness, the way that the hate is manifested is more rampant among supporters of Trump. This is seen through the way that the hate crime rate has gone up since November 8th. In more ways than one Trump’s election into office has given these people that have hate in them a pass, of sorts, to act on that hate and victimize others. Hate cannot be a crime but acting on that hate in an offensive way that is hurtful to others is a crime. Hate Crime: A hate crime is a traditional offense like murder, arson, or vandalism with an added element of bias. For the purposes of collecting statistics, the FBI has defined a hate crime as a â€Å"criminal offense against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.† Hate itself is not a crime—and the FBI is mindful of protecting freedom of speech and other civil liberties. CNN reports that â€Å"Hate crimes spiked 6%, but the number could be higher because many incidents goShow MoreRelatedThe Issue Of Hate Crimes2025 Words   |  9 Pagesfacing in the world are hate crimes. Despite this being a major issues, there appears to be no solution in sight to put a stop to hate crimes. For this paper I chose to focus on hate crimes I can gain more knowledge about this topic and because it s something that I have personally experienced. Throughout U.S. history, a significant proportion of all murders, assaults, and acts of vandalism have been fueled by hatred. As Native Americans have been described as the first hate crime victims, members ofRead MoreThe Issue Of Hate Crime1775 Words   |  8 PagesHate crime today, is defined as a crime that is inspired race, sexuality, gender, disability or ethnicity that involves violence or prejudice actions. Some say change is coming to the world against hate crimes because hate crime has been slowly decreasing over t he years. Sexuality has been an issue for many people in the world because they do not accept one to be happy with themselves. Many people think telling other what to do, how to live, and how to be happy is the way to life, but it isn’t. Read MoreEssay on The Issue of LGBT Hate Crimes1018 Words   |  5 PagesHate Crimes: crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or religion(Federal officials, 2011). Hate crimes have been around for centuries. A hate crime is considered any malicious crime that is derived from hatred towards a certain group of people. African Americans are still victim to hate crimes, even after the Civil Rights movement. James Byrd Jr. suffered a prime example of a gruesome hate crime in 1998, because of his African AmericanRead MoreEvaluating and Refining Solutions: Hate crimes can be described as criminal activities that are1000 Words   |  4 PagesEvaluating and Refining Solutions: Hate crimes can be described as criminal activities that are perceived to be fueled by prejudice against and hostility towards the victim based on an individual characteristic. In most cases, hate crimes are motivated by gender, disability, sexual orientation, race, identity, and religion or faith. The increase in hate crimes in the recent past has not only made it a major issue that needs to be addressed in the modern society but has also attracted several legislativeRead MoreEssay on Hate Crimes Against Gays and Lesbians1379 Words   |  6 PagesHate Crimes Against Gays and Lesbians LaReese Nixon Kaplan University CJ490: Research Methods in Criminal Justice Prof: Deborah Barrett August 7, 2012 Abstract Introduction Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons frequently face violence motivated by their sexuality or gender identity. Violence may be executed by the state, as in laws prescribing corporal punishment for homosexual acts, or by individuals engaging in intimidation, mobbing, assault, or lynching. Violence targetedRead More Hate Crime Laws Essay1378 Words   |  6 Pageshorrific crimes should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. That is why I strongly support hate crime laws. Now, before I dive into this very controversial subject, I should probably define what hate crime laws are so you will have a better understanding of what I am talking about. As I have understood it, hate crime laws are laws that protect certain minorities or groups from bias motivated violence and harassment, and also more harshly punish people that commit these crimes againstRead MoreThe Many Forms of Hate Crimes Essay687 Words   |  3 PagesThe Many Forms of Hate Crimes The issue of hate crimes has greatly affected the way in which people interact. A hate crime is defined as any act of violence or verbal slashing of a person based upon race, religious belief, or ones sexuality. There are several other grounds for determining a hate crime depending upon guidelines in written laws. Hate crimes are said to have originally derived from the unjust treatment of Jewish cultures during the Holocaust in World War II. Slavery of AfricanRead MoreHate Crime : A Crime Based On Those Matter1495 Words   |  6 PagesWhen someone hears the words â€Å"hate crime† they get a goosebumps type of feeling. Reason because the thought of committing a crime based on certain aspects that one might not agree with is seen as absurd. In the dictionary the word hate crime is defined as â€Å"a crime motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice, typically one involving violence.† This definition makes us think that why would anyone commit a crime based on those matter? Do they bother someone that much that someone is a differentRead MoreIslam And Muslim Will Be Used Interchangeably857 Words   |  4 Pagescorrelations between American anti-Muslim hate crimes and global terrorist attacks. The thought was that because so many places were being attacked, American people would be more scared of Muslim peoples and commit more hate crimes. However there was no remarkable correlation, so we began to think of the rises and falls in American anti-Muslim hate crimes differently. In the year’s pre September 11, 2001, (specifically 1996-2000) Anti-Muslim hate crimes in the USA existed in a small percentage relativeRead MoreEssay about Hate Crime Victimization1642 Words   |  7 Pagesof murders, assaults, and acts of vandalism and desecration were fueled by bigotry† (Karmen, 2013, p. 350). Hate crime victimization is a very prevalent and serious issue that exists amongst our society today that is often used to demonstrate a form of hate towards a particular group of people; primarily minority groups. â€Å"Although each state employs a different definition of hate crime, most statutes include groups singled out on the basis of race (such as African Americans or Asian Americans)

The Political Philosophy Of Politics Essay - 921 Words

From a young age, politics has been an integral part of my life. When I was growing up, my grandmother was a state senator for 12 years and introduced me to the inner workings of political decisions and public policy-making. As a democratic legislator in a largely republican state, she taught me the importance of having an open mind and how it is essential to work with others who may not share the same views. However, I do not think I completely understood what it means to compromise or be pragmatic in one’s political philosophy until I completed this course. Entering the course, I considered myself to be a staunch liberal who allowed for political compromise only in the most extreme situations. After examining the ideas learned throughout the course and realizing being concrete and unwavering in your viewpoints is not always the most productive, I now consider myself, while still believing in the majority of liberal principles, to be more of a pluralist when it comes to a pol itical philosophy. My belief in a pluralist method of political theory is exemplified through three of the more important issues discussed in the course and the questions they raise: who should be granted citizenship, and what rights and duties accompany citizenship, how a government and political communities should be organized, and how social goods should be distributed justly. Within the discussion of these political issues brings up questions of two important philosophical issues—ontology andShow MoreRelatedThe Machiavelli s Political Philosophy1575 Words   |  7 PagesMachiavelli’s Political Philosophy Precede It is fundamentally important to preface the discussion hosted in this essay by addressing ourselves to the most mundane question-why consider Machiavelli in the context of philosophy, least of all, political philosophy? This question dominates any philosophical inquiries of the Machiavelli’s political ideologies. Put differently, do the contributions by Niccolà ² Machiavelli to the various salient discourses in the Western thought, most notably political theoryRead MorePolitical Philosophy And American Political Thought981 Words   |  4 Pagesapplied to participate in the Hertog Summer Programs in Classical Political Philosophy and American Political Thought because of my passion for politics. This passion inspired me to become commit to the Major in Government at Georgetown University. A professor once gave me the following definition of politics as, â€Å"the resolution of conflict among the competing interests of individuals, groups, and or nations.† Therefore, the study of politics in my opinion is the study of how groups reach consequentialRead More Roman and Greek Philosophys Influence on Todays Western Culture780 Words   |  4 PagesAdvances in Art, science and politics were made in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. Greek philosophers were among the first in the West to explore nature in a rational way and to make educated guesses about the creation of the world and the universe. This is why Greece is often referred to as the birthplace of Western culture. The ancient Greeks viewed the world in a way that one would today perhaps describe as holistic. Science, philosophy, art and politics were interwoven and combinedRead MorePolitical Philosophy And The Natural Law856 Words   |  4 PagesPolitical philosophy and the natural law are seldom reflected on in politics. Typically, persons in a political or civil society are often distracted by fiscal success or recreational leisure. In society today, there exists a consensus reality with the prospect of money and power. This reality emanates from a scandalous and corrupted political system. As a result, there lacks the recognition of idealistic values on liberalism, human rights, and the natural law. There have been several philosophersRead MorePolitics And Progress : The Emergence Of American Political Science1013 Words   |  5 PagesPolitics and Progress: The Emergence of American Political Science by Dennis Mahoney is an account of the origins of contemporary political science in the P rogressive Movement. In the book, Mahoney, attempts to show how American political science came to be due to the influence of three different factors. The first factor is German Historicism and its allgemeine Staatslehre, or general State theory. The second factor is philosophical pragmatism and the final factor is political Progressivism. MahoneyRead MoreConnection is Key: International Relations Intertwined800 Words   |  4 Pagesfor philosophy and politics. Combining the two creates a whole intertwined web of thought and circumstance. Philosophy is the study of basic concepts such as existence and freedom, however, philosophy does extend on to other concepts. Politics is the ideology and practice of governing a group. Both the concepts of philosophy and politics are evident and connected between three separate works of literature, which are â€Å"The Melian Dialogue† by Thucydides, â€Å"Six Principles of Political Realism†Read MoreAristotles Contributions to the World: An Analysis1368 Words   |  5 Pagesgood order. Man is by nature a political animal. ~Aristotle Philosophers, historians, scientists, politicians and other professionals across many disciplines consider Aristotle to be one of the greatest and prolific figures of the civilization of Ancient Greece. He lived during the 4th century BC, born in a Grecian colony, Stagira, and died in Chalcis. Aristotle was heavily concerned with the character of man. He was concerned with ethics, friendship, politics, and human nature. He was, for nearlyRead MorePlato and Platipus1186 Words   |  5 PagesIt is normal to underestimate the power of philosophy. It is a social science that has lost influence in the 21st Century because many do not understand how this science can help humans achieve true happiness. Though philosophy is a heavy subject, it is the science with the most results regarding human nature and knowledge. Philosophy offers guidance to understand human behavior as well as to question our presence and our real role in society. It is one of the leading social sciences because many Read MoreThe Political Philosophy of Karl Raimund Popper1139 Words   |  5 Pageshumaneness and reasonableness. Karl Raimund popper lived to be a highly critical opponent of totalitarian and authoritarian political systems and their philosophical foundations. This critique popper claimed was a response to the fantastic and futuristic assertions of these systems, which were simply an admixture of subjectively reasoned and uncritical thought about politics. Popper considered authoritarian and totalitarian systems to be based upon one sided thought, which marred the objectivity ofRead MoreIs the Study of Politics Best Considered a Science or an Art?1733 Words   |  7 PagesIs the study of politics best considered a science or an art? Since its conception as a formal academic discipline, Politics has existed on the fault line between two great fields of enquiry, the sciences and the arts. During the mid 20th century, with the rise of the behavioural movement, a general trend towards the â€Å"scientification† of the study of politics could be observed. The origins of this movement can be traced back to the logical positivism of the Vienna Circle and the writings of Auguste

