Gay Marriage Persuasive Essay

When taken at face value, many Americans would not think that forbidding gay couples to marry affects them. What many fail to recognize is that these kinds of discriminatory laws reach out and touch every life in this country. For a nation to intentionally and blatantly tell one group of people that they are not entitled to the same rights and protections as other groups of people sheds a dark shadow on the rest of the nation. If the government can interfere so wholeheartedly into the lives of those it is supposed to serve, then none of us are safe.Very few people actually understand why gay marriage is an issue. The overwhelming trends of â€Å"changing values†, abandoning religion, and the adaptation of new lifestyles have brought this issue to the forefront. So, if everyone is so against gay â€Å"marriage†, the nation needs to extend the rights of marriage to gays, even if it means that it needs to be done under a different title. The Legislative Branch is responsib le for making the laws which govern the country. It is never possible to please all of the people, but fairness is always an option.While the traditionalists and religious majority are claiming that â€Å"Marriage is a holy union between a man and a women with vows taken before god† (â€Å"Same Sex Marriage? â€Å"); the government needs to find a position somewhere in the middle of protecting the traditional marriage, and allowing for equal rights and protections for all of its citizens. When the government stepped in and became a part of â€Å"marriage†, they essentially needed to remove the religious aspects of it in order to adhere to the long standing policy of â€Å"separation of church and state†.This was never done, and because it was never a problem, it has remained a government/religious union that many felt the need to protect because of the religious attachments. Well, it is a problem now. There are hundreds of thousands of American citizens being denied rights and protections because while they are a strong and powerful part of our population, they are still heavily outnumbered by the religious majority seeking to protect the institution of marriage.To see what must be done by the legislature to right the wrongs done by anti-gay legislation, one must understand the history of this battle and the causes for the recent influx of gay marriage supporters. This battle has been raging since the 1970’s when gay individuals first started questioning why they were not allowed to get married. At that time, most reasoned that they (gays) would just go away, that they were just looking to have the wedding, but cared little about actually being married.No one could have guessed that forty years later, the â€Å"gay† population would be doubled in size, the American idea of the â€Å"traditional family† would be drastically changed, the religious majority would be experience a major power shift, and that our supreme c ourt would be hearing these cases on a regular basis. If one were to ask the opponents of gay marriage how we got to where we are today, they would likely respond with some kind of comment regarding the demise of the traditional family, or how integrative teaching has changed the expectations of marriage (Sharp 71).Those with a more liberal view may state that, throughout the years, science has opened the eyes of many to be more understanding of homosexuality and may therefore link it to a better tolerance for progressive ideas towards gay marriage (Bornman 30-33). The increase in the size of the â€Å"gay community† has made this an issue that must be addressed. In the 1970’s when the gay marriage debate began, it was fueled mainly by gay males, and lesbian females only. Since then, the â€Å"gay community† has increased to include gay men, lesbian women, bisexual men and women, and the transgendered community.The additions of these groups to the supporters of gay marriage, has called for a numbers increase of great magnitude. An example of this increase can be shown based on statistical data (still widely viewed as an estimate only) obtained by the Williams Institute at the UCLA school of law; in 2011 there 9 million (3. 5% of the population) that identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender. When this number is broken down, it is reported that only 1. 7% of this 3. 5% are identified as gay men or lesbian women (Gates 1). That is less than half of the people.This increase has led to stronger lobbying and more strength in numbers. The legislature cannot simply ignore the needs and wants of 3. 5% of the American population. Another significant cause of this increase in support for gay marriage can only be described in â€Å"the changing times†. (Sharp 71) History has shown that conservative attitudes have changed dramatically throughout the years. Just looking at the basic ways of life for example can attest to the change in a ttitudes. In the 1950’s life was centered around the family.The wife stayed home, cooked, cleaned, and tended to the children. There were various images of the â€Å"perfect housewife† plastered all over the media- a smiling perfectly kept woman waiting at the door wearing an apron and holding a steaming hot turkey on a platter all while kissing her husband as he walks through the door from a hard day’s work. That was the image of the family that was portrayed and lived. Divorce was rare and those leading any lifestyle other than the mainstream norm, were frowned upon and shunned from communities. Obviously this is not the picture of life today.More mothers are working outside of the home. The term â€Å"latchkey kids† is now the norm. Divorce rates are at an all-time high, with single mothers never having been married to their children’s fathers being considered normal. Obviously the American opinion of family and normal has changed, thus changing the opinions of who can be a normal family as well. A very concerning concept is that a vast majority of the groups that are fighting to keep the ban on gay marriage, are traditionalists and religious based groups. (â€Å"Same Sex Marriage?†)As a country founded to escape religious persecution, it is highly concerning that in 2011, the opinions of the religious majority are still governing our nation. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, the percentage of the population identifying as â€Å"Christian, Catholic, Baptist, or Protestant† (the four largest religious groups in the nation) has declined from 86% in 1990, to 76% in 2008 (U. S. Census 2011 61). In addition to this, the percentages identifying as â€Å"No religion, Atheist, or Agnostic† increased from 8% in 1990, to 15% in 2008 (U. S. Census 2011 61).It can be speculated that based on the above mentioned â€Å"rule by the religious majority†, that the decline in religious individuals in America, coupled with the rise of those claiming to carry no religious beliefs, has helped the trend of supporters for gay marriage increase. An important fact that needs to be established is that gay marriage is not illegal. Each individual state has the right to create laws to govern their people. Throughout the years as couples attempted to secure marriage licenses that would recognize their same sex partnerships, states began passing statutes that define marriage as a union between man and woman.Some states determined long ago that it was wrong to discriminate and therefore, they should allow gays to be married. (â€Å"National Conference of State Legislatures†) Other states have given the title â€Å"domestic partnership† or â€Å"civil union† to the union between same sex couples. This will allow them to be placed on the same insurance policies and even in some cases file state taxes together, but little other benefits are afforded to these types of unions, and the big question is â€Å"why are these unions allowed but only under a different title? †. This calls to question the obvious. Why are the gays fighting for marriage?Some states recognize it, so they can just go there and get married (or participate in a civil union ceremony) then go home to their states and live their lives. It makes sense in theory but the big problem is that while these states have taken the steps to allow equal protections to all of their citizens, the federal government refuses to recognize these marriages- essentially rendering them invalid. It is because of this, that the solution must lie in the hands of the Federal Government, if they do not make the change, then any change made will be insignificant and superficial at best.In 1993 the Hawaiian Supreme Court ruled that denying marriage to same sex couples was unconstitutional. Uproar spread throughout the country as fear grew that this ruling would open the floodgates allowing gay marriage to be legal everywhere. As a precautionary move, in 1996 President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act into legislation. This put a federal ban on gay marriage, and is really where the battle begins. (â€Å"National Conference of State Legislatures†) In 2009 at the 111th congress, a bill was entered as a proposal to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.This act was called the Respect for Marriage Act. After some bureaucratic push and pull, in March 2011, this act was signed into legislation- officially ending the government’s long standing ban on state recognized same sex marriage. (â€Å"National Conference of State Legislatures†) While this act does not directly legalize or recognize gay marriage at the federal level, it does take away the only standing legal defense that federal courts were able to use in the many cases waged to allow gay couples to have the same rights as heterosexual couples.It is a move in the right direction for lawmakers to finally end the decades long discrimination of gay individuals and couples. While the apparent causes for the influx in gay marriage support is obvious, those not involved in the battle should understand why it is an issue that needs to be solved. Marriage is not only a union made between two people, but it comes with several rights and â€Å"rewards† that are afforded only to married couples. There is the obvious tax break that is available to those filing â€Å"Married† on their federal income tax returns.The amount of money varies greatly depending on income, but it is a financial break nonetheless. There is also the issue of insurance, both health and life. While most states allow those in â€Å"domestic partnerships† to be placed on each other’s insurance, this is not guaranteed by all states and in all circumstances. This means that a gay couple cannot be on each other’s insurance. There are also issues of parenting and adoption. Each state has a different variety of laws, though some do not allow those not married to become adoptive parents.A very large and concerning issue is that of Social Security Survivor Benefits. If a man or woman works all of their lives and pays into the Social Security system and then dies, the money is left to no one because the Federal Government refuses to accept the legal marriages performed in individual states. (â€Å"Center For American Progress†) According to the Center for American Progress, there is a total of â€Å"1,138 federal statutory provisions classified to the United States Code in which marital status is a factor in determining or receiving benefits, rights, and privileges.† (â€Å"Center For American Progress†)That is a total of 1,138 rights and benefits that require a legal marriage to be considered; which is also a total of 1,138 rights and benefits currently being denied to American citizens. The effects are obviously endless, and the solution should be obvious. To properly come up with a solution to this problem, the government must look at the opinions of the majority, coupled with the rights of the minority and find a happy medium.If the government removed all ties to the term â€Å"marriage†, it would then be enabling the religious majority to continue protecting the â€Å"holy union† they so desperately feel the need to protect. This solution would require very little funding, or extreme measures, rather would just take some tricky new wording of the laws to cast a new shadow of fairness upon the nation. This idea makes plenty of sense when you break it down. In order for any man and women to legally be married, they must go to the clerk of court for their locality, and obtain a marriage license.This marriage license is a legal document signed by an employee of a government agency, therefore making marriage a government institution instead of a religious one. There is no currently no requirement that makes it mandatory to g et married in a church, or by a member of a church, which goes to reason that a couple can be married without their union being religious. So the government must then decide, do we strip the traditionalists and religious groups of their â€Å"holy union† and create an uproar which will no doubt further clog the courts with cases seeking a repeal?Or should we remove our ties to this union and create our own union that is available to all citizens and would therefore afford them all of the protections and benefits of being â€Å"married†. When it is put this way, the answer is obvious. The federal government can rearrange the terminology of the laws in place today and replace all of the use of the term â€Å"marriage† with a new term. It could be â€Å"civil union† for example. This would, in turn, allow all men and women in the United States to enter into this type of union, and be protected by all laws that â€Å"marriage† currently affords to thos e married.The traditionalists and religious individuals that want to desperately protect the â€Å"sanctity of marriage† can still do so without having any infringement on their religious beliefs. They can still participate in marriage ceremonies but instead of picking up a â€Å"marriage license† they would need to also obtain a â€Å"civil union license† in order to have their marriage protected by the government. While this idea may put most of the opposition at bay by allowing them to keep their â€Å"marriage†, others who were not previously opposed to gay marriage might consider it too much of a change.For a country that has been â€Å"getting married† for hundreds of years, it is unreasonable to expect all of the people to suddenly change their way of thinking. To start having â€Å"civil union planners† instead of â€Å"wedding planners†, for example, is just asking too much of the people. The government must then ask the peop le, â€Å"is asking the American people to change their normal ways of thinking to allow for their fellow men and women to be treated fairly under the law really asking too much? † When it is a matter of something being too hard, or too much change; individual rights and freedoms should always come first.Our constitution was drafted in such a way to allow for future leaders to change or amend it as the changing needs of the nation are being met. There was a time when women were not allowed to vote. It had to be a big change for the people to suddenly change everything into such a way that would allow women to vote. There were times when whites were allowed to keep segregated from blacks and to deny blacks the use of public institutions. Laws were written to change these practices as well. People fought and died over the implementation of this new legislation, but it was put in place nonetheless.The government has asked a lot more of the people in regards to changing popular w ays of thinking, and all was done in the name of equality. In 2011 this should be an easy task to accomplish. As stated earlier in this essay, times have changed, views are more liberal. Yes it will be an adjustment, but it will be one that will benefit all people eventually. The ideas as to why gay marriage has now become an issue in the forefront of American politics are endless. The effects of the constant denial of rights to American citizen are obvious and in devastating numbers.There is a plausible solution to the problem that will protect not only the wants, but the needs of several different groups of citizens. The resolution of those against it is so strong, as is that of those that carry favorable beliefs. The government has taken steps- both large and small to afford more protections to more people, but it hasn’t been enough. There needs to be new laws written, ones that can allow for all people to feel as though they are American and deserve American freedom. Stud ies have been done, research compiled, statistics published, and only one answer has been derived. Gay marriage is an issue, and it will not go away.

