Sex and Religion

Sexual origin and conduct morals differentiate between cultures and have evolved gradually over time to what we now know today. The conflict between sexuality (sex) and religion has been ever present in every cultures history. This conflict, however, comes in two parts: sex as in the action and sexuality. The action of sex, or conduct, has many different views that can sway easily from polar to polar. From the belief that sex is immoral and dirty, to the belief that sex is the highest expression of the divine, this an example on how the view of each religion differ greatly from each other. Some religious faiths believe that only sex as a means of biological reproduction between a formal marital couple is acceptable and even promoted; while on the other hand, sex for the basis of pleasure is considered sinful and looked down upon. There seems to be little middle ground in any of the world’s major and minor religions. But while there may be little middle ground in the direct interpretations of religious texts and values, the middle ground is made up by society that as a whole is very laid back on such matters with only a few high profile individuals who happen to talk more than they walk. Most people tend to such matters with privacy and discretion. The second of the two conflicts is of sexuality and preference, and this is one that grips our nation and many others when really it should not. Religious institutions have such a problem with gay-marriage that through years of successful lobbying against such marital status resulted in many states banning or suspending this right. This is a clear indicator that the seperation between church and state has become a bit of a fallacy. Out of all the major faiths and sects in the world, the Anglican church is the only branch that even allows homosexuals to hold any leadership and pastorship position. Being Anglican, I have been taught that God just wants everyone to be happy and live a good life. If two same-sex people love each other and are happy, then why limit their possibilities to extend that happiness? At the same time, homosexual couples seem to be the only ones not affected by the hellish situation that is a divorce. To be honest, it is unfair that they get rarely encounter any of the pain that a divorce brings. Plus, it allows divorce attorneys a new frontier to cast their loveless shadow over, and add extra impetus in their reservations in hell. Anyways, it’s none of our or any religion’s business to influence the happiness and lives of generally good people who contribute immensly in our world. In Judaism, sex and reproduction are the holiest of acts that one can do, they believe this act is the only one where one can imitate God and bring life to the world. Of course, like many religions, they sanction monogamous and committed heterosexual relationships with marriage. Though, the Jewish Hebrew Bible prohibits adultery and heterosexual intercourse during when the wife in her menstrual period, or known as the Niddah. Orthodox Judaism strongly oppose homosexual sexual acts, while the Traditional division of Judaism views just male homosexuality as a grave sin. With that in mind, female homosexuality is apparently fine with them – I guess they are fans of girl-on-girl action. Contradictions like this just make the view and morality of sex to religious faiths a huge joke. But there is hope as the tolerant attitudes ofReform and Reconstructionist Judaism in relation to both sexual diversity and interfaith marriage have contributed to the rise in popularity to eventually making it the largest Jewish denomination in the United States. For centuries

Cooling Water Lab

Cooling Water Lab Background: 1. Temperature is a measure of molecular motion; the average kinetic energy of the particles. 2. Heat is a form of energy that flows from a system at a higher temperature to a system at a lower temperature; the total kinetic energy of the particles. Hypothesis: If two beakers containing different amounts of hot water are placed into an ice bath, then the one containing ________ (more or less) water will cool down more quickly. Materials: 2 Beakers Ice Hot Water 2 Thermometers Graph Paper Procedure: 1.Copy the data table onto your paper. 2. With stopper in place, fill basin (sink at lab table) about half full of ice. 3. Place one beaker containing 400 ml of hot water and one beaker containing 100 ml of hot water into the ice bath. 4. Record the temperature of each beaker every two minutes for twenty minutes. 5. Construct line graphs of your data. Time will be on the X axis and temperature on the Y axis. Data Table: Analysis and Conclusion Questions: 1. W hat was your hypothesis? 2. Was your hypothesis supported by your data? . What is temperature? 4. What is heat? 5. Which beaker contained more heat energy? 6. How are heat and temperature different? 7. How would the amount of energy absorbed by melting 10 grams of ice compare with the energy released by freezing 10 grams of water? 8. If you mixed 20. 0 ml of 20. 0 oC water with 20. 0 ml of 60. 0 oC water, what would be the final temperature of the mixture? 9. If you mixed 10. 0 ml of 20. 0 oC water with 30. 0 ml of 60. 0 oC water, what would be the final temperature of the mixture? 10.Draw pictures of a teacup and a bathtub both filled with water at the same temperature (show relative particle movement). Which contains more heat? 11. A candle and a bonfire both burn at about the same temperature. Compare the heat content of each. Some material adapted from ChemSource: Instructional Resources for Preservice and Inservice Chemistry Teachers. KEY Analysis and Conclusion Questions: 1. W hat was your hypothesis? Answers will vary. 2. Was your hypothesis supported by your data? Answers will vary. 3. What is temperature? easure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a sample of matter 4. What is heat? measure of the total kinetic energy of the particles in a sample of matter 5. Which beaker contained more heat energy? The beaker containing 400 ml. 6. How are heat and temperature different?7. How would the amount of energy absorbed by melting 10 grams of ice compare with the energy released by freezing 10 grams of water? It would be the same. 8. If you mixed 20. 0 ml of 20. 0 oC water with 20. 0 ml of 60. 0 oC water, what would be the final temperature of the mixture? 0. 0 oC 9. If you mixed 10. 0 ml of 20. 0 oC water with 30. 0 ml of 60. 0 oC water, what would be the final temperature of the mixture? 50. 0 oC 10. Draw pictures of a teacup and a bathtub both filled with water at the same temperature (show relative particle movement). Which contains more heat ? Pictures; the bathtub. 11. A candle and a bonfire both burn at about the same temperature. Compare the heat content of each. Bonfire has more heat. Temperature (oC) Time (minutes) Beaker with 400 ml water Beaker with 100 ml water 0 2 4 6 20

Intro to Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Intro to Art - Essay Example Claude Monet belonged to the Impressionist genre of artists who aimed to preserve â€Å"the visual freshness of the first fleeting moment† (Heinrich 32) of a scene. In his portrayal, the artist did not categorise or differentiate the various objects in the scene through traditional artistic principles. Monet’s subject matter on canvas were the first impressions of a scene, composed of â€Å"blocks of colours, surface patterns, and the very air as defined by light† (Heinrich 32). The artist termed his concept as l’instantaneite, and made it his life’s work. However, he experienced despair at times, due to the unresolvable contradiction that is inherent in the aim to preserve permanently the passing moment. Boulevard des Capucines (Fig.1 below) is a distinctive portrayal of the busy Paris boulevard from an aerial perspective, viewed through the cold and damp air of winter (Nelson-Atkins, 2008). The painting portrays crowds hurrying along the pavement, and has the â€Å"blurred schematic look of an early photograph† (Ruhrberg et al 7). The brushwork of all Impressionist paintings contributed to their looking like early photographs which had a coarse-grained texture. Further, Impressionist paintings emphasized light effects in the scene; and this is evident in Monet’s flickering representation of haze and light using vibrant dabs of paint for the snow-covered ground, the people and the background images. This is supported by Forgione (p.671) who believes that in this painting human bodies look hazy, distorted, and are â€Å"reflective surfaces whose integrity is compromised by penetrating atmospheric vibrations†. Other typically impressionist features of the painting are the blue shadows and the depiction of pedestrians using bold, individual brush strokes. The forms are made to appear blurred in order to represent motion with people walking briskly in the cold air. Nelson-Atkins (2008) reiterates that Monet depicted the elusive quality of movement with

One question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

One question - Essay Example As a result, the scenery location has been labelled the Dead Sea. Based on all the assumptions made on how strange the sea is my curiosity of the entire scenery is quite wanting. Therefore, embarking on a journey to the place will be intriguing and fulfilling. Being known as a unique scenery and having a remarkable history regarding its formation, there are a lot of attractions that are attributed to the place. To start with, there are numerous hills that are really big, there dragonflies, numerous palm trees and above all the sea turns into the colour of weak tea when the wind on the shore shoves. It sounds quite strange that all these aspects are appealing, but my notion on nature will make the journey to be exciting, as I would get the opportunity to clarify the existence of all these aspects. I spend most of my free times exploring abandoned places that bring about the beauty of the environment we live in. Therefore, as a hobby this journey will instil a lot of knowledge. Apart from the Salton Sea Recreational Center, which is accessible to the public, majority of the places surrounding the sea are quite dangerous and are labelled the no go zones. It is only the Navy seals and the Marine that use the place to act as their training base. A challenge that is quite unavoidable in Salton Sea is the smell that is emitted by the sea. Research indicates that most of the visitors who have had the opportunity to explore the place were disturbed by the irritating smell and some were scared of the dragonflies that were in numbers. Being an area that is rare to visit and based on the mystery surrounding it the issue of security may be a challenge once on location. My knowledge regarding Salton Sea is based on the thorough research I have conducted and my perception based on my findings indicates that Salton Sea is indeed a strange place. Nevertheless, when I embark on my journey, I intend to learn more from what I already know and I intend to explore the entire

Critique Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Critique Paper - Essay Example The problem here is that this erosion of faith, according to the article, implies a general erosion in the notion of faith as something that binds people together with the rest of society. Implicitly the article says that without a basic faith in humanity what will happen to society? This is an insider’s look at what the writer sees as a disaster in the making. By insider is meant someone who is looking at life from the point of view of someone who has faith and who knows it to be fundamentally good thing, something very important that young people are missing out on, and consequently can lead society towards dark and sad paths: e.g. religious intolerance, hatred and distrust of others, the breakdown of social structures that all depend on people having faith in the basic goodness of social institutions and of others. The problem is that young people who do not have this insider’s view of the goodness of faith naturally will not trust one who is, because as the article notes, young people distrust religious organizations, and maybe even all kinds of religious talk too. There is thus something that operates like a deep chasm between the insider who sees faith as a good thing and a random young person who sees faith, organized religion, talk of god, and any language that hints at religion and spirituality as things to be discarded and thrown out (Sonenshine). On the other hand, the picture is not all completely bleak and hopeless. Looking at the stats for instance, while a large portion of young people distrust religion, a greater majority are still within the bounds of religion, and are insiders who have that basic trust in the religions they are in. About 70 percent are affiliated. Focusing on the bright side, moreover, there are many stories that highlight an advance in the consciousness of young people, towards inclusion and towards a greater faith not just in their own religion but in the religion

