An Overview of the Auditing Process, The Risk-Based Audit Approach Essay

An Overview of the Auditing Process, The Risk-Based Audit Approach with in an AIS (Accounting Information System) - Essay Example This paper not only outlines the basis for risk based approach to auditing but also its implications for carrying out audit work in the context of accounting information systems is discussed here below. Businesses typically identify the risks which are facing their operations and auditors can base their evidence collection and validation of information process on the assessment of risks by businesses. Internal audit function of a business needs to ascertain the overall audit risk which refers to the likelihood of financial statements being misstated. The audit risk is a combination of three types of risks which are namely inherent risk, control risk and detection risk. Inherent risk implies the threat of material error or omission pertaining to an account or a class of transactions. Control risk covers the inability of the internal controls to detect and prevent material errors. Detection risk is the failure of audit procedures to unveil any material error, misstatement or even fraud in reporting. Both inherent and control risks determine the extent of detection risk. It is suggested that the higher the control risk is the lower is detection risk set by the auditors which may requi re greater substantive testing by them (Romney & Steinbart, 2005). The risk based approach allows assessing the weaknesses in the accounting information systems and controls over such systems for determining the nature, extent, scope and timing of audit procedures. This allows auditors to assess the threats and opportunities in order to deliver better opinion on the information processed by their clients. The audit procedures not only restrict to the information manually prepared by different businesses but also extend to the accounting informational systems which are maintained by companies for data recording and reporting (Romney & Steinbart, 2005). The

Argument-driven essay Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Argument-driven essay - Research Paper Example Sadly, both ideologies set back the feminist cause by a number of years due to the way the satire has become not only a part of pop culture, but a part of the ideology of our society. That is why I am writing this paper with the full intention of exposing the damage done by the skit to the post-feminist ideologies and the various ways that feminism is portrayed in the political arena. My main argument is that the show has done irreparable damage to the image of women as future political leaders of the world in ways that one could never have imagined to be possible. It was Durham and Keller who mentioned the relation of media to popular culture in their book Media and Cultural Studies: Keywords. They explained that: â€Å"Forms of media culture like television film, popular music, magazines, and advertising provide role and gender models, fashion hints, lifestyle images, and icons of personality. The narratives of media culture offer patterns of proper and improper behavior, moral me ssages, and ideological conditioning, sugar coating social and political ideas with pleasurable and seductive forms of popular entertainment† (Durham & Keller, xv). ... They managed to make fun of one woman, while clearly exalting the other in what turned out to be a simultaneous process for the two actors. Tina Fey characterized Sara Palin like a red-neck hillbilly who got to where she was in life solely because luck was on her side. The woman, from the portrayal of Fey, is shown to be blessed to have been in the right place at the right time, which is why it did not matter that she was weak when it came to political matters. It was expected of her since she came from the Alaskan backwoods. It was a stroke of luck and opportunity that afforded her the chance to get ahead politically without really having to pay her dues towards the support of the post feminism political agenda. On the other hand, Amy Pohler portrayed Hillary Clinton as a clear supporter of the post-feminist agenda meant to strengthen the political station of women in our society. The strength and weaknesses of both women were highly played up during the skit which is why the public came to view Sara Palin as a joke who just got lucky in the world of politics while Hillary worked very hard to get the respect and acceptance that she deserved in the political arena. The ideology that the skit promoted the perception that â€Å"... all cultural texts have distinct biases, interests, and embedded values, reproducing the point of view of their producers and often, the values of the dominant social groups. â€Å" (Durham & Kelner, xiv). Clearly, the skit anted to promote the post-feminist cause in the skit. But they were not sure as to which message they wanted to clearly share which is why they tried to the fair thing and simply put both post-feminist ideologies out there for society to decide upon. These

