The prime of Miss Jean Brodie Essay Summary Example For Students

The prime of Miss Jean Brodie Essay Summary In The prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Muriel Spark uses certain narrative techniques which reflect the ways of manipulation used by the title character of her novel. On one hand, an omniscient third person narrator is a way for the reader to experience all the character’s thoughts and views so that as the novel proceeds, the reader can observe the different views of Miss Jean Brodie by every girl from the set and analyze all the different aspects of Miss Brodie’s character. On the other hand, the narrative techniques in the text, such as the specific focalization aspects and the constant use of analepses and prolepses in a visibly authoritative manner, contribute to the impression that the readers judgements are in fact manipulated by the narrator, although it could seem that there is no particular attitude to characters and events suggested by means of narration. We will write a custom essay on The prime of Miss Jean Brodie Summary specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Obvious to the reader right from the start is the fact that Spark uses many time shifts which keep the reader’s attention focused. The time scheme of fast forwarding and rewinding causes the novel to seem more fictional. In The prime of Miss Jean Brodie, the narrator begins in 1936 but soon jumps back to 1930, and then forward again to 1943, the year of Mary Macgregor’s death. She then returns to 1939 and then back to 1931. The narrative then jumps forward to 1959 and then returns to 1931. A specific example of this obscure time structure is on page 26-27, â€Å"It was twenty-eight years laterIt is time now to speak of the long walk† (Spark 1984: 26-27). In this particular quotation, Spark begins with the girls at a young age. She then jumps forward to when Eunice is older and living her own life, before going back to the time when the girls are young. Although confusing at times, this format incorporates the past, present and future of the girls in order to show Miss Brodies influence on them as adults simultaneously with their relationship as teacher and pupils but it also affects the readers reception of the text in a quite different way. The jumping of the time scheme, although it adds suspense to the novel as a whole so that the reader does not know who betrayed Miss Brodie or why, does not give the reader a chance to think and analyze the characters. The time scheme causes confusion, almost as if the reader is being brainwashed. There is no concentration on a particular time period for very long. The narration constantly switches from year to year so the reader cannot focus too long on certain actions of Miss Brodie or any of the characters. When reading the novel the reader cannot form their own conclusions of the set or predict any outcome. Another noticeable characteristic of the novel that relates to the narrative is the repetition of various concepts. On several occasions, the narrator alludes to a significant happening early on inthe novel, and then mentions it several other times before the reader is actually sure of itssignificance. One example of this is when Spark continually uses one characteristic to describe each of the girls: â€Å"Rose Stanley was famous for sex†(Spark 1984:7) â€Å"said Rose who was famous for sex appeal†(Spark 1984:9) â€Å"Rose Stanley who six years later had a great reputation for sex.† (Spark 1984: 13) Each of the girls has one defining trait that the narrator states over and over again. Instead of giving a load of details about each person, the characters are limited to their most defining characteristic which become constantly repeated cliches. .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed , .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .postImageUrl , .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed , .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed:hover , .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed:visited , .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed:active { border:0!important; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed:active , .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u959f3f755d1d877895ae90bf06dfb7ed:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: AIDS: The Man-Made-Monster EssayAs the story progresses it emerges that there are certain parallels between Jean Brodie’s leadership of her girls, referred to as the Brodie set, and the dictators she so admires since she uses her charm and intellect to influence and manipulate her pupils. Throughout the novel, the narrator makes continual references to specific people, events, and places. This has many different effects on how the reader sees the story. The prime of Miss Jean Brodie is in a way based on a fascist way of thinking and teaching. Miss Jean Brodie is very fond of this method herself and the narrator also uses this method when telling the story. Miss Brod ie always tells her set of girls what the correct way of thinking is and does not allow the students form their own opinions. â€Å"Who is the greatest Italian painter? ‘Leonardo da Vinci, Miss Brodie.’ ‘That is incorrect. The answer is Giotto, he is my favorite.’† (Spark 1984:10) She also leads the students to believe that some subjects are more important that others. â€Å"Art is greater than Science. Art comes first, and then Science.† (Spark 1984:24) â€Å"Art and religion first; then Philosophy; lastly science. That is the order of the great subjects of life, that’s their order or importance.† (Spark 1984:25) Miss Brodie brainwashes her students into believing what she says and she involves them into her own specific discourse based on several frequently used notions and phrases. In the same way that Miss Jean Brodie uses repetition so does the narrator, by mocking Miss Brodie’s obsession with her prime: â€Å"Attend to me girls. One’s prime is the moment one was born for. Now that my prime has begun-Sandy, your attention is wandering. What have I been talking about?’ ‘Your prime, Miss Brodie.† (Spark 1984:12) â€Å"The summer holidays of nineteen-thirty-one marked the first anniversary of Miss Brodie’s Prime.†(Spark 1984:44 ) â€Å"There was a Miss Jean Brodie in her Prime.† (Spark 1984:128)By frequent repetitions the author reminds the readers throughout the novel of the characters and their personalities, so that we are not given a chance to form our own opinions of them. These are only a few examples of how repetition is used in the narration so that the readers are deceived into believing what the narrator wants them to which is the way of brainwashing the audience just as Miss Jean Brodie does. The narrator uses a similar technique used by Miss Brodie as she can give the readers any opinion she wishes them to believe. The narrator tells the story in such a way that all the characters’ opinions on Miss Brodie are exposed but simultaneously, throughout the story, the narrator bases and manipulates our ideas about the characters. Despite the fact that Miss Brodie might have good intentions, the reader is more compelled to dislike her because of her fascist teaching methods and actions. The narrator proves this by focusing on certain characters, the ones who were most influenced by Miss Brodie’s prime. Such examples are Mary MacGregor’s death which occurs in several prolepses and leads the reader to believe that she really was as stupid as Miss Brodie predicted. Another argument which makes it difficult to formulate any different opinion on Miss Brodie is the emphasized motive of one of the pupils who, inspired by her, runs away to join the Civil Guard in t he Spanish Civil War and dies in the process. As there is much focalization through Sandy’s eyes at some points the reader seems to be encouraged to have sympathy with her although it does not seem likely when considering the frequent references to Sandy’s small pig-like eyes which hardly suggest broad or reliable vision. It is also difficult to feel sympathy with a character who is able to betray Miss Brodie in such a cold-blooded way but, in spite of that, Sandys point of view has a strong impact on the reader as she is the most frequently focalized character in the novel. Similar techniques of narration, and manipulation, refer to Miss Brodie. On one hand, the reader knows she is a solipsist with a highly inflated sense of her own importance as on learning that Sandy has become a nun her immediate response is â€Å"Do you think she has done this to annoy me?† (Spark 1984:63). This example, and many other occuring in the text, makes Jean Brodie seem a thorough ly unpleasant character. However, it is difficult not to feel sympathy for Miss Brodie in her latter years when she is frequently described as â€Å"shrivelled and betrayed†(Spark 1984:85). .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 , .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .postImageUrl , .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 , .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6:hover , .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6:visited , .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6:active { border:0!important; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6:active , .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6 .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u429d2141c4e4414a4e8f3222eb9feec6:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Spread of Buddhism and Christianity EssayIt is somewhat ironic that the narrative structure of the novel is a reflection of the devices used by the main character in order to manipulate her pupils and make them adopt her own opinions and ways of thinking. Miss Brodies teaching methods parallel the narrative techniques of the novel, such as using certain specific and unchangable phrases when referring to each character, frequent repetitions and intrusive time shifts throughout the story. The narration in this novel is very interesting. Although it is initially confusing, the reader is able to piece together all the pieces of the puzzle at the end. Spark effectively, and provocatively, uses time jumps and simple character descriptions, which keep the reader interested and alert and at the same time intrude or impose facts and opinions into the readers mind. ReferencesSpark, Muriel 19611984The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin Books.

