Free Essays on Taoism

Taoism is one of the two great philosophical and religious traditions that originated in China. The other religion native to China is Confucianism. Both Taoism and Confucianism began at about the same time, around the sixth century B.C.E. China's third great religion, Buddhism, came to China from India around the second century of the common era. Together, these three faiths have shaped Chinese life and thought for nearly twenty-five hundred years (Hartz 3). One dominate concept in Taoism and Buddhism is the belief in some form of reincarnation. The idea that life does not end when one dies is an integral part of these religions and the culture of the Chinese people. Reincarnation, life after death, beliefs are not standardized. Each religion has a different way of applying this concept to its beliefs. This paper will describe the reincarnation concepts as they apply to Taoism and Buddhism, and then provide a comparison of the two. Taoism The goal in Taoism is to achieve tao, to find the way. Tao is the ultimate reality, a presence that existed before the universe was formed and which continues to guide the world and everything in it. Tao is sometimes identified as the Mother, or the source of all things. That source is not a god or a supreme being, as Taoism is not monotheistic. The focus is not to worship one god, but instead on coming into harmony with tao (Hartz, 8). Tao is the essence of everything that is right, and complications exist only because people choose to complicate their own lives. Desire, ambition, fame, and selfishness are seen as 1 hindrances to a harmonious life. It is only when a person rids himself of all desires can tao be achieved. By shunning every earthly distraction, the Taoist is able to concentrate on life itself. The longer the person's life, the more saintly the person is presumed to have be... Free Essays on Taoism Free Essays on Taoism taoism By: Gemma Taoism Taoism originated in China during the 300 ¡Ã‚ ¯s BC. It has been part of the Chinese culture for 2,000 years. It was during the same time period as Confucianism, but had opposite ideas and morals, yet it was equally as important as Confucianism in Chinese history. Taoism began as a reaction to  ¡Ã‚ °historical situations ¡Ã‚ ±(c1), and became a philosophy of the natural way. The word Tao actually means  ¡Ã‚ °road ¡Ã‚ ± or  ¡Ã‚ °way. ¡Ã‚ ± Taoism has had a large impact on art and literature, and had been greatly influenced by Chinese folk religion. Folk religion says that most gods were actually just people who displayed heroic qualities. The priests conducted public rituals. Many Taoists seek careers in astronomy, herbal remedies, and alchemy, among other fields. Tao represents what makes everything what it is, reality as a whole (all the ways). It provides spiritual inspiration, and moral standards. It supplies strength and refuge. Taoism is  ¡Ã‚ °not a thing, but a creative process ¡Ã‚ ±(b1). The ways tell you to live your life, but not to interfere with nature. A fish needs to swim; a tree needs to grow. The Tao focuses on independence and tranquility. Taoism is equally as important as Confucianism in Chinese history. Confucianism and Taoism began during the same time period, but had different views, even from the beginning. Confucianism says that you can only live a good life in a well disciplined and structured society, and Taoism says you should live your life however you want, as long as you stay close to nature. Taoism is a philosophy of the natural way. It is a practical way of life. Taoists look down upon war, taxes, punishment, and your typical set of morals. They look up to happiness, contentment, control, and giving in when you believe is necessary. They also stress simplicity. Profit, cleverness, desire, and selfishness shall be left behind. The  ¡Ã‚ °three treasures ¡Ã‚ ±(c4) are said to be  ¡Ã‚ °deep love, frugalit ... Free Essays on Taoism Taoism is one of the two great philosophical and religious traditions that originated in China. The other religion native to China is Confucianism. Both Taoism and Confucianism began at about the same time, around the sixth century B.C.E. China's third great religion, Buddhism, came to China from India around the second century of the common era. Together, these three faiths have shaped Chinese life and thought for nearly twenty-five hundred years (Hartz 3). One dominate concept in Taoism and Buddhism is the belief in some form of reincarnation. The idea that life does not end when one dies is an integral part of these religions and the culture of the Chinese people. Reincarnation, life after death, beliefs are not standardized. Each religion has a different way of applying this concept to its beliefs. This paper will describe the reincarnation concepts as they apply to Taoism and Buddhism, and then provide a comparison of the two. Taoism The goal in Taoism is to achieve tao, to find the way. Tao is the ultimate reality, a presence that existed before the universe was formed and which continues to guide the world and everything in it. Tao is sometimes identified as the Mother, or the source of all things. That source is not a god or a supreme being, as Taoism is not monotheistic. The focus is not to worship one god, but instead on coming into harmony with tao (Hartz, 8). Tao is the essence of everything that is right, and complications exist only because people choose to complicate their own lives. Desire, ambition, fame, and selfishness are seen as 1 hindrances to a harmonious life. It is only when a person rids himself of all desires can tao be achieved. By shunning every earthly distraction, the Taoist is able to concentrate on life itself. The longer the person's life, the more saintly the person is presumed to have be...

