Saturday, August 31, 2019

Project Manager Essay

I do firmly believe that the presentation of Terry was very inappropriate for that matter. Based on the given scenario, it clearly states there that the audience of Terry is an engineering group and not just any other individuals which are more concern on the technical aspect of the project that she was presenting in front of the latter. She keeps on discussing things that do not fall under the role of the engineers on the said project or on the things that concerns the engineering group. Why discuss the importance of the project to the engineering group if they care less on that matter since these group works based on the procedures on how a new product is to be produced and they do not give even a single care or responsibility on the importance of that certain product to the company. In other words, Terry dwell much on the â€Å"external qualities† of the product and not on the â€Å"internal qualities† of the project which was needed by the engineering group; like the specifics of the product and the procedures that they would have to conduct in order to produce the said product line effectively and efficiently. Moreover, she discussed dates and milestones of the products which are not very important of the part of the engineering group. The said presentation only becomes appropriate if Terry is presenting the product to the board of directors of the company as a project proposal for a new product since the presentation give more emphasis on the benefits and significance of the product to the company and not on the technical aspects of the products as what is being needed by the engineering group. It seems that Terry did not take into consideration the kind or type of audience or listeners when she was preparing for the said presentation with the engineering group. Answer #2 One possible way through which Terry could improve her presentation is to concentrate more on discussing the specifics of the product like giving the engineering team first of the bird’s eye view of the production flow of the product to be produced and then after which a detail explanation of every part of the production flow to guide the engineers what to do when they set their foot on the production line. Moreover, this would give the engineering group skills and information on how to deal with certain problems that might arise during the production process of the product since they already know how every aspect of the production works for the entire system. Furthermore, it is best for Terry to familiarize her self with engineering terms and â€Å"languages†, basic term would do, so as to make the transfer of information from her side going to the engineering group easier and faster (Busse & Zettelmeyer, 2007). It is just like knowing what are the effective way of communicating with other people is, you choose the language or the wordings of the individual/group of people to make the conversation more effective and easier (Foulger, 2004). Moreover, Terry should also familiarize her self with the possible problems or issues that might come out along with the commencement of the production of the said new product. This was one of the major problems that she encountered when the members of the engineering group started to ask question regarding the possible issues that might arise during the conduct of the production of the said new product. By familiarizing the possible problems of producing the new product line of the company, it only tells us that she is prepared in presenting the new product to the engineering group and she knows every single aspect of the production processes of producing that certain new product. Answer #3 As for the action of Terry, I would be best if she heard first the questions of the engineering group before acting unprofessionally. She may not know the answer to the questions being raised by the engineering team but it would be a good source of pointers on how to make a better presentation the next time she would be asked to do the same task again. Moreover, she could have just admit that she lack preparation and very willing to entertain questions regarding the project just in case she might encounter questions that she can answer. As for those questions that she could really no longer answer, Terry could list them down and make a research for those questions and set a new date another presentation of the new product. Walking out in the middle of the presentation is very unethical in the world of corporate profession. On every things that one person is about to do, he/she must handle it gracefully or in other words everyone in the corporate world must possess the value of â€Å"grace under pressure† so as to establish rapport with other people on his/her immediate environment. Terry did not have the guts to admit in front of the engineering group that she missed the details of the questions that the former are raising. Admitting that she was not prepared is better-off than just walking out of the room without even finishing the presentation in front of the important personalities for the success of the new product of the company (DeCenzo, Robbins, Stewart & Stuart-Kotze, 2005). Answer #4 As for the project manager, it is his responsibility to shoulder the mess that Terry had left on the presentation room. Saying sorry to the engineering group must be the first thing that he should do regarding the unprofessional act of Terry. After this, since the project manager has the full knowledge over the project, it would be best of the part of the marketing department if he would be the one to continue the presentation and entertain the questions of the members of the engineering group. I think it is also the responsibility of the project manager to justify the action of Terry and inform them that she was just new to the department and ask for the sympathy of the member of the engineering group and hoped that it would not affect the decision of the latter to buy-in the said project. With this way, there is a possibility that the member of the engineering group might understand the situation of Terry and give the project manager another chance of setting one more meeting for the said project. Furthermore, after the meeting, it is also the responsibility of the project manager to have a talk with Terry and find out what happened on the presentation. After which, the project manager must give Terry with some pointers on how to handle such kind of situation and not to go along with her emotions (Bolpatra. gov, 2007). I think on this part the project manager committed a mistake as far as his responsibility to his subordinates is concerned. He should be the first one to check if his subordinates are ready enough for such kind of presentation by checking the slides of the presentation of Terry or conduct a dry-run of the presentation of Terry so as to check if her slides are appropriate for the said meeting considering that Terry was just new to the marketing department. Answer #5 One of the best ways to get the engineering group to go with the â€Å"buy-in† is to offer them with great incentives and privileges if the latter would accept the said project. High salary and additional benefits, say health benefits, are really hard to resist and this might be a good tactic to get the nod of the engineering group. Another way to get the engineering’s group buy-in would be; I would be the one to present the project after the engineering team gave us another chance to present the project and giving them the assurance that by then all of their questions will be answered clearly and smoothly since as the project manager I have all the information and knowledge needed to answer their questions and any queries regarding the specifications of the new product of the company. I think, after having the said two strategies to get the engineering group’s buy-in, there is a big possibility that we have the nod of the engineering group for the said project. References Bolpatra. gov. (2007). Roles and Responsibilities of the Project Manager and Key Staff. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from http://www. bolpatra. gov. np/admin/information_upl/1089883861YV. pdf Busse, M. & Zettelmeyer, F. (2007). Some Pointers For Preparing Presentations. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from http://faculty. haas. berkeley. edu/meghan/300/On_presentations. pdf DeCenzo, Robbins, Stewart & Stuart-Kotze. (2005). Managerial Ethics. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from foba. lakeheadu. ca/mirabelli/1511/ch02. ppt Foulger, D. (2004). Models of the Communication Process. Retrieved December 9, 2007, from http://foulger. info/davis/research/unifiedModelOfCommunication. htm

Friday, August 30, 2019

Casual Analysis Essay Essay

1.This is My Five-Part Thesis Statement for Essay #2: Drinking alcohol is like taking a drug. It is a form of drug abuse, and drug addiction. This is a worldwide problem that many people are involved in. There are good effects of alcohol if it is in small amounts, and in moderation. On the other hand there are bad short and long term effects. There are certain factors that contribute to a person becoming an alcoholic, as they are: Genes, Physiologically or Social factors. The effects that a person will get are all based on certain factors like, how much and how often alcohol is consumed, the age of the person, when the person started and how long they have been drinking for, gender, their family history and last but not least based on their health. 2.This is my Paragraph Two Topic Sentence: Lately scientists have been saying that a little bit of alcohol with dinner is not only okay but it is also good for you. In addition this is true in moderation. 3.This is my Paragraph Three Topic Sentence: If you take advantage of that and drink in excess there are effects that you should be aware of also and contrary to some beliefs, alcohol is a depressant. 4.There are several factors that contribute to a person becoming an alcoholic, as: Genes, Physiologically or Social factors. 5.Once you start to become addicted to alcohol you are considered an alcoholic. In other words there are many long term effects that come along with drinking lots of alcohol for a prolonged amount of time. 6.In conclusion alcohol can affect your life in a good or bad way depending on how you drink, how often you drink, and how much you drink. It is better  to drink in moderation, and responsibly. This normally means drinking only 1 to 2 glasses a day with a meal, and to also have a healthy diet that goes along with that. Otherwise the health benefits of drinking alcohol are gone, and replaced with some horrible side-effects. There are certain factors that contribute to a person becoming an alcoholic, as they are: Genes, Physiologically or Social factors but everyone can make their own decision on what drinking in moderation is and what drinking responsibly means, but everyone should be informed with the facts. Read Also:  Analytic Rubrics for Essay Part 2: Interview Sources and Possible Titles 7.I will interview these three people for this essay 1.Manuel Ochoa, alcoholic 2.Gustavo Alcatar, a retired partner of AA 3.Melissa Soler, psychology 8. 1.Why Do Some People Become Alcoholics? 2.How Bad Can it be to Become an Alcoholic? 3.When People Start to Abuse Their Body to Become an Alcoholic?

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Capital Structure Question Solution