Forecasting Problem Essays

Forecasting Problem Essays Forecasting Problem Essay Forecasting Problem Essay Forecasting Problem POM Software: For this part of the problem I need to use the POM software: 1. Forecasting. 2. I should select Module-gt;Forecasting-gt;File-gt;New-gt;Least Squares and multiple regression 3. Use the module to solve the Case Study (Southwestern University). this case study, I am are required to build a forecasting model. Assume a linear regression forecasting model and build a model for each of the five games (five models in total) by using the forecasting module of the POM software. 4. Answer the three discussion questions for the case study except the part requiring me to justify the forecasting technique, as linear regression would be used. Discussion Questions 1. Develop a forecasting model, justifying its selection over other techniques, and project attendance through 2007. 2. What revenues are to be expected in 2006 and 2007 3. Discuss the schools options. Case Study (Southwestern University) Southwestern University (SWU), a large state college in Stephenville, Texas, enrolls close to 20,000 students. The school is a dominant force in the small city, with more students during fall and spring than permanent residents. Always a football powerhouse, SWU is usually in the top 20 in College football rankings. Since the legendary Bo Pitterno was hired as its head coach in 1999 (in hopes of reaching the elusive number 1 ranking),attendance at the five Saturday home games each year increased. Prior to Pitternos arrival, attendance generally averaged 25,000 to 29,000 per game. : Season ticket sales bumped up by 10,000 Just with the announcement of the new coachs arrival. Stephenville and SWU were ready to move to the big time! The immediate issue facing SWU, however, was not NCAA ranking. It was capacity. The existing SWU stadium, built in 1953, has seating for 54,000 fans. The following table indicates attendance at each game for the past 6 years. One of Pitternos demands upon joining SWU had been a stadium expansion, or possibly even a new stadium. With attendance increasing, SWU administrators began to face the issue head-on. Pitterno had wanted dormitories solely for his athletes in the stadium as an additional feature of any expansion. SWUs president, Dr. Joel Wisner, decided it was time for his vice president of development to forecast when the existing stadium would max out. The expansion was, in his mind, a given. But Wisner needed to know how long he could wait. He also sought a revenue projection, assuming an average ticket price of $20 in 2006 and a 5% increase each year in future prices. Southwestern University Football Game Attendance, 2000-2005 2000 GAME ATTENDEESOPPONENT 1 34,200 Baylor 2 a 39,800 Texas 3 38,200 LSU 4b26,900 Arkansas 5 35,100 USC 2001 GAME ATTENDEES OPPONENT 136,100Oklahoma 2a40,200 Nebraska 339,100 UCLA 4b25,300 Nevada 536,200 Ohio State 2002 GAME ATTENDEES OPPONENT 135,900 TCU 2a46,500 Texas Tech 343,100 Alaska 4b27,900 Arizona 539,200 Rice 2003 GAME ATTENDEES OPPONENT 141,900 Arkansas 2a46,100 Missouri 343,900 Florida 4b30,100 Miami 540,500 Duke 2004 GAME ATTENDEES OPPONENT 142,500 Indiana 2a48,200 North Texas 344,200 Texas AM 4b33,900 Southern 547,800 Oklahoma 2005 GAME ATTENDEES OPPONENT 146,900 LSU 2a50,100 Texas 345,900 Prairie View AM 4b36,300 Montana 549,900 Arizona State (a) Refer to Homecoming games. (b) During the 4th week of each season, Stephenville hosted a hugely popular southwestern crafts festival. This event brought tens of thousands of tourists to the town, especially on weekends, and had an obvious negative impact on game attendance.