Das Kapital by Karl Marx Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Das Kapital by Karl Marx - Essay Example The first volume of Das Kapital was published in 1867 at a time when the working conditions for industrial laborers were terrible and the division between the classes was growing increasingly more pronounced. It must not be forgotten that Das Kapital was a work born out of the industrial revolution. Marx begins the first chapter of Das Kapital with a statement concerning commodities. He defines a commodity as "an object outside us, a thing that by its properties satisfies human wants of sort or another" (125). It is interesting that Marx begins the text with a discussion and definition of a commodity and after several successive chapters, it is clear to see that the commodity is one of the main driving forces behind capitalism. The commodity itself, however, is only valued according to demand or other more ethereal conditions and thus it is a perfect item for the capitalist as it presents no fixed "price" in itself, but its value is rather determined by desire and the potential for profit. To backtrack for a moment, however, a more concise definition of commodity is contained within the idea of "use value." This refers to a commodity's value in how it will be used and how it is desired but this value, according to Marx, has little to do with the actual labor that went into the production of the item. Again, while it is not immediately clear at this early point in the text, the use value versus the idea of labor are important issues because there is more distinction between the two than one might initially think. For instance, something might have a very high use-value and be greatly desired. This desire leads the capitalist to make it expensive and the laborer who made the desired commodity is not paid what the desired commodity is worth, but rather is paid living wages while the surplus profits go directly to the capitalist since he owns the means of production. While that was a very brief, concise, but altogether limited description of the process behind commodities and use value, it is useful background information to frame the discussion as this analysis continues. After this introduction to commodities and use values in Das Kapital , the idea of exchange value becomes of equal importance. As Marx puts it in one of the important quotations from "Das Kapital", "As use values, commodities are, above all, of different qualities, but as exchange values they are merely different quantities, and consequently do not contain an atom of use value" (127). In other words, it is the proportion by which use values of one kind exchange for use values of another kind. This is a vital and fluctuating relationship and has less to do with the commodity than it might initially seem. In short, the common element in a commodity's exchange-value is simply the "value" of it. This means that it all comes down to labor. This is a common tactic Marx employs, at first there a number of daunting methods for scientifically extracting a conception of value but in the end, it all boils down to questions about work and

International Trade - World Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Trade - World Trade - Essay Example The first factor, the rapid advancement in information technology, which linked nations through its borderless information highways through its continuing advances and dynamism, played an important role in bridging the gap in the international trade system, primarily in the standardization of the import and export trade, in the implementation of international payment system, and in the effective use of B2B processes for most of the essential operations of the trade such as custom declaration and billing. The internet effectively made possible the electronic payment system, thus facilitating convenient and reliable international payment transactions using credit card. Other logistic processes have also been efficiently facilitated through the internet. With this convenience, many key players in world trade were encouraged to join, as well as new entrants found ease in joining the trade. Second factor has been the reduction or, in some parts of the world, elimination, of trade barriers such as tariffs. This had been attributed as a result of the series of trade negotiations on tariff reductions, as brought about by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). This factor has been regarded as one of the most significant among those that contributed to the increase in international trade during the period 1955 - 2004. Tariff, which is basically the tax levied on goods crossing national boundaries, when reduced or eliminated, encourage traders across the globe, thus a more vigorous exchange of goods and commodities among countries. The third factor that may have contributed to such trade increase was the significant decline in international transportation costs (Hummels, D., 2007). This can be seen through historical evidences prepared by economic hirtorians and experts. For instance, sufficient documentation of the significant reductions in shipping costs from 1850 - 1913 are available (Harley, 1980, 1988, 1989; North, 1958, 1968; Mohammed and Williamson, 2004; as cited by Hummels, D., 2001). Further, reliable econometric evidences have subsequently connected the decline in shipping costs with the rapid trade growth within the first era of globalization (Estevadeordal et al, 2003 as cited by Hummels, D., 2007). Technological advances in transportation decades after World War II, like the development of jet aircraft engines and the adoption of the use of containers in ocean shipping, have also significant effect on this. Air shipping grew rapidly during this period due to rising demand and more advanced techno logies that it adopted. Likewise, the ocean shipping industry had similar trend, but grew more through the economies of scale as a critical result of the growing trade among nations. New ports have been opened, and new industry entrants provided a dynamic interaction within the industry. Last factor I would mention here would be the rising cost of income during that period. With the critical inputs contributing to the increase in trade during the period, subsequent effects have gone down to the consumers as well. For instance, the reduction of prices of consumer goods due to decreased tariffs as well as shipping costs

Fonterra Tirau Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Fonterra Tirau - Essay Example The product made at this facility amounts to thousands of tons annually that feed both the foreign and the domestic markets. As the result of an upgrade in 1981, the true site operated by Fonterra is the only one that produces lactalbumin whose tonnage is 1400 annually and is an essential ingredient in nutritional applications. During the high season between August and December of each year, the true site usually processes almost 2.9 million liters on a daily basis, which is collected from the dairy farmers who are also shareholders in Fonterra. The other product manufactured at the Tirau site is lactic casein that totals 7000 tons annually, whose main export market is China, USA, most European states, and Japan (Fonterra, 2014). Fonterra is one of the companies that has attracted the interest of environmentalists and government agencies charged with protecting the environment. This is not surprising since (â€Å"Water Quality in New Zealand† 2012) states milk processing plants are the major environmental pollutants in New Zealand, and this includes Fonterra’s sites. Tirau being a principle road town in the Waikato region has experienced an increase in commercial and agricultural activities over the years that have caused a major impact on the environment especially on the water resources. Subsequently, the water pH and levels of conductivity in Waikato region have been deteriorating gradually with the Waikato River experiencing high levels of pollution. According to environmental impact assessment reports, a majority of the industries that cause pollution is dairy farming and product plants together with the use of high nitrogen fertilizers that have made the water pH levels in these regions to deteriorate. Fonterra Tirau understands that the industrial activities conducted at this plant is one of the key contributors to the environmental degradation of the Waikato region and has put in place

Books especially Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

Books especially Great Expectations Essay Pip is very childlike the way Dickens describes him, almost naive and he has a large imagination.Dickens shows Pips naivety by telling the reader Pip believes his mothers name was also Georgina as that was written on the gravestone.  Pip is introduced when he is at the graveyard.  Dickens aims for the readers empathy by telling us that five of his siblings are dead and buried with his mother and father.  The historical context Dickens used was that in the 1800s children died young.   Then we are introduced to the criminal who we later learn is called Abel Magwitch. When Pip meets the convict he is in irons, rags and is hungry.  Dickens showed us this man was of lower class by the way he spoke and the fact his did not wear a hat like gentlemen did.  A man with no hat, and broken shoes.  Abel comes off as a scary man however once he has food and a file for his irons, his attitude changes.  Dickens tries to get sympathy for Abel by the way he describes him as having a limp and using his arms to warm himself up as well holding himself together. Estella is introduced in chapter eight.  Estella is the adopted daughter of Miss Havisham; Estella was brought up to hate men by Miss. Havisham.  This causes Estella to poke fun at many aspects of Pip.  She has been taught well like most upper class children and Dickens shows this by her speech and appearance.  Dont be ridiculous boy, she believes herself to be higher and more important than Pip due to her being of a higher class.  Miss. Havisham was a wealthy woman who got jilted at the alter, her life went down hill from there as if she was stuck in the time.  We can see that from the way Dickens describes the way her house was decorated.  Dickens makes Miss. Havisham come over as a bitter spiteful lady by using her speech and actions. Sometimes I have sick fantasies. She went on.  The Setting.  The first chapter is set in a graveyard which gives the reader an eerie yet calm feeling until the convict appears changing the atmosphere to dramatic.  Dickens uses words like overgrown, forgotten and bleak to create the sense of setting and atmosphere.  He then goes to use words like terrible and fearful to fit into the new dramatic setting.  Towards the end of chapter one, Dickens uses nearly a full paragraph on just describing the setting. sky was just a row of long angry, red lines and black lines intermixed.   This gives off a rather calming yet suspenseful atmosphere. Chapter eight is started with a strong sense of suspense and curiosity, the setting and atmosphere being both questionable and fearful.  Dickens uses words like scornful, dark and uncomfortable to successfully create an atmosphere; he describes Miss. Havisham as almost skeleton like then he continues to actually have Pip compare her to a wax skeleton.  Dickens uses words like hollow eyes, faded skin and very slim to get his point across.When comparing the two settings they are very similar by that way they are both set in a dark settings and suspenseful atmospheres.   The storyline. The entire book is mainly focussed around Pips days and his meeting of new people in both different classes.  Chapter one is focussed on Pip meeting the convict, who is of a lower class and then chapter eight is focussed on Pip meeting Estella and Miss. Havisham who are of a higher class.  The story is about Pip and his feelings when he meets each of these people as well as the expectations he has for himself once meeting those people.  Pip tries to raise his expectations for himself once hes met Estella. Dickens chooses everything carefully when writing a storyline, like names for instance he describes calling upon Estella in chapter eight as her light came along the dark passage like a star. Estella is actually Latin for star so you can tell he chose the name wisely as well as fitting historical context into the chapter.  He also uses pat experiences to help write about events in his books especially Great Expectations.