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Technology

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Technology Investigation on the physical layer technologies employed in the GSM System Absyarie Syafiq Bin Shahrin Abstract Basically in this paper, we intend to give a rundown on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) specifically on the technologies employed at the physical layer in the GSM system. The GSM system is a very interesting topic as it revolutionized the way we communicate and it is still being used till this day. It is actually the 2nd Generation (2G) wireless system as it uses digital instead of analog and it also deploys Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) that is implemented on multiple frequency subbands. Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA). GMSK modulation and demodulation technique will also be discussed together with how it works and what their advantages/disadvantages are. The problems with ISI (Intersymbol Interference) in GSM systems will also be addressed together with how to mitigate ISI using channel equalization. With that, we will also give a simple explanation on how speech coding is accomplished in GSM transceivers. Keywords: Gaussian Pulse, GMSK, ISI, channel equalizer, ISI equalizer, speech coding I. Introduction GSM is a standard developed by the ETSI (Europe Telecommunication Standards Institute) to describe the protocols of the 2nd Generation (2G) communication technology used by mobile networks and cell phones. It was first launched in Finland with a data speed of up to 64kbps. The GSM is given the term 2G because it is something completely new compared to the first generation (1G) with the usage of digital signal signals instead of analog. It was designed from scratch with no backward compatibility with the previous 1G technology. Using 124 channels per cell, it can accommodate up to 8 users by using a combination of TDMA and FDD scheme [1], though some of its channels are used for control signals. It also introduces the SIM (Subscriber identity module) card which allows for roaming calls. At first, it was only designed for operation in the 900 MHz band but later it was adapted for 1800Mhz. GSM is a very popular standard used today with over 90% market share, with availability in over 21 9 countries and territories worldwide. Originally the GSM was developed with the intention that it will replace the first generation analog networks by having digital, circuit-switched networks which are optimized for full-duplex voice telephony. However as time passes, the GSM system was further developed to include data communications by firstly having it on circuit-switched transport, and then changing it later to packet-switched transport via GPRS ( General Packet Radio Service) and EDGE ( Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) . In GSM, Gaussian pulse shaping is used and Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) as a modulation/demodulation technique with a modulation index of 0.5 [2]. This modulation method however gives rise to inter symbol interference. Inter Symbol Interference (ISI) in the GSM system are usually caused by two factors; Multipath propagation and Bandlimited channels. An ISI equalizer is used to solve this problem by implementing the Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation (MLSE) via vertibri algorithm. To make things easier to understand, Figure 1 is attached to relate how the GSM system can relate to the OSI (Open System Interconnection) model. We will however, focus more on the Physical Layer of the GSM system. Figure 1: How the GSM is realized in the famous OSI model [7]. Pulse Shaping In digital telecommunications systems, we strive to achieve broad spread spectrum with significant low-frequency content. This in return, requires a lowpass channel that has a bandwidth sufficient enough to accommodate the essential frequency content in the data stream. Gaussian function fits this requirement perfectly. The speciality of this waveshape is that, the pulses rise and small smoothly until it settles to a value [14]. This is a valuable asset as it gives a solution to problems such as precursors, overshoot and ringing in a pulse signal [14]. This problems cause uncertainty to the actual value so it is very troublesome. Besides that, it also addresses the two required needs of communication systems which are band-limited channels and reduced Inter-symbol interference (ISI) by applying a Gaussian filter symbol-by-symbol. It is nearly impossible to get the perfect sinc spectrum in the time domain as the bandwidth needs to be infinity. We can only have an approximation or near the same sinc spectrum. ISI can also still happen if control is not exercised over the pulse shaping. Figure 2: An impulse response of a Gaussian Filter [15] In GSM, we apply Gaussian filtering for Gaussian Filtering Minimum Shift keying (GMSK) a modulation technique. Basically it is similar as the Minimum Shift Keying (MSK) but the data stream must first go through pulse shaping via Gaussian filter before being applied to the modulator. MSK is already a good modulation scheme as it possess constant envelope and maintains phase continuity. GMSK allows for reduced sideband power which results in the reducing of out-of-band interference between the signal carriers in adjacent frequency channels. The GMSK technique has an advantage of being able to carry data while still maintaining an efficient usage of spectrum. The reduce power in the GMSK is very useful especially for mobile phones as lower battery consumption is needed for operation [16]. The drawback of GMSK is that, it requires more modulation memory in the system and causes ISI. We have two ways to generate GMSK modulation. The most basic way is to apply Gaussian filter on the input signal and then apply a frequency modulator with a modulation index of 0.5 [2] [16]. The problem with this method is that it must have an exact modulation index of 0.5. In the real world, this is impossible as component tolerance drift can vary[16]. Figure: Flow chart of GMSK modulation using a Gaussian filter and Voltage controlled oscillator The second method is more realistic and widely used. This GMSK method uses the Quadrature (I-Q) modulator. The operation starts by having the Gaussian filtered data separated into two parts, in-phase I and quadrature phase (Q). The I and Q components will then be mixed up to the frequency of the RF carrier to have a modulated RF signal. This kind of modulator can maintain 0.5 modulation index without having any modifications. The performance of this quadruple modulation depends on the accurate creation of I and Q components. For demodulation, this scheme can be used in reverse [16]. X – mixer or multiplier LO – Local oscillator Figure 3: Block diagram of I-Q modulator Inter symbol interference and channel equalization ISI in the GSM system is mainly caused by multipath propagation. Multipath propagation is a result when signals arrive at different times (delay) because it is does not travel in line of sight (LOS). In reality, connection will never be in LOS all the time so the signals will go through different paths by being reflected or refracted from different objects to reach the destination. When the signals travel through multiple paths, they will arrive at different times depending on the route they used. It is also possible for reflected signals to overlap with the subsequent signals [13]. This in addition, results in distortion to the received signals because all the signals have different delay. This situation happens either from mobile station to base station or vice versa. Since the delay spread is more than the symbol time, frequency selective fading occurs. Figure 4: An example of multipath propagation Figure 5: ISI as a result of multipath distortion [13] To combat the problem with multipath propagation, we use and ISI equalizer. This equalization technique is based on the MLSE which uses the Viterbi Algorithm [3] [10]. Figure below shows the block diagram of the ISI equalizer. Figure 6: Block diagram on how ISI equalizer is used in GSM environment When the base station or the mobile station transmits a TDMA burst, not all of is user data. Instead, 26 bits are allocated for the training sequence and they are known by their receivers (either mobile station or base station). Each of the known sequence bits unique for a certain transmitter is unique for a certain transmitter and this sequence bits is also repeated in every transmission burst. The figure below shows the normal burst structure in the GSM burst. Figure 7: GSM Normal Burst Structure A channel estimator is needed because to perform MLSE, we require information on the CIR (Channel Impulse Response). The channel estimator will estimate the CIR for each of the bursts by comparing the transmitted bits with the received signal to produce he(t) [10]. Channel estimation in GSM uses Linear MMSE (Minimum mean square error) [11]. Since the match filter is in time domain, r(t) will be convoluted with the signal obtained from the channel estimation, he(t) to create a model signal Y(t). The output model signal obtained can then be used to estimate the transmitted bits based on the bits received by performing MLSE. The last process uses Viterbi Algorithm hence the process, Viterbi equalisation [2] [9]. Speech coding in GSM transceivers Speech is originally analog in nature and GSM is a digital system. In order to use the speech information, we need to run to a series of process known as speech processing. Figure shows how the speech processing is done in a GSM system. In speech coding, the GSM system has used a variety of ways to fit in 3.1 kHz audio into between 6.5 and 13 kbit/s. The first two codecs used was called Half Rate (5.8 kbit/s) and Full rate (13 kbit/s) [4]. Both of this codecs use LPC (Linear Prediction Function) where voice signals need to be digitized, and secured using encryption over a narrow voice channel. As time passes, the GSM system was further developed to use the Enhanced Full Rate (EFR) codec which is a 12.2 kbit/s codec and it uses a full-rate channel. Figure 8: Flow-diagram on GSM speech processing [8] Full rate speech coder is actually part of the Regular Pulse Excitation – Long Term Prediction (RPE-LTP) coders [4]. Firstly the speech encoder will take an input of 13 bit uniform PCM signal from either the audio part of the mobile station (MS) or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) side by using 8 bit/A-law to 13 bit uniform PCM conversion. The encoded speech is then delivered to the channel coding function which will then produce an encoded block having 456 bits with a gross bit rate of 22.8 kbps [4] [5]. The remaining 9.8 kbps is used for error protection purposes. The reverse action is performed for decoding. When encoding, 160 frames in 1 sample is encoded to a block of 260 bits with a sampling rate of 8000 samples/s, hence the bitrate of 13kbps [5]. On the decoding part, 260 bits of encoded blocks is mapped back to the 160 frames output reconstructed speech sample. EFR (Enhanced Full Rate) is a newer version of the speech codec which uses ACELP (Algebraic Code Excited Linear Prediction) algorithm. The motivation for this development is because of the mediocre / poor quality of the GSM-Full Rate codec. This codec is a step-up from the previous FR because it provides speech quality equivalent or close to wireline telephony which uses 32 kbps ADPCM (Adaptive Pulse Code Modulation) [6]. This codec can provide wireline quality in both error and error-free conditions [6]. EFR which is also a form of traffic channel is bi-directional and can transmit both speech and data [9]. Figure 9: shows how error correction is done at layer 1 of the GSM air interface Conclusion All in all, this paper has helped me to better understand the GSM system and how it works in the physical layer. GSM has many sources including but not limited to, books, journals, application notes, lecture notes, documentation as well as survey papers. After reading from various sources, I learned to read efficiently and think critically as the papers written are quite hard and requires a meticulous reading to thoroughly understand what is being presented. I acquired basic research and development (RD) skills and technical writing skills after almost a month of heavy reading and research. How the physical layer in the GSM system works is also understood. The acquired signal must first be shaped through a Gaussian filter in the GMSK modulator. The Quadruple modulator scheme is used as it does not require modifications to maintain 0.5 modulation index. ISI in the GSM are mostly caused by multipath propagations in which gives frequency selective fading. Frequency selective fading happ ens when the delay time is spread because symbols arrive at different times. To address the problems with ISI, we need to have an ISI equalizer. ISI equalizer consists of many components such as match filter and MLSE by Viterbi algorithm. I also learned that we have two speech coding options; full rate speech coder and EFR. All this components are essential when building a GSM system. References [1] Guifen Gu, Guili Peng â€Å"The Survey of GSM Wireless Communication System† International Conference on Computer and Information Application (ICCIA) , 2010 [2] B. Baggini, L. Coppero, G. Gazzoli, L. Sforzini, F. Maloberti, G. Palmisano â€Å"Integrated Digital Modulator and Analog Front-End for GSM Digital Cellular Mobile Radio System, Proc. IEEE 1991 CICC vol. 31, pp.7.6.1{4, Mar. 1991. [3] M. Drutarovskà ½, â€Å"GSM Channel Equalization Algorithm – Modern DSP Coprocessor Approarch† Radioengineering Vol. 8, No 4, December 1999. [4] Besacier, L.; Grassi, S.; Dufaux, A; Ansorge, M.; Pellandini, F., GSM speech coding and speaker recognition,Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, 2000. ICASSP 00. Proceedings. 2000 IEEE International Conference on, vol.2, no., pp.II1085,II1088 vol.2, 2000 [5] www.etsi.org, â€Å"European digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 1); Speech Processing Functions; General Description (GSM 06.01)†, GTS 06.01 version 3.0.0, January 1991. [6] Jarvinen, K.; Vainio, J.; Kapanen, P.; Honkanen, T.; Haavisto, P.; Salami, R.; Laflamme, C.; Adoul, J.-P., GSM enhanced full rate speech codec, Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing, 1997. ICASSP-97., 1997 IEEE International Conference on , vol.2, no., pp.771,774 vol.2, 21-24 Apr 1997 [7] â€Å"Fundamentals: Signalling at the Air-Interface† Rohde and Schwartz Training Center v1.0 [8] http://www.rfwireless-world.com/Tutorials/gsm-speech-processing.html [9] â€Å"GSM Air Interface Network Planning† Training Document, Nokia Networks Oy, Finland, Jan 2002 [10] Vipin Pathak,â€Å"MLSE BASED EQUALIZATION AND FADING CHANNEL MODELING FOR GSM† (Hughes Software systems, Delhi), pp. 100-104, 2003 [11] Manoj Bapat, Dov Levenglick, and Odi Dahan, â€Å"GSM Channel Equalization, Decoding, and SOVA on the MSC8126 Viterbi Coprocessor (VCOP)† Freescale Semiconductor Application Note, Rev.0, 2005 [12] Baltersee, J.; Fock, G.; Meyr, H.; Yiin, L., Linear MMSE channel estimation for GSM, Global Telecommunications Conference, 1999. GLOBECOM 99 , vol.5, no., pp.2523,2527 vol.5, 1999 [13] Kang, A. S., and Vishal Sharma. Pulse Shape Filtering in Wireless Communication-A Critical Analysis. Pulse 2, no. 3 (2011). [14] James R. Andrews, â€Å"Low-Pass Risetime Filters for Time Domain Applications†, Picosecond Pulse Labs, Application Note AN-7a, March 1999. [15] http://www.ni.com/white-paper/3876/en/ [16] http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/rf-technology-design/pm-phase-modulation/what-is-gmsk-gaussian-minimum-shift-keying-tutorial.php [17] Fred Kostedt, James C. Kemerling, â€Å"Practical GMSK Data Transmission†, MX.com, INC, Application Note GMSK, 1998.

Education: Empiricists vs Rationalists Essay example -- philosophy of

The importance of experience in education has always been the subject of philosophical debates. These debates between empiricists and rationalists have been going on for quite some time. Rationalists are of the view that knowledge acquired through senses is unreliable and learning can only be done through reasoning. On the other hand, empiricists believe knowledge is acquired through empirical impressions and concepts that cannot be learnt without being experienced (Evans, 1992, p. 35). This debate was however resolved by Kant who argues that both experience and rationality are necessary in learning. John Dewey was an American philosopher of the twentieth century and he also contributed to the debate on the learning process. In his book Experience and Education, Dewey (1938), he stated, â€Å"the belief that all genuine education comes about through experience does not mean that all experiences are genuinely or equally educative† (p. 25). This famous quote has been evaluated a nd referred to regularly in the debate on learning through experience. According to Dewey (1938) experiences can only be termed as educative if they lead to further intellectual and moral growth. In order for experience to be termed as educative, both the community and the individual have to benefit from the said experience. The experience has to contribute to growth in curiosity, sense of purpose, and initiative in the learner. He was of the view that traditional education was hierarchical and therefore undemocratic in nature. According to him, in order to produce well informed, thoughtful and democratic students, learners need to participate in all aspects of the school program and gain the experience. Eventually, a learner has to reflect on the experience ... ...work became widely accepted. However, his philosophy will continue to earn critical acclaim even in the coming days. Works Cited Boud, D., Keogh, R., & Walker, D. (1985). Reflection: Turning experience into learning. New York, NY: Kogan Page. Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York, NY: Macmillan. Evans, N. (1992). Experiential learning: Assessment and accreditation. New York, NY: Routledge. Ewert, A. (1989). Outdoor adventure pursuits: Foundations, models, and theories. Columbus, OH: Publishing Horizons. Goodlad, J. (1984). A place called school: Prospects for the future. New York, NY: McGraw- Hill. Kolb, A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Lewin, K. (1952). Field theory in the social sciences: Selected theoretical papers. London: Tavistock.