Mahdist War and the Siege of Khartoum

Mahdist War and the Siege of Khartoum Siege of Khartoum - Conflict Dates: The Siege of Khartoum lasted from March 13, 1884 to January 26, 1885, and took place during the Mahdist War (1881-1899). Armies Commanders British Egyptians Major General Charles Gordon7,000 men, 9 gunboats Mahdists Muhammad Ahmadapprox. 50,000 men Siege of Khartoum - Background: In the wake of 1882 Anglo-Egyptian War, British troops remained in Egypt to protect British interests. Though occupying the country, they allowed the Khedive to continue overseeing domestic affairs. This included dealing with the Mahdist Revolt which had commenced in Sudan. Though technically under Egyptian rule, large parts of Sudan had fallen to Mahdist forces led by Muhammad Ahmad. Considering himself the Mahdi (the redeemer of Islam), Ahmad defeated Egyptian forces at El Obeid in November 1883 and overran Kordofan and Darfur. This defeat and the deteriorating situation led to Sudan being discussed in Parliament. Assessing the problem and wishing to avoid the cost of intervention, Prime Minister William Gladstone and his cabinet were unwilling to commit forces to the conflict. As a result, their representative in Cairo, Sir Evelyn Baring, directed the Khedive to order the garrisons in Sudan to evacuate back into Egypt. To oversee this operation, London requested that Major General Charles Chinese Gordon be placed in command. A veteran officer and former governor-general of Sudan, Gordon was familiar with the region and its peoples. Leaving in early 1884, he was also tasked with reporting on the best means for extracting the Egyptians from the conflict. Arriving in Cairo, he was re-appointed Governor-General of Sudan with full executive powers. Sailing up the Nile, he arrived at Khartoum on February 18. Directing his limited forces against the advancing Mahdists, Gordon began evacuating women and children north to Egypt. Siege of Khartoum - Gordon Digs In: Though London desired to abandon Sudan, Gordon firmly believed the Mahdists needed to be defeated or they could overrun Egypt. Citing a lack of boats and transport, he ignored his orders to evacuate and began organizing a defense of Khartoum. In an effort to win over the citys residents, he improved the justice system and remitted taxes. Recognizing that Khartoums economy rested on the slave trade, he re-legalized slavery despite the fact that he had originally abolished it during his earlier term as governor-general. While unpopular at home, this move increased Gordons support in the city. As he moved forward, he began requesting reinforcements to defend the city. An initial request for a regiment of Turkish troops was denied as was a later call for a force of Indian Muslims. Increasingly agitated by Gladstones lack of support, Gordon began sending a series of angry telegrams to London. These soon became public and led to a vote of no confidence against Gladstones government. Though he survived, Gladstone steadfastly refused to become committed to a war in Sudan. Left on his own, Gordon began enhancing Khartoums defenses. Protected to the north and west by the White and Blue Niles, he saw that fortifications and trenches were constructed to the south and east. Facing the desert, these were supported by land mines and wire barriers. To defend the rivers, Gordon retrofitted several steamers into gunboats which were protected by metal plates. Attempting an offensive near Halfaya on March 16, Gordons troops faltered and took 200 casualties. In the wake of the setback, he concluded that he should remain on the defensive. Siege of Khartoum - The Siege Begins: Later that month, Mahdist forces began to near Khartoum and skirmishing commenced. With Mahdist forces closing in, Gordon telegraphed London on April 19 that he had provisions for five months. He also requested two to three thousand Turkish troops as his men were increasingly unreliable. Gordon believed that with such a force, he could drive off the enemy. As the month ended, the tribes to the north elected to join with the Mahdi and cut off Gordons lines of communication to Egypt. While runners were able to make the journey, the Nile and telegraph were severed. As enemy forces surrounded the city, Gordon attempted to convince the Mahdi to make peace but with no success. Siege of Khartoum - Fall of Khartoum: Holding the city, Gordon was able to somewhat replenish his supplies by raiding with his gunboats. In London, his plight was played up in the press and eventually, Queen Victoria directed Gladstone to send aid to the beleaguered garrison. Acquiescing in July 1884, Gladstone ordered General Sir Garnet Wolseley to form an expedition for the relief of Khartoum. Despite this, it took a substantial amount of time to organize the needed men and supplies. As the fall progressed, Gordons position became increasingly tenuous as supplies dwindled and many of his more capable officers were killed. Shortening his line, he constructed a new wall inside the city and tower from which to observe the enemy. Though communications remained spotty, Gordon did receive word that a relief expedition was en route. Despite this news, Gordon greatly feared for the city. A letter that arrived in Cairo on December 14 informed a friend, Farewell. You will never hear from me again. I fear that there will be treachery in the garrison, and all will be over by Christmas. Two days later, Gordon was forced to destroy his outpost across the White Nile at Omdurman. Made aware of Gordons concerns, Wolseley began pressing south. Defeating the Mahdists at Abu Klea on January 17, 1885, the men met the enemy again two days later. With the relief force approaching, the Mahdi began planning to storm Khartoum. Possessing around 50,000 men, he ordered one column to wade across the White Nile to attack the citys walls while another assaulted the Massalamieh Gate. Moving forward on the night of January 25-26, both columns quickly overwhelmed the exhausted defenders. Swarming through the city, the Mahdists massacred the garrison and around 4,000 of Khartoums residents. Though the Mahdi had expressly ordered that Gordon be taken alive, he was struck down in the fighting. Accounts of his death vary with some reports stating he was killed at the governors palace, while others claim he was shot in the street while trying to escape to the Austrian consulate. In either case, Gordons body was decapitated and taken to the Mahdi on a pike. Siege of Khartoum - Aftermath: In the fighting at Khartoum, Gordons entire 7,000-man garrison was killed. Mahdist casualties are not known. Driving south, Wolseleys relief force reached Khartoum two days after the citys fall. With no reason to remain, he ordered his men to return to Egypt, leaving Sudan to the Mahdi. It remained under Mahdist control until 1898 when Major General Herbert Kitchener defeated them at the Battle of Omdurman. Though a search was made for Gordons remains after Khartoum was retaken, they were never found. Acclaimed by the public, Gordons death was blamed on Gladstone who delayed forming a relief expedition. The resulting outcry led his government to fall in March 1885 and he was formally rebuked by Queen Victoria. Sources: BBC. General Charles Gordon. Fordham University.  Islamic History Sourcebook: Death of General Gordon at Khartoum. Sandrock, John.  Windows to the Past: Siege of Khartoum.

