American Imperialism

During the Cold War, the world in general was a maniacal, paranoia-driven place to live in. Feelings of nationalism and inter-cultural isolation/conformity created rifts filled with fear between opposing nations, especially the two superpowers. The United States, as the juxtaposition to Soviet communists, sought to identify communism as a social evil, and a suppressor of both happiness and liberty.The resulting mentality following the period of global animosity triggered numerous instances of economic/cultural collapse, simply because the United States refused to acknowledge communism as an acceptable alternative to a democratic, capitalist society. In truth, the actions practiced by the United States are essentially reprehensible. Just to eliminate traces of the misconception that capitalism is the solution to world-suffering, one must recall the situation in Chile during the Cold War.When Augusto Pinochet came to power in 1973, a startling statistic is that the unemployment rate wa s an enviable, by today’s standards, 4. 3%. However, in 1983, after ten years of free-market modernization, unemployment reached 22%. Real wages declined by 40% under military rule. This reality solidifies the fact that although not a necessarily democratic government, the free-market/capitalist Chilean government, severely exacerbated the issue of poverty in Chile.Capitalism, a system consistent with democracy, failed. Miserably. The first point is that the United States’ concerns for the economic well-being of other countries was misplaced, believing that the only way is the American way. As a world power drunk with international influence, the United States forced its policies on nations that were doing well without being â€Å"saved†.

Led Zeppelin: Musicians, Folklorists, Poets

Led Zeppelin is generally considered to have been one of the most influential rock bands to have existed.   The band came into existence in the late 1960s from Britain, following the lead of several other musical acts which led to the coining of the term â€Å"British Invasion.†Ã‚   But unlike many other bands, Zeppelin was not only interested in making music, but in offering their own takes on classical stories, such as the Trojan war. Their songs all employed a variety of poetic elements, such as rhyme scheme, metaphors, and allusions, and have connections to a number of true poems..   This can be seen when Led Zeppelin's songs â€Å"Stairway to Heaven† and â€Å"Achilles' Last Stand† are compared to W.H. Auden's â€Å"The Shield of Achilles† and Lord Alfred Tennyson's â€Å"The Lady of Shallot.† Led Zeppelin's â€Å"Stairway to Heaven† has long been considered one of the band's most famous contributions to the musical community.   The song has a main storyline about a woman who has spent her life concerned with material matters and never giving thought to the idea that perhaps the treasures she accumulated in life would never truly grant her a place in Heaven. There is an allusion to the buying of alms.   The practice of buying alms was a common and popular practice in the early days of the Catholic church and involved people paying a certain amount of money to priests to have their sins forgiven, thus leading to the song's notion that by accumulating wealth, salvation might be attained. â€Å"Stairway to Heaven† also has a definite rhythm.   The song alternates from having lines that are 6 – 12 syllables long.   The stanzas begin with lines that are either 10 to 12 syllables long and each consecutive line gradually decreases the amount of syllables that are present: And it's whispered that soon if we all call the tune  Ã‚   (12 syllables) Then the piper will lead us to reason.   (10 syllables) And a new day will dawn for those who stand long   (11 syllables) And the forests will echo with laughter.   (10 syllables) Immediately, a pattern in the rhythm can be seen.   The first line is 12 syllables and the following line is reduced by two syllables.   The third line is then one syllable less than the first line and the final line is the same as the second.   Such use of rhythm allows for the song to be more organized when set to music and for the poem to be more melodic when recited, to have a more flowing and surreal tone to it. The song also involves the use of repetition.   The first stanza incorporates the repetition of the same phrase in lines two and five of the song, â€Å"And she's buying the stairway to heaven/ [†¦] ooh, ooh, and she's buying the stairway to heaven.†Ã‚   That repetition is seen in the last couplet of the second verse with the phrase â€Å"Ooh, it makes me wonder† and is repeated again in the last line of fourth stanza. The poem also incorporates a sense of Arthurian legend, such as with the idea of â€Å"The Lady of Shallot† by Lord Alfred Tennyson.   Tennyson states that, â€Å"Willows whiten, aspens quiver,/ Little breezes dusk and shiver/ thro' the wave that runs for ever† (10-12).   Led Zeppelin changes the image slightly and states that â€Å"If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be afraid./ It's just a spring clean for the May queen./ [†¦] Dear Lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know/ your stairway lies on the whispering wind.†Ã‚   There is an allusion to everything being alive in both examples.   Both incorporate an environment that is still except for the wind and largely pastoral. Even more similar is the idea of an idealistic young woman dressed in white.   Led Zeppelin refers to: There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show How everything still turns to gold. And if you listen very hard  the tune will come to you at last. The image is nearly identical to the Lady of Shallot described by Tennyson: Lying, robed in snowy white that loosely flew to left and right — that leaves upon her falling light — thro' the noises of the night [†¦] They heard her singing her last song. Both women have a sense of idealism about them that eventually leads to their greater disappointment.   The woman in â€Å"Stairway to Heaven† is soon to be disappointed by the fact that her wealth will not bring her into eternal salvation.   The Lady of Shallot is only just beginning to come to terms with the fact that Lancelot does not love her and she has thrown away her life loving someone who will never have the same affection for her.   Both women are approached as being virginal creatures: they wear white, there is a sense of innocence in their believing that everything is as beautiful as gold. Even more stirring is the idea that the final stanza of â€Å"Stairway to Heaven† refers to listeners finally being able to hear her song, while â€Å"Our Lady of Shallot† is referred to as singing one final song.   Both end with a sense of finality and tragedy.   The women are lost because of their innocence and their false hope in the world and it is the final notes of their individual songs that their existences in the world are finally realized. Led Zeppelin's â€Å"Achilles' Last Stand† immortalizes one of the most famous figures of the Trojan war.   In the song, Achilles speaks of leaving for the war as a means of finding greater glory in his life as a warrior and achieving the last dreams he has within him, whether or not he lives or dies.   W. H. Auden's poem â€Å"The Shield of Achilles† personifies Achilles' shield and makes her seem to be a maternal figure who knows that Achilles will soon suffer an untimely death at the hands of his enemies but is wholly unable to prevent the death from occurring. Auden's poem has a definite rhythmic structure.   The main verses are seven lines each, while the more choral stanzas are eight lines, making the text more melodic when read.   Through the use of repetition, the idea of a song being present in the poem is obvious. Both â€Å"The Shield of Achilles† and â€Å"Achilles' Last Stand† mention a number of mythical references.   â€Å"The Shield of Achilles† alludes to the gods Hephaestus and Thetis while â€Å"Achilles' Last Stand† refers to Atlas and Albion.   The poems also refer to the same foreboding figure, a decrepit old man symbolizing Achilles' death.   â€Å"The Shield of Achilles† refers to the man as being â€Å"a ragged urchin, aimless and alone† while â€Å"Achilles' Last Stand† refers to the man as â€Å"to seek the man whose pointed hand/the giant step unfolds.† But the tone of the two poems differ greatly.   â€Å"Achilles' Last Stand† is one of glory in battle and despite the fact that the persona is aware that certain death may await him, he is willing to face his fate, regardless of the outcome: When they told us we should go As I turn to you You smiled at me How could we say no? With all the fun to have to live the dreams we always had Woa the song to sing When we at last return again (1-8). The persona wants to be immortalized for his duty in battle, wants to fulfill his goal of being a legendary warrior and spoken of for years after his death.   The use of such positive ideas, such as â€Å"when we at last return† refer to a disregard for death.   Even the end of the poem, when the persona finally dies, is positive, â€Å"The mighty arms of Atlas/hold the heavens from the earth/ I know the way, know the way, know the way.†Ã‚   There is never any submission.   The persona faces death gracefully, with the mentality of a warrior. Auden's poem is much different in its tone.   There is an idea of the shield lamenting, beginning a premature mourning of her beloved warrior.   The poem even incorporates a scene from the Holocaust's concentration camps to make the tone of the poem that much more somber, â€Å"Barbed wire enclosed an arbitrary spot/ Where bored officials lounged (one cracked a joke)/ And sentries sweated for the day was hot.†Ã‚   The entire poem is built around the premise of death and dying, and the shield is witness to all that suffering, even though she mourns Achilles the most. Even the depiction of immortal duties are different.   When â€Å"The Final Stand of Achilles† refers to â€Å"the mighty arms of Atlas, hold the heaven from the earth†, there is a sense of masculine pride, of a true warrior succeeding in his duties even though he suffers slightly.   â€Å"The Shield of Achilles† offers a more human take on such a task.   Atlas's duty is suddenly doled out to a number of individuals, all of whom are too weak to take on such a responsibility, â€Å"The mass and majesty of this world, all/ That carries weight and always weighs the same / Lay in the hands of others; they were small.† Through the use of repetition, rhythmic patterns, and thematic continuity, Led Zeppelin's songs are shown to be just as poetic as musical, especially when compared to a number of poems similar in content and structure, and prove that songs are merely poems set to music. Works Cited Auden, W.H. â€Å"The Shield of Achilles.† Led Zeppelin.   â€Å"Stairway to Heaven†. Led Zeppelin.   â€Å"Achilles' Last Stand.† Tennyson, Lord Alfred.   â€Å"The Lady of Shallot.†      

Are Newspapers Necessary Nowadays

Are newspapers necessary nowadays? Can you imagine world without any newspapers? As far as I am concerned, they are the main source of information in our daily life. They educate readers on current event of our life. For this reason people became aware of global and local issue. So can be no doubt of newspapers necessity. In the first place, newspapers are very important in our society, due to the fact that they supply us the latest news and keeps us informed about the changing events of the world. They give us information not only about our homeland, but also about whole world.For instance, only from the newspapers, early in the mornings, we know what happened when we were sleeping. What is more, newspaper consists of various articles, for this reason every human will find interesting things. In addition, newspapers are the easiest way to find out about what is happening in the world. In my way of thinking if we did not manage to read newspapers early in the morning, we will purchas e one on the way to the job. Moreover newspaper is easier to carry and it could be read at any time during the day.On the other hand, there are those who believe that newspapers are not necessary because of rapidly developing Internet. They think that from the Internet we can search information much faster than from newspapers. Besides some people more often choose cable news, because it is more comfortable way to gain knowledge what is happened. To sum up, I feel that newspapers still are necessary, because they provide us diversity reliable articles about the latest news. Moreover it is the quickest way to gain main knowledge of the day.