Classical Theory Essay Example for Free

Classical Theory Essay The Difference Between a Classical Management Theory a Human Relations Theory by Stacy Zeiger, Demand Media Human relations theory seeks to develop satisfied employees. Classical management theory and human relations theory represent two views of management on the opposite ends of the spectrum. One view focuses on looking at workers solely as a means to get work done, while the other focuses on developing an organization and the behaviors and motivations of employees. Most managers find that a combination of the two theories serves them best in their businesses. Ads by Google Ssangyong Korando Special New Offer On SsangYong Korando From Only R2499p/m. Enquire Online Now! www.ssangyongdeals.co.za What is Classical Management Theory? Classical management theory involves creating multiple levels of workers to improve productivity. Employees at the lowest levels find their tasks overseen by supervisors who, in turn, are overseen by managers. At every level, employees are expected to perform tasks according to specific procedures designed to maximize productivity. In addition, this theory focuses on an impersonal side of business. Employees and managers should not allow friendliness and personal interactions to become involved with the organization. Rules must be followed exactly, and the hiring and firing of employees must relate only to the skills they possess. Pros and Cons of Classical Management Theory Classical management theory is not used in many organizations because of its shortcomings. While some components of the theory, such as designing procedures for completing a task and keeping personal issues out of business, help an organization focus on the job at hand, the theory fails to recognize the differences among employees. When employee feelings and opinions are not taken into account, the business may not grow or may experience high levels of employee turnover as employees fail to develop a relationship with the business and leave in search of a more satisfying job. What is Human Relations Theory? Human relations theory, also known as behavioral management theory, focuses more on the individuals in a workplace than the rules, procedures and processes. Instead of directives coming directly from management, a human relations theory provides communication between employees and managers, allowing them to interact with one another to help make decisions. Instead of giving workers quotas and requiring certain procedures, workers are exposed to motivational and emotional tactics to get them to increase productivity. The focus of this style is creating fulfilled, productive workers and helping workers invest in a company. Pros and Cons of Human Relations Theory While many companies operate based on the human relations theory, this type of management has dangers. Companies risk workers becoming too social or easily swayed by personal emotions and opinions when making decisions, rather than relying on hard data. It may be more difficult to reprimand employees for poor performance or dismiss them once they have become invested in the company. Despite these risks, human relations theory has the potential to increase employee retention rates and productivity. As employees feel more valued by a company, they invest in that company and its greater good.

Looking At Romantic Period Poetry

Looking At Romantic Period Poetry In the Romantic Period in England there was a shift taking place in literature. Poets of the time period believed that a personal relationship with God or the Universe was more important than a larger collective religious or political one. The introduction of the Romantic Period in the Norton Anthology of British Literature states, And the pervasiveness of nature poetry in the period can be attributed to a determination to idealize the natural scene as a site where the individual could find freedom from social laws (Greenblatt, 1377). The poets of that day also believed that one could receive that personal relationship through the natural world. Literature focused on the individual great or small and was much more personal than it had been in the past. In accordance with the importance of the individual, Romantic poets expressed an importance and love of nature in their poetry. The poets William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley use their interpretations of nature, although differe nt, to express the romantic idea of individualism. These poets used nature to express their feelings toward the individual and the importance they placed on a personal relationship with ones inner self as well as God. William Wordsworth loved nature and lived in remote natural regions of England for much of his life. He had a relationship with the natural world that he lived in and around and this is evident in his writing. His poetry describes how he learns more about himself, and his relationship with God through learning and becoming more acquainted with nature. This principle is portrayed in this passage of Wordsworths Tintern Abbey. He says, For I have learned/ To look on nature, not as in the hour/ Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes/ The still, sad music of humanity,/ Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power/ To chasten and subdue. And I have felt/ A presence that disturbs me with joy/ Of elevated thoughts a sense sublime/ Of something far more deeply interfused/ Whose dwelling is the light of setting suns/ And the round ocean and the living air,/ And the blue sky, and in the mind of man:/ A motion and a spirit, that impels/ All thinking things, all objects of all thought, / And rolls through all things (Wordsworth, 88-102). This passage describes how Wordsworth has learned to feel the power of God or the Universe through nature. He has an individual spiritual experience when he looks at the natural world that he could not experience with masses of people in a church or in everyday society. He then goes on to say that nature is a very important to him and is in a way a part of who he is. Wordsworth, when speaking about himself in this passage, says that he is well pleased to recognize/ In nature and the language of the sense/ The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,/ The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul/ Of all my moral being(Wordsworth, 107- 111). To Wordsworth, nature was so important to him because he felt as if it was a part of him. He felt it was his compass and guide in his life. His view of nature is that he has grown and expanded because of what he experienced from it. This individual relationship he had with nature affected him so much it guided his actions in politics, religion, and other facets of life. He uses nature to symbolize himself and his soul. Individualism is shown in Wordsworths depiction of the natural world because in essence he becomes nature in his writing. In similitude with Wordworths poetry, Percy Bysshe Shelley uses the natural world in his writing to express individualism but in a slightly different way. In Mont Blanc, Shelley uses the daunting description of the mountain and the land around it to suggest that imagination has a lot to do with what ones individual experience is from nature. He almost suggests that the mind is natures creator. In this passage from Mont Blanc, Shelley says, The everlasting universe of things/ Flows through the mind and rolls its rapid waves,/ Now dark-now glittering-now reflecting gloom/ Now lending splendour, where from secret springs/ The source of human thought its tribute brings/ Of waters,with a sound but half its own./ Such as a feeble brook will oft assume/ In the wild woods, among the mountains lone,/ Where waterfalls around it leap forever,/ Where woods and winds contend, and a vast river/ Over its rocks ceaselessly burst and raves (Shelley ,1-11). This excerpt shows Shelleys view of nature and the mind. He talks about how the universe flows through the mind and then he gives menacing descriptive imagery of woods, waterfalls, and the mountains. The imagery suggests that the mind or imagination was the creator of these daunting natural scenes. This shows Shelleys opinion of nature in regards to the human imagination and the individual. A further example is evident in another excerpt from Mont Blanc, The secret strength of things/ Which governs thought, and to the infinite dome/ Of heaven is as a law, inhabits thee!/ And what were thou, and earth, and stars, and sea,/ If to the human minds imaginings/ Silence and solitude were vacancy (Shelley, 139-145). This passage reinforces the contrast of Shelleys view of the human mind in regards to nature rather than the Wordsworthian view. Shelley firmly shows in his texts and particularly in Mont Blanc his belief in the natural world being born from the imagination of the individual ther efore giving power to the person who created it. Along with typifying the imagination as a creator of nature, individualism is discussed throughout his writing. Mont Blanc also displays the romantic notion of individualism through the discussion of the mind and human thought. The poem suggests that nature comes from the mind which creates a very personal and individual nature for everyone. In the mere suggestion of imagination and the human mind being the creator of nature, there lies individualism. The way Shelley portrays the individual in nature holds true to the Romantic notions of the time. Individualism is a very romantic principle that was becoming increasingly important in this time period. This power given to the individual mind to think, believe, and understand ones self was embodied through the natural world in the works of William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Wordsworth suggested that the individual mind gains power and understanding from and because of the influence of nature. Shelley believed that the individuals mind and imagination gives nature the power that it has over the individual. Although the method they used to establish individualism through nature was different, both of their works embodied that principle and epitomized the Romantic view of Individualism.

Consequences of HIV/AIDS epidemic to Society Essay -- Health, Diseases

Assignment question: 3. A) What are some of the possible consequences of HIV/AIDS epidemic to: 1. Society 2. The infected individual b) What are some of the Human Rights, confidentiality and criminal law implication of HIV/AIDS? Q1. HIV/AIDS has increasingly taken a toll on the society in a myriad of dimensions which are worth discussing in order to find the best solutions. Due to HIV/AIDS epidemic, the economies of various countries have been badly affected and societies have experienced major losses. There is a rapid increase in the number of HIV infected people with resultant financial burden and major psychological and emotional consequences. The rising HIV prevalence has adversely affected the quality of labour in that many skilled and experienced workers have succumbed to the disease. Due the loss of skilled workers to HIV/AIDS, the standard of labour quality has been badly affected resulting in low levels of production, development and low labour inputs (Nations, n.d). HIV/AIDS also threatens the quality and supply of future labour in that infected people are incapacitated from engaging in any productive work as their bodies are rendered extremely weak. People who stay out of work need to be supported by others and this creates a high dependence on the limited resources available. The socioeconomic consequences of HIV/AIDS to the society are enormous. For instance, many children whose parents are infected with HIV are often forced to stay out of school and look for work to support their ailing parents. Consequently, a huge and dangerous gap in education is created and the future of these children is marred with uncertainties. At the same time, the ability of the affected children to serve the society is compromised (... ...he infection through reckless male partners. Criminalization of HIV has triggered debate in which people argue that criminalising HIV infected people does not address the complexities involved in disclosure and instead increases HIV stigma (UNAIDS, International Guidelines on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, 2006). In addition, imprisonment cannot help people come to terms with their status and develop better attitude. Instead, a better course would be to promote education and psychological counselling. Treating HIV transmission as murder offence increases stigma and discrimination because it is like saying HIV equals death, while we know with the availability of antiretrovirals, people can lead healthy lives even when they are HIV positive. No illness has been treated with the same hysteria as HIV and this is because of its associated stigmatization and promiscuity.

Willa Cathers Death Comes for the Archbishop :: Willa Cather Death Comes for the Archbishop

Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop - A Powerful Non-Novel Responding to the criticism that Death Comes for the Archbishop is not a novel, Willa Cather proposed that the work was a narrative. Her choice of the word narrative signifies that the structure of Death Comes for the Archbishop is closer to that of a biography. A narrative is a type of composition used to recount events over a period of time and can incorporate description as well plot, but it does not necessarily have to. Death Comes for the Archbishop follows the guidelines of a narrative in that it recounts the events of Father Latour's life, beginning when he is appointed to New Mexico and ending with his death. Cather incorporates description into her narration, but does not offer dramatic plot structure. A novel utilizes the elements of narration, specifically including description and plot. Novels also incorporate a climax to the story along with denouement. Plot is unfolded by the actions, speech and thoughts of a character. It is these actions that lead to the climax and the resolution of the story. Based upon the guidelines used to classify a novel, Death Comes for the Archbishop does not meet the requirements and is therefore not a novel. Her work tells a story, but does not offer plot, climax or resolution. The events that are recounted in Cather's work do not build upon each other in order to offer a climax. Each event is no more significant than the one before it; for example, Cather places just as much emphasis on Latour's relationship with Olivares as he does with helping Sade pray (p 175, 213). While the events themselves do not add up to create the dramatic plot structure necessary to call Death Comes for the Archbishop a novel, each individual event experienced by Latour, is in itself a story that includes both climax and resolution. An example of this is Father Latour's death. It begins with him getting sick and living his last days, building up to his final moments and culminating in his death. The resolution to this individual event is the bell tolling and Latour being placed in the church he built. Each event in Latour's life does have plot and resolution, creating difficulty in not calling it a novel. However, if the work is examined as a whole piece, from beginning to end, it is evident that while it fits the boundaries of narration, it does not meet the qualifications of a novel.