How accurate does truth universally acknowledged prove to be in the novel Pride and Prejudice? Essay

This essay is concerned with studying examples of courtship and engagement in relation the marriages they produce. Jane Austen’s exciting novel explores the paths taken by young men and women, living in a time when pride and prejudice influenced people’s actions and behavior. Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice in the early nineteenth century, when social etiquette was strict and uniformly. Every male born became an heir to his family’s fortune, every female’s aim in life was to marry and secure her home. Inevitably, this would take away an element of romance to a marriage if it happened on the basis of economical reasons. Austen wrote a novel with a main theme of marriage, although love is mentioned only occasionally. Austen appears to be sceptical of the qualities of passionate love, and more approving of true love that is based upon respect, gratitude and understanding of one another. Hence the character Elizabeth Bennet, who was one of Jane Austen’s favourite characters. Women could not inherit their family’s fortune, which meant that every un-married woman lost their home and possessions when their father died, thus lay the importance of marriage to them. Men could be self sufficient, and not have a direct need to get married, although an heir was important to carry on their family name and fortune. These factors affected women’s perspectives of marriage. Was love important enough to attribute to a good marriage? Many women, like Charlotte Lucas knew that the aspect of love would have to be ignored when, at the age of 27 she was not already wed. Mr Collins is the cousin of Mr Bennet, who, with five daughters, knew what would happen to the un-married amongst them when he passed away. Mr Collins would inherit the Bennet estate, Longbourn. ‘Mr Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society’ (Chap 15) He is a humorous character in the novel, incredibly verbose, absent-minded and un-subtle. When he proposes and is declined by Elizabeth, claiming primarily that she is in no financial position to decline him, he is very condescending and is obvious about his economical reasons for marriage, and does not once mention love. His decision for marriage was prompted by his employer Lady Catherine De Bourgh and he makes reference towards her whilst proposing to Elizabeth; ‘It is the particular advice and recommendation of the very lady whom I have the honor of calling Patroness’ (Chap 19) Lady Catherine De Bourgh employed Mr Collins as a Clergyman on her estate at Rosings, and she would see it as fit that a man with a respectable career and moderate fortune should marry. Elizabeth is civil in her reply to him; ‘You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so’ (Chap 19) When Charlotte declares to Elizabeth of her and Mr Collins’ engagement Elizabeth questions her mercenary motives for marrying, and is unhappy that she knows her good friend will not ever be truly happy. ‘Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance’ (Chap 6) – Charlotte. Charlotte enlightens Elizabeth on the fact that she values security and comfort above love, ‘I am not romantic you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home’ (Chap 22) Mrs Bennet is superficial, ignorant, short tempered, proud and judgmental. She has made it her occupation in life to marry off her five young daughters. She was clearly distressed when Elizabeth turns down Mr Collins, and goes straight to Mr Bennet for assistance, ‘Oh! Mr Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr Collins’ (Chap 20) Mr Bennet is a sharp, witty and sarcastic toward Mrs Bennet, whom he married because he was ‘captivated by youth and beauty’ (Chap 42). They married young, as most people did and confesses to Elizabeth later in the novel that he ‘married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all real affection for her’ (Chap 42) Their relationship in the book is one of humour, as Mr Bennet took delight in annoying Mrs Bennet, ‘Mr Bennet. You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves’ (Chap 1) Mr Bennet and Mrs Bennet’s marriage is also very formal, as they both call each other by their titles Mr and Mrs. They are obviously not a happy couple due to their complete difference in character and their bickering. Wickhams marriage to Lydia is much the same as Mr and Mrs Bennet’s. Wickham is drawn in by Lydia’s youthful flirting and energy, and when they elope then Wickham is paid to marry Lydia (Chap 49) by Darcy. The fact that money had to be included suggests that the marriage was economical, yet Mr Wickham, as we already know from past chapters, is a gambler and a liar. There could be no love involved from his part, and Lydia would be flippant enough to believe herself in love. Neither partner truly cares for the other, and this is why their marriage is similar to that of the Bennets. Elizabeth’s first impression of Mr Darcy is not a pleasant one. Darcy refuses to dance, when pointed toward Elizabeth, ‘She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me’ (Chap 3) Darcy’s pride leads him to be prejudiced by many of the women at the Ball. Especially Mrs Bennet who explains her dislike to Mr Bennet afterwards, ‘He walked here, and he walked there, fancying himself so very great! Not handsome enough to dance with! I wish you had been there, my dear, to have given him one of your set downs. I quite detest the man’ (Chap 3) Elizabeth’s pride is hurt and she too is quick to be prejudiced about Darcy, this is her main fault throughout the novel. Elizabeth and Jane are very different; Jane is very passive and strives to see the best in everyone, whereas Elizabeth is more intelligent and observant when judging characters. Jane suggests that the reason for Darcy’s rudeness and pride is shyness, which happens to be the real reason behind his apparent inhospitality at Netherfield. The Bennet’s are of a lower class to Darcy and Bingley. Mr Bingley was good natured and well mannered, and Darcy, in contrast with Bingley seemed proud and unsociable. ‘There is not another woman in the room, whom it would not be a punishment to me to stand up with’ (Chap 3) The irony in this chapter is that, in her desperate attempt to impress and arrange single men for her daughters, Mrs Bennet is rude, poorly sophisticated and embarrassing, therefore affecting the chance of men being interested. It is clear when Miss Bingley opens the subject of Mrs Bennet’s lack of grace upon Darcy, that he is troubled by it. Darcy is already attracted to Elizabeth’s independence and wit, despite Miss Bingley’s attempts to deter his thoughts. Elizabeth meanwhile meets Mr Wickham and makes a wrong judgement of character. Wickham manipulates Elizabeth’s original dislike for Darcy, by telling her scandalous lies about him. When Darcy first proposes to Elizabeth, it is unfortunate that Colonel Fitzwilliam has told her that Darcy is the reason Bingley had left Netherfield. Elizabeth cares dearly for her sister and she is even more appalled that it is Darcy who has caused her unhappiness. Darcy approaches Elizabeth believing that his proposal would be accepted. Wickham’s words against him unbeknown. He is not tactful enough to change Elizabeth’s dislike for him. ‘He spoke well, but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed, and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride’ (Chap 34) Elizabeth is civil in her reply, which shows her strength of character, although she is aggrovated, ‘I cannot – I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly’ (Chap 34) She carry’s on to accuse him of her sister’s unhappiness, and perhaps the turning point in the book, when she reveals Mr Wickham’s lies. ‘Your character was unfolded in the recital which I received many months ago from Mr Wickham’ (Chap 34) They are both very angry; Darcy insults Elizabeth’s social status and ‘inferior connections’. She retaliates, ‘had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner’ (Chap 34) Darcy’s astonishment is great, and he leaves immediately. Upon receiving Darcy’s letter, Elizabeth re-evaluates some things. It is due to her family’s lack of credibility and breeding that is the cause of Jane’s unhappiness. She realises that she has been ‘partial, prejudiced and absurd’ (Chap 36) and this gains Darcy some respect, even though she still does not find him agreeable. The letter in itself made it clear to Elizabeth that Darcy really cared enough to write and explain himself, and he also bestowed trust upon her when he chose to explain about Wickham and Georgiana’s near elopement. Wickham’s main objective being Miss Darcy’s fortune of thirty thousand pounds. Elizabeth discusses Darcy’s proposal and Wickham with Jane. She analyses, ‘One has got all goodness, and the other all the appearance of it’ (Chap 40) People like Wickham could be judged on how well they displayed their manners and good breeding in public, at a time of strict rules for public behavior. Another meeting between Elizabeth and Darcy is when she visits Pemberly. She is told many things about Darcy that are the opposite of what she had previously thought of him. The housekeeper of Pemberly says, ‘He was always the sweetest-tempered, most generous-hearted boy in the world’ Chap 43 Elizabeth perception is changed, she is no longer as prejudiced toward him, and thinks him more civil and kindhearted. This is partly due to her maturing and swallowing her own pride. Darcy has changed his proud manner and is very accommodating to Elizabeth and the Gardiner’s when they are at Pemberly. The most exciting and exhilarating section of the novel are chapters fifty to sixty one. The horror of Lydia and Wickham’s elopement makes Mr Bennet realise his failure as a responsible parent, the scandal meant that the rest of the daughters would be thought unsuitable wives. Mr Darcy pays Wickham money to marry Lydia; Wickham’s blatant desire for money shows his superficiality and is the beginning of another marriage devoid of happiness. Later in his second proposal to Elizabeth, when she thanks him for his kindness, Darcy justifies his contribution, ‘But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe, I only thought of you.’ (Chap 58) Elizabeth has found her happiness in a relationship of loving respect and mutual suitability. When Jane Austen handles the second proposal she is careful to show that there is no physical contact, and little eye contact. The way that the normally calm and collected Elizabeth stumbles over her words and reveals her inner thoughts to Darcy show a revelation in character. In conclusion, the statement presented by Mrs Bennet; ‘It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife’ is not accurate. Mrs Bennet’s small mindedness and ignorance mean that she can not understand alternative reasons for marriage. Mr Collins and Wickham could prove this statement correct, as money did pay a part in their decisions to marry; yet they are depicted as scandalous or idiotic characters in the novel. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley’s attitudes to marriage were different as, instead of money being a prime factor pushing them to marry, compatibility was considered, pride overcome and prejudice put behind them, to produce love in a marriage.