Religion and philosophy of Asia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Religion and philosophy of Asia - Essay Example The beliefs are known to create a significant link between the way in which politics form as well as the traditions and rituals that become a part of a specific country. The concept of building a social identity is one which is based on the belief system, which begins with the individual and familial concepts of what it means to belong to a specific culture.This is followed by the cultural identity that is accepted in the mainstream and which creates a specific response when different events occur. The belief system then begins to reflect how society should respond as well as what is expected with the main functions of the government, all which change the main functions of each region. The main belief system which began to change Asia was the growth of Buddhism that spread throughout China, Korea and other parts of Asia. The knowledge which was received about Buddhism created specific types of understanding and belief related to superhuman achievements and being able to overcome specific situations through the practice. This also dictated different laws. The trend which grew from this emerged with different intellectual groups as well as monks that began to practice the different belief systems and which developed into the political mainstream to offer guidance about overcoming and achieving different parts of life with the belief system in place. The beliefs of the culture could then be focused on the virtue and main application of laws that were a part of Buddhism and the political powers.

Justice, Rights and State Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Justice, Rights and State - Essay Example But the fact is that no force to such extent can be use by any country that the limits on losses or benefits are gone. If can country will do so, it will affect its ability reproduce its society and therefore such a country can not maintain a stable rule. But for a state that does not involve self destructive process is the nation which on the pattern of implementing true justice. (Jensen, & Jefferson, 2009) There are three things which are very important for a country to implement true justice and stable rule. The first one is that the country should follow the pattern of justice that is best suited for a state, this type of country need stability with regards to the pressures that it faces. If the justice of this type of country is not strict than others than there is no reason to say that it has no pattern of justice to follow. Secondly, as we all know that the state pattern of justice is more important than the patterns of court's practices for any country. (Jensen, & Jefferson, 2009) When we see justice is a broader perspective than we realize that it's more than judiciary. The state pattern of a country also includes distribution of administration through agencies. The third important point is that while following the pattern of justice can also bring dissatisfaction, there the justice is considered as hard but not impossible to implement. But the fact is that the state can not be run or rule with out following the pattern of justice and completely implementing it. The relationship will go on, no matter what ever the issues are in a country. Justice also brings a state at odd particularly with itself. Social order with its component economy is also important in implementing justice. The rights of an individual play a vital role in implementing justice in any country in the world. When the rights of an individual or a certain group are ignored or not properly watch by the concerned authorities in the country, and even if the special agencies are also not partici pating in assuring the rights of everyone in the country then it is very hard to implement justice successfully in a country. But when it comes to economy of a country there is a strong conflict in supporting an economy and achieving justice. The state is pulled in opposite directions in many different ways. Today the pattern of justice is more complex than before; especially in western societies it is more complex. Decision making of a state is also a important part of achieving justice and implementing it completely because it give a state the ability to build institutions and courts that ensures that the rights of everyone living in the state are given and the justice to everyone is also given and make a state able to implement a stable rule throughout the country and that there should be no conflict in maintaining peace and justice in a state. So we can say that any state in the world regardless of eastern or western can not sustain itself without pursuing the pattern of real ju stice. It is important for the concerned authorities in the country to set these goals after realizing the true justice. (Guild, & Lesieur, 1998) Rawls have attempted to reconcile the quality and justice and liberty. His focus was on stability, and he successfully implemented the idea of overlapping consensus. He was quite successful in guiding the liberal

Describe hazard, risk, and outrage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Describe hazard, risk, and outrage - Essay Example There are already several companies which offer conversion kits for any type of car using gasoline. SVO-run vehicles have almost a zero net carbon dioxide emission which is very favorable to the environment (Veg Oil Motoring, n.d.). SVO-run vehicles can run on recycled waste oil from restaurants; thus, producing an exhaust that smells like whatever food was cooked in the oil. Yes, one would consider buying this type of car in the future because aside from the savings on fuel costs, there is reduced emission. Buying this car would mean that one is contributing in his own little way to reduce the cause of global warming. The use of vegetable oil does not harm the environment and poses less risk on the health of the people unlike gasoline-powered automobiles. If one travels 20,000 miles per year and uses gasoline at $3/gallon, one will spend $1,090 per year, assuming one gets 55 miles to a gallon (Middleton, 2011). If one uses SVO which costs $0.89/gallon, one will spend $395 per year, assuming one gets 45 miles to a gallon of SVO. Therefore, total annual savings will be $695 per year or approximately 64% savings. One thinks that the reason why there a few vehicles using SVO is because of the lack of information about it. Vehicle owners do not know whether there are any hazards in converting their cars. They are wary of the risks it poses on their vehicles, if any. Most of these car owners are risk-averse. They are not willing to risk the valuable money which they spent on their cars. People are afraid that conversion of their cars from being gasoline or diesel-run to SVO might damage it. They are also concerned that their insurance companies might charge them additional premiums if they convert. Vehicle owners are worried that it might affect the warranty of their cars. The conversion kit might void the warranty. Another major concern is the question on the performance of the automobile.

Communication in business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Communication in business - Essay Example The multi-billion dollar corporation has various large stores spread across the United States and Canada. Wal-Mart Corporation on average has managed to attain a net profit of more than $3 billion USD. Wal-Mart has thousands of employees under its payroll. Wal-Mart, the largest private employer in the United States defines the standards of the retail industry in terms of the suppliers and employers. It is important for a large corporation like Wal-Mark to ensure that it satisfies its customers cater for its employees, and when it comes to the environment and the community, it should observe corporate social responsibility. As much as Wal-Mart Corporation has strived to ensure that it puts its mantra of â€Å"save money, live better† into action, there have been occasions in which it has let down its consumers, employees, the environment and community. This is through poor management and neglect of mission and social responsibility on the side of the managers. In essence, Wal-M art Corporation has put more effort in increasing profit for its shareholders than fulfilling corporate social responsibility. This paper examines how Wal-Mart Corporation has performed in terms of social, corporate responsibility. Wal-Mart and its employees A number of individuals, community groups and employees’ labor unions have expressed mixed feelings regarding the welfare of employees in Wal-Mart. In most cases, the welfare involves salary and wages, working conditions, safety, training and holidays. Employee salaries and wages have been a major issue on the debate in that employees’ labor unions, have asserted that Wal-Mart pays its employees a less than average living wage while it makes billions of profit (Lichtenstein, 2006: 2). Additionally, the payments made by Wal-Mart, as salaries and wages to its employees are way low expectations of the retail industry. Wal-Mart also offers less over-time working hours since their normal working hours are 34 hours a wee k while, on the other hand, its competitor only offer an average of 32 hour a week. This means that if an employee works over time he or she will not get the advantage of working for the two extra hours. Wal-Mart as a retail store makes a lot of profit, which fails to reflect on the salaries of its employees. Working conditions in Wal-Mart are not conducive enough since the company partly violates the â€Å"National Labor Relations Act† and the specification of basic human rights through â€Å"International Labor Organization†. There are many complaints regarding the harsh working conditions in Wal-Mart through intimidation, threats and firing of employees. Moreover, some complaints have been filed in court against Wal-Mart. In accordance with the â€Å"National Organization for Women† (NOW), Wal-Mart Corporation has demonstrated discriminatory practices against its employees, and thus it is a â€Å"Merchant of Shame†. Women have been on the forefront fig hting against the widespread gender discrimination in Wal-Mart Corporation (Walmart Watch, 2011: 6). Wal-Mart has gone to the extent of failing to pay its employees their hard-earned salaries. This case occurred in 2002 when more than 30 lawsuits claiming millions of dollars belonging to employees filed against Wal-Mart. The lawsuits entailed Wal-Mart forcing some employees to work during their breaks, illegally deleting employees’ time sheet and forceful working during off the clock working hours. Wal-Mart collaborated with managers and supervisors in

Reading response Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 38

Reading response - Essay Example It is usually upon the branch managers and leadership to design time to ensure achievement of given targets. The strict targets compel managers to set employees on long working hours. Since the management does not provide money or measures for compensating the overtime workers, the extra service goes free. To Wal-Mart, unpaid overtime is just good for the company does its employees favor, â€Å"Working unpaid overtime equaled saving your job.† Besides subjecting workers to unpaid overtime, the business also discriminates and abuses women. Despite women being the majority employees, few hold management positions. The company also limits the freedom of workers since it counters attempts for unionization rapidly. The management is usually ready to do anything possible to prevent unionization, â€Å"Wal-Mart hired a consulting firm named Alpha Associates to develop a union avoidance program.† Olsson responds to counterarguments by presenting facts of surveys or history of Wal-Mart retail store. For instance, Olsson counters the company’s claims of training promoting women by referring to a 2001 survey conducted by Wal-Mart executive. The survey showed that female managers get lower pay than men in the same positions do. In terms of history, the management of Wal-Mart prefers delinking the different branches to crush relations. However, Olsson recommends that the workers can only succeed in their fight only if they mobilize all branches. The central theme of Mallaby for writing the article is to fault any views that seem to place Wal-Mart in bad pictures. According to Mallebye, Wal-Mart provides health cover to its workers, and plots to contain costs of health care in the future. Mallabye is so defensive to the company to an extent of proposing that Wal-Mart attack billboards, newspapers, and any press that is tarnishing its name. Mallabye claims that Wal-Mart is the best company considering its struggle towards