Finance & Accounting for London Stock Exchange - myassignmenthelp

Question: Write about theFinance Accounting for London Stock Exchange. Answer: Introduction The companys financial information is of atmost importance to the users of the financial statements. They can be external as well as internal based on their needs and it helps them to take the financial decisions.(Alexander, 2016) For the given assignment and analysis, a British multinational telecom company Vodafone Group Plc has been chosen. It is one of the pioneer companies in the British market and has been amongst the most profitable companies in the recent past. Further, it is ranked five in the world in terms of revenue and 2nd in terms of no. of connections and is the 8th biggest on the London Stock Exchange in terms of market capitalization. Analysis on the topic We would like to invest in the company as it has been one of the biggest and renowned brands in the recent past in terms of telecommunication and has been yielding high profits and returns for the shareholders. Further, it one of the Fortune 500 companies and is growing rapidly and has a good history of corporate governance in the past. (Abbott Kantor, 2017) The companys stakeholders in this case can be external like the government, the taxation authorities, the investors, the banks and the financial institutions, the competitors, the economy as a whole, etc. whereas the internal stakeholders can be like the employees who are directly affected by the decisions, the management, the creditors, the debtors, etc. of the company. They would be interested in the events and decisions being taken by the company for the personal interests like the competitors like AtT, China Mobile Ltd., T-Mobile US Inc., etc would be interested because even a slight change in the pricing policy or the data pack network policy would bring about a drastic change worldwide and the revenues of others may fall in that case.(Boccia Leonardi, 2016) Therefore, the competitors needs to be aware and take the similar competitive reactions in order to retain the customers. Further, the employees would be interested in the results of the company because the good average or the bad results directly or indirectly have a bearing on the salaries, the bonus and the stability of their employment. The banks and the financial institutions have differnet use of the financial statements as they use it to access whether the company is eligible enough to be given the loans and the borrowings and whether the company would be able to repay it back with the give timelines. To meet all the above objectives of the users of the financial statements, the board of directors of the company prepare the financials and hold tha annual meetings with the shareholders and annual accounts is adopted therein post which the auditors check the financials and express their opinion opn whether the financials give a true and fair view of the affairs of treh company and whether is it non biased. They give a reasonable assurance to the users of these financials that it can be used to take the critical economic, financial and investment decisions. (Dichev, 2017) There are various legal and regulatory requirements which the company has to follow like the Local Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and the International Financial Reporting Framework basis which the financial statements needs to be presented. These regulations and legal requirements are mandatory in some of the places whereas in some other places it is just recommendatory. Further, as per the SOX compliance regulations and corporate governance requirements, the company needs to invest towards the betterment of the environment and the society in which they are operating.(Flix, 2017) These are few of the regulations which the company has to adhere. Besides all these, there are requirements like to publish annual and half yearly financials in order to maintain the transparency of the operations of the company. The implication of all this on the users is that they get to know the progress of the company and the present status of the company on the basis of which they take the respective financial decisions. Further, they get to know if there are any financial litgations which the company is underoing or any financial risk which may impact the returns of the company. In the era of globalization, the harmonization of the accounting practices has become extremely important considering the materiality and the usability of the financial information. There should be uniformness in the way the financial information is disclosed to the users of the statements and policies being followed towards accounting of assets, liabilities, expenses and incomes. (Gooley, 2016) This will help the users to understand the financial statements better and will make them understandable and usability of the accounting information would increase. Different laws and regulations follow different accounting rules and regulations and the ways of accounting and judgements. Based on this, the values reported may also be changing like in IFRS and the GAAP, the way of depreciation accounting and valuation of the assets is different and might result in different profitability for the company. Further, some of the standards are rigid whereas some of the standards may be recommendatory and might depend on the company as to how the management takes the call on the accounting of the same. (Visinescu, et al., 2017) Information requirements of the different users do vary based on the company. Such as in case of a retail company like ZARA the users might require details on how the company is competing with the other brands, whether it has come out with any new brand of its own, whether it is offered any discount or incentive in the last year and whether that has added to the revenue of the company, which the other countries or regions to which the company has expanded its business, whether there is an increase in treh customer base.(Trieu, 2017) Further, the users will also want to know that the company is meeting the other legal and regulatory requirements. Conclusion From the above analysis, it is very much clear that the requirements of the users wirh respect to the financial statements may change depending on the needs, the type of industry in which the company is operating and the legal and reporting standards being followed by them. To harmonise the same and to make the same beneficial from the user perspective, the same should be made uniform and standard throughout the accounting arena. References Abbott, M. Kantor, A., 2017. Fair Value Measurement and Mandated Accounting Changes: The Case of the Victorian Rail Track Corporation. Australian accounting Review. Alexander, F., 2016. The Changing Face of Accountability. The Journal of Higher Education, 71(4), pp. 411-431. Boccia, F. Leonardi, R., 2016. The Challenge of the Digital Economy. Markets, Taxation and Appropriate Economic Models, pp. 1-16. Dichev, I., 2017. On the conceptual foundations of financial reporting. Accounting and Business Research, 47(6), pp. 617-632. Flix, M., 2017. A study on the expected impact of IFRS 17 on the transparency of financial statements of insurance companies. MASTER THESIS, pp. 1-69. Gooley, J., 2016. Principles of Australian Contract Law. Australia: Lexis Nexis. Trieu, V., 2017. Getting value from Business Intelligence systems: A review and research agenda. Decision Support Systems, Volume 93, pp. 111-124. Visinescu, L., Jones, M. Sidorova, A., 2017. Improving Decision Quality: The Role of Business Intelligence. Journal of Computer Information Systems, 57(1), pp. 58-66.

Zara International Supply Chain Management

Introduction A company’s management has the role of managing operations and Supplies to ensure adequate supply of materials in the company at the right time at an appropriate competitive cost. Supplies takes the form of having the raw material required for production at the right time to make the process effective and in the case of outsourced manufacturing services, the timely supply of the finished products (Cousins, Lamming, Lawson and Squire,2008).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Zara International Supply Chain Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As many Europeans companies are shifting their operation (manufacturing) base to China, African Nations and Asia, to enjoy the cheaper labor markets there; however, some companies like Zara International Fashions have opted to procure their products in Europe. The main question is why has Zara International ignored the perceived benefit from outsourced manufacturing? This paper seeks to answer the above question; it will discuss the answer from a supply-chain management angle. What is Supply Chain Management? A business process is a well-coordinated sequential task, undertaken to fulfill certain set objectives. Every stage is managed as it contributes to attainment of the set goals and objectives. Generally, three sets of business processes they are, managerial processes, operational processes and supporting processes. Supply chain management aims at providing goods necessary for production in a business. It starts from identifying the materials required for various processes in the company and ends with the supply of those goods. It has a period; an efficient process must be completed within a set period. A supply chain management is an internal operation whose results the internal and final consumer feels. It has the following objectives: To ensure that there are quality and quantity supply of goods and services To ensure that there is a Just in time delivery of goods and services Control the supply system and attain highest efficiency possible Reduction of transportation cost, lead time and warehouse costs Enhance customer service through provision of high quality goods. When a company has an adequate supply of materials, it is able to produce goods in the right time at an affordable and competitive price. When sourcing products from another country, the approach of supply chain management moves a notch higher, companies in Europe has to contend with other logistics though in the supply chain network that companies like Zara procuring locally are not entitle to, they include: International logistic issues To have adequate supply, the prevailing conditions must be optimal and no external influence; when a company is procuring from abroad, it is affected by economic, political and social changes in the procuring country; this makes the business miss the confidence that they can supply when wanted. This reason makes Zara opt for local produced goods.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Complication of international procurements When getting goods abroad, companies are seen to operate two stage complicated supply chain, they must ensure that either the foreign country gets the materials, those sent from the buying country or it has procured in the local market; to manage such a process is complicated and time consuming. Zara has opted to have a simple local manufacturing that it can manage effectively (Zara International, 2011). The make-buy decision When in business, the management must make the decisions whether they will use their own manufactured goods or they will buy already made goods; the decision is rather personal to a business and considers many options. When a company decides to make products, it ensures that it has the right expertise materials are available as w ell labor. The main factor of consideration is whether making ones products will lead to a reduced cost of production or alternatively it will lead to higher quality that will lead to increased sales. The reason why other European countries have decided to get their products made from Asian and Chinese countries is the labor costs, this makes the goods cheap in the end; however managing the process for quality is complicated; again it is a shaky deal where a company has to worry about any change in the country of procurements stability. Zara International has opted to buy more form the market because of a variety of factors; they include: When buying locally, it will not be given the margin to buy to be sold at an appropriate cost; this is different than when manufacturing, the manufacturer has to make some products to break even which may lead to over production. When buying locally, the company will have the option of comparing the many varieties in the market and procure form tho se companies that have the products in demand. This makes the company have the best products at an affordable cost (Zara International, 2011). Sourcing strategies and supply chain configurations When manufacturing goods from a country different form the country of sales, the European companies depending on other companies have to undertake some suppliers/abroad manufactures. Configuration of supply chain is a procedural way that ensures that goods are delivered their place of need when they are needed to be. Logistic management involves processes undertaken by a company to ensure that it has goods and services it requires for its day-to-day activities when they are needed. Some governmental procedures or companies processes may shape it. In an international procurement, there are customs logistics that must be adhered to ensure that commodity is delivered at the right time. It involves procuring, handling, warehousing, verifying and control of goods imported. Customs laws must be ad hered.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Zara International Supply Chain Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is a lengthy process and thus an importing company must ensure that it has enough time for a just in time delivery. Logistics management team is given the mandate to ensure that delivery is done at the right time, right cost and the right place (Harrison and Hoek, 2008) When Zara procures locally, then it avoids all the above logistics and it can be sure that it will get what the market is offering; in the case the above logistics are hampered by something may be special to a procuring country or applying across the board, the procuring company will have to suffer the loss of business. However, the case is different when a company is procuring from the local scenes. Zara always has the option of selling what is available in the market thus at any one point is it on toes with the market, a move th at offers it competitive advantage. Strategic supplier selection A company should develop a good business relationship with its suppliers, as this will assist in making sure that there is reliability in the supply of materials. When in the international arena, a company should ensure that it has good relations will all the people in the line of business all the way from the sourcing of materials to the last person who will bring the goods into the company; this is not an easy task. When there is a good relation, it is easier to get goods at a better price and market data from suppliers whom the company has established good business relations. Maintaining the good relation with people of different personalities and companies with varying philosophies is not an easy job, sometimes it fails the manufacturing companies (Mangan, Lalwani and Butcher, 2008). The decision of Zara International to procure locally can be attributed to avoidance of the above hassle the management is better con centrate on looking for the best commodities in the local market and ensuring that the internal businesses processes are up to date and competitive. As other businesses are looking for relationship building approaches, the company is busy developing business processes and enacting them for a competitive business. Aligning supply with corporate strategy Companies are guided by corporate strategies; they should align their processes, including supply management processes to the company’s corporate strategy. A Company’s procurement and supplies department ensures that production materials and equipments required for an effective production are available, in the right quality and at an appropriate price, this will meet the company’s main goal of being profitable.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More With globalization, companies can procure goods and services that meet their requirements from different countries; the wide availability of materials and their markets has facilitated industrialization; however the policies and the ideologies in the international business has sometimes contradicted the procuring company corporate structure (Lysons and Gillingham, 2003). For example, many European companies have sustainable development agendas as one of their corporate strategies; however, they may procure from countries that have relaxed environmental laws, thus the procurement ends up violating the company’s corporate goal. Another area is in labor and its costs, different countries have different labor cost, Europeans companies have corporate goal of ensuring they have the best cared for human capital, but when they procure abroad, the standards set in those countries may be different thus the company ends up violating its own corporate goal indirectly (Christopher, 2005). Zara International is keen on maintaining and respecting its corporate goals and objectives; when the company buys from local scenes, it is able to make sure that all areas have been looked into before making a move. For example, it will be able to make sure that it buys from companies that respect their employee’s rights and those that protect the environment. With such moves, it will be satisfying its corporate goals and objectives (Zara International, 2011) Conclusion Having an effective supply chain management offers a competitive advantage to an organization; supply chain management has the main objective to ensuring that at any one time there are adequate supplies to a business, at an appropriate cost and place. To buy locally available goods or manufacture goods for sale is a decision that management has to make; Zara has opted to purchase over 80% of its goods locally, instead of having international manufacturing joints that have cheaper labor. The main reason for t he decision is to offer management a chance to concentrate on other business processes that will offer a competitive advantage to the company; it is also a risk management approach. References Christopher, M. ,2005. Logistics and Supply Chain Management; creating value-adding networks. Harlow: Prentice Hall Cousins, P., Lamming, R., Lawson, B. and Squire, B. ,2008. Strategic Supply Management: principles, theories and practice. Harlow: Prentice Hall. Harrison, A. and Hoek, R. ,2008. Logistics Management and Strategy. Harlow: Prentice Hall Lysons, K. and Gillingham, M. ,2003. Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. Harlow: Prentice Hall/ Financial Times. Mangan, J., Lalwani, C. and Butcher, T. ,2008. Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Chichester: John Wiley Sons Ltd. Zara International., 2011. Zara. Web. This essay on Zara International Supply Chain Management was written and submitted by user Shiny Sheep to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Shakespeares Vocabulary