Bay of Pigs

The interest of the United States in Cuba goes as far back as the pre-Civil War era when it wanted to annex Cuba as a slave state for its cotton. However, it was only in 1898 that Cuba was won from Spain following the Spanish-American war. While this lasted only until 1902, the U. S. was able to negotiate a long-term lease on the island at the Guantanamo Bay and turned it into a naval base. From that time until Castro took the helm, the second most powerful official in Cuba after the President was the U. S. Ambassador (Lafeber, 19 April 1986, p. 537).In 1947, open hostilities with communism have begun. President Truman recommended to the U. S. Congress to stop the Russian aggression in Europe. This was contained in the Truman Doctrine (Ismael, 1965, P. 3212). This was followed by a U. S. -led food airlift to the western sector which the Russians were starving out with its Berlin blockade. Then, there was the assistance provided to the communists, by the way, eventually won and the ac tive participation in the Korean War of 1950. While such actions were unpopular,, there was an apparent consensus that the U.S. should indeed show that it is not beyond having to use force to stop the expansionist plans of the communists. In 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower was elected President. The anti-communist sentiment was particularly rife at that time with Senator McCarthy charging practically everyone of being a communist, and succeeded in spreading fear and conflict throughout the country. In Asia, China was showing signs of aggression against Taiwan which then led to the US pledge of aid to any Southeast Asian Treaty Organization member who has to fight off communist advances.In Latin America, communist influence was equally spreading. In 1959, on January 1st, Fidel Castro and his guerillas managed to overthrow Fulgencio Batista and the former Prime Minister and newly-elected President Dr. Andres Rivero Aguero (Telzrow, 2006). The United States was one of the first countries to acknowledge Castro’s ascendancy through an official note declaring â€Å"the sincere goodwill of the government of the United States towards the new government† (Welch, 1982, p. 29). Shortly thereafter, Philip Bonsal was appointed as the new US Ambassador to Havana.Bonsal was the former ambassador to Bolivia where the Spanish-speaking career diplomat was able to establish a good relationship with the leftist administration. Four months later, in April 1959, Fidel Castro visited the United States where then Vice President Richard Nixon got to meet him. Nixon unilaterally proclaimed him to be a communist. Castro’s subsequent reforms were radical enough to align Cuba with communist party and collide with the Eisenhower Administration. There was the suspension of free elections, socialization of private business and the confiscation of U. S. property.This was followed by the nationalization of businesses which produced staple products such as milk and milk and by-p roducts, sugar, beer, toiletries, textiles and even banks (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 161). Given these internal developments in Cuba, the U. S. Department of State had started to draw up an agreement with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) that would effect the downfall of Castro by using the Cuban faction opposed to him to make it look like an internal act. The situation was more alarming and an insult inasmuch as communism was practically taking root next door.In December 1959, an outline of operations both in covert and propaganda form for the overthrow of Castro was drawn up by the CIA head of Western Hemisphere, J. C. King. A more comprehensive plan was drawn up by Jacob Esterline, former chief of the Guatemala station. On March 17, President Eisenhower approved a paper penned by the CIA entitled â€Å"A Program of Covert Action Against the Castro Regime† and the plan to bring down Castro was underway. People were put in place. David Atlee Phillips was made propagan da chief.He was to run Radio Swan, the station that would be broadcasting propaganda against the Castro government. E. Howard Hunt was made chief of political action with the main task of organizing and preparing the members of the government that will replace Castro’s once it is overthrown. (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 159). By July 1960, Russia and the U. S. were exchanging barbs. The Soviet Prime Minister Nikita Khruschev had declared its support for Castro to which Eisenhower adamantly replied that communism will not be allowed by the U. S.to grow in the Western Hemisphere (Sierra, 2007, par. 7). On October 28, the United States recalled Ambassador Bonsal permanently back to Washington and followed later by officially breaking off all diplomatic relations with Cuba. Cuba soon began to receive arms from the Soviet Union (Telzrow, 21 August 2006, 37+). The incumbent administration’s interest was not only directed on Cuba in 1960. Internally, there was a more immediat e concern on hand. It was campaign period for the Presidential elections. Vice President Richard Nixon was running against the popular Senator John F.Kennedy. He realized the sensitivity of the issue about Castro and communist Cuba and rode to the hilt the American voters’ anti-Castro sentiment and their restlessness towards its resolution. Earlier in the campaign, he was already briefed by CIA Director Allan Dulles on intelligence matters as required by law and this briefing included the confidential information about the training of exiles from Cuba who will be mobilized for an assault on the island. Then, on the eve of a candidate's debate, Kennedy attacked Eisenhower's Cuba policy. He openly called for U. S.support for the exiled anti-Castro forces and further exclaimed that thus far, these exiles had not received any support from the government. Kennedy knew that Nixon will not be able to counter this attack without compromising the secrecy of the plan. Nixon could only criticize Kennedy for the irresponsibility of his statements (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, pp. 160-162). Meanwhile, the plan was steadily materializing. In May 1960, Radio Swan went on the air. Using a powerful transmitter, it broadcasted programs that were actually taped in Miami. The Cuban exiled forces were placed in Guatemala.The incumbent President and dictator of Guatemala, Gen. Miguel Ydigoras owed his position to the CIA for enforcing a covert operation in 1954 against then Guatemalan President Jacobo Arbenz. He thus allowed an airport to be built in his country. Nicaragua’s Anastacio Somoza also provided a training base in his country (LaFeber, 16 April 1966, 537+). The Cuban exiled forces were collectively called Brigade 2506. They were originally being trained off the coast of Florida. Eventually, the size of the brigade grew to about 1,500 soldiers. The Castro government was not turning a blind eye against all these things that were going on.Eventually, Castro had his chance and on September 26, 1960, he addressed the UN General Assembly where he charged the U. S. for setting up a broadcasting station in Swan Island which the U. S. lamely refuted by stating that it was a privately-owned station by a commercial broadcasting company. A month later, Cuba again went on the offensive again in the UN General Assembly this time with the Cuban Foreign Minister Raul Roa providing well-informed details on how the recruitment and training of these exiled forces were allegedly being conducted.In his address, however, he did not call them exiles but as mercenaries and counter-revolutionaries. He stated that they were recruited, paid and sustained by the CIA by providing for them and their families (Sierra, 2007, par. 19). Later, in 2000, during a historic meeting of the personalities involved in the Bay of Pigs invasion, these exiles were once again referred to as mercenaries at which point Fidel Castro corrected him, â€Å"They’re brigadistas† (Dinges, 23 April 2001, 6). It was Castro’s strategy to turn the tide of foreign opinion against the Americans and later we will see how this tactic by Castro proved to be effective.At the interim, a budget of USD13 million was approved by President Eisenhower. He also authorized the use of the Defense Department’s personnel and equipment but pointedly instructed that no American citizen must be used in combat. However, the CIA’s initial attempt at dropping weapons and supplies in Cuba failed miserably. The drop zone was missed and the ground agent was caught and shot (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, 161). On January 1961, President John F. Kennedy took office. After campaigning heavily against lack of action on Cuba, he essentially trapped himself. In LaFeber’s (1986), Kennedyâ€Å"despised Castro and saw himself going head-to-head with Nikita Kruschev over which superpower would control the Third World. He was also passionately committed to a romantic view o f counter-revolutionary operations and feared being labeled as less of an anti-Communist than Eisenhower, whose policies he had blasted only months earlier. So the attack went ahead on the night of April 17† (537+). Before the actual invasion happened, the plan changed several times due to several factors. Kennedy’s Department of State was afraid of the consequential impact on the US relations with Latin America (Lafeber, 1986, 537+).White House adviser Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. remarked that while Kennedy was adamant about not using US soldiers directly, but the CIA acted on the conviction that he will change his mind (Dinges, 2001, 6). Everyone was of the assumption that the Cuban people would all rise spontaneously to get rid of Castro (Lafeber, 1986, 537+). Meanwhile, despite all the efforts to avoid having the US stamp on the exiled forces by having the training camps and airfield in Nicaragua and Guatemala, it was soon evident that the operation did not remain a sec ret for very long.It was even already being discussed within cliques in the UN. On Jan. 11th 1961, the Joint Chief of Staff were consulted for the first time on. From the combined minds of the Department of Defense, the CIA and the JCS, Operation Bumpy Road was born. On Jan. 28th, newly-elected President John F. Kennedy was briefed. The concept of the plan as outlined in the memorandum prepared by two senior CIA officials in charge of the brigade, Jacob Esterline and Jack Hawkins. A small area was to be seized and defended at the initial stage.There will be no more offensive tactics to be done until the expected uprising of the majority of the Cuban people begins or an overt operation by the US forces is (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 164). The landing was already plotted to be in Trinidad, which was in the southern coast of Cuba. This is located near Escambray Mountains. His would be an ideal site for Operation Bumpy Road because of the alternatives that it can offer. The expeditiona ry forces already have the goodwill of the population of Trinidad as the majority is anti-Castro.In case the defense of the landing is compromised, they could turn to Plan B and flee into the mountains. There, a guerilla warfare can be fought. Thus, with this plan in mind, Brigade 2506 trained throughout 1960 under this plan. Richard Bissell, CIA Director of Plans, assessed the plans. He believed that there is a possibility of success such that they might survive and gain support for as long as they hold their ground. If the support from the Cuban people comes, then the US can make overt action plans on the pretense of backing the revolutionaries (Bight & Kornbluh, 1999, p.164). Originally scheduled for Mach 5, 1961, the operation was put on hold until April after examination of all possible alternatives. This was due to the intervention of the State Department for diplomatic and political reasons. The U. S. still believes that it can get away with â€Å"plausible deniability† and Operation Bumpy Road can no way disguise U. S. complicity. Hence, despite argument from Bissel that postponement and possible plan revision will create undue tension and resentment among the brigade members, the March date did not materialize.In fact a revolt by the exiles who were training in Guatemala did occur in late January 1961 with 500 resigning (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 164). Bissell concluded that this plan may be the only one where a covert operation is still possible in bringing down Fidel Castro. National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy was not in accord and instead recommended a trade embargo instead and allow internal rif to reach a boling point before launching the brigade. So, it was a Bumpy Road indeed as the rinidad Plan was rejected.President Kennedy set down his conditions in preparing a new plan. First, it must be a silent landing and it is to be done at night. The CIA then presented three alternatives. There was a revision of the Trinidad Plan, there w as to be a new target for landing which would be the northeast coast and the third alternative would be at the Bay of Pigs codenamed â€Å"Operation Zapata†. The President chose the Zapata Plan liked but with certain changes particularly that it must have the appearance of being more of a guerilla-type of operation.Thus, it was modified to a night landing (instead of a dawn landing) with air drops at first light. Kennedy questions the necessity of the air strikes. A compromise was agreed to limit the air strikes to two days before d-day simultaneous with a diversionary landing of 160 men in Eastern Cuba. These strikes will give the impression that the air strikes are those by Cuban pilots defecting from the Cuban air force and thus further giving lie that its an internal uprising. Bissell also reassures Kennedy that the Cubans on the island will join in an uprising.The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations, Senator William Fullbright did not believe that such tactics will fool anyone. However, a vote from the advisers favored moving ahead (Blight & Kornbluh 1999, 165). Seven days before d-day, Esterline and Hawkins sent notice that they want to quit, that â€Å"the project was out of control† but Bissell prevailed upon them to stay. Three days before the invasion, Kennedy made a statement in a press conference that the US Armed Forces One day before the invasion, the number of plane were reduced from 16 to six planes as ordered by Kennedy to keep it minimal.On April 16, the landing plan was approved by Kennedy. However, fearing international condemnation, Kennedy cancels the dawn air strikes until the beachhead airfield is in the hands of the landing force and completely operational and capable of supporting the raids. Bissell argued unsuccessfully that the landings will be seriously endangered without it. The air strikes were cancelled. Aboard the Blagar, CIA agent Grayston Lynch receives intelligence report that the Cuba air force will strik e, it moves close to shore and delivers gunfire support to the landing troops.The Brigade troops landed at 1’o clock in the morning. Later that morning, the Houston comes under air attack and is hit. Blight and Kornbluh (1999) gives a detailed account: â€Å"It goes aground with about 180 men on the west side of the Bay of Pigs – about five miles from the landing beach. At 9:30 AM, the freighter Rio Escondido is sunk by a direct rocket hit from a Sea Furya â€Å"with ten day's reserves of ammunition on board, as well as food, hospital equipment, and gasoline.All crew members are rescued and transferred to the Blagar. Fighting rages throughout the day, with the brigade freighters withdrawing 50 miles out to sea. That evening, President Kennedy discusses the deteriorating situation with his advisers† (p. 168). On April 18, the Brigade Commander refused a call for evacuation. While at the UN on the same day, Ambassador Adlai Stevenson continued to deny that the Un ited States had intervened militarily in Cuba.Bissell, in direct violation of Kennedy's instructions, authorized American pilots to fly combat missions when a number of the Cuban pilots at Pueto Cabezos refused to fly. On April 19, two planes flown by U. S. pilots were shot down and the pilots killed. The invasion force were captured. About 130 were killed and 1,189 were taken prisoners. Cuba's casualties were about 157. Mass trials were held and the prisoners were each given a sentence of 30 years. Negotiations got underway and after 20 months, most were released in exchange for money, food and medical supplies (Sierra, 2007).In the aftermath, Lymann Kirkpatrick, the CIA Inspector General, issued a report that pointed to Bissell and his aide Tracy Barnes as not having firm plans for the invasion and failed to advise Kennedy that a covert action is not at all possible. Bissell rebutted by issuing a memorandum of his own and putting the blame on Kennedy's withdrawal of the air strike s. On June 13, 1961, General Taylor, head of the Taylor Committee composed on Gen. Maxwell taylor, Atty. General Robert Kennedy, Adm. Arleigh Burke and Dir. Gen.Of CIA Allen Dulles to investigate why the operation failed submits their report to President Kennedy that the operation was ill-considered and it was never ever possible that Zapatacan be run as a covert operation. If a reorientation of the operation had not been possible, the project should have been abandoned. (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 169). Apart from the reports of Kirkpatrick of the CIA and the Taylor Committee, and after more documents relating to the Bay of Pigs invasion surfaced and were declassified, the following can be concluded:– the CIA made decisions on mere assumptions that the people would spontaneously assist in overthrowing Castro (Lafeber, 1986). – they failed to see that the exiles and the supporters were the loud minority while the majority were straddling the fence in a wait-and-see at titude inasmuch as Castro's government was still at its inception and already seemed to have been serious about its reforms in distributing the wealth concentrated on the few during the previous regime which was openly supported by the U.S. – the United States could have lost sympathy from the locals since from 1898, they have exerted great influence over Cuba's internal affairs seemingly to the point of meddling in order to favor American businesses and the invasion was undeniably a US-backed operation the US did not trust its own invading force, not even telling the Cuban exiles the actual day of the invasion. One agent admitted that, â€Å"I don't trust any goddamn Cuban.† (Lafeber, 1986) – aside from being trapped by his own campaign statements, the ongoing cold war forced Kennedy to take immediate if indecisive action in battling Cuba's Castro and ultimately the USSR's Nikita Khrushchev for the Western hemisphere – there were tactical errors such as mistaking for seaweed the Bay of Pigs coral reef which caused the craft to run aground and made the easy marks. – the US underestimated the Castro's security and defenses.In a historic meeting in 2001 between the antagonists and the protagonists in the invasion which was held in Cuba, it was divulged that â€Å"a vast security network had been established and about 20,000 suspected dissidents were rounded up† which effectively squelched US expectations of a mass rebellion. Moreover, the Cuban air forces' better planes were camouflaged and the ones that were destroyed by the pre-d-day strike were decoys. (Dinges, 2001, p. 6).– the CIA strategy is rooted on another assumption that no president, Kennedy included despite his statements against overt operations, will allow the United States to â€Å"go down in ignominous defeat† and will send in the Marines (as related by White House adviser Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. In Dinges, 2001). – there were no CIA broadcasts to announce the invasion (Telzrow, 2006). – from Jack Hawkins himself, Kennedy made the fatal error of placing â€Å"plausible deniability ahead of military viability (Hawkins 1996, p. 36+).It would seem highly improbable that the world's greatest superpower would be defeated by a revolutionary government barely over a year in power. However, that is exactly what Cuba did under Fidel Castro's leadership. On April 19, 1961 Cuba was able to repulse an invasion led by 1,400 commandos of Brigade 2506 who arrived at Playa Giron (Giron Beach) from Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs). Brigade 2506 was US-backed all the way. The planning and training was done by the CIA. They were armed and supplied by the US.It was not a failure of the men of the invasion force who fought valiantly and refused to be evacuated. Given the circumstances surrounding the invasion, it was a â€Å"perfect failure† as it has now been dubbed for the spectacular defeat of the US. Overall, this is mainly due to the arrogance displayed by America and has now been immortalized in the Bay of Pigs. Bibliography Blight, J. G. & Kornbluh, P. (Eds. ) (1999). Politics of illusion: The Bay of Pigs invasion re-examined. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner.Dinges, J. (2001, April 23). Back to the Bay of Pigs. The Nation, 272, 6. Hawkins, J. (1996, December 31). The Bay of Pigs operation was doomed by presidential indecisiveness and lack of commitment. National Review, 48, 36+. Ismael, F. L. (1965). The United States as a world leader. The Book of Knowledge, vol. 9, pp. 3206-3224. New York: Grolier Incorporated. LaFeber, W. (1986, April 19). Lest we forget the Bay of Pigs; the unlearned lessons. The Nation, 242, 537-539. Sierra, J. A. (2007).History of Cuba. Retrieved August 15, 2007, from http://www. historyofcuba. com/cuba/htm. Telzrow, M. E. (2006, August 21). Bay of Pigs betrayal: The betrayal of the Cuba people by the CIA, State Department and staff members of the New York Times ranks as one of the America's darkest foreign-policy moments. The New American, 22, 37-39. Welch. R. E. (1985). Response to revolution: The United States and the Cuban revolution, 1959-1961. Chappel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.