ECONOMOC LEVERS. A TOOL TO SAVE THE SHRINKING ECONOMY Essay

ECONOMOC LEVERS. A TOOL TO SAVE THE SHRINKING ECONOMY - Essay Example Adam Smith represents classical, Alfred Marshal represents the neo-classical school of thoughts and the moderns are represented by Lionel Robbins. Adam smith (1723-1790) who is known as a father of economics, in his work "An enquiry into the causes and nature of wealth of nations" defined economics first time in 1776. He, defining economics said that: The above mentioned book of Smith has been divided into four parts; Consumption, production, exchange and distribution of wealth. He came up with an opinion that the wealth, goods and services are produced in every country in accordance with the laws. Concerning the exchange and with regard to distribution of wealth, he developed some laws for mutual exchange and with regard to distribution of wealth. The concept of wealth given by Smith was misinterpreted as well as misunderstood therefore, Ruskin and Carlyle, the renowned social reformers of their own time, declared economics a dismal (negative) branch of knowledge. They said that Smith's definition motivates the people for "wealth worship and make them selfish". Wealth is the mean to reach the end not the end in itself. After the criticism of Ruskin and Carlyle on Smith's theory Alfred Marshall came into play and rectifying many faults and defined economics in a different way. He said: "Economy is the study of man's action in the ordinary business of life. It enquires, how does he get his income and how does he use it. More precisely, "Economics tells how to earn money and how to consume it" (Heather, 2000) Prof. Robbins developed a new definition of economics. As per him: "Economics is the study of human behavior as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses". There are three pillars of Robin's theory which help it to sustain and be considered. These pillars are mentioned below. Wants are unlimited and so they compel us to select very urgent wants for having maximum satisfaction. The means, to satisfy these unlimited wants, are limited and create the problem of scarcity. As the means can be used alternatively, a new problem of choice is created. Let's understand this concept with an example: suppose a buyer reaches the market with limited money in his pocket to purchase, then he faces the problem of choice. In other words, he has to take a decision what to purchase and what not to (Harvey 1996) Economic Levers There are a number of economic levers which can be used to keep the economy back on track. We will discuss some of them and analyze that how it helps to aid the economy (Alois & Perelman, 1994). 1. Deflation 2. Devaluation 3. Price Trend 4. Nationalization 5. Liquidity Preference 6. Fiscal policy 7. Rate of interest 8. Employment rate 9. Global Trade. 1. Deflation: When a decrease in the prices of the commodities and goods occur then we can

CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA - Coursework Example are founded on the application of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971 and the Hague/Visby Rules 1968. Contracts for the carriage of goods by sea which are described by a bill of lading are covered by the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971 which gives effect to the Hague-Visby Rules 1968.1 The 1971 Act and by extension the Hague/Visby Rules 1968a are only applicable to â€Å"outwards bills of lading† which essentially means bills of lading that are issued â€Å"from a British port† or a port in Northern Ireland so that the â€Å"port of destination is immaterial†.2 Specifically Article X of the Hague Visby Rules 1968 provide that: The provisions of these Rules shall apply to every bill of lading relating to the carriage of goods between ports in two different States if (a) The bill of lading is issued in contracting State, or (b) The carriage is form a port in a contracting State...3 The applicability of the Hague/Visby Rules to the contractual terms of the bill of lading between Bushey and Blanca is important in terms of establishing possible liability and claims. Pursuant to Article IV of the 1968 Rules, the carrier is only â€Å"liable for loss or damage arising or resulting from unseaworthiness† if such unseaworthiness is â€Å"caused by want of due diligence on the part of the carrier to make the ship seaworthy† and to ensure that the ship is â€Å"properly manned, equipped and supplied†, before and at the start of the voyage.4 On the facts of the case it is not revealed whether or not the hull to the MV Costanzia was damaged prior to the voyage or damaged at the beginning of the voyage. As it turns out the facts merely reveal that the damaged hull was discovered at the beginning of the voyage and thus it must be assumed that the carrier (Bushey) performed due diligence in ensuring that the ship was seaworthy at the beginning of the voyage as they immediately contacted Hadley (the shipowner) who in turn dispatched ASS a society to which Hadley belonged to survey the damages. ASS’s surveyor however, erroneously determined that the ship was seaworthy for the voyage to Canada after temporary repairs, but would have to have more thorough repairs conducted once the ship arrived in Canada. Based on the surveyor’s erroneous findings, the ship set sail once again, but subsequently sank with the result that its freight was lost. Assuming the hull was damaged prior to leaving the port at Southampton, the ship was not seaworthy rendering the carrier liable if the unseaworthiness is a result of the carrier’s own negligence.5 If the hull was damaged prior to leaving the port, it can be assumed that the carrier was negligent, and thus Article IV(2)(p) applies. Article IV(2)(p) provides that the ship owner and the carrier will only be exempt from â€Å"latent defects not discoverable by due diligence†.6 It can be argued that since the damage to the hull was discovered once the vo yage began, it was not a latent defect that could not have been discovered by due diligence. Based on the assumption that the damaged hull existed prior to the voyage and ultimately caused the damages and losses suffered by Blanca, both Bushey and Hadley as carrier and shipowner respectively are liable under Article IV(2)(p) of the Hague/Visby Rules, 1968. Even if the damages to the hull were not sustained until after the ship began its voyage, Bushey and/or Hadley will remain liable under the Hague/Visby R