FINE 3100 Problems for Midterm – Additional Capital Structure Problems Question 1 Belgarion Enterprises Asset beta, the riskiness of the firm, can be found as the weighted average of the betas of its debt and equity, where the weights are fraction of the firm financed by debt and equity: ? A = D/V ? D + E/V ? E = . 5 ? 0 + . 5 ? 1. 4 = . 7 To find the beta of the firm with no debt, find ? o or ? u using the formula for levered equity: ? E,L = ? o + [? o – ? D] D/E ( 1 – TC) Rearrange to find ? o = ? E,L + ? D D/E ( 1 – TC) 1 + D/E ( 1 – TC) Since the debt beta is zero, the equation simplifies to: ?o = ? E,L = 1. 4 / ( 1 + (. 5/. 5) ? (1 – . 4) ) = . 875 1 + D/E ( 1 – TC) The asset beta is higher if the firm has NO DEBT, in the otherwise perfect financial markets world. The firm with debt has an asset that the firm no debt does not: the interest tax shield. The riskiness of the tax shield is lower than the riskiness of the firm’s operating assets (its business risk). In fact, in this case, the interest tax shield is riskless because the debt is riskless. The beta of the levered firm’s assets is lower than beta of the unlevered firm’s assets. Remember, bankruptcy is costless in this problem. If bankruptcy is not costless, the result may not hold – by increasing leverage, the probability of bankruptcy goes up and therefore the expected costs of bankruptcy increase. In this case, the firm’s riskiness may well increase with leverage). Question 2 Little Industries a) Current market values EL = 300,000 ? $3 = $900,000 Value per bond: (. 05 ? 1000)/. 1 = 50/. 1 = $500 Total bonds: D= (. 05? 100,000)/. 1 = $50,000 VL = D + EL = 50,000 + 900,000 = $950,000 b) Current required rates of return Debt: rD = 10 % (given) Equity: rE,L = (EBIT – I) ? (1 – TC) = (270,000 – 5,000) ? (1 – . 4) = . 1766666 = 17. % EL 900,000 WACC = (D/VL) ? rD ? (1-TC) + (EL/VL) ? rE. L = (50,000/950,000) ? .1 ? (1-. 4) + 900,000/950,000 ? .177 = . 1708 c) For case of perpetual debt: VL = Vu + Tc D Therefore: Vu = VL – Tc D = 950,000 – . 4 ? 50,000 = 950,000 – 20,000 = 930,000 NOTE: another way to solve for the unlevered firm value is to first calculate the unlevered cost of equity and then use it to discount the unlevered firm’s cash flows 1. Unlevered cost of equity Recall: rE. L = r0 + (r0 – rD) D/E (1 – Tc) Rearrange the formula for r0: 0 = [rE,L + rD D/E (1 – Tc) ]/ [1 + D/E (1 – Tc)] = (. 177 + . 1? 50,000/900,000 ?. 6)/(1+50,000/900,000?. 6) = . 1741935 VU = EU = EBIT ? (1- TC)/r0   = 270,000 ? .6/. 1741935 = 930,000 d) (i) After restructuring, the firm will be 30% debt financed. Let D* be the total debt after refinancing and VL* be the total firm value after refinancing. It must be true that: D* = . 3 ? VL* Since VL = Vu + Tc D, then VL* = Vu + Tc D* Substituting for D* VL* = Vu + Tc . 3 ? VL* Solve for VL* (1 – . 3? TC) VL*  = Vu VL*  = Vu/ (1 – . 3? TC) = 930,000/ ( 1 – . 3 ?. 4) = 1,056,818. 2 And D* = . 3 ? VL*  = . 3 ? 1,056,818. 2 = 317,045. 5 EL* = . ? VL*  = . 7 ? 1,056,818. 2 = 739,772. 7 (ii) By issuing new debt and retiring equivalent value of equity, total firm value increases VOLD  = 950,000 VNEW = 1,056,818. 2 Increase in firm value = 1,056,818. 2 – 950,000 = 106,818. 2 Since the required rate of return to debt is unchanged, we can assume that all of the benefit of the restructuring is captured by the shareholders. On the announcement of the proposed restructuring, the total value of equity will increase by the increase in firm value: Value of existing equity on the announcement = 900,000 + 106,818. 2 = 1,006,818. 2 New share price = 1,006,818. 2/300,000 = $3. 356 To figure out the number of shares repurchased, first figure out the dollar value of the new debt issued: New debt issued = New total debt – previous total debt = 317,045. 5 – 50,000 = 267,045 Shares worth $267,045 are repurchased, at $3. 356 per share Total shares repurchased = $267,045/$3. 356 per share = 79,572 shares Share remaining = 300,000 – 79,572 = 220,427 (iii) New required return to equity Method 1: rE. L = r0 + (r0 – rD) D/E (1 – Tc) = . 17419 + (. 17419 – . 1) ? (317,045. 5/739,772. 7) ? .6 = . 193 Method 2: Interest on total debt, I = . 1 ? 317,045. 5 = 31,704. 5 rE,L = (EBIT – I) ? (1 – TC) = (270,000 – 31,704. 5) ? 1 – . 4) = . 193 EL 739,772. 7 New WACC = . 3 ? .1 ?. 6 + . 7?. 193 = . 1531 e) (i) Because the model assumes bankruptcy costs are zero, it does not consider the potential downside of increasing leverage. With bankruptcy costs, the expected costs of bankruptcy increase with leverage, offs etting the benefit of reduced taxes. (ii) Given D* = 317,045. 5 and Interest = 31,704. 5 EL = (EBIT – I) ? (1 – TC) = (270,000 – 31,704. 5) ? (1 – . 4) = 571,909. 1 EL . 25 Total firm value: V = D* + EL = 317,045. + 571,909. 1 = 888,955 Now, taking into account the impact of the bankruptcy costs, on the announcement of the increased leverage, the firm value FALLS: Change in firm value = 950,000 – 888,955 = -61,045 New equity value on the announcement = 900,000 – 61,045 = 838,955 New share price on the announcement = 838,955/300,000 = $2. 80 Share price falls from $3 to $2. 80!!! Therefore, the restructuring is a bad idea if the new required rate of return to equity rises to 25%. Question 3 Mighty Machinery Initial situation: market value of debt = . 08? 50m/. 08 = 50 m market value of equity = 8 m ? 20/sh = 160 m market value of firm = 210 After Restructuring: Assume that all change in value is borne by the shareholders. So the loss of the tax shield will impact shareholders only. Value of lost tax shield = Tax rate ? change in debt = . 35 (-10m) = – 3. 5m New firm value = old value + value of tax shield = 210 – 3. 5 = 206. 5 m New debt value = old debt + change in debt = 50m – 10 m = 40m New equity value (at the actual restructuring date) = new firm value – new debt value = 206. 5 – 40 = 166. 5 m New share price: Given that shareholders bear all of the impact of the reduced tax shield, given efficient financial markets, the value of the equity will fall by 3. m ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT of the plan. Thus, at the announcement, total equity is worth 160 – 3. 5 = 156. 5m or $19. 5625 per share ($156. 5m/8m = 19. 5625). Another way: the NPV of the restructuring is -3. 5m, which is all borne by shareholders. The change in share price will be -3. 5m/8m = -$0. 4375, giving a new share pric e of $20 – . 4375 or $19. 5625. ii) Shares issued = $10m/$19. 5625 or 511,182 Check: final share value/new number of shares = 166. 5/8. 511182 = $19. 5625. (iii) Use the formula: rE = r0 + (r0 – rD) D/E (1 – Tc) Rearrange the formula for r0: r0 = [rE + rD D/E (1 – Tc) ]/ [1 + D/E (1 – Tc)] = [. 5 + . 08 ? 50/160 ? (1-. 35)]/[1+50/160 ? (1-. 35)] = . 138181818†¦. Then New rE = r0 + (r0 – rD) (new D/new E) (1 – Tc) = . 138 + (. 138-. 08) (40/166. 5) (1-. 35) = . 1429 The restructuring causes rE to fall, as expected. The leverage is lower, the risk of equity is lower, shareholders’ required rate of return falls. b) You answer this question! Question 4 NOTE: This was a particularly tricky question. Part marks were given for wrong answers. Assume that it is valid to use the CAPM†¦this is ok, given the perfect financial markets assumption. Need to get all of the components of WACC: rD = current yield-to-maturity, 9% Market value of D = (. 08 ? 2. 5m )/. 09 = 2. 22222m TC = 35% What about value of equity and cost of equity Use a competitor to figure out†¦the closest company to GLC is All Lawn Chemicals. The most complete way to go is to figure out the unlevered cost of equity of All Lawn (reflecting the business risk), and value GLC at this rate. This will give us the unlevered value of GLC. Next, use GLC’s current capital structure to get GLC’s levered value of the firm and its equity. Next calculate the cost of equity, given GLC’s current capital structure†¦. 1. Find unlevered cost of capital for All Lawn Use the same rearrangement of the cost of equity formula in question 6: rE = r0 + (r0 – rD) D/E (1 – Tc) Rearrange the formula for r0: r0 = [rE + rD D/E (1 – Tc) ]/ [1 + D/E (1 – Tc)] Use CAPM to find current rE of All Lawn: rE = rf + ? ? MRP = . 075 + 1. 2 ? .07 = . 159 r0 = [. 159 + . 09 ?. 3? (1-. 35)] / [1+. 3? (1-. 35)] = . 14774 Value of firm for GLC  : V L = OCF ? (1 – tc) + tcD RU V = 1. 5M * (0. 65) + 2. 222M*(0. 35) .1477 VL = 7. 37892M Value of Equity for GLC: VL = Ve + VD = 7. 37892M = 2. 222M + Ve Ve = 7. 37892 – 2. 222 = 5. 1569M Ve = 5. 1569M = y R equity = (OCF – Interest expense)(1 – tax rate)/ Value of equity = { ($1. million – . 08x$2. 5 million) . 65}/5. 1569= . 163858 =16. 39%. OR 1. Find unlevered cost of capital for All Lawn Use the same rearrangement of the cost of equity formula in question 6: rE = r0 + (r0 – rD) D/E (1 – Tc) Rearrange the formula for r0: r0 = [rE + rD D/E (1 †“ Tc) ]/ [1 + D/E (1 – Tc)] Use CAPM to find current rE of All Lawn: rE = rf + ? ? MRP = . 075 + 1. 2 ? .07 = . 159 r0 = [. 159 + . 09 ?. 3? (1-. 35)] / [1+. 3? (1-. 35)] = . 14774 2. Value of Unlevered GLC Vu = [OCF – Taxes] / r0 = [1. 5 ? (1-. 35)] /. 14774 =6. 59943 3. Value GLC with its current capital structure VL = Vu + Tc D = 6. 59943 + . 35 ? . 22222 = 7. 37721 4. Value GLC’s equity and its required rate of return Thus: EL = VL – D = 7. 37721 – 2. 22222 = 5. 15499 and rE = r0 + (r0 – rD) D/E (1 – Tc) = . 14774 + (. 14774 – . 09)? (2. 22222/5. 15499)?. 65 = . 1639 5. Calculate GLC’s WACC Wacc = (2. 22222/7. 37721)?. 09?. 65 + (5. 15499/7. 37721)?. 1639 = . 1322 Question 5 a) False. Although often increases in firm value increase equity value, it is not always the case. When debt is risky (that is, there is a chance that the debt will not be paid the full promised interest and principal), improvements in firm val ue may go partly or totally to debt holders. This means that the debt has become less risky: there is less chance that the bondholders won’t get the promised interest and principal repayments. An example: when a firm is in financial distress, a value-increasing investment may only increase the value of the debt – and none of the value goes to shareholders. See kit and also the Barclay, Smith, Watts article. b) False. All that is necessary for the risk of equity to increase is that the firm’s operating cash flow be variable. Whenever you add the fixed interest payments, the result is to intensify the variability of the cash flows to shareholders (they get paid only after the fixed payments have been made to the debtholders). Look at the kit, – risk of equity increased with the addition of debt – and there is no chance of bankruptcy in this example (debt is riskless – no matter what state of the world occurs, the debtholders get their promised payments). c) False. For this answer, assume perfect financial markets and keep the firm’s investment and borrowing constant. If you don’t make these assumptions, then we have to make other assumptions about the state of the financial markets. These ones make our story easy). It is true that a shareholder may have to sell shares at the bottom of the market to create homemade dividends. But if the firm increases its dividend, they too will have to sell shares at the bottom of the market!! If we assume that the firm is currently payi ng out the money they have, the rest is tied up in investment plans and no new borrowing is made, if the dividend is increased, THE FIRM WILL HAVE TO GO TO THE MARKET AND SELL SHARES to pay for the higher dividend. The risk of selling shares at the bottom of the market has not gone away and shareholders still get stuck with it – either they pay for it directly when they sell their shares or indirectly when the firm brings in new shareholders who pay less for their shares than if it had been the top of the market. So this is not a valid reason why the firm paying a dividend will increase firm value. d) Uncertain. What the answer depends on is whether the bond holders anticipated correctly the chances and costs of distress/bankruptcy. If bondholders correctly anticipate distress and the costs associated with it, they will pay less for the bonds than if the costly distress did not occur. Shareholders end up paying the costs – because the company gets less for the bonds sold – raising the cost of debt financing. Of course, if bondholders do not correctly anticipate the distress, then they share in the costs. e) THIS IS A POST MIDTERM QUESTION True. Cost savings are much more likely to be achievable than revenue increases – firms have control over their production process but not over their customers. f) False. This question is very much related to a). Shareholders will not be willing to contribute more money to positive NPV projects when the bulk of the benefit goes to bondholders. See the references in a). g) True. The messy formula for the impact on firm value of adding debt when both personal and corporate taxes are considered is outlined in the kit. This happens when (1-TB) < (1-Tc)(1-TS)†¦.. Translating: 1-TB is the after-all-taxes cash flow of a $1 of bond income, (1-Tc)(1-TS) is the after-all-taxes cash flow of $1 of equity income (because first corporate taxes are paid and then personal taxes on equity income are paid). If investors get less in their pocket, after all taxes, when $1 of bond income is paid then after a $1 of equity income, they won’t want the firm to borrow – pay only dividend income and less total taxes (corporate plus personal) are paid. Firm value will be lower if the company borrows!!! h) True. This follows from the â€Å"free cash flow problem† discussed in Barclay, Smith and Watts. A company with lots of cash but few investment opportunities (low growth) puts management into temptation: spend the money on projects they like but aren’t necessarily positive NPV. For such a firm, a high dividend payout (high dividends/net income) and high interest and principal obligations keeps the cash out of the hands of manager and gives them fewer opportunities to make negative NPV investments, increasing the value of the firm. i) True. Given these assumptions, adding debt creates a new asset: a tax shield. The tax shield is a â€Å"gift† from the government, increasing the firm’s after-tax cash flows. This tax shield is lower risk than the assets of the business – it depends on the riskiness of the firm’s debt (and we assume that the tax rate doesn’t change). Thus total risk of the levered firm is lower than if it is unlevered (the levered firm has the same business risk plus the lower risk tax shield – the overall risk is lower). j) THIS IS A POST MIDTERM QUESTIONS False. All valuation methods requiring assumptions to be made. Earnings capitalization is a simpler valuation method than discounted cash flow– but it is loaded with strong assumptions about the future cash flows/earnings such as constant growth, constant dividend payout and unchanging capital structure. ) True the firm will have received the cash without having to issue new shares, however, the firm will also have missed out on raising equity when these warrants are not exercised and the warrant holders (and other potential investors) are disappointed and may not invest in this firm in subsequent rounds of equity financing if they were not able to benefit from their warrant purchase. Warrants are not like call options. With call options the firm in not involved in the transaction. With warrants the firm’s reputation and ability to raise financing is affected.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Miranda v. Arizona Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Miranda v. Arizona - Essay Example The jury found Miranda guilty of the kidnapping and rape charges, and a sentence of 20 to 30 years on each count was imposed on Miranda. Later, Miranda made an appeal to the Supreme Court of Arizona, which held that the constitutional rights of Miranda had not been violated by the police, at the time of procuring the confession. In this manner, the Supreme Court of Arizona upheld the decision of the lower court (MIRANDA V. ARIZONA: AN OVERVIEW AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS). In this case, the Supreme Court examined the statements of the police officers and the confession obtained from Miranda. It held that the police officers had failed to intimate Miranda that he had a right to council. It was also found that the police had not given any opportunity to Miranda to exercise his right to council during the questioning. The Court stated that the police had failed to inform Miranda of his legitimate right to not to be compelled to incriminate himself during the interrogation (Miranda v Arizona , 1966). Thus, the Supreme Court clearly held that in the absence of the fulfillment of these requirements, the statements procured from Miranda were inadmissible as evidence. The police should have followed the legal procedures, while obtaining evidence from Miranda, if it was to be admissible in the court. The Supreme Court held that the typed statement from Miranda that he had full knowledge of his constitutional rights, did not waive his constitutional rights (Case Brief Of Miranda Vs. Arizona 1966). In addition, the Supreme Court during its ruling emphasized that the process of interrogation, by its very nature was always intimidating. This can be offset by reading suspects their rights, prior to the commencement of interrogation. It is the duty of the police officer to read out these rights to the suspect before the interrogation. However, there is no need for a police officer to read these rights to a suspect, while arresting the latter (Case Brief Of Miranda