Do labor unions increase the wages of workers Essay

Do labor unions increase the wages of workers - Essay Example It is due to this rift that Unions have to come in and provide with a compromising solution to such issue. The activities of Labor unions vary in accordance with the needs of the workers and the activity whereby the Labor Unions negotiate terms and conditions with the employers on matters regarding wage and working condition is referred to as Collective bargaining (Taylor et al, 2010). Labor Unions gained massive popularity during the initial 19th century but after mid 19th century, Labor Unions started losing their grip and popularity and it was in 1980 that union membership fell down drastically within Europe (Wilenius, 2004). The fall in Union membership did not put an end to the Union’s ability to influence wages for employees. There are many ways in which Unions may be able to influence the pay rate of employees working in an organization. The most common ways include: The unions may halt production by advising employees to go on a strike, strike or lock-downs may cause s evere problems for organizations that would be running on strict production-runs. Unions may increase the demand for labor services by providing reduced workers from the union. Unions may force governments to disallow foreign import of skilled or unskilled employees. Unions may restrict supply of competitive inputs. If a Labor Union would not restrict the supply of labor and workforce, the market position would be at an equilibrium position i.e. the supply and the demand would be in a balanced position but if the Labor Union restricts the supply of labor, there would be excessive demand that would have to be met because of the low level of employment. This reduction in the labor would cause the wage rates to rise. All of this would happen because of the supply restrictions. This can be showed graphically as follows: This wage increase is also achieved by Labor Unions by using other techniques such as collective bargaining. Labor Unions use threatening techniques such as strikes and lock-downs in order to achieve wage increases. This can be further represented graphically as follows: In both the scenarios, the end result of achieving a rise in the wage rate is achieved by the Labor Unions but the ways of achieving the wage rate is relatively different from each other. Labor Unions tend to be more powerful when there is no substitute for human work force but where the option of machinery and automated techniques exist; Labor Unions become ineffective in forcing a wage increase of higher employment rate for their workers. With the inception of more advanced technology and increased use of automated techniques during the course of production, Labor Unions effect has been reduced heavily as machinery has worked as a strong substitute for human in the production-runs. Although automated techniques have reduced the impact of the Unions, research has shown that union members are able to get better wages than non union members. This is primarily because of the extra fo rce and pressure applied by the Unions on behalf of all their member workers. A research conducted by the AFL-CIO (America’s Union Movement) clearly suggested that collective bargaining raises wages for union members rather than the non-union ones. Source: AFL-CIO (America’s Union Movement), 2011 Labor Unions are usually called upon as monopolistic, this is because of their forceful nature of dictating terms upon employers by prescribing a wage rate but this monopolistic nature cannot be