Life of Squanto, Native American Who Guided the Pilgrims

Life of Squanto, Native American Who Guided the Pilgrims Tisquantum, better known by his nickname Squanto, was a member of the Patuxet band of the Wampanoag tribe. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but historians estimate that he was born around 1580. Squanto is best known for his work as a guide and interpreter for early settlers in Southern New England. His advice and assistance were integral to the survival of early Pilgrims, including the Mayflower Pilgrims. Fast Facts: Squanto Full Name: TisquantumNickname: Squanto  Known For: Serving as a liaison between Native American populations and Mayflower PilgrimsBorn: Circa 1580 in southern New England (now Massachusetts, United States)Died: 1622 in Mamamoycke (now Chatham, Massachusetts, United States)Key Accomplishments:  Helped early Pilgrims survive harsh, unfamiliar conditions. Early Years Very little is known about Squantos early years. Historians dont know exactly when or where he was born. They don’t know who his parents were or whether or not he had any siblings. However, they do know that he was a member of the Wampanoag tribe, and specifically the Patuxet band. The Patuxet lived primarily on coastal land in the area that is present day Plymouth, Massachusetts. They spoke an Algonquian dialect. It is believed that the band Squanto was born into contained more than 2,000 people at one point. However, written records of Patuxet are non-existent, since potential firsthand observers from England arrived after the members of the Patuxet were killed out by a plague. Years in Bondage A few historians have suggested that Squanto may have been kidnapped in 1605 by George Weymouth and taken to England before returning to North America in 1614, but modern historians do not believe there is evidence to support that theory. However, Squanto and several other members of the Patuxet were kidnapped in 1614 by Thomas Hunt, an English explorer and human trafficker. Hunt took Squanto and the others to Malaga, Spain and sold them into slavery. With the help of Spanish friars, Squanto escaped and traveled to England. He took a job with John Slaney, who sent him to Newfoundland in 1617. Squanto met explorer Thomas Dermer and eventually traveled with him back to North America. When Squanto returned to his homeland in 1619, he found his village empty. In 1617, a great plague had wiped out the Patuxet and other Native American tribes in the Massachusetts Bay region. He set out in search of survivors, but didn’t find any. He eventually returned to work with Dermer, who was engaging in skirmishes with native populations. Squantos Work With Settlers Squantos time in England equipped him with a unique set of skills. Unlike most other Native Americans, he was able to speak English, which allowed him to act as a liaison between the settlers and Native American tribes. He interpreted conversations and served as a guide for the settlers. Squanto is credited with teaching the Pilgrims how to grow plants and use natural resources. His guidance helped them survive their first year. Squanto was also instrumental when it came to skirmishes with some of the other Native Americans in the area. Some tribes did not appreciate the fact that he was helping the strange people from England. This caused problems for Squanto, who was once captured by a neighboring tribe. He was able to gain freedom from bondage once again and worked with the Pilgrims until his death. Death Squanto died in November of 1622. At the time, he was serving as a guide for William Bradford, the governor of the Plymouth settlement. Bradford wrote that Squanto grew sick with fever and died several days later. Some historians, including writer Nathaniel Philbrick, have suggested that Squanto may have been poisoned by Massasoit, but this is just speculation, as there is no proof that a murder was committed. It is believed that Squanto was buried in the village of Chatham Port, but this detail, like many of the details of Squantos life, may or may not be true. Legacy Squanto played an integral role in the survival of early settlers, but one could argue that he isnt always given the credit he deserves. Although there are many statues and memorials dedicated to the Pilgrims in Massachusetts, Squanto has not been memorialized in the same way: there  are no major statues or memorials to Squanto in the area. Despite the lack of memorials, Squantos name remains relatively well-known. This can, in part, be attributed to his representation in films and animated programs. Squanto was the focus of the Disney animated film â€Å"Squanto: A Warriors Tale,† released in 1994. The film was very loosely based on Squantos life, but did not provide a very accurate portrayal of historical events. Squanto also appeared in an episode of the animated series â€Å"This Is America, Charlie Brown,† which aired on television in 1988. The cartoon depicted the journey of the Pilgrims and detailed how Native Americans, like Squanto, helped the Pilgrims survive the hardships of the New World. Like the Disney film, the Charlie Brown cartoon was created for children and glossed over the darker details of English settlement. The most accurate historical portrayal of Squanto in popular culture is in the National Geographics â€Å"Saints Strangers.† This two-part mini-series appeared on television during 2015 and depicted the Mayflower journey and the Pilgrims first year in North America. It should also be noted that Squantos legacy includes appearances in history textbooks. Unfortunately, most of the depictions of Squantos life are derived from the historical writings of English Separatists, which incorrectly portray Squanto as  a noble savage. History is now beginning to correct the record of Squantos legacy. Sources Baumann, Nick. â€Å"Heres The Crazy Story About Thanksgiving Youve Never Heard.†Ã‚  The Huffington Post, 25 Nov. 2015, www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/thanksgiving-squanto-tisquantum-true-history_us_565471e1e4b0d4093a5917bb.Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. â€Å"Squanto.†Ã‚  Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2017, www.britannica.com/biography/Squanto.â€Å"Squanto.†Ã‚  Biography.com, AE Networks Television, 22 Nov. 2017, www.biography.com/people/squanto-9491327.â€Å"Squanto.†Ã‚  Gale Library of Daily Life: Slavery in America, Encyclopedia.com, 2018, www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/north-american-indigenous-peoples-biographies/squanto.

External Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

External Resource Management - Essay Example These are some of the points that Silver would want to emphasise to Dr. Spiller. However, these could be hardly understood on Dr. Spiller’s part because he is justifying his points as well. The centralisation procedure may be slow to react to local user’s needs and also may be remote from local user or internal customer. Dr. Spiller may have important specifications of an X-ray processor that he found can only be provided by New Age and he can certainly use this as important justification. On the other hand, in a decentralized purchasing activity, Dr. Spiller can actually enjoy the benefits of addressing the local needs of their department and as user of the newly X-ray processor. Their problems may be easily responded at better quality as well. Regarding this issue, it is therefore clear that Rose Silver is only trying to do its part for the good of the company. Dr. Spiller on the other hand is trying to do its part based on what he believes is right for their patient care. They both have essential points to stand on. However, this would matter depending on the generalised process that should be involved in purchasing activity. The first step is basically sourcing. In this stage, the purchasing department receives requisition and asks or solicits quotations. The next step involves authority and ethics. At this point the purchasing department has to negotiate with suppliers and then place its order. Finally, logistics and payment ensures that the supplies are received and payments are made. Based on the above procedure, Dr. Spiller cannot actually justify his concern with Rose Silver. This is due to the fact that Dr. Spiller’s concerns with their patients are not in line with Silver’s main functions. What is only in line with Dr. Spiller’s concerns with Silver’s role in the company is the issue about receiving requisitions and asking for quotations and supplier’s negotiation. 2. What risks or ethical problems cou ld potentially arise from his approach? In the absence of quotations or requisitions, Dr. Spiller could potentially face problems about dishonesty and untrustworthiness. The main point of having quotations and requisitions is to ensure transparency in the actual purchasing process. This is also to ensure that the right prices and quality standards are obtained. Dr. Spiller needs to understand that when there is money involved, the role of Silver is to provide transparent accounting system in order to justify the actual purchasing experience if it is in line with the organisation’s prevailing purchasing standard. In the absence of this, Dr. Spiller is most likely to be confronted with substantial ethical subjects including fraud as aftermath of the main issues like dishonesty and untrustworthiness. If he would push forward to his stand, Dr. Spiller may potentially be showing disrespect to Silver. Silver is a legitimate authority in the purchasing activity. It is not the concer n of Silver to approve Dr. Spiller’s request because there is a process involved. This process requires that everything should undergo specific approval of an authority. On the other hand, Dr. Spiller does not have much authority involved in the actual purchasing process except however for his specifications and technical know-how of the equipment. However, the final authority of the purchasing process