The Art of Stained Glass essays

The Art of Stained Glass essays Many artists place the art of stained glass into the category of minor art. To some artists, the action of making stained glass is a craft, but the final product is viewed, not only as a work of art but also an expression of the artist, the subject they were presenting, and the architecture that held the stained glass. Labeling art as a craft is an insult to the artist; it is a nice way of saying the art is mediocre. The art of stained glass takes an acquired vision. The manufacturing of stained glass windows is extremely labor intensive and costly. It combines skills used in painting and architecture to create a new, eye pleasing art form. In this paper I am going to prove that stained glass is truly art by describing and comparing the works of art in the Cathedral of St. Julien du Mans with other stained glass windows. The art of stained glass came from the Norman and Early English styles. Accidental varieties of color arose from the crudeness of methods of glass manufacturing which originated the idea of applying color to glass. The Cathedral of St. Julien du Mans was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Stained glass belonged wholly to the Christian era. During this time there were no stained glass designers. The Medieval and Byzantine attitude towards the artists was not respectable and they were often taken for granted. They belonged to an accepted order of things. Some artists were the creators the glass and some constructed the windows. To this day, great stained glass artists of the11th-15th centuries can not be named like the artists of paintings and architects. Stained glass artists had great talent, but at the time, were viewed simply as creators of windows and not as the talented artists they were. Artists simply developed and expounded a fundamentally traditional form of art. During the 11th 15th centuries there were many great aspects of stained glass that made...