Film Prompt(you can make any topic by your idea) Movie Review

Film Prompt(you can make any topic by your idea) - Movie Review Example It helps to commemorate this fact that a white man can be spared and all black men can be killed just because of different of color. Lee is saying through his film that because racism underpins all forms of entertainment even today, racist stereotypes are still alive. For me, the most poignant moment in the film came near the end. There is this horrible shootout between the police and the rap group who is there to perform. There is a mix of black and white performers in that rap group. But, all the black group members are killed by the police and one white member is spared. This makes the white man realize that no matter how hard he may try to mingle with another race, the society will still not let go of the idea of white supremacy. The modern day minstrel show created by Lee is different from a typical or traditional show. For example, when Glover is dancing and his partner jumps in to dance in rhythm, it is different because what he does is â€Å"an occupation traditionally held by African Americans†

Culture of Pakistan Essay Example for Free

Culture of Pakistan Essay The 17th century Badshahi Mosque built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Lahore The society and culture of Pakistan (Urdu: Ø «Ã™â€šÃ˜ §Ã™ Ã˜ ª Ù ¾Ã˜ §Ãš ©Ã˜ ³Ã˜ ªÃ˜ §Ã™â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å½) comprises numerous diverse cultures and ethnic groups: the Punjabis, Kashmiris, Sindhis in east, Muhajirs, Makrani in the south; Baloch and Pashtun in the west; and the ancient Dardic, Wakhi, and Burusho communities in the north. These Pakistani cultures have been greatly influenced by many of the surrounding countries cultures, such as the Turkic peoples, Persian, Arab, and other South Asian ethnic groups of the Subcontinent, Central Asia and the Middle East. In ancient times, Pakistan was a major cultural hub. Many cultural practices and great monuments have been inherited from the time of the ancient rulers of the region. One of the greatest cultural influences was that of the Persian Empire, of which Pakistan was a part. In fact, the Pakistani satraps were at one time the richest and most productive of the massive Persian Empire. Other key influences include the Afghan Empire, Mughal Empire and later, the short-lived but influential, the British Empire. Pakistan has a cultural and ethnic background going back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed from 2800–1800 B.C., and was remarkable for its ordered cities, advanced sanitation, excellent roads, and uniquely structured society. Pakistan has been invaded many times in the past, and has been occupied and settled by many different peoples, each of whom have left their imprint on the current inhabitants of the country. Some of the largest groups were the Proto-Indo-Aryans, of which Sindhis and Punjabis descend from and later Iranic peoples which the Baloch and Pashtuns descend from. Other less significant ones include the Greeks, Scythians, Persians, White Huns, Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Buddhists, and other Eurasian groups, up to and including the British, who left in the late 1940s. The region has formed a distinct cultural unit within the main cultural complex of South Asia, the Middle East and Central Asia from the earliest times, and is analogous to Turkeys position in Eurasia.[1] There are differences in culture among the different ethnic groups in matters such as dress, food, and religion, especially where pre-Islamic customs differ from Islamic practices. Their cultural origins also reveal influences from far afield, including Tibet, Nepal, India, and eastern Afghanistan. All groups show varying degrees of influence from Persia, Turkestan and Hellenistic Greece. Pakistan was the first region of South Asia to receive the full impact of Islam and has developed a distinct Islamic identity, historically different from areas further west.[1] Ancient sites in Pakistan include: Zoroastrian Fire temples, Islamic centres, shia shrines/Sufi shrines, Buddhist temples, Sikh, Hindu, and pagan temples and shrines, gardens, tombs, palaces, monuments, and Mughal and Indo-Saracenic buildings. Sculpture is dominated by Greco-Buddhist friezes, and crafts by ceramics, jewellery, silk goods and engraved woodwork and metalwork. Pakistani society is largely multilingual, multi-ethnic and multicultural. Though cultures within the country differ to some extent, more similarities than differences can be found, as most Pakistanis are mainly of Aryan heritage or have coexisted side by side along the Indus River for several thousand years, or both. However, over 60 years of integration, a distinctive Pakistani culture has sprung up, especially in the urban areas where many of the diverse ethnic groups have coexisted and ithe country now having a literacy rate of 55%, up from 3% at the time of independence. Traditional family values are highly respected and considered sacred, although urban families increasingly form nuclear families, owing to socio-economic constraints imposed by the traditional culture of the extended family. The past few decades have seen emergence of a middle class in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Quetta, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Peshawar, Sialkot, Abbottabad, and Multan. Rural areas of Pakistan are regarded as more conservative, and are dominated by regional tribal customs dating back hundreds if not thousands of years. Pakistans culture is again unique like the rest of the country. Pakistans geography is the meeting point of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia/Gulf. Its culture could be termed as a combination of sub continental, Islamic, Regional, English, and more recently global influences. Let us consider them piecemeal. The newly born Pakistan had to have a sub continental leaning, having been a part of for last 5000 years of its civilization. However, the Indus Valley, present day Pakistan, culture was different from the rest of North India or South India. (Quoted Pakistans Identity, History and Culture, from the famous book Gwadar on the Global Chessboard by Nadir Mir)