Homework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 29

Homework - Essay Example However, as a Barnaby College graduate, I believe that you will be able to sail through the challenges jus like me. In my case, after graduation, I entered the job market, and later did my MBA at Harvard. Landing a job with the Flyover Airlines was a fantastic experience for me. While there, I applied all my knowledge and expertise, and due to my excellent performance, I quickly climbed up the career ladder to become the President of Flyover Airlines. While serving as the President of Flyover Airlines, I employed my innovativeness to develop new programs. Among them is the new service, AirTaxi. This employs small jets, and flies passengers at 20% more than the normal fare, as the flights are made on demand. Those of you that read last year’s issue of the International Airlines Magazine can testify that Flyover Airlines was named the Small Airliner of the year. This was all thanks to the new service, which I innovatively developed. Barnaby College emphasized and nurtured in me innovativeness, among other key skills. Therefore, my soon-to-be fellow alumni, go out there and make use of all the skills and knowledge you have acquired at Barnaby. Only through this way will you make your future to be unquestionably

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

REMOTE ENVIRONMENT (Strategic Management) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

REMOTE ENVIRONMENT (Strategic Management) - Essay Example Forces that impact the dynamics of a particular industry includes the ease with which new firms can enter an industry, the bargaining power of both the suppliers as well as the customers, the availability of different substitutes within a particular industry and the intensity of competition between different firms operating in a particular industry (Porter, 2008). The enterprise competitive position helps in identifying the level of competition that is taking place in the environment in which an organization is operating. Customer profile helps an organization in identifying the needs and wants of the customers to which the organization is responding to or will be responding (Hill, 2012). The characteristic of availability of human resources helps in identifying the characteristics of the employees that are working in an industry (Enz, 2010). It even helps in identifying what the human resources perceive about a company and the ease with which these human resources can be

Monday, August 26, 2019

Gender Representation of Children's Television cartoon Essay

Gender Representation of Children's Television cartoon - Essay Example from choices of clothes to toys etc. This prejudice also alters the behavior of parents for instance, for girls it can be seen that they are treated delicately while boys are usually treated discourteously. Due to the behaviors of families towards labeling children as boys and girls, within the 18 months of their birth, infants begin to learn the dissimilarities between two genders by themselves. In this way, between 18 to 20 months, the gender identity begins to be constructed. The idea of gender differences becomes clear in the minds of children by the age of two. â€Å"Although they have not fabricated a view of their own gender, they can differentiate females and males and learn to divide the world between women and men. They define behaviors of woman and man (stereotypes about sexuality)†. For instance, in a study which was conducted with the children below age of 2, children acknowledged that boys like to play with cars while girls like to play with dolls and boys like t o push whereas girls like to cry. They define activities of adults as belonging to male and female. They also define colors according to gender. At this age, children are able to determine their own gender correctly and they understand that gender is a permanent characteristic. In later years, children’s communication with friends and in their schools also leads them to construct biased attitudes towards the two genders. One of the most vital contributing factors in internalizing gender stereotypes in children is Media. Katz and Boswell (1986) identified that among children, media and peers are more effective than parents in developing gender identification. For children, many television programs are integrated with gender discrimination intensively.... For children, many television programs are integrated with gender discrimination intensively. In TV programs, it can be clearly seen that one of the two genders is posed as dominant while others are insignificant characters. A large number of programs reveal male as more dominant and powerful character as compared to female character. Many of the shows that are being shown on TV are ordinary lives of ordinary people reflected on the screen. According to Mutlu, (1999) â€Å"Shortly, television is the extension of people's common, ordinary feelings and interests on screen† (Mutlu, 1999). As Williams states, â€Å"most of the television programs are extensions of daily talk† (Williams, 1992). Therefore, it is possible that all the contents of TV programs are actually society’s beliefs, ideas and traditions that are broadcasted on TV. It is really important for parents to know what their children are watching. Television exposes children to those things from which pa rents are striving to protect the m especially drug abuse, violence etc. Along with the actual television programs, children also get influenced by what they see in advertisements during commercial breaks. There are many negative aspects of watching too much TV. Watching TV too much can cause bedtime resistance and anxiety around sleep. It is also followed by shortened duration of sleep. Another study suggested that there is a strong relationship between watching too much TV and aggressive behavior of children. Children who spend significant amount of time in watching TV during early adulthood and adolescence are more likely to act aggressively against others. Watching too much TV also causes the problem of overweight and inactiveness among children. In TV programs, gender discrimination is also actually a