Self-Publishing Companies What to Expect If It’s Worth it

Self-Publishing Companies What to Expect If It’s Worth it Self-Publishing Companies: What to Expect If It’s Worth it It might not be clear to you yet (we’ll get to it), but you need some help self-publishing your book.I get it. The concept might seem a little crazy right now. After all, it’s called self-publishing, not self-and-a-company-publishing.But the thing isyou don’t know everything you need to in order to self-publish†¦Okay, that’s not true. You don’t know everything you need in order to self-publish successfully.That’s the key here. Do you have what it takes to self-publish and actually achieve the level of success you desire?The truth is that the large majority of self-publishers out there don’t. And we’re going to cover exactly how self-publishing companies can help you bridge this gap.What is a Self-Publishing Company?A self-publishing company is a business dedicated to helping you achieve your desired level of success within your self-publishing journey.They detail the process and streamline otherwise difficult avenues you mi ght not be able to maneuver yourself.But every self-publishing company is different.Here at Self-Publishing School, our mission is to make the process as easy as possible for you while ensuring you do everything you can to succeed the right way.Sure, you can throw your book online with a cover you created in Canva and call yourself a self-published author. But will that yield book sales? Will that give you the authority, recognition, and fulfillment you’re looking for?NOTE: We ARE a self-publishing company and ready to work with you. Join our VIP Self-Publishing Program to go from blank page to published author, all in 90 days. Learn more about it hereHow is a Self-Publishing Company Different than a Traditional Publishing House?Self-publishing companies and traditional publishing houses are completely different in the sense that the former does not publish the book for you, but rather, we help you by providing necessary (crucial!) information about how to complete the proce ss successfully.Traditional publishing houses are where you first land an agent, and then they submit your manuscript, and they take care of the printing/editing/publishing at the expense of your hard earned royalties, of course.Here’s a table detailing the differences between self-publishing companies and traditional publishing.What You GetSelf-PublishingTraditional PublishingSole control of your book's outcomeâÅ"“XSole control of your book's rightsâÅ"“XControl over the storyâÅ"“XControl over the coverâÅ"“X100% of royaltiesâÅ"“XEditing includedXâÅ"“Cover designXâÅ"“MarketingXXDeadlinesXâÅ"“Why Use a Self-Publishing Company?After all, you want to do this yourself, right? Self-publish. But like I mentioned before, you don’t know everything about self-publishing.Do you know the best method for actually writing your book?Do you know exactly how to craft your subtitle and book description to maximize sales?Do you know the best book launch process f or getting your book with the coveted orange â€Å"Bestseller† banner (that also increases your book’s ranking, and sales!)?There is far more to self-publishing than simply hitting â€Å"publish† on Amazon, and without the right process, your book might end up as one of those stereotypical self-published books that sells 3 copies to family members.And that’s why you use a self-publishing company. Someone else has already done the research, the work, and has the experience to guide you through the process.If you’re someone who wants to see real book sales and achieve other goals, like growing a business or becoming a full-time author, then a self-publishing company will help.What You Can Expect with a Self-Publishing CompanyWhat does working with a self-publishing company look like?While not all self-publishing companies are the same or provide the same type of information and training for you, it’s important to understand what you’ll take away from working with one.This is what you can expect when working with a company that helps you self-publish.#1 You keep all rights to your bookUnlike traditional publishing houses, you actually get to keep all the rights to your books.What does this mean?It mean that, when you publish, you are the sole owner of the book and all of its contents. It’s copyrighted under your name and the self-publishing companies will not have any of their information inside of the book (unless you want to thank them for everything they’ve helped you with).This is a major benefit because with self-publishing companies, you can keep the book in print for however long you want.On the flip side, traditional publishing houses can choose when to pull your book from shelves and simply no longer print or sell it. And since you no longer own the rights, you can’t self-publish that book unless you buy the rights back (which some publishing houses don’t even offer you the op tion of).#2 You’ll save timeTime is our most valuable asset. It’s the one thing in our lives we can never get back no matter what.Unless you’re a secret time traveler and have uncovered the secrets of bending and warping time (and if you are, PLEASE SHARE), you have to treat time like it’s precious.One of the biggest perks of using self-publishing companies to help you get your book published is the simple fact that they tell you what needs to be done, when, and how.Not only will you save time actually writing the book (assuming the company gives you instructions on how to write faster, like we do here at Self-Publishing School), but you won’t have to go through the hours upon hours of research in order to get it right.And, you don’t have to waste time making mistakes and adjusting them.#3 You keep 100% of royaltiesEverything you earn, you keep. Now, there may be self-publishing companies out there who require a percentage of your royaltie s, since they helped you, but here at Self-Publishing School dont’ believe in that.After all, you did the work. You put forth the time and effort. This is your book. Therefore, you keep what you actually earn.Aside from what Amazon takes for allowing you to use their platform, 100% of your profit is yours to keep.This is much different than traditional publishing houses in the sense that through them, you’re only pocketing about 10% of royalties (and sometimes even less).#4 You’re kept accountableThe hardship is in the name itself: self-publishing.It’s a very lonely process if you don’t have anyone else going through it with you. And we all know how much easier it is to stay on track when we have someone else rooting for (or hollering at) us.Many self-publishing companies have some sort of progress tracking, coaching, or community to help keep you motivated and working to achieve your dream.How we do that here at Self-Publishing School is through all three of those methods, including a Facebook Mastermind Community with hundreds of dedicated current and past students ready to help.#5 You get coached by expertsAt least here at Self-Publishing School, you do. Not all programs have this perk, and boy is it a perk.Our coaches are all experts in their field. You get one-on-one coaching that allows you to take personalized tips and put them to use in your own publishing journey.Since coaches have been exactly where you are and have come out on top, and maintained book sales themselves, you get a leg up on anyone else doing this without that help.Take a look at one of our amazing coaches, Lise Cartwright, and how she still manages to bring in $4,000 on her self-published books, all while helping our students learn to do the same. Again, not all self-publishing companies offer this service to their students, but if they do, it can help you understand a side of the industry you likely wouldn’t get to see otherwise.#6 You mak e connectionsThis is particularly true for programs that include access to a community of somesort.You never know who you’ll get to know, like, and befriend. These are all like-minded people who are after the same things as you.You can make dear friends, get even more advice when needed, and maintain a sense of purpose when you’re constantly fed motivation from them.#7 You create a bigger impact with your bookWhat’s the reason you’re self-publishing. Why do you really want to get your book out into the world?I’m willing to bet it has something meaningful to you. You want to help others, share information, or show the world a theme or message that’s important to you.By using one of the self-publishing companies out there, you’re able to create a bigger impact with your book.How?Because you will write it better, market it smarter, and sell more. And after all, that’s the point. Right? You want to get as many eyes on it as you po ssibly can.#8 You gain more opportunitiesBecause your book will do better than it would if you didn’t have that outside help, you gain many more opportunities.Becoming a published author places you as an authority in any field you’re writing in. Not only does this help your business grow, if that’s your goal, but it also helps you sell more books through new and better opportunities than you’d have otherwise.Take these students of ours for example:After publishing their books, they have been either contacted or pursued speaking engagements on their own along with other opportunities to grow their book and platform.#9 Your business will growLeveraging your book to grow your business is one of the best methods out there.Chandler Bolt, you know him- the guy who built this 8 figure business from his first bestselling book- swears by it.But he’s not the only expert out there who agrees. Ryan Deiss, CEO of DigitalMarketer, also uses a book to grow his business. You can check out how he does so in the video above, but the point remains: self-publishing is a perfect way to grow your business.And if that’s your goal, then you want to make sure you’re self-publishing for success. Otherwise, your book won’t make nearly as big of an impact on your business, which is why working with a self-publishing company can help.#10 You have a repeatable, successful processMany of our students write multiple books with our program not just one.As one of our favorite author says, if you write one book and you enjoy it, you will write another book.The most successful self-published authors out there are those who write more than one book. Not only do they maintain a steady stream of passive income this way, but since they have a reliable, repeatable process, it makes it easy for them to publish multiple.So long as the self-publishing company you’re working with has lifetime access (like we do), you can hop on and go thr ough the system every time you want to.Plus, imagine how nice it would feel to say, â€Å"Yes, I’m a published author of multiple books.† Has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?Self-Publishing Companies to AvoidNot all self-publishing companies are created equal. Unfortunately, there are some self-publishing companies who only want your money and don’t want to see you succeed.These are some red flags to keep a lookout for when researching self-publishing companies to help you get your book out there.#1 They take a cut of your royaltiesWhy even self-publish if you don’t actually get to keep your hard earned money?This won’t necessarily mean that self-publishing company is a scam or fraudulent in any way. However, it is something to think about and be wary of.You want to make sure you’re actually benefiting fairly for your book’s success. So working with a company that allows you to keep every cent is essential.#2 They make you sign over your book rightsAs mentioned earlier, traditional publishing houses technically â€Å"purchase† your book from you. It’s why you get that nice big (usually not big, though) advance.However, self-publishing companies should not require this. Since you are self-publishing, all of the rights should remains 100% yours.#3 They maintain creative controlObviously, self-publishing companies are meant to help you.That being said, they can certainly offer advice on your book title, subtitle, cover, and even contents, but they should never demand something of your book in order for you to continue with their program.#4 Unrealistic expectationsSelf-publishing is a varied game. No two authors can expect the exact same outcome and your results largely vary on how much you’re willing to work and how well you’re following their program.However, self-publishing companies also shouldn’t guarantee crazy expectations- especially without having the proof t o back it up.Guarantees of making $10,000 in the first month are often unfounded. Look for company promises that you feel good about actually being able to achieve them.#5 There are a large number of complaints onlineNot every self-publishing company can meet everyone’s expectations. Not every single review will be positive and that’s understandable.What you do want to lookout for is a large number of negative reviews, complaints, or claims of fraud or scams. These are certainly something to be wary of, but make sure you research some positives as well. Ready to Self-Publish Your book with THIS Self-Publishing Company?Because we’re ready for you!

How to Write the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Essay 2018-2019

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a technological university established in 1865, located around 50 miles from Boston in Worcester, Massachusetts. Known for its project-based curriculum, WPI features a 95-acre campus and aims to provide its students with quality resources. WPI is ranked #59 by U.S. News and World Report with an acceptance rate of 48% for the Class of 2022. A unique admissions aspect of WPI is the test-optional policy—you need not submit an SAT or ACT score for your application to be considered. However, it is a STEM-based school, so you will need to have taken four years of math, including pre-calculus as an academic requirement. While the college application process may seem overwhelming, don’t worry– is here to help you tackle WPI’s 2018-2019 application! WPI is a school that prides itself on maintaining a global presence with over 40 project centers on 6 continents. Aligning with this aspect is WPI’s admissions essay: one that appears to embody the presence of a world that is growing more and more connected. Do you have an account on a blog website? A YouTube channel? Or maybe you even run your own website? If so, strongly consider providing the URL to it, if you are comfortable doing so. Here are some things you should keep in mind before you submit a URL: When you click on the link to a website, what do you notice first? Probably the interface and how user-friendly it is. If you are maintaining your own website, it will be of utmost importance to ensure that it is accessible. If your parents were handed a laptop with your website on the front screen, would they be able to navigate it? If you don’t think that you can confidently answer ‘yes’ to that question, it would be in your best interest to make updates to your website. For example, let’s say you are running a blog website on running. Instead of having all the different blogs and threads cluttered on one page, it would be helpful to organize them into several tabs or folders. For instance, categories could be Nutrition, Technique, Music, and Miscellaneous. Submit your essay and we’ll get back to you with helpful edits. If you maintain an account on YouTube or a blogging website, ask yourself if your content is appropriate and detailed. Would you be comfortable with your grandparents examining your online presence? Can someone who hasn’t met you glean aspects of your personality from your posts? For example, instead of writing ‘yes.’ as a response to a thread, you can back up your response with more detail. Write about that experience you had at the grocery store. Or maybe something interesting you learned from that Netflix show from the previous night. Of course, if you don’t have an online presence, that is perfectly acceptable; in fact, it’s why this essay prompt is optional! However, you should compensate for this with a strong Common Application essay . Make sure you detail your extracurricular activities so that admissions officers can understand how you contributed to each one, and build close relationships with your teachers so they can provide further insight into who you are as a person. Want help on your Worcester Polytechnic Institute application or essays? Learn about our College Apps Program . Want us to quickly edit your college essay? Submit it to our Rapid Review program , and we’ll get it back to you quickly with comments from our expert team.