Mulatto: Black People and Son Essay

Race, class and gender have been a topic for most books that have been written. A lot of books talk about these topics because it is something most people face. Whether you’re at work and can’t get a promotion because of your gender, excluded from a place because of your class or hated because of your race. Know matter what you will be faced with one if these topics in your life time. Dorothy Allison’s Bastard out of Carolina deals with these issues in a very intriguing way. She uses them to keep the story flowing and keep the reader interested. In the novel BOC, Allison uses race, class and gender in a very stereotypical way. The story of Bone takes place in a time where race was a conservational topic. You can say America was split in two groups, the whites and blacks. If you were black life was not easy. Black people were discriminated against. Even though slavery was over the black nation was not accepted by the white people. Racism means Discrimination or prejudice based on race (2). This word was not really used in this book because the narrative was Bone, a white girl. When Bone would visit Aunt Alma’s apartment she would come to face black children. There and then is when the stereotypes of black people started. The grown up’s in Bone had nothing good to say about the niggers that lived by Aunt Alma. â€Å"Running off with a man’s children, living in the dirty place with niggers all around. My little girls having to go up those stairs past those nigger boys. My wife walking the street past those peckerwoods! † (Allison 89). The family really did not approve of Aunt Alma living around black people. They were thought to be dirty and uncivilized people. Black people were also thought to be stupid and worthless. Bone was young at the time and did not know what to think about them. But she did not feel the same as her elders. Instead she made friends with them and learned to like them. I think Allison is trying to show the innocence of a child. Most kids are caring and loving until they are taught to hate. Bone grew up in a poor family. They would be considered in today’s society as trailer trash. The stereotype of poor white folks was present in Bastard out of Carolina. Anne and Glen did not really have money so it was hard to support the kids. They basically lived with very little. They couldn’t settle down at one house so they moved from one run down house to another. A lot of the characters described in this book had a lot of resemblance to what we would consider a red neck. For instance Uncle Travis has a big Chevy. Bone says it was jacked up so high that it easily cradled little kids or pregnant woman (Allison 1). Almost all the boys in the family had trucks. That’s typical for a red neck. Bone describes the Boatwright men as rugged, kind of dirty strong boys. They loved to fight and drink beer. The Boatwright family was big which again stereotyped poor white families. Also poor people are known to have kids out of wedlock. That was the situation Bone was. She was born out of wedlock and she never knew who her father was. That is the significance of the title Bastard out of Carolina. Gender also played a big role in this novel by Dorothy Allison. The male and female gender played a very distinctive role. In the Boatwright family the men are thought to be the physically strong. They take care of the family. They get into fights and are feared by a lot of people in town. Women of that time were supposed to stay at home cook and clean. They were supposed to wait for their husbands and never talk back. But I think Allison reversed the stereotype about women by making the Boatwright women very different. Most of them had jobs and were supporting them self’s. Aunt Raylene and Aunt Alma were some of the girls that lived by themselves. The women were strong too and they stuck together. Another way gender played a role was the relationship between Anne and Glen. From all the Boatwright women Anne was the weakest one. In the relationship Glen basically controlled Anne. Every time he did something bad she would end up forgiving him. Even after she found out he has been beating Bone she forgave him. Glen had all the power and Anne couldn’t do anything because she loved him. Bastard out of Carolina faces issues about race, class and gender. Allison builds a world where all these issues are faced. Through the main character Bone, we see how race, class and gender affect her and her family. Race played a role when Bone meets black people for the first time and instead of judging them she became friend with them. The Boatwright’s social status is not the best but they are feared by the community. They are considered poor and red necks. The last big issue that is seen in BOC is gender. Allison changed things up by making the women in the family stronger and more independent than other women of that time. In the end I think Allison decided to stereotype race, class and gender to show us it makes things worse then they already are. Work Cited 2 entries found for racism. 2003. Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. 19 Feb. 2006 http://owl. english. purdue. edu/handouts/research/r_mla. html Allison Dorothy. Bastard out of Carolina. New York. Penguin Group. 1993.

Explain the Differences between Mass Tourism and Alternative Tourism Essay

Explain the Differences between Mass Tourism and Alternative Tourism and Discuss the Extent to which each Can Benefit Local Comm - Essay Example Mass tourism refers to an uncontrolled type of tourism, where tourists use up non-renewable natural resources. The adverse consequences are caused by â€Å"overpopulated, inundated resorts, and social problems with tourists confined to their golden ghettos and locals to their impoverished conditions† (Encyclopedia of Tourism 2000: 20). The excesses of mass tourism culminated in the development of alternative tourism based on ethical, ideological and political principles, with dynamic and innovative solutions for situations having dangerous implications for the future. Thesis Statement: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences between mass and alternative tourism, and whether each can benefit local communities. National resources including culture and heritage are the main assets of tourism; hence social and environmental well-being are considered to be more important than economic well-being. Mass tourism is mainstream, and the authorities have been consider ing whether alternative forms of tourism would be more sustainable than mass tourism. â€Å"Ecotourism, particularly community-based ecotourism, is becoming the mainstay of alternative tourism development in less developed countries (LDCs)† (Hashimoto 2002: 83). ... It also sustains indigenous lifestyles, and provides incentives for wildlife conservation besides other natural resources. On the other hand, mass tourism creates environmental havoc, â€Å"adulterates and debases indigenous cultures, and brings unsightly development, pollution, and environmental degradation† (Knox and Marston 2003: 321). In the Caribbean, sewage has polluted coastal waters, and poisoned mangrove trees, while boats and divers have damaged coral reefs. In the European Alps, tourists ten times greater in number than the local population have ripped up forests, obliterated pastures, and covered scenic valleys with hotels and other facilities. Cooper, Fletcher, Fyall et al (2008) reiterate that environmental impacts of mass tourism include high-rise hotels on beach frontages, and other constructions. Additionally, tourism activities can overdraw scarce natural resources such as water for swimming pools and other facilities. Environmental impacts of weeding chemica ls used in golf courses, besides fertilizers, pesticides and other treatments, are high. Further, transportation networks and leisure activities such as using snowmobiles add to the noise and air pollution. Air transport and local level tour buses and other vehicles add to the environmental pollution. Hence, â€Å"greater commitment is required from the tourism industry† (Jenner & Smith 1992: 5) to reduce environmental degradation which reduces tourism profits to host communities, besides causing depletion of natural resources. . A study conducted by Gursoy, Chi and Dyer (2010) examined local residents’ attitudes toward development of mass tourism and alternative tourism, in Sunshine Coast, Australia. Community support for either type of tourism

Macro Econ Discussion Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Macro Econ Discussion Questions - Assignment Example Airport security is not a public good since it is exclusionary and only individuals within the airport premises enjoy the security. If smoking generates external costs, it should not be outlawed but a sales tax should be introduced to cater for the external costs. Similarly, in the case of cars pollution, toll taxes on roads or unit taxes on fuel can be introduced to cover for the social costs of the pollution. Â  If the total price of the products produced in an economy increase more than proportionately compared to the reduction in the quantity produced, then GDP will increase. This is a price inelastic effect. Farmers would rather store their output than sell it during periods of hyperinflation as they would be speculating and waiting for the prices to hit high points so that they can make more profits. This practice would lead to a deficit in supply, which will lead to rocketing of

