Fiscal policy of the U.S Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Financial arrangement of the U.S - Essay Example This would imply that there are estimates set up that guarantee government states have their spending plans examined well and that the obligation broadly remains very steady and guaranteeing that it is consistently on a declining way. The Bowles-Simpson plan was set up with belief system of guaranteeing that they lessen the deficiency and accomplish the American financial objectives laid out above. This arrangement depends on certain key basic parts that would help in meeting the budgetary deficiency. The Bowles-Simpson plan suggests for an institution of a far reaching charge change. This arrangement centers in diminishing duty use through what Bowles and Simpson portrayed as â€Å"zero plan† which is planned to definitely cut the size as well as the quantity of uses (Ghilarducci, 954). The principle focus on America is to produce more income and direct that income to advancement and development of the economy. These progressions will guarantee there is improvement in the exp ense condition that is both on the pay and consumption. This would be accomplished by applying a few measures among them building up charge strategy. Usage of an assessment strategy would guarantee that there is a decrease in shortfall particularly on the government states by making an endeavor to raise more expense while eliminating spending. This arrangement likewise targets distinguishing potential zones of extra cuts on spending and income ages. Bowles-Simpson plan has different methods of accomplishing the objective that had been set out and embraced different choices. As expressed by Mathews et al (167), the† Zero Plan,† would progress in the direction of removing all superfluous assessment consumptions and spare around eighty billion dollars yearly to cut on the money related shortage in this way the income additions can be utilized to diminish charge rates. Anyway there would be some exclusion for occurrences in outside expense credit, kid credit and in profit fr om personal duty credit. There was less basic preferencing particularly on contract intrigue, retirement sparing and on medical coverage that is boss supported. The arrangement additionally means to guarantee that consumptions on corporate duty are wiped out and that there is a decrease on the equivalent. There was the Alternative least expense that likewise required disposal. The six individual section charge rates as of now would be supplanted with a timetable that has just three sections and increment the equivalent to higher rates. Another significant change would came in the pay base particularly on the government managed savings one which was to be expanded with a two percent yearly coming about to more than the normal compensation development making it a progressively compelling way. Fuel which goes about as a significant wellspring of pay in government states and expanding the extract charge on the equivalent accordingly would guarantee that there is increment in pay. While the defenders of Bowles-Simpson says that it is a solution for guaranteeing that Americans pay off their obligations and that there is financial restoration the rivals of a similar contend that this arrangement will diminish on net of wellbeing projects, for example, Medicare and government managed savings. As indicated by Matthews et al (681), the Bowles-Simpson plan’s primary procedure is cutting profound into benefits so as to reestablish dissolvability to the program while causing various genuine and antagonistic changes. The reality the approach neglected to shield the low pay workers from these radical decreases, low pay laborers are probably not going to help the program on account of the diminished advantages. Besides, this arrangement breaks the connections between the connection between their past income

How Far Does ‘The Fall of The House of Usher’ Meet With The Conventions Of Gothic Fiction? Essay

The Gothic epic overwhelmed English writing from 1764 when ‘The Castle of Ortranto’ by Horace Warpole was distributed, until the ahead of schedule to mid nineteenth century. The Gothic epic is described by haziness, thick backwoods, old strongholds, dismal rooms and despairing characters. Despite the fact that Gothicism started to surrender its predominance around 1815, it affected many developing kinds can at present be found in some of today’s famous styles. Stephen King, a celebrated ghastliness essayist, draws on tension, the dread of forlornness and the dread of the obscure while Anne Rice, the current ‘queen’ of gothic fiction draws on much indistinguishable subjects from ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’. Her most recent novel ‘Blackwood Farm’ is set in a gigantic house in no place and recounts to the account of a youngster caught in a neither living nor dead existence where he is spooky by a soul which keeps him from h aving a place anyplace. The Fall of the House of Usher is determined to a ‘dark, soundless day in the autumn’, a perfect setting for a Gothic story. Harvest time, with its cool dismal months following the glow of summer and nothing to anticipate separated from the hardships of winter, gives a promptly discouraging feel to the story. The mists are supposed to be â€Å"low in the heavens† making the peruser mindful of a dim abusive sky, again alluding to haziness and deficiency of daylight. As the storyteller approaches of the house he portrays it as having â€Å"bleak walls† and â€Å"eye like windows†. The last of these gives the peruser a sentiment of the house watching him like an individual. The peruser can detect the narrator’s dread. Poe utilizes depictions, for example, â€Å"rank†, which means a solid malodorous scent, a specific sign that something somehow or another has turned sour. And afterward he depicts the â€Å"white trunks of rotted trees† along these lines featuring the spooky, â€Å"death like† setting. The storyteller appears to be extremely panicked by the setting and this is depicted when he says â€Å"nor might I be able to think about the shadowy likes the swarmed upon me as I pondered†, as though he is frightened or careful about the items around him. The plot fits superbly into the Gothic type. It contains an odd man with an obscure sickness, a house which here and there has a ground-breaking pessimistic impact on the family and an individual who either comes back from the dead or was buried alive. This is set in a huge and antiquated rotting house encompassed by a disheartening woodland. The foundation to the story is that the storyteller has been solicited to visit by the proprietor from the house who was a childhood friend of his. The storyteller hasn’t seen or even really thought about to this man for a long time. We are made mindful of the dejection of the life Roderick Usher, the proprietor, when the storyteller discusses not so much knowing his companion quite well. As a youngster Roderick was too much saved. It appears to be unusual that the main individual he feels ready to approach in his period of scarcity is somebody who doesn’t feel he knows him well indeed. We are likewise informed that there are no di fferent parts of the Usher family. The story begins with the storyteller moving toward the house alone through the distressing setting. The peruser knows about his helplessness and begins to feel worried about what lies ahead. The storyteller moves toward the house anxiously and attempting to quiet his uneasiness, investigates a lake. The picture reflected, in any case, is significantly more horrendous and turbulent than what he was envisioning already and this tosses the storytellers mind into a condition of brief disorder. This is a subject common all through the story however is normally shown by Roderick Usher not the storyteller. Approaching the house the storyteller sees a gap running from the top of the house to the ground, this isn't harped on at that point yet is extremely applicable to the completion of the story. Once inside the house the storyteller is driven through numerous â€Å"dark and complicated passages† to meet Roderick Usher. He discovers him much changed and portrays him as â€Å"terribly altered†. In addition to the fact that Usher looks truly sick he appears to been in an exceptionally disturbed perspective â€Å"alternately vivacious and sullen†. There are min utes when Usher appears to be confident that his visitor will have the option to support him and talks of â€Å"the comfort he anticipated me (the storyteller) to bear the cost of him†. At a certain point he portrays his disease as a â€Å"constitutional and a family detestable, and one for which he gave up to discover a remedy† however then promptly says that it is a â€Å"mere apprehensive affection† which will before long pass. He appears to be nearly spooky by the things he fears and trusts in the storyteller with regards to what he feels will be the passing of him. It is dread, a most pivotal part of Gothic writing. First experience with Lady Madeline, Usher’s twin sister, is brief, close to a locating yet we are recounted her puzzling disease and later her passing. The storyteller helps Usher, who is restless to keep specialists from meddling with his sisters body, to bury Madeline in a vault. After this Usher’s psychological wellness goes into quick decay. On the â€Å"seventh or eighth night† after her internment the storyteller resigns to his room yet feels disturbed and can't rest. Usher thumps at his entryway, additionally disturbed and requesting in a somewhat crazy way â€Å"And you have not seen it?† with an end goal to quiet him the storyteller gets a book and starts perusing to Usher. As he peruses, clamors depicted in the book appear to be reflected inside the house. Much after this has happened double the storyteller attempts to resist the urge to panic so as not to additionally energize the unsteady Usher. Anyway when it happens a third time the storyteller can no longer contain his caution and surges over to Usher who is by all accounts having a total breakdown. Usher proclaims that the clamors were Madeline breaking liberated from her tomb were they had put her despite everything living. Scared he feels her quality outside the entryway † I disclose to you that she currently remains without the door†. The entryway flies open and there is Madeline who falls intensely upon her sibling who kicks the bucket of trepidation similarly as he anticipated. The storyteller escapes from the house and thinking once again from a sheltered separation sees the crevice which he had seen on his appearance enlarging and afterward the dividers of the house crumbling until the entire structure vanishes into the pool. Poe plays with the perusers feelings by rotating the sensational and evil with the moderately typical. The normally gothic setting toward the start of the story and the storytellers response to it â€Å"a feeling of unbearable anguish infested my spirit† attract the peruser and make a disrupting state of mind. Poe delineates the house and its environmental factors in detail so we are altogether submerged in it. In the initial passage Poe portrays the setting and the storytellers sentiments in incredible detail. In this piece of the piece Poe is over the top by following the subtleties of the storyline. He is allowed to flaunt his gifts at depiction of both setting and human feelings while making an intensely gothic environment. â€Å"I reined my pony to the abrupt edge of a dark and shocking pool that lay in unruffled shine by the abode, and looked down †yet with a shiver considerably more exciting than before †upon the redesigned and altered pictures of the dim sedge, and the unpleasant tree-stems, and the empty and eye-like windows† When subsided into the house the storyteller seems to build up a type of routine to his days with Usher. While the storytellers life isn't actually typical in the severe feeling of the word as Ushers hold on rational soundness is delicate and a portion of his conduct exceptional, the peruser is consoled by the quiet and reasonable voice of the storyteller. In spite of the fact that even inside this time of relative quiet Poe regularly embeds records of some of Usher’s unusual conduct, for example, his ad libs on guitar. The obvious demise of woman Madeline signals the beginning of the work in strain to the peak of the story. The storyteller needs to assist Usher with keeping her final resting place in a little, soggy, copper lined vault which lies â€Å"at extraordinary profundity, promptly underneath that part of the structure wherein was my own dozing apartment†. The vault is fixed with a huge iron entryway after the final resting place cover has been in a bad way down. On the last night of the story the storyteller is restless, too on edge to even think about sleeping. The peruser isn't utilized to this so feels on edge as well. We are recounted the worn out draperies which â€Å"swayed erratically forward and backward upon the walls† it makes anxiety. At the point when Usher comes into the storytellers room he is in an extremely upset state. He opens up the window to the tempest and to the â€Å"unnatural light of a faintly brilliant and particularly obvious vaporous exhalation † which hides the chateau. The spooky sight makes the storyteller shiver and he discloses to Usher that the air is â€Å"chilling and perilous to his frame†. The recommendation of cold chilling air makes goose pimples ascend on the perusers skin, a similar impact that dread would have. At that point the storyteller peruses to Usher removing the peruser from the startling climate in the room possibly to be brought back out of nowhere when clamors in the house reflect the commotions portrayed in the story. This turns out to be progressively disturbing as it happens not twice but rather multiple times. The peruser recognizes emphatically with the storyteller thus feels the dread that he feels. When Madeline shows up at the entryway the peruser is at his generally restless and it would most likely be exceptionally unsatisfying if the story didn’t peak with the savagery that it does. Poe’s utilization of complicated language is broad and all around organized. In the principal section he utilizes countless modifiers as this is the most graphic piece of the story. He alludes to the â€Å"melancholy House of Usher†. Here he utilizes representation to a

