Biases in History Text - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 10 Words: 2942 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/10/10 Did you like this example? Introduction For a long time, textbooks used in high schools in the United States have shown many differences in the contented which is as a result of political pressure and influences. The detectives in the information have thus affected learning in middle or high schools because at time it is very hard for learners to utilize contents of the textbooks. This paper will in different perceptions assess the information contained America middle and high school history textbooks and more precisely those used in the state of Georgia. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Biases in History Text" essay for you Create order The paper will entirely aim to dispose to the textbook users any probable instances of biasness in the books in matters of marginalizing certain groups, racism and social political issues. Analysis of fairness portrayed in the texts is the critical tool used in assessing levels of biasness in these history textbooks. Hence, there should be a manner in which the information in the texts has to be covered. History books used in Georgia have failed to use the approach where there is consistence of covering content. Middle and high school textbooks in America have portrayed some forms of racial discrimination. Furthermore, they have demonstrated to the learners that the history of black people is of less significance compared to that of whites’ people. Africa-Americans’ bias in history textbooks in America is evident in by omissions of black people culture in those texts. In fact, the history textbooks train students that Africans and all black people can only be used to give examples in specific topics including slave trade. Students in the state of Georgia disrespect black Americans because they have the perception from the history textbooks they read that blacks in America did not contribute anything significant in building the history of America. This paper highlights the biasness in the history textbooks in Georgia. To get more elaborate explanation this paper, a book titled a panorama of Georgia can be used as the main reference point. Additionally, the paper utilizes a variety of both history and economics textbook used in the states of Georgia and also different collections of sources are used to make the analysis. Literature review The books and sources used in this paper have reveled facts of racial biasness. It is evident that the history textbooks in the states of Georgia not only omit the content of black Americans but also the information about the American Indians who had significant contribution in the developments of the history in the state of Georgia. The history textbooks in America portray black Americans and Africans has contributors of slavery especially throughout the twentieth century (Mitchell, 2013). The textbooks have portrayed the whites as superior to the blacks by highlighting the unity by the Americans which makes them firm hence superiority. History textbooks which are believed to originate from the states of Georgia suggest that the American culture is exclusively based on the white culture. Thus, exempting those does not have any affiliation to white culture. Prejudice towards other races who are not whites in the states of Georgia is done in an uncharacteristic way which needs keen observation and caution to figure out. For example, biasness towards America Indians is done indirectly although there are consistent patters evident in the bias. The texts discussing the Indians America culture is biased because the whites are considered victors in conquests against Indians Americans (Woyshner Bohan, 2012). These textbooks also portray American inhabitants as of unsound mind. They emphasize on brutal actions that saw the removal of the Indians Americans from the states of Georgia. The terms used in the textbooks to describe the whites clearly show bias where Americans are considered superior and minority are demeaned. The terms used to refer to whites in most of textbooks rooted to Georgia include explorers, conquerors, scholars and wealthy (Romanowski, 2009). The use of such words was made to make it known that the whites dominate in America and also show the contrast in the way of life of whites, the American Indians and black Americans. The history textbooks of America also subject other minority groups such as the native America who were confronted with the same impediment. The texts show that the way of life of America natives was unintelligent and could not be admired by anyone (Woyshner Bohan, 2012). Both the Native Americans and Africans Americans are exemplified to have less concern to learning while the white are portrayed to be intelligent. Likewise, they are considered to have motives and drive to seek knowledge, learn more and generate new ideas and innovations. The book has been pointed out the best in provision of American history on marginalization of African Americans and American Indians. For example, it clearly describes the way America Indians were assimilated to Americans in that they had to consider banning their cultural believes and ideologies. They then had to consider adopting the American way of life so as to be allowed to continue living as American citizens and enjoy their full rights (Davidson Lytle, 1981). The book gives a clear description of the forceful eviction of those American Indians who did not comply. It goes ahead to give a similar story regarding American Africans. Some pictures of individuals who remained rigid with their ideologies, both the African American and Indian Americans have been preserved in this book. The book also displays the photos of people from these tow origins who had fully accepted assimilation and were allowed to remain American citizens. The book Georgia in American Society has also been pointed out biased by Woyshner and Bohan (2012) who in their discussion show pictures of individuals from these three diverse origins. They also give exactly three pictures of chiefs in which one of the chiefs had been fully incorporated to the American way appears posing in the manner of the other Americans (Mitchell, 2013). All these books, however, do not seem to educate that the American native culture still exist but seem against the notion. The authors seem to impart to the students the superiority or the notion that American native culture still exist is no longer necessary. Across all schools in the United States, the various economic textbooks have also played a very significant role in the shaping the curricular. An example is the Modern Secondary Economics Textbooks And Ideological Bias, by Bruce Romanish which is believed to have played a very significant role in the modification of the curriculum for all American secondary schools. It is save among the various secondary school teachers on its relevance to provide the teacher other best to impart to the students the knowledge on the biasness ideology contained in high school (Paxton, 1999). It is, however, very significant to note that the content of the text is biased in that it presents a single perspective from the topic can be approached. As it is usually wholly true, economics normally comprise certain ideologies which are almost presenting a steep competition with some significant contradictions that instigates divergent perceptions amongst individuals since they can never be perceived similarly. The books seem to dominate some particular biased ideology to high school economic learning centrally to the ideologies of the other origins other than the United States (Woyshner Bohan, 2012). This affiliation to economic theories is explicitly biased towards the other cultures and races as portrayed by the various other economic books. This is contrary to the economic learning assertion that the relating theories should not be socially or politically biased but embraces the prevailing interaction of the social cultures in the specified society. It is therefore significant for the learners and the writers to exemplify impartiality of other ideologies apart from those that they are bone with or have adopted. It is significant in the study of economics to concisely consider that the students should be provided with the relevant knowledge which is objective and does not seek to instill cultural, social, political or religious oriented ideologies to the readers (Davidson Lytle, 1981). The textbooks should explicitly explain all the concepts and theories in a non-biased and objective business like language which is applicable in curbing the impending global economics. This book again gives an evidence of culture and social bias in a rude manner â€Å"where economics education predisposes pupils to accept one set of values or doctrines in preference to another set† (Theory and Research in Social Education 1983, p.5). According to Jean Anyon, texts based on economics may be subject to criticism for bias if they leave out certain facts or alternatively, because some of their emphasis are hard to comprehend. Over the years in the American middle school and high schools, history textbooks were used in teaching. After research analysis conducted it was proved that most of the history text books were biased. The different ideologies and theories contained in the books are written based on the Americans thoughts and opinions ignoring other parties’ ideologies. The biasness involved is well displayed in Michael romanowski’s book. EXCLUDING ETHICAL ISSUES FROM U.S HISTORY TEXTBOOK: 911 AND THE WAR ON TERROR. According to Romanowski, most of the textbooks he analyzed based on the attack dated September 11th in the United States did not address the attackers’ motive (Romanowski, 2009). Most of the textbooks emphasized on Osama bin laden and were trying to conclude that the attack had been predetermined. In addition, the books defined Osama bin laden as an extremist Muslim leader under the Al-Qaida group. In most of the books, he analyzed the overall terrorist issue was not discussed as a global problem (Paxton, 1999). Most of the literature contained in the books was linking terrorism with Muslims. In addition the textbooks used in the middle and high classes were attributed to hatred since the associated the Islamic faith with terrorism. After further analysis Romanowaski found out that some of the literature contained in the books was focused on the theory that Osama bin laden came from a wealthy Saudi Arabian family. The books further claimed that bin laden went to Afghanistan to fight the soviet invasion (Romanowski, 2009). Osama bin laden is also accused of forming the Islamic revolution by claiming that for the revolution to be a success America had to be destroyed. All the history books analyzed were not distinguishing the Islamic faith from terrorism (Billington, 2016).  The articles further elaborates Osama bin laden’s perspective on what entails the Islamic faith. The analysis by Romanowaski proved that the books outlined that Osama’s views of the outside world were centered on his Islamic ideologies. Generally if the aforementioned articles are read by middle school or high school students, they are likely to influence their way of thinking. In addition they will generally portray Islamic religion as a terrorist religion to the readers. Other texts analyzed include articles by Nash in the book American Odyssey which according to Romanowaski can be very influential if read by students. The literature in the book argues that most of the Middle East nations were not happy with the United States support to Israel. In addition, Nash argues that the Islamic nations were opposed to the western culture since to them it was contradicting with the Islamic values (FitzGerald, 1980).  After fighting the war in Afghanistan, the Middle East nations gained confidence according to Nash. This confidence led to the ideology that it was also possible to eradicate the western culture. Since the United States was one of the super powers it became the ideal target. According to Nash these were the reasons which led to the attack dated September 11th in America. Generally, Romanowaski defines the above sentiments as a case of bias (Lovorn, 2017). The content in the textbooks truly undermines the Islamic faith. In addition, the ideologies imposed on the readers of the text books are that Islamic faith is linked to the terrorism during that historical time. The information Nash’s literature basically outlines how America views the Middle East countries. The conflicting ideologies in the books are most likely to cause hatred between the nations. Another case of bias is disclosed in the reporting of the Taliban war in Afghanistan. Many history books used by middle and high school students define the war as a defeat of the Taliban by Americans. In addition the literature in the textbooks defines the defeat as the end of the Taliban five year rule (Romanowski, 1996). The article further praises the Americans for defeating the Taliban. This is a true case of political bias since the articles ignore the role of soldiers and civilians during the war who were injured. In addition the articles major on the American defeat but ignore the state of the Afghanistan nation after the war. Hence the authors generally mislead the historic textbook readers by trying to outline that the Taliban war was an easy task for Americans. The great depression: A textbook case of problems with based on American history written by Steven l. miller and Stephen A. Rose displays another case of bias in history texts. The articles in the book basically majo r on the great depressing on Americas economy (Miller Rose, 1983). The economic challenges as defined by the book ranged from income inequality to excess production. The history text involves bias since it majors on one element out of sixteen. According to the books, the economic challenge was caused by the failure on part of the Federal Reserve. In addition, the book also creates to readers the ideology that the economic challenge was also as a result of government failure. Most of the American banks according to miller and rose had confidence in the Federal Reserve as a strong financial institution. Notably, only a few of the numerous expectations on the part of Federal Reserve System were realized. Consequently, the failure had far-reaching implications including joblessness, misery just to mention but a few. The year 1931 came along with some hope of a picking economy clearly signaling a comeback and possibly restoring Americans’ economic lives. Unfortunately, another wave of shocks and panics resurfaced across the economy (Davidson Lytle, 1981). Since it is only the Federal Reserve System that was tasked to counter their effects, the previously noted defaults again culminated into another failure in rectifying the situation. Due to the repeated shrink, Brownlee 1979 as cited by Miller and Rose (1983) noted that Britain chose to pull out of the gold standard. Arguably, this escalated the already worsened situation of the banking institutions. In an effort to find a solution, the Federal Reserve System was once again tasked to chart a way forward for the banking industr y. In this regard, the system initiated a policy framework restricting open market buying and shooting the discount rates upwards; this was termed the absolute opposite of the expectations of many and led to another failure (FitzGerald, 1980). These repeated failures by the Federal Reserve System attracted heavy criticism from economic experts of the time. Brownlee 1979 noted a concluding statement adopted by a majority of them that ‘certainly money policy was not the only cause of the severity and persistence of depressed conditions between 1929 and 1933, but just as certainly, it was a sufficient cause’ (FitzGerald, 1980). Miller and Rose’s admission that according to their own review of at least sixteen of the history books on this matter, the actions of FRS were hardly highlighted by such books was a clear bias on their part. The statement was fundamentally insensitive of the numerous economic challenges bestowed upon the ordinary citizens by the ignorant actions of the Federal Reserve System at the time. In the entirety of their work, Miller and Rose purportedly identified only one incidence they could link the Federal Reserve System to the economic recession of the time as noted by Davidson and Ly tle’s (1981). In her article on the Washington Post, Valerie Strauss (2014) illustrated how critical investigations are done by the human rights activist groups in the united states laid bare blatant inconsistencies on the parts of U.S and History textbooks, American government books, Religion in World textbooks and the infamous World Geography books. In her work, she sought to prove why these institutional textbooks did not meet the threshold capacity to outdo the application of the then newly imposed set of American social studies textbooks (Blumberg, 2015). The social studies textbooks were compiled from original articles that had a varied academic orientation. Some of these textbooks were clearly racist; advancing mischievous agendas against the black race in the United States, a further section of the books was evidently a critic of the Christian religion (Strauss, 2014). Failure of the Economic and the Geography textbooks to notice the serious flaws of the American Capitalism Ideology by pointing at its faults topped up on the challenges of these American history textbooks. The textbooks were notably unable to commit some level of attention to a substantive section of the American people primarily the Natives. Additionally, the books were used to teach biased knowledge regarding the culture of the Native American population to the Middle and High school students. Most of these history textbooks as well were to blame for failing to acknowledge the existence and originality of the LGBT American community and their groups (Tobin Ybarra, 2008). Arguably, a majority of these books dedicated negligible efforts towards tracing the circumstances that led to the formation of the LGBT groups and ensuring an extension of equal civic rights to this section of the American people. David Sadker (n.d) acknowledges that in spite of the ban and continued criticism directed to the U.S history books on grounds of race and religious biases, they to date form an important section of the teaching materials in the country among the Middle and High School levels and even at college levels of education (Sadker, 2017).

Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide Should Be Legal - 1611 Words

When the topic of euthanasia or assisted suicide is spoke about usually it is only whispered, people don’t like to speak about death but are very out spoken when it comes to enjoying your life and being free. There are many reasons why people in society believe that it is morally wrong but who are we to tell a person that is suffering and can take it no more they aren’t allowed to end their own life even though that’s what that person wants? Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide should be made legal in the United States because while it is morally wrong in some people’s eyes, it can help end peoples pain when they decide to do so because people have the right die, it has already been legalized in another states, but most importantly is not our decision as a society to decide that for anyone but ourselves. Though there are many types of euthanasia like in active euthanasia a person directly and deliberately causes the patient s death. In passive euthanasia they don t directly take the patient s life, they just allow them to die. This is a morally unsatisfactory distinction, since even though a person doesn t actively kill the patient, they are aware that the result of their inaction will be the death of the patient. Active euthanasia is when death is brought about by an act like when a person is killed by being given an overdose of pain-killers. Passive euthanasia is when someone lets that person die with knowing the outcome. This can be by withdrawing or withholdingShow MoreRelatedEuthanasia And Assisted Suicide Should Be Legal1241 Words   |  5 PagesThere has been an ongoing battle whether or not euthanasia or physician assisted suicide should be legal. Whether or not is ethical for a physician to assist in a person s death. Euthanasia or assisted suicide is causing the death of a person who is disease, suffering from a condition that is not curable. To end their suffering the individuals end their lives, but are important to keep in consideration that in order for the individual to make such a big decision they must be in the right state ofRead MoreEuthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide Should Be Legal Essay1755 Words   |  8 Pagesthat, â€Å"According to research, some 66% of U.S. adults believe that a doctor or nurse should allow a patient to die in certain circumstances† (25 Surprising Physician Assisted Suicide Statistics, 2014). Physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia should not just be a matter of law but as well as free will. In this essay, I am using a virtue approach to contend that euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide should be legal. Is it moral to allow people to end their lives suffering? It helps people, savesRead MoreShould Euthanasia or Physician Assisted Suicide Be Legal1818 Words   |  8 Pages  Should Euthanasia o r Physician Assisted Suicide be Legal?         One day while interning at the Animal Clinic of Bay Ridge I witnessed something so cruel. This middle-aged shiatsu was dropped off at the animal clinic. Mind you, the owners didn’t even bother to come in the room with the dog. As I played with the dog until he would be â€Å"putdown† I wondered why in the world someone would put such a lovely dog down is unimaginable. Despite being sorry for the dog I feel euthanizing both animals and humanRead MoreEuthanasia And Assisted Suicide Should Be Legalized Essay1221 Words   |  5 Pages The Oxford English Dictionary states that euthanasia is a gentle and easy death (Oxford English Dictionary). According to the Oxford English Dictionary, active euthanasia is the ending of a terminally ill person s life by direct intervention, such as administering a lethal dose of painkilling drug (Oxford English Dictionary). While passive euthanasia according to the Oxford English Dictionary is the withholding or withdrawal of life-sustaining medical treatment in the knowledge that the personRead MoreShould Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide Be Legalized?825 Words   |  4 PagesLeonard Should Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide be Legalized? Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide should become legal in the United States and all US territories. Though Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide are not the same and are separate acts, they both serve the same purpose, which is to follow the desire of a person with terminal illness to end their life without legal consequences. This same right should extend to family members and guardians of people unable to act for themselves. The current legal situationRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide is NOT Ethical Essay1347 Words   |  6 PagesIs physician assisted suicide morally right? This has been a controversial subject for some time now. People are wondering whether or not it is the most humane thing to do. If dogs can be putdown, why not people? The reason is in that question. They are people. Every life is important, no matter how long it may be. Instead of finding a way to get rid of people faster, the government could put those efforts in something more positive. If other people are conside ring whether or not the patients’ lifeRead MoreEthical and Legal Debates on Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia Essay1503 Words   |  7 Pagesregarding the debatable subject of euthanasia and assisted suicide, have been questioned frequently by society. Though the question may never be answered between euthanasia and assisted suicide being right or wrong, the fact of the matter is that people are still choosing their fate. In America, euthanasia refers to a person knowingly, and purposely taking another persons life, or in a more factual meaning killing someone who in fact couldn’t kill himself. Euthanasia also known as â€Å"mercy killing† isRead MoreEuthanasia And Physician Assisted Suicide983 Words   |  4 Pageshave different perspectives and views on Euthanasia or Physician-assisted suicide and how they should or should not be legal. In some cases people feel as if the patient who are suffering from a terminal painful disease should have the right to commit suicide in other cases people feel as if the patient is being selfish to end their life when you have loved ones that are going to suffer because they killed themselves. People feel it should or should not be legal because of right to die, living willsRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide Is Not Considered Admissible949 Words   |  4 PagesPhysician assisted suicide- the voluntary termination of one’s own life by administ ration of a lethal substance with the direct or indirect assistance of a physician, and euthanasia, the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable, painful disease are both highly emotional and contentious subjects. Some argue physician assisted suicide (P.A.S.) is admissible for someone who is dying and trying to painlessly break free from the intolerable suffering at the end of their life, and someRead MoreIs Euthanasia A Lethal Injection?1269 Words   |  6 Pagesto death, veterinarians will inform the owner on options of euthanasia or â€Å"putting the pet to sleep.† While the owner officially has to make the decision of putting the pet out of it’s pain or misery with a lethal injection. In the case of humans, rather than animals, whether or not a lethal injection should be given is a highly argued ethical and economical matter. In this paper, peoples’ cultures and how they affect the view of euthanasia, will be discussed along with the cost of medical procedures