Moral Degradation Essay

I think all would consider this fact to be tenable that nowadays more youth and youngsters are involved in crime and hence an extreme phase of social illness is undeniable and inescapable. You can’t just deny this fact. It’s all in the statistics. I mean it is facts and figures that we are talking about; black and white. Nothing remains to hide and no where to run. We are in a reality to face it. Some would debate before they say it moral degradation. However, if they do so you have enough reason to ask them about what morality constitutes and how he or she would label this new unexpected development. Moreover, the increase in juvenile cases recent months is shocking and the news of students killing one another can be seen a chronic disease. Young generation with whom we are used to dream for the future of the country is having a great contribution to this new specter. From ogling, winking, passing comments in the form of sexual innuendos, to touching, groping, ‘eveteasing’, stalking, sending lewd text messages, ‘prank’ calls, display of pornography, threatening and intimidation, acid attacks, and unwanted ‘love’ proposals. Compared to back then, things do not happen like this. Is there any doubt that more youngsters nowadays are involved in social crimes and problems? The disrespectful attitude carried out by youths and students is very much common nowadays if you were to compare again to the last couple of years. I mean what is wrong with youngsters and youths nowadays? Why are they acting in such a way? There is no fear and tear to say it is kind of social moral breakdown and it is taking its shape through such abnormal and undesired manner. Government and society has nothing to do with it or unwilling to do it? May be the last one is closer to the truth than the former one. However, it is the failure of the state to ensure the moral growth of the young girls

Chinese Business Essay

Introduction It is often argued that when business persons of different cultures negotiate commercial deals, there is bound to be a culture clash. I disagree with this view. It is true that cultural differences influence business negotiations but with the appropriate approach to deal with the differences, culture clash is to be least expected in any business negotiations, especially with the Chinese. As Sun Tzu would advised in his book The Art of War â€Å"Know your enemy and know yourself and you will win all battles† (Sun Tzu 1913). According to Newstrom and Davis (2002) there are many striking differences across countries, just as there are some surprising similarities. Clearly, residents of each country have their own preferences for clothes, food, recreation, and housing. In his research about national cultures of sixty countries, Hofstede (1993) revealed that cultures differ in five key factors namely, individualism/collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, and time orientation. Among these factors, the Chinese have the culture that value clarity and have the kind of orientation that accent values such as necessity of preparing for the future, the value of thrift and savings, and the merits of persistence. Literatures on different cultures also classify China as high-context culture which tends to emphasize personal relations, place value on trust, focus on non-verbal cues, and accent the need to attend to social needs before business matters (Newstrom and Davis 2002). Culture is very important in certain country such as China. Huntinghon (2000) as cited by Fellner (2008) defined culture as the values, attitudes, beliefs, and underlying assumptions prevalent among people in a society. He stressed that culture is dynamic, interactive, and synergistic, and intermixes with all the elements of the society such as business and economic development (Huntinghon 2000; Fellner 2008). Huiping (2009) stated in her article entitled Understanding Chinese culture leads to business success with China’s growing significance as an economic superpower  understanding the Chinese psyche becomes very helpful and useful in business negotiations management of supplier relations and many other business situations. As emphasized by Uthaisangchai (n. d. ), Chinese history and culture has impact on the way they do business and each of the many elements of the Chinese culture has a role to play in today Chinese business world. In Hofstede’s (1980) theory of individualism-collectivism as cited by Jones (2009), the individualism and collectivism dimensions differs on the degree a culture is committed to an in-group such as extended family, company or village. In the individualistic society, people are less attached to an in-group (that is, people are more self-centered and in pursuit of their own self-interests). Meanwhile in the collectivist society, people are more attached to an in-group, that is the interests of the in-group come first. Jones (2009) also noted from Hofstede and Bond (1988) that such value of collectivism likely stems from a deep rooted, ingrained culture based on the traditional philosophy of Confucianism. Uthaisangchai (n.d,) gave emphasis of the teachings of Confucius in the development of the culture of Chinese. In the article entitled Connecting Confucianism, Communism and the Chinese Culture of Commerce, Keller and Kronstedt (2005) explained that Confucianism is a very important component of the Chinese culture. â€Å"In a Confucian society, everyone has a role to play, and the key relationship is built around the family†¦ Chinese cultures value family connections and protecting relationships (saving face). Developing ‘family-like’ relationships takes time and patience, not merely a contractual deal based solely on money. If one has to do business in a Chinese culture, it is critical to understand and respect Confucian values† (Keller and Kronstedt 2005). Keller and Kronstedt (2005) further emphasized the significance of connections-Guanxi. In Confusian-based society like China, guanxi or proper connections are more crucial than price, product, place, etc. According to Jones (2009), China is known for being loyal to their in-group’ and favoring them in business related decision. As given emphasis by Li (2008) as cited by Jones (2009), understanding the guanxi is critical for conducting business in China and it involves cultivating trust, credibility and reciprocity. One way to understand cultural differences is through the concepts of high-context culture and low-context culture. The notion of ‘context’ can be understood as the social environment in which a business transaction takes place. Edward T. Hall’s theory of high- and low-context culture explains the powerful effect culture has on communication. The countries classified as high-context cultures include China, Korea, Japan, Middle East, Africa, Italy and South America in which people are characterized as collectivists, relational, contemplative and intuitive. This implies that the people in these societies put emphasis on good relationship between members of the society. In relation to business transactions, the development of trust is a very important step. Hall (1976) argued that the people in high-context cultures prefer harmony in group and agreement for the achievement of individual members; also individuals make decisions based on their feelings or intuition. The theory further emphasized that individuals focus on non-verbal cues, that is, words are not so significant in communication as compared to context; rather, more is given emphasis on context which include facial expression, tone of voice of the speaker, posture, gestures, and family history and status of the individual. The communication in the high-context culture is depicted as formal and indirect, which suggests that flowery humility, flowery language, and apologies that are often too elaborated are common. Also, communicators in this type of culture do not depend on language precision and legal documents. Meanwhile, the countries classified as having low-context culture include Germany, North America, Finland, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden are linear, logical, action-oriented, and individualistic. Individuals in the low-context countries value facts, logic and they prefer directness. Finding solutions to problems involves identifying and enumerating all the facts and evaluating each of the options. Also, each decision is based on facts; more often each discussion ends with an action. Communicators in this type of culture are anticipated to be concise, straightforward, and efficient in conveying the action that is expected. According to Hall (1976), communicators have to be precise in the words used in communicating to be absolutely understood. All negotiations are always concluded with definite contracts. Summing up the differences, on the one hand, high-context cultures tend to emphasize personal relations, place high value on trust, focus on nonverbal cues, and accent the need to attend to social needs before business matters. On the other hand, low-context cultures tend to interpret cues more literally. Individuals tend to rely on written rules and legal documents, conduct business first, and value expertise and performance. With these classifications of cultures, it is apparent that when Americans negotiate with Chinese, a failure in negotiation if not a culture is more likely if the former group is not familiar with the latter. As noted by Minor and Lamberton (2010) from an interview with intercultural communication expert ray Ruiz: â€Å"Countries in Latin American and Asia value the building of relationships, but each in their own unique way. Before traveling to another country, I would recommend reading appropriate materials and speaking with foreign nationals residing in the U. S. in regards to the customs and business practices in their country of origin. I would also suggest that, once in a foreign country, it is important to observe your host’s mannerisms and responses and respectfully respond in a like manner. Be well versed on acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. For example, when in Asia, do compliment and share your impressions of their country. Do not decline any food or drink because this is viewed as an insult. In Latin America, do begin all meetings with friendly conversation regarding family or other social topics. Do not begin a meeting delving directly into the business objective. The lesson many American business people fail to learn is that â€Å"it is all in the relationships† (Minor & Lamberton 2010). In his article Doing Business In and With China: The risks are great, but so are the rewards, Atkinson (2004) noted from Stephen Nelson, the partner and co-head of the China practice group for the Hong Kong-based law firm Baker & McKenzie, that when acquiring businesses in China, it is important to realize that there are perceived cultural differences. One of the important lessons in making business in China is that foreigners simply cannot enter a venture in China with only a cursory understanding of its terms and conditions. Atkinson (2004) cited an example of a US company that recently decided to make an investment in China by setting up a joint company through its Hong Kong manufacturing agent. The US company sent over $3 million worth of equipment, then came to us with documentation written in Chinese and asked ‘Can you look at this and tell us whether we really own 50 percent of this company? ’ Akgunes et al (2012) identified several points to consider for successful negotiations. According to Zhao (2000) as cited by Akgunes et al (2012), negotiations become successful when the participating parties are cooperative with one another; this can be done by applying the cooperative Confucian tactics. Also, for a western company like a US company, such company has to show that they have government support which is an indication that they are reliable, stable and credible to do business with. According to Fang (2006) as noted by Akgunes (2012), trust will lead to much better performance and being patient will be more beneficial to you than any other attribute you might possess. Bredin (1998) as cited by Akgunes (2012) also suggested that a foreign business negotiator should not give in to pressure from superiors to hurry up and complete the deal because can cause problems because the Chinese are not greatly concerned with the time dimension. There are companies that also failed to successfully negotiate business deals with the Chinese. According to Fang (2006) as cited by Akgunes (2012), the most common reason for failure is that the Chinese firm lacks the funds to go through with a deal. Also, sending a low-ranking employee to make the negotiation will be viewed as very impolite and the Chinese may find it insulting and insincere, in this case failure is also almost certain. Moreover, it is important to note from Sebenius (2002) as cited by Akgunes (2012) that Chinese law says that one cannot leave a contract unless both sides approve dissolution. Fang (2006) as cited by Akgunes et al (2012) also emphasized that Failure to say no to a Chinese negotiator who is using a Sun Tzu-like strategy could be detrimental to the deal, but on the other hand, saying â€Å"no† to a Confucian gentleman could cause a loss of face. This also will be very harmful, if not fatal, to a successful deal. The Chinese have regional areas just like the United States and there are very different cultures, traditions and sometimes languages in these regions. Not acknowledging these regions can cause you to have limited success in one area and a complete failure in another (Fang 2006; Akgunes 2012). Conclusion In conclusion, like what Sun Tzu have said in his book The Art of War â€Å"Know your enemy and know yourself and you will win all battles† (Sun Tzu 1913). This means that for companies to be successful in making business deals, having the capital is not enough to close a business deal. Knowledge and understanding of the culture of the prospect business partner is very important. Other than this, Sebenius (2002) emphasized that culturl allegiances are often not as simple as they appear. Designing the right strategy and tactics in reaching the right people, with the right arguments, will result to a sustainable deal. References Fellner, Amira 2008, ‘Role of Culture in Economic Development: Case Study of China and Latin America’, Graduate School Theses, University of South Florisa Schoalr Commons, viewed from http://scholarcommons. usf. edu/cgi/viewcontent. cgi? article=1235&context=etd Hall, Edward 1976, Beyond Culture. Hofstede, Geert 1993, ‘Cultural Constraints in Management Theories’, Academy of Management Executive, pp. 81-94. Jones, Gwen 2009, ‘Differences in the Perceptions of Unethical Workplace Behaviors among Chinese and American Business Professionals, Competition Forum, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 473-480. Keller, G. & Kronstedt C. 2005, ‘Connecting Confucianism, Communicsm, and the Chinese Culture of Commerce’. Journal of Language for International Business, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 60-75. Minor, Leslie & Lamberton, Lowell 2010, ‘High-Context & Low-Context Cultures’, viewed from http://www.cascadebusnews. com/business-tips/networking/154-high-context-a-low-context-cultures. Newstrom, JW. & Davis, K. 2002, Organizational Behavior: Human Behavior at Work, McGraw-Hill Sun Tzu 1913, The Art of War. Uthaisangchai, Prasong (n. d. ), ‘The Importance of Understanding Chinese Culture’, viewed form http://www. bangkokbank. com/download/Week%2012%20Culture%20intro. pdf Huiping, Iler 2009, ‘Understanding Chinese Culture Leads to Business Success, Canadian HR Report, vol. 22, no. 12, pp. 18.