Court system has been plagued by increasing numbers of criminal Essay

Court system has been plagued by increasing numbers of criminal defendants - Essay Example However, if it is a serious offence, they are taken to the higher-district or supreme courts for trial (Stojkovic, Kalinich and Klofas 174). However, things might become complicated if the defendant is having a mental illness or is involved in the use of illegal narcotics. Unlike other sound defendants, this class of defendants needs to have a special treatment because of the uniqueness of their conditions. For the legal process to be fair, the mentally ill suspects should be granted an opportunity to ascertain their capability of standing a trial. It is recommended that they be tried in a different way since their condition is so unique. This is necessary because it might have made them vulnerable to committing the criminal acts they are accused of. At the same time, it might make them to be unfit to stand trial in the court of law (Welsh and Harris 82). In this regard, they should either be tried in a specially established drug and mental illness courts; be tried by specially-trained judges; or be tried in the normal courts, but on separate calendar days allocated for them. All these are necessary because they can guarantee them the justice that they require. Unlike the other normal accused persons, those with mental illness or on illegal drugs require a special attention (Council of State Governments 41). For instance, the mentally ill defendants need to be referred to the Mental Health Review Tribunal to determine their capability and direct if they need to become forensic patients to be cared for in the hospital or correctional centers. As a patriot, I am concerned about a crime-free society. If I got a chance, I would contribute towards eliminating criminal activities in the country. If mandated by the Chief Justice to contribute towards the possibilities of trying mentally ill criminals, I will organize my team and conduct an extensive research. This will be done by identifying the target population and actively involving them

Canadian Confederation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Canadian Confederation - Essay Example It extended from the Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and Newfoundland to the Rocky Mountains. When the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 was passed, the region was broken up into five colonies, Canada, Hudson Bay, Acadia, Newfoundland and Louisiana. The War of 1812 established the setup of the 49th parallel to border the U.S.A. This line extended from the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains. Early on in Canada there were many arising conflicts within the colonies between upper and Lower Canada. These conflicts were between the liberals and the Family compact of Upper Canada who were identified as being rabidly conservative. The financial problems that would develop in Upper Canada would eventually lead to what would become known as the Rebellions of 1837. These rebellions would call for Lord Durham to travel from Britain to assess the problem. It wasn't until after the Rebellions of 1837, a succession of Canadian uprisings that happened between 1837 and 1838, that one would propose that the Canadian colonies be made into one province. It was Lord Durham, and he would convince the British Parliament to pass the Act of Union 1840 Ironically, the main opposition to the Confederation of Canada was not from the British Empire but from within Canada from what was identified as the liberal party at the time. In his article, "Toryism, Classical Liberalism, and Capitalism: The Politics of Taxation nd the Struggle for Canadian Confederation" Andrew Smith argues that the issue of taxation was a major conflict in the struggle to form the Confederation among the four original Canadian provinces (Smith, 2008). "Ajzenstat, Smith, and McKay are mistaken about the ideological nature of Confederation. It is far more accurate to describe 1867 as the birth of a 'Tory-interventionist order' in Canada than of a liberal one (Smith, 2008)." He goes on to point out how the main supporters of classical liberal values, free trade, and low taxes were all Anti-Confederates, and the Confederation supporters were more about economic development. He notes that, "In the 1860s, virtually all British North American politicians believed that some form of capitalist society was desirable. Confederation, however, was supported by spokesmen of a particular vision of capitalism that involved extensive state assistance to private business. The opponents of Confederation were neither more nor less pro-capitalist than their opponents. However, they generally supported a less statist variant of capitalism, one in which taxes were kept as low as possible and businesses survived without subsidies (Smith, 2008)." Toryism represented the conservative following in Canada, where as the traditional liberalism of Canada was identified with a 'deep distrust of government' specifically distant governments (Smith, 2008). The classic liberals came to oppose the Confederation when it became very clear in the Quebec Resolutions that the country was moving towards giving Quebec a greater role in economy. In an article published in the March 1865 issue of the Oxford Academic, writer Goldwin Smith who was well known to be a classic liberal, condemned the economic ideas behind the Confederation project. Smith argued that, "by adopting the interventionist philosophy of Alexander Hamilton, the framers of the Quebec Resolutions were forgetting that the relative importance of state initiatives decreases 'while those of voluntary action and spontaneous action

Spending city money on a public library Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Spending city money on a public library - Essay Example It brings people and ideas together. The librarians are as well an important element as they educate people on how to get access to information (Quick et al. 81). A library will offer access to everyone regardless, unlike a club that will only allow certain age bracket or will be accessed by revelers only. A library is an investment in the future of the society because the libraries will offer the programs that can meet the economic needs of a community (Quick et al.67). Thus, it is important for combating the economic downturn. They provide invaluable resources for those seeking jobs as most people can utilize the library to access the internet. Therefore, it helps bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots in matters internet access (Quick et al. 53). This is a very effective service to invest in for public consumption providing positive returns on the investments. Investing in a library is investing in generations of a people. This is because their cognitive ability will be enhanced by the learning they get from this facility. And not to mention, education is power. How successful can a society be with this access to information? It is the best place to invest public

How is Entropy and Information Gain Theory used in Coding Theory Research Paper

How is Entropy and Information Gain Theory used in Coding Theory - Research Paper Example In a communication arrangement, two sources of coding are evident, the first one is the source coding, which focuses on efficiency provision of digital presentation from source signal. Secondly, we have the channel coding mainly the error-control coding which is for the provision of reliable communications through noisy channels (Ashikhmin, Barg & Dimacs 47) In coding theory, entropy and information gain theory offers various roles. Firstly, it is concerned with data reduction, which happens mostly studying a given task and coming across extra material called side information. This will result to the need of data reduction. Therefore, appliance of entropy and information will be of pronounced meaning because it will lessen the extra information. This theory can also interpret the extra information to represent context or situation information (Roth 6). Secondly, entropy and information theory concerns the determination of indecision that is allied with the given information. For exam ple, if certain specific information is on conduction and this theory happens to known it before the transmission of that material, it will lead to the failure of that information going through transmission. Entropy focuses on maximization during the equiprobable of meanings thus determining vagueness (Roth 7). Thirdly, this theory promotes intelligence and application of secrecy to information. These concepts mostly apply to cryptography compounded with cryptanalysis (Roth 7). It focuses on the redundancy of plaintext by giving the least quantity of ciphertext ensuring exceptional decipherability. Here information theory makes us be certain that it is hard to keep any secret (Golomb, Peile & Scholtz 202). Fourthly, entropy and information gain theory deals with the gathering of unpolluted disciplines, which have already gone through investigation and transformed to engineering practice. It deals with very broad applications thus the vitality of coding theory. Fifthly, this theory i s important when it comes to â€Å"error-correcting codes† in computers with high-speed memories (Cover & Thomas 13). These codes are of vital use when it comes to enhancing the reliability of computer memories. Here the computers contain unusual features that are rarely in communication applications. These errors are due to encoding, decoding, and uncommon type of errors. When this occurs, the entropy and information gain theory are able to detect double error appearing at the same time, correcting the single errors (Cover & Thomas 13). Source coding theory is about well-organized demonstration of given data that are from a certain information source (Gray 34). For example when it is an image-coding, achieving source coding can be through manipulating terminations of that image. To attain â€Å"noiseless source coding†, the measures of given information and its complexity should be observed. Central to this, the entropy and information theory is of application when it comes to detection of total information. This theory also helps when it comes to arithmetic coding compounded with statistical modeling (Kannappan 174). Arithmetic coding avoids assigning certain bit of given patterns to the original source symbol. In entropy and information theory, a connotation with a code is given and it concludes the order of symbol. These code words have sub intervals showing the disparity

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Assignment Example Globalization has brought the much-needed change. Robert Wright defined globalization as the control of America’s political and economic empowerment. Through globalization, individual have more wealth and are freer than they were many years ago when they were still fighting to gain that much-needed freedom (Wright 1). Globalization, according to Wright, was the spreading of values and beliefs across the borders of America, and that it had started way before the advanced technological development began. According to Wright, globalization has come with many disadvantages in that the use of communication devices such as phones has helped terrorist commit crimes. The terrorists have become more organized and more dangerous since they can use these communication devices to organize attacks and converse among themselves. He says that the terrorists have used the Internet to their own advantage, and it is due to this globalization that terrorists have based their reasons for their at tacks (Wright 2). It is also through this same process that the weapons they are using are more complicated and lethal. Wright argues that globalization has brought the act of crime to another level. Wrights also says that globalization is a damaging existence. ... He believes that it is the moral revolution that prevents America from becoming the downfall of globalization. Wright feels that globalization was the start of something that was uncontrollable. He fears that the stability that the United States is looking to accomplish with the process of globalization will not be achieved since there are still terrorist attacks that hinder such development. He says that it is through globalization that there is the availability of new weapons, new methods of crime, and there is the free movement of goods and services (Wright 2). Though globalization is a means to procure moral knowledge and usefulness, Wright thinks that globalization has brought tension among countries, particularly the United States and the Islamic community. Wright argues that with globalization, social class has emerged and there has been the rise of racism. The only way that individuals can coexist peacefully without harming each other is when liberty and security are combined . Only then will people live peacefully. The choice on whether globalization will make or break individuals and America is in the people’s hands (Wright 1). According to Kaplan, globalization is the main cause of development in the world. Globalization is about becoming modern, urbanized and free. He argues that development leads to evolution and that poverty derails the course that is the goal for development. He claims that the revolutions that were in Mexico and France were followed by economic growth and development, the rise in population due to this revolution and urbanization. His vision is that countries such as Brazil, China and Indonesia will be more economically able and