Eating Healthy Doesnt Have to Break the Bank

Eating Healthy Doesnt Have to Break the Bank Eating Healthy Doesnt Have to Break the Bank Eating Healthy Doesnt Have to Break the BankBuying fresh produce doesn’t have to be out of reach when your budget is tight. Heres how to save money on fruits and vegetables.When you have a limited income, budgeting for your groceries can be challenging. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest available numbers, a family of four with children older than 5 years old should be able to meet its dietary needs with $646.80 (a “thrifty food plan”) to $1,288.20 (a “liberal food plan”) each month.No matter how much you spend on groceries, we can probably agree that spending more than $600 a month on food is no small fee. At the same time, the USDA uses the numbers in its thrifty food plan as the basis for maximum allotments through its supplemental nutrition assistance program, also referred to as SNAP. Unfortunately, this creates a problem, as it can be difficult to feed a family on a budget when using SNAP.A 2017 study from North Carolina State University in Raleigh found that SNAP allotments only cover 43%- 60% of a “healthy” diet that follows certain federal guidelines. How much more a family needs to spend on food in addition to a SNAP allotment depends on what kind of diet the family is eating. For example, a diet that features only fresh produce is the most expensive, costing a family of four $626.95 each month in addition to SNAP benefits. But according to the study, even the least expensive dietâ€"a vegetarian dietâ€"costs $487.39 more than SNAP allotments.Those of us who want to eat and serve fresh, healthy meals on a budget certainly have challenges to overcome. It’s true that frozen and canned produce can often be healthy options, too, but there are thrifty ways to get fresh produce on the table. In this post, we explore a few ways to do just that.Develop your kitchen skillsKitchen skills can be a barrier of entry when it comes to eating healthy on a budget. Not feeling comfortable in the kitchen can make the dollar menu at the local fast-food joint awfully tempting, and when you aren’t comfortable planning meals for your family, food waste can become a costly problem.One great resource to becoming more comfortable in the kitchen is the free-to-download cookbook Good and Cheap by Leanne Brown. Brown first developed the book as part of her master’s degree in food science. She wanted to develop recipes for those living on a limited income, particularly those using SNAP. Brown’s recipes are inexpensive, easy to prepare, flavorful, and as the book’s states, “celebrate the vegetables rather than the meat.”The book alone, of course, is not a silver bullet, but it is a great resource for anyone who wants to develop kitchen skills and eat fresh fruits and vegetables on a budget. If you prefer to have a hard copy, check your local library. Thousands of copies have been donated and are available to borrow.You can also check out our article, The Broke Persons Guide to Home Cooking.Try local fa rmers marketsOne of Brown’s top pieces of advice is to buy produce in season. “During their local growing season,” she writes, “fruits and vegetables are generally cheaper and definitely tastier than outside of season.” For example, you may have noticed that ears of corn are quite inexpensive in the summer months, but the price climbs in the winter. That’s because corn is ready to pick and readily available in the summer.Your local farmers market is a great place to buy in season. At farmers markets, producers sell their produce and other goods directly to consumers. If you’ve never been to a farmers market, you may assume that its produce, which is local and frequently organic, may be more expensive than what you find in the grocery store. Although actual pricing depends on where you live and what you are buying, studies have found on average, produce is cheaper at the farmers market than it is at a regular grocery store. Additionally, the produce you buy at a farmers market is frequently fresher and higher quality than grocery store options.It’s important to note that low-income neighborhoods are heavily impacted by food deserts, areas that lack easy access to purveyors of fresh produce and other whole foods, such as grocery stores and farmers markets. Still, that doesn’t mean if you live in a low-income area, you do not have access to farmers markets. A study by the Project for Public Spaces found farmers markets “represent an important strategy in the efforts to bring affordable, healthy food options into low-income communities,” especially since the number of markets in the United States continues to grow.Use the USDA’s national farmers market directory to find a farmers market near you. You may also want to search for local directories, as states and other regional areas often produce their own.Plan for the short termBe strategic about the produce that you do buy. Brown recommends buying groceries on a weekly schedule in order to reduce your food waste. The idea is to only buy what you need for a week so that you can eat it all before it goes bad. You can also focus on buying fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, and potatoes, that have a longer shelf life than more delicate types of produce. Additional tips on smart navigation of the grocery store are available here.Consider ugly produceCompanies like Imperfect Produce may be beneficial if you live in one of the areas it services. The organization sells and delivers produce that otherwise would have been destined for a landfill because it doesn’t meet the specific aesthetic requirements most stores want to present on their shelves. For example, maybe the apples are a bit smaller than you would find at the supermarket, or the carrots aren’t perfectly straight, but they are still edible and healthy, just the same.Because the company sells food products that otherwise would have been tossed to the side, Imperfect Produce is able to offer both con ventional and organic produce for much cheaper than you would find at the store. The organization also offers a reduced cost box program for families that qualify for SNAP.Plant a garden or join a community gardenIf you don’t have access to a farmers market, or if you want to supplement the produce that is available to you, consider starting a small garden. Even if you live in an urban area, having a small, manageable garden is possible.   For a small upfront investment, you can set up small container gardens on a rooftop deck, or windowsill.It’s true that gardening can be a lot of work, but there are certain plants that produce abundantly and are easy to care for in relatively small container gardens. According to the Urban Gardeners Republic, lettuces, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, green beans, and zucchini are among the easiest produce to grow in an urban setting. And don’t forget about herbs, such as basil and mint, which can thrive in small pots on windowsills i f they get enough sunlight. Modern Farmer also has some great tips on how to start an urban container garden.If you live in an apartment and there is any green space around the property, consider asking your landlord if you could plant a few things. If this or a container garden is not an option, try to find a community garden to join. There are different types of community gardens, but in general, members of community gardens share the spoils of the soil in exchange for helping tend to the garden. To find a community garden near you, use Urban Farming’s locator tool.Consider using (or donating to) a food pantry  Many of us think of canned goods and nonperishables when we think of food pantries. But many also offer fresh seasonal produce. For those of us who do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, food pantries can be a great resource.Ample Harvest, an organization that helps connect gardeners with food pantries, provides resources and locators for those in search of a food pantry that offers fresh produce. If your garden takes off and you end up with more produce than you can eat, you can use Ample Harvest to pay it forward and donate your extra produce to a food pantry near you.What to do with your savingsWhat happens when you have extra money left over in your grocery budget? We recommend starting an emergency fund. Even if you can only contribute a few bucks here or there, an emergency fund is an important part of becoming financially stable. That way, when an unexpected expense arisesâ€"or one month’s grocery budget got eaten up by something elseâ€"you will have an emergency stash of cash  to tide you over.