Free Essays - Comparing Odysseus and Medea :: comparison compare contrast essays

Free Essays on Homer's Odyssey: Odysseus and Medea "Let me hear no smooth talk of death from you, Odysseus, light of councils. Better, I say, to break sod as a farm hand for some poor country man, on iron rations, than lord it over all the exhausted dead." Right before restless Odysseus leaves Circe, she tells him that he must go down into Hades to visit the shade of Teiresias, the blind prophet who advises Odysseus of his homecoming (the Wanderings). He then goes on to meet the shades of the queens and lovers of dead heroes and finally the heroes themselves. In the quotation cited, Odysseus is talking with Achilles, the greatest hero of the Trojan War. Achilles, while alive, was fully cognizant of his choice between a long life spent in obscurity or a short life, filled with glory. He chose the latter. I suppose Achilles quickly realized after he died that fame has no meaning for you after you're dead. In retrospect, he understood that death gives meaning, and fills one up with the passion for life. Every action, however mundane, is filled with the miracle of life and completes itself when one interacts with others. This is what Achilles meant when he asks Odysseus about his son and his former kingdom--never mind the dead, what are the living doing? Achilles yearns to be back among the living. This theme of death giving meaning to life is prevalent throughout the Odyssey. Hell is death, heaven is now, in life, in the field of time and action. Odysseus nearly died of homesickness (or boredom) when Kalypso detained him on her island, hoping to make him her immortal husband. Odysseus knew if he drank that ambrosia, life would be eternal, you'd have a beautiful house and a babe for a wife, but things would get terribly vapid after a certain point. Immortality is death, in this sense. Finally, it is Athena (thought, action) who convinces the gods (who are, I think, jealous of us mortals) to let Odysseus off the island and back into his life. It is interesting to note that even Hermes couldn't wait to get off Kalypso's island--"who would willingly come here? There is no city of men nearby. . . . . Ultimately, Odysseus' journey to Ithaka is about embracing one's life, accepting the challenges, the dangers, pitfalls, and joys, with courage, tenacity and a keen sense of what it takes to maintain balance in one's life.

Hazel Case Essay

1.Hazel’s customers will most likely judge her quality based on how well their lawns are doing and by looking at the state of her other customers’ gardens as well. The customers will also weight the services she provides with the price she’s asking for. And the most important is her knowledge about gardening and how committed she is. Lawns should be taken care of regularly so she should manage her time precisely not to miss an appointment or neglect a certain garden. 2.a. Like any other business forecasting is a vital part of the operations. Forecasting is needed to manage inventory, time and cash expenditures. With forecasting Hazel will be able to predict demand thus will be able to book her two part timers for certain dates. With forecasts she will also be able to get enough quantities of the fertilizers and tools she needs for the job. A forecast will also tell her when there will be available time required for her machine’s maintenance. b. The inventory Hazel must have is fertilizers and seeds. One of the most important decision that Hazel must do on a regular basis is how much to order of each based on the shipping cost of each order and the available space she has for storage in order to minimize her cost (Economic Order Quantity). Hazel must also pay attention to the fertilizers and seeds’ expiry dates so that they don’t go unused. c. Hazel needs to schedule her appointment and her machines’ maintenance time. Once appointments are set for each employee she has to assign the time slots between herself and her workers. Weather conditions can drive her to reschedule as well as health conditions if she or one of her part time workers get sick and can’t go to the appointment and something personal of importance comes up suddenly. d. The quality of her work especially in the industry she chose is very important. Based on the quality of her work more customers will come asking for her services and she can then raise her prices. e. The maintenance that Hazel has to do is for the equipments she uses. She has to make sure all machines are in good conditions and that all the blades and scissors are sharp enough. 3.a. Working for a company brings a steady foreseen income but is subject to the risk of getting laid off like it happened to Hazel before or maybe salary cuts during economic downturns. On the other hand working privately has the risk of not getting any orders for a period of time. The private business thing requires full commitment even if she has to skip some of her personal obligations; on the other hand working for a company has defined working hours. b. Not expanding the business would limit Hazel’s revenues and profits and losing one customer would have a significant negative impact on her operations. In contrast, expanding the business might also have some drawbacks because it will require an initial capital injection from her side to buy more equipments needed, she will have to hire permanent employees to run the business, she will be required to pay close attention to the quality of service that her employees are performing. All of these extra expenses might outweigh the extra profit she will get from the expansion so forecasts will play an vital role in her decisions on whether to expand or not. c. Launching a website would help Hazel reach a clientele she can’t possibly reach via marketing between her neighbors. However, the website she launches might get her more orders than she can possibly fulfill with her current capacity. Another important factor is that the website will need someone to monitor it and tak e care of it and if not enough orders come from the website then it won’t be worth its extra cost. 4.If the ordinance is passed Hazel can offer a new service to her clients which is moving their clippings. The advantages of the new service would be that it will bring her extra profit and it will be considered a dependent line of business that she can offer not only to the clients she cuts the lawn for but for anyone interested. The disadvantages would be the cost of getting new vehicles and new employees for the new business line and the complexity of running two different business lines simultaneously. 5.I think Hazel should send him the check first because she had given them her work (even if it wasn’t documented) and second because this would encourage other workers to share their ideas and not fear that she won’t pay them given they are only part timers. Another important thing is that this worker can spread the word that she didn’t pay him which will create a bad image of her in the market. The cost she will be incurring is the monetary value of the check . 6.a. The business Hazel deals in is affected by many other factors other than her work such as weather conditions and plants reactions to fertilizers. This outside effect requires more attention from Hazel’s side to make sure her quality does not vary dramatically because if that happens she might lose her credibility. b. If weather conditions are favorable then demand would probably decrease but if the conditions are unfavorable then the lawns would require more care from her side. According to the demand her inventory levels have to be set. 7.Hazel can consider offering a one month package, or a 6 month package or an annual one where the clients sign a contract with her for the whole period. Hazel can also offer bundle services in which she offers two of her services at a discounted price. Such offers would help Hazel attract more customers, will help her predict demand and will eliminate the risk of getting no new orders for a period of time.