Choose your favourite decade in make up and hair and explain why Essay

Choose your favourite decade in make up and hair and explain why - Essay Example or Miss. Coming out of the confusion of the seventies with its disco and punk rock, the eighties became increasingly concerned with symbols of power and business. This was encouraged by the privatization of industries and the de-regulation of the stock market introduced as a part of Thatcherism. As a result, the prevailing attitude regarding the economy became one of every man for himself. Electronics were gaining in popularity in many areas of life – synthesizers and keyboards in music, the introduction of the music video and digital animation, computers in the workplace and video games from the arcade becoming available in the home. New innovations in technology including the ‘nuclear age’, innovations in hair gel and mousse and increased use of personal technology made the science fiction shows on television seem possible just around the corner. All of these elements combined together to create a vibrant and outspoken era in hair, fashion and makeup that thrill s me with its energy and innovative symbolism. One of the major influences on 80s fashions was the designer Vivienne Westwood, who developed her talents in the thick of the 1960s and 1970s rock and roll movement in Britain. Her fashions exemplify the sexual freedom and aggressive stance of female expression emerging in the women’s movements that rocked the world at this time. Through her early designs, Westwood discovered that â€Å"there was a dramatic potential in the clothes themselves that could be heightened: laden with associations, biker gear links sexuality, violence and death, in a twentieth century archetype† (Savage, 2001: 28). She began a new line of clothes that were based on these ideas by adding metal studs, chicken bones, chains, zippers and other gear to the clothing she made. Doing this, Westwood became the mother of the punk rock fashions (Savage, 2001: 28). These designs included a heavy use of the corset as a fetish object, frequently making it in leather,

Which is the true story from the life of pi Essay

Which is the true story from the life of pi - Essay Example After sometimes, only the strong animals seem to survive in the jungle. Pi watches helplessly as the spotted hyena kills the zebra. The tiger nonetheless is amused by the act of hyena. The tiger, Richard Parker, due to his friendly nature, subsequently dispatches the orang-utan before it. Secondly, the tiger is a naturally interdependent animal in habit (Baker & Margaret 85). Pi, through his book, sets about conditioning the tiger through his appealing and rewarding behaviour. He offers the tiger food and fresh water so that the two can co-exist in the boat. Tiger and Pi remain on the verge of starvation for a few months. This was not until they realized an uncharted island, which is packed with bountiful meerkat population and fresh vegetation. After a little survival on fresh vegetables, Tiger and Pi got their way out of starvation by identifying carnivore’s algae along the island (Martel 342). These algae nonetheless were acidic hence would consume them when the storm comes. Pi and tiger, therefore, took fresh vegetables and sailed away in fear of being consumed by the island’s acidity. They were in Mexican coast when their lifeboat made a landfall again. These two friends were malnourished and starved at that moment. As Pi collapses on the beach, Pe ter Parker (Bengal Tiger) ungratefully walks into the jungle without glancing back at his malnourished friend. Perhaps this was in fear of the Mexican authorities or maybe a theme portraying the ungrateful nature of human beings after being helped in the times of dire needs (Martel 53). In the human story version, two different natures of tiger’s habits emerge. These characteristics include self-preservation and revenge. In the human version of Pi’s tale, the cargo ship still sinks. In this scenario, the animalistic version changes when Pi’s mother (Gita), an injured Japanese sailor, and the ship’s overwhelming cook join him in the boat (Martel 135). After some time, survival for the

WH1 EFFECTS OF RELIGION IN EUROPE DURING MIDDLE AGES Essay

WH1 EFFECTS OF RELIGION IN EUROPE DURING MIDDLE AGES - Essay Example The church was a very powerful body back then. Before the establishment of Christianity as a strong religion, the Roman emperor had many Christians killed during this period, because they all refused to bow to Roman gods. Emperor Constantine was the emperor who popularized Christianity as a religion, which saw the era of Christian persecution ending. The Romans who previously worshipped other gods began worshiping God and following Christianity ever since. With the Emperor being a Christian, and all other successors following his example, religion was popularized, not only as a religion, but also as a way of life. However, when the Germans conquered the Romans in the 5th Century, the beginning of the Dark Ages, Catholicism began and religion began becoming increasingly strong. The power of the catholic church was great, since catholic was derived from the word ‘Catholic’ which meant universal, thus making Christianity a universal religion accepted by all. The power of the Catholic Church was so great that it charged taxes and had large tracts of church owned lands, and hence it was more than a religion, but rather a symbol of overall power and the equivalent of a government back then. From an economic perspective, the Catholic Church back then imposed taxes on the people and accepted or called for people to donate gifts, if they wanted to secure a place in heaven. The craze of power held by the church also led it to increase in terms of wealth and became a very wealthy institution. The more wealth the Catholic Church accrued, the stronger it became and the more its power extended to other regions. In relation to the social consideration, the church had a strong foundation for socialization, as going to churches on Sundays alone was mandatory, not to mention in the in-week attendances and masses. Latin was the mostly used language and all the religious people, thus had to

Compare and cotrast the accounting conceptual framework and the Essay

Compare and cotrast the accounting conceptual framework and the accounting regulatory framework in the Uk - Essay Example The accounting conceptual framework in the UK One of the elements of the accounting conceptual framework, as applicable in the United Kingdom, relates to goal of financial statements that is to offer information on â€Å"financial position, performance and changes in financial position† of an enterprise (Rolfe 2006, p. 123). The subject information must however be significant to the entity’s stakeholders. Three documents, financial statements meet the objectives. Cashbook reports an entity’s financial position, income statement reports financial performance and cash flow statement reports and entity’s change in financial position. Basic assumptions in accounting are another set of factors that form elements of accounting framework. The framework identifies two assumptions: the going concern, an assumption that an entity will exist until unforeseeable future and upon which accounts are prepared, and accruals basis, a requirements that value in transactions are realized as soon as the transactions occur and not money on the transactions are received of remitted. Another element of the accounting framework relates to property of financial information and the framework identifies â€Å"understandability, relevance, reliability, and comparability† (Rolfe 2006, p. 124). These properties require that financial information be simple enough for users to understand, identify with users’ needs, be consistent, and offer a basis for comparison with the entity’s longitudinal information of comparison with other entity’s information (Rolfe 2006, p. 123, 124). The accounting conceptual framework also lists composition of financial statements. The balance sheet discloses an entity’s financial positions and items’ balances that contribute to the position. Assets, capital, and liabilities constitute the balance sheet. The income statement that discloses an entity’s sources of revenues and expenditure is another element of financial statements and shows an organization’s financial performance in a period. Statement of shareholders’ equity that illustrates changes in capital, and disclosures that concerns these statements is other components of financial statements (Rolfe 2006, p. 125, 126). Recognition and measurement are other aspects of the framework and required numerical disclosure of value of items and narratives that describe the numerical values (Weil 2012, p. 22; Spiceland, Sepe and Nelson 2013, p. 19). Treatment of capital and management of capital items are other aspects of the conceptual framework. The United Kingdom adopts financial approach to treatment of capital, an approach that recognize profit or loss on capital based on the difference between value of a capital at the end of an accounting period and the corresponding value at the beginning of an accounting period (Bellandi 2012, p. 271). The conceptual framework serves multiple purposes in accounting . It helps the accounting board in its role of reviewing current financial reporting standards and in formulating the standards for future applications. The accounting fram

The World The Way the Migrant Worker Is Aligned With the Theme Park Essay

The World The Way the Migrant Worker Is Aligned With the Theme Park Employee - Essay Example In the movie, one limitation of Chinese modernization is shown in the problem of language barrier. In one scene, Tao could not speak Russian in the same way that Anna could not speak Chinese, and no matter how much they seemed to understand each other’s emotions, it was not enough. The only thing that they could afford to say was each other’s names and apart from that, they could not say any other word in the other person’s language. When they met in the bathroom, when Anna asked Tao, â€Å"How are you? Why are you looking at me like that?† somehow both knew that it was because Anna became a prostitute. Moreover, Tao and Anna simply cried with Tao not even realizing that what Anna meant that time was that she has resigned herself to becoming a prostitute. On the other hand, Tao seemed clueless why such a thing happened. Perhaps too, she was crying out of confusion, because she could not clearly understand why Anna had to become a prostitute. The language b arrier between Anna and Tao is somehow reflective of the rather limited context of Chinese modernization. China is modernized but not in terms of language, perhaps in order to prevent communication of important issues between people like Tao and Anna, while at the same time perhaps because China discriminates against foreigners like Anna. However, Anna sees the positive side of this when she told Tao, â€Å"We do not speak the same language but we are friends. You are the only friend I have here.† Nevertheless, although friendship abounds between two people of different languages, it is still obviously extremely difficult for each one of them to express their true sentiments to each other, considering that both may think the other may not totally understand her. In the same scene where Anna had to become a prostitute, it also illustrates the exploitation of both the migrant worker and the theme park employee.  In a scene, before both women met in the bathroom, a Chinese man in coat and tie approached Tao just along the hallway at the bar.     