Identification Of An Unknown Sample Of Bacteria †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the Identification Of An Unknown Sample Of Bacteria. Answer: Introduction Background and Significance of the Study One of the important aspects of the microbiology is identification of the unknown bacterial sample. One of the basic and the sole pillar of the bacterial identification, which have been used in microbiology since time immemorial is Grams staining. It classifies bacteria into two groups, gram positive and gram negative based on their cell wall composition. However, with the advancement of technology and research, several different methods and procedures have been elucidated into order to classify the bacteria on the basis of their shape, presence of flagella, endospore, fermenting capability and also on the basis of oxygen requirement or respiration (aerobic and aneorobic bacteria). Aim of the Study The aim of the study is to elucidate identify unknown bacterial sample based on the application of the several microbiogical identification techniques. Objectives The aim objective of the study is to identify the gram positive/negative strain of the bacteria, Identify the external outline of the bacteria, Identify the lactose fermenting capacity of the bacteria, Identify the peroxidase activity of the bacteria, Identify whether the bacteria is facultative anaerobe, anaerobe, obligate anaerobe or aerobic bacteria. Differential staining and the use of differential media help to identify specific group or bacteria amidst different strains of bacteria. A bacterium can react differently with nutrient s provided in the differential media and thus helps in the identification. Differential techniques to identify bacteria had been used, like Eosin methylene blue plates, Mannitol agar tests, catalase oxidation and the oxidase tests, depending upon the ability of the unknown bacteria to perform the catalase activity. The experiment further focuses on the oxidative fermentation of the facultative anaerobe that helps to identify the bacteria. The fermentat ive property of the bacteria has a wide range of application in the fermentative industry. They have a wide range of application in the food, beverage, and bakery and breweries industry. The process of fermentation is used in the food processing industry for converting carbohydrates into alcohol. Microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria that employ anaerobic respiration are used in this process. Widely consumed fermented foods that are processed by bacteria are vinegar, cheese, yoghurt. Escherichia coli are used for the production of ethanol, lactate, succinate and acetate. Methods In this method the bacteria has been subjected to differential staining. Differential staining is normally done to identify a specific strain of bacteria in comparison to the other bacteria. Different types of bacteria can have different types of reactions with the particular type of stains used. Few techniques that have been used in the identification of the unknown bacteria have been provided. Confirmatory tests Eosin methylene blue plates- Eosin Methylene blue is used to determine the gram negative enteric rod shaped bacteria hence gram positive and gram negative bacteria can be distinguished from the following differential staining. Eosin and methylene blue helps in inhibiting the growth of the gram positive bacteria and helps to identify the gram negatives (Wills et al.2014). The two dyes present in this stain helps to indicate the lactose fermentors and the non lactose fermenters. The lactose fermentors produce colonies with clear borders and dark centers. The non lactose fermentors form colorless colonies. Mannitol agar- The mannitol agar can be used to identify the staphylococci group of bacteria. Staphyloccoccus bacteria cannot use mannitol as their nuytrient and hence produce colorless colonies (Hemraj et al.2013). The group of bacteria that can utilize mannitol can turn the mannitol agar plate yellow and hence can be identified. Catalase oxidation- Some bacteria produces flavoprotiens that can bring about reduction of oxygen with the production of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide. These free radicals are harmful and they can destroy the bacterial cells (Hemraj et al.2013). There are certain obligate and facultative anaerobes that contain the enzyme superoxide dismutase that helps in the destruction of the super oxide and they can also produce catalase or peroxidase that neutralizes the hydrogen peroxide (Borisov et al.2013) This catalase activity can be detected by the addition of the hydrogen peroxide a substrate to tryptic soy agar slant. A bacteria producing catalase will be able to produce oxygen case which can be determined by the bubbles released. This is recognized as a useful method in detecting the catalytic activity of bacteria. 2O2- + 2H+ O2 + H2O2 (Action of Superoxide dismutase) 2H2O2 2H2O + O2 (Action of Peroxidase) Oxidase- The oxidase cytochrome test involves addition of an oxygen test strip containing tetramethyl-p-phenylenediaminedihydrocholoride or an Oxidase Disk, p-amino-dimethylaniline. The oxidase test reagent is light pink in color and acts as the substrate and donates electrons to the cytochrome oxidase produced by the bacteria, which can turn the strip to dark purple due to the presence of free oxygen. A dark purple coloration is the indication of positive result. Oxidation fermentation Test- This test was done to differentiate between the gram positive and the gram-negative bacteria on the basis glucose fermentation (Hemraj et al. 2013). Further concentration of the bacteria has been measure by diluting them and measuring the optical density at 660 nm. Results- General Observation The nutrient agar plate over which the unknown bacterial sample was grown overnight at 37 degree centigrade in the incubator showed that the bacteria colonies are circular in shape with a convex elevation and a smooth outer margin. Gram staining observation of the unknown sample Pink coloured colonies had been found which determines gram-negative bacteria. Metabolic profiling: In the Eosin methylene blue agar, the unknown sample showed growth with a greenish metallic sheen, which indicates Escherichia coli bacteria, which has been able to ferment lactose. In the Mannitol agar plate, the unknown inoculums showed no change in color. Catalase activity: Bubbles were formed on the plates as soon as it is reacted with the hydrogen peroxide indicating catalase activity of the bacteria. Oxidase activity: The oxidase test reagent showed a dark purple color which indicated a positive test for the bacteria having the oxidase enzyme. Oxidation/Fermentation test: Table 1 If the open assay produces yellow coloration then it gives indication that the organism has oxidized as well as fermented. A green coloration signifies no reaction with the glucose. For closed assay, yellow coloration indicates fermentation and a green colour signifies that the bacteria has not reacted with the glucose and has not oxidized. Yellow result is obtained in the unknown sample both in the open and in the closed assay which is same as that of Escherichia coli which indicates that the bacteria is Escherichia coli. No Oil (open assay) Oil (closed assay) Result yellow green Oxidation of glucose yellow yellow Fermentation of glucose green green no action on glucose Table 2 It can be seen that the colonies obtained from the unknown sample is same as that of the Escherichia coli. The orange colored colonies are due to the production of gluconic acid. The orange colour at the top indicates that the fermentation has occurred at the top due to oxidation and no glucose utilization had taken place at the bottom. Name of the bacteria With paraffin Without Paraffin Bifidobacterium Orange colour, colonies visible All green colored colonies Pseudomonas fluorescens Green colonies, no colour visible Orange top , green bottom Escherichia coli Green on bottom, orange on top colonies Orange on top, green at the bottom, Unknown bacteria Green on bottom, orange on top, Escherichia coli colonies visible Orange on top and green at the bottom , colonies visible Table 3 The spectrometric results obtained are as follows- It can be seen as the dilution increases the absorbance at 600 nm decreases as the concentration of bacteria decreases. Dilution Absorbance(600 nm) 0.224 0.141 1/8 0.100 1/16 0.075 Results The unknown bacterial sample showed round colonies with convex elevation and a continuous margin. This signifies that the margin of the unknown bacterial sample is smooth and continuous (Harrigan, Wilkie and Margaret 2014). The gram staining of the isolated single concave bacterial colony provided pink color, indicating gram-negative strain of bacteria (Carter et al 2012). The stained slide when viewed under the light microscope, it showed a tubular structure and no motility was detected. The gram-negative rod was then subjected to metabolic profiling in order to detect the lactose fermentation. When plated over Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) Agar, the gram-negative bacterial sample provided metallic green to blue colour colonies (positive result). The blue color signified that the gram-negative bacterial sample is successful in fermenting lactose. This lactose fermenting gram negative rod was then plated over the mannitol agar and no colour change was observed. This test acts as a secon d confirmatory test, proving that is a gram negative rod and not a gram negative Staphylococcus coccus (Bautista-Trujillo et al. 2013). The lactose fermenting gram negative rod is then checked for the catalaze activity and it showed positive results with the emission of bubbles, indicating the bacterial sample has active catalaze or peroxidase enzyme enzyme and hence do not fall into the category of the strict anerobes (Iwase et al. 2013). The oxidation fermentation test proved that the bacterium is facultative anaerobe. The unknown bacterial sample reacted in the same way as that of the Escherichia coli in the both the open (no paraffin oil attached at the top) and at the closed (paraffin oil taached) systems. This indicates that the unknown bacterial sample could be Escherichia coli. Important Findings The importance of the findings showed that the bacteria is gram negative in nature and that means it has thin layer of peptidoglycan with an outer layer of thick Lipo-polysaccharide membrane (LPS). In EMB agar, the Eosin Y and methylene blue are pH indicator it distinguish between lactose fermenting and nonlactose fermenting bacteria. The lactose fermenters produce dark colonies with clear borders while the non-lactose fermenters produce colourless colonies. The importance of Mannitol salt agar test lies in the fact that it hsowed that the sample is not Staphylococci. Mannitol-using bacteria produce yellow colour and the bacteria which do not use Mannitol shows no change in the colony (De Visscher et al. 2014). The importance of catalse test is, the bacteria, which contains flavoproteins reduce oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or superoxide (O2-). H2O2 is an extremely toxic oxidising agent that destroys the cellular constituents. Obligate aerobes/facultative anaerobes contains enzymes, superoxide dismutase that catalyses H2O2 into harmless water and oxygen. 2O2- + 2H+ O2 + H2O2 (enzyme: Superoxide dismutase) 2H2O2 2H2O + O2 (enzyme: Catalase or peroxidise) Such catalase production and activity can be detected by using substrate for H2O2 or the oxygen thus produced emits bubbles giving the positivity of the test (Hemraj et al. 2012). The importance of the oxidase test helps in the identification of the bacteria that has cytochrome C oxidase activity and finally the importance of the oxidation and fermentation reaction. The oxidative-fermentative (OF) test was first developed by the famous microbiologist Hugh and Leifson in the year of 1953. They developed OF media in order to differentiate between the oxidative bacteria (that is capable of producing acid from carbohydrates (glucose to pyruvic acid) under strict aerobic condition or supply of oxygen only) and fermentative bacteria (that is capable of producing acid both under aerobic and anaerobic conditions). The principle of PF test is the gram-negative rods metabolize glucose into pyruvate via fermentation or by aerobic respiration (oxidatively). During the anaerobic respiration, pyruvate is converted into weak acids (pyruvic acids) depending on the type of fermentation. This high concentration of acid produced as a result of the fermentation, turns the bromthy mol blue indicator in the OF media from green to yellow. The non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria metabolize glucose via aerobic respiration and thus produce weak acids during glycolysis and hence produce difference in colour. They also fail to survive in the absence of oxygen and fail to undergo fermentation (Bhuyar et al. 2012). The process of fermentation is used in the food processing industry for converting carbohydrates into alcohol. Microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria that employ anaerobic respiration are used in this process. Widely consumed fermented foods that are processed by bacteria are vinegar, cheese, yoghurt. Escherichia coli are used for the production of ethanol, lactate, succinate and acetate (Frster, Andreas and Johannes et al. 2014). Conclusion Thus from the above study, it can be concluded that the unknown bacterial sample is Escherichia coli. The bacteria is gram negative and features rod shape. The bacterium is also show to give positive result in the oxidation/fermentation reaction. Gaps in the research There are several gaps in the identification study. In the future research procedure, there must be provision or steps to determine the external configuration of the bacteria with the help of the background staining or negative staining (Murray et al. 2015), determination of the flagella (live staining) and endospore (with the help of the endospore staining) (Mahon et al. 2014). References Bautista-Trujillo, G. U., J. L. Solorio-Rivera, I. Renteria-Solorzano, S. I. Carranza-German, J. A. Bustos-Martinez, R. I. Arteaga-Garibay, V. M. Baizabal-Aguirre, M. Cajero-Juarez, A. Bravo-Patino, and J. J. Valdez-Alarcon. "Performance of culture media for the isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis."Journal of medical microbiology62, no. 3 (2013): 369-376. Bhuyar, G., S. Jain, H. Shah, and V. K. Mehta. "Urinary tract infection by Chryseobacterium indologenes."Indian journal of medical microbiology30, no. 3 (2012): 370. Borisov, Vitaliy B., Elena Forte, Albert Davletshin, Daniela Mastronicola, Paolo Sarti, and Alessandro Giuffr. "Cytochrome bd oxidase from Escherichia coli displays high catalase activity: an additional defense against oxidative stress."FEBS letters587, no. 14 (2013): 2214-2218. Carter, Grace R., and John R. Cole Jr, eds.Diagnostic procedure in veterinary bacteriology and mycology. Academic Press, 2012. De Visscher, Anneleen, Freddy Haesebrouck, Sofie Piepers, Wannes Vanderhaeghen, Karlien Supr, F. Leroy, E. Van Coillie, and Sarne De Vliegher. "Assessment of the suitability of mannitol salt agar for growing bovine-associated coagulase-negative staphylococci and its use under field conditions."Research in veterinary science95, no. 2 (2013): 347-351. El-Hadedy, Doaa, and Salwa Abu El-Nour. "Identification of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolated from Egyptian food by conventional and molecular methods."Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology10, no. 1 (2012): 129-135. Harrigan, Wilkie F., and Margaret E. McCance.Laboratory methods in microbiology. Academic press, 2014. Hemraj, Vashist, S. H. A. R. M. A. Diksha, and G. U. P. T. A. Avneet. "A review on commonly used biochemical test for bacteria."Innovare Journal of Life Science1, no. 1 (2013): 1-7. Hemraj, Vashist, S. H. A. R. M. A. Diksha, and G. U. P. T. A. Avneet. "A review on commonly used biochemical test for bacteria."Innovare Journal of Life Science1, no. 1 (2013): 1-7. Iwase, Tadayuki, Akiko Tajima, Shinya Sugimoto, Ken-ichi Okuda, Ippei Hironaka, Yuko Kamata, Koji Takada, and Yoshimitsu Mizunoe. "A simple assay for measuring catalase activity: a visual approach."Scientific reports3 (2013): 3081. Mahon, Connie R., Donald C. Lehman, and George Manuselis.Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2014. Murray, Patrick R., Ken S. Rosenthal, and Michael A. Pfaller.Medical microbiology. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2015. Prescott, Lansing M., J. P. Harley, and D. A. Klein. "Microbiology. 5th."McGrawJHill Higher Education(2005). Willis, A. Trevor.Anaerobic bacteriology: clinical and laboratory practice. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2014.