Automated Library Management System Essay Example for Free

Automated Library Management System Essay The intuition for this system was the observations done in the libraries which had the old card and paper system. By considering the students’ opinions regarding the difficulties they face in order to search a book from their respective institutions libraries, as it takes plenty of time to do so. Also for the librarians, as it takes them a lot of time to properly manage the books, along with their details. So there was a system required which could replace the old paper and card system and could ease the students or anyone who wants to search for a book from their nearby library. Most importantly a database, that would be ideal for a library upgrading from a card or paper system where they have a card for each piece of book, a database that would also benefit a library where all students’ records are still on a paper basis. With this Library Management System, librarians will be able to monitor and manage library’s inventory more efficiently and will be able to perform all of the main library operations. Keywords_ _ Automated, ISBN, LINUX, Microsoft Visual Studio, OS and SDLC. Introduction The library is one of the oldest types of institutions in our society. It is in the midst of rapid change in recent times. The changes reflect those going on in other institutions and also in the society as a whole. Hence, they must move beyond their traditional role as custodians of books and integrate new methods of storage and transmission of information into an already existing structure. Modern libraries, have already adapted to this change, but countries like Pakistan, many of its great educational institutions still have old paper-card system 1|Page in their libraries. This automated system is designed in order to facilitate all those libraries with the old systems. Hopefully with all of the changes, it would make the libraries run much more smoothly. With less time spent filling out paperwork, more time can be devoted to serving the customers and maintaining the potentially vast amount of books held in the library. The next sections of the paper include; Literature review, Methodology and Conclusion. An Automated Library Management System; Eradicating the Old Styled Libraries Literature Review Library automation may be defined as the application of automatic and semi-automatic data processing machines (computers) to perform traditional library housekeeping activities such as acquisition, circulation, cataloguing and reference and serial control. Finally, library automation is the process of performing all information operations/ activities in library with the help of computers and related information technologies. The history of library automation in the world is not an old one. It dates back to 1950s and 1960s in America and Europe. Malik in [5] states that, in Pakistan, library automation was introduced in 1980s and a number of libraries have been computerized in or after 1987. Dilroshan in [6] says that automating a library is only the first step. Keeping up with new trends in information and communication technology is also of paramount importance. If the libraries fail to meet these challenges successfully the tremendous investment that universities have made in their library collections and facilities will be seriously undermined. Salma et al in [3] has conducted comparative research study on the management of University of the Western Cape library, South Africa and Dhaka University library, Bangladesh. Salma et al in [3] suggests that the two studied libraries can improve service delivery if they vigorously promote fund raising activities, improve salaries and allowances of the library staff, and speed up and complete the highly advanced computerization of delivered services. Qutab et al in [1] explored the fact that only 52 of the thousands of universities, colleges, and 2|Page schools in Pakistan have their library pages on parent organizations websites, only one public library website was functional, and only eight special library web sites were uploaded, is proof of the lack of interest or awareness of the importance of web-based services in the country. Tiwari in [4] sees automation in nineties as an increasingly divergent issue, in terms of resources, skills and abilities. Over the past few years, library automation has undergone a dramatic shift in direction. Library automation began with in-house processing of traditional task and grew to include the use of computing and telecommunication tools. Now there is a library without walls which uses technology to expand services, resources and relationship between libraries and resources around the world. This virtual library is a reality. A world of digital information is just a keystroke away claims IBM digital library. The future of library automation system will include information kiosks, where people with no computer experience can access information easily. Information scientists will create human computer interfaces and library scientists will manage the resources. Haider et al in [2] explains that barriers to the effective implementation in the libraries of Pakistan are: systematic planning for automation, software and hardware collection, nonexistence of standards, financial limitations, uncertainty and most important lack of willing and competent human resources. In order to resolve the situation, we stress that special attention needs to be paid to: formulation of information policy; creation An Automated Library Management System; Eradicating the Old Styled Libraries of popular awareness with regard to technology in library operation; training and development of staff; organization of users educational program for students and teachers; and emphasis on comprehensive planning by individual library to automate the library operations. ? Design and Architecture Flow Chart: Methodology After the thorough analysis of the problems, designing of Library Management System was initiated. SDLC phases were used for the development of this system. Requirements Engineering We decided to create a database that can help organize a library by performing the main functionalities of the normal library. It would be ideal for a library upgrading from a card number. It would also benefit a library where all employee records are still on a paper basis as well including all hire paperwork. There will be main modules of searching, registering and reserving that will be covered in the database in order to accomplish the targeted goal. Fig. 1 depicts one of the modules’, Searching, requirements. The system does not include the functionality of renewing books. Fig. 2 Above given diagram is the main description of the system that after the successful login, both of the users; librarian and student will have their different interfaces for the searching purpose, different but having same functionality. After selecting the subject category, users will be able to search the respective book by its author name and its title, corresponding details will be displayed on the screens. Fig. 3 depicts the original working for it: Fig. 1 Fig. 3 3|Page An Automated Library Management System; Eradicating the Old Styled Libraries ? Implementation The designed system was then implemented in Microsoft Visual Studio. Other than searching, main modules of Updating Books and Students information and registration of students are displayed in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. obtained after the Acceptance Testing, that the system was accepted widely by both of its user’s students and librarians and the results showed that they both found it very easy to use. 100% 80% 60% Students 40% 20% 0% Librarians Easy Moderate Difficult Fig. 6 Fig. 4 Fig. shows the results obtained after Automated Testing, the system designed is user friendly and is a desktop system; it will successfully run on any PC and Laptop, other than the ones with LINUX OS. 120% 100% 80% 60% 40% Acceptable Fig. 5 ? Testing After the successful formation of required and designed system, it went through different testing techniques. In Acceptance Testing readiness of system was checked wh ether it is acceptable by users or not, In Compatibility Testing performance of the system was tested in different working conditions and in Automated Testing it was checked whether it is well-matched with different OS or not. Fig. 6 shows the results 4|Page 20% Not Acceptable 0% PCs Laptops LINUX OS Fig. 7 Conclusion From the above discussion it is clear that Pakistan is on its way towards modernization of university libraries in all respect but still requires more efforts to quench the information thirst of their patrons. The system designed is beneficent An Automated Library Management System; Eradicating the Old Styled Libraries for all of those libraries, especially for university libraries which still have old paper-card system. This system will be a great initiative for all such libraries, which cannot afford high budget Automated Systems. With this low budget and easily used system, those libraries will be able to have an automated system which would be, for sure very advantageous for the users, either students or the librarians. The testing methods revealed that this system designed is user friendly and its users will be facing no such difficulties in order to operate it. Systematic utilization and categorization of this systems’ budget according to the needs of the respective libraries has also been kept as an important aspect for the achievement of betterment, which is the aim of the system. he University Western Cape Library and Dhaka University Library†. (PhD thesis), (2006). [4] Tiwari Aravind_ â€Å"Evaluation of electronic libraries. † New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation, (2002). [5] Malik Khalid Mahmood_ â€Å"Status of library automation in Pakistan. † PLBXXVI (1), pp. 24-25, (1995). [6] Dilroshan, T. L. Chrishantha_ â€Å"Identification of problems faced by university libraries in the process of automation: with special reference to the libraries of Moratuwa and Colombo Universities. † Sri Lanka Journal of Librarianship and Information Management vol. 1, no. 2. pp 82, (1992). Acknowledgements We acknowledge to every person who gave us something to light our pathway for completion of our desired goal; we truly thank them for believing in us. References [1] Qutab, Saima ; Khalid Mehmood_ â€Å"Library web sites in Pakistan: an analysis of the content†. Emerald, Vol. 43 No. 4 pp. 430-445, (2009). [2] Haider, Jala-ud-Din Syed_ â€Å"Library management scenario ; management problems in Pakistani libraries†. Library Administration ; Management, vol. 21, no. 4, Fall 2007. pp. 173-176, (2007). [3] Chaudry, Salma_ â€Å"The management of academic libraries: a comparative study of 5|Page

Police officers Essay Example for Free

Police officers Essay Have you ever been in a situation where you find yourself stuck between facing consequences for things you haven’t done and giving in to someone who seems to be on a power trip and is taking advantage of their superiority over you? Whether it be a manager taking advantage of his power in the work place or a police man or woman doing unnecessary and over the top things to you. Abuse of power seems to be a common thing in some police officers every day life and this is not okay. It is very apparent what a police officers job is and that is to protect and serve the community and make sure that real criminals are being served justice, however; some may come across police officers that use the fact that they have badges and weapons to their advantage in order to basically become a bully instead of a hero. Of course not all police officers are corrupt, most are actually doing their job and are concerned with the safety of all people and not just their own but those few that are corrupt need to be stopped and be punished for their police brutality and/or abuse of power. So the question is, are police men and women being evaluated thoroughly enough so as not to hire corrupt officers? Are police officers being punished and or brought to justice because of their wrong doings? In this paper I will bring some cases of police brutality and or abuse of police powers to your attention as well as if and how police are being punished because of their illegal or down right cruel behavior. Becoming a police officer is far from an easy task as it should be, but why is it that after so much questioning and tests of integrity and moral values citizens are becoming more and more victimized by police officers? In my opinion police officers are not being as extensively tested for a corrupt mind set as we are led to believe they are. Possible police officers are asked questions on a polygraph test that mostly tie in with the questions asked in the application process so as to get details and obviously the truth out of anything remotely suspicious on the application. These questions mostly having to do with drug use or theft and anything that may prove an officer to be dishonest about questions already asked prior to the polygraph. These questions however rarely have to do with how officers view a citizens race, religion, gender, levels of class, etc. For example, a police officer is not asked in a polygraph test if he does not like Muslim people or if he is disgusted by gay individuals.