Corporate Finance Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Corporate Finance - Case Study Example The company's other division, ALSO, provides 'information and communications technology and consumer electronics in the wholesale and logistics sectors (Google Finance 2009).' Schindler operates in 125 countries, with its 45,063 employees around the world, while most of its ALSO operations cater to European customers (Yahoo Finance). A firm's liquidity is measured by certain financial ratios which include the current ratio, quick ratio, and average collection period. Schindler Holding's current ratio is 1.45 in 2004, 1.3 in 2005, 1.31 in 2006, 1.29 in 2007, and 1.33 in 2008 (see Table 1 in the Appendices). The company's quick ratio is 1.06 in 2004, 0.92 in 2005, 0.87 in 2006, 0.84 in 2007, and 0.95 in 2008 (see Table 1 in the Appendices). As for the company's average collection period, the company collects its accounts receivable in 53.81 days in 2004, 58.29 days in 2005, 59.73 days in 2006, 52.13 days in 2007 and 47.45 days in 2008 (see Table 1 in the Appendices). Exhibit 1 in the Appendices shows the trend of Schindler Holding's current ratio and quick ratio. The company's current ratio has declined from 2004 to 2005, increased from 2005 to 2006 then declined again to 2007. From 2007 to 2008, this ratio is increasing. The company's quick ratio on the other hand has faced a constant decline from 2004 up to 2007. In 2008, the company's quick ratio has increased from 2007. The difference in the trend between the two ratios tells one thing-while the company has increased its current assets in 2006, the increase is mainly attributed to assets aside from cash, short-term marketable securities and accounts receivable. Exhibit 3 in the Appendices shows an lengthening collection period from 2004 to 2006. From 2006 to 2008, however, the trend goes downward. This means the company has cut down on its collection period. The shorter the collection period, the shorter the operating cycle is and cash comes back to the company from its operations more quickly. ii. Operating efficiency The company's operating efficiency is measured by ratios such as the company's inventory turnover, fixed asset turnover, and total asset turnover. Schindler Holding's inventory turnover in 2004 is 22.53 times, 21 times in 2005, 17,87 times in 2006, 16.13 times in 2007, and 18.71 times in 2008 (see Table 1 in Appendices). Exhibit 2 shows the trend for this ratio; from 2004 up to 2007, Schindler Holding's inventory turnover ratio is in a downward trend before it goes up in 2008. Since inventory turnover ratio determines how fast a company disposes inventories and turn into cost of goods sold to the company. The company has become less efficient in converting its inventories into sales from 2004 to 2007, until it has improved its efficiency in 2008. The company's fixed asset turnover ratio measures how hard the company's fixed assets are employed in terms of contributing to the company's revenues. In 2004, this figure amounts to 15.42 times, 20.34 times in 2005, 22.97 in 2006, 27.29 times in 2007 and 28.83 times in 2008 (see Table 1 in the Appendices). This ratio has an upward trend from 2004 to 2008 (Exhibit 2), which means the company increases the efficiency of its fixed assets, in relation to revenue generation. The company's total asset turno

Plato theory of forms Essay Example for Free

Plato theory of forms Essay Plato was a duellist and thus believed that there are two worlds; the material world and the world of ideas/Forms. The world of ideas or Forms is the true reality and the world of appearances is just reflections of world of Forms. Plato believed that our knowledge of the Forms was a priori which means that our souls knew the Forms before it was inside us, therefore we have knowledge prior to experiencing the objects with our senses. Plato believes everyone is born with an intuitive but imperfect understanding of the Forms. He also believes the philosopher is able, through using his intellect, to achieve true knowledge of the abstract Forms without using his senses. Plato’s theory of Forms can be seen as unconvincing to some who believe that abstract ideas e. g table, horse, beauty are actually names that have been invented to help people describe their experiences of the physical world. This is a materialistic view as it suggests that objects in this world are the real reality and our ideas can develop based on experience of things. Aristotle agrees with this and believes knowledge is gained through experience and that there is not an eternal World of Forms that is a priori to us. However, in Plato’s defence some believe that each variety of a Form shares a likeness for example each horse is slightly different yet they all share something that makes it resemble a horse. According to Bertrand Russell, Plato`s theory made a `very important advance in philosophy, since it is the first to emphasise the problem of universals’. Plato’s theory is often regarded as unconvincing due to the fact that Plato believes that every object and idea in the world of appearances is an imperfect copy of an image or Form in the World of Forms. This suggests that there is a perfect Form of things such as a cinema ticket, mud or an insect and so on. According to Bertrand Russell, his ideas of the Forms when taken to its extreme.