MITOSISMEIOSIS Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

MITOSISMEIOSIS - Lab Report Example This is followed by separation of daughter cells. Meiosis is the type of cell division by which germ cells (eggs and sperm) are produced. Meiosis was first observed by the Belgian cytologist Pierre-Joseph van Beneden in 1887. Meiosis involves a reduction in the amount of genetic material. It comprises two successive nuclear divisions with only one round of DNA replication. One parent cell, at the end of one meiotic division, produces four daughter cells. Daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes found in the original parent cell and with crossing over, are genetically different. Meiosis differs from mitosis primarily because there are two cell divisions in meiosis, resulting in cells with a haploid number of chromosomes. Cell division is especially rapid in the growing root tips of sprouting seeds. The chromosomes in dividing root tip cells can be demonstrated if, after sprouting seeds or bulbs,and harvesting the young root tips, and then fix, acid digest, stain, squash, and view them under a microscope. The root tip is the place of intense mitotic activity. This region is three dimensional and individual cells cannot be seen. It is therefore necessary to separate the cells out into a thin layer. Plant cells are glued together by the middle lamella of calcium pectate. Hydrochloric acid will dissolve this calcium pectate but leave the cellulose cell wall unaffected. In addition the acid kills and fixes the cell contents in position. Acetic orcein stains nuclei and not the cytoplasm. 1. The apical 5mm from the tip of a growing lateral root of a broad bean was carefully cut. 2. The root tip was placed in a watch glass containing acetic orcein stain and 1mol dm-3 hydrochloric acid in the approximate proportions 10 parts stain to 1 part acid. 3. Allowed to warm for five minutes by passing repeatedly through a low Bunsen flame. 4. The fixed root tip was placed on a microscope slide and two drops of acetic orcein were added. 5. The root tip was broken up without destroying the arrangement of the cells, and the root tip was spread out as thinly as possible. 6. A cover slip was placed over the root tip, and covered it with blotting paper and squashed gently by pushing down on the cover slip. 7. The slide was warmed gently to intensify the stain, by quickly passing through a low Bunsen burner flame a few times. 8. The slide was examined for identifying any stage of mitosis. Results Mitosis The four phases of mitosis- Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase- were observed under the microscope. The different phases were identified based on the unique chromatin organization features: 1. Interphase: Each chromosome undergoes replication, making an identical copy of itself. At this point, the chromosomes are still long and thin, and are not visible inside the nucleus. Cells spend most of their life in this non-reproductive phase. 2. Prophase: The chromosomes coil and shorten, and become visible. It becomes apparent that the chromosomes have duplicated. Pairs of identical chromosomes remain

Right to Education - Hurdles in Implementation Essay Example for Free

Right to Education Hurdles in Implementation Essay The Right to Education Act brought in its wake a new hope for universalization of education in the country. The children of the underprivileged section of the society who were deprived of this basic right can now demand it as their fundamental right. This does not appear to be just our problem but a general one across the country. Even in West Bengal according to the article in Teacher Plus (February 2010 issue) `What a clean toilet can do†, out of 1. 04 crore children who enroll in class 1, only 14. 05 lakh make it to secondary school – a shocking 90% drop out! There is a dropout rate of 4% at the primary level, 19% between classes 6 and 8, and 50% at the high school level. So, barely 25% of those who enroll at the class 1 level get to class 10! If at the primary level the child’s foundation is so weak she cannot survive at higher levels. Central Government figures show that 12 million children are engaged in child labour and out of school. Starting April 1 education is the right of every child in India but the Right to Education Act has not made any specific provision to bring the child labourers back into regular school. Seven-year-old Anil Patel doesnt go to school. He works with his parents on a small piece of land 70 kms from Ahmedabad. His parents say they could not afford the school fee. Even if I decide to teach him, where will I fund his expenses from? asks Anils father Narsinh Patel. After the sowing season is over, the Patels move to Ahmedabad as migrant labourers for six months and take Anil with them. The seven-year-old doesnt know what hes missing out on. Having spent most of his life away from school he says he doesnt want to attend class. I dont want to go to school. The teachers used to beat me up, he says. Like Anil, Kakali Baidya was also denied the right to education. The 14-year-old was studying in class 1 when her family moved to Kolkata for work. The shift cost Kakali her education and the city made her a domestic help. The Right to Education Act which makes elementary education compulsory for 6-14 year old aims to better the lives of children. But what about those like Anil and Kakali and other children working as labourers, as domestic help? The government needs to recruit 20 lakh teachers to successfully implement the Right to Education Act, Union Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal said on Monday. The implementation of the Act was a difficult task and the only solution would be to hire teachers even if they did not have the required qualification. by the end of the 11th [Five-Year] Plan, India will be fully connected with 22,000 colleges and 480 universities. We hope to connect all schools in a similar fashion by the end of the 12th Plan as well. Prime Minister Manmohan Singhs commitment to build 6,500 ‘model schools in backward areas; of these, 3,000 would be developed through public-private-partnership investment. 70 per cent of the workforce not having cleared the primary class exam and only 5-7 per cent having skills as opposed to 95 per cent in the developed world, advancement in human resource is the focal objective of the nation right now. With the human resource meltdown that is taking place globally, India holds the key to filling the huge demographic deficit by technically arming its people