Symbolism in the Metamorphisis by Franz Kafka free essay sample

The Metamorphosis, a novella written by Franz Kafka, the author demonstrates a connection between the transformation of the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, into dirty vermin to he isolated condition of human kind. The similarities between Gregors isolation and humans is revealed through symbolism. And through many symbols, the entire novella depicts an allegory of isolation and alienation. Throughout this allegory, Kafka does not reveal the meaning of the story outwardly. Instead his use of symbols guide the reader and help to reveal the hidden agenda of the novella. A major symbol used in The Metamorphosis, is vermin or the dung beetle. The transformation of Gregor into the dung beetle is chosen opposed to something else due to the fact it is a repulsive, unhygienic creature. Humans have a natural aversion to organisms such as these thus portraying his enhanced isolation from his family. This also relates to the overall isolation of the human condition. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbolism in the Metamorphisis by Franz Kafka or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Lansburg states When in society any group of men characterized by anomalous taste or social or racial heredity is de-nounced as vermin there will always be one group that will from then on see nothing but the other others rottenness,, and another fraction within the scorned group that will think and act as if they had truly been transformed into vermin, this quote relates to how Gregor felt. In the beginning of the novella, the reader is informed that Gregor is undertaking a great psychological stress, he has devoted his time to supporting his family with his demanding job as a traveling salesmen. His job of deep isolation and no human relationships results in Gregor actually becoming or perhaps believing he is a vermin, just as Lansburg described in the quote, when one is treated like vermin they will begin to act like it. Another symbol used to depict isolation and a need for a human relationship is the picture of the women in fur, which Gregor cut out of a glossy magazine and lodged in a pretty frame. It showed a lady done up in a fur hat and fur boa, sitting up right and raising up against the viewer a heavy fur muff in which her whole forearm had disappeared. This photograph depicts an allegory of Gregors link to humanity. In the first chapter, Gregors relationship with a magazine cut-out, rather a real women, portrays his alienation from other humans, representing his personal human identity hes lost. The glass in the frame, acts as a block between humanity and himself, reminding him that humanity is out of his reach. Furthermore this symbolizes human loneliness and longing for contact with others, for Gregor can not actually interact with the photo. The entire novella, The Metamorphosis, is in itself an allegory. The reader is left to infer many different events in the novella, which is due to the many interpretations of it. The reader could infer that Gregor is only an insect in a moral or psychological sense, and that perhaps this metamorphosis occurred as a subconscious way to escape his obligations for his family. However, the many symbols throughout the novella depict a strong message that human kind over all falls victim in many ways to isolation. Gregor is the main allegory which demonstrates human kinds alienation and loss of human connection, the author does so by transforming Gregor into a filthy dung beetle.

How did the nation-state emerge Essay Example

How did the nation How did the nation-state emerge Essay How did the nation-state emerge Essay Russia, England, and Japan) and so these regimes were required to permit the empire to appear attractive in national drag[8]. This could mean that this national drag disguised the features as imperialising mission and suppression of other nations, by figuring themselves as nations and not empires. So the absolutist state used nationalism as a tool to manage the population. We saw the state manages the population through many ways and one of the best sociological understandings of state management comes from Giddens work. Modifying Foucaults view of power he argues that through surveillance the state manages the population and economy. He believes this is a key attribute of modern states. The populace in return resists this surveillance. Table 1. 1 elaborates each category of rights that correspond to a particular dimension of surveillance including some examples. These surveillance techniques were not free from weakness. People were still to belong to something: judgments were made on biological, cultural, territorial or religious difference. These are being practiced even today. For example in order to qualify for citizenship rights people have to be a member of that particular territory. In the case of America immigrants need to pass a citizenship exam[9], which is also what the British government is looking into at the moment. Those who do not fit particular categories do not qualify for citizenship rights. However there is another concern here. What is it to be American for example? As seen in Andersons study, there is no doubt that imagined culture exists. I was born between an American father and a Japanese mother. I only hold American passport. Is being American to be half Japanese and half American? Imagined belongingness prevails also within the context of qualifying for citizenship rights. In sum the state has the power to include and exclude people from its territory and through this they can practise nationalist ideology. Category Type of surveillance Locale of resistance Example Civil Rights Surveillance as policing Judicial and punitive organisations controlling deviant conduct Law court the locale for resistance, but extends to all situations in which this type of surveillance carried out If I was wrongfully arrested then I have the opportunity to claim that I am not guilty as charged! Political Rights Surveillance as reflexive monitoring of state administrative power Parliaments the locale for resistance but extends to all situations in which this type of surveillance carried out In 1834 six farm workers from Tolpuddle, Dorset were found guilty on trumped-up charges related to their membership in a clandestine trade union. Soon, petitions pleading for mercy were pouring into Parliament. Free pardons had been granted to all six men. Economic Rights Surveillance as management of production (This surveillance is that of, for example, fordism or taylorism: a scientific management of production) Workplace the locale. Main settings for resistance are found in the mechanics of collective bargaining trade unions and employers. (The state stays out of this locale of resistance) If I am fed up with how my manager treats me I will bring this up with my trade union representative. Unison is a public worker trade union. Each organization has several representatives to give advise and pressure the right people as appropriate.