Educational Software Reviews :: Essays Papers

Educational Software Reviews Software Titles reviewed here: 1) Elmo's Computer Phone 2) CD-ROM Suitcase 3) BusyTown Best Christmas Ever Elmo's Computer Phone Ages: 12 months - 3 years Price: $79.95 Distributor: Hilad 02 9700 9377 Publisher: Comfy Interactive Requirements: 486 DX, Win 95, 8 MB RAM, 4 X CD-ROM Rating: lllll Along with the Comfy keyboard this product is definitely the best tool to introduce children under three and a half years, to the joy of playing on a computer. It's also great for and all preschoolers who have not yet mastered mouse control. Using it is easy, you simply plug the phone in and move your keyboard to the side. The child operates the game displayed on the computer screen, by pressing buttons on the phone and listening to sound from the ear-piece and speaker. If you wish, the child can play using sound from the ear-piece only. This has the added advantage of reducing household noise. The game offers hours of enjoyable play for preschoolers and encourages them to recognize shapes, sounds, objects, colours, and body parts. They can play peek-a-boo, sing along and join Big Bird and Elmo in the activities they present. CD-ROM Suitcase Pic: BusyTo.bmp Ages: 3-7 years Price: $69.95 Distributor: Hilad 02 9700 9377 Publisher: Simon and Schuster Requirements: 486 DX, Win 95, 8 MB RAM, 4 X CD-ROM Macintosh: Power mac, System 7.1, 8 MB RAM, 4 X CD-ROM Rating: lllll Another bargain! This CD-ROM Suitcase from Simon and Schuster, contains 12 CD-ROMS for kids aged 3-7 years. Though these are older titles, there are enough top quality ones included to deliver top value for money. The disks include Richard Scarry's Busytown, How things Work in Busytown, How Many Bugs in a Box, More Bugs in Boxes, Alistair and the Alien Invasion, Earth 2U, Exploring Geography, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, My Favourite Monster, Mooky Takes Manhattan, MacMillan Dictionary for Children and Road Construction Ahead. The most inappropriate game for Australia Money Town, features, US money. The other titles are of international interest however. Busytown for example giving kids practice in adding, subtracting, measuring, counting, patern matching, problem solving and early reading skills. Similarly 'How Things Work in Busytown' features eight activities that enable players to practice word recognition, vocabulary, pattern recognition, sequencing, community roles, problem solving, colour and counting skills in Busytown. 3) BusyTown Best Christmas Ever Pic: BestXmas.bmp Ages: 3-7 years Price: $49.95 Distributor: Hilad 02 9700 9377 Publisher: Simon and Schuster Requirements: Pentium 90, Win 95, 16 MB RAM, 4 X CD-ROM Macintosh: Power mac, System 7.1, 8 MB RAM, 4 X CD-ROM

Macbeth Character Profile Essay

Macbeth is a famous Shakespearean character. His flaw is shown throughout the play. Macbeth starts off as a trustworthy character that saves the king’s life. Macbeth is then labelled as noble Macbeth by Duncan. At the start of the play his is as noble and loyal as he could be. After killing the Thane of Candor, Duncan who trusts Macbeth gives the title to Macbeth. More is the due than more than all can pay. King Duncan gives Macbeth the best present he could have received. Macbeth gives the reader an impression of being a capable and brave warrior for saving the king’s life. Macbeth is loved highly by everyone. Macbeth also brought â€Å"golden opinions from all sorts of people†. The witches however show Macbeth prophecies. These prophecies however make Macbeth release an inner ambition. This ambition brings out his flaw. Macbeth learns that he might be able to become king, he urgently writes to his wife. His wife who hears about this news urges him to become king and calling him a ‘coward† if he doesn’t take up the offer. Macbeth ends up getting persuade by his wife and starts a plan. They decide to kill King Duncan so that Macbeth can become king. Once their plan succeeds however Macbeth is so shaken by what he did he can’t even contain himself and stay calm. He brings the two daggers he used back to his wife instead of leaving it on the knights that â€Å"killed king Duncan.† Macbeth shall sleep no more. We as the readers feel sympathy for Macbeth at this stage since Macbeth feels remorse and guilty for what he did. However that sympathy does not last very long. Banquo fears that some foul play has been involved with the death of King Duncan. If King Duncan was really killed by the guards, Macbeth should have questioned them instead of killing them. Full of scorpions is in my mind, dear wife! Macbeth has restless guilt over the death of King Duncan however his wife now having a â€Å"manly† strong side to her she takes control. Macbeth ends up doing a lot of killing. The sympathy we had earlier for Macbeth is all gone. Macbeth ends up killing everyone that gets in his way and tries to take the crown away from him. He gets worried that that prophecies might not be true anymore and he goes back to the witches to ask. The witches sense that something wicked is coming. He gets the witches to tell him prophecies once again, the witches this time shows him apparitions instead. Macbeth doesn’t take these apparitions seriously at all. Macbeth doesn’t think outside the box about the apparitions especially the one where it says Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill/ Shall come against him and The power of man, for none of woman born Shall harm Macbeth. Macbeth believes that no forest can come and kill. He also believes that every women gives birth he doesn’t think about caesarean birth. Macbeth’s famous soliloquy shows the ending of things and reveals Macbeth final impression on the whole incident. Macbeth’s ambition has leaded him to the death of his wife. If he took out time and talked to his wife her death wouldn’t have occurred. Macbeth at the ends regrets his actions. It is a tale/ told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,/ signifying nothing. His life up to this point now signifies nothing after the death of his wife.