The History Of Hard Rock Cafe Tourism Essay

The History Of Hard Rock Cafe Tourism Essay The history of Hard Rock Cafe headquartered in Orlando, Florida began from July 14, 1971 by the appearance of a modest cafe in London, England. Hard Rock Cafes founders are Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton, two enterprising and music-loving Americans. And, 1982 is the time for HRs expansion when 2 owners decided to develop their own HRC in many different places. After some transitions and acquisitions, HR International now belongs to the Seminole Tribe of Florida with over 171 venues in more than 52 countries around the world, including 134 cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos, live music venues, and a huge annual Rockfest concert. Differing from other corporations, HRCs awareness of the brand appeared at start-up and throughout the development process. Hard Rock Cafe model is typical of the method of construction products by topic a brand new marketing tool. Hard Rock Cafe is a mixture of experience, style, entertainment factor, sharing awareness and ultimately memories storage. This is the key factor leading HRCs present success. With rock n roll sensibility A HR birthright- demonstrated by USD million valued collections of memorabilia, service philosophy Love All Serve All and operations under the banner Save The Planet, Hard Rock Cafe the core of HR International entertainment and leisure company- will definitely continue to successfully expand the Hard Rock Brand. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) are considered exotic and far-flung locales of HR system. In 2011, Hanoi (Vietnam) is one of eight venues of HRC coming into being. I. THE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY OF HRC From a modest cafe in London, HRC now occupies over 171 locations in 52 countries. This success has been achieved by changing from a themed restaurant into one participating in what is now called the Experience Economy. Working in service industry, HRCs products are services and they are intangible. OM always plays an important part in service area. HRC understands this and uses OM effectively to get access to their target serve guests with unique experiences at each as well as every cafe. This is found through its mission of To spread the spirit of Rock n Roll by delivering an exceptional entertainment and dining experience. We are committed to being an important, contributing member of our community and offering the Hard Rock family a fun, healthy, and nurturing work environment while ensuring our long-term success. In service industry, strategy is basically OM strategy.HRC uses Multi-Domestic strategy when using its (US) domestic model globally, and using franchising operations when it makes sense to do so. (Half company, half franchise). This may includes using the use of joint ventures or subsidiaries. Franchises are used when it is decided that local ownership will bring a unique capability, or local conditions suggest there will be an unusual or difficult implementation. In order to access the competitive advantage (Strategic Differentiation, Low Cost, and Response). Although HRC has no normal competitors, a lot of its rivals are from experience that tourists can experience. HRC selectively applies 10 OM decisions, contributing to remarkable achievements. This results in 92% name recognistion all over the world, putting HR in the top 10 of all restaurants. 1. Product and Service Design With the philosophy Love all serve all, HRC provide guests with experience, not meals simply. Here, the chefs modify menu from classic American burger chicken wings- to include higher-end items (stuffed veal chops, lobster tails). They also analyse and test the meals as well as review the menus to make sure the food is well qualified and delicious enough to serve their guests. Because HRC orients to differentiation for making competitive advantage, the menus as well as food is usually changed. Also, HR is adding a new emphasis on live music redesigning its restaurants to accommodate the changing tastes. 2. Quality Differing from product, services quality is affected by many subjective standards. It is not easy to set up a general level of quality. This requires a serious effort to get a success. With a chain of over 171 locations in 52 countries, HRC has nowadays retained many brands. HRC realises the importance of total quality; therefore, each staff or each meal is strongly focused. The staff must be well qualified. They also make research on food, taste or suppliers. Many surveys about quality have been regularly done based on the feedback or comment sheet from guests. They aim at the most perfect quality by using the scorecard of a one to seven scale. If the scores are not a seven, this means a failure. They are happy to receive the comments from guests, even the complaints by which they can improve the services. That is the reason of the slogan Were going to reap the benefits of the efforts that we put into it, so in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. 3. Process and capacity design: Because Customer may be directly involved in process design and Capacity must match demand (service with 10 OM decisions Heizer Render), HRC puts guests at the heart of operations and staffs always try their best to satisfy guests. Scheduling the large staff of bartenders, cooks and waiters, waiteresses is done based off of tracking sales. The schedule can be modified for being suitable with job character, seasonality and guestsconvenience for the purpose of efficiency. Everyday, HRC serves about 100,000 meals with appetizers, salad, sandwich, sides, burger, entries and desserts. 4. Location selection: In service industry, location must be near customers. That is why HRC chooses the best venue at the center of each city to locate. Location is a key factor in service business. It is the prerequisite condition making or breaking business strategy. At HRC, location is considered one of the most essential OM decisions done by Oliver Munday HRs vice President for cafe development. Before opening a new HRC, Mr. Oliver Munday travels a world to pick up a country for HRs next cafe, select a city, and find the ideal site and then negotiates the deal. After that, he works with architects and planners and stays with the project through the opening and first years sales. Usually, Mr. Oliver Munday looks at several factors with a global view when considering a location. Some of them are: political risk, currency risk, social norms, brand fit, social costs, business practices. And, an extensive research checklist is applied. They pay attention and make a trend analysis of Demographics, Visitor Market,Transportation, Restaurants and Nightclubs ( a selection in key target market areas), Political Risk, Real Estate Market and Hard Rock Cafe Comparable Market Analysis. Depending on the result, HRC will finalise the business model, joint-ventures, subsidiaries or franchise on the way to set up a unique base. With 75% guests are tourists, most of HRC are located in central areas having congregated nightlife. The location decision is at least a 10-15 year commitment. Also, Break-Even Analysis is used to help decide whether to build the purchased land, or to remodel an existing facility. Currently, Munday is heavily looking into global expansion in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. As estimated, there are 8 HRC that are coming into being in 2011, including Hanoi, Vietnam, helping to increase the total revenues to nearly 180. 5. Layout design: In service industry, layout is another important element, contributing to improving product production. After locating, depending on reality, HRC will decide the layout design. Sometimes, they purchase the land to the venue. Sometimes, they just remodel on the base of rent land. HRC takes a great deal of time for this work from exterior to interior. The outline must be attractive while decoration is at the aim of drawing the attention of guests. The bar, furniture, lighting system, sound and circulation are at the guests comfort. Meanwhile, the working station as well as kitchen, food area makes staff easy to operate and serve guests at soonest. Moreover, retail shop together with memorabilia creates a deep impression by a unique way that can not be found anywhere else. All of them bring the guests a special atmosphere of living in RocknRoll world. 6. Human resources and job design: Being aware of the role of human resource which is critical in service, especially in experience economy, HRC is always careful of recruitment as well as training. Applicants to HRC have to meet the criteria of appearance, positiveness in attitude, high self-motivation and interest in serving and sharing experience. In addition, they are required to be skilled at work and passionate about music as well. Being a staff here, everybody passes Rock 101 a 2-day training course for basic service skills and with a rocknroll spirit. Job-oriented interactive CDs covering kitchen, retail front-of-the-house service is the content of HRCs training programme. HRC tends to the strategy building a culture allowing for acceptance of substantial diversity and individuality, there is no discrimination at HRC. The promotion and employee policy are also strongly focused and equal to all staffs. With value system to bring a fun, healthy, nuturing environment into the HRC culture, the staff is the eleme nt conveying the rocknroll soul, making atmosphere alive and bringing exceptional experience to the guests. That is the reason why HRC is said to have the competitive advantade through its human resources. Besides those decisions above, HRC also pay attention to supply-chain, Inventory, scheduling and maintenance management. In order to have food served with freshness and high quality, HRC chooses the qualified suppliers and regularly work with them. At HRC, they set a schedule relying on business sales, revenue, events, seasonality, sales forecast and business trend analysisto make sure they are always at service. The most important inventory management is for memorabilia collections valueing over US$ 40 million with more than sixty thousand pieces decorated at all HRC. No matter what the large number of memorabilia, HRC effectively manage from a distance. They know well the name of every memorabilia, how many of them at each HRC and where to put. The maintenance of memorabilia is done at Orlando every 5-7 years; hence, their valuable and largest RocknRoll collection is in good condition all the time. In addition to OM decisions applied, HRC global strategy can be successful thanks to good forecasting. Hard Rock doesnt limit its use of forecasting tools to sales. Depending on the application, Hard Rock makes long-range, intermediate-term or short-term sales forecasts conducted each month, by cafe, and then aggregated for a headquarters view. The daily forecast is further broken into hourly sales. The point-of-sale system (POS) is at the centre of the sales forecasting system. Computerized scheduling software is used and then they compare the actual sales to forecast to calculate the variances, find out the reason for improving. A 3-year weighted moving average is applied to cafe sales, multiple regression is found in Hard Rocks menu planningà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Effective forecasting helps HRC be at good service, contributing to its successful Operations Management. In brief, selective application of 10 OM decisions with forecasting brings HRC with a competitive advantage, differentiating HRC from other cafes. This puts HRC firmly in the service industry, especially in experience economy which is so attractive but with a variety of difficulties and challenges as well. II. THE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENTS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR HARD ROCK WHEN CONSIDERING AN EXPANSION OF ITS BUSINESS INTO HANOI Continuing with the success in expansion, HRC first appeared in Vietnam in 2009 by franchise done by Viet Thai International. That is HRC located in Kumho Plaza, right at the heart of Saigon, the biggest and crowded city of Vietnam. After over one year of operation in Saigon, Vietnam HRC step by step gained some success with remaining musical sensibility demonstrated through RocknRoll and valuable memorabilia collection. At the moment, there are a variety of bars, restaurants, cafes and even hotels in this city; nevertheless, HRC is still considered highlight. Of course, the subjects of HRC is not massive, but selective. Their guests are basically hi-end, rich, sophisticated and with high musical taste or foreigners, tourists. They come to HRC not for a drink or a meal only but for a mixture of experience, style, entertainment factor, sharing awareness and ultimately memories storage.. On the way to development, one more HRC is being estimated to come into being in Hanoi capital of Vietnam. It is no doubt that HRC will face many challenges. Hanoi is the Vietnam second largest in population (6.5 million people) with imbalance between urban and rural, urban and suburban. Hanoians are not so -going, and open-minded as the southern people . They live traditionally and somewhat strict, conservative in accepting anything new or strange. This is the obstacle to HRC with experience way which seems still new to Vietnam. Besides, there are a lot of hotels, bar, restaurants, entertainment centers, shpping mallsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, even modern venues invested by foreigners that are regarded as competitors of HRC in experience economy. The limit of Hanoi is at the lack of aiport. Until now, Noi Bai is the only one airport and very far from Hanois center (40 kilometres), the roads are not bad but not well synchronised yet, making some obstacles to transportation. A variety of restaurants, bar, nightclubs are existing and working in this city, which are competitors sharing the market in experience industry. The competition is more and mor e intense. About the Real Estate Market, it shows a bad fluctuation with unreasonably high price. Hanois land is grouped into highest market in the world, bringing the difficulty in investment. Also, the aftereffect of global crisis leading the decrease in hi-end people, including tourists with high affordability. According to official staticstic, in 2010, the number of hi-end tourists coming to VN downs around 15-20 %. Some foreign offices temporarily close or reduce staff. The local people tend to cut the bugdet for entertainment. Therefore, a luxury environment like HRC will be much damaged in quantity, to some extent. However, it is apparent to access many opportunity for HRC when deciding to expand into Hanoi. The first opportunity is the demographics. The population of Hanoi is big at 6.5 million, the number of people with high affordability are younger and younger. They will be easy at receiving the new features like an experience. A number of Hanoians seriously and like to take the form of a space so luxurious and unique can be a choice to express status, their level. Hanoi is the capital, the fix number of foreigners ling and working here is great. Many restaurants, hotels, bars, convention centersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦that are well qualified to serve a number of passengers. Embassies, foreign companies, NGOsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦are majorly located here. And the big number of tourists and businessmen come here. And, many events, MICE activities are firstly chosen to organised here. With 75% of HRC is tourists as statistic, Hanoi is at this advantage. Also, the economic indicators are not too bad, even during the economic downturn, promising a benefit for HRC when living standard is enhanced and mor e guests coming to this cafe. The next opportunity is created by the differentiation strategy. Although there are a big number of hotels, restaurants, bar, shopping malls or entertainmnet centers, nothing is prominent and highlighted. HRC with the unique features by chain tradition will actually attract customers. In addition, the transportation in Hanoi is more and more improved. Hanoi is the hub of northern region, the link of cities, provinces in North. Except from the lack of synchronisation in roads and a bigger airport with bigger capacity, the transportation system is relatively good. Noi Bai an international aiport with a history of 33 years and a capacity of 10 million passengers per year with many airlines (VNA, China Airline, Singapore Airlines, Jetstarà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) and direct flights to abroad. Hanoi also has famous river right at the middle of city and a railway station that is not far from the center. These are conveniences! Hanoi also brings HRC another opportunity of safety. Vietnam is considered one of 10 safe destinations. Everyone can be sure about the political risk in our country. A stable and unified political regime together with a high security can definitely bring the bright prospective of business. Hanoi with high living standard, a great number of local people are able to highly afford, having high requirements in musical taste and quality. Here is the cradle of rock with a large number of fans. As a result, HRC with RocknRoll sensibility can fully meet their needs and favourite. Moreover, HRC first came to Vietnam by Franchised done by Viet Thai International in 2009. Viet Thai International is a successful corporation in Highlands cafe chain. It is evident that HRC can continue experience in doing operations in cafe in particular and in experience industry in general. HRC has been having strong brand and reputation. In brief, with a lot of opportunities analysed above, it is clear that HRC makes a decision of expansion to Hanoi is reasonable. And, it is no doubt that HRC will continue their success if they remain faithful to systems spirit The RocknRoll sensibility so that guests come here not for just a meal or a drink, but a mixture of experience, style, entertainment factor, sharing awareness and ultimately memories storage. This is the feeling that can not be found anywhere except HRC chain, until now. => Choose central district (Hoan Kiem) at Vincom Plaza