How Do You Ensure Pupils Understand Explanations? Essay

The purpose of this essay is to look at the ways in which a child retains information, how that information is processed and the possible barriers involved. There will be some focus on the theories of learning and the strategies and practices employed in the classroom. At this juncture it must be stated that ‘ensuring’ may be an ambiguous word, and that ‘enabling’ the understanding may be more precise, as no matter how vociferous the intention to ‘ensure’ there will always be pupils who fall through the net or may even have developed their own strategies to cope with not understanding yet leading the teacher to believe they have. Surely the answer to this statement must begin with good ‘communication’. It is recognised that communication is a ‘two way process’, starting as far back as pre-birth as stated by Elisbeth Hallett in her book ‘Soul Trek Meeting our Children on the Way to Birth’ (1995). If this idea is to stand the test of time, the pupils must therefore be given the opportunity to verbalise their level of understanding before a task is attempted. This relatively obvious procedure may not be possible in pupils with any existence of special educational need. Difficulties affecting the brain’s processing ability and auditory impairment may not always manifest themselves but will result in poor communication (Dittrich and Tutt, 2008). Therefore the need for effective two communication and pupils feeling empowered to be able to ask for help becomes a priority in teaching. Ed Balls (2007) states ‘effective communication and language skills are fundamental to young people’s learning, developing social skills and fulfilling their potential’. Whatever the age of the learner, the cognitive ability, the language or SEN barriers, good clear, age specific, decipherable communication must be the key to understanding. Piaget (cited Pound, 2005) believed that children learnt in stages dependent on age and awareness of their environment and surroundings. These stages will also impact on the ability for a child to understand an explanation. Therefore before logical thinking arrives at around 7-11 years of age, visual, tactile clues and instructions, will be  more easily absorbed. However the need still exists to enable understanding of the need to progress on to attempting and succeeding. Creating that perfect classroom setting where the teacher delivers the starter and instructions and the class independently commences the task without any clarification is an ideal not often witnessed. This could be for many reasons; the class size, noise levels or even visibility of the teacher. Psychologists such as Maslow (1954) talk about the 5 levels of need in life, from the very basics of environmental issues to self-actualisation and problem solving. Therefore being conscious of these factors, room layout, and temperature, even lighting, may influence the ability to understand and disseminate instructions independently. These physical ideals are not always possible, given the large number of pupils in the classroom. As reported in a study by the Dfe (2011), ‘research findings from England show that in smaller classes, individual pupils are the focus of a teacher’s attention for more time; there is more active interaction between pupils and teachers; and more pupil engagement’. Taking all these possible barriers into account and the different learning styles that exist, it is paramount therefore to create the correct atmosphere conducive to learning in the classroom. Planning should incorporate this and the use of good vocal skills will promote confidence and assertiveness (Bruce, 2005). Instilling a sense of self belief and esteem that encourages children to engage and be able to ask for help or explanation. However despite all these strategies being in place it must be noted that levels of understanding will differ and aiming the teaching at the correct level of ability is essential. Froebel (cited, Pound 2005) states ‘to begin where the learner is’. A valid statement that is underpinned by most theorists who believe that cognitive understanding relates to developmental stages in age and maturity. Piaget believed that learning was supported by action. That thought is developed by experiencing and active experimenting. With the knowledge of al l the impediments in place let us know consider the classroom strategies available. A tried and tested method is to ask the pupils what they think their course of action will be. For example ‘what do you think I want you to do when you have read through the text?’. (Case, 2010). This in itself for some, may take some  coding and decoding and therefore present vast possibilities of misunderstanding (Denby, 2012). Obviously the message has to be first ‘coded’ by the teacher , in other words putting it into a form that can be understood, this may be visual or written. As many theorists claim however, interpretation of the spoken word is not only auditory. Approximately 35% of meaning is in the way it is actually said and a further 55% in body language and facial expression (Mehrabian, 1971). Highlighting as previously mentioned the importance of the positioning of the teacher in the room and the classroom layout. If the pupils cannot see the teacher, they may miss important facets of the instruction that will then mean them having to fill in the gaps by guessing. As Piaget states ‘ learning is a process of active discovery’ (Piaget sited MacNaughton, 2003). As teachers there is a need to facilitate the understanding by firstly using age and ability levelled speak. If the cognitive level is pitched too high there may only be a small number of the class that understand. Merely asking â€Å"do you all understand ?â€Å", is as good as useless as Swift (2007) demonstrates. This question will leave those that haven’t understood too shy to admit it and some that think they have understood but may in fact have not. A more successful way would be to ask them to repeat back the instructions, making sure a less able pupil is asked so there is a better gauge of the whole class and not just the brightest pupils. It may be a practical task that two pupils could demonstrate to show their level of understanding, or if it’s a written task, they might offer the answer to the first question for instance. A further method for tasks that are known to the pupils, ask them what they think they have to do. This draws on prior learning and offers the teacher information for future planning also. It may be possible to just give instructions for the first part of the lesson. Stopping half way through to do a mini plenary, and then giving the second set of instructions to finish the task can also help to pace out the amount of instructions being given. Having the explanation and expected outcomes within the Learning Intention that the pupils write in their books can offer help to those who may wander off track too. Or indeed having them all written on the whiteboard or displayed on the IWB. (1339) Balls, E. (2007) Department for Children Schools and Families. [online],  available at http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby/quotes.html [Accessed 4 No 2012]. Bruce, T. (2005) Developing learning in early childhood. Buckingham: Open University Press. Case, A. (2010) Making Sure Students Understood Your Instructions. [online]. Available at http://edition.tefl.net/articles/teacher/instructions/ [Accessed 18 Nov 2012]. Denby, N. (2012) Training to Teach- A guide for students. London: Sage Publications. Department for Education, ( 2011). Economics, Evaluation and Appraisal Team Education Standards Analysis and Research Division. [online] at : https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/DFE-RR169.pdf Dittrich,H. and Tutt, R. (2008) Educating Childern with Complex Conditions. London : Sage Publications. Hallett, E. (1995) Soul Trek: Meeting our Children on the Way to Birth. Montana : Light Heart Publishing. MacNaughton, G. (2003) Shaping Early Childhood : Learning, curriculum and context. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Maslow, A. (1954) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. [Accessed : 16.11.12]. online at : http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html Mehrabian, A. (1971) Silent Messages. California. Wadsworth. Pound, L. (2007) How children learn. London: Step forward publishing. Swift, S. (2007) Giving and Checking Instructions. [online] at : http://ezinearticles.com/?Giving-and-Checking-Instructions&id=404950 [Accessed : 19 Nov 2012].