School Uniforms And Its Effects On People And Their Behavior

What people choose to put on their backs and how they present themselves is a choice that people decide every single day of their lives. Sometimes, it allows people to express themselves and show the outside world who they genuinely are but other times it allows people to become a completely different person if it is used as a costume for an event or to act on stage in a play or musical. Clothing has a larger impact on people and their behavior than most people would like to consider. What students choose to wear to school every single day impacts their lives more than most realize for example, in school. What students choose to wear to school can affect how well they are able to participate and focus on their studies. The clothing that students choose to put on their backs affects their self-esteem, what class level their classmates perceive them as, and their behavior. Implementing a school uniforms in public school can benefit the school and the students academically in their grad es and their behavior in their classrooms and interacting with their peers. The fact always remains that people will always judge another by looks. Maybe we don’t let that be the permanent impression that one individual will leave on us but no one ever gets a second chance at a first impression. As previously stated clothing is one of the key factors on how people will judge another. For instance, if you saw a man with battered clothes and a battered cardboard side asking for work, you wouldShow MoreRelatedSchool Uniforms And The School Uniform1422 Words   |  6 Pages Most of schools have different policies regarding the school uniforms. There was increase in the school that ask their students to wear a uniform. However, the benefits of the school uniform still unclear for many people. So, the researches conduct research about the actual benefit of the school uniform. Some of the research show there are a relationship between the school uniform and the overall student behavior, safety, and achievements. Many researches follow different method t o collect theirRead MoreThe Importance Of School Uniforms In Schools1693 Words   |  7 Pagesprivate and public schools around America have a uniform policy. The idea of bringing uniforms to schools is an issue that has been discussed and argued about for many years. There are very few students who believe that uniforms should be required, and other students just dislike the colors that come with them. Although uniforms have been known to make students look decent, there are many negative side effects that come with them. Some people think that a student wearing a uniform looks well and respectableRead MoreBullying And Its Effect On Children1366 Words   |  6 Pagescausing this behavior. Primary school is an especially tough time for our young ones. If educators are really looking to put an end to bullying, they have to attack it from the root of the problem (Linder-Altman). What a child is wearing will not get them bullied, it depends on the bully. Making uniforms mandatory in efforts to decrease bullying, only teaches our children that the only way to be accepted is by conforming which is not what we should be pushing for. It’s important to attack the problemRead MoreSchool Uniforms1707 Words   |  7 PagesSCHOOL UNIFORMS In his hopes to create an atmosphere in our school that promotes discipline and order and learning, President William Jefferson Clinton stated, I believe we should give strong support to school districts that decide to require young students to wear school uniforms. He cited several incidents where students desire for anothers fashionable attire has led to extreme forms of violence (Clinton 1996). This exemplifies one of the many implications of a necessity for school uniformsRead MorePros and Cons School Uniform1515 Words   |  7 PagesPros and Cons of School Uniforms Trina Warren Liberty University Professor Mink GRST 500/501 June 17, 2013 Abstract The decision for school district to enforce school uniforms has been in existence since the 16th century. School uniforms were originally created for poor children; however, over time, schools saw uniforms as a way to bring students together. There has been debate whether uniforms improve academic success while reducing affiliation of violence. There is opinion and study thatRead MoreSchool Uniform Essay774 Words   |  4 PagesUniforms should be essential to all schools around the world. Uniforms will provide a more organized school unit. Our public school systems are in a dispirited and discouraged state. Violence, poor attendance, disruptive behavior and disheartening attitudes stand in the way of a child’s education today. Certain changes are needed to return our educational standards to a worldwide competitive level. Our schools should once again become the safe havens and community centers for the education and theRead MoreThe Positive And Negative Effects Of Uniforms 1316 Words   |  6 Pagesand Negative Effects Uniforms have on Students In a society that is so fixed on obeying the laws of the constitution, one situation remains untouched. By the school systems making children wear a certain outfit in order to fit in with their peers, they are putting stress on each one of their individual rights. There is no proof rather uniforms work or not, but from my research I can conclude that it is in the schools best interest to not have uniforms. Forcing kids to wear uniforms is not just wrongRead MorePros And Cons Of School Uniforms1158 Words   |  5 PagesSchool Uniforms: Are Boomers and Stickers Affecting the Way People See Them? People say that school uniforms are a good thing. They prevent bullying, they are easier for parents to dress younger students, and they help students focus on studying, not what they are wearing. Are school administrators or boomers of the American school systems causing students to become Wendys Berrys version of stickers? Having students wear school uniforms have several pros and cons to them, including the costRead MoreSchool Uniforms777 Words   |  4 PagesMost teenagers think that wearing uniforms is a waste of time and that it shouldnt be mandatory. There are many positive and negative effects but I believe that school uniforms should be mandatory. There are many advantages such as peer equivalency, self esteem, easier for parents, and also stress reducing. There are also some questionable disadvantages such as lack of self expression, demeaning morale, and lack of diversity. Teenagers of this day and age belong in the age group where peer pressureRead MoreSocial Impacts Of School Uniforms1550 Words   |  7 PagesSchool uniforms may seem like a thing of the past for many, but they are slowly becoming more used as time goes on. They have been found to improve the lives of students, parents, and teachers. Surprisingly, the people most against uniforms are parents; they worry about their children’s individuality and rights. For many parents, it is a struggle to pay for brand new uniform attire. In a recent case, Major Libby Blair found herself having trouble paying for each garment. She founded Libby’s Closet

An Argument Against Auteur Theory. - 2750 Words

Auteurism: A Disease of Greatness. The term Auteur seems to bless a privileged group of filmmakers with an almost messiah-like legacy. Men such as Alfred Hitchcock, John Ford and Fritz Lange are believed to inhabit the ranks of the cinematic elite, and not surprisingly most critics are more than willing to bestow upon them the title of Auteur. By regarding filmmaking as yet another form of art, Auteur theory stipulates that a film is the direct result of its directors genius. With the emerging prominence of auteur based criticism in the 1950?s, the role of the director became increasingly integral to a films success. However most would argue that this form of criticism didnt reach its apex until 1960s, when Andrew Sarris released his†¦show more content†¦He merely didnt adhere to a set of criteria which could safely classify his work as art. When asked why he was not respected by American critics, as he is in Europe, Corman responded, Ordinarly there is a great deal of snobbery from American film critics, they will accept a film by Stanley Kramer as a work of art before they see it, or a film from a European director...but they unloose their ire against low or medium budget Hollywood productions3 Considered one of the greatest of all American directors, John Ford would no doubt be regarded an auteur by those who choose to utilize the phrase. One can imagine Ford carefully weaving beautiful images of monument valley, to fulfill his artistic allegories, or demanding the most effective of performances from a cast who manage to convey the emotions which stir inside this most American of auteurs. Just as Corman seems to put a great deal of philosophical thought into crafting what many consider to be simple films, Ford seems to suggest that his cinematic choices are often over-analyzed. In an interview with fellow western film director Burt Kennedy, Ford was asked about some of these choices, which have come to define much of his style, and his answers are surprisingly simplistic. When questioned about his connection to Monument Valley, and the reasoning behind choosing that location, Ford responded I knewShow MoreRelatedAuteur Theory 11662 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"†¦ As f ar as I know, there is no definition of the auteur theory in the English language, that is, by an American or British critic† (Sarris 1962) was the opening line to Andrew Sarris’s famous â€Å"Notes on the Auteur Theory in 1962† essay. This essay is what brought the â€Å"auteur theory† in to the spotlight in the USA. And to today, this theory is still in hot debate. Trying to figure out whether or not the director is the lone â€Å"auteur† of a film is a tough claim to make. In an article for Slate MagazineRead MoreScorsese1744 Words   |  7 PagesUse a range of auteur theories to examine the work of two significant directors you have studied on this module. One director should have produced the majority of their work prior to 1960 and the other should have produced it from the 1970s onwards. Discuss the origins and main developments of auteur theory then examine the works of Howard Hawks and Martin Scorsese with relevance to their status as auteur directors. In having their films examined as auteurs of the cinema, both Howard HawksRead More Auteur Theory: Howard Hawks and Martin Scorsese Essay examples1722 Words   |  7 PagesUse a range of auteur theories to examine the work of two significant directors you have studied on this module. One director should have produced the majority of their work prior to 1960 and the other should have produced it from the 1970s onwards. Discuss the origins and main developments of auteur theory then examine the works of Howard Hawks and Martin Scorsese with relevance to their status as auteur directors. In having their films examined as auteurs of the cinema, both Howard HawksRead MoreProposal for a Animation Dissertation3013 Words   |  13 Pageschapter to Marshall McLuhan’s theories of the postmodern effect of globalisation through the Internet and how new media has changed the face of film and the way practitioners can operate within visual culture. 2. Auteurism – career momentum that outlasts the diminishment of practitioner’s talents. This dissertation would have explored the effect on a director that being branded an auteur can have. The paper would have formed a discussion on how being branded an auteur early in a filmmakers careerRead MoreThe Genre Of Cult Film1741 Words   |  7 Pagescult film, and how it is completely subversive to the high concept films of popular culture. In addition to this, those who construct and encode ideologies and messages into cult films need to know and implement a repertoire of elements that will go against the pleasures of recognition and provide a more sophisticated and untraditional narrative experience. Whether through manipulating time and space, or providing powerful subject matter, it is through these technical and visual codes that the text willRead More Definition Essay - Genre1750 Words   |  7 Pagesremains loose, since Aristotle establishes genre in terms of both convention and historical observation, and defines genre in terms of both convention and purpose. In Anatomy of Criticism (1957) Northrop Frye wrote, We discover that the critical theory of genre is stuck precisely where Aristotle left it. The very word genre sticks out in an English sentence as the unpronounceable and alien thing it is (Frye, 13). It is a French word imported directly into the English language, derived from theRead MoreVoltaire s Candide - Denouncing Providence1503 Words   |  7 Pagesoptimistic philosopher’s theories surrounding providence and human will. His main purpose in Candide was to ridicule a German optimistic philosopher known as Gottfried Leibniz, who stated that God is beneficiary, and we are in the best of all possible worlds, relating to predetermined harmony. Medicinae doctor, Thomas J. Papadimos in Voltaire s Candide, medical students, and mentoring writes that Voltaire wrote Candide â€Å"as an objection to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz s theory that God created the universeRead MoreAnalysis Of Francois Truffaut s The 400 Blows ( 1959 ) A nd Jean Luc Godard s Breathless ( 1960 )2650 Words   |  11 Pagesknown as a pioneer of the French New Wave, and additionally, a significant contributor to the â€Å"auteur† theory – or â€Å"la politique des auteurs†. This was the notion that a good director ought to leave an authorial trace upon the work by implementing his/her personal style and imbuing the frames with his/her unique vision of the finished product (Hayward 467). One valuable illumination concerning this theory is that it urges â€Å"one look to the specifically filmic elements of the work in order to read theRead MoreExploring The Strengths And Weaknesses Of The Term Queer 2598 Words   |  11 Pagesmodern society, the derogatory meaning behind the term has become much less used, and instead has been reclaimed in a positive light to describe the entire LGBT+ community. Coined from this comes ‘‘queer’ Theory’, which effectively reopened the links between gender a nd sexuality. With ‘‘queer’ Theory’ seeking to prove that identities do not determine who we are, with its constant fluidity, the term itself resides amongst previous gay and lesbian studies, but also looks at the sociological influencesRead MorePost Modernism Of Baz Luhrmann s Film Adaptation Of William Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet3440 Words   |  14 Pageshas played a role in Luhrmann’s version of Romeo and Juliet. Postmodernism has been given many definitions. Some say it’s simply the outlook that the generation of late twenty first century has on life which entails the mistrust and dismissal of theories that existed before such as religion, ethics and law. According to these youths, the difference between right and wrong or what the meaning of life is based solely on that individual’s perspective. In film, the idea of postmodernism is somewhat similar