Shakespeares Vocabulary Shakespeares Vocabulary Shakespeares Vocabulary By Maeve Maddox Shakespeare (1564-1616) wrote during the Renaissance, a time when the English language was being inundated with new words. Based on a count from the OED, between 10,000 and 12,000 new words were added to English during the 16th century. About half have found a permanent place in the language. The majority of the new words came from Latin and were used by educated people who wrote books. They jumped quickly from the printed page into everyday speechpresumably by way of such popular entertainments as plays and sermons. The character of Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night may reflect the eagerness of non-scholars to learn new words: VIOLA [to Olivia] Most excellent accomplished lady, the heavens rain odours on you! SIR ANDREW [aside] That youths a rare courtier: Rain odours; well. VIOLA My matter hath no voice, to your own most pregnant and vouchsafed ear. SIR ANDREW Odours, pregnant and vouchsafed: Ill get em all three all ready. Except for a professional translator like Philemon Holland (1552-1637), Shakespeare used the largest vocabulary of any English writer. Some of the words he used in his plays are documented only a year or two before his use of them: exist, initiate, and jovial, for example. Its impossible to say how many words Shakespeare coined, but his works provide the first documentation for words including accommodation, apostrophe, assassination, dexterously, dislocate, frugal, indistinguishable, misanthrope, obscene, pedant, premeditated, reliance, and submerged. He makes fun of some of the new words going round by putting them in the mouths of pompous clowns like Holofernes in Loves Labours Lost: HOLOFERNES The deer was, as you know, sanguis, in blood; ripe as the pomewater, who now hangeth like a jewel in the ear of caelo, the sky, the welkin, the heaven; and anon falleth like a crab on the face of terra, the soil, the land, the earth. SIR NATHANIEL Truly, Master Holofernes, the epithets are sweetly varied, like a scholar at the least: but, sir, I assure ye, it was a buck of the first head. †¦ HOLOFERNES Most barbarous intimation! yet a kind of insinuation, as it were, in via, in way, of explication; facere, as it were, replication, or rather, ostentare, to show, as it were, his inclination, after his undressed, unpolished, uneducated, unpruned, untrained, or rather, unlettered, or ratherest, unconfirmed fashion, to insert again my haud credo for a deer. Shakespearean words we still use are agile, allurement, antipathy, catastrophe, critical, demonstrate, dire, emphasis, emulate, extract, hereditary, horrid, impertinent, meditate, modest, pathetic, prodigious, vast, barricade, cavalier, mutiny, and pell-mell. The meanings of many of these words have changed since the 16th century. For example, we use communicate to mean exchange information. When Shakespeare uses it in Comedy of Errors, it still had the Latin meaning of to share or make common to many. In Merchant of Venice, Lorenzo uses expect (from Latin expectare, to await) in the sense of to wait for: †¦lets in and there expect their coming. The word humorous has been used in English with various senses before coming to mean comical or funny, including the meanings damp, capricious, moody, and peevish. Five of the words that Shakespeare made fun in the speech of Holofernes (intimation, insinuation, explication, replication, and inclination) caught on and survived into modern usage. Some of the same educators who are willing to drop the study of Shakespeare from the general curriculum probably complain about a decline in vocabulary in todays high school graduates. There may be no connection, but the fact remains that the close study of even one of Shakespeares plays will yield a significant jump in vocabulary for the serious reader. Sources: A History of the English Language, Alfred C. Baugh The Complete Works of Shakespeare, The Literature Network 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 Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:30 Religious Terms You Should KnowCapitalization Rules for Names of Historical Periods and MovementsTrooper or Trouper?

What Fossilized Poop Can Tell Us About Dinosaurs

What Fossilized Poop Can Tell Us About Dinosaurs Herbivorous, house-sized dinosaurs like Apatosaurus and Brachiosaurus, not to mention carnivorous behemoths like Giganotosaurus, had to eat hundreds of pounds of plants or flesh every day to maintain their weight - so as you can imagine, there was a lot of dinosaur poop littering the ground during the Mesozoic Era. However, unless a giant blob of Diplodocus doo happened to fall on the head of a nearby critter, he was unlikely to complain, since dinosaur feces were an abundant source of nutrition for smaller animals (including birds, lizards and mammals), and, of course, a ubiquitous assortment of bacteria. Dinosaur droppings were also crucial for ancient plant life. Just as modern-day farmers scatter manure around their crops (which replenishes the nitrogen compounds that make the  soil fertile), the millions of tons of dinosaur dung produced every single day during the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods helped keep the worlds forests lush and green. This, in turn, produced a near-endless source of vegetation for  herbivorous dinosaurs to feast on, and then turn into poop, which also enabled carnivorous dinosaurs to eat the herbivorous dinosaurs and turn them into poop, and so on and on in an endless symbiotic cycle of, well, you know. Coprolites and Paleontology As important as they were for the primitive ecosystem, dinosaur droppings have proved equally crucial for modern-day paleontologists. Occasionally, researchers stumble across huge, well-preserved piles of fossilized dinosaur dung- or â€Å"coprolites,† as they’re called  in polite society. By examining these fossils in detail, researchers can figure out if they were created by plant-eating, meat-eating, or omnivorous dinosaurs- and they can sometimes even identify the type of animal or plant that the dinosaur ate a few hours (or a few days) before going Number 2. (Unfortunately, unless a specific dinosaur is discovered in the immediate vicinity, its nearly impossible to attribute a particular piece of poop to a particular dinosaur species.) Every now and then, coprolites can even help to settle evolutionary disputes. For example, a batch of fossilized dung excavated recently in India proves that the dinosaurs responsible fed on types of grass that weren’t believed to have evolved until millions of years later. By pushing back the flourishing of these grasses to 65 million years ago from 55 million years ago (give or take a few million years), these coprolites may help explain the evolution of the megafauna mammals known as gondwanatheres, which had teeth adapted for grazing, during the ensuing Cenozoic Era. One of the most famous coprolites was discovered in Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1998. This gigantic poop fossil (which looks pretty much the way you’d expect) measures 17 inches long and six inches thick, and was probably part of an even larger chunk of dinosaur dung. Because this coprolite is so enormous - and contains fragments of bone and blood vessels- paleontologists believe it may have derived from a Tyrannosaurus Rex that roamed North America about 60 million years ago. (This type of forensics is nothing new; as far back as the early 19th century, the English fossil-hunter Mary Anning discovered bezoar stones, containing fish scales, nestled in the fossilized skeletons of various marine reptiles.) The Coprolites of the Cenozoic Era Animals have been eating and pooping for 500 million yearsso what makes the Mesozoic Era so special? Well, aside from the fact that most people find dinosaur dung fascinating, absolutely nothingand coprolites dating from before the Triassic period and after the Cretaceous period can be equally diagnostic of the creatures responsible. For example, the megafauna mammals of the Cenozoic Era left an exquisite assortment of fossilized poops, of all shapes and sizes, which has helped paleontologists tease out details about the food chain; archaeologists can even infer facts about the lifestyles of early Homo sapiens by examining the minerals and microorganisms preserved in their feces. No discussion about fossilized poop would be complete without a mention of Englands once-burgeoning coprolite industry: during the mid-18th century (a few decades after Mary Annings time had come and gone), a curious parson at Cambridge University discovered that certain coprolites, when treated with sulfuric acid, yielded valuable phosphates then  in demand by the growing chemical industry. For decades, the east coast of England was a hotbed of coprolite mining and refining, to the extent that even today, in the town of Ipswich, you can take a leisurely stroll down Coprolite Street.