Unit Labor Costs Matter Much More Than Actual Levels of Pay

Nga Discuss the view that unit labour costs matter much more than actual levels of pay. Unit  labour  costs is the  cost  of  labour  per  unit  of. It is determined by the growth of wages and the rate of growth of  labour  productivity. Labour costs include the complete range of costs employers incur when they employ workers. They include not only wages but also the cost of recruiting and training workers, national insurance contributions, redundancy payments and benefits in kind. Wages do, however, constitute over 80% of total labour cost.So they, together with productivity, are the two key influences on unit labour costs. If productivity increases at a faster rate than the wages paid, unit labour costs are likely to fall. During the recession, the UK has seen falls in real wage growth. If real wages are lower, firms may   be more willing to employ labour rather than capital. In other words low wage growth means labour is relatively more attractive than usual. Therefore with lower labour costs, firms are willing to employ more workers and labour intensive production methods.If a country’s firms have higher unit labour costs than firms in rival countries, this may make their products less price competitive. The country will be unlikely to benefit from increased exports, as a result of a depreciating exchange rate. The increasing unit labour costs have caused firms to demand workers from abroad, who are willing to work for lower wages, to decrease the cost of production. But this has caused unemployment in the UK, and therefore a reduction in income. The result is AD shift to the left, which decreases the rate of economic growth.Rising unit labour costs have the potential to cause cost push inflation. This is caused by wage increases which exceed any improvement in productivity. There are those who feel that unit labour costs matter much more than actual levels of pay and this is because  ULC contains within it all total labour co sts divided by output. This includes wages, national insurance and redundancy payments. Wages are only a component of ULC  , which leads people to feel that it does not matter as much; it is only the amount paid to a worker for working a certain number of hours.Unit labour costs can be said to matter more because it  helps determine productivity. If total labour costs are at ? 5000 and output is 5000 units, then ULC would measure at ? 1. If however output increased to 10,000 units, then ULC would measure at 50p. This means that it now costs less per worker and also shows that workers are now more productive. On the other hand, if companies were becoming less productive, then  ULC can help governments decide whether to apply supply-side policies or not.An example of this would be education and training, if a worker gains more knowledge in the field of work, then they should be able to produce more units than they did before. What can be also be noted from the graph is that  t here is a reduction of inflation from A to B when increasing productivity. Therefore ULC are very important and matter more than wages because it helps determine productivity, inflation and helps with decisions on supply-side policies. ULC does have some flaws however in thatsupply-side policies are not entirely determined by ULC, it can also be used to lower inflation as shown in the above graph.While it is agreed that ULC is important, some would argue that wages are more so. Wages make up 80 per cent of ULC  and may suggest that wages determine ULC. If wages increased, then total labour costs would also increase. If total labour costs were at ? 20,000 and output was at 10,000, then ULC would measure at ? 2. If however total labour costs increased to ? 50,000 due to because of wages, and the level of output stayed the same, then ULC would measure at ? 5. This suggests a decrease in productivity as well as a relatively low level of international competitiveness.In countries where minimum wage doesn’t exist, wages may be considerably lower and the result from ULC would suggest high productivity but would not consider infringement of rights. To summarise, wages are more important than ULC because not only is it a significant proportion of ULC itself and can change the result independently , but it alsoallows people to see their independent income; wages are more important to consumers  whereas ULC is more important to firms.In most developed countries however, there exists a minimum wage so wage abuse is not common. Also, the figures used previously assume that output remains at a fixed level, in the case that it doesn’t shows more factors involved and thus weakens the actual levels of pay’s effect. Actual levels of pay are important, but more so to the individual than to the collective. ULC allows a broader scope of how the country is performing economically compared to others and is therefore more important.

Bureau of Correction Essay Example for Free

Bureau of Correction Essay Corrections in the Philippines started during pre-colonial times when the task was community-based. It was only during the Spanish regime that an organized corrective service was made operational. The main penitentiary was the Old Bilibid Prison at Oroquieta Street in Manila which was established in 1847. It was formally opened on April 10, 1986 by a Royal Decree. About four years later, on August 21, 1870, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City was established to confine Muslim rebels and recalcitrant political prisoners opposed to the Spanish rule. The facility which faced the Jolo Sea had Spanish-inspired dormitories and was originally set on a 1,414-hectare sprawling estate. When the Americans took over in the 1900s, the Bureau of Prisons was created under the Reorganization Act of 1905 (Act No. 1407 dated November 1, 1905) as an agency under the Department of Commerce and Police. It also paved the way for the re-establishment of San Ramon Prison in 1907, which was destroyed in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. It placed under the auspices of the Bureau of Prisons and started receiving prisoners from Mindanao. Before the reconstruction of San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, the Americans established in 1904 the Luhit Penal settlement (now Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm) on a vast reservation of 28,072 hectares. It would reach a total land area of 40,000 hectares in the late 1950s. It was located on the western most part of the archipelago far from the main town to confine incorrigibles with the hope of rehabilitation. The area was expanded to 41,007 hectares by virtue of Executive Order No. 67 issued by Governor Newton Gilbert on October 15, 1912. Other penal colonies were established during the American regime. On November 27, 1929, the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City was created under Act No. 3579 while the Davao Penal colony in S outhern Mindanao was opened on January 21, 1932 under Act No. 3732. The CIW was founded to provide separate facilities for women offenders. To date, there are two Correctional Institutions for Women, the one mentioned in Mandaluyong and the other one is located in Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Dujali, Davao Del Norte. Owing to the increasing number of committals to the old Bilibid Prison in Manila, the New Bilibid Prison was established in 1935 in the southern suburb of Muntinlupa City. The old prison was transformed into a receiving center and a storage facility for farm produce from the colonies. It was later abandoned and is now under the jurisdiction of the Public Estates Authority. After the American regime, two more penal institutions were established. These were the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro under proclamation No. 72 issued on September 26, 1954 and Leyte Regional Prison under proclamation No. 1101 issued on January 16, 1973. The Bureau of Prisons was renamed Bureau of Corrections under the New Administrative Code of 1987 and Presidential Proclamation No. 495 issued on November 22, 1987. It is one of the attached agencies of the Department of Justice. The Bureau of Corrections presently has seven satellite prisons, namely; the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro, the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte, the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City and the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Dujali, Panabo, Davao Del Norte. Of these prison satellites, the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City as the Central Office serves as the main penitentiary as the Central office is also located in there. As of August 2012, the total population of prisoners confined in all satellites of the BuCor is 20,000. It is at this juncture, that handling, managing and taking care of the records of these inmates are of complex types of work which have to be performed by the competent personnel assigned at the â€Å"Inmate Document and Processing Division.† Bureau of Correction. (2016, Dec 16).

Should the United States involve in a war in Libya Essay

Should the United States involve in a war in Libya - Essay Example Libya is one country in which people started agitations against dictatorship of Gaddafi. However, Gaddafi tried to use iron fist to suppress the public agitation which forced United Nations to declare a no fly zone over Libya in order to save the innocent people from air strikes from the Gaddafi’s forces. Currently United States and its allies are protecting the Libyan agitators from the hands of Gaddafi. However many people believe that United States should declare war against in order to save the Libyan public from the dictatorship of Gaddafi. At the same time many people oppose America’s interference in Libya since they believe that attacking a sovereign state without enough reasons is morally and politically wrong. In my opinion, America should attack Libya in order to save the life of innocent people and this paper argues in favor of attacking Libya. Why Gaddafi should be expelled? The major reason why I support America’s intervention in Libya is the massacr es against the innocent people conducting by Gaddafi. â€Å"Many in Libya still remember how Gaddafi used to execute those who opposed him — or those he felt had opposed him — and would leave their bodies hanging from nooses for days as a warning† (Abdulrahim, n. d). ... Gaddafi is trying to sustain his administration and he using all false means to suppress the public agitation against him. Majority of the Libyan population like to see the ouster of Gaddafi since they like breath the air of freedom. Human right violations appear in many forms in Libya. Those who are expressing their opinion against the administration will be imprisoned in Libya. In the name of Islamic administration, Gaddafi is exploiting the weaknesses of the public. Gaddafi succeeded in enforcing censorship upon media so that the to and fro motion of unhealthy information between Libya and external world is impossible. The entire world is currently undergoing drastic changes because of globalization. Even the communist China has made lot of changes in their internal and external policies to give a humanitarian face to communism. In a civilized world like ours, people always like to enjoy equality, freedom, liberty etc. Only a democratic administration would be able to provide all these things to its citizen. Only a democratic administration would give power to the people in choosing their political leaders. Gaddafi is trying to prevent people from enjoying all such freedoms and hence America should do everything possible to expel Gaddafi. â€Å"Hope for a new government and for more fearless opposition to the regime is reflected in the ongoing protests. Multiple Libyan diplomats and politicians, including the justice and interior ministers, have resigned† (Soliman, 2011). The support for the ouster of Gaddafi not only comes from the public, but also from the colleagues of Gaddafi. In other words, nobody has any satisfaction over the Gaddafi administration which means America will get immense public support if they decide to

Children with Traumatic Brain Injury Research Paper

Children with Traumatic Brain Injury - Research Paper Example Traumatic injuries are responsible for huge economic burden to the family and society. In addition, it causes devastating effects to the families and friends of the children who are injured because of cognitive, emotional, behavioral and social effects. Traumatic brain injuries economic burden has been estimated to the level of sixty billion dollars. While the treatment related to traumatic brain injuries are limited. Significant advancement has been achieved in recognition, acute care and rehabilitative strategies of care. The improvement in handling of traumatic brain injuries cases has led to a great improvement and increase in the rate of surviving. The improvement in the rate of survival has led to the more survivors having significant lifetime motor, social and cognitive impairments. Currently, there is no treatment therapy of brain injuries due to trauma to help in salvaging, supporting, repairing or even replacing the tissues that are damaged because of the impact of trauma. The main cause of disability as well as death in children in the United States is injuries to the brain due to trauma. Children from age zero (0) to four years forms a group with the greatest risk of getting traumatic injuries to the brain according to the center for disease control and prevention. On average, approximately sixty-two thousand children sustain injuries to their brain that requires hospitalization because of many causes that ranges from crashes from motor vehicle, falls and physical abuse among other causes. Approximately two thousand six hundred and eighty-five deaths, thirty-seven thousand hospitalizations and four hundred and thirty five thousand emergency department visits are seen among children aged from zero (0) to seven (7) years suffering from traumatic brain injuries (Rosenfeld et al., 2012). According to the CDC congressional report of 2004, on traumatic brain injury among children aged 0 to 7 years in the United States, approximately one