Jimi Hendrix Essays - British Rhythm And Blues Boom Musicians

Jimi Hendrix Essays - British Rhythm And Blues Boom Musicians Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix, the greatest guitarist in rock history, revolutionized the sound of rock. In 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience rocked the nation with their first album, Are You Experienced?. Hendrix's life was cut short by the tragedy of drugs in 1970, when he was only twenty seven years old. In these three years the sound of rock changed greatly, and Hendrix's guitar playing was a major influence. Jimi was born in Seattle, Washington on November 27, 1942. As a young boy, whenever the chance came, Jimi would try to play along with his R & B records. However, music was not his life long dream. At first, the army was. In the late 1950's, Hendrix enlisted in the 101st Airborne Division. After sustaining a back injury during a jump, he received a medical discharge. After his army career came to an abrupt end, he decided to go into the music field. By this time he had become an accomplished guitarist, and was soon to become known as the greatest guitarist ever (Stambler, pg. 290). However, he did not start out at the top. Jimi started out playing as part of the back-up for small time R & B groups. It did not take long before his work was in demand with some of the best known artists in the field, such as B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner, Solomon Burke, Jackie Wilson, Littler Richard, Wilson Pickett, and King Curtis (Clifford, pg. 181). Using the name Jimmy James, he toured with a bunch of R & B shows, including six months as a member of James Brown's Famous Flames (Stambler, pg. 290). At the Cafe Wha! in New York, in 1966, Hendrix decided to try singing. Jimi lucked out when a man by the name of Charles Chas Chandler from Eric Burdon's Animals heard him at the club and thought he was sensational. When Chas heard him again later that year, he talked Jimi into moving to England where he would really get the chance to start his career (Stambler, pg. 290). Along with Chas, Hendrix auditioned some musicians to complete the new Hendrix group. They choose Mitch Mitchell, a fantastic drummer, and Noel Redding, one of England's best guitar and bass players (Stambler, pg. 290). In 1966, at the Olympia in Paris, the Experience debuted. One year later, the Experience was breaking attendance records right and left at European clubs. When the Monkees toured England in 1967, they heard Jimi and liked him. The Monkees asked Hendrix to join them on their tour through the U.S., and Jimi was on his way home (Stambler, pg. 290). Jimi's erotic stage actions, suggestive lyrics, and guitar-smashing antics... did not go over well with the Monkees' fans or many adults. Being criticized over and over again forced the Experience to be dropped from the tour (Stambler, pg. 290). This however did not get Hendrix down. By the end of the year, the group was invited to the Monterey Pop Festival. Jimi won a standing ovation for the ...nerve-shattering sounds from the group's nine amplifiers and eighteen speakers, topped by Jimi dousing his guitar with lighter fluid and burning it... (Stambler, pg. 291). Hendrix became popular overnight, and his shows became standing room only. His stage acts were so wild, Time magazine described it as: He hopped, twisted and rolled over sideways without missing a twang or a moan. He slung the guitar low over swiveling hips, or raised it to pick the strings with his teeth; he thrust it between his legs and did a bump and grind, crooning: 'oh, baby, come on now, sock it to me.'...For a symbolic finish, he lifted the guitar and flung it against the amplifiers. Time (April 25, 1968). His specialty became the way he used feedback, which up until now was an undesired sound. Using his guitar and the feedback it created, he was able to generate sounds which were used to his advantage in creating his unique style. This style is copied today by modern rock artists; however, this style is duplicated today with the use of special equipment, such as synthesizers. Are You Experienced?, Electric Ladyland, Axis: Bold as Love, and Smash Hits were all platinum albums. For the year of 1968, Billboard named him Artist of the Year; and in August he played a heart-stopping performance of the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock. His fame did not last forever though. In 1969, the Experience broke-up. However, Hendrix claimed it was not forever, but was just a chance for the members to develop

Principles of Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Principles of Human Resource Management - Essay Example The current labor market in the UK has grown steadily in accordance with the employment rate and the number of people employed from the years of 1995 to 2008 according to the Labor force survey published in the Blue book 2008. The office of National Statistics 2008 reports, "Employment tends to react to changes in out put with a lag because of the costs of hiring and firing workers. Therefore, it is not surprising that weaker output growth has not caused large falls in employment. Moreover, in the first instance, employers can vary labor input through the number of hours worked, rather than laying off workers." The construction industry today in the United Kingdom consists of over 250 000 firms employing over 2.1 million people. This huge work force is spread over a multitude of namely construction materials and products suppliers and producers, contractors, sub- contractors, professionals, advisors and construction clients. The United Kingdom construction output contributes 8.2% to the GVA (Gross Value Added) of the EU nations, which is the second largest. Below is the trend in the UK labor market represented in a graph. The graph, derived from figures published in the Blue Book 2008 reveal the labor employed in thousands across industries from the Year 1999 until 2007. It is a depiction of the Labor force trend in the UK. The graph showing an upward tren... Source: Fig 2.5 Pg 104 Blue book 2008 The above graph reflects a trend that has been steadily climbing over the years. However, the recent economic turmoil and the rise in the inflation have led to a complete crash of the housing industry affecting construction as a business and the employment in turn. The Olympics 2012 that proposes massive opportunities for this industry does not seem to stir or spur vibrant business in this sector as the people's daily reports "Builders of the 2012 Olympics facilities will have to compete for skilled workers due to a shortage in the labor market, according to Financial Times on Thursday. Construction Skills, a council established by the government to ensure that the industry has enough qualified workers, estimates that building for the Olympics will create 33,500 extra construction jobs over the next years. The peak year for employment would be 2010 when 7,500 workers would be needed, the council said. The construction industry forecast it needed 88,000 new recruits a year even before the Olympics were awarded to London." The above report indicates a shortage of labor in the UK for the construction business. Here's another report from the 'Thomson Financial' explaining the situation even more. The British construction industry has shown a"meek response" towards bidding for London 2012 Olympics projects which in turn could lead to a failure to achieve best value for money on the games, a group of British MPs said Wednesday. In a report, the committee said the 2012 games "represent a massive challenge for the construction industry". "The scale of the programme is twice that of Heathrow's recently opened Terminal 5, but must be delivered in half the time. It will use between

Skip navigation links BFS 3430-09D, PRINCIPLES OF FIRE BEHAVIOR Essay - 3

Skip navigation links BFS 3430-09D, PRINCIPLES OF FIRE BEHAVIOR (BFS3430-09D) - Essay Example Pincer attack generally needs two teams of fire fighters, either of which will take the left side or right side of the fire. Both sides establishes an anchor point from their respective sides which is usually at the point of origin and mounts a direct attack that will come from the left flank and the right flank, both team working their way to the head of the fire (International Association of fire Chiefs n.d.). This form of attack â€Å"pinches† the fire between the two teams that lessens its growth. Flanking attack on the other hand needs only one team of fire fighters that starts at an anchor or safe point and attacks only one side or flank of the fire (International Association of fire Chiefs n.d.). This type of technique is employed when equipment and personnel are insufficient; or when one flank of the fire is higher than the other. The attack on the flank which poses a greater threat is the priority (International Association of fire Chiefs n.d.). An indirect attack is generally used for wild land and ground fires that are large and very dangerous to come close to by using a direct attack. The manner in which this type of attack is employed is done by building a fire line along the natural fuel breaks or within a safe distance from the fire (International Association of fire Chiefs n.d.). Indirect attack is used when equipment and personnel are lacking and the fire is located at a rough and dangerous landscape that makes approach quite impossible (International Association of Fire Chiefs n.d.). International Association of Fire Chiefs (COR), National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills. Retrieved July 06, 2009 from

Helen Essay Example for Free

Helen Essay 1. Helen’s responsibilities to each of the following groups: a. The Accounting   Department and the University –Helen’s responsibility to the Accounting   Department and the University is to uphold honour and pride. Every student is an emissary and a reflection of his or her alma mater. b. Other students in the class and in the department- Helen’s responsibility to the other students in the class and in the department is to encourage truthfulness. Being one of the top students, it is inevitable for the other students and the department to look up to her. c. Big Apple LLC-Helen’s responsibility to the Big Apple LLC is to uphold integrity, trust and loyalty. The accounting firm invited her to join them with the intention and hope to hire the best and well-suited person for the job. d. The professor of Accounting 544- Helen’s responsibility to the professor of Accounting 544 is to maintain credibility and respect to his teachings. e. Her bestfriend- Helen’s responsibility to her bestfriend is to promote trustworthiness. Someone who cannot be trusted with little cannot be trusted with much. f. Herself- Helen’s responsibility to herself is to defend her integrity. Cheating is simply a deception of one’s self. 2. From an integrity perspective, Helen should walk away from the opportunity to take a copy of the final exam from the professor’s mailbox.   Because once she gets caught, she might end up not graduating at all aside from totally losing her summa cum laude standing. In other words, she will get expelled. However, if she doesn’t get caught, she might repeat again this mistake and ruining her integrity and somehow degrading her dignity as an accountant. 3. If I were Helen and I have a goal of qualifying for summa cum laude, I would reconsider my priorities and curb time for some things that would not contribute to the attainment of my goal. I would rather consult my professors should I have a hard time dealing with my courses. I would devote more time to studying so as not to compromise the ethics that I stick by. 4. Assuming that the Empire State University provides a $5,000 award to all students who graduate summa cum laude, I will stand by my decision to uphold integrity. Because integrity is not something that you do today and forget tomorrow should the circumstances change. Integrity is the code of value that you stick by. Integrity is who you are no matter what. 5. There should be a consequence for the student who provided the exam to Helen. Because the very act of getting the exam from the professor’s mailbox is stealing and cheating. 6. Should the Empire State University have an honor code my answer would be the same. Because I personally believe in integrity and as I’ve said in my previous answer (number 4) integrity is not something that you do today and forget tomorrow should the circumstances change. 7. As a fellow student in Accounting 544 with Helen, I might feel cheated on and disappointed if I found out about what she did. I might feel that way because I could have been doing things truthfully, looking up to her, and believing that she has done things honestly to get the highest academic honor only to find out that it should not be hers. It would simply be unfair to the class,disrespect to the professor, dishonour to the university, and unethical to accounting.