The Choice Of Qualitative And Quantitative Psychology Essay

The Choice Of Qualitative And Quantitative Psychology Essay This chapter presents a detailed justification of the research approach used to answer the research questions and achieve the aim and objectives outlined in chapter one. The chapter begins with an overview of social research design. Section xxx discusses the research paradigm as the theoretical research approach. Section xxx discusses the research methodology. Section xxx discusses the methods adopted in this research for data collection. The chapter outlines the sampling techniques, piloting study and analysis techniques. The chapter also illustrates the research validity, reliability, triangulation, ethical consideration and generalizability of the study. Research Design: Research is defined as an in-depth study of a particular issue or phenomenon which the researcher investigates to solve problems related to that issue/phenomenon Marshall, 1997; Brewerton and Millward, 2001; Wilkinson and Birmingham, 2003; Creswell, 2007; Bryman and Bell, 2007). In the social sciences, various researchers present the research overview the theoretical and practical approaches in different ways. The differences in presentation can be clearly identified between the models of Sarantakos (1998); Crotty (2005) and Saunders et al., (2007). These authors agree that social research can be thought of in terms of the theoretical and practical approaches. However, the terminology adopted varies between. For instance, they use different terminology which can be confusing for other researchers. This section explains three different research designs in other to choose the appropriate research design for the study. Sarantakos (1998) identified three levels of research (see Figure xxx). The first level includes the researchers theoretical approach which combines the epistemology and theoretical perspective, which Sarantakos calls the research paradigm. The second and third levels represent the practical approach which contains the research methodology and methods respectively. Figure xxx: Sarantakos social research design, adopted from Sarantakos (1998) Crotty (2005) named four different research levels for the social research (see Figure xxxx). The first two stages comprise the theoretical approach which contains the research epistemology and theoretical perspective. The following two stages comprise the practical approach the research methodology and methods. Based on Crotty (2005), the four levels are interdependent, as the choice of the research epistemology is followed by the choice of theoretical perspective, the choice of study methodology and the choice of specific methods of data collection and analysis. The last two stages methodology and methods of Crotty and Saratakos model are very similar. However, in terms of theoretical approaches, Crotty outlines two levels epistemology and theoretical perspective are merged into one level the research paradigm in Sarantakos model. Figure xxx presents Crotty (2005) research design. Figure xxx: Crotty social research design, adopted from Crotty (2005) Saunders et al., (2007) offer a different model for social research design which they call the research onion. According to this model, there are six levels in social science research. The research levels are philosophies (e.g. interpretivism); approaches (contain either inductive or deductive); strategies (the research methodology); choices (types of research methods); time horizons (cross-sectional or longitudinal) and techniques and procedures (which includes data collection and analysis techniques). In this model, the theoretical approach contains research philosophies and approaches (inductive and deductive). Meanwhile, the practical approach contains the strategies as a methodology and the other three levels contain the research methods. The methods include both data collection methods and data analysis methods. Figure xxx presents the research onion according to Saunders et al., (2007: 132) Figure xxx: Research onion, Saunders et al., (2007: 132) The three research designs have considerable overlaps in their consideration into the theoretical and practical approaches. This research focuses on Sarantakos model, since it reflects more appropriately the research design adopted in this study. The following sections discuss in details this research design. The Research Paradigm: As mentioned early in Sarantakos research design, the first level reflects the theoretical approach and is named the reseach paradigm (Sarantakos, 1998). The paradigm is a particular theme that is used to test and understand social phenomena (Gephart, 1999; Denzin and Lincoln, 2005). Guba and Lincoln (1994) classified social science research into two models; a subjectivist qualitative (constructivist) model and an objectivist quantitative (positivism and post-positivism) model. Guba (1990) explained that there is a third relativist paradigm called pragmatism which combines the subjectivist qualitative model and objectivist quantitative model and its a paradigm on its own. Later, several authors (e.g. Reichardt and Rallis, 1994; Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998; Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004; Pansiri, 2005; Creswell and Clark, 2007) agreed that the paradigm which mixes qualitative and quantitative approaches is pragmatism. Table xxx compares positivism, post-positivism, constructivism wit h pragmatism. Table xxx; Compares different positivism, post-positivism, constructivism with pragmatism (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998: 23) Paradigm Positivsm Post-positivism Pragmatism Constructivism Methods Quantitative Primarily Quantitative Quantitative + Qualitative Qualitative Logic Deductive Primarily deductive Deductive + Inductive Inductive Epistemology Objective point of view. Knower and Known are dualism Modified dualism. Findings probably objectively true Both objective and subjective point of view Subjective point of view. Knower and Known are inseparable. Axiology Inquiry is value-free Inquiry involves values, but they may be controlled Values play a large role in interpreting results Inquiry is value-bound Ontology NaÃÆ' ¯ve realism Critical or transcendental realism Accept external reality. Choose explanations that best produce desired outcomes Relativism Causal Linkages Real causes temporarily precedent or simultaneous with effects There are some lawful, reasonable relationships among social phenomena. These may be known imperfectly. Causes are identifiable in probabilistic sense that changes over time. There may be causal relationships, but we will never be able to pin them down All entities simultaneously shaping each other. Its impossible to distinguish causes from effects Pragmatism: Pragmatism is a term derived from the Greek word pragma meaning action, from which the words practice and practical come (James, 2000). Dewey (1920) explained that pragmatism philosophy discover the meaning of idea that needs to be checked consequently. Therefore, when researcher judges a phenomenon, they must follow its empirical and practical consequences and note its impact on the study population (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998). Moreover, Easterby et al., (2008) explained that, by using pragmatism, researchers have to study individual experiences very well in order to develop an understanding of a particular phenomenon. Moreover, Krauss (2005) explained that the pragmatist paradigm focuses on qualitative versus quantitative data and that to answer research questions, researchers have to mix objective and subjective approaches. Tashakkori and Teddlie (1998) clarified that by using pragmatism, the research logic contains deductive and inductive approaches. Therefore, the pragmatism philosophy rejects the use of particular research philosophies, such as positivism, post-positivism and constructivism. In addition, Tashakkori and Teddlie (1998) explained that pragmatism focuses on both the meaning and the truth of ideas. Truth is what works at the time and it is not based on a dualism between whether reality is independent of the mind or within the mind. Therefore, when judging ideas, pragmatists consider their empirical and practical consequences. Pragmatism is a research philosophy that eliminates the need of making a forced choice regarding the research epistemology between constructivism and positivism (including post-positivism). A pragmatic paradigm dismisses traditional assumptions about the nature of knowledge, truth and the nature of inquiry. Furthermore, for pragmatists, the research question is more important than the research method that is used (Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004). Creswell (2003) explained that the choice of the research paradigm (pragmatism) related mainly to the purpose and nature of the research questions. The pragmatism allowed the researchers to study different interested areas by employing different sources of evidence (methods) that are appropriate and explain the study findings in a positive manner (Tashakkori and Teddlie, 1998 and Creswell, 2003). Therefore, pragmatism is classified as one of the suitable research philosophies in social and management research that investigates beliefs and attitudes using mixed methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative approaches (Creswell, 2003). Reichardt and Rallis (1994) explained that there is much debate about whether pragmatism is in fact a research philosophy because it holds the centre-ground between two well-established social research philosophies. Johnson and Onwuegbuzie (2004) and Robson (2005) confirmed that pragmatism is no longer a debatable philosophy but has achieved widespread use in social research. To achieve the aim of this research, pragmatism has been chosen as a research philosophy. The next part will discuss the mix between the qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The Choice of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approach: Discussions have been held by series of researchers in connection with the difference between quantitative and qualitative approaches, including Brewer and Hunter (1989), Silverman (2000), Brewerton and Milward (2001), Holliday (2002), Thomas (2003), Corbetta (2003) and Cooper and Schindler (2005). While quantitative researchers base their accounts on figures and numerical information, according to Gelo et al., (2008), qualitative researchers rely on non-numerical data, for instance words, narrative and feelings. Maanen et al., (1982: 32) introduced a verbal picture to help readers understand the difference between both research types as follows: Quality is the essential character or nature of something; quantity is the amount. Quality is the what; quantity the how much. Qualitative refers to the meaning, the definition or analogy or model or metaphor characterizing something, while quantitative assumes the meaning and refers to a measure of it. Furthermore, Bryman (1996) and Cooper and Schindler (2005) noted that quantitative and qualitative approaches are both valid and researchers can use either. Clarke and Dawson (2000) and Gray (2009) suggested that according to the nature of the research, researchers can mix different approaches, as it hard in deciding the better or more useful approach. Miller and Brewer (2003) confirmed that using a mixed method approach decreases the weaknesses and limitations of the research. Table xxx compare quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods procedures (Creswell, 2003: 19). Table xx: Comparison between quantitative and qualitative research (Source: Creswell, 2003:19) Tend to or Typically Qualitative Approaches Quantitative Approaches Mixed Methods Approaches Use these philosophical assumptions Employ these strategies of inquiry Constructivist/Advocacy /Participatory knowledge claim Phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, case study, and narrative Post-positivist knowledge claim Surveys and experiments Pragmatist knowledge claim Sequential, concurrent, and transformative Employ these methods Open-ended questions, emerging approaches, text or image data Closed-ended questions, predetermined approaches, numeric data Both open-and closed-ended questions, both emerging and predetermined approaches, and both quantitative and qualitative data and analysis Use these practices of research as the researcher Position himself or herself and collects participant meanings. Focuses on a single concept or phenomenon Bring personal values into the study Studies the context or setting of participants. Validates the accuracy of findings Makes interpretations of data Creates an agenda for change or reform Collaborates with the participants Tests or verifies theories or explanation Identifies variables to study Relates variables in questions or hypotheses Uses standard of validity and reliability Observes and measures information numerically Use unbiased approaches Employs statistical procedures Collects both quantitative and qualitative data Develops a rationale for mixing Integrates the data at different stages of inquiry Presents visual pictures of the procedures in the study. Employs the practices of both qualitative and quantitative research. Additionally, there are different ways to implement quantitative and qualitative approaches in one study. Johnson and Onwuegbuzie (2004) summarized these in Figure xx. This study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in a sequential and equal way. The study starts with a qualitative approach through the analysis of mobile payment players (banks and mobile operators) documents and websites. This will then be followed by a quantitative approach using a questionnaire survey of potential consumers of mobile payment services. Time order decision Concurrent Sequential Paradigm emphasis decision Equal Status QUAL + QUAN QUAL à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ QUAN QUAN à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ QUAL Dominant Status QUAL + quan QUAN + qual QUAL à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ quan qual à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ QUAN QUAN à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ qual quan à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ QUAL Figure xxx: Mixed methods approach design matrix (the design used in this study is shown in bold). Note. qualà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ¸ stands for qualitative, quan stands for quantitative, + stands for concurrent, à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ stands for sequential, capital letters denote high priority or weight, and lower case letters denote lower priority or weight. Source: Johnson and Onwuegbuzie, 2004:22. Notation based on Morse, 1991. The Research Methodology: Crotty (2005: 3) identified the research methodology research process as: the strategy, plan of action, process or design lying behind the choice and use of particular methods and linking the choice and use of methods to the desired outcomes. Furthermore, Crotty (2005) made a clarification of research methodology as a strategy built on it, the data collection methods, and linking between the use of research methods and research outcomes. In addition, Crotty (2005) explained that there are different kinds of research methodology, and researchers should select the most suitable for their research topic. The research methods for this study: Having reviewed series of literatures, several factors led to the choice of methods used for this research. Triangulation methods have been proposed for this research and this will complement each other in order to yield a quality result. According to Tshakkori and Teddlie, (2003), triangulation is one way that