Floral Diversity in Organic and Modern Farming

Floral Diversity in Organic and Modern Farming Is Organic Farming better for floral diversity than modern farming? 1.0 Chapter 1 Introduction1.1 Introduction. Agriculture has had a profound impact upon biological diversity. Agricultural specialization, mechanisation and intensification leading to compaction and soil erosion, and poor farm management, have resulted in a global decline in plant, invertebrate and bird numbers in recent decades (Stoate et al., 2001). The Law of Specialization has encouraged the clearing of natural habitat for the cultivation of a few species, with biodiversity being the victim of this â€Å"trade off† between productivity and variety. This â€Å"modern† approach to agriculture was encouraged and sponsored (i.e. through the Common Agricultural Policy – CAP) by the government after the Second World War. The impact of rationing was still fresh in the minds of the UK population and a concentrated effort was made to increase agricultural output. The â€Å"baby boom† of the 1950s also added incentive to these efforts. The drive to increase agric ultural output was a great success. New fertilizers (N, P, K) and pesticides (DDT etc) were extremely successful at improving crop yields. As time went by however, evidence began to slowly emerge of environmental damage. Despite growing environmental concerns, and numerous academic studies highlighting the negative impact upon floral diversity by modern agricultural practices, the world’s population is estimated to rise to 9-10 billion by 2050, which means there will be increasing pressure on land to build new homes. Consequently, global food security is heavily dependant upon technological advances in order to avoid Malthusians scenario of poverty and famine due to â€Å"overpopulation†.   The question is whether organic farming is better for floral diversity compared with â€Å"modern† farming, but ultimately, even if evidence points to the fact that organic is more favourable than â€Å"modern methods†, the question will be will it be capable of meeting the growing demands placed on agriculture and solve environmental problems? 1.2 Early concerns Rachel Carson sounded the warning bell against the processes and practices associated with agricultural intensification in her book, Silent Spring, published in 1962. In it Carson takes a negative view on the increasing use of agricultural chemicals:    Since the mid-nineteen forties, over 200 basic chemicals have been created for use in killing insects, weeds, rodents and other organisms described in the modern vernacular as pests, and they are sold under several thousand different brand names. The sprays, dusts and aerosols are now applied almost universally to farms, gardens, forests and homes non-selective chemicals that have the power to kill every insect, the good and the bad, to still the song of birds and the leaping of fish in the streams to coat the leaves with a deadly film and to linger on in soil all this, though the intended target may be only a few weeds or insects. Can anyone believe it is possible to lay down such a barrage of poisons on the surface of the earth without making it unfit for all life? They should not be called insecticides but biocides. (Carson, 1962). Carson also talked about the detrimental use of Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). Research in the intervening years have somewhat validated her basic argument, though there were some criticisms concerning inaccuracies in her book. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs).   POPs, of which DDT is one of a so called â€Å"dirty dozen†, are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are toxic to humans and wildlife.   In acting as a signatory to the Convention, the Government signalled its intention to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment. 2.0 Pollution and Biodiversity Our knowledge of the ways in which Biodiversity is essential for the survival of humans, in addition to many other species, is still evolving. From unidentified species to potentially undiscovered medicines, biodiversity is an issue of worldwide importance, providing natural resources which are essential for sustaining not only life on earth, but also economic activities. Biodiversity helps to maintain a healthy and stable environment in which businesses can operate, and its conservation is increasingly viewed by scientists, economists and businesses alike as a key part of economic stability. The growth of environmental legislation in recent times represents a governmental acknowledgement of, and response to, a strong body of scientific data establishing links between pollution and the environment. In the UK, The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, established in 1970, interpreted â€Å"pollution† in broad terms of the â€Å"introduction by man into the environment of substances or energy liable to cause hazards to human health, harm to living resources and ecological systems, damage to structures or amenity, or interference with legitimate uses of the environment† (Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, 2004).   The availability of natural resources is dependant on a stable environment, which is maintained by complex interactions and processes within and between ecosystems. Any significant impacts of environmental pollution on biodiversity can impact upon our biosphere (Trevors, J.T., 2003). The costs following the loss of ecosystem services, and the resources they support, are unpredictable but likely to be considerable, therefore the management and minimisation of this risk should be of high strategic importance to any business. The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution’s broad definition of pollution effectively means that pollution can be anything that causes damage and/or aggravation to people, wildlife, or the environment such as chemicals, noise or gases. Due to the complex nature of relationships between organisms in an ecosystem, the release of pollutants into the environment can not only kill organisms outright, but they can also change the conditions and processes occurring within a system and result in changes that can degrade entire habitats and disrupt ecological processes. These changes have the potential to cause long-term environmental change through the accumulative effects of their release. Pollutants arise from a variety of sources, such as toxic substances, accidental spills, industrial processes or illegal dumping. Not all pollutants are necessarily man-made, however, human activities often exacerbate or increase their polluting effects. For example, uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive waste that needs to be safely managed, increasing the risk of contamination and radiation that can cause lethal genetic mutations and killing living organisms. In terms of biodiversity, uranium mining often occurs in remote areas that are considered valuable for biological diversity, therefore the control of risks such as leakages into groundwater and food chains is essential. The amount of pollution in the environment is a very significant issue; pollution needs to be reduced in order to reduce its impact on biodiversity. Efforts to reduce pollution often reveal the complex nature of environmental pollution. In the UK during the 1970s and 1980s there was a growing realization that freshwater eutrophication was an increasing problem. Initial research pointed to phosphorus from industrial pollution as the main source of pollution, particularly from Sewage Treatment Works (STWs) due to a growth in phosphate-based detergents. Additional tertiary treatment at STWs failed to reduce levels of eutrophication in the long-term and it soon became clear that diffuse pollution from agriculture was, and is, the main factor resulting in continued water quality problems. The use of P fertilizer has generally exceeded agronomic requirements and led to soil P saturation. Whilst P is an essential plant nutrient, excessive concentrations are affecting the ecosystems natural coping mechanism. The result is one of â€Å"the most pressing environmental problems facing the UK today† (Environment Agency, 2005). 2.1 Ecological Impacts What are the associated ecological impacts of the post-war drive in agricultural intensification? The impact of this intensification on bird populations has been dramatic. Birds provide good indicators of environmental change as they are easily monitored, well researched, and high up in the food chain (Furness and Greenwood, 1993). Between 1970 and 1990, Fuller et al (1995) found that 24 out of 28 species had contracted in range, with a decline of abundance in 15 out of 18 species for which population change could be assessed. Of these species, seven had declined by more than 50%, declines being most pronounced amongst granivorous species (i.e., those with a substantial seed component in the diet). Similar range contractions and population declines were not found in bird communities of woodland or other widespread habitat types over the same period. In addition to fertilizer and pesticide use, practices associated with agricultural intensification also included cultivation and re-seeding of grassland, simplified crop rotations, loss of marginal habitats and increased grazing levels. All of these practices were likely to have an impact on the availability of food for nesting and feeding birds (Wilson et al, 1999). The case of the decline of grey partridge Perdix perdix L. populations in Britain however, complicates this assertion. The decline was partly attributable to poor chick survival as a consequence of the effects of herbicide-spraying of cereals on insect food supply and not necessarily a reduction in food availability (Potts, 1986). However, agricultural practices have affected arable flora in one way or another. What species have been affected? Gramineae (including wild species and stock feed crops e.g. rye grass) Many agricultural practices affect grass abundance e.g. after fertilizer application, grazing intensification, herbicide application, cutting regime and ploughing. However, Wilson et al (1999) show that some of the practices had detrimental and non-detrimental consequences, some promoting abundance of some grasses whilst reducing abundance of others. For example, Increases in cutting, grazing, tillage, fertilizer applications and herbicide usage thus cause declines in species diversity, but favour those species responsive to these conditions, including the meadow-grasses Poa, which are of particular importance in the diet of farmland birds. Polygonaceae The Polygonaceae, represented on temperate European farmland mainly by Polygonum (knotgrasses and persicarias) and Rumex (docks and sorrels), have the capacity for high seed production, making them a rich source of food for birds but invasive weeds of arable and grassland. Reviews of long-term population trends (Wilson et al., 1999) suggest that most Polygonaceae in arable areas are likely to have declined dramatically, whereas in pastures, roadsides, spoil heaps and waste ground, populations may be increasing. Chenopodiaceae This family on farmland is represented by Chenopodium (goosefoots), Atriplex (oraches) and Beta (mainly cultivated forage and sugar beets). In non-crop Chenopodiaceae, herbicide applications and grazing control populations whilst fertilization may encourage growth due to preference for high Nitrogen concentrations. Populations have declined in arable areas (Wilson et al., 1999). Caryophyllaceae The main genera taken by birds on temperate European farmland are Cerastium (mouse-ears), Silene (campions and catchflies), Stellaria (chickweeds and stitchworts) and Spergula (spurreys). With the possible exception of chickweeds, decline of Caryophyllaceae on arable land is likely to have been widespread, but in pastoral areas and other fertile, disturbed areas, not subject to intensive herbicide control, population of chickweeds and mouse-ears may be maintaining themselves or increasing (Wilson et al., 1999). Asteraceae Composites found on temperate farmland in Europe include Arctium (burdocks), Artemisia (mugworts), Carduus (thistles), Centaurea (knapweeds), Cirsium (plume-thistles), Helianthus (sunflowers), Leontodon (hawkbits), Senecio (ragworts and groundsels), Sonchus (sow-thistles), Taraxacum (dandelions) and Tussilago (coltsfoot), all of which are eaten by birds. Of these, sunflowers are oilseed crops grown mainly in warm temperate farmland, whilst the remainder are all found in the wild flora. Evidence points to declines caused by cultivation and herbicide use, and increases in response to increased grazing pressure and fertilizer use. Dandelions are adversely affected by regular ploughing, whereas modern grassland practices such as intensive grazing and inorganic fertilizer application probably favour growth. In the long term, populations of most composites are likely to be stable or declining in intensively arable areas, but in other fertile, disturbed sites, not subject to inte nsive herbicide control, populations may be increasing (Wilson et al., 1999). Brassicaceae The diet of farmland birds includes Alliaria (garlic mustards), Capsella (shepherd’s purse), Raphanus (radishes), Thlaspi (pennycresses), Brassica (includes wild and cultivated varieties of oilseeds, turnips and cabbages) and Sinapis (charlock). Overall, wild Brassicaceae have probably declined dramatically on intensive arable farmland in recent decades (Wilson et al., 1999). Fabaceae On temperate European farmland, Fabaceae are characterised by low, creeping nitrogen-fixers such as Medicago (cultivated lucerne and medicks), Trifolium (clovers and trefoils) and Vicia (vetches and beans). Better drainage and regular grazing encourage legumes, but loss of ley-based rotations has reduced the overall availability of clovers and vetches as sown crops. In the long-term, populations of wild clovers and vetches on farmland are likely to be declining due to herbicidal weed control and grassland improvement, but sown populations of certain clover species (mainly white T. repens L. and red clover T. pratense L.) will mask these declines in areas where grass-clover leys are still sown (Wilson et al., 1999). Labiatae, On farmland, Labiatae are characterised by Galeopsis (hemp-nettles), Lamium (dead-nettles) and Stachys (woundworts). Herbicide applications are detrimental to most members of the family. In the long-term, populations of dead-nettles and hemp-nettles are likely to be declining in arable areas, although dead-nettles may be increasing in other fertile, disturbed habitats (Wilson et al., 1999). Ranunculaceae, Ranunculaceae (typified by buttercups Ranunculus) are in long-term decline in both arable and pastoral farmland, probably due to a combination of herbicide control on arable land, fertilization of grasslands, and loss of pasture to cultivation (Wilson et al., 1999). Boraginaceae, On farmland, Boraginaceae are characterized by Myosotis (forget-me-nots), which are known to be sensitive to herbicide applications. There is also some evidence that populations of field forget-me-not M. arvensis (L.) Hill are in long-term decline in arable land (Wilson et al., 1999). Plantaginaceae, Violaceae, Herbicide application was the only agricultural operation recorded as having detrimental effects on Plantaginaceae (plantains) and Violaceae (violets and pansies) (Wilson et al., 1999). Urticaceae, A review by Wilson et al., (1999) found no evidence of specific impacts of agricultural practices on Urticaceae (nettles). In the long term, however, common nettle Urtica dioica L. and annual nettle U. urens L. are likely to be stable or declining in arable habitats as a result of herbicidal weed control, but are probably increasing elsewhere in disturbed, fertile habitats. Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae (pokeweeds) are serious agricultural weeds in the Americas (Cousens and Mortimer, 1995), and increasingly so as aliens in parts of Europe. A review by Wilson et al., (1999) found no data on the effects of agricultural operations on the abundance of this family in Europe. 3.0 Analysis of Organic Farming3.1 Organic farming Organic farming has been shown to benefit some species. Recent studies in England suggest that organic systems support more broad-leaved plants than conventional systems. (e.g. Kay and Gregory, 1999). Kay and Gregory (1999) found that, out of 23 rare or declining arable plant species, 18 were more abundant on organic farms, with 13 of them being absent on conventional farms. However, if improvements were made in mechanical weed control technology in conventional farms these differences in plant abundance and species richness between the two systems could be reduced. 3.2 Organic farming a solution? When the environmental problems in agriculture came into spotlight, different forms of organic farming had been practiced in Europe for several decades. These farming methods were quickly presented as a solution for most of the problems agriculture is facing. One reason for the increase in organic agriculture in many countries in Europe today is the need to solve environmental problems. In such situations, we often tend to accept appealing solutions. Furthermore, intensive propaganda by representatives of organic farming movements has had a strong influence on public opinion, politicians, and scientists. But what is the likelihood that Organic farming can meet the requirements of agriculture and solve some of these major environmental problems? Although some environmental problems were already identified as a result of the industrialization of societies from the 19th century, the breakthrough of broad environmental consciousness, as epitomized by the Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, took place in the 1960s. New research orientations, national and multinational environmental protection agencies, and environmental interest organizations were founded. Within agriculture several organizations, sharing a prejudiced view of nature, biodynamic and organic-biological, promoted their agricultural methods as a solution to the environmental problems. One theory of organic farming, biodynamic farming, which is part of a comprehensive philosophy called anthroposophy, was presented by Steiner in 1924. Its aim was not to solve environmental problems but to introduce a form of production forces’. Biodynamic and other forms of organic agriculture exclude easily soluble inorganic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides on principle (KRAV, 1999). A comprehensive review was made by Hole et al. (2005) of the impacts on biodiversity of organic farming relative to conventional agriculture. They identified a wide range of taxa, including birds, mammals, invertebrates and arable flora, which benefit from organic management through increases in abundance and/or species richness. Also highlighted were three broad management practices (prohibition/reduced use of chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilisers; sympathetic management of non-cropped habitats; and preservation of mixed farming) that are largely intrinsic (but not exclusive) to organic farming, and that are particularly beneficial for farmland wildlife. However, most problems that occur in conventional agriculture may also be present in organic farming, such as erosion, nitrogen leaching, ammonia volatilization from animal wastes, high levels of native soil cadmium, accumulation of trace metals in soil, and subsoil compaction caused by farm machinery. Organic farming methods do not offer solutions to many of these problems. For example, the exclusion of easily soluble inorganic fertilizer does not necessarily imply less leaching or less eutrophication. On the contrary, leaching of total N from soil receiving animal manure, either composted or anaerobically stored, can be much higher than from inorganic fertilizer applied at the same N rate if measured over several years. Green manuring can also cause high nitrate leaching losses. From an environmental point of view, it does not matter whether the nutrients come from inorganic or organic sources. What matters is when, how and in what quantity plant nutrients are available to crops, i .e. if the nutrient supply is in synchrony with the demand of the crop (Myers et al., 1997). Crop quality is put forward as an important argument for organic farming. Crop quality depends on the plant nutrient status in the soil, the dynamics of nutrient release, weather conditions during growth, damage caused by pests, toxic compounds produced by the crops themselves and the adherent microflora, contamination with pesticides and pollutants, and the post-harvest treatment. Several investigations have clearly shown that the type of fertilization, contrary to the principle of organic farming, does not affect plant quality (e.g. Hansen, 1981) whereas the intensity of fertilization does. Thus, crop quality is not dependent on the principal difference between inorganic fertilization and organic manuring. Furthermore, considerable variation in crop quality can be found between farms regardless of whether they are using conventional or organic methods. This division into ‘organic’ and ‘conventional’ agriculture loses sight of the principal factors concerni ng crop quality and environmentally friendly agriculture. In contrast to conventional agriculture, organic farming without purchase of feed may result in a nutrient depletion of soils (Nolte and Werner, 1994). Through the import of feeding stuff to farms, which means a net input of nutrients, depletion is normally avoided. As the feeding stuff may be produced elsewhere with inorganic fertilizers, organic farming indirectly depends on the soil fertility of conventional farming. However, regulations about the amount of conventionally grown feeding stuff to be used in organic farming differ between countries. Side-effects caused by synthetic pesticides and drug feeding are not found in organic farming, a positive result. However, the exclusion of pesticides may result in increased concentrations of secondary plant metabolites and of mycotoxins of field fungi. Eltun (1996) reported higher concentrations of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol in grain samples from organic than from conventional farming. Furthermore, in the same experiment no pesticide residues were found in grain samples grown conventionally. Thus, the exclusion of pesticides does not necessarily mean that crop products do not contain unwanted substances. The area for housing and outdoor movement of farm animals has received more attention in organic than in conventional agriculture. This concern is positive and space requirements should be determined for all types of farming. Humans have kept livestock for millennia, resulting in the selection of animals with behaviours that differs from the wild species. The natural behavior can not be the only guideline for livestock management. It is important to keep animals in such a way that the special requirements of each species are fulfilled and destructive forms of behaviour are avoided. In order to understand today’s organic farming movement, it may be useful to know that the highly influential form of organic agriculture, biodynamic farming (Steiner, 1975), had its roots in a philosophy of life and not in the agricultural sciences. A common attitude within the organic movement is that nature and natural products are good, whereas man-made chemicals are bad, or at least not as good as natural ones. This way of thinking may also explain why man-made fertilizers and synthetic pesticides are excluded. Although there is no reason to believe that nature is only good, as exemplified in agriculture by crop failures, plant or animal diseases, and the effects of natural disasters, this romantic way of thinking is widespread. The forces of nature are fantastic and filled with still unknown secrets, but at the same time the results of natural activity may be ‘bad’. That is why natural conditions cannot be the only guideline for an ethical code about interac tions between humans and nature. We have to define an ethical code that takes into account the full truth, and it is our responsibility to do so. As indicated above, views and beliefs originating from a philosophy of life are the driving force behind organic farming. People should have free choice concerning religion or a philosophy of life and a strong ethical foundation is very important, but placing philosophical ideas above scientific thinking, especially if they contradict scientific results, leads to severe communication problems. For example, to demand the exclusion of synthetic fertilizers shifts matters of science into the field of dogma. The fundamental question, why plant nutrients should be added in organic forms or as untreated minerals only, has never been proved. 4.0 Analysis of Alternatives4.1 Alternative solutions The bottom line is that current agricultural practices are not sustainable and alternatives are needed. Plant, invertebrate and bird numbers have all declined during the last century as a result of land management practices, whilst excess levels of fertilizer inputs have led to deteriorating water quality problems (of which, groundwater contamination and eutrophication are perhaps the most significant). The cause has been the increasing intensification and specialisation of farming, with a shift from mixed farming to arable farming in the east and grassland in the west. Biodiversity has also been impacted by the planting of autumn cereals. Whilst Organic farming is being promoted as a better alternative, there is growing interest in the use of genetically modified-based agriculture. 4.2 Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Foods Biotechnology can potentially play a significant input into sustainable agricultural productivity, particularly for poor and/or small scale farmers in developing countries. Some of the benefits include development of techniques to 1) facilitate enhanced resistance to insect pests/diseases responsible for reduced yields 2) ability to tolerate drought/salinity or heavy metals. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics, concluded in 2003 that some GM crops offer real benefits to those in the developing world. Thomas (SDI, 2003) uses the example of half the cotton grown in China during 2002 being genetically modified. The GM crops produced a toxin to the cotton bollworm, a pest that can devastate crops. Yields were estimated to have increased by 10% whilst there was a 60% decrease in reported cases of humans being impacted by the toxic effects of applying pesticides without protective clothing. The report did, however, highlight a need for economi c, political and social change. Watkinson (2000), in a study on sugar beet genetically modified to tolerate broad-spectrum herbicideglyphosate, found that densities of fat hen, a common weed in sugar beet, were less than 10% of those in conventional crops. The seeds of fat hen are an important winter food resource for farmland birds. Skylarks forage preferentially in weedy fields, so therefore the impacts of GM crops critically depend on the extent to which high-density patches of weeds are affected. Argentina provides another example. The uptake of Monsanto’s round-up ready soya was phenomenal during the mid to late 90s. Some 13 million hectares were converted to GM. However, increasing dominance of larger farmers has resulted in many smaller farmers leaving their lands. Traditionally, many people were employed for weeding but increased herbicide usage has resulted in unemployment and increasing concerns surrounding the impact on human health (Branford, 2002). The benefits of using herbicide resistant crops in this context are therefore questionable. Monsanto needs to assess GM application in Argentina in order to learn from any mistakes and develop best practice guidelines for the future. Companies such as Monsanto and Syngenta appear, committed to principles of global sustainable agriculture and both have germplasm protection projects, in addition to community and environmental projects. Monsanto, in conjunction with Bayer CropScience; BASF; Dow Agrosciences; Dupont and Syngenta have established an Agricultural Biotech Council (ABC) in order to promote a reasoned and balanced debate surrounding the use of agricultural biotechnology. However, it appears more like a union to promote the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. 4.3 Biosafety During the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) negotiations, governments were aware of the potential modern biotechnology had with regards the achievement of its 3 main aims; the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. There was, however, a proviso for adequate safety measures for the environment and human health. This proviso constitutes Article 19 of the CBD, which relates to the handling of biotechnology and the distribution of its benefits. Four paragraphs constitute Article 19 and require parties to the Convention to: 1) take appropriate measures to ensure effective participation in biotechnological research activities, especially developing countries 2) to take practical measures to promote and advance access on a fair and equitable basis 3) to consider requirements of a protocol addressing   (including advance informed agreement) and; 4) make available information about the use and safety regulations, as well as any information on the potential adverse impact of the specific organisms. Decision II/5, established an Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety to develop a draft protocol on biosafety, specifically focusing on transboundary movement of any living modified organism resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. The details and history of this working Group, from its formation to the subsequent adoption of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity on the 29 January 2000, is rather convoluted. Environmental / human health consequences and concerns arising from introduction of GM plants led to the development of regulatory regimes to assess safety. Imports of GMOs into the UK (and EC) are covered by existing Community legislation Council Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of GMOs. The Protocol is therefore most beneficial to developing countries without existing legislation on GMOs and who require information before deciding on the conservational and sustainable impact of accepting GMO imports. In the UK, further EC regulations were adopted arising from the need to address exported obligations. Such issues have led to the implementation of EC Regulation No. 1946/2003 on the transboundary movement of GMOs. 4.4 Does Sustainable Agriculture mean sustainable development? The Convention on Biosafety specifically addresses the variety of risks to rural ecosystems, particularly i