Cost and benefits analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cost and benefits analysis - Assignment Example Solving this problem, therefore, calls for massive water infrastructural development particularly in the rural areas in order to increase access to safe and clean water that will be fundamental in improving the quality of life among the Afghans. Bases on the above cost-benefit analysis, there is no doubt that the projects would be beneficial as they have multiple social benefits. However, given the limited resources and the fact that these projects are mutually exclusive, hence they these projects cannot be simultaneously undertaken. Therefore, acceptance of one project means forgoing the other two projects. For this reason, the investment project that maximizes on the social and economic benefits is selected, but taking into account the cost incurred in implementing the project. From the cost-benefit table (above), although costly compared to the other two, Building Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation would more beneficial to the society. Unlike the other projects, the construction of Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation in Afghanistan would increase access to quality and safe water, thereby preventing the occurrence of waterborne diseases. This investment project would directly benefit over 90 percent of the popula tion. Besides, the construction of Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation in Afghanistan will reduce the need for medical care and also reduce to a significant decline in child mortality rate. Therefore, implementing this project would reduce the need for the other two proposed

Joint operations principles, NATO and the Ukraine Crisis Research Paper - 1

Joint operations principles, NATO and the Ukraine Crisis - Research Paper Example The emergence of joint operations is a long story which developed over a long time. This emergence was related to the inherent challenges that affected the general coordination of military forces and their operations. These challenges led to the exploration of alternatives that included the consultation of like-minded partners to conduct operations that had results that affected them in common. The initial attempts however consisted the joint operations involving different forces. With the improvement of military technology, multiservice coordination became even more complex with air power coordination2. Throughout the history of war, various nations have been conducting joint operations and activities against a common enemy. This collaboration has always been related to success in battles. The first ever recorded joint operation in the United States was a dual-service operation in which the Union Army and naval forces in a federal campaign against Vicksburg3. This operation led to the development of unity of effort, mass, leverage and seizing initiative as the first principles of joint operations4. The operation Urgent Fury in Grenada was also an overall success for the United States. The operation introduced a new concept of combining air and land attacks in a coordinated manner and as such was a great success especially due to the use of furious or forceful entry. Over time, various countries have been using the concept of joint operations and its principles to organize and execute military operations and attacks. The most recent and ongoing application of these principles is seen in the Ukrainian crisis. The Ukrainian crisis, which is being executed by the Russians started with the volatile Euromaidan Protests that were witnessed in 2013, November. The involvement of military forces has culminated in Russia’s annexation of the Crimea. These activities have become

Saudi Arabia IT and Telecommunications industry analysis Essay

Saudi Arabia IT and Telecommunications industry analysis - Essay Example This was meant to make the telecommunication industry in the country expand and upgrade its management of network. The Saudi Arabian information technology and telecommunication industry has grown substantially since 1970 up-to-date by advancing its capacity by 3.5 million telephone lines. These subsequent expansion and privatization of telecommunication industry has drawn national recognition in this seventh development plan. Currently the markets are hot and their maintenance is not guaranteed. Manufacturers will have to rely on big money generating projects with personal relations being the main leeway to winning these deals (Oxford Business Group 102). There are possible opportunities in Saudi Arabians IT and telecommunication industry particularly with the wireless communications though there are barriers of its expansion. Complicated bands of telecommunications have been restricted to defense and aviation programs though it is anticipated that the government will ultimately free this authority. The launch of GSM has shown possibility of privatization and consequent expansion of broadband service available for the wireless (Al-aklabi and Al-Allak 76). Saudi Arabia has key pillars that are quite promising in shaping the next growth sectors in the technology field. The youth favoring population of Saudi Arabia shows high potentials of future technological growth. Youth can be perceived as the drivers of telecom development as they posses the prime purchasing power of technological products and services. This pillar continues to be the motivating factor for telecom industry hence the economy of Saudi Arabia (Jasimuddin 60). The mobile operators have on their side been providing services that favor the youth or target the youth segment as their possible clients. In Saudi Arabia, there has been a surge in internet

Questions wk5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Questions wk5 - Essay Example This policy would help companies to utilize local knowledge as much as possible so that the company’s business prospects in the host country can be enhanced. This policy gives more importance to host country norms. It also helps companies to reduce labour cost considerably since in most of the cases the labour cost in the host country would be lesser than that in the home country. Geocentric staffing approach is implemented in global and transnational companies. It helps companies to get the services of best personnel all the time irrespective of the country of origin of the employees. It gives lot of flexibility to the staffing policy. The major disadvantage of the ethnocentric approach is that it may produce anger and cultural conflicts in the business units in the host country. Moreover, this strategy is suitable only for international companies. The major disadvantage of polycentric staffing policy is lack of career growth and opportunities to the employees. It may also is olate the headquarter from subsidiaries. Geocentric staffing policy is highly expensive as far as implementation is concerned. Moreover, immigration policies in the host and home countries may limit the exchange of workforce. This strategy is not at all suitable for domestic firms. Link between an international business's strategy and its human resource management policies, particularly with regard to the use of expatriate employees and their pay scale The utilization of expatriate employee force is necessary for international companies to manage their business activities successfully in overseas countries. For example, it is impossible for Microsoft or Apple Inc to manage its activities in India with the help of Americans alone. Only the Indians know their market well and hence their service is vital for Microsoft or Apple to build their business strategies in India. Moreover, labour cost in India is extremely low compared to that in America. Under such circumstances, I would be su icidal for Microsoft or Apple to bring workforce from America to India to manage their business activities there. It should be noted that all the companies are currently trying to establish business units, especially manufacturing units in cheap labour oriented countries. This strategy would help such companies to stay competitive in international market. It should be noted that prominent Japanese and American companies have manufacturing units in China at present. For example majority of the Sony products are currently manufactured in China even though the origin of Sony is in Japan. While operating cross culturally, HR managers should make sure that the employees on deputation to the host country have adequate exposure to the cultural norms in the target country. HR Management of local work force is extremely different from the HR management of international or cross cultural workforce. Most of the international organizations are keen in keeping a diverse workforce. HR managers sh ould make sure that the interests of the diverse workforce never make any conflicts in the workplace. In what ways can organized labour constrain the strategic choices of an international business? How can an international business limit these constraints? â€Å"Organized labor has attempted to (i) set-up its own international

Assimilation of US Snipers back to the Society Research Paper

Assimilation of US Snipers back to the Society - Research Paper Example As the paper stresses it is important to undertake critical analysis of the psychological realignment that these people undergo when they are in this work and the complications associated with their transition from service back to the society. The nature of any job creates a new person in somebody and the military snipers are not exceptional. It therefore tend to take some process and time to get them assimilated back to the society after they retire or get their jobs terminated under some condition. Due to the type of the training they go through, their mentality gets altered towards some code of conduct and this significantly affects their interpersonal skills. Appropriate approaches of rehabilitating this special group of people who has served the nation to conform to the ordinary society system need to be investigated. This report declares that it is important to explore the personal attributes of a sniper which are partly acquired through training and partly by birth. One of the conditions to be a sniper is having worked as a government security agent or a military officer with in-depth prior knowledge of handling different types of guns and rifles. The concept of knowing the various concepts about the arms is not limited to use but should cover even the ability to understand their structural components. The training of a sniper is costly and requires perseverance of the highest degree with maximum self-discipline. This explains why a single sniper is worth more that several untrained rifle users. These people go through a series of thorough physical and mental training that steadily realign their perception about various issues within the confines of social order (Austin, 1992). Due to their critical role in the military operations, snipers are people with high intelligence that goes beyond shoot ing .They also have internal psychological understanding of any social environment and that is the reason they are able to camouflage and single out the target from a crowd without interfering with non-target (Perline & Goldschmidt, 2004). Their ability to take any angle and take into consideration the physical factors like wind and other environmental impediments that

Budgets Essay Example for Free

Budgets Essay There are certain elements that are to be considered in studying and defining the budget, especially in the field of public administration. These elements include economic, political, and ideological concerns that affect the processes budget goes through. A fourth element that defines budget is societal concerns, which proves to be an important factor for the success of the budget. The budget is said to be economic such that it paints a picture where there is a supply and demand. The supply of funds available for the organization would likewise be met by a demand by its components. The scarcity in funds, as is mostly the situation for finite resources, results to the competition of the different departments for their share in the budget. On the other hand, the political and ideological concerns would mostly be found in the budget process as reflected by the final appropriations. The debate that it has to go through in the respective legislative bodies entails a political and ideological working where each actor would pursue their interests. The last component is the concern for societal welfare. A budget, no matter how big, if it is hounded by cold gigantic infrastructures is said to be a failure. It is important that behind every amount pursued for in the budget, there should be a corresponding impact on raising the quality of life of the people for whom it is intended for. The elements of the budget? economic, ideological, political, and societal? are important elements that play several important roles during the existence of the budget and will continue to serve their purpose to make an effective appropriation.