The Impeachment of President Bill Clinton Free Essays

The Impeachment of President Bill Clinton Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of The United States of America. He was known for his 1993 Economic Plan, which cut taxes on 15 million low-income families and made tax cuts available to 90 percent of small businesses, while raising taxes on just 1. 2 percent of the wealthiest taxpayers. We will write a custom essay sample on The Impeachment of President Bill Clinton or any similar topic only for you Order Now On the contrary, he also was known for his scandal with Monica Lewinsky. One may ask themselves, was the impeachment of President Bill Clinton completely necessary from the cause of action of the Lewinsky Scandal? Having an affair with a 22 year old un-paid intern is unprofessional and crude. Not only was this immoral, but also when in trial for the scandal, President Clinton denied having sexual relations with Lewinsky. He was now committing acts of perjury. Clinton also influenced witnesses of his trail to vogue for him in front of the court of law. Though Lewinsky could have been lying about being touched by President Clinton, there is a lot of hard evidence supporting otherwise. The acts that President Bill Clinton bestowed upon Monica Lewinsky were immoral. Monica Lewinsky was hired to work was an intern at the White House during Clinton’s first term. During this time she had allegory formed a relationship with him, which was later proved true after a 21-day senate trail. In 1991 Paula Corbin Jones, a former Arkansas state worker claimed President Clinton had confronted her sexually when he was serving as governor of Arkansas. She later filed a sexual harassment lawsuit on the president; which was followed by a federal court hearing. In President Clinton’s testimony, he denied having any type of affair with Lewinsky. Lewinsky also denied to having such a relationship. President Clinton and Lewinsky both claimed to be strictly co-workers and nothing more. Kenneth Starr came forward with compelling information regarding the Lewinsky Scandal. Starr had telephone conversations recorded by Linda Tripp, in which Lewinsky described her association with the president. Hillary Clinton claimed that a â€Å"vast right-wing conspiracy† was trying to put an end to her husband, while Republicans and conservatives described him as immoral and a liar. As a President of The United States of America one is expected to be professional and honest. The actions that President Clinton commits not appropriate, though, people are simply human, when in position of power here is a time when situations like this are completely and utterly unacceptable. Impeachment was in order to prevent President Clinton from continuing on his presidency after being guilty of adultery and perjury. President Clinton was under oath when he denied having sexual relations with Lewinsky. Clinton was acquitted by the Senate on February 12, 1999. Clinton denied telling his aides actual lies about the nature of his relationship with Lewinsky, even though secretaries reported that he told them that he did not have sex in any form specifically including oral sex with Lewinsky. Article I states that Clinton lied to the grand jury about ‘his corrupt efforts to influence the testimony of witnesses’† (An Analysis 1) Clinton’s secretaries, who had no reason to lie about it, reported that he denied having sexual relations with Lewinsky. He lied and hoped that these men would repeat these lies, as well as their attacks on the honor of OIC. Clinton had committed two acts of perjury. The first was Perjury #1A: Undefined Sex. Paula Jonesâ₠¬â„¢ lawyers asked whether Clinton had had a â€Å"sexual affair† with Lewinsky. He answered no. His lawyers argue that Clinton believes â€Å"sexual affair† means â€Å"sexual intercourse. † However, to its true definition it is. So, Clinton’s testimony was a lie. The second act was Perjury #1B: Defined Sex. Paula Jones’ lawyers handed Clinton a now famous definition of â€Å"sexual relations† â€Å"contact with the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of a person with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of any person† and asked whether he’d had these sorts of relations with Lewinsky. Clinton answered no. Kenneth Starr asked Clinton the same question before a grand jury, and again Clinton answered no. Clinton’s lawyers point out that â€Å"this narrow definition did not include certain physical acts. † This, of course, is an indirect way of saying that it doesn’t include oral sex. What about Lewinsky’s claim that Clinton touched her breasts? Clinton’s lawyers admit that if Lewinsky is correct then Clinton perjured himself. The day after Clinton’s deposition in the Jones Case, he discussed his relationship with Lewinsky to his personal secretary, Betty Currie. According to Currie’s testimony, Clinton said, among other things, â€Å"We ere never really alone,† â€Å"You could see and hear everything,† â€Å"Monica came on to me and I never touched her, right? † and â€Å"She wanted to have sex with me and I can’t do that. † These statements could easily be seen as an attempt to make sure any future testimony by Currie squared with Clinton’s. In Clinton’s testimony in the Jones case, Cli nton made several references to Currie as Lewinsky’s close friend, almost alluring the lawyers for Jones to depose her. This suggests that in his conversation with Currie the next day he was focused on preparing her to testify falsely, should she be added to the deposition list in the Jones case. It is also possible that Clinton had a second conversation along the lines of his first after he learned that the OIC was investigating his possible perjury in his Jones deposition. Betty Currie visited Lewinsky’s home and collected gifts given to her by the President, which she then stored under her bed in her own home. It seems likely that Currie would not have taken this action without Clinton asking her to do so. If he did, it would be an attempt to avoid having the gifts obtained by the OIC through an order it could be seen as an attempt to hide evidence. How to cite The Impeachment of President Bill Clinton, Papers