Financial Management in Banks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial Management in Banks - Essay Example It is said to be very essential because it decreases the chances of loss and enhances profit expectation. Like any other firm, the ultimate objective of banks and financial institutions is to maximize profit and shareholder wealth. Financial management plays an important role in achieving these goals in banks. The crucial aspects of financial management such as capital budgeting, investment appraisal, capital structure and risk management are some very important considerations in banking operations. Maximization of profit and shareholder wealth is only possible if banks perform its fundamental activities i.e. advancing loans and receiving deposits in a manner that can minimize the elements of risk. For this purpose, the use of financial management is very important in banks. The preceding paragraphs elaborate the use of financial management in banks for the maximization profit and shareholder wealth and the importance of risk management techniques in this regard. Financial management is considered to be very crucial when a bank undertakes a new project or investment. Investment and capital budgeting decisions in banks are taken on the basis of positive NPV criterion. It is because of the fact that it is consistent with the notion of shareholder wealth maximisation as a positive NPV means increase in the expected bank cash flows (Schroeck, 2002). Therefore, when decisions are taken on the basis of positive NPV, they are expected to enhance profit as well as shareholder wealth in the form of share price maximization. These new projects and investments have a great impact on bank cash flows, earnings and shareholder wealth. The use of financial management capital budgeting techniques help bank to stabilise their rate of return and minimise costs. Risk management is one of the most essential aspects of bank activities. Managing risk is important for the purpose of profit and shareholder wealth maximization. Banks confront with lending capacity restrictions and rising cost of acquiring new funds. This makes it crucial for banks to invest their funds in a prudent manner by employing various risk management techniques (Froot and Stein, 1995). Risk management helps a bank to reduce the volatility of its expected cash flows and earnings and thus increase the chances of profit and shareholder wealth maximization. It protects a bank's stock price to fluctuate in response to market uncertainties and stabilises return on equity. Risk management can also lead to reduction of cost of capital as it enables banks to proactively acquire enough funds to meet its future investment needs. Shareholder value is also protected as risk management techniques prevent fluctuations in the market value of banks (Schroeck, 2002). Increasing competition in banking sector due to ever increasing number of banks is also becoming the major source of risk. Banks remain ready to advance loans without extracting complete information on borrowers' capacity and credit rating. This leads to increase in bank's credit risk because most borrowers fail to pay off the loans they acquire (Marquez, 2002). The risk in the banking sector has increased a lot in the recent year. Many

Supply Chain Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Supply Chain - Case Study Example It is the world’s largest apparel retail store having chain stores in many countries. It is famous that the production, operations and then the supply chain activities are so well managed at Zara that it takes just two weeks to manufacture a new product and then launch at a display store. Whereas other competitors working in the Apparel industry take minimum of six months for manufacturing and then launching a new product in the market. This developed structure is really a source of competitive advantage for the Company Zara (Bhagwat 2011). Benetton is another Italian based Clothing Company, working globally regardless of the geographical boundaries. Benetton is famous for its dual supply chain system. The production is usually based on the quantity demanded from the stores themselves. This is also sometimes known as pull driven strategy. In addition, the last one, H & M is Swedish based Apparel Company working successfully in the market. The full name of H & M is Hennes and M auritz. The products are famous for its reasonable prices and the availability of variety of stocks within no time. It is famous that no single item remains on shop shelves more than a month duration. At Zara, the efficient operational activities and the processes are the real cause or the source of gaining competitive advantage as compare to many other competitor firms operating in the industry. The managers at Zara Company continue the research process throughout the whole season and not just in the end. For this reason, they are successful in the provision of new products within no time. The lower prices as compare to many other competitors may also give a positive impact to strengthen the competitive advantage of the company. Anyone can imagine the work efficiency at Zara Company that the product stay at distribution centre is only three days and after that, workers dispatch it to different retail stores. Another innovative thinking of marketing managers at Zara

A History of Bravery and Conflict Essay Example for Free

A History of Bravery and Conflict Essay Although many protest against the SWAT team’s use of force, history shows how vital it is for SWAT teams to wield more power than standard police officers. SWAT officers have captured and killed criminals who could not be stopped by conventional methods. Without them, incidents such as the Texas Tower Massacre might occur with more frequency and with a greater number of casualties. Therefore, the SWAT team ought to be applauded for its power of protection and not hampered in its duties. ? Although many note that specialized weapons and tactics were used as early as the time of the civil war, special SWAT teams were not created until much later. Chris Pizzo cites William E. Fairbain as the creator of the first SWAT team. Fairbain organized his specialized teams, the Shanghai Municipal Police Force, to defend against riots, guerilla attacks and terrorists in the 1920s. Fairbain’s men were the first police group to use automatic weapons, carbines and high-powered rifles. They also used body armor, armed motorcycles, and chemicals to repel attackers. They countered snipers, used martial arts, and excelled at hand-to-hand combat. While Fairbain’s men originally worked in Shanghai, they brought their methods back to the United States (Pizzo, 2007). In Los Angeles, the need for teams with specialized weapons and tactics was made evident in 1965, when Marquette Frye, a black man, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. His mother tried to stop the arrest, and drew a crowd. The event sparked anger and rioting against policemen in Los Angeles. According to Lee W. Minikus, the rioters threw rocks and gigantic pieces of concrete at patrol officers. The officers were armed only with eleven shotguns – one per car, and batons. After being attacked, they used their batons on the rioters to defend themselves. According to Minikus, â€Å"They were not rioters, as far as I’m concerned, they were gangsters. † The officer’s neighbors, some white, some Latino, defended his wife and children, holding rifles on their front porches. The riots left 25 blacks and nine whites dead. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 others were injured. Rioters burnt businesses to ash and damaged more than 600 properties. Ironically, Minikus and Marquette remained friends after the incident (Reitman Landsberg, 2005). In the summer of 1966, America’s need for SWAT teams became even clearer when a tragedy struck Texas. A disturbed engineering student and former marine, Charles Whitman, killed his wife and parents, then climbed to a tower on the University of Austin’s campus and began shooting down students. Whitman allowed others to get close enough to aid the wounded victims, and then shot the would-be rescuers as well. He even shot an eight months pregnant woman in the stomach, killing her baby. When police arrived on the scene, they had to plan to reach Whitman or to help the victims. Some tried to bring him down with an airplane, but were repelled by his gunfire. Eventually, the officers were able to bring Whitman down by using an underground tunnel. When they reached Whitman, he fired on them. They returned fire and finally ended Whitman’s attack (Snow, 1996). The tower massacre lead police to the realization that they needed to be more prepared for such attacks. Meanwhile, after the Watts riots, several snipers shot innocent civilians and police were not able to respond efficiently to such disasters. The Los Angeles Police Department was the first to find a way to respond (LAPD, 2008). Officer John Nelson, supported by inspector Darryl Gates, came up with a special weapons and tactics squad, which would enlist a small group of extremely disciplined officers to handle the most challenging and unusual problems faced by the force. The original LAPD SWAT team consisted of fifteen men, who had both police and military experience. They operated once a month, or when they were actually needed. By the 1970s, however, SWAT teams operated on a full-time basis in larger cities. In 1971, they officially adopted the name of SWAT (Snow, 1996).

First Knight And The Ox-bow Incident :: essays research papers

First Knight and The Ox-Bow Incident In the novel, "The Ox-Bow Incident," and the movie, "First Knight," the differences by far out weighed the similarities. Some of the more evident similarities Round Table had a set book of laws and rules that all knights must abide by, regardless of their feelings were, the characters seemed to both have a leader which they followed, Tetley in "the Ox-Bow", and King Arthur in "First Knight". Both groups seemed to follow what their so-called "leaders" said. Nobody wanted to stand up to Tetley nor King Arthur, they just did what they were told, regardless of whether or not they felt that it was moral or not. Some of the differences range from; law, their feelings toward others, and their ethics and morale. The first difference is the two groups view on the law. The Knights of the about them. Whereas, the cowboys had a set of unwritten laws, which they changed whenever there was something that they wanted to pursue. Most of them felt that the law was wrong and too slow, so they often decided to take law into their own hands and form posses. If the majority of the people believed that a certain person is guilty or not, they would act upon him/her without a fair trial. Their view of the law was that it "just gets in the way" and should be abolished all together. The Knights believed that the law was good and is there for a reason, while the cowboys felt the law was wrong and took action into their own hands. The two groups both showed a special friendship for each other, yet their friendships were based on different feelings. They were always ready for action and didn't have the time to express their friendship to others. Their friendships were almost always a temporary thing, meaning one minute they could be your best friend and the next, your worst enemy. They also didn't express their love like the Knights did. They showed their appreciation through the respect of others while the Knights expressed their feelings through trust. The Knights, on the other hand, showed a great deal of love and friendship. Their relationships were based on assurance and trust, whereas the cowboys didn't rely on anyone. The Knights were also willing to sacrifice their lives for each other, while the cowboys would let each other die. So, in comparing the relationships of the two groups, they both had strong relationships with each other, yet they were based on two totally different ideas. The last major difference between the Knights and the cowboys was one of