Structured systems analysis and design

Structured systems analysis and design Structured Systems Analysis and Design (SSAD) With this particular methodology, a software development venture is divided into stages, steps, tasks and modules/ components. Objectives of SSAD:   ITC Infotech India Ltd. Structured Systems Analysis and Design (SSAD) was developed with specific objectives: To warrant that a project could lucratively persist should a loss in staff occur without any adverse consequences on the project To improve communication between all participants in the project so that an effective construction is in place To develop a better of class systems To improve the manner in which projects are controlled and directed To allow for the efficient use of both experienced and inexperienced staff To allow for projects to be supported by computer- aided software engineering applications How SSAD works: SSAD is a waterfall approach whereby there are a series of events which occur in sequential order, each step leading from the last. There are a total of five steps and they are as follows: Feasibility study: This is a study that will determine if the project is actually possible to undertake and whether it is cost effective or not. Requirements analysis: Identifying the needs of the business Requirements specification: The requirements (functional and non- functional) are clearly and unambiguously identified and stated. Logical system specification: The technical systems options are created and also the logical design of the system, including upgrade and enquiry designs. Physical design: The logical system specification and technical specification is then used to design a physical database and set of program specifications. Advantages of SSAD: Timelines: as mentioned before, SSAD can be used to improve the way a project is controlled and directed. This is due to the fact that it allows one to plan the project well which is essential to deliver the product on time. Improvement of productivity: By encouraging on-time delivery, meeting business needs, ensuring better quality, using human resources effectively as well as evading bureaucracy, SSAD improves general productivity of the project. Better quality: Decreases the error rate of information systems by identifying a certain level of class in the launch and constantly checking the system. Effective use of skills: It does not require any special skills and can easily be taught to the staff. It usually makes use of diagramming and modelling tools. It can respond to changes in the business environment: Business requirements and objectives are taken into consideration while the project is being developed. This creates the possibility to adjust the planning of the project to the actual requirements of the business. Usability: Special emphasis is put on the analysis of the user requirements. Concurrently, the system model is constructed and a wide-ranging demand analysis is conducted. Cuts costs: Due to the fact that SSAD separates logical and physical systems design, the system does not have to be executed again with new hardware or software. Disadvantages of SSAD: SSAD puts prominence on the analysis of a system and its documentation. This paves the way for over-analysing, which in turn can be very time consuming and puts strain on expense. Available from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/19681828/SSAD [Date accessed: November 25th, 2009] Object Oriented Analysis and Design:   Ã‚  Ã‚   This is a software development approach that puts great prominence on logical solutions based on objects (individual components of a system). It takes a bottom- top developmental approach and makes use of UML (Unified Modelling Language). Objectives of OOAD:   JS Consulting Group Inc. (2000-2009) To study already existing objects to see if they can in fact be reused or adapted for newer uses. To identify new or modified objects that will be pooled with existing objects into a useful business computing application. Available from: http://www.jscgroup.com/object-oriented-analysis-and-design.html [Date accessed: October 25th, 2009] How OOAD works: Kenneth Pefkaros, International Journal of Business research, March 2008.   Ã‚  Ã‚   In OOAD, the developers capture required details as a system of objects which encapsulate both data and processes. It uses three elemental techniques to for analysis: Functional modelling: The analyst uses activity diagrams and use case diagrams to give designers a clearer picture of how the system works. Structural modelling: The analyst uses class diagrams to group related objects. Behavioural diagrams: The analyst uses sequence diagrams, communication and state diagrams, to give a basic description of how objects respond to the environment, as well as, how they change state during transactions. These techniques then provide the designers with sufficient documented information which they will use in the creating of the system. Available from: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_6773/is_2_8/ai_n31126769/pg_4/?tag=content;col1 [Date accessed: October 25th, 2009] Advantages of OOAD: It significantly simplifies the development of the system It enables the consistency of objects which increases the understanding of the design Decomposing the system into individual objects makes it easier and more manageable for the analyst to work with. When working with objects, they can be reused and modified which cuts costs and save time. Disadvantages of OOAD: There is more emphasis on codes There isnt much emphasis on team work The early designs for the system may be too simplified to be adequate It isnt easy to establish all the necessary classes and objects needed for the system

Baz Luhrmanns Romeo And Juliet Review Film Studies Essay

Baz Luhrmanns Romeo And Juliet Review Film Studies Essay Baz Luhrmann brings a unique visual style to William Shakespeares renaissance tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Set in a modern Verona Beach, Luhrmann sets the assertive and trendy tone of his adaptation within a decaying Miami City. Within minutes, the opening TV prologue hurls us into the white-hot intensity of the two warring families, bombarding the audience with chaotic action scenes and passion. Constructing an edgy and dynamic environment, his brash interpretation uses rapid cuts and erratic zooming techniques to create a comic strip style sequence against the multicultural backdrop of the graffiti scattered streets of Verona. Though effective, the restlessness of the camera becomes confusing, slicing the action into short, sharp images that can mystify rather than illuminate. Such fervent action so soon into the film is dizzying and unexpected. Luhrmann attracts the audience with his lively cinema style, speeding up the action to hype up the confrontation and the rivalry of the two f amilies alongside an intense soundtrack of contemporary and popular music. As a contemporary film director, Luhrmann clearly values the younger audience who would usually only come into contact with Shakespeare in a school environment. This could explain the roaring energy of car engines and elaborate guns instead of horses and swords originally used in earlier productions. Encompassing the elegance of Shakespeares text, Luhrmann introduces the star crossed lovers in a tender exchange of affectionate eye contact across the shimmering light of an aquarium. The pair follow each other across the length of the glass in an enduring and delicately youthful and romantic moment, capturing the innocence of the fated pair. Luhrmann creates a sensual and glamorously romantic atmosphere whenever the lovers meet alone. The balcony and swimming pool scene in particular surrounds the pair in a glimmering sheen of water and light. Luhrmanns use of atmospheric lighting leaves the audience to swoon, drinking in the glow of the dreamy eyed couple as they exchange their most iconic and enduring dialogue. Though their love is prohibited by tradition, ego and prejudice in the society of Verona, Luhrmann exposes Shkespeares drama to a contemporary world without limits, modernising the play with radical scenes of drug use, drag queens and public brawls. A couple so concerned w ith the traditional morals of their families in a world of law breaking and promiscuity comes as a stark contrast which at times, is unconvincing. As the audience enjoy the rowdy and loose morality at the Capulet Ball, it is initially somewhat difficult to believe that two young people in love would not act upon their passionate attraction. However, the undeniable beauty of the couples love is infectious. As they lie in the church lit by thousands of candles, the beauty of Shakespeares romantic tale is undeniable in the soft, atmospheric style with which Luhrmann combines light and opulent religious design to glamorize the tragic scene in which the love affair comes to an end. The language used in this film is lifted from the pages of Shakespeares text; which is surprising and pleasing as the dialogue fits seamlessly into the style of the film. Luhrmann has stripped the dialogue right down the necessities in order to sell to a commercial younger audience who may not understand the complexities of the original dialogue. The bare bones of the text are delivered confidently, notably by Friar Lawrence. Actor Pete Postlethwaites portrayal of the Friar as a new age herbalist gives the audience a glimpse of Shakespearean imagery and rhythm as he optimistically agrees to marry the pair in a bid to turn the households rancour to pure love. Similarly, Harold Perrineaus portrayal of Mercutio adds an exotic and audacious tempo to the film. Perrineau portrays him as entrancing and compelling, emphasising Shakespeares skilfully witty character, which becomes most poignant during his speech before they are due at the house of Capulet. The volatile style in which he prese nts this famous speech builds from a jovial and bawdy exchange with Romeo at the steps of a run-down theatre, to an explosive and passionate conclusion. Delivered naturally, Luhrmann heightens suspense by climaxing the speech with a furiously bright light and sound of a single firework. The audience are brought to a peak of tension and anticipation, unsure where this volatile character will take them next. As well as presenting an aggressively modern adaptation with the setting and language of the play, Luhrmanns interpretation of Shakespeares tragedy is styled inventively by costume designer Kym Barrett. The clothing is eclectic and riotously colourful, complimenting the up-beat and psychedelic style of the film. Reflecting the disposition of the characters, Kym Barrett dresses the characters as a portrayal of their position in the society within the plot. The contrasting morality within the generations and conflicting traditions between the families is illustrated by the way they dress. The Capulet boys for instance, are dressed in smart and formal suits throughout the film, proudly reflecting their traditional Latino heritage which Luhrmann portrays. Creating a contrast, the Montague boys are dressed in very casual beach shirts and board shorts, illustrating the less mature and jovial features of their characters. In a comparison to the younger members of the cast, the parental and authoritative figures are dressed in expensive and regal clothing, suggesting the traditional values of their society. Both women at the head of each household are seen to be dressed in the luxurious clothing typical of wives of influential men. As their wealth is illustrated in the elegance and glamour of their dress, the authority that their husbands hold within the city is also established. It is interesting to note that Luhrmann includes a modern style drag queen in this adaptation, dressed in a provocative and bold sequined outfit. Though not unknown in the other Shakespearean plays, cross dressing, most involve women dressing as men. Mercutios flamboyant style of dress at the Capulets ball is an expression of sexuality ineffectual to the plot, not a central theme to the resolution of the plot as in many of Shakespeares plays. Luhrmann heightens the aesthetic sexuality in his film adaptation to attract a younger and more contemporary audience. The romantic characters of the fil m remain innocent. Dressed to reflect her youth, Clare Danes instils the naivety and youthfulness of Juliet in a modest white dress and plain style of hair and make-up. Similarly, Romeo reflects her adolescence and compliments her dress, choosing a simple black suit and tie. Before they fall in love, the audience can pick up on their compatibility by the harmonizing styles of the lovers. The costumes and setting of the film generate an up-beat and boldly elaborate overall vision. The audience are bombarded by an audacious and lively interpretation complimented by an energetic soundtrack and attractive cast. Though incredibly pleasing on the eye, Luhrmanns concentration on the aesthetics of the film does sacrifice the story and dialogue for style. However, this interpretation of Shakespeares classic does bring renaissance drama into the 21st century. Luhrmann tells the story in an edgy and fast paced film which smashes the Shakespeares stereotype of stodgy, uninteresting plays that are difficult to understand. As a director, Baz Luhrmann revisits the play with great attention, choosing to only leave out scenes that are really futile to the plot. This may be due to the audience his film is designed for, catering for the commercial audience who require more of the action and romance than the subtleties of Shakespeares dialogue. His style of directing is sometimes intrusive, zooming in and speeding up the action in a way which draws the audience in, almost too close to the drama. His wild style of filming places the audience into the action immediately, which at times, particularly the opening scene, is obtrusive and gaudy. This adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is significant in that only one other film edition is recognised with the same commercial acknowledgement. Franco Zeffirellis 1968 adaptation is a traditional take on the play, set in the 15th century Renaissance period and filmed entirely in Italy. With only one other well-known film version of the play, Luhrmanns film has become an important alternative to the conventional style of renaissance drama. Largely shot in Mexico City, there is a strong unapologetic ambience, giving the film more of an attitude than the traditional setting of Verona. Luhrmanns definitive rendition of the play is outrageously narcissistic and easy on the eye, opening the world of Shakespeare to a wider audience in a contemporary and brash interpretation that leaves the commercial audience wanting more of Shakespeares compelling drama.