How to Learn a Foreign Language Essay

There are three steps that can help people to learn a foreign language. First, you should learn some history and origin of the language. That is the first and most important step because it can increase your interest in studying the language. For instance, if you plan to study Chinese, you should know about some history such as that Chinese developed from the pictograph. That can help you to understand some words like the sign that describes the word human in Chinese is basically two lines shaped like a person’s legs. In other words, you can learn some history and origin of the language to get more interest in it. Then, you should learn some rudimentary knowledge of the language. That can help you laying a strong foundation of the language. To do this, you should study grammar, vocabulary, and some basic skills of the language. In order that, you can buy some books that can teach some basic knowledge of the language. Also, you can take some language classes at school to improve your language proficiency. Therefore, if you use some ways to study and consolidate your rudimentary knowledge of the language, you can learn advanced knowledge of the language more easily. Eventually, you should learn some advanced knowledge of the language. This can help you more easily communicate with others and read books. In other words, if you have some advanced knowledge of the language and speak very well, you cannot are lost in a different place where locals speak the language. To do this, you can join some community what their members study or use the language. Also, you can try reading some books, listening to music, and watching movies to achieve that. In addition, you should use the language frequently, such as by speaking with another person, because that can help you to keep an improvement and avoid forgetting. In short, if you don’t want to go to a different â€Å"planet,† you should learn a foreign language by these three steps. Of course, studying is a lengthy process so that you should keep interest and keep going. All in all, you can use these three steps to become a more knowledgeable person who can use another language.

The wave of the future essays

The wave of the future essays The wave of the future is drowning out very quickly. All the technology we have created will bit the dust before the systems really are used. At the end of the century all systems that have calendars to monitor systems or use calendars to show dates will shut down all at once. Major electronic systems such as elevators, alarm systems, fax machines, telephones, cars with computer systems will be nothing more than paper weights or wall designs nothing more. For years computers and electronic equipment were programmed to recognize a two digit year such as 98 for 1998. Consequently these systems may not function correctly when a new year appear as to be a lower number than the previous year, such as 00 for 2000. The year 2000 could be interpreted as 1900, causing major errors, stoppages, and unpredictable results that can seriously impact a business. The most electronically based operations would of the banking world were the date change would effect anything from tyme accounts to intere st balancing calculations. For example, in a banking application, if the interest is calculated for a given period by subtracting the years in two different dates, the code segment for above calculation will work if the given dates are between 01-Jan-1900 & 31-DEC-1999. whereas, if the code is used to calculate the difference between 01-Jan-1999 and 01-Jan-2000 the results will be interpreted wrongly. "How could the Year2000 Problem happen?" this is the first question asked by everyone who knows and hears of this problem. The Y2K problem has always been there and programmers were aware of this problem for years. Since programmers thought that the problem is to arise only after some decades, it was not given much importance. Now Y2K crisis is on top of us, the issue is critical universally. From the discussion of what is Y2K and how the problem arose,we are aware of the effect the problem will have. From the technical point of view two things could happen...