Personal Narrative †Singing Poorly :: Personal Narrative Writing

Personal Narrative – Singing Poorly It was a year like any other, or, at least I suppose it could have been, but, it wasn't. It was actually 1965. This particular year, the Beatles released Help! the movie; for the second time, Jack Nicklaus won the Masters golf title; on Palm Sunday, 51 reported tornadoes touched down in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Iowa resulting in 256 deaths and over 1500 injured; and, a young boy in Smalltown, USA was turned away from his school choir. "Some people just aren't right for choir. Son, you couldn't hold a note with a bucket." And so began a life-long career in singing poorly. Singing poorly. It's an art. It takes feeling, passion. The chanteur/chanteuse in question must believe in herself, in the song, in the very message she is projecting. Not just anyone can do it. In fact, believe it or not, there are those who can even sing poorly, poorly. Now, there are many different angles from which I could attack this topic, but, I'm not sure I want to pick one just yet...so, bear with me. As well as there being different levels and "classes" among talented, quality singers, there are different levels and "classes" among talented, poor singers. Stay with me now. When I say poor singers, I mean they sing poorly, not sing without any money. Although, I suppose that there could be those out there who are poor enough singers, that they could actually be, poor poor singers. The first class of poor singers I would like to discuss is a little group I like to call the "Hello, my name is Britney Spears and these are my various other counterparts of the female and male persuasions† posse, or, simply "Biapse" for short. This group of artists is famed the world over. They own Top 40 radio and are infamous for paying as much as possible, for as little as possible (when it comes to their clothing, that is). They play "idol" for the young and the...not so young (both of which, disturb me equally) despite their obvious lack of singing talent, which they cleverly cover up by showing off their "range" using different techniques, like wailing, moaning, sighing, and combinations thereof. Despite their shortcomings, however, I must give credit where credit is due. These people are doing their jobs, and doing them well.