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Anorexia Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Anorexia - Research Paper Example exia is caused by a variety of different factors, including biology, sociological considerations and psychological adjustment patterns that are often driven by youth historical experiences in society and with family members. It is also known to be caused by media representation of what constitutes an ideal form for men and women which alters a person’s self-esteem levels and sense of self-worth in a social context. Such causes of the disease are known to be attributed to body dysmorphia, an unreasonable and rather perverse sense of the self as it pertains to body image as well as youth caregiver attachment problem (to name only two potential causes). Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical interventions, family therapy, support groups, pharmaceuticals, and even more radical psychotherapy methodologies. Hence, there are potential solutions that can reduce prevalence of this mental disorder with many of the aforementioned treatment options sustaining credible and sometimes substantial recovery and success rates. The goal of treatment, as indicated by research, is to change the distorted sense of self that is common with anorexia and improve cognition patterns to develop healthier eating and coping strategies. Anorexia Nervosa is a variety of eating disorder in which the individual radically curbs their food intake and maintains an unreasonable and rather groundless terror of weight gain. It is usually accomplished with a maladjusted viewpoint about their bodies. Anorexia is characterized by extreme weight loss. People who maintain this mental illness begin an extreme regulation of dietary consumption which leads to a variety of health problems. Anorexia is a common eating disorder that affects women and men, however its prevalence is most widespread in the female population. Those that have been diagnosed with anorexia often maintain an irrational obsession with maintaining a thin body figure and become preoccupied and often fanatical

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Aspects of Error Disclosure Research Paper

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Aspects of Error Disclosure - Research Paper Example One of the effective practices for error disclosure, in this case, is ensuring that the patient understand the need for repeating sampling and analysis (Kalra, 2011). If the practitioner does not report the error to the patient, the patient may be unwilling or unavailable for another sample to be taken. In my future practice as a nurse, I will always ensure that I report and disclose errors to those concerned. However, I understand that some errors are so serious that they should only be reported to the medical authority and not to the patient. To prevent committing serious errors that I will fear to disclose, I will do everything with maximum care ensuring that chances of errors are reduced. I will work with others in this concern by ensuring that I ask anything that looks unclear to me before implementing it on the patients (In Agrawal, 2014). However, the concern that I have is that errors are sometimes unavoidable yet patients take it as a sign of the incompetence of the

Friday, August 23, 2019

Peugeot , Ethical and social responsibilities Essay

Peugeot , Ethical and social responsibilities - Essay Example All groups of stakeholders have certain interest in the company. The equity shareholders derive greater interest from the company’s return on investment. The company’s CSR Group presents its shareholders with comprehensive and transparent information and precisely the records and events of its activities that are related to its accounts. The company along with the CSR Group maintain loyalty and transparency towards their customers and suppliers in order to develop and preserve long term confident relationships. PSA Peugeot Citroen has signed an international agreement on social responsibility. They have committed to respect fundamental human rights, sharing social needs with industrial partners, sales network team, sub-contractors and suppliers and impact of company’s activities upon the local boundaries (PSA Peugeot Citroen, n.d.). PSA Peugeot Citroen is guided by certain set of values that are griped by its employees, executives and reaffirmed in the group’s objectives to promote conscientious progression. These aspirations are associated with the collective commitments towards the key stakeholders, consumers, partners, community and employees (PSA Peugeot Citroen, 2010). The laws abided by the company include conformity with laws and regulations, non-admittance of inner information and genuineness of accounting statistics, information and indicator (PSA Peugeot Citroen, 2010). The aspects include respect for essential human civil rights, conformity with place of work related to health and safety rules, Admiration for the surroundings & prevention of prejudice, Nuisance and impolite behaviour, Reverence for private life (PSA Peugeot Citroen, 2010). The factors considered under this aspect are the transparent affairs with consumers, vendors and competitors, restrictions on aids and provocations, utilization and security of

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Our Buttocks Are Different Essay Example for Free

Our Buttocks Are Different Essay I have chosen Arthur Rimbaud’s poem entitled â€Å"Our Assholes Are Different†. The poem was originally written in French and has been translated in many different versions. Interestingly, the poem is also known as â€Å"Our Buttocks Are Not Theirs†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and carries a significant reference to the poet’s personal life as he was an unabashed homosexual. The poem is also a reflection on Rimbaud’s tongue-in-cheek and witty sense of humor that is his unique trademark in all his writings. In this paper, I will discuss his usage of tone, imagery and symbolism. First I am going to analyze tone. The poem is spoken in a direct, straight-forward manner with feelings of animation, pleasure and amusement. The poet is clearly thrilled with the idea of peeping into other’s private moment of relief but instead of looking at them with disgust, the view provides him with romantic, happy, idle thoughts that remind him of freedom. The act of relieving oneself is actually a form of release and that the pleasure is both mutual, for the reliever as well as the watcher, â€Å"And in those happy floods that youth set free I watched the architecture of our crotch†. To the poet, seeing the buttocks is a way of appraising nature as it occurs upon him that not one buttock is similar to the other. It is interesting how he describes the buttock similar to our faces, with â€Å"a dimple indent’ and characteristic from one another, â€Å"Its forms to muscles, and a wickerwork/ Of hairs; for girls, the most enchanting lurk/ In a dark crack where tufted satin grows†. The smooth roundness and blushing cheeks of our buttocks reminds him of the â€Å"painted cherub on a Baroque shrine† known for their adorable exposed buttocks that are as chubby as the cheeks on their innocent, angelic faces. The touch and appearance of its softness from afar excites the poet as it inspires him the meaning of liberation, â€Å"If only we were naked now, and free†. And at the end of the poem the poet even sounds aroused when he declares, ‘to watch our protruding parts align;/ To whisper – both of us in ecstasy! †. Next I will analyze imagery. Rimbaud uses simple language to describe his emotions and responses to something we often keep private. As he begins with describing his habit of watching people urinating in private, he describes them as how he sees them with a touch of romanticism. The poet is descriptive in the physical attributes of the buttocks similar to if he were looking and describing a building, â€Å"I watched the architecture of our crotch/ Quite firm, in many cases, it owes its form to muscles, and a wickerwork/Of hairs†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . While others would feel embarrassed to look, let alone illustrate, the sight of another’s private parts, Rimbaud is unabashed, telling them as God’s enchanting work of art as he sees them as ‘touching and wonderful innocence†. It is interesting how Rimbaud uses a small reference for relief (urinating) and transforms them into a bigger and more profound imagery such as freedom of the soul. And as one openly exposes oneself with his buttock, we might as well go completely naked to experience the ultimate form of relief – spiritual liberation. Next I will discuss symbolism. On the surface level, Rimbaud’s buttock is extremely physical: one sees another urinating and the buttock is exposed for all to see, perhaps unintentionally. However, on a closer inspection, the buttock signifies an opportunity to be free, not just for the observed but also the observer. From just the mere sight of a person’s buttock, the poet is saying we are hiding something so marvelous and beautiful to behold, thus, let alone an entire body that would be even more marvelous to be shared, â€Å"Oh! If only we were naked now, and free/ To watch our protruding parts align†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The buttock is an attribute we have behind us and that is constantly covered, like a best-kept secret. Yet it plays a crucial role for humans as it releases toxins from the body. And because it is always kept hidden, it becomes a wonder. And how we keep it â€Å"quite firm† or â€Å"a wickerwork of hairs†, is a reflection of who we are and our personality, much like a thumbprint. And thus, seeing glimpses of one’s crack is much like having a preview into one’s personality before you even get to know that person, and that creates another significant excitement for the poet. â€Å"Our assholes are different from theirs† reverberate a connotation of distinction. It is as if the poet is saying, â€Å"theirs† are different to mine. He describes the buttocks he sees and those of â€Å"young men† depicting them as filled with youth and â€Å"innocence†. And if he could stand naked among them, his bottom would be â€Å"whispering† to theirs – as if in humility – the joys and pleasure to be firm, carefree and adolescent again. There are no worries and no hassles in life, just liberation. This poem has an odd topic for discussion, yet it makes a lot of sense about wanting, needing, and appreciating freedom. And what is unique about its symbolism, is that the poet uses a simple concept to teach us about freedom from the simple act of urinating and relieving oneself. The problems we bottle inside us are similar to the urine we accumulate throughout the day. And as we operate in a cycle from drinking to urinating, we need to do employ the same method in other aspects of our lives. Yet we do not. Imagine if we had the same discipline with our problems and our life’s choices. We have the ability to purge out unnecessary â€Å"toxins† in our body such as hate, anger, tension, stress, frustration and sadness on a daily basis, we would be leading healthy lives and cancer would not exist. Silly as it sounds, the poem about our buttocks is a good reminder of the little pleasures in life we often take for granted. And poems such as this are a reminder of why Rimbaud was hailed a brilliant poet. He succeeds in bringing to life imagery and symbolism that would otherwise make no sense to us.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