“A Dark Brown Dog” Analysis Essay

In Stephen Crane’s short story of â€Å"A Dark Brown Dog†, he writes about a young boy who finds, neglects, and befriends a ragged puppy, with a rope dragging the ground, when they meet. The boy takes fun in abusing the puppy, but when he tires of this he makes his way home. The puppy, even though the boy was not nice, starts to follows the boy home. When arriving home the boy defends the puppy to claiming him as his own. The boy’s father agrees to allow the boy to keep the puppy. The boy and the puppy grow very fond of each other. The puppy was abused but always showing his love even after his abuse. Then the story takes a very sad, gruesome turn for the young dog. The story tells of a very young boy who lives in a fifth story apartment in a very run down area of a big city. The father is portrayed to be a violent man that regularly is in a drunken rage. His wife and family are the victims of his rage. â€Å"A Dark Brown Dog† describes how the young boy f inds safety under the kitchen table on regular bases. The story draws attention to the father coming home and going into his usual drunken rage on the wife, kitchen utensils, and furniture, then the father takes joy in turning his rage on the pup. When the boy comes home during the rage he goes for his safe place but the puppy does not understand the rage and becomes the victim of the drunken rage. The story tells that the father takes great fun in kicking and hurting the pup. His final fun and torture he picks up the puppy by the leg and swings the pup around in the air several times. The young boy tries to detest the cruel punishment, but it does not work as the father then throws the pup out the window of the fifth story apartment. The story details the neighborhood that no one really thought it was unusual that a puppy was being thrown out a fifth story window. In a literary analysis of â€Å"A Dark Brown Dog† written by Braden Davis, he states that his interpretation of the story is from the slavery times known as the Jim Crow era. Branden states that â€Å"the boy, his father, and the dog were symbols in this classic retelling of the reconstitution period known as Jim Crow†. (1)  Braden’s analysis was a very deep reading on what he saw behind the story. But after reading deeper into the life of Stephen Crane it is very easy to see that â€Å"A Dark Brown Dog† is the story based off what Crane witnessed on the streets. The young boy lived in a very run down part of the city in a fifth story apartment; tales of the father coming home and abusing not only the dog but his family as well. Argument is based off the Biography of Stephen Crane, he lived a bohemian lifestyle for a while living in poverty and had firsthand experience with street life. Crane also was known for living in the â€Å"bowery† section, which was a down trodden tenement districts. Crane’s other stories had recognition for writing brutally honest stories about life experiences. Crane was also known for his plot less stories due to him writing about experiences he was either involved in or witnessed with his own eyes. Being known for writing what he saw and experienced gave Crane his recognition in his book â€Å"Maggie: A Girl of the Streets† was said to be a very brutal story of a prostitute that lived on the streets. Crane’s eye for detail gives â€Å"A Dark Brown Dog† full life; that this was ju st a short story based off of what he experienced while living on the street. He wrote about the life of a little boy that he watched and the tragedy that the boy had to deal with in his young life. Speculation could also raise questions that this could have been a story from Crane’s life as well. His biography told he was the youngest of 14 children. Although his father was a reverend and his mother was a busy woman with her children and was said to be a writer herself. Being in a household with this many children could have led to a lonely existence that left him on his own to see the world as cruel and uncaring. This story was a tale told of abuse and neglect from a broken drunk that took pride in showing his dominance of his family and an innocent animal. Braden’s analysis was based on the time and situation but read into more than looking at what was on the surface of the story. The research of the biography tells that with the history that Crane had and the life that he experienced himself. Works Cited Grade Saver. â€Å"Biography of Stephen Crane† List of Works, Study Guides & Essays†. Grade Saver 22 October, 2014 WEB. 22 October 2014 â€Å"Stephen Townley Crane† Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2014. WED. 22 Oct 2014 â€Å"Literary Analysis of a Dark Brown Dog†. Tales of a Nerdy College Student, http://btd0902.blogspot.com/2010/11/literay-analysis-of-dark-brown-dog.html . WEB 22 October 2014