Stock Market Assignment

Journal One – The Stock Market Game First submission Date 26/10/2009| Table 1|   |   | Company| Shares bought| Share Price| Change| 3i Group| 2000| ? 2. 95| ? 5,900. 00| BP| 2000| ? 5. 65| ? 11,300. 00| Prudential| 4000| ? 6. 33| ? 25,320. 00| Sainsbury’s| 2000| ? 3. 39| ? 6,780. 00| |   |   |   | TOTAL|   |   | ? 49,300. 00| CASH HELD|   |   | ? 50,700. 00| |   |   |   | Original amount|   |   | ? 100,000. 00| Profit/Loss|   |   | 0| I will undertake an analysis of 3i Group. I have already invested ? 5,900. 00 and have bought 2000 shares at the share price of ? . 39. I will be watching my shares closely so that I can make a choice to sell, buy or hold my shares 3i Group Established in the 1945, is one of the UK's biggest investors in private companies, it says its strategy is to go for early stage growth companies rather than the financial wizardry favoured by by other ventured capitalists. It has been a big investor in technology compan ies in the past. The reason why I chose this company is because I followed the advice given to me in lecture to not pick companies that I am familiar with.This chart shows the behaviour of the share price over 6 months. I will undertake an analysis of BP. I have already invested ? 11,300 at a share price of ? 5. 65. The Beta for this company 0. 89 which is less than 1. This means that the security will be less so I may not make a profit on my return so there is a bit of a risk. BP Oil giant BP moved into the bracket of oil companies in the late nineties, with the acquisition of US concerns Amoco and Atlantic Richfield. More geared to oil production and exploration than its main rivals.BP has moved into the former Soviet Union to secure future production as its current key asset in the North Sea and Alaska wind down. The reason why I chose this company was because petrol prices have been going up, at one stage the price for a litre was less than ? 1. So I am taking a risk with this o ne but I am hoping it will turn out that I have made some profit with the choices I have made. This chart shows the behaviour of the share price over 6 months I will undertake an analysis of Sainsbury’s. I have already invested ? 780. 00 at a share price of ? 3. 39. The Beta for this company is 0. 5 again this is less than 1. The security risk is going to be high with this company. I will keep a close eye on the share price if it falls I may have to sell my shares at the right time so I do not make a loss. Sainsbury’s J Sainsbury’s UK supermarket group was originally founded in the Drury lane in London 1869. The group began life as a listed company in 1973 which at the time was UK largest ever flotation the group have moved into financial servicesI chose to invest in this company because the public need to purchase food it is a need not a want. There are many competitors out there such as Tesco and Asda, which would have been an obvious choice for me, but again I thought I would take a risk and go for a company that I do not shop in. I logged on to www. digitallook. com and at the time Sainsbury’s was a top seller, because of this small bit of information I decided I was going to buy some shares from this company. I checked on another day and the shares had dropped, so I thought maybe Sainsbury’s is not the right company to choose.I chose it because it may be going up and down but may end up as a winner. Tesco, Asda and some other competitors were on watchdog about flat packed bikes; this program may affect their Christmas sales. In this entry I will undertake an analysis of Prudential. I have already invested ? 25,320. This is the largest investment I have made but I believe it is the best one and I will make a return on my investment. The Beta for this company is 2. 24 so this proves I will make a return on my investment nevertheless there will be more of a higher risk, that I am willing to take.Prudential Insurance Group P rudential is one of the UK largest life insurers. It has operations around the world, in the UK, US and Asia. As well as providing financial services under its own name the Prudential also owns M+G Investment. I chose this company because I thought it would be a good investment and I will make a profit. I have invested over ? 25,000 in this company as I am hoping to make a good return on my money. With all the companies that I have invested my money in I have set up a profile on www. digitallook. com.I was going to set up a spreadsheet in excel but I noticed on digital look that you can create a profile with how much shares you bought, the date and how much per share. Once this information is entered it will let you know how much money you have lost that day. For the second submission I will not continue with this as I would rather set up a spreadsheet in my reflective log and use different formulae to work out whether I have made a profit or loss. Second submission for the Fantasy Stock Market Game On the 12/11/09 I read in the metro newspaper that Sainsbury's has reported an 18. % rise in profits in the past six months but warned sales could slump in the next half. The grocery chain posted healthy profits of ? 307m after like for like sales rose 5. 7% in the October. Share price rose two percent after the profit figure bettered Sainsbury's emerged as a winner in the recession as it tempted customers away from Tesco and other competitors, this was led by the advertisers (fed family for a fiver). Sainsbury's confirmed that market growth was likely to slow in the future as sales surge comes to an end.According to researchers at Nielsen Sainsbury's sales increase was the lowest out of the big four chains. Sainsbury's face a tougher challenge to maintain the sharp rises in the sales seen over the past year as food prices ease back and are expected economic recovery curves. Sainsbury's are hoping to compete in other areas as food sales came under pressure. I was w illing to take a risk as risk is associated when investing money. On the BBC news Sainsbury's said they will not be able to generate sale growth like last year because of inflation.The share price on the 13/11/2009 was 339. 30p going down by 1. 40p which is 0. 03% decrease. With this information that I found out I decided to sell my shares, luckily I sold my shares on Thursday 12/11/2009 and the share price was again ? 3. 39. I bought 2000 shares this equals to ? 6780. 00. I haven't made a loss as when I originally bought my shares the share price was the same. The other three companies have been doing well since I sold my Sainsbury's shares, the have been up everyday. On the 18/11/09 I had made a profit of ? 380, which I was pleased about.One the 19/11/09 the share prices have fallen, nevertheless I am confident the three companies will make me a profit. Reflective Log Spreadsheet This is a part of my reflective log spreadsheet that I have been keeping so far to show I have been ke eping an eye of my shares, the share prices and whether I am making a profit or a loss. Looking at this Table I have made a loss of ? 240 (3i group) comparison with the original amount I have made a profit of ? 500 with BP and with Prudential I have made a profit of ? 720. Comparison of the chosen companies with their competitors BP CompetitorsChevron and Texaco merged in 2001 creating the 2nd largest US based energy company and the 5th largest in the world. BP have signed their first big oilfield development contract. This should improve their shares, even though they are doing okay, once this contract is finalised I think it will benefit the company in more than one way. Exxon and Mobil completed there merger in 1999 to form what is now the worlds largest publicly traded energy company. Exxon and Mobil is involved in the exploration, production, manufacture, transportation and sale of crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products.The group also manufactures and markets petrochemic als, packaging films and speciality chemicals in more than 50 countries. The company is best known by the consumers as Esso and Mobil brand. Royal Dutch and Shell Transport completed their formal unification under a single new parent company RDS in July 2005. Shell is best known for the exploration and production of oil and natural gas alongside its retail petrol stations across UK. Shell's other operations include petrochemicals that are used for plastic and detergents. The share prices to date for these companies are 26/11/2009Chevron Investment (CDI) $79. 64 Exxon Mobile $76. 47 Royal Dutch Shell (RDS)? 6. 50 3i Group Competitors This company has 2 top competitors Candover Investment and CVC Capital Partners Candover Investment Their objectives is to achieve above average growth in its net assets through capital gains from its investments and to earn satisfactory income for their shareholders CVC Limited This company provide investment is over 70 companies across all industries. This company was incorporated in 1984 and operates in Australia. The share prices to date for these companies are 26/11/2009Candover Investment(CDI)? 4. 95 27/11/2009 Candover Investment(CDI)? 4. 99 CVC Limited? 4. 18 (AUD A$7. 60) Prudential Competitors Prudential have three top competitors they are American International Group, AXA and Met life incorporated Their share to date are 26/11/2009 American International Group (AIG)? 21. 00 Converted this from $34. 68 AXA? 23. 95 Metlife inc. ?20. 96 By looking at this spreadsheet compared to the last submission I decided not to purchase any more shares. I have been continuing to keep an eye on my share prices not every day like when I started this assignment.Nevertheless when I do check them they have been progressively increasing. This boost my confidence that I have made the right choice when selecting the companies to invest in. I will not be selling these shares now. I have bought them and will keep them long term so that I make a p rofit. These three companies are a long investment. Time to time I have had a look at the Sainsbury's shares to convince myself that I made the right decision in selling them. By doing this, this has confirmed my decision as the shares keep falling. The last time I checked them they were standing at ? . 24. Submission 4 Reflective Log What have you learned about the financial markets and, particularly, the stock markets? What are the importances’s of these markets? After reading and research that I have done my understanding of financial markets is as follows; A financial market is a mechanism that allows people to buy and sell (trade) financial securities (such as stocks and bonds), commodities (such as precious metals or agricultural goods), and other fungible items of value at low transaction costs and at prices that reflect the efficient-market hypothesis.Financial markets have evolved significantly over several hundred years and are undergoing constant innovation for the improvement of liquidity. Both general markets (where many commodities are traded) and specialized markets (where only one commodity is traded) exist. Markets work by placing many interested buyers and sellers in one â€Å"place†, thus making it easier for them to find each other. An economy which relies primarily on interactions between buyers and sellers to allocate resources is known as a market economy in contrast either to a command economy or to a non-market economy such as a gift economy.Financial markets facilitate: The raising of capital (in the capital markets), the transfer of risk (in the derivatives markets) and International trade (in the currency markets); theses are used to match those who want capital to those who have it. Typically a borrower issues a receipt to the lender promising to pay back the capital. These receipts are securities which may be freely bought or sold. In return for lending money to the borrower, the lender will expect some compensation in the form of interest or dividends.A stock market is a public market for the trading of company stock and derivatives at an agreed price; these are securities listed on a stock exchange as well as those only traded privately. The stocks are listed and traded on stock exchanges which are entities of a corporation or mutual organisation specialised in the business of bringing buyers and sellers of the organisations to a listing of stocks and securities together. The stock market in the United States is NYSE while in Canada; it is the Toronto Stock Exchange. Major European examples of stock exchanges include the London Stock Exchange, Paris Bourse, and the Deutsche Bourse.The stock market I had to use for this assignment was the FTSE 100. What is the overall performance of your stock investment? Please critically review the variation of your portfolio’s constituent and value. Any particular events significantly affected your investment profits? I invested in 3i Group, Bp, Prud ential and Sainsbury’s. Once I submitted the third submission I decided to sell these’s shares as they kept falling; i did not want to lose any money at the time I thought I was making the right choice due to what was being reported in the news.Over the three months the share price fell/rose by x%. This compares with an overall rise of y% for the FTSE100. I made ? 2500 losses for the shares I invested, because BP petrol is expensive; because the price of petrol is more than ? 1 per litre consumers has not got money anyway because they have been made redundant. Consumers need petrol or diesel; if they can purchase this at a cheaper price but still get the quality then that is what they will do. The competitor is shell as there petrol is cheaper and of better quality. Prudential share price falls buy 20%. Reference (http://www. oneymarketing. co. uk/pensions/prudential-share-price-slumps-20/1007734. article). 3i Group Reference for Article http://www. thisismoney. co. uk The highest risers during the period were shares in hindsight such as; insurance,clothes and food industries. I can see that the company I chose might not have been going to perform as wells shares in other sectors; this is because unfortunately the companies I chose to invest one was getting taken over towards the end of the three months (Prudential) before this happened consumers sold there shares resulting in it falling by 20%. i Group is a smaa company that invests in new businesses that are starting out; obviously the businesses that 3i group have chosen haven’t taken off as much as 3i Group would have wanted them too. The recession is still recovering, therefore it will still affect some stocks in the stock market If I could start over again, I would have invested in the supermarkets that are more known than Sainsbury’s; such as Asda and Tesco. Then I would have bought shares in Cadbury’s and Next. I would have definitely have picked Cadburys as they are now owned by Kraft at one stage the share price increased up to 746p.I would have made a profit on the money I had invested. Suppose that you can do your stock investment again, what would you do differently this time? What kind of economic factors and investment techniques would you consider? And why? If I could do my stock investment again I would have looked at the different investment techniques to support my chose such as this website; http://stocks. about. com/od/evaluatingstocks/a/063009error. htm. It gives an explanation in details what techniques I could have used and what information it would give me so that i could make an informative decision.I am 100% sure that if i did this I would have made a profit not a loss on the company I chose. At the time I thought I made the right choice but now I think it was a gamble; I could have had a bigger loss than ? 2500. I know now there is more to it that picking some companies and buying shares. There was a variety of websites that I could have visit that would have made my stock investment profitable and different financial ratios I could have used; the tools of Fundamental Analysis Stock Market – Reflective Journal Started on Thursday 15th October @ 9. 00pmI logged onto Digital Look my first thought was the first company I am going to buy shares in will be Sainsbury's because they are at the highest in the FTSE 100 table. But then I thought I need to be smart, a lot of money could go down the drain so, I am going to do some more research look at what is happening in the 3 months or more, not just with Sainsbury's but with other companies as well. Friday 16th October 2009 @ 9. 00am Logged onto the Financial Times website to have a change from the first one. I still have not decided what companies I am going to choose, or how many shares I am going to buy.Today I have decided I am going to do some research and have a close look to see if there is any important information in the news and see if there ar e a any articles that are relevant and that could give me an idea what company not to go for as they may be in trouble. 3/11/2009 Watching BBC News Was watching the news when I got back from university. I heard something about share prices were down 10%. I was hoping it was not my four companies that I chose. Theses were Sainsbury's, BP, Prudential and 3i Group. Thankfully it was BGS group. Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Tsb are forced to sell off their branches.BGS group said some companies that have loads of money can borrow as much as they want, but the thing is there is no demand. This was the day I decided its times to keep an eye on my shares, to see what their doing, are they falling or increasing? Am I making a profit or a loss? Do I need to sell my shares? Buy more or hold on to them. I have invested ? 50,000 and I would like to make a profit on it, even if it is a small amount. 7/11/09 Today I looked at my four companies, 3i, BP, Sainsbury's were all down 3i group was i n the top fallers so I felt a bit disappointed but, Prudential was up today which I was pleased about.I have invested the most in this company and have taken on a bigger risk, I cannot afford to lose my money. What I have decided to do is set up a spreadsheet on excel and keep a daily track of what's going on with my shares up until the next submission date. With the other companies I was going to check my share price and make a decision. Today I will do some research and see what I can find about the companies I have chosen. I may buy the financial times and try to get an in depth understanding of what is happening in the market. I didn't buy the Financial Times but I looked on the digital look website and they said:The supermarket chain Sainsbury's half year results on Wednesday, having already worked out that it is unlikely to be able to maintain its impressive sale growth due to the effects of a reduction in inflation. After reading this on Monday 9/11/09 I am going to sell my s hares especially if they have fallen again. I will keep track of this in my spreadsheet. Monday 9/11/09 I checked the share prices today and I am pleased that all my share prices have gone up, even though I am still making a loss of ? 1180. This has improved from Saturday.I have lost a bit on Sainsbury's but not enough to sell my shares. Today I have decided not to sell my shares, I am still going to take the risk and hopefully make myself some money. I will check the paper and see if there is any information about my companies. I may be able to get an incline on what's going to happen. I will give my Sainsbury's shares a couple of days and check on Friday just to give this company a chance to improve. I believed Sainsbury's will continue to decline, so just to recap on Friday 13th November 2009 if Sainsbury's shares have gone down I will sell them. Tuesday 10/11/2009I didn't get chance to check my shares today, as I said yesterday I am giving Sainsbury's a chance and as for the oth er companies I may as well check them all together. Thursday 12/11/2009 I read in the Metro paper this morning I the business and finance section Sainsbury's has reported on a 18. 5% rise in the past six months but warned sales could slump in the next half. The grocery chain posted healthy profits of 307m after like for like sales rose 7% in the 28 week to October. Share price rose 2 percent after the profit figure increased, Sainsbury's emerged as a winner in the recession as it tempted customers away from Tescos and Asda.This was lead by advertisers feed for a fiver. According to Nielsen Sainsbury's sale increase was the lowest out of the big four chains. Sainsbury's faces a tougher challenge to maintain the sharp rises in sales over the past year as food prices ease back. Sainsbury's are hoping to compete in other areas. Friday 13/11/2009 I was willing to take a risk as risk is associated with money. In the news Sainsbury's said they will not be able to generate sales growth like last year because of a fall in inflation The share price today is 339. 30 its has fallen by 1. 0p which is a 0. 03% decrease, so I have decided to sell my shares. The information that I found out yesterday confirmed for me its time to sell my shares otherwise it will continue to fall I will continue to make a loss and eventually lose my money, that is a risk I am not willing to take. So I sold my shares today at a price of 339. 30 @ 2000 shares equals to ? 6780. 00. So I haven't lost any money on these shares because on the 26/10/2009 the share price was the same 339. 30p. Monday 15/11/2009 I now have 3 companies the shares have gone down but still continue to grow.I will not sell these shares but will continue to hold them until the end. I feel that I will make a profit on one of these three companies. 17/11/2009 Today all of my shares have increased except for BP they have fallen (0. 40% which is 2p so it isn't to bad) 18/11/2009 Great day all of my have gone up I'm not sure if I have made a profit yet as I need to refer to my reflective journal spreadsheet this is where I keep, well try to keep a daily record of my shares and whether I have made a profit or a loss. Did some research today as I wanted to know the reason behind Prudential, as it is doing so well.I looked at www. investcorp. co. uk Stock Market News and Share prices and they said: Insurance giant Prudential was one of the major risers after a price target upgraded from the Dutch broking group ING. They have upped its target price from 392p to 584p, but maintaining its `hold' rating for the shares. For me this proves my investment is a risk but its a great company choice. The saving grace of Prudential is its exposure to emerging markets through ING. This is reflective in the current share price. 19/11/2009 Checked my shares today and updated my spreadsheet.Had a look at Sainsbury's even though I sold my shares I still like to have a look to see what was happening, and also it makes me feel so much better if they continue to fall, that means I have made the right decision. I will be keeping Prudential I feel this company is the one that will make me a profit. BP and 3i Group is growing steadily. 20/11/2009 Checked my shares again 2 of the companies have fallen, Prudential has risen that I am pleased about hoping I will make a profit. 31/03/2010 I have sold my shares and made a loss of ? 2500.