The Speckled Band Essay Example for Free

The Speckled Band Essay There has been a great deal of famous detective stories that have been written by many authors, all of which are very interesting and exciting. Some examples of very good, successful detective stories are:  The murders in the Rue Morgue written by Edgar Allan Poe in 1841. This book was Edgars first story and it was very successful.  The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins which featured Sergeant Cuff and a stolen gem. This was written in 1868.  Another set of detective stories was Sherlocks Holmes written stories, which were written during the 1880s. As you can see detective books have been going on since the mid 1800s as well as in the 1900s.  1920s onwards Agatha Christie starts to write her very famous and very successful detective stories with Hercule Poirot and Dorothy L. Sayers with Lord Peter Wimsey, both of the upper class.  1970s P.D. James and Ruth Rendell start to write. In their recent books they feature corrupt policemen. In P.D. James last three books the murder has not been convicted, either because they died or due to insufficient evidence.  1990s There has been popularity shown by the number of films and T.V series e.g. Inspector Morse, Taggart, Frost, Dalziel and Pascoe and so on. From the above you should notice that there has been a lot of well known detective stories about and I will be comparing and contrasting two types of detective stories. To support my points I will be using quotations and close references. In each section I will compare the stories and clearly explain the difference. I will be covering the following factors in detail, detectives, crime and motive, clues and red herrings, methods of investigation, the setting location social conditions and the creation of suspense. In The Speckled Band written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the detectives are very polite to each other and speak Queens English. When they talk to each other they always address each other a my dear friend, Dr Watson, Mr Holmes or Madam never by there first name. Sherlock Holmes in The Speckled Band comes across as being very clever and witty. You know this because at the very beginning of the story Dr Watson is saying he was going over his and Sherlocks seventy odd cases that they have done in the last eight years. If Holmes were not clever he would have completed all of those cases. Another part of the story where Holmes shows his cleverness is when Helen Stoner has come to see him and he notices that she has come by train and dog-cart. Holmes knows that she has firstly come by train from the ticket stub in Helens hand and secondly he notices that she has come by dog-cart from the splattered mud up her arm, I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had a good drive in a dog-cart There is no vehicle save a dog-cart which throws up mud in that way.  Holmes also notices that Helen is shivering and orders her a cup of hot coffee. When Sherlock is observing the Stoke Moran notices a lot of clues, which no one else had seen before. I will go into this more when I talk about clues and red herrings.  Sherlock Holmes is always cool and collective in dangerous situations. E.g. when he hears the hissing he lashes out at it very quickly and takes action whereas Watson sits there not knowing whats going on and he panics a bit but Holmes stays calm. Holmes also keeps calm when Dr Grimsby Roylott comes to visit him. I have heard a bout you before. You are Holmes the meddler.  My friend smiled. (Sherlock Holmes)  Holmes the busy body.  His smile broadened. (Sherlock Holmes)  Holmes the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office.  Holmes chuckled heartily.  Sherlock Holmes comes across as not at all being scared. You know this because he is not scared in more than one occasion. He was not scared when Dr Grimsby Roylott barges in and threatens him, he keeps very calm and another place where he keeps his cool is when he is approaching the Stoke Moran place and sees the baboon. Although he knows the Dr Roylott keeps a cheetah he doesnt become scared and he carries on as normal. Holmes is also not as weak as you think he is because when Dr Roylatt comes to Holmes house he bends the fire poker to try to scare Sherlock but Holmes just bends it straight again.  my grip was not much more feeble than his own. As he spoke he picked up the steel poker, and with a sudden effort straightened it out again.  Sherlock Holmes really enjoys his work and loves to solve new cases. You know this because when Helen Stoner comes to him and she tells him what the case is about. She tells Holmes that she wont be able to pay him a lot of money and he replies saying that money is not a problem and as long as she pays for his expenses. E.g. transport fees and accommodation. Sherlock Holmes comes across as being a hero in The Speckled Band because Helen Stoner travels miles and miles to seek out this famous detective. When she finds him he gets straight on the case and solves it within a days work whereas Helen has not had the slightest clue how her sister died for two years.  Another detective in The Speckled Band is Dr Watson. Dr Watson is Sherlock Holmes assistant, he is also very polite when he talking to people, he always addresses people as sir, madam or by their last name never by their first name. Holmes, I cried, I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at.  Dr Watson comes across as being a clever man but not as near as Sherlock Holmes. He has always assisted Holmes crimes all of which he has helped to solve the case. Watson also enjoys his work at solving cases with Sherlock and he has always accompanied Sherlock, you can tell Watson enjoys the cases when he says he wouldnt miss the case.

Foundation: Myths Of Rome

Foundation: Myths Of Rome Although the foundation of Rome cannot be traced back using scholarly articles instead archaeological records have been used to provide immense data using settlements, religious sites and material dated back to the foundation of Rome. We have retrospective accounts from Livy and Virgil. The reign of Augustus was a time that used the foundation myths and the retelling of them to unify Rome due to the fragmented state that Rome was in after the civil wars. The use of the myths was used to unify Rome as one and to relate to the people that they all had and have common origins. By doing this Augustus was using myth to promote a message, not only of political union but of a union that the people originated from one beginning, to further drive this point he built statues of much grandeur and restored the hut of Romulus. Romulus and Aeneas in his imperial imagery; for instance, he erected statues of these figures in his new imperial Forum, and ostentatiously restored the thatched hut of Romulus on the Palatine after it was destroyed by fire. (Block 2 Page 108) By retelling the foundation myth stories Augustus was appealing to the moral side of the peoples nature by suggesting that all of Rome should be in unity and that tradition should be remembered and recognised. He was billing himself as Romes second founder hoping to unify Rome in a more peaceful age. In my opinion this is most definitely a use of myth for moral messages and perhaps a way to control the people in his reign. In some of the accounts written by Livy, whom is thought to be a friend of Augustus but also a truthful person, it states that Livys writing does reveal that he was an advocate of the morality associated with the Roman republic. At the same time, however, he was frequently optimistic about the new imperial era. (Block 2 page 110) Perhaps also Livy is a tactician, while supporting his friend Augustus his scepticism of the super natural elements and of the foundation myths of Rome, are evident for he suggests that the wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus was in fact a prostitute with the nickname of wolf. However Livy in his accounts of myth does show recognition and makes use of some mythical characters such as Aeneas, Romulus and Remus. Augustus used many of the writings from the accounts of Livy including the curule chair and the purple boarded toga to promote a unified Rome for example. On the reverse of a coin it showed Augustus with the inscription reading, He restored the laws and rights of the Roman people. (Block 2 Page 112) This is another demonstration of how Augustus used myth supported by the writings of Livy to unify Rome. The inscription on the coin represents this and refers to all Roman people. Neros use of myth Nero in his reign was a great entertainer and I am certain used myth as a vehicle for communication with the people of Rome. Nero was using the characters to project the parallels between him and his power as an Emperor of Rome and perhaps to influence how he was thought of. This is exemplified in the reference of Suetonius were he writes of Nero singing of the myth of Niobe to link him with the god Apollo. Nero planned to rule by following the example of Augustus so Nero was therefore following the close association that Augustus had with Apollo. This would also help us to understand that myth was being reused to keep the morality and belonging of the Roman people unified. Nero also associated himself with another god Sol by having images of him pictured in a radiate crown which would show the link to Sol. Being seen by the people of Rome was important for a ruler, and, without mass media, public events were always a stage for the emperor; how an emperor behaved in front of and toward the crowd enabled a dialogue between rulers and ruled. Nero wanted the people to see him as a god and used the similarities of himself and Apollo to create peace. Even in official coinery Nero can been seen akin to Apollo in the way he is presented as Apollo Citharoedus, advancing right in flying robes, playing lyre which he did often. Nero justified his own singing by observing that singing is sacred to Apollo (Primary Source 2.6, p. 39). (Block 2 page 143) In the reign of Nero even the Elite were made to perform and this perhaps allied Nero with the lower classes of Rome and allowed him to reach further to masses and become more popular. Nero used myth as an entertainment tool and would use themes of tragedies to perform to. It has been noted that Suetonius recorded Nero being involved in the ballets about the Minotaur, Daedalus and Icarus. He would sing about Niobe. Many of the rulers of Rome have used myth for different ends, in the case of Augustus he wanted to unify Rome and improve the strength of the empire by using myth to communicate of the origins of Rome by unifying the people the empire would be stronger. Nero in comparison was so taken up with the theatre and performing that he used it as a vehicle to promote himself to all of Rome, some believed he was claiming a god like status through the performance of myth and the production of relics depicting him as the gods Apollo or Sol. Flavian Amphitheatre The Amphitheatre was an in important stage for myth and by using the amphitheatre as a performance arena myth was able to reach wider audiences. The players in the arena would impersonate characters from myth although in some circumstances the endings to the myths may be dramatised to entertain the audience. The audience would have to have prior knowledge of myths to identify characters from their props, such as Juno characterised by holding a diadem and sceptre. This meant that it was no only the elite that were aware of the myths but most of society. Political and Moral use of myth It is known that Rome was decorated elaborately with temples, pictures, buildings and statues. This decoration was often dedicated to the gods and myths. It is shown myth was not only understood by the elite but by the all Romans as they were encompassed by all this imagery even in as far as the very coinage that they carried in their pockets. It is clear from the findings of many a signet ring, and images of the gods expressed in many ways in the guise of Emperors, that these rings could also be significant indicators of political allegiance to the Gods and therefore the Emperors who were represented as them. Therefore it is likely that political allegiance and identity were also communicated through the medium of myth. It has been stated that at heart of most political points are rhetoric, myth and symbolism. This will only work if myth is believed and can be a cause of unrest if the general public have access to other sources of information. Myths are a source of propaganda still used and allied with today A number of the myths were rewritten in Augustuss reign and this could be why he used them to help retell the myths and stories in a way that would support him throughout his reign, because at this time it was a period in which there was a great unrest and war in Rome. By focussing on the concept of the origins of Rome this would optimistically allow for the conflicts to dispel and develop into a unified peaceful focus for an integrated Rome. It needs also to be noted that the writings by Livy from the period of the rein of Augustus, do not all lend themselves to support Augustus and all of his ideals. From the view of Livy he interpreted the rape of the Sabine women as a politically motivated attack, a way to increase the population of Rome because they did not have women folk so the women had a dedicated use being that of reproduction. This act also cemented the relationship the Sabine villages in time after the attack, because now their daughter had offspring that were Roman and Sabine and the women acted as political mediators between both sides resulting in a combined relationship and an extension t the Roman Empire. Myth has been woven into to political life and it was a vehicle of communication between ruler and subjects. Theatrical performances that linked myth to the reality of contemporary life allowed stories to be a method of communicating with the public. The all important image to that of an Emperor was signified in many ways by having statues built of themselves in poses and with props that were representative of Gods. Myth at home The representation of myths in Villas echoed that of the imperial Rome, the example of the Roman Villa decorated highly with images taken from myth. It seems that myths had an importance to the Roman people because they are pictured on very mundane items as well as the precious, from wall paintings, pottery and silverware to combs and other everyday items. Myth is referred to in epitaphs and funerary monuments from the rich to the poor although it is not a claim to be a God it does show the widespread use of myth and how important it was to people of Rome. Myths were symbols for people to associate themselves with and present their knowledge beliefs and their own identity. Conclusion Myths were used to communicate moral and political messages but they were also retold for entertainment purposes. It is evident that rulers used myth to try and establish some type of hold and control over society. The Emperors wanted and needed to have a united Rome and used myth to retell of a time of greatness. By relating to myth the rulers are establishing an identity with myth and the ideology that is presented in a story form, this then increases a persons awareness of the correct way to behave or to warn of consequences should they behave like the characters in the myths. Although the use of myth appears to be very wide spread I believe that rulers would use the stories and adapt them to fit their own purpose, by doing this it would allow a firm control of the people from both a political and moral standing. The Romans appeared to have been surrounded by myth because it was displayed in many forms from statues and monuments created by the emperors to the items of pottery that would be used in many houses. It was used as propaganda allowing for each ruler to place their own interpretation and spin depending on their own needs and requirements. The evidence that shows how important myth was to the Romans and still exists in funerary monuments and the use of myth has provided a tool for rulers to use as a medium to deploy messages to their subjects, due to their beliefs, significance and meaning to Roman people. (Word Count 1954)