Motivational Factor at Tesco Essay

These theories concentrate of the benefits and importance of motivation, however researcher found it necessary for this research to consider that as it is mentioned by Vercueil, 2001 incorrectly implemented motivation management causes a harmful affect on the employees. Watt, 1998 refers to Anon saying that in the past motivation could be identifies as a way to make people want what we want and differs it from manipulation that makes individuals do what we want. However today as it mentioned by Bruce and Pepitone, 1999 modern employees are much more sophisticated and are in search for a greater satisfaction from the job they are doing. Artificial reward or money alone are nor enough. Therefore modern organisations need to learn and understand human nature as it indicates why people in these case employees behave in a particular manner. Managers need to motivate the employee leading to a grater working performances and mainly managers have to understand their employees needs and their life organization in order to meet the employees expectations and motivate ones performance more efficiently. Staff retention is a significant element of every successful business. It is characterized by the employees desire to sustain in the organization and continuing contribution to the business. In times of economic crisis more and more individuals have to stay at their jobs even if conditions are not favorable due to a risk of being unable to provide for a family. However more and more individuals are raising the importance of staff motivation management. Organizations today have realized that a modern employee needs to be rightly motivated and encouraged, not only money wise, to ensure staff retention. Motivation is a force that stimulates people to perform an action. Therefore motivation is a force which compel people go to their work every day and that is why people bring improvement in themselves to satisfy the desire of becoming or accomplishing what they have set out to become or accomplish in their life. More over with motivation any complicated situation can be converted into a simple and learning experience. In his research Watt, 2003 also states that managers must understand that individuals want to be treated fairly and have equal opportunities to advance. He highlights the problem of motivation today. Often organizations do not recognize that the motivation management requires different approaches depending on the industry sectors. The problem of motivation and staff performance as it is stated by Green et al, 1999 might stay undetected, hidden and unresolved by the managers. Therefore managers often don’t realize that it is important not only to appeal to the individual’s intellect but to their hearts as well. Green et all, 1999 also identifies three main problems for motivation: – Lack of confidence – Lack of trust Lack of satisfaction Well designed and implemented motivation strategy leads to employee’s retention therefore employee’s loyalty. Loyalty is a significant and vital part of any organization. As it is mentioned by Daft and Marcic, 2011 management should learn to allow all it s employees make a contribution and use its talents and potential in order to progress and improve their sk ills. This sort of motivation creates employees retention and ensures ones constant grow and contribution to the company. TK MAXX has a well developed reward and development management. Organization believes that its people should be growing as well as the business. From the first time the employee joins the company organization provides a comprehensive induction programs and ensures that whether it is about moving up the career ladder, learning and development of new skills or gaining experience working in different countries there are plenty of available opportunities for the employees. Company has a strong rewards and benefits system, pension scheme, holidays, private healthcare and voluntary benefits as a part of its employee motivation and ensures of employees happiness and satisfaction. All this provides companies growth and efficient performances with a high rate of employee’s retention. Researcher believes that T. K. Max is a real example of a right motivation management. Organization aims at ensuring satisfaction of its employees and at the same time ensures a solid growth and development for the business. Therefore the researcher wanted to examine the motivation strategies used by T. K. Max and analyze its effect on the employees. 1. 3. The Company Background The organization that we have chosen for our research is one of the most successful retailers in the market today. T. K. Max management in the Uxbridge branch were excited and happy to participate in our research and granted us with a permission to use the organization’s name in this investigation. T-K Maxx is a chain of clothing and accessories stores. The company was launched in 1994. It is a subsidiary of TJX Companies Inc. (TJXtra, JUNE 2010) TK MAXX always aimed to deliver frequently changing and best quality products at a price which is 20-60% less than other department and specialty stores regular prices. TK MAXX has label of â€Å"Always up to 60% less† and has target customers who is middle to upper-middle income shopper. But simultaneously who are fashion and value conscious. T. K. MAXX is now 7th largest fashion retailer in the U. K. It introduced the off price concept in the UK and it is now the only major off-price retailer in Europe. It was operating in UK and Ireland. Later on T. K. Maxx opened first stores in Germany in 2007 and also entered in Poland in 2009 (TJXtra, JUNE 2010) The reason why we the researcher choose TK-Maxx as an organization is its market share and the enormous global scale that it’s operate. Having its unique position in UK market T. K.

Essay on Carol Berkin’s Revolutionary Mothers Essay

Carol Berkin clearly states her thesis in the introduction of Revolutionary Mothers. â€Å"Despite the absence of radical changes in gender ideology and gender roles for most women, the Revolution did lend legitimacy to new ideas about women’s capacities and their proper roles†. (Berkin 2005) In two thousand and fourteen it is questionable about how clearly women’s roles have changed especially in the areas of economics and politics at least it is obvious that the revolution did not bring equality. Legal status has changed. Of course, educational opportunities have expanded greatly; however, it often appears the more things change the more they stay the same. Even our popular vernacular demonstrates an entrenched gender inequality. â€Å"You throw like a girl† reveals poor physical performance. To concretely state subordination a person need only to make another their â€Å"bitch†. Female autonomy is usually used to denote weakness. While women now have the right to vote it is interesting that in the US Senate only 20 of the 100 senators are female. Look to Fortune 500 CEO’s and you will find only 24 female CEO’s. (Fairchild 2014) It is standard knowledge that while women are legally entitled to their wages they make 82 cents to the dollar of a male’s wages and even lower percentages for women of color. (US Department of Labor 2014) As a result of the Revolution, changes occurred. â€Å"While all those who debated the woman question agreed on the intellectual and moral equality of the sexes, few believed that the two sexed should  employ their abilities in the same arenas.† (Berkin 2005) If this is true of 1781, it is true of 2014 as well. Gender roles still ensure women are not equal social, economic, and political participants in the US. Clearly, women could not have demanded emancipation at the conclusion of the Revolution principally because of strict gender roles on the 1700’s. Yet to assume women did not contemplate greater political, economic, and social equality because of gender roles would relegate them to inferior intellect and place Victorian ideology onto them in 2014. Women questioned their position as any other individual even though they did not collectively seek radical change. Berkin makes a strong case steeped with evidence about an independent political conscience emerging. Feme covert was the status 18th century women found themselves in upon marriage. This status meant her legal personhood disappeared with marriage as she was assumed by her husband as a dependent. Berkin begins her argument with the role of women at the time of the American Revolution. Women could assume new responsibilities because of her helpmate responsibilities without seeing those responsibilities in light of a desire to change her status. However, more than that was occurring. â€Å"†¦across the colonies, women and girls developed concerns outside the private world of the family and began to ‘think nationly’.† (ibid, 11) Largely because of women’s roles in the process of boycotting goods, women utilized political power. Women became critical participants in the opposition to Britain. Gender could not stop the obvious question of what would be the meaning of the demanded changes. Purchasing power was used as an effective tool and the humanitiy that pushed women into participation must have also generated questions as to what ch anges would occure because of these protest. Gender roles might have inhibited the action of demanding change but it didn’t stop the question from beign raised. Being loving or even just obedient partners might explain their involvement but it could not surpress the natural inclienation of asking questions of why. The Edenton Resolves profess that although women owed obedience to their husbands their behavior was also for personal reasons, â€Å"Yet they also declared that it was the duty they owed to themselves.† (ibid, 22) Loyality and gender roles would impact female actions and motivations. â€Å"Catherine Schuyler, wife of the American general Philip Schuyler, tossed flaming torches on her fields of wheat rather than  see it used to feed General John Burgoyne’s invading army.† (ibid, 41) Still primal motivations of survival and self interst would dominate motivation. â€Å"The whole world appeared to me as a theatre, where nothing was acted buy cruelty, bloodshed, and oppression; where neither age nor sex escaped the horrors of injustice and violence; where lives and property of the innocent and inoffensive were in continual danger, and the lawless power ranged at large.† (idib, 36) Survival motivated. Whether refering to camp followers or Generals wives, self interest moved human action. The Baroness von Riedessel, Martha Washington, or Caty Greene were all tied to their husbands and their success. Their decision to follow their husbands and face the challenges facing soldiers on the front lines with a definite grace related to their own futures and status as much as their husbands and each of these women would have known that fact. Surely loyality and affection played a role in their behavior, but not necessarily many more that self interest. Nathaneal Greene instructs his wife on her options during his absence, â€Å"She chose neither of his suggestions.† (ibid, 78) Instead she made her own choice on her own interest. Self interest were linked to an emerging independent conscience. Grace Galloway exposes this point. When her loyalist husband left her in Philadelphia she found herself in dire straits. Even when the government confiscated her property, she worked to retain economic rights. â€Å"Grace did not surrender quietly. Throughout 1778, her journal entries show her determined attempts to separate and recover her dowry property from the rest of her husband’s property.† (ibid, 94) Female political conscience was also demonstrated by the shift in legal verbage. â€Å"Thus statutes defining treason began to speak of ‘persons’ rather than mne, of ‘he and she’ rathen than ‘he’ alonge.† (ibid, 100) These â€Å"†¦independent political choices† (ibid, 100) could be looked at as wifely duties but the law saw otherwise. Native America women also had to weigh self interest in dete rmining the best course of action and the wisest ally in the American Revolution. Gender roles among some Natives were quite different than most European gender roles. So a natural inability to compromise became extremely strained. â€Å"For those steeped in the English traditions of subordination of women, women’s councils and women warriors were a radical crossing of gender lines†¦There are few records of Indian women’s view of English colonial society. Those that exist suggest amazement at the female  dependency and exclusion from political life that marked a culture that was as alien to them as theirs was to the English.† (ibid, 109) Molly Bryant’s loyalty to Britain marked her belief in protecting her self-interest. â€Å"She believed her political commitment to the Crown honored her husband’s memory and, most importantly, served the best interest of her Mohawk kinsmen and women.† (ibid, 112) For her entire life she worked as a political leader attempting to secure lands and rights for her people. Several other female Native leaders worked to secure Native interest. The American Revolution would greatly limit the voice of Native people and particularly Nativ e women but many Natives had a definite political conscience which they voiced loudly and often. Gender norms did not stop African Americans women from questioning the ideas of liberty promoted in the American Revolution. Likewise, the self-interest of the British crown encouraged them to court African Americans for support as Dunmore’s Ethiopian Regiment attest. The chaos of the war offered opportunities for freedom and many sought refuge behind British lines. Usually these opportunities did not lend themselves to freedom with many Africans sold to the West Indies, yet the vast number and movement of Africans show the ability to work towards their own benefit and the ability to think politically. Berkin uses primary sources to lay out her claims including newspapers, letters, and diaries. Relying heavily on the work of Elizabeth Ellet’s Women and the American Revolution, her work was influenced by the gender roles of the 1840’s and 1850’s. The Cult of Womanhood cloud the political conscience of Revolutionary women but even so that voice questions personal sovereignty. At times Berkin seems superficial in her arguments; still she argues that change did occur with the American Revolution. There was no great revolution for women’s economic, political, and social equality. John Adams states, â€Å"We are obliged to g o fair, and softly, and in Practice We are the subjects. We have only the Name of Masters, and rather than give up this, which would completely subject Us to the Despotism of the Petticoats, I hope General Washington and all our brave Heroes would fight.† (ibid, 158) Even so the women’s debate did cause pause. â€Å"Reason rules, in every one, the same. No Right, has Man, his Equals to control, Since, all agree, There is no Sex in soul.† (ibid, 151) â€Å"Women’s participation in the war had given concrete, empirical evidence of their ability to think rationally and make ethical  judgments.† (ibid, 152) Carol Berkin uses both famous and obscure women. She looks at patriots and loyalistis, trulls and General’s wives, Native Americans, African Americans, and spies. The idea of Revolutionary mothers who would train the upcoming generations of Republican citizens guaranteed changes in women’s education but at the expense of extensions of rights for women. Yet changes in education would give voice to festering ideas. In spite of this revolution, political conscience began to develop. Suffrage was eventually won but not as an extension of the Revolution. Gender roles of 2014 still create a definite imbalance in society politically, economically, and socially. Women function, work, raise families, display citizenship, pay their bills, and interact within their communities within continued gender restrictions. Because we do not protest or demand immediate resolution does not mean we do not think about, contemplate these inequities. How could Abigail Adams prompt John Adams to â€Å"Remember the Ladies† if she did not have a conscience about the injustice of property and legal status of women? Berkin, Carol. Revolutionary Mothers Women in the Struggle for America’s Independence. New York: Vintage Books, 2005. Fairchild, Caroline. Fortune. July 8, 2014. http://fortune.com/2014/07/08/women-ceos-fortune-500-1000/ (accessed November 8, 2014). US Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. October 24, 2014. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf (accessed November 8, 2014).