The Economic Struggles of Landlocked Countries

The Economic Struggles of Landlocked Countries If a country is landlocked, it is likely to be poor. In fact, most countries that lack coastal access are among the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and their inhabitants occupy the â€Å"bottom billion† tier of the worlds population in terms of poverty.* Outside Europe, there is not a single successful, highly developed, landlocked country when measured with the  Human Development Index  (HDI), and most of the countries with the lowest HDI scores are landlocked. Export Costs Are High The  United Nations  has an Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States. The UN-OHRLLS holds the view that high transport costs due to distance and terrain detract from landlocked countries’ competitive edge for exports.   Landlocked countries that do attempt to participate in the global economy must contend with the administrative burden of transporting goods through neighboring countries or must pursue costly alternatives to shipping, such as air-freight. The Wealthiest Landlocked Countries However, despite the challenges that most landlocked countries face, a few of the world’s wealthiest countries, when measured by GDP per capita (PPP), happen to be landlocked, including: Luxembourg ($92,400)Liechtenstein ($89,400)Switzerland ($55,200)San Marino ($55,000)Austria ($45,000)Andorra ($37,000) Strong and Stable Neighbors There are several factors that have contributed to the success of these landlocked countries. First, they are simply more geographically fortunate than most other landlocked countries by virtue of being located in Europe, where no country is very far from a coast. Furthermore, the coastal neighbors of these wealthy countries enjoy strong economies, political stability, internal peace, reliable infrastructure and friendly relations across their borders. Luxembourg, for example, is well-connected to the rest of Europe by roads, railways, and airlines and can count on being able to export goods and labor through Belgium, the Netherlands, and France almost effortlessly. In contrast, Ethiopia’s nearest coasts are across borders with Somalia and Eritrea, which are usually beset with political turmoil, internal conflict, and poor infrastructure. The political boundaries that separate countries from coasts are not as meaningful in Europe as they are in the developing world. Small Countries Europe’s landlocked powerhouses also benefit from being smaller countries with longer legacies of independence. Nearly all of the landlocked countries of Africa, Asia, and South America were at one time colonized by European powers that were attracted to their vast size and plentiful natural resources. Even when they gained independence, most landlocked economies remained dependent on natural resource exports. Tiny countries like Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and Andorra do not have the option of relying on natural resource exports, so they have invested heavily in their financial, technology, and service sectors. To remain competitive in these sectors, wealthy landlocked countries invest heavily in the education of their populations and enact policies that encourage business. International companies like eBay and Skype maintain European headquarters in Luxembourg because of its low taxes and friendly business climate. Poor landlocked countries, on the other hand, have been known to invest very little into education, sometimes in order to protect authoritarian governments, and they are plagued by corruption that keeps their populations poor and bereft of public services – all of which precludes international investment. Helping Landlocked Countries While it may appear that geography has condemned many landlocked countries to poverty, efforts have been made to soften the limitations posed by a lack of sea-access through policy and international cooperation. In 2003, the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries on Transit Transport Cooperation was held in  Almaty, Kazakhstan. Participants designed a Program of Action, recommending that landlocked countries and their neighbors, Reduce customs processes and fees to minimize costs and transport delaysImprove infrastructure with respect to existing preferences of local transport modes, with a focus of roads in Africa and rail in South AsiaImplement preferences for landlocked countries’ commodities to boost their competitiveness in the international marketEstablish relationships between donor countries with landlocked and transit countries for technical, financial, and policy improvements Were these plans to succeed, politically-stable, landlocked countries could feasibly overcome their geographical barriers, as Europe’s landlocked countries have done. * Paudel. 2005, p. 2.