Traumatic Gun shot wounds from 7.62mm and effect on lower limbs Essay

Traumatic Gun shot wounds from 7.62mm and effect on lower limbs - Essay Example It is then imperative that modalities in medicine be upgraded to combat man’s health opponents. Researches and studies in science have been very useful and relevant in conquering the battle against illnesses which commends the utilization of a wide range of treatment modalities from simple techniques to intricate equipments. Accidents or illnesses involving blood loss may lead to hemorrhagic shock which is life threatening. Although our body has its own mechanics in counteracting instability, a profound and in many cases, chronic illnesses may lead to exhaustion of the body’s system thus failing its purpose in maintaining equilibrium. Wound repair is the attempt of the tissues that are damaged to return to their normal activity and architectural and mechanical integrity after the damage. More often than not perfect restoration of fluid loss, prevention of infection, reinstating previously normal flow of blood and the lymphatic system is not achieved due to the necessi ty and rush to go back to and perform its function especially if the injury is severe and diffuse. Regeneration on the other hand refers to flawless restoration of the previous tissue structure without formation of a scar. While regeneration is the aim of wound healing, it only happens during embryonic growth and development and in lower forms of organisms. A fundamental concept in wound healing in humans is that all injured tissues pass with in the similar sequence of processes which are assigned into definite phases. Yet, these activities in each stage may coincide within the same time in a single wound. Every wound assumes the fundamental phase of wound repair. Acute wounds undergo the organized and well-timed process of repairing in order to attain long lasting structural and functional restoration of the tissue. Meanwhile, chronic wounds do not undergo to re-establishment of its functional integrity rather restoration is delayed in the inflammatory phase due to several causes a nd do not advance to the last phase (Townsend, et al., 2007). Hemostasis is defined as blood loss from a damaged blood vessel. In the setting of a severely injured or ruptured vessel the process of hemostasis can be accomplished by various methods: constriction of the vessels affected, organization of platelets to form a plug, creation of a blood clot with the virtue of blood coagulation, and eventually, production of fibrous tissue within the to permanently seal the gap in the blood vessel (Guyton & Hall, 2006). Each of the mechanics of hemostasis act in sequence but are also interconnected so as to promote multiple reinforcement to the area of impairment. Instantly after a trauma to a vessel, the injury to the wall of the blood vessel results to contraction of the wall which is in turn caused by reflexes, local spasms, and local platelet factors especially the thromboxane A2 which is a potent vasoconstrictor. In effect, the blood flow from this vessel is decreased. The contraction can last from a few several minutes to few hours in which the next step of forming a platelet plug can be initiated. If the injury to the vessel is very minute, the cut is usually blocked by a platelet plug instead of a blood clot. These little cuts in the blood vessels happen daily. The next hemostatic mechanism is the formation of the blood clot which starts to form within the first 15 to 20 seconds after the trauma, if the injury to th

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Assignment Example Globalization has brought the much-needed change. Robert Wright defined globalization as the control of America’s political and economic empowerment. Through globalization, individual have more wealth and are freer than they were many years ago when they were still fighting to gain that much-needed freedom (Wright 1). Globalization, according to Wright, was the spreading of values and beliefs across the borders of America, and that it had started way before the advanced technological development began. According to Wright, globalization has come with many disadvantages in that the use of communication devices such as phones has helped terrorist commit crimes. The terrorists have become more organized and more dangerous since they can use these communication devices to organize attacks and converse among themselves. He says that the terrorists have used the Internet to their own advantage, and it is due to this globalization that terrorists have based their reasons for their at tacks (Wright 2). It is also through this same process that the weapons they are using are more complicated and lethal. Wright argues that globalization has brought the act of crime to another level. Wrights also says that globalization is a damaging existence. ... He believes that it is the moral revolution that prevents America from becoming the downfall of globalization. Wright feels that globalization was the start of something that was uncontrollable. He fears that the stability that the United States is looking to accomplish with the process of globalization will not be achieved since there are still terrorist attacks that hinder such development. He says that it is through globalization that there is the availability of new weapons, new methods of crime, and there is the free movement of goods and services (Wright 2). Though globalization is a means to procure moral knowledge and usefulness, Wright thinks that globalization has brought tension among countries, particularly the United States and the Islamic community. Wright argues that with globalization, social class has emerged and there has been the rise of racism. The only way that individuals can coexist peacefully without harming each other is when liberty and security are combined . Only then will people live peacefully. The choice on whether globalization will make or break individuals and America is in the people’s hands (Wright 1). According to Kaplan, globalization is the main cause of development in the world. Globalization is about becoming modern, urbanized and free. He argues that development leads to evolution and that poverty derails the course that is the goal for development. He claims that the revolutions that were in Mexico and France were followed by economic growth and development, the rise in population due to this revolution and urbanization. His vision is that countries such as Brazil, China and Indonesia will be more economically able and

Enchantment and Exploitation Essay Example for Free

Enchantment and Exploitation Essay The pages of human history daubed in bloodshed related to conflicts of culture, race, and territorial ambitions coupled with economic interests, ask the crying question. How to make this Planet Earth heaven like? The answer is simple and straightforward. Eyes full of understanding, hearts full of love and mutual respect for each other’s way of life-enough, these alone are enough! The history of northern New Mexico is the example of the abovementioned exploitative behavior of successive waves of settlers. The mindless, aggressive and violent deeds relating to the historical past to defeat and unsettle the natives and destruction of the forest wealth, have created a new issue of environmental problems. The living style of the natives was one of deep respect for the Nature, imbibed with their own spiritual values. Nothing much is known about the people who lived in high Sangres. The archeologists and the intellectuals of the modern materialistic civilization fail to appreciate the modes and contented living styles of the native people. â€Å"They were gatherers and hunters whose closest cultural contacts lay with the Oshara tradition of the Desert Culture, centered to the west. Their living arrangements were flexible and mobile. They had few possessions, built most of their shelters to last only weeks or months, and irregularly congregated in groups of several dozen or dispersed in small family bands†(deBuys,William,1985,p,31) They wandered from place to place, were part-time agriculturists by profession. What they produced, like maize, squash, beans in canyon bottoms was less than adequate to meet their family needs. They protected themselves against flood, drought and other hazards with their traditional methods. The prime task of an aggressor is to take possession of as much land as is possible to establish a firm foot holding. Such people will employ every mean method to subdue the original settlers, legally if possible, illegally if necessary. History is the witness— there are always black sheep among the natives who are willing to betray the interests of their brethren for corrupt considerations. When the so-called moral and principled Americans came to this new land, they found the conditions favorable for them. â€Å"By exploiting the discordances between Spanish and American codes of law, Anglo speculators, often assisted by native New Mexican ricos and politicos, managed to buy up many tens of thousands of acres of valuable land grants for very little money.†(deBuys, p, 171) The civilized man needs to know that he can become master of his environment temporarily and then get ready to face the disastrous consequences. But the aggressors succeeded in stripping most of the Territory’s Hispanic villagers of their patrimony and their main source of wealth. Land disputes led to bitterness, rivalry and troubles in New Mexico even now. When people abuse land, whether it is in the backward Mexico hill range, or the forward America, the results are the same—inviting disaster for the life of humanity and the livestock as a whole. Nature does not condone its exploitation. â€Å"Through the late 1800s similar die-offs of livestock, caused always by a combination of overstocking, range deterioration, and bad weather, became common throughout the West. And in parallel fashion, westerners rapidly cut down their mountain forests in order to build towns, prop mine tunnels, and lay thousands of miles of railroad track.†(deBuys, p, 235) The modern man is not willing to experience himself as part of nature but as competitive outside force, destined to dominate it and conquer.   He does not realize that if he wins the battle against the nature he will soon find himself on the losing side. Look what happened in USA, a country that boasts of modern civilization. In the Civil War years, appalling conditions prevailed in California. Cattle and sheep perished in thousands, when nothing was left after overgrazing the rangelands and the perennial grasses was totally destroyed. Arizona, Wyoming, Montana and other cattle-growing regions did not learn lessons from the events in California. Man, whether savage or civilized, is a child of nature and this fact should be understood and accepted before it is too late, when the nature begins to react. The end of the natural resources is not the end of the story. With the deterioration of environment, the civilization declines. The wise saying goes, â€Å"civilized man has marched across the face of the earth and left a desert in his footprints.† Americans, Anglo speculators, assisted by the local rich class, destroyed the natural resources in Mexico. Usable timber was burnt, forested valleys and hillsides were systematically destroyed.   They killed most of the wide life. And finally the exploitation of the area reached the non-sustainable level and elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly bear, ptarmigan and pine marten were totally extinct. The protective topsoil was eroded. The resultant silt reached reservoirs, streams, irrigation canals, and harbors. They followed the road to ruin and it resulted in deep fissures within the conquering society and the natives. Historical records mainly contain accounts of battles, exploits of the kings and queens, their grandeur and wealth etc. They should have studied the historical importance of geography! The land use was an important factor on which destinies of civilizations and empires were largely determined. The existing competition among the various sections of the society for employment is another addition to the historical list of problems. The differences in the Anglo and Hispanic cultures on the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico have not been ironed out totally up to his day. The three principle cultures, Anglo, Hispanic and Native American continue to be at loggerheads on many issues related to their interests. At the same time there is awareness among these groups about the advantage of living in unity amongst the cultural diversity. One of their common causes is ecology. Restoring the balance in the natural resources is everybody’s concern for which a solid framework is worked out. When you take care of the mountains, they will take care of all races of humanity in more than one way, irrespective of their historical backgrounds and the present conflicts. With such a restoration process in swing, the past wounds of the natives will heal to some extent and they stand vindicated as for their custom and traditions of accepting nature in utter reverence. Any boastful materialistic achievements of the 2000s should not prevent the native people of northern New Mexico to fight to respect and hold on to their history, land and cultural way of life. Conclusion: The wise saying goes—every action has the reaction and the intensity of the reaction is in proportion to the intensity of the action. The spiritualist and the scientist, both agree on this issue. Whenever the human being tried to define nature, it has co-operated, as for his investigative genius. Whenever he tried to defy nature, is has invariably awarded him with appropriate punishment. Economic ambitions are good servants, but they are bad masters; the man will destroy the natural flora and fauna at his own peril! The environmentalists need to go through the history of the Life and Hard Times of a New Mexican Mountain Range for a while.   The examination of the historical facts will highlight the increasing exploitative behavior of successive waves of settlers that resulted in disastrous consequences. Having done the worst, it is now time to find solutions to the region’s environmental problems. References: deBuys, William: Book: Enchantment and Exploitation: The Life and Hard Times of a New Mexico Mountain Range Paperback: 416 pages Publisher: University of New Mexico Press; 1 edition (September 1, 1985) Language: English ISBN-10: 0826308201 ISBN-13: 978-0826308207