The Truth Will Set You Free Essay -- Literary Analysis

Many writers apply experiences and thoughts into their work and express them in such a way the reader can relate. Critics would agree Edgar Allan Poe left a unique mark as a short story writer. Author Ray Bradbury was quoted saying, â€Å"It doesn't matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that's like you after you take your hands away†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Bradbury). Fiction writing was simple until Poe begins to put his twist around the world. During the terrible times that Edgar Allan Poe experienced as a young man would ultimately alter the history of short stories, he was unique and an extraordinary writer therefore exemplifying the mark that he leave upon society in his short stories Hop-frog. In Poe’s early life, he goes through a devastating and tragic event as his mother dies and his biological father abandons him at the age of two leaving him as an orphan. Writer W.D. Johnson says, â€Å"Increased susceptibility to depression and anxiety is another result of the heightened stress levels associated with being an orphan. Typically, the younger the age of a child when orphaned and the longer he remains without a home, the more drastic the impact that his experiences as an orphan will have on his development† (Johnson). Poe’s adolescence seemed to be on a path destined for self-destruction following the Allan’s informal adoption of him at the age of two. Francis and John Allan, his foster parents, forced him to move away from his siblings in Boston to their home in Richmond, Virginia. From a young age, Poe lacked the stability of a fruitful environment for a boy to grow and mature into a man acceptable to society’s standards. Poe and his foster family moved to England in pursuit of... ... Mark. "Edgar Allan Poe." Edgar Allan Poe. Web. 07 May 2012. . "Edgar Allan Poe." Goodreads. Web. 07 May 2012. . Farlex. "Tuberculosis." The Free Dictionary. Farlex. Web. 07 May 2012. . "Poe's Life." Edgar Allan Poe Museum : Poe's Life, Legacy, and Works : Richmond, Virginia. Poe Museum, 1922. Web. 07 May 2012. . Soon, Willie and Steven Yaskell. "Year Without a Summer." Year Without a Summer. World Scientific Publishing Company, July 2001. Web. 07 May 2012. ."Year Without a Summer." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 June 2012. Web. 07 May 2012. .

Conceit and Misfortune in Oliver Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield Ess

Conceit and Misfortune in Oliver Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield From three hundred years of Ireland’s history, The Penguin Book of Irish Fiction1[1] collects a combination of complete works and samples of the works of many great Irish authors. Among the authors included in this volume is Oliver Goldsmith, an Irishman of great diversity in his writings and remembered perhaps as well for his individuality, character and generosity as for the various poems, essays, and works of fiction that he contributed to literary world. The Vicar of Wakefield, the selection chosen for the anthology, is not only significant because it is often considered his best work, but also as it is the only novel that Goldsmith ever wrote.2[2] The Vicar of Wakefield is an amusing and captivating tale that follows the life and hardships of the Vicar Primrose and his family, as they journey from happiness, through calamity, to the bare escape of complete ruin. The story’s humor as well as its plot result both equally, and to a great extent, from Goldsmith’s creation of the Primrose family’s hot and invariable desire to rise again to happiness by finding ways to better their dire financial straits and to reverse their societal decline. Although the passage in the anthology presents only four chapters from the novel, may of the ideas there presented introduce in, comment on, or foreshadow to various themes, lessons, and events of great importance to the work as a whole. These ideas will carry through the plot, and culminate in the story’s denouement at which time, if not previously, they will all be finally understood and their significance revealed. Among them are the here apparently def inite social boundaries that divides the rich from ... ...nt in the story Primrose had lamented, â€Å"O, my children, if you could be learn to commune your own hearts, and know what noble company you can make them, you would little regard the elegance and splendors of the worthless† (p. 147). Had the rest the Primrose family ever been inclined to understand this early on, and to feel in the same way sated with the simple existence that satisfied their patriarch, many of their misfortunes may have been avoided. However, without them story’s lessons, adventures, hilarity, and glorious unexpected conclusion would have been lost as well.    Notes: [1] Tobin, Colm, ed. The Penguin Book of Irish Fiction. New York: Penguin Books, 2001. [2] All further references to The Vicar of Wakefield will be cited as part of the complete work: Goldsmith, Oliver. The Vicar of Wakefield. 1766. Ed. Stephen Coote. London: Penguin Books, 1982.

Red Badge of Courage :: essays papers

Red Badge of Courage Stephen Crane has written many remarkable poems, short stories, and novels throughout his short life (He lived only to the age of 29). The Red Badge of Courage is a tale of war, life, responsibility, and duty. It has been considered the first ^great modern novel of war^(Alfred Kazin). It traces the effects of war on Henry Fleming, a Union soldier, through his dreams of battle, his enlistment, and his experience through serveral battles of the Civil War. Henry, ^the youth^, was a young man who lived on a farm with his mother. He dreamed about what fighting in a war would be like, and dreamed of being a hero. He dreamed of the battles of war, and of what it would be like to fight in those glorious battles. His mother was a wise, caring woman who had strong convictions about not wanting Henry to goto war. She is a very hardworking woman, and loves her son a great deal. She gave him hundreds of reasons why he was needed on the farm and not in the war. Henry knew his mother would not want him to enlist, but it was his decision to make. He dreamed of the battles of war, and of what it would be like to fight in those glorious battles. He didn^t want to stay on the farm with nothing to do, so he made his final decision to enlist. After enlisting he finds himself in a similar situation, with nothing to do. While there he becomes friends with two other soldiers, John Wilson, ^the loud soldier / ^the friend^ and Jim Conklin, ^the tall soldier^. Wilson was a loud spoken and obnoxious soldier who becomes one of Henry^s best friends. Jim was a tall soldier and was a childhood friend of Henry^s. He was always calm and matter-of-fact like. He also loves pork sandwiches as that is all he eats. Wilson was as excited about going to war as Henry, while Jim was confident about the success of the new regiment. Wilson is acts very confident, and boasts of how well he will fight. After a few days of marching, Henry realizes that they have been wandering about aimlessly in circles. They continue to march wothout purpose, direction, and fighting. During this time Henry starts to think diffrently about war, amore close experienced way. He starts to lose some of his ideals of war, and starts to become scared of running away from a batlle.

A Case of Itp Case Study

1. How and where are platelets produced in the body? Platelets are known as thrombocytes and are produced in red bone marrow. They are stimulated when a blood vessel becomes injured and breaks. Platelets are responsible for clotting a vessel to stop the body from losing all of its blood. 2. Describe the role played by platelets in hemostasis. Hemostatis involves constriction of blood vessels, activity of platelets, and activity of blood clotting factors. Platelets work together with other blood proteins to form fibrin.The fibrin forms a net that traps blood cells in order to create a clot. The clotting balanced by the clotting that is stopped when the vessel is healed 3. Define thrombocytopenia and list the more common causes of this condition. Thrombocytopenia is a shortage of thrombocytes which can be caused by many different diseases, such as: leukemia, HIV, myelofibrosis, Gaucher’s disease, or immense blood transfusions. 4. What are the potential consequences of a low plat elet count?Difficulty to cease bleeding is a major consequence. Symptoms such as skin bleeding, petechiae, huge bruises from slight injuries, bleeding gums, blood in stool or urine, and intense menstrual periods are all consequences of having a low platelet count. 5. What drugs have been associated with the development of thrombocytopenia? Heparin, quinidine, quinine, sulfa-containing antibiotics, and some oral drugs for diabetes, rifampin and gold salts are all drugs that are associated with thrombocytopenia. . How is thrombocytopenia treated in individuals diagnosed with the condition? If it is caused by a drug, then discontinued use is recommended. Corticosteroids or intravenous immune globulin can be used to temporarily block the effects that destroy platelets. The spleen can also be surgically removed or the patient can receive plasma transfusions. 7. How might removal of the spleen (splenectomy) result in an increase in the number of circulating platelets?The spleen’s f unction is to remove antibodies. If the spleen is removed, there will not be a production of protective antibodies aimed at the autoantibody and platelets will increase. 8. What is Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)? ITP is a bleeding disorder brought about by thrombocytopenia, but it is not connected with a general disease. Most of the time, it is chronic in adults and acute in children. It results from antibody development aimed at an autoantibody.