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

International Economic Policy: Book Review Essay -- essays research pa

International Economic Policy: Book Review The book reviewed in this essay, International Economic Policy in the 1990s, was to focus on some of the most recent concerns about international trade. Its author, William R. cline, seems to have some good insights about the topic as it seems that he researched, taught and lectured about this field of study. The author tried to be as objective as possible and tried not to be biased by referring to the different opinions about most of the issues he handled. However, as it is really impossible to be totally unbiased, some biases were to exist due to their necessity to form an argument. Furthermore, other biases can be detected through his writings by remarking the aspects of international trade that he examined, versus those he gave very small or no weight at all. There are many issues related to international trade that one can study, however as it is usually the case, this book was to examine only some of them. The author, in some parts of his book, was to concentrate on the question of adjusting the US trade deficit against with Japan. He was to show the American point of view that argues that Japanese terms of trade are unfair (104). Also he was to refer to the North American Free Trade Agreement and reflect how it is beneficial for Mexico (as first developing country to join the US and Canada) which could not gain support from Europe to develop (as Europe was to concentrate on its own further development and unity at the moment), and to how the joining of Mexico was to benefit the US (and Canada) as it would open a large market for the US as well as cheap labor (106). A good point made by him was to show the prospects of incorporating more Latin American countries in NAFTA (as this book was published in 1994) while saying that the Latin American market "remains too small to compensate US exports for any broader loss of markets in Europe, Japan, and elsewhere "(112). This conclusion might have led him to have a closer look outside the US (and NAFTA) circle. In a chapter of his book, he was to look at the "economic future of Europe". He was to argue that an implication of the monetary union may be less need for European countries to hold large reserves of dollars, as there will be "reserves pooling". This may lead to an excess supply of dollars, and consequently a "downward ... ...at the gap between the rich and the poor increased. Also, poverty, huge increase in the third world's population, and the lack of water in the future may lead to problems to the world as a whole and so serious steps must be taken to contain a forthcoming disaster. Furthermore, the author should have taken a serious look at the South East Asian countries (the Asian Tigers) as it seems that they might become a real economic power (possibly with Japanese supervision) and this will have enormous consequences on global trade. China, with its huge power and huge potential economy and market, should have got his attention as it might be a major economic power in the near future. Overall, the author seemed to try to give various opinions, and rarely mark his analysis as the "right" one. However, his neglecting of some major aspects of international trades (as the economic powers, and the North/South relation mentioned above) did not necessarily harm the book. This was due to the good analysis he gave to the specific issues that he covered, and his attempt to be objective A review of: Cline, William R. International Economic Policy in the 1990s. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 1994.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Christina Rossettis No Thank-You John and Robert Graves A Slice of We

Christina Rossetti's No Thank-You John and Robert Graves' A Slice of Wedding Cake Poetry is a completely malleable form of expression that writers use as an outlet for emotion and advocacy. Because each poet is distinct in form and content, a poet may harbor some characteristics that bare a resemblance to work of another. If there is no room for comparison, a poem may have a literary complement that sets up an interesting contrast between poems, or a poem may reinforce the ideas of another poem. The works of Christina Rossetti and Robert Graves are no exception. Though the two lived in different centuries, they both wrote about relationships between the sexes. Rossetti and Graves’ forms differed even as their contents played upon one another in the poems â€Å"No Thank-You John† and â€Å"A Slice of Wedding Cake† respectively. Christina Rossetti was nothing if she were not a true artist. Rossetti was born in 1830 and lived until 1894 as a poet who had an early passion for art and literature (â€Å"Christina Rossetti† 1583). The driving force in Rossetti’s life was religion. She was a self-regulator who made decisions based on rigid religious values. In the midst of her unfaltering spiritual devotion, Rossetti gave up theater, opera, and chess (â€Å"Christina Rossetti† 1583). Rossetti never married, but that is not to say that she never had plans for marriage. She was engaged twice and both times broke the engagements for religious reasons. Rossetti wrote pure lyric, narrative fable, ballad, and devotional verse (â€Å"Christina Rossetti† 1583). She wrote poetry that dealt with deflection and negation. The Norton Anthology writes, â€Å"[Her] very denials and constraints give her a powerful way to articulate a poetic self in critical relationsh... ...g the line roll without incident. Specifically, the sound â€Å"s† is repeated throughout the work using the words â€Å"simple, self-sacrifice, self-pitying, [and] sly† create the effect. The alliteration in the work makes the poem flow from word to word, line to line, and stanza to stanza. The alliteration creates an impression in the poem that stresses Graves’ key idea: the men are not worthy of the women that married them. Graves and Rossetti are poets of a different era. Rossetti’s speaker’s action towards John is something that Graves would have been in favor of. Both poets were not afraid to express themselves through their verse. The differences in gender between Rossetti and Graves do not prevent them from sharing an opinion on the topic of relationships. Each poet knew how to use poetic devices such as alliteration and vivid diction to achieve his point.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Crime and Punishment Quotes :: essays research papers

1. â€Å"†¦all is in a man's hands and he lets it all slip from cowardice, that's an axiom. It would be interesting to know what it is men are most afraid of.† –Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By saying this Raskolnikov suggests that men are capable of doing whatever they wish, and the only thing that holds them back are their fears. Because of this Raskolnikov wonders what man’s greatest fear is, and with that comes the one thing that no man is capable of doing. 2. â€Å"†¦for though Pyotr Petrovitch has been so kind as to undertake part of the expenses of the journey, that is to say, he has taken upon himself the conveyance of our bags and big trunks.† -Pulcheria Alexandrovna Raskolnikov   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This is a passage from the letter that Rodion’s mother sent to him, his mother is telling him that Dounia’s fiancà © has taken care of the traveling expenses for Dounia and her mother to St. Petersburg. 3. â€Å"I see that I want nothing. Do you hear? Nothing at all . . . no one's services . . . no one's sympathy. I am by myself . . . alone. Come, that's enough. Leave me alone.† - Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After burying the goods he stole from the pawn broker, Raskolnikov is walking around and decides to visit his friend Razumihin. At first it is almost as if Raskolnikov planned on asking his friend for advice about what he should do about the murders he committed. However, he becomes very nervous and leaves his friend’s home as quickly as possible. 4. â€Å"Life is real! haven't I lived just now? My life has not yet died with that old woman! The Kingdom of Heaven to her--and now enough, madam, leave me in peace! Now for the reign of reason and light . . . and of will, and of strength!† –Raskolnikov   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Through speaking with Marmeladov’s daughter, Polenka, Raskolnikov realizes that life is worth living, and that it can still hold an important meaning. This sheds light on the fact that Raskolnikov realizes that even if a person is not capable of doing good, their life should not be ended. 5. â€Å"Ordinary men have to live in submission, have no right to transgress the law, because, don't you see, they are ordinary. But extraordinary men have a right to commit any crime and to transgress the law in any way, just because they are extraordinary.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Traditional Ways of Meranao Courtship