Literary Analysis A Guide to Writing a Perfect Literary Analysis

Literary Analysis A Guide to Writing a Perfect Literary Analysis The process of learning how to write a literary analysis can be daunting and overwhelming at first, but as you gain more practice with this kind of thinking, you can craft a method that works best for you. Literary Analysis Essay A literary analysis essay is an argumentative analysis that carefully examines a piece of literature by looking at the characters of the story, theme, tone, setting as well as the plot and other literary devices used to narrate the story. It encourages a reader to think about how and why a novel, poem or play was written. Its meant to be an analysis of a key element in the literature thus you should refrain from writing a paper that explains every single point of the plot of the story. An argument can be raised by looking at the authors intentions and attempting to explain their significance or from a personal perspective in which case the original text has to defend and account for the argument to the reader. 7 TIPS TO WRITE A LITERATURE REVIEW The Purpose of a Reading Analysis The purpose of a literary analysis is to demonstrate why the author used specific characters, themes, settings, imagery, etc. to persuade the reader in a story. It tries to identify an important theme and then investigates the literary devices that the author used to reveal that theme. The literary analysis also helps to develop critical thinking skills in students by challenging them to look beyond the literal meanings by dissecting the story to see how the pieces fit together. Literary Analysis vs. Reading Analysis From a general view, literal analysis delves into the why and tries to understand the obvious and hidden meanings that lurk beneath the main plot. It causes one to not only reflect on the story itself but to understand the bigger picture of history, human condition etc. Reading analysis, on the other hand, is the act of reading to extract information. 5 Steps on How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay The process of learning how to write a literary analysis can be daunting and overwhelming at first, but as you gain more practice with this kind of thinking, you can craft a method that works best for you. Here is a guide that outlines everything you need to know to write a good literary analysis. 1. Choose and Focus on the Topic First, you need to read the work thoroughly and ensure you understand the plot of the play, poem or novel and who the characters are. An analysis is only possible when you have a clear understanding of the story. Always pick a topic that interests you as it is easier to start off with something you enjoy. Brainstorm a list of potential topics (themes) by asking yourself questions like, What was striking in the text? Why did the author write this? How are characters developed? How are the literary devices used? and try to look for connections and patterns by mapping out the different aspects of the chosen element. 2. Gather Evidence Its important for students to research the topic before writing. Collect enough material to help you answer or support your question. 3. Introduction to a Literary Analysis Essay The introduction to a literary analysis essay makes the first impression on a reader so its essential that you bring it out in a clear and concise manner. A good introduction to a literary analysis essay should provide relevant information about a particular aspect of a work of literature and orientate the reader to what will follow. The introduction must, therefore, include a book, author, title, main characters, short summary, and thesis. A thesis appears as the last sentence in the first paragraph and will mainly allude to the three main points you wish to address in the main body of the essay. Here is an example of a good thesis statement for literary analysis: In a Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens demonstrates the process by which an unfruitful and wasted life can be redeemed. Sidney Cartons intense love for Lucie Manette transforms him from a hopeless man into a hero and star whose life and death bring so much meaning. 4. The Body of a Literary Analysis Essay After the introduction, you will move towards the body of your essay where you present the paragraphs (usually three paragraphs for a 500-750 word essay) that support your thesis statement. Each paragraph in the body should include a topic sentence, textual evidence (paraphrase or quotation), commentary/explanation and a concluding sentence. 5. Conclusion of a Literary Analysis Essay This is the last paragraph in your essay which should reflect how your essay topic relates to the book as a whole. You will need to summarize all that you have discussed in the essay without introducing any new ideas. Formatting a Literary Analysis Literary analysis papers are generally written using MLA citation style formatting guidelines unless specified otherwise by your professor. Here is the article about MLA essay format with the  example: MLA ESSAY FORMAT Writing literary analysis is often a time-consuming activity that requires a lot of research and skill. With the use of our writing services, you will not only receive quality literary analysis essays even on the most challenging topics, but you will create a more professional piece that depicts you as one with a deep understanding of literature. Get an expert writing assistance today, place an order and leave your worries behind.

The #1 Left-Handed Scholarship

The #1 Left-Handed Scholarship SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips You’ve struggled all your life with scissors. You felt distinctly discriminated against during handwriting classes in grade school. And shaking hands feels downright unnatural. In short, you’ve suffered. And everyone knows that for every challenge out there, there’s a college scholarship to reward those who have struggled through it. Read on to hear about scholarships for you long-suffering lefties. Unique Scholarships for Unique People Did you know that one of the top search terms for scholarships is â€Å"left handed scholarships†? There is certainly a lot of demand, and many students have heard rumors of scholarships that will reward them for interesting physical attributes that they were born with. In fact, there are several scholarships out there for tall people, short people, fat people, healthy people, disabled people, and people who are visually impaired. And it’s true – there’s also a scholarship out there for you lefties! Congratulations! But let me emphasize that: there is A scholarship out there for you lefties. As in singular. One. And it’s from a college you’ve probably never heard of. You’re Just Not That Special Just kidding. You are special. Really. â€Å"But why only one?!† I can hear you shouting despairingly. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but left-handed people are just not that special. The government doesn't consider left-handed people to be handicapped. Left-handed people haven't really suffered in any significant way. And they haven’t been discriminated against apart from in the relatively minor ways mentioned at the beginning of this article. In fact, about 10percent of the population is left-handed. There are approximately 700 million of you in the world. I’ll repeat: You are just not that special. (At least, not because of your dominant hand. Otherwise, you're a snowflake! Promise!) The good news is now that you know this, you can move on and start finding better scholarships. If you're determined to get an unusual scholarship, check out our list. There are alsothousands of scholarships out there and you are most likely qualified for at least some of them already, and others you can work to get qualified for. In short, the sooner you stop looking for left-handed scholarships, the better. The Only Left-Handed Scholarship But in case you're not convinced that you should seek money elsewhere, read on to hear about the only scholarship in the country for left-handed people. The Frederick and Mary F. Beckley Scholarship is awarded to one or two left-handed students each year at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Never heard of Juniata? According to a press release on their web site, this is quite common. Many students only learn about the college when they are looking for a left-handed scholarship. In case you would like to learn more, Juniata is a quite strong liberal arts college with about 1,600 students. In addition to offering the country’s only left-handed scholarship, they are unique for having â€Å"Programs of Emphasis† instead of majors, a very eco-friendly campus, and accomplished men’s and women’s Division III volleyball teams. They also host some fun annual events, including a Pig Roast and the Mr. Juniata Pageant. So How Did This Scholarship Come Into Being? Back in 1919, students Frederick Beckley and Mary Francis were paired together in their tennis class because the coach thought that left-handed people couldn’t play tennis as well as the other students. Though they ended up married because of this, Frederick and Mary apparently took the discriminative act to heart and set out to help future generations of Juniata students who might also be unfairly treated because of their unusual dominant hands. The final question on the Juniata’s financial aid questionnaire asks if students are right or left-handed, but students who choose the â€Å"left-handed† option don’t have to prove it. From this, demonstrated financial need, and academic record at the college (the award is only for sophomores and above), a few students are chosen every year for the award. Once students receive the scholarship, they continue to receive the scholarship yearly until they graduate. In case it isn’t obvious, you cannot receive this scholarship unless you attend Juniata College. And seeing as there is no application process, even if you do choose to attend Juniata College to be awarded for your left-handedness, you can’t do much to ensure you get this scholarship except do well academically. The awards range between $1,000 and $1,500. Juniata’s estimated cost of attendance is $51,740 per year. In conclusion, Juniata may be a great fit for you – for a lot of reasons that do not include this scholarship. But if money is a big consideration, and being left-handed is your only distinguishing feature, it seems like a gamble to choose this school on the off-chance that you will get awarded a minor scholarship for three of the four years. What’s Next? As I’ve said, there are hundreds of thousands of scholarships out there. Check out our list of crazy scholarships if you would like to be unique. Many of them are open to all students willing to put in a bit of effort. If you can't get a full ride, don't give up! There are a lot of otherscholarships out there based on extracurriculars, such as community service, instead of academics. Not sure how much college would cost without a free ride? Check outthe real cost of attending college. Have you heard about a left-handed scholarship that we missed? Let us know in the comments. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Macroeconomics Part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Macroeconomics Part 2 - Essay Example Demand pull inflation is caused by a rise in aggregate demand which means persistent rightward shifts in the aggregate demand curve. The rise in aggregate demand may occur due to rises in consumer demand, in the level of government expenditure, in investment by firm, in foreign residents demand for the country’s exports or a combination of these four (Sloman 1997). Demand pull inflation is usually linked to a booming economy. When the economy is in recession, demand pull inflation tends be low. However, when the economy is near the peak of the business cycle, demand pull inflation is likely to be high. The graph above illustrates the rise in aggregate demand by a rightward shift in the aggregate demand curve, from AD1 to AD2. Prices rise from P1 to P2 and output rises from Q1 to Q2 resulting in inflation. On the other hand is the cost push inflation where high costs force firms to increase their prices (Gillespie 2001). Aggregate supply is the total amount of goods and service s produced at a given price level in an economy. When there is a fall in the aggregate supply of goods and services caused by an increase in the cost of production, cost-push inflation occurs.  Cost-push inflation essentially means that prices have rose by an increase in the costs of any of the four factors of production that is; labor, capital, land or entrepreneurship given that firms are already managing at maximum capacity. With increased costs and maximized productivity, firms cannot sustain profit margins by producing the same quantity of goods and services. Consequently, the increased costs are borne by consumers, causing an upward shift in the general price level. The graph above shows the amount of output that can be attained at the given price level.  As production costs escalate, aggregate supply falls from AS1 to AS2 (given production is at maximum capacity), causing the prices to increase from P1 to P2 and total output to decrease from Q1 to Q2. Demand pull and cost push inflation can occur together, since price rises can be caused both by increases in aggregate demand and by independent causes pushing up costs. Similar is the case with the UK’s economy. The UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual inflation rate went up to 4.5% in April, from 4% in March (BBC 2011). As always, there are elements of both types of inflation in the UK’s economy. With the ongoing recovery and a slight increase in demand, there is a small level of demand pull inflation. However, the majority of the effect is cost-push. The increase in VAT is one of the major reasons of inflation in this economy, as well as increases in non-discretionary items such as fuel, utilities, housing and food. These are all necessities whose price hikes act more like an additional tax. The figure below shows the change in the UK’s annual quarterly rate of inflation over the last 15 years. b) Keeping inflation down to a desirable moderate level is an important contributive factor to sustain economic growth. This is because it serves as an incentive for increasing output, investments and unemployment. A rapid rate of inflation disrupts regular economic life leading to a wider income gap, falling output and unemployment. However, the remedy for such inflation depends on the cause. Therefore, government must diagnose its causes before implementing policies. Government policies may pull the rate of inflation down through contractionary fiscal and monetary policies. Monetary policy covers government changes in either the supply of