Coal Seam Gas Mining in Australia

Question: Discuss about the Coal Seam Gas Mining in Australia. Answer: Introduction: Coal seam gas (CSG) is one of the natural gas. Australia have sufficient amount of Coal Seam Gas. It was first founded in 1990. It is considered as the source of fuel. It plays a significant role in lower the carbon emission which is highly beneficial to save the environment from the harmful effect of carbon. Australia is known for the exploration of CSG. It is mainly found in the Eastern Australia. CSG is not a shale gas. There is a difference between the shale gas and CSG. There are some specific method to extract the gas, such as- hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling. Coal Seam Gas puts a significant impact on the financial infrastructure of the Australia. The economic development of Australia is highly dependent o the exploration and exportation of the CSG gas (Fleming and Measham 2015). The below mentioned article has concentrated on the CSG mining in Australia. It has discussed about the impact of CSG mining on the financial development of Australia. The report has articulated several process of the CSG mining that has been followed in Australia to extract the Coal Seam Gas. Coal seam gas (CGM) is considered as one of the natural gas. It is mainly known as methane gas and found in coal seams. Coal gas mining is also known as coal bed methane (CBM). CSG is known as unconventional gas, as it requires unconventional method to be extracted like horizontal drilling or hydraulic fracturing. It is different from the conventional gas due to its extraction method of the gas (Werner et al. 2016). Hydraulic Fracturing: Hydraulic Fracturing is used by many gas and oil mining industry to extract Coal Seam gas. In Australia this method has been used since last 40 years. NSW used this method to increase the water flow. This fracturing method has become unpopular due to the rise of horizontal drilling. In this procedure fluid that is a mixture of sand, water and chemicals is pumped into the fracture to open up the cracks. This allows gas to come up into the surface and release from the coal. Due to negative impact on the environment NSW government recently has banned the use of harmful chemicals in the Hydraulic fracturing method (Maher, Santos and Tait 2014). One of the famous and scientific methods that have been used by most of the Coal Seam Gas mining companies is horizontal drilling. It is considered as one of the innovative techniques to extract CSG. The role of the horizontal drilling is to identify the wells. After identifying the well small holes is drilled horizontally through which the coal seam gas will come out. Many Coal Seam Gas mining companies have implemented this method to extract the CSG (Duong et al. 2015). How much water will be involved in the process of Coal Seam Gas mining varies from project to project. According to the CISRO, the behavior of two wells or coal seam is not similar. Thus, the production of water is also not similar. It depends on the feature of the well or coal seam. Permission for Coal Seam Gas Mining: In order to extract Coal Seam Gas or deal with it, every company is asked to seek the permission of the local state government. They must apply for the exploration license so they can implement their strategies to extract CSG. According to some report, in recent time 5,072 well are operating in Australia, 4842 in Queensland and 23 in New South Wells (Jakubowski et al. 2014). CSG is often confused as Shale gas. However, there is a difference between Shale Gas and Coal Seam Gas. Shale gas is found in the shale layers. On the other hand, CSG is fund in the Coal Seam. Shale is harder than coal. Australia is known for its coal seam gas resource. CSG is mainly found in the Eastern Australia. CSG is being extracted from the eastern region of Australia since 1990. CSG mining industry of Australia is capable of fulfill the requirement of gas market of various countries. It covers a huge gas market. As opined by Australian Energy Regulatory, the demand of CSG is increasing day by day. Coal Seam Gas production in the Surat Basin is growing high. Australia mainly brings CSG from this Basin. In Australia hybrid drilling has been used to extract CSG, as his procedure is safer than other method and it make little noise. Australia has seen the rapid growth of the Coal Seam Gas mining industry since past few decades. The demand of CSG has been increased in national and global market. This has changed the scenario of the Coal Seam Gas mining industry. CSG mining industry of Australia plays key role in the Australian Economy. It has provided a wide opportunity to the Australian government to improve the financial and social structure (Jakubowski et al. 2014). Although, it plays an important role on the growth of financial infrastructure Australia, coal gas mining industry puts some significant impact on the environment as well, such as- CSG mining affects the aquifer level by removing large amount of ground water. Removal of the water puts negative impact on the agriculture and rural development. It is harmful for national development. Agriculture is an important element of every country; due to the removal of water level the farmers of the country may face various difficulties to grow crops, which is harmful for the local citizen as well as economy of the country. The exportation of the agriculture based products will be hampered due to such practices (Tait et al. 2016). CSG mining may add many chemicals into the ordinary water which is harmful for the health of the consumers. They may face various health issues due to chemical reaction. People who will that polluted water for their domestic purpose may suffer from several health hazards. CSG mining causes various kinds of environmental damages. Although, the economic infrastructure of Australia has been flourished due to CSG extraction, the local citizens are facing various obstacles due to mining industry. The pollution rate has been increased in the environment due to CSG mining. The growth of the CSG mining has affected the soil, water, air. Mining industries are known as the villain for the environment. Due to many harmful practices of the mining industry, the society may lead to face an awful consequence. This practices are influenced by the growth of the CSG mining. Due to such environmental impact of CSG mining, Australian CSG mining industry is facing various obstacles. New South Wales government has recently taken some remarkable initiative to deal with the situation. The government of NSW has evaluated the effect of coal mining industry on the atmosphere (Rees et al. 2016). A new scientific committee has been constructed in National Partnership Agreement on Coal Seam Gas to scrutinize the impact of the coal gas mining in atmosphere. This committee is hired to examine the water of the most affected areas (Mercer, de Rijke and Dressler 2014). Australian government has incorporated many laws to support the growth of the mining industry as well as to protect the environment from the negative impact of mining industry, such as- environmental protection act (1994), the petroleum act (1923), the water act (2000) and so on. The main motive of the government is to support the community building along with growth of the CSG mining industry (Lacey and Lamont 2014). Impact of Coal Gas Mining on Australian Economy: The growth of the coal seam gas mining industry has put a significant impact on the financial infrastructure of Australia. CSG mining companies of Australia is known as a huge profit making industry and it possesses huge workforce. More than 20000 people are appointed in the CSG firms of Australia (Jakubowski et al. 2014). Due to the rise of Australian gas industry the economic and social infrastructure has been transformed in past few decades. Many people are appointed in the gas firms and various other companies that are responsible for supplying required equipments to the oil and gas companies of Australia. Thus, it can be states that the employment opportunity has been increased due to the rise of Coal Seam Gas mining industry. The development of this industry has increases the national income of the country, as Australia is known as one of the giant that exports a large amount of CSG in all over world (Hamawand, Yusaf and Hamawand 2013). The growth of the CSG mining industry in Australia has put a significant impact on the diary industry of Australia as well (Hamilton et al. 2014). Initially the framers of Australian diary industry are opposing the idea of Coal Seam Gas Mining industry. The Australian government has taken a noble initiative to describe the farmers about the benefits they may get due to the growth of the CSG mining industry. This is considered as one of the remarkable steps taken by Australian government, as the dairy industry and the CSG mining industry both play key role in the development of the country. It is not possible for the government to avoid agriculture to expand CSG mining industry. This idea has provided a vivid picture of the pros and cons of the CSG mining industry to the dairy industry. This has led the Australian Dairy Industry Council to establish a supply chain to support the development of the CSG mining industry. Australian dairy farmers, milk companies and state dairy company ha s taken part in establishing this supply chain. The main motive of this supply chain is to provide sufficient support to the Australian CSG mining industry without compromising any natural assets (Aziz et al. 2014). Australian Rules and Regulations: In order to ensure the safety of the environment, Australian Government has included Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act in 1999 (Fleming and Measham 2015). This act has been introduced to ensure environmental safety from the negative impact of CSG mining. EPBC will be implemented where it can be implemented. This act aims at protecting all the national and international heritage places, wetlands. However, it is not responsible for protecting underground water. Although the Australian government has adopted all required strategies to maintain a balance between the atmosphere and CSG mining industry, it is a complicated procedure. Mining industry is known as the villain for the environment. According o some people, CSG mining is highly responsible for the rapid growth of the environmental pollution (Day and DellAmico 2014). Conclusion: As per the previous discussion, it can be concluded that the CSG mining plays a crucial role in the Australian economy. It influences the growth of the Australia. Australia is considered as a major storage of Coal Seam Gas. Coal Seam Gas is primarily known as a methane gas. It is mainly discovered in Eastern Australia. According to some reports, 13% of the total power is supplied by CSG. The Australian Government is incorporating new and modern technologies to extract CSG, as it will be beneficial to establish a bright future for country. The Australian government often faces various obstacles due to Coal Seam Gas mining. It tries to maintain healthy relation between the Australian citizen and other industries and the coal seam gas mining industry. Reference: Aziz, N., Florentin, R., Zhang, L., Ren, T. and Black, D., 2014. Enhancement of coal seam gas by N2 injection-a laboratory study. Day, S. and DellAmico, F., 2014, June. R., Javanmard Tousi, H.,(2014). Field Measurements of Fugitive Emissions from Equipment and Well Casings in Australian Coal Seam Gas Production Facilities. InProceedings of the National Academy of Science(Vol. 110, pp. 18023-18024). CSIRO, Australia. Duong, H.C., Gray, S., Duke, M., Cath, T.Y. and Nghiem, L.D., 2015. Scaling control during membrane distillation of coal seam gas reverse osmosis brine.Journal of Membrane Science,493, pp.673-682. Fleming, D.A. and Measham, T.G., 2015. Local economic impacts of an unconventional energy boom: the coal seam gas industry in Australia.Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics,59(1), pp.78-94. Hamawand, I., Yusaf, T. and Hamawand, S.G., 2013. Coal seam gas and associated water: a review paper.Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,22, pp.550-560. Hamilton, S.K., Golding, S.D., Baublys, K.A. and Esterle, J.S., 2014. Stable isotopic and molecular composition of desorbed coal seam gases from the Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Australia.International Journal of Coal Geology,122, pp.21-36. Jakubowski, R., Haws, N., Ellerbroek, D., Murtagh, J. and Macfarlane, D., 2014. Development of a management tool to support the beneficial use of treated coal seam gas water for irrigation in Eastern Australia.Mine Water and the Environment,33(2), pp.133-145. Lacey, J. and Lamont, J., 2014. Using social contract to inform social licence to operate: an application in the Australian coal seam gas industry.Journal of Cleaner Production,84, pp.831-839. Maher, D.T., Santos, I.R. and Tait, D.R., 2014. Mapping methane and carbon dioxide concentrations and 13C values in the atmosphere of two Australian coal seam gas fields.Water, Air, Soil Pollution,225(12), p.2216. Mercer, A., de Rijke, K. and Dressler, W., 2014. Silences in the boom: coal seam gas, neoliberalizing discourse, and the future of regional Australia.Ecology,21(222), p.e348. Rees, N., Carter, S., Heinson, G., Krieger, L., Conway, D., Boren, G. and Matthews, C., 2016. Magnetotelluric monitoring of coal-seam gas and shale-gas resource development in Australia.The Leading Edge,35(1), pp.64-70. Tait, D.R., Santos, I.R., Maher, D.T., Cyronak, T.J. and Davis, R.J., 2013. Enrichment of radon and carbon dioxide in the open atmosphere of an Australian coal seam gas field.Environmental science technology,47(7), pp.3099-3104. Werner, A.K., Watt, K., Cameron, C.M., Vink, S., Page, A. and Jagals, P., 2016. All-age hospitalization rates in coal seam gas areas in Queensland, Australia, 19952011.BMC public health,16(1), p.125.

Baseball Satire Essay Research Paper America s free essay sample

Baseball Satire Essay, Research Paper America s Favorite Pastime There is merely one athletics in this state that everyone loves passionately and follows closely. This is the most intense and exciting athletics of all time known to mankind. Everyone in America is glued to the telecasting set every dark, watching intently, inquiring what exciting drama can instantly alter the face of the game. This highly fast paced game is frequently considered America s favourite interest, and cipher in this state will be willing to differ with this powerful statement. Baseball is frequently compared to sugarcoat because it is so sweet and it neer gets old. Everyone in America has had an exciting experience that makes people crave the strength of the athletics. The most exciting portion of the game is arguably defence, and outfielders likely have the most fun out of all these defensive participants. They get to stand at that place all game and delay for one opportunity to catch a hard dad fly, or they get to pick up the weak ground balls that make it past the diving infielders. We will write a custom essay sample on Baseball Satire Essay Research Paper America s or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They likely even have tickle pinking bubble blowing competitions with their fellow outfielder friends. The hurler and the backstop besides have a electrifying clip pass oning in gestural linguistic communication and frequently doing sporadic trips to the hill to chew the fat with one another. Their friends, the infielders, besides have a batch of merriment observation and waiting for them to form a pitch that is hittable so they can fall in the sparkling action of the game. One of the infielders normally gets to do an electrifying and theatrical drama at least every four hours, which is normally one time a tabun me. This game can t acquire any longer exciting can it folks? Discourtesy is the other portion of the game that is sometimes considered more merriments than defence, but merely a few people take the side of the discourtesy in this statement. Peoples do non normally realize the utmost exhilaration involved in batting. Some people think that hitters do non acquire adequate visual aspects to the home base but they are certainly mistaken. On norm, each participant gets to hit one time every three innings, which is at least three times a game. Each hitter is normally guaranteed to hit one time an hr, and sometimes they don t even acquire to do contact with the ball. It is besides great to watch the hitter ticker pitches go over the home base without even doing an effort to hit the ball. It is even better waiting for the hurler to present a pitch every minute and normally when he eventually does it consequences in a ball or work stoppage that the hitter neer swings at. It must be even more tickle pinking for the hitter s teammates. They get to sit in the dug out and ptyalize sunflower seeds while they watch the nonstop action from the out of boundss. There is neer a dull minute in this authoritative game of baseball. It is obvious why baseball is our state s favourite interest, because it consists of neer stoping exhilaration, which attracts its loyal fans. The fans help do the game because of their support and committedness to the game. Every portion of the game is cliff-hanging and thank goodness the merriment normally lasts for hours. Let s face it, without 160 games of baseball merriment per season ( non including playoffs ) , much of our clip would likely be wasted in ennui. Thank God for baseball!

origins of NAFTA essays

origins of NAFTA essays Canada and the United States have always been economically close. Even before either nation had gained its independence, certain trade links had already been established. The ties, between the U.S and Mexico have also historically been strong, if not sometimes troubled. These links along with the emergence of the U.S as a global hegemon and economic super-power formed the base of the ground breaking 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Many arguments have been put forward as to why NAFTA emerged as it did. In order to better understand what took place, a brief historical overview is required. While Canada and the U.S have always been close, it was not until the mid-eighties that both governments came to the conclusion that freer market access and fewer protectionist policies could be mutually beneficial. Canada, being a small economy with abundant resources, had been slowly shifting its trade focus away from internally focused Europe and U.K to the monstrous American market. Realizing that on their current path, freer access was vital; talks were initiated through a GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) framework in an effort to establish a Canada-U.S free trade agreement. They were successful and the CUSFTA was implemented in 1989. During the early eighties, Mexico underwent an intense, inflationary period. Through some innovative fiscal policy, foreign aid and its eventual inclusion into GATT Mexico was able to regain control of its economy and was even touted as one of the bright stars of the developing world (Clement 1999, 7). In 1990, after completing an extensive trade mission to Europe, Mexican president Salinas concluded that any available capital he had hoped to attract to Mexico would undoubtedly be used either integrating and democratizing the former eastern bloc countries or on other European nations due to their increasingly integrated and inward facing market. Upon this conclusion, t...