Disparities Essay

Reducing Disparities Discuss the different ways in which disparities can be reduced with an emphasis on the following: Trade and market access Debt Relief Aid Remittances A Joint report by students. This report has been compiled by all 1B Geography students and aims to form a case study of how the global disparities as highlighted in the Millennium Development Goals are being reduced. Each student has contributed to their own section of the document and work should be checked by others for accuracy and reliability. It is after all a case study that will be used in the final examinations. What are the global disparities? Disparities exist within development patterns on a global scale. There is an increasing gap between the world’s richest and poorest countries due to factors such as globalization and increased consumerism. Disparities exist and can be measured using indices of infant mortality, education, nutrition, income and the Human Development Index. Disparities exist within countries resulting from ethnicity, residence, parental education, income, employment and land ownership. These disparities have long been recognized and the world has started to act (some might say too late) to try to reduce them. The biggest scheme to date has been the implementation and global promotion of the Millennium Development Goals. These eight key goals were set in the year 2000 and aim to tackle the main problems associated with poverty, education and health worldwide. These Goals are actively being worked towards with a final deadline of 201 5 for stage one targets. Many millions of people have been made aware of these goals directly and indirectly using campaigns such as Make Poverty History, Live8, The Red Appeal and The Girl Effect to name but a few. This piece of work will discuss the different ways in which these isparities can be reduced and evaluate the strategies that have already been implemented. Mr Podbury. 2013. Chapter 1 (Students; Angus and Kathrin) Introduction to, Trade and Market Access – Case Study Fairtrade in Africa. Introduction to Fairtrade -Trade between companies in developed countries and producers in developing countries in which fair prices are paid to the producers. Google) What it hopes to achieve -To work with businesses, community groups and individuals to improve the trading position of producer organisations in the south to deliver sustainable livelihoods to farmers, workers and their communities. How does it work? -They do this by being a passionate and ambitious development organization committed to tack ling poverty and injustice through trade. -Proving an independent certification of the trade chain

Foreign Affair essays

Foreign Affair essays In 1880s many Americans feared about closing of frontier. They reacted in the classic manner of searching farther west of new frontiers. American identity, character, and socio-political development have long existed as areas of grate debate among historians and non-historians alike. Center of Turners thesis did not only help American economy politically but also shape character of its society. Turner gives an importance to the frontier because he believes that the frontier is the key to develop social and political democracy. Extension of the frontier has provided America to develop democracy. Tuners gives more importance to the frontier, because, it is Americas manifest destiny to expand. The founding fathers were showing importance to expansion in order to find land. Turner believed that so long as free land exists, the opportunity for a competency exists, and economic power secures political power. According to Turner expansion for the better economy was very important. Expansion of the frontier would not only bring the free land, but various opportunities for American progress. In the reading The New Era by LeFeber, he also agrees with Turner. In LeFebers essay, he gives four different historians view point on the closing of frontier. Josiah Strong believed in spreading Christianity around the world, Mahan believed that the control of seas would bring great progress of America. Turner on the other hand was more concerned about more than just expansion of the frontier. Along, with the expansion he was also interested in immigration. LeFebers essay talks abo ut Turners view on Japan, Korea and parts of Africa. Turner predicted that the growth of freedom which removes the greatest barrier to progress, the social ferment and the evident tendency toward a new social organization would lead to new era. Turner was intere...

Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2017

Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2017 Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2017 Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year 2017 By Mark Nichol The Oxford Dictionaries recently publicized its Word of the Year for 2017 and the runner-up shortlist, and the selections, and a comparison of them with those of Merriam-Webster, are intriguing. The Oxford Dictionaries (part of Oxford University Press) and Merriam-Webster, publishers of the predominant dictionaries in the United Kingdom and the United States, respectively, select a Word of the Year (and a shortlist of runners-up) each year, as do other dictionary publishers, and the primary criterion for selection is the same: Visitors to the respective publishers’ online dictionaries looked up the chosen word, and those in the shortlist, significantly more often than most other words. (These words, not coincidentally, tend to reflect the sociopolitical zeitgeist and are likely to have lasting cultural significance.) Two aspects of the shortlists interested me. First, the two lists have no words in common. Second, although I read widely and I was familiar with the circumstances by which nearly all the words on both lists had become so prominent, I had not encountered most of the terms on the Oxford Dictionaries list, though the meanings for some of them are (for me, at least) easily deduced. The top word, according to the Oxford Dictionaries, is youthquake, which reflects the significance of an unexpectedly strong turnout of younger voters in the 2017 snap election in the United Kingdom and an election in New Zealand later in the year. The term, which refers to a significant change prompted by young people, was actually coined in 1965 by Diana Vreeland, then editor of Vogue magazine, but it has maintained a low profile over the past half-century- and similar rumblings have not occurred in the United States on anywhere near the same scale, hence the lack of a concurrent spike in popularity for the term on this side of the Pond. The same is true of most of the runners-up. One strong exception is antifa, a loanword from Germany- a truncation of Antifaschistische (antifascist) dating to before World War II and referring to militant leftist political demonstrators- because of the ubiquity of such protestors at demonstrations in the United States. However, broflake (meaning â€Å"a politically conservative man easily offended by progressive attitudes†) did not make much of an impression in the United States. (The term is a play on snowflake, which in a sociopolitical context refers pejoratively to supposedly oversensitive liberals by comparing them to a very delicate meteorological phenomenon; it substitutes snow with bro, originally neutral slang for brother but here connoting a boorish conservative man.) Nor did the related term â€Å"white fragility,† coined by American academic Robin DiAngelo in 2011 to refer to the general inability of white people to withstand confrontational discussions abou t racial equality. Other terms on the Oxford Dictionary shortlist include kompromat, a Russian loanword derived from â€Å"compromising material† and denoting sensitive personal information that can be used against a political opponent; newsjacking, meaning â€Å"taking advantage of news or current events to promote a brand or product†; and â€Å"milkshake duck,† meaning a social media star who prompts disillusionment when he or she is discovered to have a character flaw- an allusion to being charmed by an internet meme such as video of a duck drinking a milkshake, only to find out that the duck is a racist. Then there’s gorpcore, describing a fashion trend featuring utilitarian clothing associated with outdoor recreation; the term is a play on normcore, which denotes pointedly drab, plain attire and is based on the use of the element -core, derived from hardcore. (Gorp, perhaps deriving from a verb meaning eat greedily, is another word for â€Å"trail mix.†) Finally, unicorn, originally a word for a mythical horned horselike animal (the name literally means one horn), pertains to a product featuring rainbow colors, glitter, and/or other colorful enhancements designed to distract consumers from their mundane lives; the term derives from the prominence of such features in children’s toys and entertainment that feature unicorns. (This sense also supplants the use of unicorn to denote something so rare as to be virtually unobtainable, such as an ideal romantic or sexual partner.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:25 Subordinating Conjunctions225 Foreign Phrases to Inspire YouStarting a Business Letter with Dear Mr.

Does Religion Cause War Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Does Religion Cause War - Research Paper Example Even though America was highly secular until recent times, it changed its secular face after 9/11 World Trade Center attack by Al Qaida. Christianity is slowly taking control of American politics now and the rise of the concept of Christian Right is clearly underlines above belief. The ongoing war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq are motivated culturally rather than politically which is evident from the words of American political leaders itself. In Palestine - Israeli conflict also, religion plays an important role. The conflicts between India and Pakistan also believed to be the clashes between Hindus and Muslims. In short, the involvement of religion in many of the ongoing wars is evident to everybody now. Even though political and religious leaders deny such religious involvement in wars, nobody can deny the fact that wars between similar communities are not occurring whereas wars between different communities or religion are going on now. This paper explores the extent of relig ious involvement in some of the ongoing wars.The importance of religion in human life cannot be denied under any circumstances because of the huge contributions it provided to the development of human life in different periods of time in the past. In fact religion is the only entity which forces the people to maintain certain morality and ethics in life. While science and technology stressed the importance of human life in this world, religions give more emphasize to the life after death. Majority of the religions describe our earthly life as only a temporary assignment. Moreover religions ask its believers to lead a peaceful and sin free life in this world to achieve permanent or eternal life after death. In short, religions were perceived as the symbols of peace and harmony in the past. However, the scenario has changed a lot in the recent past. â€Å"Since September 11, 2001, there has been a revival of the discussion of the just war theory by theologians, as well as political t heorists, social philosophers, and the like†(Ali, 2009, p.241). Many of the current sociologists, philosophers, politicians and psychologists are of the view that the major reason behind recent wars was cultural rather than political or economic. According to the prominent American political scientist of the modern era, Samuel Hutington, â€Å"the fundamental source of conflict in this new world will not be primarily ideological or primarily economic. The great divisions among humankind and the dominating source of conflict are cultural. The clash of civilizations is dominating current global politics† (Hutington,1993, p.22). In short, the involvement of religions in politics is causing major problems like wars, according to many scholars. III. Literature Review: a. The role of Christianity in causing wars According to Kyle (2007), American secularism is undergoing drastic changes in recent times. Many of the theologians and other religious leaders are of the view that America was established on Christian principles and that it is a Christian nation with a special mission. However, the concept of a Christian America has been hijacked by the secularists and feminists in recent times (Kyle, 2007). According to Ray Moore, president of Exodus Mandate, a South Carolina-based group which organizes home-schooling for Christian children, â€Å"