Indentured Servitude in Virginia Essay

In some European countries including England some of the poor and many laborers were brought to the English colonies by way of ships to work on the farms within these colonies. Because of such an immense amounts of Tobacco crops being planted on these farms, a great deal of blood and sweat was needed for the cultivation of these crops. These poor workers were enticed by the idea of a new and better life in America. By the hiring of Indentured servants, the planters would have a greater chance of gaining economic success. Once the indenture (contract) was up the servants would also possibly receive â€Å"freedom dues† which appeared to be a ‘win, win’ on both sides. Unfortunately, this was seldom the case. The year is 1623 and Richard Frethorne has written a letter about his life as an indentured servant just three months after arriving to the colony. As we can see from the author’s narrative, Virginia of 1623 was a different place from England. It was the first permanent English settlement in the new world (Jamestown). This land of marsh like consistency and vast forests contained some hostile Native Americans, (pirates, and rogues who could and did attack at any time). Subsequently these Indians resisted slavery; they protected their homeland and way of life. The tone of the author is one of humility and despair. Being from England he has never imagined the lifestyle of the indentured servant, which is literally a life just a step above a slave. The difference being that a slave was considered personal property as was an indentured servant however, an indentured servant was only a servant for a specified time and a slave was slave for life. Mr. Frethorne has been brought to the point of begging and at the same time he is trying to inform his parents of the life he is  living which is simply the lowest form of existence. He describes death and disease like scurvy and dysentery all around him. There is such an ache in his belly (hunger), he misses England terribly, he’s feeling isolated, his fellow shipmates are dying at such an alarming rate and these are only some of the things Mr. Frethorne is fighting against. His reasons for leaving home and becoming and indentured servant are not explained but, it is clear that he did not mak e the best life choice. Without capital Mr. Frethorne found himself in a predicament he could not get out of without help. Richard Frethorne is disillusioned, sad and confused. Even knowing the reason for his current state, Richard longs for a better life or at least to have enough to eat for now. He explains to his parents trying to get them to understand what he is experiencing he states â€Å"You would be grieved if you did know as much as I do†. His diet is extremely poor, only consisting of water gruel (which he later calls it loblollie) and a mouthful of bread and beef. He writes that his meal in England for one day is more than what he eats in a week as a servant. His situation is precarious and back breaking work along with almost total famine have resulted in weakness of body and spirit. Mr. Frethorne describes the fear he has of the Indians coming again & again for they have already fought with them and made slaves of two of them. The daily fear Richard Frethorne exhibits is palpable as he tries to communicate this as best he can to his parents while trying to give them a complete view of his life. The plantation is very weak and the numbers of the original group are quickly dwindling because of such hellacious living conditions. He states â€Å"there are only 32 to fight against 3000, if they (rogues) should come† and the closest help is at least 10 miles away. He also states the last time they came, 80 people were killed. This would scare the begeezus out of anyone, so his belief that GOD can protect and save everyone, gives him some solace. Coming from a family that was not at all wealthy but were at least more comfortable, he begs for help in the form of food. There is nothing to comfort Mr. Frethorne and he sees no future improvement. He also informs his parents of the people he calls his friends, the Jacksons. He calls them â€Å"godly folks† who have loved him and protected  during various times, especially when the servants would come to Jamestown. He is quite descriptive of the daily routine, no matter the weather while in Jamestown and if not for Goodman Jackson, his situation would surely be worse off than it is. With no money to purchase his needs they have stepped into help. Having no clothing except for 2 rags that are used for shirts, one poor suit (that he claims is well guarded to keep it from being stolen), a pair of shoes, socks and two bands (collars) Richard Frethorne writes to his father saying, â€Å"if you love me you will redeem me suddenly , for which I entreat and beg†. He is truly in dire need. (Frethorne) (ushistory.org/us/5b.asp Indentured Servants)Richard Frethorne closes his letter by asking his parents anything they can send will be greatly appreciated as he informs them of what can be sent and what is best. He lets his father know what will happen in case of his death and ask to not forget him, â€Å"but have mercy and pity my miserable case†. He sends his love and regard to his family as well as, the Jacksons.

Poverty Case Essay

â€Å"The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.† ― Mother Teresa It’s frightening to think how those who live under poverty in our country would seem so powerless when in reality are just as powerful. Poverty has the power to disable people from seeing the sun on bright days, while it can enable them to think about the gloomiest ones, desperately resorting to unwanted ways to get what they need. They are equipped with a valid reason for committing crimes and immoral acts, rooting back to poverty, just exactly something we find hard to give solution to. It is hard to embrace them fully, but is harder to condemn them for feeling so hopeless about their situations. Hopelessness is what fuels these people and it’s a sad reality that the society cannot help but let them do the driving – their own dirty way. Loneliness is another type of poverty, as mentioned by Mother Teresa, and even claimed it as the most terrible of all poverties present. Sadly, such was what the three major characters in the stories Cat in the Rain, Miss Brill, and A Rose for Emily, experienced. The traits they had in common rooted back to loneliness, being the reason why they thought they had to do unique, and at a point, questionable ways to be accepted and loved in return. The story Cat in the Rain by Ernest Hemingway focused on the character of an American woman who tries hard to get her husband’s attention by saving a kitten from the rain. As the story develops, it is noticeable that there’s a slight tension between the American couple as emphasized by the husband’s cold treatment to his wife. The wife, in return, recites her desire for things she knows she could not immediately have and will require great effort from her husband to have them. The American wife, enslaved by loneliness and insecurity, displayed selfishness as she repeatedly said, â€Å"Anyway, I want a cat. I want a cat. I want a cat now. If I can’t have long hair or any fun, I can have a cat† (Hemingway 106). Desiring for uncommon things during a vacation trip only meant that there was something wrong with the main character. It wasn’t just the conscious feeling of loneliness that kept her from enjoying the married life; the fact that she wasn’t able to directly express her feelings about how unhappy she is to her husband means that she has been denying the feeling of loneliness herself. The way she felt wasn’t questionable, neither were her feelings unique, but the way she expressed her feelings made them so because she was unconsciously, hardly pressed by her fears. Asking for a cat, and reciting all her desires, â€Å"I want to pull my hair back tight and smooth and make a big knot at the back that I can feel†¦ I want to have a kitty to sit on my lap and purr when I stroke her†¦ and I want to eat at a table with my own silver and I want candles. And I want it to be spring and I want to brush my hair out in front of a mirror and I want a kitty and I want some new clothes.† all of a sudden seems unusual, and it sure is one unique way to attract attention and show her longing for acceptance and love. (Hemingway 105) In comparison to Miss Brill, the American wife is lucky to have someone than no one at all. Miss Brill is an old single woman who wants to be loved in return. Seen in the text is her deep desire to impress other people as she takes time to dress up and try to look beautiful with her favourite old fur necklet before going out to the park. It had been part of her weekly ritual to go out to the park and stroll around, secretly showing how she wants to have her existence validated by the society. Just like the American wife, Miss Brill also has the tendency to shrug off her loneliness, denying the fact that she is unhappy with the way her life is going. This is evident in the first paragraph of the story, â€Å"And when she breathed, something light and sad – no, not sad, exactly – something gentle seemed to move in her bosom† (Mansfield 48). With her shrugging all these feelings off comes the danger of not realizing how desperate her actions seem to other people. These actions, such as eavesdropping on other peoples’ conversations, wearing the old fur necklet and looking silly, acting as if she were on a play, all root from loneliness she had been experiencing. Her desire to be accepted and be united with the community stems from within though she doesn’t seem so conscious of what she exactly wants, thus acting in a weird, odd manner. Miss Brill sought attention and acceptance in a unique way, as her actions and train of thoughts (â€Å"†¦that Miss Brill discovered what it made it so exciting. They were all on stage†) (Mansfield 50) are not normally done and thought about by people who seek the same thing. This proves how much acceptance of one’s weaknesses can help him/her get through it, something that denying can never do. The same situation was what Miss Emily experienced. Her loneliness came from her lack of freedom back when her father was still alive as he was very strict with the relationships she had with others. By the time her father was gone, she had a hard time relating with the rest of the community, isolating herself inside the house. Just like the two other characters mentioned, Miss Emily also had the tendency to deny this loneliness, bluntly shown when she kept her father’s dead body in her house for three days and not accepting others’ sympathy: â€Å"The day after his death all the ladies prepared to call at the house and offer condolence and aid, as is our custom. Miss Emily met them at the door, dressed as usual and with no trace of grief on her face. She told them that her father was not dead† (Faulkner 59) With the constant denial of this loneliness and longing for acceptance, she finds herself obsessing over Homer Barron, who happens to not be a marrying kind and refuses her love for him. Her oppressed feelings for him and her deep desire for his love and acceptance led her to doing unique and questionable actions for her to get him, with or without his consent. As the story progresses, she finds herself purchasing arsenic, a rat poison, and kills Homer Barron without pity. It was a selfish move for her to do; she didn’t even seem to bother about how wrong it was, nor did she think about the possible consequences of such action. What she did was definitely unique and questionable, considering how immoral and selfish it was to kill someone for her own benefit. Just like the American wife who had been pressed by her fears leading to such weird doings, Miss Emily also had her share of fear in losing Homer Barron. The three female characters’ pursuit of love can be so strongly driven that they find themselves doing unique and questionable ways to be loved and accepted in return. They all had fears empowering the loneliness they were feeling, making them deny this poverty in them more and thus, leading to the unique and questionable ways they did in the story. This only shows how much desires can be so powerful that it can make people do anything to get what it is that would make them happy and complete. It is then, important to be able to accept one’s own weaknesses to be able to know and understand what it is that can fully solve and patch things up, something that denying and concealing can never do. Works Cited: [1] â€Å"Mother Teresa of Calcutta quotes.† Find the famous quotes you need, ThinkExist.com Quotations.Thinkexist.com, Web. 4 Jan 2013. [2] Hemingway, Ernest. â€Å"Cat in the Rain.† Lit 13 English Dept. Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City: np., 2012. 103-106. Print. [3] Mansfield, Katherine. â€Å"Miss Brill.† Lit 13 English Dept. Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City: np., 2012. 48-51. Print. [4] Faulkner, William. â€Å"A Rose for Emily.† Lit 13 English Dept. Ateneo de Manila University. Quezon City: np., 2012. 57-64. Print.