Germany Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Germany - Essay Example So while in some ways he did not want to enter the war, being a pacifist at heart, Wilson knew that the outcome of the war could have drastic impacts on the way the world worked after it, and these impacts would be decided upon solely by the victors. Knowing all this, Wilson wanted to have a seat at the victor’s table, in order to be a part of determining the new world order. His championing of the League of Nations following the First World War shows what kind of world order he imagined, and he perhaps thought that, through going to war this one time, he could help prevent future conflicts from ever occurring again. He was sadly mistaken, obviously, both because of the harsh reparations demanded by the allies and because o the US government’s unwillingness to take part in the League, but his aspirations were high all the same. So while the Zimmerman telegram was certainly inflammatory, there are definitely ways in which would could argue that it was used more as a pretext to enter the war than being the sole cause of the US’s entrance – Wilson had a lot to gain in going to war for the Victorious side, and so probably would have taken much less inflammatory bait had it been presented. It is impossible to know for certain how the world would have turned out had the United States never entered the war: it is even hard to know which side would have won, or if victory ever would have happened in any kind of real way. I would argue that without US intervention, neither side would really have been able to win the war, and a much less harsh peace process would probably have had to occur, which would have led to better consequences. The defining feature of much of the First World War was a terrible stale-mate – lines of trenches were established, and because defensive technology was, for this brief time period, so

Latin America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Latin America - Essay Example One of the features is the central lowlands. The others are the eastern region’s extensive highlands of Guiana and Brazil and the third is the Andes. The Andes for instance comprise ranges of mountains that are Cenozoic that resulted from the active convergence of the Pacific tectonic plates and the American tectonic plates (Gritzner, 2006). The Latin America is widely reputed for its extensive tracks of fertile lands all across the continent and also with sites rich in rare minerals and stones. There are in addition to these, a plethora of water bodies all across the Latin America in the form of rivers, lakes, streams, and so coupled with beautiful sceneries. The nature of the geography of Latin America has been more beneficial to the people living in the region than it has been detrimental. For one, the geography is one that attracts habitable/ suitable climates where populations and crops can thrive. There is a lot of rainfall experienced in the region throughout the year and with the fertile soils of the lands, agriculture in the region continues to boom. The region therefore because of its geography is food sufficient with the surplus exported to other areas for foreign exchange. Furthermore, as already stated, the geography of the lands boasts rocks that contain a number of minerals such as copper, tin and mercury from the Altiplano, that are mined for monetary value (Webb, 1972). Because of this good geography too, the Latin America has provided a suitable habitat for wildlife species such as in the Amazon that continue to elicit great tourism revenues. Other natural beauties of this geography such as the Iguazu falls in Argentina and the Perito Moreno glacier also bring in millions of tourists to the region annually. Because of all these activities that have been facilitated by the generous geography of the area, the region continues to experience great economic growth and the improvement of standards of living of the