HOW IMPORTANT IS RACE TO AMERICAN IDENTITY Essay

HOW IMPORTANT IS RACE TO AMERICAN IDENTITY - Essay Example On the other hand, the history of Asians is another example how race influences American identity especially on the exclusion act of 1882 (Carter 1). The few examples provide evidence on the significance of race in the United States. Race is the variable content that matters most in the United States. Race has shaped itself as the most visible of all cultural differences in the United States. In addition, it has contributed to racial discrimination and bigotry (Carter 1). Moreover, it acts as a means of social inclusion and exclusion to members of a race. This term has also been used as a determinant of social status. This paper seeks to focus on how valuable is the race to the American identity. The important of the race to the American identity is clearly identified from how people from different races are treated. This is seen on the racial status of individuals. In America, individuals have been defined by where they are going rather than what they have been. However, achievements should matter rather than origin. The American dream was that people should be able to participate as equals no matter their background. However, this dream has been thwarted and has led to fragmentation of society since its earliest days. In fact, racial classification leads to disregard of the achievements ideals. For example, the non-whites, whatever their achievements, have been unable to change their racial status (Martin 549). This has been evident since the onset of the civil rights movement. For these reasons, we aspire for the day when all Americans will be treated equally without considering their race. As Martin Luther king puts it, he has a dream where everybody will be treated equa l (Martin 549). He also notes that one day there will be equal treatment in various aspects of the society primarily on education and transportation system. This has led to implementation of legislation to protect individuals from those who

Western Classcial Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Western Classcial Music - Essay Example At the time when he left his country due to the ongoing revolution he gave his first ever concert of piano as well as the Etudes Op 10 which established his genius talent (Jonson 49). After going on to Germany and then Austria in his quest of establishment as musician he finally found his base at Paris where he then spent major part of his life. Despite his Nostalgia for Poland, his homeland, he enjoyed an immense success in Paris. He was said to be at the heart of growing Romanticism, the aspirations of whom he had perfectly adhered. Western classical music falls into three categories, of which Chopin was an integral part of the second, romantic and classical in the nineteenth century. In the instrumental classic western music Piano and the Violin occupied the highest ranks. Chopin has piano in all of his compositions which made him very important in the history of western classical music. Frederic Chopin was born on 1st March 1810 near Warsaw at Zelazowa-Wola, his birth date on his birth certificate although was written as 22nd February 1810. His father had French origin where as his mother was Polish, he was the third child. His first musical teacher was Czech musician, Adalbert Ziwny. He got into one of the first colleges in Warsaw with support of Prince Antoine Radziwill, who was a music composer himself and aimed to protect talents of artists. His protection and musical abilities opened gateway for Chopin into high end Polish circles (Ellis 746). At college he learnt theory regarding his art from the director of conservatoire in Warsaw as well as an experienced musician, Joseph Elsner. He was perfectly trained by the time he left his hometown to go to Vienna in 1829, where the debuted as pianist. Chopin had his own style and individuality which made him stand out especially in the variation set on La ci darem; these stirred the attention of Robert Schumann. When he left Vienna in 1831 his intention was to go to London, but instead

Impact Of Product Bundling In Indian Retail Banking Marketing Essay

Impact Of Product Bundling In Indian Retail Banking Marketing Essay The retail banking is the growth trigger of the banks. Even though there is a phenomenal opportunities for growth in retail banking, the challenges are also daunting. Banks are struggling to retain its customers through retail banking. According to Reichheld research, a 5 per cent increase in customer retention can increase profitability by 35 per cent in banking business. The pervasive practice of bundling the products by banks, have built up so much momentum over the past few years in Europe, Asia and Pacific countries. The concept of product bundling is not widely used by Indian banks, since it is not legally accepted by RBI guidelines. Private sector banks are having this type of retailing products in non-core areas of banking. For example, ICICI bank is providing home loan insurance cover exclusively to its home loan customers with tie-up with ICICI Lombard insurance. Previous researches proved that bundling strategies not only retain the customers but also reduces the variable cost of the products. The primary purpose of the research is to find out the cause and effect of product bundling in financial quality system of banking. The retail marketing factors are measured with service marketing factors ie, product, price, promotion, place, process, physical evidence and person. The financial quality system is identified based on the CAMELS system ie., Capital, Asset quality, Management quality , Earning quality , Liquidity and Sensitivity to market risk. Primary data were collected from the 200 customers of ICICI Bank home loan borrowers. Cluster analysis is used to group them. The effect on financial quality is measured based on interview conducted among the 25 regional managers of the same bank. The results show that the retail marketing factors are having high impact on financial quality system. Hence product bundling concept balances the operational and financial risk to have financial sustainability in retail banking. Key words: Product bundling, CAMELS, Core banking. Introduction The banking sector has witnessed wide ranging changes under the influence of the financial Sector reforms initiated during 2009. The approach to such reforms in India has been one of gradual and non-disruptive progress through a consultative process. The emphasis has been on deregulation and opening up the banking sector to market forces. The Reserve Bank has been consistently working towards the establishment of an enabling regulatory framework with prompt and effective supervision as well as the development of technological and institutional infrastructure. Persistent efforts have been made towards adoption of international benchmarks as appropriate to Indian conditions. While certain changes in the legal infrastructure are yet to be effected, the developments so far have brought the Indian financial system closer to global standards. Banks are now moving towards Universal Banking, which is a combination of commercial banking, investment banking and various other activities includi ng insurance. Banks will need to create value in new ways, notably through differentiation on offers and services. Banks have to strengthen the added value they bring to clients by personalizing their customer approach and developing their advisory capacities.By international standards, however, there is still much scope for retail banking in India. After all, retail loans constitute less than seven per cent of GDP in India vis-à  -vis about 35 per cent for other Asian economies South Korea (55 per cent), Taiwan (52 per cent), Malaysia (33 per cent) and Thailand (18 per cent). is a likelihood that the growth numbers seem to get somewhat exaggerated. Hence there is a need of constant innovation in retail banking. This requires product development and differentiation, innovation and business process reengineering, micro-planning, marketing, prudent pricing, customisation, technological upgradation, home / electronic / mobile banking, cost reduction and cross-selling. Service bundling offers one me thod of cross-selling that places less of the burden on the bank employee who, despite training, often simply lacks the skills and/or motivation to be an effective salesperson, and more on the design and promotion of the product. Due to bundling of services and delivery channels, the areas of potential conflicts of interest tend to increase in universal banks and financial conglomerates. A product bundle as a bilateral contract must guarantee a possibility to obtain extra profit /or saving/ for each partner /bank versus customer/ at agreed price level /or discount/, but as well as both of them must accept some uncertainty or risk of lost. Bundling means offering two or more products together as a package.. Bundled accounts have built up so much momentum over the past few years that they have become a dominant focus of the retail operations at many banks. The practice is pervasive in the banking industry. Application of bundling strategies in retail banking reduces a banks variable cost for selling, secures both stable and higher income by periodical fees for covering high fix running costs as well. The biggest opportunity for current retail banking is building a strong relationship with customer by cross- selling extra bundled products, which leads to a higher retention and loyalty of customers. Empirical findings prove the paradox, that product bundles with discounted price for customer generate extra profit for bank, hand in hand with a still increasing customer satisfaction. Clever construction of bundles and bounded rationality decision making of customer offers a solution of profitable discounts not only for a banking sector, but at least for sector of services. According to a research by Reichheld and Sasser in the Harvard Business Review, 5 per cent increase in customer retention can increase profitability by 35 per cent in banking business, 50 per cent in insurance and brokerage, and 125 per cent in the consumer credit card market. Thus, banks need to emphasise retaining customers and increasing market share. Review The Dynamic Pricing and Product Bundling application standardizes a banks pricing and product bundling processes and allows the bank to reduce maintenance costs and increase its cross-sell opportunities(Morphy, 2006). The easiest way to retain the bank customers is to test the market by shuffling the existing product mix and creating new bundled offerings to optimize deposit growth (Barham, 2007). Clever construction of bundles and bounded rationality decision making of customer offers a solution of profitable discounts not only for a banking sector, but at least for sector of services.