Presidents Who Were Secretary of State

Presidents Who Were Secretary of State A political tradition which died out in the mid-19th century was the elevation of the secretary of state to the office of president. Six 19th century presidents had previously served as the nations top diplomat. The secretary of state position was considered such a launching pad to the presidency that men who sought the highest office were widely believed to have angled to be named secretary of state.   The perceived importance of the job is brought into sharper focus when you consider that several prominent, yet unsuccessful, presidential candidates of the 19th century had also held the position. Yet the last president to have been secretary of state was James Buchanan, the ineffective president who served four years in the late 1850s as the country was coming apart over the issue of slavery.   The candidacy of Hillary Clinton in the presidential election of 2016 was noteworthy in this historical context as she would have been the first secretary of state to become president since Buchanans election 160 years earlier.   The office of secretary of state is still a very important cabinet post, of course. So its interesting that in the modern era we have not seen any secretaries of state go on to become president. In fact, cabinet positions in general have ceased to be pathways to the White House. The last president who had served in the cabinet was Herbert Hoover. He was serving as Calvin Coolidges secretary of commerce when he became the Republican nominee and was elected in 1928. Here are the presidents who served as secretary of state, as well as some prominent candidates for president who also held the position: The Presidents: Thomas Jefferson The nations first secretary of state, Jefferson held the position in the cabinet of George Washington from 1790 to 1793. Jefferson was already a revered figure for having written the Declaration of Independence and for having served as a diplomat in Paris. So its conceivable that Jefferson serving as secretary of state in the nations early years helped establish the position as the foremost post in the cabinet. James Madison Madison served as secretary of state during Jeffersons two terms in office, from 1801 to 1809. During Jeffersons administration the young nation had its fair share of international problems, including battles with the Barbary Pirates and increasing problems with the British interfering with American shipping on the high seas. Madison declared war on Britain while serving as president, a decision that was highly controversial. The resulting conflict, the War of 1812, had been rooted in Madisons time as secretary of state. James Monroe Monroe was secretary of state in Madisons administration, from 1811 to 1817. Having served during the War of 1812, Monroe was perhaps wary of further conflict. And his administration was known for making deals, such as the Adams-Onis Treaty. John Quincy Adams Adams was Monroes secretary of state from 1817 to 1825. It was actually John Adams who deserves credit for one of Americas greatest foreign policy pronouncements, the Monroe Doctrine. Though the message about involvement in the hemisphere was delivered in Monroes annual message (the predecessor of the State of the Union Address), it was Adams who had advocated for it and drafted it. Martin Van Buren Van Buren served two years as Andrew Jacksons secretary of state, from 1829 to 1831. After being secretary of state for part of Jacksons first term, he was nominated by Jackson to be the countrys ambassador to Great Britain. His appointment was voted down by the U.S. Senate, after Van Buren had already arrived in England. The senators who thwarted Van Buren as an ambassador may have done him a favor, as it made him sympathetic to the public and probably helped when he ran as president to succeed Jackson in 1836. James Buchanan Buchanan was secretary of state in the administration of James K. Polk, from 1845 to 1849. Buchanan served during an administration which was fixated on expanding the nation. Sadly, the experience did him no good a decade later, when the major problem faced by the country was the splitting of the nation over the issue of slavery. The Unsuccessful Candidates: Henry Clay Clay served as secretary of state for President Martin Van Buren from 1825 to 1829. He ran for president several times. Daniel Webster Webster served as secretary of state for William Henry Harrison and John Tyler, from 1841 to 1843. He later served as secretary of state for Millard Fillmore, from 1850 to 1852. John C. Calhoun Calhoun served as John Tylers secretary of state for one year, from 1844 to 1845.

Management (family-business) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Management (family-business) - Essay Example ne that has its ownership having 50% and above shares owned by a certain family though most are those that are completely owned and controlled by a single family entity (Gordon 2008 p 7). The success of these businesses faces various challenges which have been discussed in this essay. Also, they have their advantages over nonfamily businesses especially in attracting customer loyalty as well as other factors that have been discussed. Succession also has been identified as a key issue that results to conflicts especially in the process of passing the business from one generation to the other. This essay is an evaluation of the criteria that academics and others use to assess the relative success of a family business. A family business is one whereby a family owns 50% or more of its property. It could be an inheritance from previous generations in the family linage or it could be an investment of the current generation in the family. Family businesses are faced by various challenges which may determine their success. Some of these challenges may arise due to the emotional attachments that family members may have on the business (Fleming 2002 p 67). For example, a case of divorce or separation may tamper with the administrative roles that the partners may hold. This may result to poor communication which is an essential tool in the well being of the business. As such, the formulation of policies and strategies may be hindered thus leading to the downfall of the business. Successful family businesses are those which disintegrate family issues with business. Personal differences should be solved in different avenues other than in business meetings and also business issues should not be discussed in family gatherings such as weddings and parties. If this is not checked, it may interfere with the well being of the two institutions which may result to constant conflicts. Any time wasted through poor interpersonal relationships between the family members should be