involves a combination of data collection to get good results. Although the term triangulation has different meanings, it is associated with using combinations of methods with a strategy of convergent validity being common (Bryman 2004). Kholoud (2009) cites Johnson et al., (2007) who identified four types of triangulation: data triangulation, investigator triangulation, theory triangulation, and methodological triangulation. Kholoud further cites the same authors for defining ways in which quantitative and qualitative methods can be combined. From research on technology acceptance perspective, technology acceptance has a dominant theoretical urge which is positivist in nature. The current research aim is to design a predictive viable model of behaviour intentions of users of technology services (in this case mobile payment). This objective requires the means of a structured, well-defined framework, and definite measurements that could establish relationships between variables, such that inferences could be made from the research study sample to a larger population. Most of these qualities can be addressed by quantitative research methods (Johnson et al., 2007). The stimulus of this study is to test hypotheses which relates to the proposed conceptual framework model as well as different hypothesized relationships previously accepted in technology acceptance context. The conceptual drive of this research is deductive in nature. The research proposes to follow a confirmatory strategy of research that needs empirical analysis (a way of proving or disproving previously assumed hypotheses related to mobile payment acceptance). Despite the fact that this study will be mainly quantitative, qualitative methods will be employed at the initial stages of the study. Structured observations will be employed allowing for in-depth assessment of mobile payment schemes in the country in order to determine those that could be researched. Figure xxx shows the eleven main steps in a quantitative research process. To answer the research question, this study aim to follow the path in the order in which they appear as shown below. However, the steps at times might overlap during the course of the research. Figure xxx: Process of Quantitative Research as outlined by Bryman Bell (2007). In this study, theories and literatures underpinning this study will be advanced to guide the research deductively. Research Designs: The major reason of this research is in testing the hypotheses which could explain the variance in the dependent variables. Such analyses fit a correlation study design as described herein. Correlation Designs: Correlational design measures two or more variables with the eventuality of measuring the dependent variables. It does not manipulate one or more independent variables. The major premise of this research was that if a statistical significant relationship was in existence between the independent and the dependent variables, there would be the possibility of predicting the dependent variable using information available in the other variable. Within quantitative methods, the investigation used correlation research design (see Figure xxx) to determine if there was an existence of some relationship between independent constructs and the dependent constructs of behaviour intention to use mobile payment. Figure xxx: Illustration of the Research Designs according to Mugenda (2008, p. 65) In this kind of scenario, the research study will apply reliability coefficients, multiple correlation coefficients, generalized linear regression model coefficients; and path model coefficients for different study assessments of the collected data. These will be discussed below: a) Reliability analysis will be carried out using Cronbachs Alpha commonly called coefficient for Internal Consistency (IC) and inter-item correlation coefficient. According to De Vellis (1991), reliability is a measure of the degree to which a research instrument would yield the same results after repeated trials. Cronbachs Alpha provides information on the degree to which each item in the construct correlates with at least one other item of the construct. The analysis can estimate the proportion of true score variance that is captured by the indicators by comparing the sum of indicator variances with the variance of the sum scale. Cronbachs statistic was computed as follows: Cronbach = ÃŽÂ ± = number of items * number of items ÃÅ' ¶ 1 Where s ² denotes the variance for the number of individual items; s2 denotes the variance for the sum of all questions or items (which is esoteric and unique, and, therefore, uncorrelated across respondents), then the variance of the sum will be the same as the sum of variances of the individual questions/items. Therefore, coefficient alpha will be equal to zero. If all items are perfectly reliable and measure the same thing (true score), then coefficient alpha is equal to 1. In this investigation, the construct would demonstrate an acceptable level of reliability if the Cronbachs alpha was at least 0.6. b) Multiple correlation coefficients (R ²), will be used to describe the extent to which a dependent variable was explained by a set of independent variables. The statistic was used to measure the predictive power of the model that has been estimated. The value of R ² ranges from 0 to 1, and in this study, neither threshold nor the minimum value is pre-determined but instead the statistic only state the percentage variation in the dependent variables as explained by the independent variables. Symbolically, the (R ²) statistic is defined as follows: R ² = Where observ is the measurement of random variable observ on individual i. The est.observ and est.mean are the predicted measurements and mean values respectively. The mean of measurements for the n individuals is also factored into the calculation in equation 3.1 in order to obtain R ². A complete analysis of the entire model requires an examination of the goodness of fit using R ² and adjusted R-squared. The goodness of fit measures how well the model parameter estimates is able to explain the variations in the dependent factor of the model and reproduce the sample covariance matrix. The adjusted R ² equally measures the goodness of fit as does the R ², but instead, the former statistic takes into account the degrees of freedom (expressed as the number of observations and number of estimated coefficients) as stated in equation 3.2. Thus, Adjusted R ² = 1 c) The Generalized Linear Regression model (GLM) coefficients are weighted coefficients that indicate the magnitude, direction and significance of the possible linear relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The techniques measures both direct and indirect effects of the independent variables on dependent variable respectively. The technique handles the moderating effects in the analysis of linear models. The GLM was appropriate because of its nature of handling fixed factors, covariates and the interaction effects. The model results, will allow a direct comparison of the variance explained from both estimation measures. In the context of this study, it was hypothesized that three factors; performance expectancy, relevancy and social influence (culture) determine behaviour intentions. On the other hand, behaviour intentions together with facilitating conditions (technical support/training) determine usage. It was further postulated that the independent variables in the model were moderated by gender, age, experience and awareness, all of which required an appropriate modelling technique. Thus, the GLM that handled both direct and indirect effects were used in the form of the following equation (Eq. 3.4). Y = X ß + (X * M) ÃŽÂ ¸ + U Where Y is a matrix with multivariate measurements of the response or dependent variables X is a matrix of the block of independent variables; ß is a matrix of parameters to be estimated; U is the vector of the error terms. d) The path model employs the path analysis statistical technique for decomposing correlations into different pieces for interpretation of effect. It allows one to compare the direct effects of variables in a complex system of relationships. The path model measures direct effects or the possible inclination of the independent variables on the dependent variable in the network of variables. The path model only establishes linear relationships between variables and also indicates the predictive power of the model being evaluated. The mathematical relationships between the variables may be expressed as a set of linear equations, called the path model. According to Keeves, (1972) the fundamental principle of the path model that allows the linear equations to be estimated is: rà ¡Ã‚ µÃ‚ ¢ = Æ © p * r Where i and j denote two variables in the network and the index k includes all variables from which paths lead directly to the dependent construct (j), r is the correlation coefficient and p is the path coefficient. Equation 3.5 can be expanded by successive applications of the formula itself to r. In this case, the errors from behaviour intentions and facilitating conditions all point at usage behaviour. Expressed in expanded form can be read directly from the path diagram by using the following direct relationships in this study: BIC = ÃŽÂ ±PEC + ÃŽÂ ±REC + ÃŽÂ ±SOC BUC = ÃŽÂ ±FOC + ÃŽÂ ±BIC EBC = ÃŽÂ ±BUC Where BIC is Behavioural Intention, PEC is performance expectancy, REC is relevance, FOC is facilitating conditions, BUC is usage behaviour and EBC is expected benefits constructs respectively. In this study, a path coefficient with a negative sign implies an inverse relationship between constructs whereas a coefficient with a positive sign implies that there is a direct relationship between two constructs. Survey Designs: There are two types of surveys used when evaluating acceptance and use of technology as discussed in 3.2.1. These are longitudinal surveys and cross-sectional survey. Since mobile payment services being investigated are in their early years of introduction, the best survey method is a cross-sectional. By using cross-sectional survey, the study would be able to predict future usage. i) Cross-sectional survey The study proposes to use a survey approach to collect data that could be a representative of the real phenomena in the population from which the study sample will be drawn. The study will focus on the link between end-users behaviour intentions to use mobile payment services. In IS/IT evaluation studies, cross-sectional survey methods are not new because they have been used by several authors, Gefen et al., (2002), Chau and Hu (2001), Venkatesh and Davis (2000) and Venkatesh and Morris (2000). A cross-sectional survey design will be utilized to gather quantitative data to assess the relationships between the study variables. A cross-sectional study/research involves data collection that covers a one-off time period. Data collection of individual observations can occur at one point in time or may be over a period of days, weeks or months. In the case of the current study, the data collection aim to be for a period of three months. According to Mugenda (2008), Mugenda and Mugenda (2003), this sort of survey helps to establish whether significant associations among variables exist. The additional value of this type of survey is that one can generate testable hypotheses, which the current study aims to do. Cross-sectional designs have three distinctive features: there is no time dimension, only differences between groups are measured rather than changes over time; there is reliance on existing differences rather than change following any intervention and there is no allowance for differences to emerge over time; and grouping individuals in the sample is based on existing differences or according to a category or the independent variable to which they happened to belong rather than random allocation. The researcher was aware of the limitations of this type of investigation, but the research timeframe might not permit the use of a longitudinal study. When data is collected at more than one point in time and then later on, the study is considered longitudinal (Crestwell, 2003). Longitudinal studies are feasible when there is need to describe the pattern and direction of change and stability (De Vaus, 2001). The objective of this study is to understand usage behaviour as a dependent variable that would predict the actual usage of the services in future. The current study will employ cross-sectional survey and college students will be used for this study. Behaviour intention is associated with self-predicted future usage of a new technology. Furthermore, measuring behaviour intention as a predictor of future usage behaviour is also important. The researcher believes that the experience college students will gain in using mobile payment services would impact on their behavioural intentions if they intend to use the service in future. As reported in the conceptual framework section, behaviour intentions as a dependent variable measured in a cross-sectional study can help to identify future usage of mobile payment services. It is because of these reasons that the current study proposes to use a cross-sectional survey method which will be carried out over a period of three months. STUDY POPULATION Methods of Data Collection: This section presents the final research level namely the research methods. Crotty (2005) defined research methods as the techniques used by researchers to collect and analyse the data required to answer the research questions. Moreover, according to Saunders et al., (2007), research methods are the various procedures used to collect data, such as questionnaire, observation and interviews, and to analyse it, e.g. statistical and non-statistical techniques, according to the nature of the research. Since this study is basically quantitative in nature, questionnaires will be used. Furthermore, to determine the research reliability and validity, the researcher will use multiple sources of evidence. The research method to be applied will be in accordance with the research objective. For this study, the practical objective will be to identify the main elements that influence consumer acceptance and use of mobile payment services. This objective will be achieved by designing a comprehensive questionnaire to identify the main factors that impact on consumers behavioural intentions towards the acceptance and use of mobile payment. In this regard, about 1000 questionnaires are proposed to be distributed to college students willing to participate in this research study. Structured Interviews: Researchers prepare themselves in advance by setting up a predetermined list of questions with limited option responses (closed questions). Usually structured interviews are associated with social surveys which aim to interview as wide range of respondents as possible to collect large volumes of data (Bernard, 2000; Denscombe, 2003). Saunders et al., (2007) classified the structured interview as a type of questionnaire which is administered face-to-face. Questionnaire Survey: Based on the proposed research model, the research questionnaire will be designed to identify the main constructs that impact consumer behavioural intentions towards the acceptance and use of mobile payment. Thus, a questionnaire survey method will be applied in this study. Robson (2005) clarified the full benefits of using questionnaires in business research within a survey strategy. Fink (1995:1) identified survey as: A survey is a system for collecting information to describe, compare, or explain knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. Survey involves setting objectives for information collection, designing research, administering and scoring the instrument, analysing data, and reporting the resul