Autobiographical

Nisha rameen H Fleming Freshmen English 30 November 2006 The day I changed myself It was sunny afternoon in the middle of the summer. I was reading a book. Then my mother called me and told that, I and my family are moving from our country. My calm mind sudden changed in temper mind. I was shocked. Was I hearing something wrong? That came to my mind first. Because I could not imagine that she can tell me such matter in such an easy mood. But what I heard and what expression I see in my mothers face was completely right. That incident came like a storm and floated everything with it. I lived in Bangladesh. For fourteen years Bangladesh had been my home. Everyone loves their country, but when they leave their country then they understand what their country, their language, their culture is. A country is like mans shelter. Everyone is well-known about their environment, but when one goes to another country, they understand that no one is familiar to him. That is exactly my case. By attending a public school with one thousand students from preschool through grade eight I grew up with the same friends and classmates in each grade since the age of five. We know each other so well that we were like family, and I blossomed in this sheltered environment. This sheltered environment was shattered on the 22nd July 2008 when my family received a large, white, official envelope with the seal of United States of America. After hearing that news from my mothers mouth, my mind was full of questions. All questions are initially run through my emotional mind and my parents are refused to answer my questions. How could they force such a change in my life and ignore my questions? My parents were being cruel, not because they were making move but because they were completely gnoring my feelings and questions. My opinions and feelings meant nothing to them because they made the choice on their own. I ran to my room and shut the door. What I heard Just five minutes ago, my mothers voice was chanting those words beside me. During which time I could absorb the fact that I was Just going to left my friends, my country, and my home. And I could quite possibly never see Bangladesh again. Not because I wanted to, but because my parents had not given me any choice. I was torn between sadness at going to leave my whole life behind and a eeling of anxiety at starting a new life in an unknown world. After the first push of that incident I settle down and called my best friend who always supported me in my worse times. I told him the full matter. I shouted, I cried and asked him that, what I did that; god is giving me that type of punishment. He had no word to console me except listen to me. He listen the full matter quietly. I was so emotional that time, I just became teenager. For a teenager it was the largest pain. It was more than I could accept in my little mind. My mind is hoping that this was simply an unpleasant ream or a nightmare. But this imagination felt like a hard slap in my face. This is not happening that came to mind then. To go another country or stay another country it life. My life is in their hand. That night, fghting to hold the tears in my eyes, I lied restlessly in my bed with a cold blanket hiding my face and looking over the window to see the night beauty of my country, who can tell that; can I see these beauties may two or three days more. The next day I woke up to look outside the window. I was depressed. I was not on the state of anything listening or anything seeing. I went in front of my house. One year age I made a garden in front of my house. It was the most favorite place of mine whenever I get upset I used to come here and the breeze of the garden take away the sadness from me. It is pleasant and beautiful surrounding of my garden. It is quite, it is sets the mood that I want to think about anything, like about my life. The beautiful white and red roses used to say hi to me. Every day I also wish them back but that day my mind was not in the Earth it went somewhere else. I was thinking that, my moving from country is like my garden. I reated my garden to give all my effort in this land and I created a little world beside me in my country and now someone is telling me that I had to leave my little world, like take away all your trees and find different land for your garden. I had to torn all my bonding. I had to leave everything I create. Then the day came, 25 July2008. Our flight was at night 1 :52am. We said bye to our relatives and friends. And then we fly in the sky. My mind was stacked by questions. My eyes are red because of shedding tears past two days. I was feeling that time, that we flying and this flight will taking e far away from my country. Such a country, I do not have any idea how it is look like. I was going to face a largest challenge of finding new friends, adapting to a new school system and a whole new different culture. Whole forty-eight hours flight was lay ahead of me and my mind was full of imaginations. My first step of United States of America was 28 July2008. With many sacred feelings from my country, put it in heart I started my life in America. It was hard, hurting and full of pain. I could not remember any smile, I smiled from my heart. When I smiled, it was only for my arents and to show them that I am happy in America. My body is here but my soul is not here. My soul is in my country, where one year ago a Jolly teenager laughs from her heart and talks with hopes with full heart of hopes. When I see my face in the mirror, sometimes I asked myself that; is that me? I changed so strangely, that sometimes it is difficult to know me for me. What I was and what I am now. But is these want my parents for me that changing fully or they want something else. I still do not know what the reason was behind to leave our country. Is it for better future or us or only for our parents ambitious mind? I dont know or maybe I am not mature enough to understand the fact of left our country or it can be happen also that, I should never know that reason. That incident snatched everything from me like a sudden storm. Moved to America changed my whole life. This is my fate. I cannot do anything against my fate. Some says; man proposes but god disposes it can be true but I personally feel that, life is what we make it so I wont give up. I have to keep patience. Maybe the day is not far when I will go back to my country.

LAW OF EVIDENCE examine critically the rules regarding sexual history Essay

LAW OF EVIDENCE examine critically the rules regarding sexual history of the complainant in relation to prosecutions for sexual offence in the light of the cou - Essay Example Although this new definition did improve the old version in that it included marital rape , male rape & anal intercourse previously classified as buggery, it still does not include forced oral sex and penetration by objects which may be no less traumatic than â€Å"connentional rape†. Furthermore, this defintion shows that a woman cannot be guilty of rape. The Scottish Executive (2000) explored this issue in its discussion of the law on sexual history evidence. The report’s authors noted the following commonplace beliefs that are often deployed in legal reasoning and indeed were evident in debates on section 41. (1) ï€  Someone who has had sex with persons A and B is more likely to have sex with person C. (2) ï€  Someone who is ‘sexually promiscuous’ has less right than someone who is not to choose who they have sex with. (3) ï€  Someone who is ‘sexually promiscuous’ is generally less trustworthy, and therefore less likely to be telling the truth. (4) ï€  Women had a tendency to ‘lead men on’ and are therefore to blame if men fail to resist their physical impulses. This is an adaptation of a table that appears in Kelly (2002). (5) ï€  When women say ‘no’ they do not always mean it. (6) ï€  False allegations of rape and sexual assault are more common than fals e allegations of other crimes. The Scottish Executive report concluded that all these statements not only have no foundation in fact, they are also â€Å"both illogical and at odds with any system of morality which places a value on the individual’s right to self-determination† (Scottish Executive, 2000, p.6). It considered that the frequency with which these ideas are â€Å"constantly reiterated† amounts to a form of prejudice that can result in the complainant being treated with a lack of respect and in the worst cases being publicly humiliated. Alongside, and