The Significance and Role of the Theme of Hospitality Essay Example for Free

The Significance and Role of the Theme of Hospitality Essay In Ancient Greece, when the world was still young and vastly unexplored, people relied on good faith in welcoming strangers in their lands hoping that the favor shall also be repaid in kind in the future when they too shall travel. There were poor means of communication between tribes, cities or small communities separated by a wide expanse of empty land and the open sea. Anyone who decides to set out on an epic voyage to uncharted territories can only trust the unspoken tradition of hospitality among people scattered in unknown places. One can not depend solely on personal renown to be allowed access in strange lands. Similarly, while the fame and reputation of Odysseus did precede him throughout the lands, it was not so much because of his prominence that helped him through his voyage. Rather it was due to the practice of unconditional altruism which played an important role in Odysseus’s travels. It is the principle of doing to others what one wishes that others do in return. It is the unspoken bond of humanity among individuals who were then too few in the world and had each other to ask for assistance as brothers and comrades in the nascent world The theme of travel and wandering prevails in the Homer’s Epic, the Odyssey. After the fall of Troy, Odysseus with his small army set out to sail for home. However, he was destined to suffer years of torment and agony because Poseidon, among a number of other gods, wanted to prevent him from ever succeeding while the rest of the gods in Mount Olympus pitied him and wanted him to succeed. Just like the harsh and uninviting ocean storms, Odysseus’ fate was tossed and turned by the whims of these gods. He was subjected to numerous trials and tests during his protracted journey home until he finally reached Ithaca and proved to be seaworthy, so to speak, in all respects (Aylen, 1964). Yet travel only underscores the salient theme of hospitality during the ancient era. Travel was prevalent during that time of exploration and the growth of Western civilization. People traveled for commerce and trade including the exchange of goods and ideas. Trade routes were established specifically to satisfy a society’s needs to go beyond their borders and establish different friendly relations with other states (Aylen, 1964). Trade routes were also developed to make sure that voyage to and fro is very convenient, safe and fast. Along trade routes and other important nautical highways were small tribes peppered along the shorelines. One or two may be hostile and unaccommodating to seafarers but even if most of them are highly suspicious of strangers, they still treated them with kindness even extravagance (1964). To everybody’s minds, it is most likely that people will continue to pass by routes and highways of exchange and its better to treat them well as opposed to driving them away and creating feud than friendship. A visitor today may be one’s host in the future. Likewise, a stranger that passes now might become a good friend eventually. Hospitality, the ready and willing cordial welcome of guests from strange lands, made voyage in the ancient world possible and better. The desire for adventure, to travel and to discover new places will have been a nightmare if people did not practice amicable attitudes to strangers. The benefits of being hospitable to seafarers outweigh the risks of treating strangers like friends into one’s home. Put differently, the risk in turning away visitors is more costly resource-wise than providing feasts and unlimited assistance to whoever is need of help (Aylen, 1964). It is true that the host, in order to show goodwill, have to go the distance of putting up expensive festive celebrations or sacrifice the best of what little resource he may have in his storehouse, but these things are necessary costs before reaping the benefits of being kind to a stranger who might later turn out to be a king or some rich merchant. Hospitality, in other words, is an investment in the future (1964). Ties of blood and friendship are created or destroyed by the practice of this tradition. Odysseus’ adventures and other incidental stories in Homer’s Odyssey evince the importance of hospitality in the sparsely populated ancient world. The different ways in which he and his men were welcomed in strange lands spelled either good tidings or disaster for them as the guests of honor and for the hosts. The mythical undertones that gird the motives of the hosts to give assistance in an ostentatious fashion merely attribute the sense of the divine in an otherwise natural and practical way to create stronger and long-lasting friendships. Book III of the epic, where Athena goaded Nestor to assist Telemachus in his business, was an adornment. It supports the traditional claim that hospitality was completely sanctioned by the gods. Anyone who fails or transgresses this tradition had to answer to the gods. In the same vein, Nestor provided food, shelter and a decent means of transportation for Telemachus, who was out in an important errand, upon the advice of the mentor god (Kitto, 1990). The fact that Nestor gave without question is instructive on the point that any material gifts to the hosts are just as good as altar sacrifices to the gods. In other words, Nestor showed his best form of hospitality in consideration of accumulating favors from the gods, if not militate the possibility of incurring the wrath of the gods. Being hospitable had a two-pronged effect, one that redounds positively to the host as a friend to the guest and the host as a favored individual in the eyes of the gods (Kitto, 1990). Subsequently in Book IV, Homer reveals subtly another good reason why hospitality was an important element in the epic. At first, upon the arrival of Telemachus and Nestor’s son, a messenger reported to Menelaus that â€Å"there are two strangers here, two men who look as if they are descended from great Zeus† and asked politely, â€Å"so tell me if we should, on their behalf, take their fast horses out of harness, or send them off to find some other host wholl welcome them as friends† (Book IV, Lines 31-40). The herald was both being courteous and cautious at the same time. He apprises to Menelaus that visitors, who looked like Greeks, were at their doorsteps and awaited the king’s instructions whether or not to accept them as guests or send them off to another place where they shall also be welcomed. The fact that the herald seemed a bit hesitant to allow the visitors in does not lessen the sense of hospitality in the epic. If anything, the question was addressed to the king taking into account the fact that they were presently engaged in other festivities. At any rate, Menelaus, hurriedly dispatched the notion and with playful chiding, told the messenger to tarry no longer in calling Telemachus and his companion and letting them in, saying: â€Å"Before today, Eteoneus, son of Boethous, you havent been a fool. But now you talk just like a silly child. For both of us often feasted on the hospitality of other men before we got back here, hoping that Zeus would give us some relief from later suffering (emphasis supplied). So unhitch those horses the strangers brought, and bring the men inside, so they may dine† (Book IV Lines 42-50). The lines in italics bespeak Menelaus anxious anticipation to finally have the opportunity to repay the favors he had been getting ever since he left for Troy. Indeed, he has enjoyed the hospitality of strangers in different lands and now is the best time to return the favor to another stranger. It is in the hope of perpetuating the cycle of hospitality as a tradition which turns full circle in his acceptance of two strangers and shall be repeated in the future when Menelaus himself shall travel again. Also, it bears stressing that Menelaus had no idea who these strangers were before welcoming them in with such gusto. It was only when the strangers had entered and set properly before the tables of festivity before Menelaus started to asked who they were and what brings them to his place right after they shall have dine with him. To wit: â€Å"enjoy our food and once youve had your meal, well ask you who you are. For in you two your parents breeding has not been destroyed—since you are from a royal human stock, from god-nurtured kings who wield a scepter [†¦] Worthless men could not father men like you† (Book IV, lines 61-67). More importantly, when Menelaus invoked Zeus in kind and in favor to justify the need to welcome the strangers in, the epic reveals yet another layer in the theme of hospitality (Kitto, 1990). Zeus was actually in fact the god of travelers and of hospitality (1990). He favors those who treat visitors well and guests who behave themselves properly while being accommodated (1990). This reciprocity of kindness and courteousness is embodied in the traditional concept of the Xenia, where both the host and the guest follow certain predetermined divine rules in terms of hospitality. The host must provide necessary assistance to his guests and treat him as a part of the household, whilst the guest must not desecrate the honor granted to him. The host must not ask impertinent questions or if he must, out of polite curiosity, it can only be done after the guest has fully settled himself in and satisfied his needs. When the time comes for the guest to depart, the host shall, or regularly will, give a parting gift to bid the guest farewell and god-speed in his journey. Xenia is a Greek ancient custom of treating strangers as friends in the household. The practice of which has been so pervasive that it has partaken the nature of a ritual that still bears persuasive force even among modern societies in the Western world (1990). Otherwise, a person who does not observe the rite of the xenia or practically of hospitality, the consequences are dire either with respect to the gods’ fury or men’s retribution (1990). On another note, a perusal of Menelaus’ and his subjects’ attitude towards their guests, who had an air of royalty and superiority, will uncover another dimension of the concept of hospitality. Curiously enough, both the messenger and Menelaus noticed a semblance between them and the two strangers. They both automatically assumed that Telemachus and his companion were of divine and royal origin. As such, they were moved to treat them to which their station in life properly deserves. A whole feast befitting a king was given in honor of Telemachus. In addition, arguing that Telemachus was not a king, his Greek appearance perhaps inspired a sense of kinship with Menelaus being both Greeks. Indeed, if men had a tendency to behave altruistically towards individuals who physically resembled them, they might indirectly be doing their own kind a huge favor by being hospitable to Greek strangers. Menelaus, like other Greeks, had a kin-like tendency to identify with strangers who closely resemble oneself physically. This kind of natural response would lead to the providential growth of one’s race. At a time when Greeks moved around little or heavily throughout the region, chances are high that any random individual that pays a visit may be close kin to the host, not just in terms of ties of friendship but even through blood-lines. Thus, being nice to any stranger who look similar or appears to share the same qualities as one may possess, could have a positive survival value in the long run. In this sense, Homer seems to imply that being hospitable to strangers is more than just showing good manners and courtesy. In a time when the Greeks were holding off invaders from their lands it is but wise to know your allies and treat them well, for in the off chance that the nation-states have to unite in battle against foreign belligerent armies, the person you welcome today might be the very person fighting with and for you in war. Menelaus, being a warmonger himself, knows this too well and at the sight of a fellow Greek in need of help, he had no qualms in giving him what he, as a member of a race, rightly deserves. Homer continues to wax different dimensions of hospitality in Books V-VIII which stresses the importance of Xenia and the concept of hospitality in the survival of Odysseus in his journey. At around this time, Odysseus has recently departed the place of Calypso. He set out to sail in a raft but was constantly being harassed by Poseidon who determined to kill him. Odysseus had been washed over to alien shores but was lucky enough to find people willing to give him some assistance. However, Homer casts a shadow of doubt as to the genuine motives of the people who came to the aid of Odysseus. Upon Odysseus’ unplanned arrival at the land of the Phaeacians, he was met with several people who were wondering who he was. There is an air of foreboding and caution since in all appearances and circumstances Odysseus was a total stranger. Athena while disguised as stranger admonished Odysseus that: â€Å"The people here are not fond of strangers—they dont extend a friendly welcome to those from other lands, but put their trust in their swift ships to carry them across vast gulfs of the sea† (Book VII, lines 40-45). Nonetheless, after Odysseus, who was then covered in mist which later dispersed, prostrated himself before the attendants inside the palace, he was welcomed to dine and sleep in the palace if only because they were wary of strangers but had a heart for those who pay homage properly viz. by being pious suppliants. The attendants of the palace were not as welcoming as the Greeks. Yet they gave him something to drink, clothe himself and sleep on until Alcinous the king would pass wise judgment on the best way to treat Odysseus. Thereafter, king Alcinous bid the Phaeacians to extend a little warmth of kindness to Odysseus before he sets out for his home again with a sacrifice to be made to Zeus. The king made it clear that in no way was Odysseus to be ill-treated or harm precisely because for such a long time the gods have yet to show their true form and the stranger before them might be one of the gods. Odysseus was quick to reply that he was an ordinary man stranded and lost at sea. The wise and timely words of Odysseus gained the approval of everyone in the majestic palace. King Alocinous even offered his daughter in marriage so then their line would continue to produce wise men like him. At this point, Odysseus, with his cunning and resourcefulness, had finally earned not only the respect of the Phaeacians but his keep during his stay at the palace (Book VII, Lines 380-400). Later in Book VIII, the brand of hospitality shown by the Phaeacians is beginning to look more obvious. Athena knows well that the Phaeacians were not good with strangers and as such, in order to compel respect and awe among them, Athena â€Å"poured an amazing poise on him [Odysseus], across his shoulders and his head and made him look taller and more powerful, so the Phaeacians would welcome him, and he would win from them respect and awe (Book VIII, Lines 18-24). Indeed, as it were, people are moved to show generosity and courtesy in varying levels of motivation. It could be purely out of the kindness of one’s heart, the desire to be repaid in turn in the future, to help a kinsman, or it could well probably be shown out of respect, fear and awe. As in the case of Odysseus’ stay with the Phaeacians, he had nothing else but his wisdom and the guidance of Athena to merit the approving welcome of his hosts. Although the Phaeacians were not famous for being so accommodating to strangers, they still observed the rituals of hospitality and Xenia by offering their guest a means to get back home—fifty handpicked men of the finest caliber and a ship to sail with as well. On the part of the Odysseus as the guest of honor, when provoked into an experiment of skill and strength, did show some remarkable feats but spurned suggestions of having to wrestle with his host lest his fortunes may turn (Book VIII, 40). Thus far, Homer has shown how people of the ancient world have embraced and perceived hospitality as a part of their customs and way of life. Hospitality was presented as a tool to earn favors and forge relationships among men, and as an unconditional gift to which the reward is the sense of satisfaction from being able to lend a hand to those in need. However, hospitality may lend itself to abuse what with the fact that people seem to be kind and generous all the time. Such abuse of hospitality is not without a fitting punishment at the instance that a guest desecrates the honor of the host. Book IX of the epic, narrates Odysseus’ experience with the Cyclops. He recounts that when he left to check their ship his men wantonly killed a number of sheep in the midst and casually ate what they could grab their hands on. Odysseus had a share in the loot as well and even went inside the cave which was the house of the terrible Cyclops. But when the master of the house arrived, in trembling and fear-inspiring fashion, none of the supplications of Odysseus neither his wise and calculated words had an effect to the Cyclops (Book IX, Lines 331-339). The Cyclops was angry because uninvited strangers ate some of his prized sheep and even slept on his abode. The Cyclops bellows that he was not afraid of Zeus. Thus, he had no business whatsoever neither had he any divine obligation to show kindness to the trespassers. He can do whatever he wanted with the strangers who were presently trapped inside the cave (Book IX, Lines 300-310). In the same breath, Homer attributed the inhospitality with the fact that Odysseus and his men failed to pay the proper respects to their host. They went on pillaging resources without asking for permission. The Cyclops would have been more lenient had they observed the rites as visitors. At any rate, the Cyclops is a being beyond the control of established rules and laws of men. This was a creature who did not answer to the gods. It was an independent and free-thinking uncivilized brute that could do as he please without fear of incurring the wrath of the gods. Furthermore, the Cyclops did not fit the ideal host precisely because he had nothing to gain from feeding, clothing and accepting into his home strangers who come his way. At the least, strangers who pass by are nothing but piecemeal desserts to him. The Cyclops was only interested in entertainment and food, and cared little about the problems of stranded seafarers. Then again, as a host who had performed poorly in attending to his visitors, the Cyclops suffered his just punishment. Odysseus and his men crafted a scheme to escape and in the process gorged the only eye of the Cyclops, depriving him totally of the sense of sight. What worse punishment can there be to a Cyclops than to take from him his one eye for being inhospitable? The lack of hospitality in Book IX of the epic and in other parts signifies the untamed and wild aspects of the ancient world. It is true that there are many who are willing and able to render aid to strangers with such generosity and kindness. Yet it is equally true that there are some who are not so keen in helping out people in need. The ancient world has a collection of creatures and beings of this sort. Driven by selfishness and self-serving interest, they see little benefits in spending resources, time and energy to outsiders. Not even the divine and universal laws of gods and men’s customs and traditions have the power to compel them to do the right thing. Such creatures are uncivilized and nothing can be expected from them but hostility and danger. Wise words can not trick them to do something against their brutish nature. As independent creatures, they rely on themselves for support and livelihood. Anyone who intrudes into their domain is readily met with a poor or lack of kind treatment.