Waste Prevention Essays --

Table of Contents Wastes Page NO: 3 Literature Review Page NO: 4 Environment Prevention Page NO: 5 Hazardous Substances Program Page NO: 5 Waste Management Program Page NO: 5 Air Quality Program Page NO: 6 Getting closer to the clearer Image Page NO: 8 References Page NO:16 â€Å"Nearly everything we do leaves behind some kind of waste. Households create ordinary garbage. Industrial and manufacturing processes create solid and hazardous waste.† (U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2003) Different programs at the National, Provincial and private level are carried out which serve the purpose of preventing the environment. These types of programs â€Å"protect us from the hazards of waste disposal Conserve energy and natural resources by recycling and recovery Reduce or eliminate waste, and Clean up waste, which may have spilled, leaked, or been improperly disposed of. Hazardous waste comes in many shapes and forms. Chemical, metal, and furniture manufacturing are some examples of processes that create hazardous waste. These programs tightly regulate all hazardous waste from "cradle to grave." They also control garbage and industrial waste. Common garbage is municipal waste, which consists mainly of paper, yard trimmings, glass, and other ma terials. Industrial waste is process waste that comes from a broad range of operations. Other federal agencies or state laws manage some wastes. Examples of such wastes are animal waste, radioactive waste, and medical waste. (U.S Environmental Protection Agency, 2003) Literature Review State and federal requirements control Hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal activities. Most municipal waste (garbage) is managed in accordance with state requirements that meet federal mu... ...the coffee shop instead of getting a disposable cup there. Buy rechargeable toner cartridges so that they can be reused and use papers that has already been printed on one side in your printer and copy machine. Donate old clothes and miscellaneous items to a shelter or charity instead of throwing them away. Donate unwanted equipment, furniture, and supplies to nonprofit organizations or schools. Have a garage sale. Repair, refurbishes, and sells or donate used furniture. Support construction from reused building materials and deconstruction/reuse, rather than demolition. (Region 9, 2002) References Environmental Protection Service Retrieved as on 07-31-2003 http://www.gov.nt.ca/RWED/eps/environ.htm Florida Department of Environmental Protection, (March 11, 2003) Longer Lasting Landfills Focus of Environmental ResearchNew technology sponsored by DEP

Changes In History :: essays research papers

In the historical process there have been many changes for the advancement of society. Greece, Europe, and Italy all went through radical changes. Their new styles and remarkable advances led them through the Classical and Renaissance periods. Greece was referred to as Classical Greece during the period of Greek history between 500 B.C.E and 338 B.C.E. This was considered to be a time of brilliant achievement. The Greek culture was certainly changed over this time. The History of the Persian Wars was a work that was considered the first piece if real history in Western Civilization. Many great historians came out of Greece during this time period. Thucydides was one of these great historians. One of his greatest achievements was the History of the Peloponnesian War. Another point to be made about Thucydides was his insight into the human condition. He stated, "It will be enough for me, however, if those who want to understand clearly the events which happened in the past and which (human nature being what it is) will, at some time or another, and in much the same ways, be repeated in the future. Other changes came about in Greece during this time. The Greeks introduced drama. The origins remain to be unclear, but historians believe that it was developed from religious rituals. Tragedy was also intended to educate individuals as well as entertain them. Greek tragedies dealt with problems such as the nature of good and evil, the conflict between spiritual values, and the demands of the state or family, the nature of the divine forces, and the nature of human beings. The arts were also going through changes during the Classical Greece period. The standards established by the Greeks were dominated throughout the Western world. Classical Greek art usually portrayed human beings as the subjects and represented them as objects of great beauty. Greece was not the only place that went through changes. Europe went through a Renaissance period, or a rebirth of learning. Education was provided for the clergy and government officials. The strong will for learning led to a revival among the people. Compared to Greece, Europe did not undergo as many changes; education and the revival of classical studies were the most important. There was an attempt to assimilate and preserve Latin and early Christian culture. Monks were required to copy manuscripts. The practice of scriptoria was introduced during this time.

Lysistrata Of Aristophanes Essays -- essays research papers fc

The Lysistrata of Aristophanes Aristophanes was a satirist who produced Lysistrata around 413 BC when the news of Athen’s warships had been destroyed near Sicily. For twenty-one years, while Athens was engaged in war, he relentlessly and wittliy attacked the war, the ideals of the war, the war party and the war spirit. This risked his acceptance and his Athenian citizenship. Lysistrata is probably the oldest comedy which has retained a place in modern theatre. It primarily deals with two themes, war and the power of sexuality.. Lysistrata (an invented name meaning, She Who Puts an End to War) has summoned the women of Athens to meet her at the foot of Acropolis. She puts before them the easy invitation that they must never lie again with their husbands until the war is ended. At first, they shudder and withdraw and refuse until, with the help of the women from Sparta and Thebes, they are impelled to agree. The women seize the Acropolis from which Athens is funding the war. Aft er days of sexually depriving their men in order to bring peace to there communities. They defeat back in an attack from the old men who had remained in Athens while the younger men are on their crusade. When their husbands return from battle, the women reject sex and stand guard at Acropolis. The sex strike, portrayed in risqué episodes, finally pressure the men of Athens and Sparta to consent to a peace treaty. Ancient Greece in 431 BC was not a nation. It was a collection of rival city-states that were allies with each other or with leading military powers. Athens was a great naval power, while Sparta relied mainly on its army for superiority. In 431 BC, these alliances went to war against each other in a conflict called the Peleponnesian War. The war, which went on for 27 years, is named for the Peloponnesus, the peninsula on which Sparta is located. As the war began, Sparta and Athens each took advantage of their military strengths. Sparta ravaged Attica, the territory a round Athens, while the Athenian navy raided cities in Peloponnesus. This strategy lasted for two years. Meanwhile, Pericles’ death in 429 BC left the democracy open for hostile factions and reckless leaders who pursued their own advantages. Chief among these leaders was Alcibiades, who was as irresponsible as brilliant. By 425 BC, Sparta’s hopes for victory were bleak, and its leaders were ready to ask... ... to succeed. Ending the war would be so easy that women could complete the task. Aristophanes is not one of the most profound or exalted of Greek poets, but he is the most creative. Others deal with the world as it is, glorifying it or justifying its flaws, discovering hidden values in it and suggesting how they may be realized. Aristophanes erases the present and constructs another. He rids history and its constraints. If war has become tiresome he makes a private treaty and fetches the goddess of Peace. If Athens has become tiresome, he builds a new one in the sky. As Lysistrata shows, he is more moved by sympathy for the innocent sufferers of war than anger against the warmongers. Although caustic and good-humored, he intended to show the power lust and civil war amongst the Greeks. Works Cited Aristophanes’ Lysistrata. 18 September 2000. *http://www1.cc.va.us/hurst/eng251cr/* Arkins, Brian. Classics Ireland. "Sexuality in Fifth-Century". 15 September 2000. *h ttp://www.ucd.ie/classics/94/Arkins94.html/* Hadas, Moses. Lysistrata. The Complete Plays of Aristophanes. New York, 1962. 287-328 Peleponnesian War. 16 September 2000. *http:/www.library.thinkquest.org/*