TRADITIONAL WAYS OF MERANAO COURTSHIP Introduction: Marriage in Meranao society is not just a simple romantic one-to-one relationship between boy and girl; rather, it is a fusion by defiant ties of two families seeking to establish socioeconomic and political relations with one another. I. Courtship A. Selecting a mate B. Courtship prior to marriage C. Manifesting the intent for marriage D. Deliberation of the proposal E. The engagement periodF. Training to assume rights and duties INTRODUCTION Marriage in Meranao society is not just a simple romantic one-to-one relationship between boy and girl; rather, it is a fusion by affiant ties of two families seeking to establish socioeconomic and political relations with one another. Traditional marriage has therefore always been contracted through parents, although the practice is slowly becoming modified to conform to the times.It is, therefore, clear why the reckoning of the salsila genealogical record, occupies a significant niche in the Meranao mind. In fact, in considering marriage, what the pananalsila ‘salsila expert' says or reveals about the lineage of the parties concerned can become crucial in the decision to proceed with the marriage or not. It is part of one's group consciousness or pride (maratabat) to see the individual's marriage establishes strong family relations.The study will only focus to the traditional ways of courtship and marriage of Maranao and on how courtship and marriage happen. The objective of this study was to know more about the traditional ways of courtship and marriage of Maranao man and woman because the time is now escalating the western influences and it causes forgetfulness of Maranao culture. The study was made possible to the internet websites, books, magazines, and news. I. Courtship A.Selecting a mate The Meranao courtship may start either prior to or after marriage. There are proofs to show the existence of courtship prior to marriage. There are a number of cases in wh ich the couple does not see each other until their wedding day because their selection of a partner is usually undertaken by parents, kin, or the community. In some cases, children may be betrothed as infants or promises may be made between families regarding children still unborn.Even children who are allowed to confide to their parents their wish to marry, because of personal attraction, is subject to the decision of the parents or kindred. Arranged marriage is prevalent in Meranao society because of family social and economic factors which are given prime importance, that is, marriage is seen as an institution establishing a union between two families. It is a bond uniting two families in which the sharing of problems and happiness is the major consideration.Thus children to be â€Å"married off† are always told the practical reasons for the union such as: the other family can give you happiness, or can bring up; it has many members who help one another, who do not bother their in-laws, who belong to the royal blood; the intended spouses will be a good wife or a husband, responsible one, and many others. These social and economic considerations subordinate the romantic factors in marriage, although the latter is not totally ignored. The marriageable children have themselves no much choice in the marriage.Meranao parents who â€Å"marry off† their children usually do not ask for their approval. The prospective spouse is usually chosen first from among the relatives. If no relative qualifies the search movies on to the neighborhood and if there is no one there either continues on to other people elsewhere. Meranao do not like their children to marry non-Meranao women, but especially non-Meranao men. Deviats of this norm have been made almost outcasts of the society. Consciousness of kind is very strong among Meranao.Because of the practice of arranged marriage, actual courtship of the individual bride herself may continue or begin after the wedd ing ceremony. This is the boy’s task, with his parents and in-laws acting as the pressure group for the girl’s acceptance of the marriage. The mechanism or procedure is not established, as it is based on individual personal ability or patience. B. Courtship prior to marriage Courtship prior to marriage is given importance in Meranao society. It is highly regulated, which practically makes it a very delicate task to handle.There are norms that must be followed. Violation of these norms brings violence in the community. As already stated, courtship is either an individual or group endeavor. As an individual work, it is expected of a man not of the woman and, traditionally, the act is not primarily directed at the latter herself. It is may be directed at her guardians, kin or any other influential person who has the say in the conduct of her marriage. If ever it is directed at the girl, her influential kin must not be disregarded or the boy will meet obstacles when his ma rriage is proposed.In the rural areas, it is usually done at a nocturnal visit in the house of the girl, in a gathering, or in the working place. The boy must behave in the most acceptable manner without showing any aggressiveness to the girl. When he comes up in the house, he is not entertained by the girl but any old folk in the house, particularly the girl’s mother. He may be served cigarettes or a betel quid or, nowadays, a snack. This encounter is usually characterized by a display of skills in pananaroon or tobad-to-bad (short poetic love poem in classical Meranao language) by both parties.In most instances, this tobad-to-tobad triggers the boy’s emotion to propose marriage by requesting or confiding to his parents or to his close relatives about his wish to be married off. It may also scare him so that he will disappear from the house especially if he finds the situation not suitable. In the past aside from the vocal renditions, musical instruments have been emp loyed to convey the sentiment of the both parties. In this case, the boy and the girl enjoyed themselves but they were left alone since the activity was a group endeavor. The girl had her company; so had the boy.Her parents would even participate. The musical instruments were either the insi (bamboo flute) or a three-string guitar called kotiyapi or the musical activity could have been a kalilang (playing of musical instruments composed of two big gongs, 7 small graduated gongs and a drum). A boy may also express his love by sending a kirim (highly poetic love letter) to the girl. This kirim, however, is not kept confidential. The girl shows it to her companions, to her mother or to other old folks, not only because there is pride in having received it but also to solicit opinions on how to handle it.Aside from nocturnal visit, a boy can also court in any appropriate gatherings, as in a kanggawi or a vigil or in group games by boys and girls; or in a kalilang, where boys and girls e xhibit their expertise (a practice inhibited since Martial Law). C. Manifesting the intent for marriage When the parents like to marry off their son, they usually look for a go-between to do preliminary negation, called the kapangakap o kapanokatokay (literally, â€Å"knowing†). This go-between talks secretly to the parents of the girl regarding the intent.As go-between, he may be frankly told by the parents of the girl not to pursue the intent in some reasons, or he may be made to feel their openness to the proposal. Whatever may be the result, the go-between conveys it to the parents of the boy in euphemistic language. If the result of his preliminary talk is negative, he does not openly tell the parents of the boy so, in order to avoid embarrassment. He finds other reasons to explain why their intent is not viable. But if the result has been a positive, he tells to pursue their intent.Thus the next move of the parents and kin of the boy, accompanied by the go-between, is t o visit the girl’s parents. In this visit, they may not mention anything about their intent, or formally propose the marriage of their son. This procedure is called kapangilaylay (citing). In opening the proposal, the spokesman of the boy’s parents, usually the go-between, states their intent by saying: â€Å"We come here because of our intent to let [mentioning the name of the boy] live with you, if you do not mind. † Later, he states the betang they can afford.He does not say it explicitly in plain language but expresses it as a lot (potluck) of the boy. The girl’s parents or their representative makes a response, which is neither acceptance nor refusal, but a deferment of their decision on the matter. The delay may be days, weeks or months, depending upon the time they need to convene their relatives who will decide the matter. But, before they make the response, they claim the kawasa tig or diyalaga. This is an amount ranging from P100 and up for the opening of the discussion for marriage; some say it is a token of honor to the bangsa (descent) of the girl.But actually, the amount is used to defray expenses incurred during the discussion of the marriage proposal. D. Deliberation of the proposal and the taalik After the girl’s side has decided on the betang, it conveys the decision to boy’s side, or both parties come on a set date to formally deliberate on the matter. If they meet on cetain date to deliberate on it, both parties bring their maongangen (a person who has wisdom in public speaking). In this open meeting, both parties display their poetic and oratorical skills.The girl’s side formally states its response to the proposal. The boy’s side may ask for postponement in order to study some point in question, say the betang, or bargain secretly if there has been no prior bargaining made. Usually, however, they readily accept the response of the girl’s party. This smooth agreement in the ope n is made possible because there usually has been already a previous underground negotiation and agreement made with the go-between before the formal opening of the public ceremony.Everybody knows that what is publicly displayed has been already privately agreed upon. When both parties have agreed on the betang, the taalik is set. It is usually chosen by the boy’s side with the consent of the girl’s kin. It is may be several days, months or years hence, depending upon the capabilities of the boy to put up the demanded betang and/ or the maturity of prospective bride and groom in the case of children marriages. When the taalik comes and the boy’s parents wish to move it for some reasons, they may ask for postponement.They are allowed postponement three times but for each one, they are required to put up part of the betang to make sure they do not back out of the agreement.. The interim before the taalik is time for both parties to observe one another’s cha racters, and the boy and his parents’ opportunity to prove their best to their prospective in-laws so that when the wedding comes, they may be able to reduce the betang if they connot completely put it up. It is also time for them to pool together resources to meet the betang, that is, to collect the expected share of every relative in the betang no matter how poor the may be.If the boy’s side fails to put up the betang on the final date, the marriage proposal is annulled, especially if the girl’s parents do not give it any further chance. If this happens all the expenditures of the boy’s side are forfeited. On the other hand, if the girl’s side rejects the proposal before the taalik has came it shall refund all the expenses of the boy and pay a fine imposed for the breach of contract, unless there is a grave offense committed against the girl of the family honor and integrity, such as oral defamation, slander or some other insult.The fine shall be determined by the taritib and igma or by amicable settlement by the go-between through the kokoman a kambatabataa. E. The engagement period While waiting for the taalik to come, many things are expected to happen. The relatives of the boy may perform the kapaniwaka or siwaka. This is a gift-giving of raw food by the parents of the boy to the parents of the girl. In the past, it is composed mainly of betel nut and leaves, lime, tobacco (or imbama) and other items in bundles or sacks. Kapaniwaka is believed to be determinant of status of both parties.It carries with it prestige: the greater the items given, the higher is the prestige of the giver and receiver. Kapaniwaka actually is a courtship mechanism designed to win the love of the girl and her kin. Aside from the kapaniwaka, the boy may start eating with girl, a ceremonial act and status called kaatoang. The prospective bride and groom eat from a brass tray (tabak); in the urban area a table is used. During first meal together, chaperons accompany them. After sometime, the two are left alone at the meal, but they are always under watch secretly by the people in the house.This situation makes the boy extra careful in his dealing with his sweetheart. Before the boy can eat with the girl, however, a leka sa dulang (literally, opening of the food on the tray) is asked of him by the guardians of the girl. This is an amount which varies from one place to another and the family of the girl. It ranges, however, from P100 to a few thousands. In the past the claim is isa tao (literally, one person) or one person which can be substituted in cash (paras). F. Training to assume rights and dutiesWhen the proposal for marriage is accepted, rights and duties of both parties defined by the tradition take effect. Neither of them can back out the agreement, otherwise a fine shall be imposed on the violator without a substantial ground. The boy has the right to sleep in the house of the girl and show his best behavior to the girl and her parents, not only to win their love (so that if there is a little difference in the betang he can bargain for it), but also as a kind of training for him be treated with even more difference than one’s own parents.During the boy’s first night in the house, he is given the best available malong (circular blanket with openings at both ends) as his souvenir which he uses during the engagement period and keeps for himself. The gesture symbolizes honor and welcome. The boy’s permission must be sought when the girl goes out to attend some gathering or to some important business. He is expected to accompany her not only to ensure her safety but to provide for her financial expenses, if any.If the girl is attending a social gathering like kalilang, he must go with her, because if she plays the kolintang he is expected to accompany her on the agong, otherwise he will be demeaned if some other boy plays the accompaniment. This practice appears to have died ou t since the Martial Law period. The girl’s failure to seek the permission of the prospective husband can be a ground for breaking the proposal, or else the parents of the girl are fined a certain amount (sala) to be negotiated by the go-between or to be determined by the datu in the community, in accordance with the taritib and igma.This practice is not strongly adhered to in recent time especially in the City. The boy may help this prospective parents-in-law in their work. This is highly recommended in order that he would gain their esteem and appreciation. He is also expected to provide some assistance in the form of foodstuff, like rice or money. If the girl smokes, he has to bring her cigarettes.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Experimental Method and Survey Research Essay