(Peter). The result is that customers generally get a superior annual percentage yield (APY), while the bank gets higher profit and volume. The secret by-product of bundling is the superior APY; it is what customers seek, it has the potential to drive balance with profitability, and it is a strategy largely overlooked by community banks. Concept of Product Bundling Product bundling is an intelligent strategy that is becoming increasingly popular in the banking sector. Banks offer multiple financial products and services to customers as a package. Bundling is generally recognized as a potentially appropriate means to tackle competition, to acquire new customers, to cross-sell new services to the existing customers and to retain the existing customers, who are getting increasingly savvy and sophisticated. Bundling helps to boost profits substantially by increasing the opportunity to cross-sell. It is also a great method for increasing the sales volume of products that are not in high demand. Bundling is not a new concept in retail banking. It has been existing for more than a decade-and-a-half, but there is a shift in focus now, as a result of which, it has gained popularity. Earlier, banks were mostly concerned with increasing the effectiveness of the use of its core banking products like current accounts and daily transaction-based activities. In the last few years, the priority has shifted to actively improving product penetration into the existing customer base, increasing sales by attracting new customers, innovating the product offerings, and lastly but most importantly, retaining and enhancing customer relationships and basing price reductions on the total volume and/or desired use of services. STANDARD CHARTERED Bank (SCB) is giving its Priority Banking customers up 12 per cent interest earnings through its latest wealth management offerings.In its new exclusive promotion, SCB Priority Banking customers will enjoy attractive interest rates on a Brunei Dollar fixed deposit when they invest in a unit trust at the same time. An intelligent pricing strategy that is becoming more and more popular in banking is bundling. One example is the NatWest package Advantage Gold. This bundle costs  £6 per month and combines a current account with lower interest rates for loans, rebates in certain insurance policies as well as various additional services such as lowest price guarantees for different articles, discounts for videos and DVDs, a customer magazine, commission-free traveller cheques, rebates for hotel stays, etc. In the Dutch market most cross selling in the consumer market is of a soft variety, that is, price inducements are offered to accept a bundle of services rather that exclusive tying arrangements. More often, bundle design decisions are based upon short term objectives such as attracting new customers, increasing fee income, or merely matching competitive offerings. There are two basic forms of bundling, pure and mixed. In pure bundling, the products or services cannot be purchased separately. They are available only in bundled form. In contrast, mixed bundling allows the consumer to purchase one or more of the services individually or to purchase the bundle Some examples of retail product bundles being offered by banks: If a customer maintains a defined amount of savings and has taken a defined amount of loan, then discounts are offered on interest rates, auto loans, free phone banking, counseling once-a-year, etc. Here again, there can be a tiered approach i.e. when balances/loan amounts increase, more discounts and additional free services are provided. Cluster analysis is used for classifying the consumer satisfaction variables into relatively homogeneous groups. The respondents were clustered on the basis of satisfaction level sought from the different attitudes under seven service marketing mix. The variables satisfaction levels are measured through five pointss summated rating scale i.e., strongly dissatisfied, dissatisfied, neutral, satisfied and strongly dissatisfied. The ratings are made as 1,2,3,4 and 5 respectively for each point. Product level satisfaction level is measured with the variables quality, scalability, multiplicity, reliability and security. Price level satisfaction is measured with the variables fair pricing, interest and transaction charges. Promotion level satisfaction is measured with the variables informative, awareness, receptive and attentive. Place level satisfaction is measured with the variables accessibility, convenience and diversified place. Process level satisfaction is measured with the variable s bundling, integration, processing time, and error-free process. Physical evidence (Documentation) level satisfaction is measured with the variables easy to go through, less documentation, unambiguous and legality. Person level satisfaction is measured with the variables involvement, technical support, friendliness and trust. The measure of similarity is measured by euclidean distance model. The reliability and validity of cluster analysis was done by making multiple runs using different order of cases. The clustering criterion was the Akaikes Information Criterion. The number of clusters was determined based on the minimum six-cluster solution. Based on the cluster group centroids of each service marketing mix, the level of satisfaction are labeled as impressive (>4), stirring (3.5 to 4.0), striking (3.0 to 3.5), modest (2.5 to 3.0,) un-impressive (2.0 to 2.5) and mediocre ( Two-group discriminant analysis is used to find out the disriminant factor among the existing customer and new customers using the product bundling . The independent variables are customer service level satisfaction variables i.e, product, price, promotion, place, process, physical evidence and person. The responses are rated based on the cluster centroid of each customer service level variables. The ratings for impressive, stirring, striking, modest, un-impressive and mediocre clusters are 6,5,4,3,2 and 1 respectively. The grouping variables are existing customer and new customers. Because there are two groups, only one discriminant function is estimated. The eigen value associated with this function is 1.64 and it accounts for 100 percent of the explained variance. The Wilks à « associated with this function is 0.312, which transforms to a chi-square of 32.45 with 7 degrees of freedom. This is significant beyond the o.o5 level. Hence null hypothesis is rejected. The structure matrix is displayed in Table-2. It appears that the existing and new customers are more widely separated in terms of price than that of other variables. The canonical correlation associated with this function is 0.783. The square of this correlation 0.61 indicates that 61% of the variance in the dependent variable is explained by this model. In 1995, RBI had set up a working group under the chairmanship of Shri S. Padmanabhan to review the banking supervision system. The Committee certain recommendations and based on such suggetions a rating system for domestic and foreign banks based on the international CAMELS model combining financial management and systems and control elements was introduced for the inspection cycle commencing from July 1998. It recommended that the banks should be rated on a five point scale (A to E) based on the lines of international CAMELS rating model. CAMELS evaluates banks on the following six parameters :- CAMEL approach will serve as an important. This will help lead to a low-cost high-quality result with secure profit levels. Capital Adequacy : Capital Adequacy is a measurement of a bank to determine if solvency can be maintained due to risks that have been incurred as a course of business. Capital allows a financial institution to grow, establish and maintain both public and regulatory confidence, and provide a cushion (reserves) to be able to absorb potential loan losses above and beyond identified problems. A bank must be able to generate capital internally, through earnings retention, as a test of capital strength. An increase in capital as a result of restatements due to accounting standard changes is not an actual increase in capital. Asset Quality : Asset Quality evaluates risk, controllability, adequacy of loan loss reserves, and acceptable earnings; and the affect of off-balance sheet earnings and loss. The quality of a banks assets hinges on their ability to be collected. Asset quality determines the portfolio quality, the portfolio classification system (aging schedule and the methodology to classifying a receivable) and the fixed assets (the productivity of the long-term assets, for instance the branch network). Management quality : Management quality envisages the strategic planning applied in each level of flow of funds. It is reflected by the ownership structure of the bank, branch network , loan portfolio management, credit administration, policy development, employee training, audit oversight, quality of governance and quality of information technology system Earnings : Earnings determine the ability of a bank to increase capital (through retained earnings), absorb loan losses, support the future growth of assets, and provide a return to investors. The largest source of income for a bank is net interest revenue (interest income from lending activity less interest paid on deposits and debt). The second most important source is from investing activity. A substantial source of income also comes from foreign exchange and precious metal trading, and commissions/transaction fees and trust operations. Liquidity : Liquidity measures the ability of a bank to meet the demand from demand deposits in a particular year. Liquidity is what a bank requires if funding is interrupted and the bank must still be able to meet certain obligations (banks ability to repay depositors and other creditors without incurring excessive costs). The liquidity is affected by the institutions liabilities, including their tenor, interest rate, payment terms, sensitivity to changes in the macroeconomic environment, types of guarantees required on credit facilities, sources of credit available to the institution and the extent of resource diversification. A banks least expensive means of funding loan growth is through deposit accounts. When this is not available, banks must rely on more expensive funding sources such as borrowing funds at wholesale rates or liquidating investment securities portfolios.