Psychology research requires detailed consideration of research methods and goals. The goal of this paper is to compare and contrast the two research methods in psychology. The choice of research methodology is integrally linked to the goals of psychology research. It is possible that several methods are used to ensure relevance and objectivity of research results. The discussion and comparison of the two widely used techniques – experimental method and survey research – will shed the light onto their advantages and limitations. Survey research Surveys represent one of the most common types of quantitative, social science research. In survey research, the researcher selects a sample of respondents from a population and administers a standardized questionnaire to them† (Howitt & Cramer, 2007). Surveys can be performed through different methodological forms: written questionnaires, interviews, on-line data collection, etc. The exact choice of the survey technique is based upon the discipline, in which this technique is to be utilized. For example, face-to-face interviews are frequently used in psychology studies. The universalism of survey research is in the fact, that it can be applied to any area of science, but its value for psychology is indisputable. Survey research is known for its benefits, but its limitations are rarely taken into account (Creswell, 2003). Survey research is extremely valuable for being relatively inexpensive, and providing the researcher with an opportunity to study large population samples. In psychology, survey research makes the evaluation of results uniform and standardized. As a result, survey research generates â€Å"uniform definitions about the research participants† (Creswell, 2003). On the one hand, this uniformity and standardization eliminates ambiguity when research results are interpreted; on the other hand, it omits essential specific elements of individual participants. By choosing survey research as the basis of research methodology, the researcher must ensure that the large population sample will participate in research; otherwise the reliability of the research results will be doubtful. Experimental method â€Å"The experimental method is usually taken to be the most scientific of all methods, the ‘method of choice’† (McQueen & Knussen, 2006). It is actually the study of the cause and effect, and represents a relatively narrow area of psychological research. Experimental method is the only research technique which provides the researcher with an opportunity to study the correlations and links between the cause and the effect of certain phenomena. First of all, artificial experiments can be replicated, and this ensures the generalizability of research results. Second, all variables in experimental method are constantly controlled. Third, it allows manipulating the researched variable in the ways which are impossible or even unacceptable in natural environment. In some cases, psychologists make use of natural situations, and carry out their experiments to investigate the natural behavioral patterns of research participants. However, it is not an experimental method in its pure form, as the psychologist is unable of controlling variables in natural environment (Creswell, 2003). Survey research vs. experimental method The two discussed research methods are different, and these differences should be considered through the prism of their separate elements: validity of results, generalizability, and ethical considerations. The validity of results is often contrasted to their reliability. In distinction from experimental method, survey research results are more reliable than valid. The standardized survey forms do not allow evaluating the â€Å"agree/disagree†, â€Å"yes/no† research results in detail. Furthermore, the results of the survey research can only be judged in terms of their reliability. On the contrary, experimental method produces valid and reliable results, due to the fact that the researcher is able of drawing specific characteristics of the research object, and to narrow the scope of the research to one meaningful variable. Experimental method is in no way connected with uniformity of results – it is initially unique, and is aimed at investigating the situations, which are not typical of daily life (McQueen & Knussen, 2006). Generalizability of results is equally important in both research methods, and both research methods ensure that the research results are easily generalized. Survey research and experimental method are equally associated with significant ethical issues. Although the character of these issues is different, it is difficult to deny that these characteristics are to be accounted before any of the research methods are chosen. Ethical side of experimental method is associated with the way research participants are treated in laboratory environment. Certainly, under experiment people are rather treated as objects, than human beings, and this creates ethical controversy within the experimental methodological framework. â€Å"Recently the use of experimental method has come under considerable criticism for the way that researchers often break ethical guidelines† (Creswell, 2003). As a result, the researcher should realize that significant amount of life situations cannot be studied under experiment due to the fact that such conduct will be considered unethical. Survey research also generates essential ethical controversies, especially when it comes to confidentiality and anonymity issues. Ethical issues become relevant when the researcher finds it necessary to quote research participants in written reports. Actually, psychology research has for long generated numerous ethical debates, this is why numerous ethical guidelines in the area of psychology are designed to eliminate the discussed controversies, and to make research smooth, relevant, and reliable. Summary Survey research and experimental method are the two different research approaches in psychology. The ultimate choice of the research methodology is determined by numerous research criteria. While experimental research is characterized by the high validity of results, it also increases their generalizability; survey research methodology is less connected with validity, but more with the reliability of research results, and remains the single method of studying large population samples.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Hermaphrodites and Society Essay

Individuals are given the gift of life when they are born into this world. Many agree that everyone is blessed and should not take their lives for granted. To be truly alive, individuals must be overjoyed and pursue happiness. However, others would describe their lives as a joke. To be precise, many would be ashamed of who they are. A very strong example of an ashamed soul would be Calliope, the main protagonist of Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. In the story, Eugenides tells the tale of Callie, who is supposedly a monster because she is a hermaphrodite. Being a hermaphrodite indicates that someone has the sex organs associated with both genders. By definition, Callie is an abnormal freak. Eugenides employs literary devices, such as tone, imagery, and personification, to express Callie’s shame and humiliation of being herself. Eugenides employs imagery to transport readers into Callie’s shoes and understand her shame of being a hermaphrodite. Callie describes herself as â€Å"being surrounded by illuminating faces bent over books, her hair covering the definition of herself. Normal individuals surround Callie, and she abruptly conceals the word monster to prevent anyone from realizing her true identity. In Callie’s point of view, normal individuals surround her, and she is in the center covering a secret that could ultimately ruin her reputation as a human. Callie is so frightened of being exposed to the world as a true monster. Callie makes a past reference of how she had experienced monster before. Callie addresses that â€Å"she was not looking at it in her bathroom stall. † She has the affirmation that someone had already known her as a monster, but she was too afraid to agree. Now, however, Callie is reminded of her past, and sadly acquaints past and present to reach the conclusion the she is indeed a monster. Callie also refers to herself as a â€Å"lumbering, shaggy creature pausing at the edge of the woods, as a humped convolvulus rearing its dragon’s head from an icy lake. † Callie truly visualizes herself as an actual monster, a freak of nature that is shunned by the world and lives in absolute seclusion. In her eyes, she is a grotesque beast that cannot even stand to stare at herself out of humiliation and shame. Callie is absolutely alone and is surrounded by others who look at her with disgust and wide eyes. Eugenides utilizes tone in the story to help readers develop sympathy and pity towards Callie. All throughout the passage, the tone of the story is serious. Callie acknowledges that â€Å"her mother was crying in the next room, and the doctors were working on Callie’s disease in secret. † The statements convey that Callie’s parents are also disappointed and ashamed of what their daughter has become. Callie understands that her mother sheds tears thinking what she has done to deserve a defected daughter. Callie’s parents are so ashamed and overwhelmed that they took Callie to New York to try and heal in secret instead of in the open. Callie’s parents do not want others to see what has happened to her out of concern for their daughter’s social life as a normal individual. The thoughts and emotions expressed give readers pity towards Callie and her condition. Callie muses that â€Å"she longed to be held, caressed, which was impossible. † Callie wishes to be comforted and surrounded by others that loved and understood her. Unfortunately, Callie views herself so much like a monster rather than an individual that she is too far long to be comforted by anyone. Readers infer that Callie is a freak with no friends, family, or loved ones. Eugenides also uses personification to display how Callie views the inhumane objects around her as also excluding her from humanity and pushing her towards being a monster. Callie enunciates that â€Å"fear is stabbing me. † Callie feels horrible about her discovery of being a hermaphrodite; she actually visualizes fear around her. Callie feels frightened and vulnerable to the thought of others singling her out and chanting the monster. Callie cannot even comprehend what she feels, but can only implore she is engulfed by fear and incapable of accepting her secret getting out. This also expresses Callie’s extreme shame of being who she is, as well as how others will view her as a non –human. Callie comments on the chain within the dictionary as â€Å"speaking of poverty, mistrust, inequality, and decadence as she held onto it. † Callie establishes a connection between herself and the chain as both being bound to the worst parts of human lives. Callie strongly grasps the word monster in her hand, as if she is bound to it like the chain is. Callie cannot detach herself because deep in her heart, she understands that she is a monster, no matter how much she wishes not to be. As Callie leaves the Reading Room, Callie also cannot release the word monster from herself. Callie appeals that â€Å"the Webster’s dictionary kept calling after her, Monster, Monster! † Callie is so attached and strongly understands herself as a monster that she hears the word everywhere she goes. No matter where Callie goes, the word monster will always haunt and pursue her, always reminding her of what she is. Callie interprets the chants of inanimate objects calling her monster, and she cannot help but feel ashamed and humiliated to be reminded of what she is. Calliope, all throughout the passage, is a hermaphrodite and a monster. A world of normal individuals surrounds Callie and do not understand what she is. Eugenides uses literary devices, such as imagery, tone, and personification to express Callie’s shame and humiliation of being herself. To be alive is truly a blessing, but is being abnormal in the eyes of peers a curse? Everywhere, there are individuals who are terrified and alone, and sometimes, no one comes to help them. Regardless of who they are, or whether they may be different, everyone belongs. No one is a monster.