Jean Watson Essay

The purpose of this paper is to explain the association of nurse/ patient interaction in the concept of Watson’s theory. I will explore the transpersonal caring in relation to caring factors. Analyzing major theory assumptions related to person, health nursing and environment in the context of the caring moment. Caring theory will be displayed in the professional aspects of my nursing practice. Caring nurse, health education, healing environment and application of caring affect to person is applied throughout this paper. History Jean Watson has brought to nursing her theory of caring and 10 caring factors. Watson defines caring as the ethical and moral ideal of nursing that has interpersonal and humanistic qualities. It is a complex concept involving development of a range of knowledge, skills, and expertise encompassing holism, empathy, communication clinical competence, technical proficiency and interpersonal skills (Watson, Jackson, & Borbasi, 2005). Watson’s theory traces back through 30 years, the earliest was put in textbook nursing curriculum at the University of Colorado. The theory contains Watson (1999) describes nursing as transpersonal that â€Å"conveys a human to- human connection in which both persons are influenced through the relationship and being-together in the moment. This human connection†¦ has a spiritual dimension . . . that can tap into healing† (p. 290). Transpersonal Caring and Caring Factors Transpersonal caring has four components, self, phenomenal field, actual caring occasion of the patient and the nurse, and intersubjectivity (Davis, 2005). Self is defined in Davis, (2005) as, â€Å"I and me perception of relationship of I and me to others and to various aspects of life together with the values attached to those perceptions.† I am a surgical nurse caring for a four –year- old boy. After receiving, report before going to pediatrics to obtain the patient for surgery. Fortunately, I know much more about him, the child because I cared for him in August 2011. As a nurse, Watson’s theory is displayed my caring healing practice (Alligood, 2005). â€Å"As I enter the room, I remember the first three â€Å"caritas†: (1) practice loving-kindness and Equanimity within a context of caring consciousness (2) be authentically present and enable and sustain my belief system and subjective life world of self and the person being cared for: and (3) cultiva te ones own spiritual practice and transpersonal self, going beyond self.†(p. 127) I bring the three of them together, in conversation with the client, parents, and coworkers, I speak in a professional, caring, confident manner. I have learned from nursing practice and experience to sit in a well light room at eye level with open body language, to be friendly, caring and always use a kind touch. This helps prevent any barriers that may have occurred to transpersonal caring. Transpersonal caring in the nurse, environment and person are expressed. Developing continuity is an aspect to caring for him and is not always possible, it just happened to be my late shift. I was grateful to be there for his care. Intersubjectivity Davis (2005), states â€Å"Intersubjectivity is human to human relationship in which the person of the nurse affects and is affected by the person of the other, a feeling of union.†(p. 2716) I apply intersubjectivity in the following way. It seems we bond quickly right after I initial see him, because we have initially had an encounter. I found that focusing on the patient’s pain is a priority and aids in healthy participation with his care. I use is time together to ask about his health, fears, and pain, to prioritize his care. This helps me to know him more as a person, not just another client .†Upholding Watsons caring theory provides the framework for me to practice the art of caring, to provide compassion to patients and families fears, and to promote their healing and dignity; it also contributes to my own actualization client â€Å"(Alligood, 2005). Phenomenal Field Davis, (2005) states phenomenal field is the person’s subjective reality (p.2617) In speaking with Jojo, the Phenomenal field is reviewed when,† He shares in his statement,† my belly hurts really badly.† His mother is at his bedside, she tells me that he has not been eating, he has had a fever, and abdominal pain. From report, I see his lab work show an increase in his white blood count and his CT scan shows appendicitis. This is the nurse in the caring theory, who has gathered the information pertaining to the patients health condition. I listen attentively and notice that he is holding a bear in his left arm. I comment on the bear that is seems to be a security item for the child. His mother agrees. He continues to hold his bear to make his environment externally and internally sound. This is critical in the caring theory to make his environment healing. Developing a human trusting human care relationship While the anestheologist is speaking to JoJo’ s mother, I use this time to speak with him. I ask him about school, family, friends and pets. I ask open- ended questions to explore his feeling and fears. He tells me of his dog, two brothers and preschool. He tells me that,† he is afraid and does not want anyone to touch his belly.† When he is lying in bed, I make eye contact as I gently touch his abdomen. After examining his abdomen. Discussing his departure from the holding area, he starts to cry. Jojo,† let me tell you what we will do when we go in the back to fix your belly.† He asks, â€Å"What?† †Do you know how to blow up a balloon?† I ask. â€Å"Yes, he explains.† Well we are going in the back I will put a muscle tester on you, a space mask, and you can blow up my balloon. I use my awareness, presence, touch, kindness, and hope to make him feel strong and confident of the situation Alligood (2005) stated.† In this holistic Perspective, each dimension is a reflection of the whole yet the whole is greater than the sum of parts†(p. 132). Finally, I let his mother know that we will be talking more about her concerns after his examination. Assisting with gratification of human needs Alligood (2005) stated, â€Å"Being-in-the –world† entails that I cannot consider Jojo without her context or environment of which I am a part (family, culture, community, nurses, health care team, society) (p. 132). I speak to Jojo’s mother about his support system, culture, and resources. These are important factors to assist her in obtaining the proper resources need while her son is hospitalized, and she will be displaced from her home during his recover. She states, â€Å"We have no means of transportation, my husband is unemployed at this time due to his back injury and I have two young boys at home. †We discuss means of transportation available to her family from the hospital as well as financial assistance. She states,† my husband has no way to arrive here and has no idea that Jojo is to have surgery.† I try to ease her mind. I can tell she is becoming overwhelmed. Knowing she has fears it is my moral obligation to enhance and preserve her, â€Å"human dignity, wholeness and integrity† (Watson, 2005). (p. 131) Alligood (2005) stated †Watson’s theory, which recognizes the whole in the parts, supports a focus on the wholeness of a community, aggregate, or population, while still attending to the individuals and families within it. Watson emphasizes seeking to strengthen the client’s resources and capacities as well as mutually planning and evaluating health actions† (p. 134). Jojo returns from his surgical procedure, his mother is crying at his bedside. I sit down beside her and to show her his bandage. We discuss the proper way to handle dressing changes along with actives and diet. Implication of Watson’s transpersonal teaching and learning caritive factor. His father has arrived giving her some emotional support. We sit in the recovery room at his bedside, while Jojo rest. I take time to listen to their fears, comfort them and educate them on his care. Jojo’s mother wipes her tears away and looks up at me. She, â€Å"states I am so grateful you were her to help with Jojo he have helped my family, listened to be, and treated him as if he was your own child. Thank you.† I tell her, â€Å"I would not have it any other way. This is an example of Watson’s care theory, Davis states† human- to –human relationship in which the person of the nurse affects and is affected by the person of the other† (p.2618 ) Nursing Perspective I have applied Jean Watson’s theory in my practice, examining an interaction between nurse/patient encounter. Transpersonal relationship with caring factors was used in the care of my patient. Applying caring moments related to person, health, nursing, and environment. I practice Watson’s theory in my daily practice of nursing. Learning theorist in school and refreshing them periodically may seem unnecessary. Who would not be kind to another, considerate of their needs, offer a conducive environment, listen attentively, or apply a caring factor. These seem like common sense to a nurse. Theories are practice as early with new theories add throughout career paths. It is the application of these theories and portrayal of them that causes the affect. This has brought to my view of nursing the values taught to me not only at home but also during my nursing education. Educating other on the values of caring factors, environmental adaptation, and the true art of caring for a p atient/person with total regard to the values of the patient without passing judgment, Through this continuing education paper, we were able to learn the essential elements of Watson’s caring theory and explore an example of a clinical application of her work through a clinical story. Aiming to preserve our human caring heritage, this paper offered some suggestions and ideas in order to help nurses grasp and utilize Watson’s caring theory in their work environment. â€Å"Nursing can expand its existing role, continuing to make contributions to health care within the modern model by developing its foundational caring-healing and health strengths that have always been present on the margin† (Watson, 1999, p. 45). References Alligood, M. R. (2005). Nursing theory: Utilization & application (4th ed.), St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier Davis, F.A. (2005).Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. (20th ed.), Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company Watson, J . (1999). Postmodern nursing and beyond. Edinburgh : Churchill Livingstone/Saunders Watson, J . (2005). Caring science as sacred science. Philadelphia : F.A. Davis Watson, J., Jackson, D., & Borbasi, S . (2005). Tracing nursing caring: Issues, concerns, debates . In J. Daley, S. Speedy, D. Jackson, V. Lambert, & C. Lambert (Eds.), Professional nursing: Concepts, issues, and challenges. New York : Springer .

Why Is Xenia Such an Important Theme in the Odyssey?

Why is Xenia such an important theme in the Odyssey? Explain your views and support them with details from the poem. (45 marks) The concept of guest hospitality was extremely important in ancient Greece. Evidence that Xenia was integral to Greek society can be found in the fact that Zeus, the king of the Gods, was also portrayed as the God of Xenia. Xenia created an obligation for the host to be hospitable to their guests, and conversely, the guests had their own responsibilities too. If either the host or the guest was to break a Xenia rule, there would be severe penalties dealt by Zeus and also by society.Some basic Xenia rules were that the guest could not insult the host, make demands, or refuse xenia. Additionally, the host could not insult the guest, fail to protect the guest, or fail to be as hospitable as possible. It was also customary for gifts to be given to the guest, or for a gift exchange to be conducted between guest-friends. The host-guest relationship was very compli cated and placed equal burden on both. This custom of xenia also held a burden of trust, where both the guest and host would have to rely on custom in regards to personal safety.This trust was reinforced by both fear of word getting out that the host had provided improper xenia, and fear of retribution by the gods, since one never knew when a traveller might actually be a god in disguise (for example, in book 1 when Athene disguises herself as Mentes and receives hospitality from Telemachus), come to test the level of your xenia. All travellers were seen as sent by Zeus and under his protection, so giving proper xenia was also a way of showing respect for the gods, especially Zeus in the form of Xenios. Xenia offers a moral ground in the Odyssey.Greek religion did not have strict moral regulations like modern Catholicism etc, and the Gods possessed a level of humanity and humility (for example, they had flaws, such as Achilles heel). Xenia imposed moral regulations in ancient Greece . It also allows Homer to convey whether characters are ‘good’ or ‘bad’, characters that show bad Xenia are almost portrayed as amoral. An example of poor Xenia in the Odyssey is Penelope’s Suitors. The suitors steal and plunder Odysseus' hall, feast on his food, take his maids to bed and all the while, each trying to take Penelope's hand in marriage.When Odysseus returns, he knows all about the suitors, and schematically kills all of them with no mercy. As the suitors showed bad Xenia, Odysseus is considered heroic for killing them. This is also an example of retribution for bad Xenia. Homer also uses Xenia as a literary device in the Odyssey. Without Xenia, much of the plot would be invalidated; Xenia customs explain many events in the Odyssey. For example, Xenia explains why Penelope and Telemachus didn’t just ask the suitors to leave rather than putting up with them.Xenia also explains why, during the battle of Troy, Glaucus and Diomedes r efuse to fight: they discover their ancestors had a Xenia bond. Traveling in Homer’s time was much more extensive and lengthier than in modern times. The less advanced methods of transportation used in Homeric times, such as by boat or by foot, were much slower than modern forms of transportation. Because of this, many more nights were spent away from home in many different locations. Also, there were not hotels or inns where travellers could pay and stay the night.Even if there were, travellers probably could not afford to pay for every night they were gone. Because of this, travellers had to rely on the hospitality of others for shelter, food, and protection. Without Xenia, Odysseus wouldn’t have been able to return home to Penelope. Xenia was also a universal way for Homer to state character’s status and wealth in the Odyssey. As it was frowned upon for aristocrats to engage in trade or commerce, Xenia was one of the only ways for Homeric heroes to acquire we alth. All hosts are obligated to provide their guests with the best food, accommodation and comfort they can.For example, Menelaus’ guests are offered water from a golden jug into a silver basin and wine served in golden cups. The xenia gifts characters give are also a statement of wealth, as well as a way of acquiring wealth, for example, when Telemachus acquires a silver krater, a wedding dress, a golden cup and other elaborate gifts from his stay in Sparta. In the Odyssey, Xenia is also shown to be one of the hallmarks of a civilised society, allowing us to judge the societies that Odysseus visits by their attitudes to xenia.For example, the Cyclopes are well informed about Xenia, yet disregard it because they have no fear of the God’s retribution. This tells us that the Cyclopes live in a formidable and amoral society. Even the Gods are shown to respect Xenia rules, for example in Book 5 when Calypso gives hospitality to Hermes. Good xenia is shown to have good rep ercussions for both the guest and the host: for example, Odysseus’ stay on the island of Calypso, where he is met with exceptional hospitality. Odysseus received this hospitality well and continued to please Calypso.Only at the end did he ever try to refuse her hospitality and leave, and even this caused no serious problems. Here we have an example of the guest-host relationship working well. Calypso is provided with a companion, even if it was not permanent, and Odysseus was provided with shelter, provisions, and protection for his men. In the end it proves to be a beneficial situation for them both. Xenia also provides a system of retribution in the Odyssey. Those shown to disregard the rules of Xenia often meet violent ends, and in turn, those shown to show good Xenia reap the benefits of this.An example of retribution for bad Xenia is when the Cyclops decides to eat rather than welcome Odysseus and his crew, and the men respond by poking his eye out. This event does not b other the gods at all. The father of the Cyclops, Poseidon, is only upset by the event because it was his son who was hurt. Zeus even praises Odysseus after the event by claiming that, â€Å"There is no mortal half so wise† (Homer, p. 3). This statement proves that violence was an acceptable answer when a host was not gracious. It also shows how the Gods justified violence as a result of bad Xenia.Overall, Xenia is a majorly important theme in the Odyssey. Not only is it used as a literary device by Homer, as it provides an explanation for many aspects of the plot and provides the poem with continuity as well as a way for Homer to portray characters as heroes and villains. Xenia also tells us a lot about ancient Greek society, as it provided a moral grounding and allowed travellers to go from place to place. Examples of Xenia in the Odyssey allow us to judge which characters are wealthy, famous, good, bad, monstrous and evil.