The Government of Athens and Sparthans

The country of Greece in 400-500 B.C. was led to greatness by two great city-states. These city-states were Athens and Sparta. These two states were as different as night and day. They were rivals and very diverse. As you read you will find out their differences between their form of culture and government. The city-state of Athens adopted a form of government which is now called democracy. Democracy is when the government is ruled by the people. This government consisted of an assembly , a jury , and there was a council of 500 men over 30 . The council decided such matters as to declare war or to spend money. The council was used to make decisions for the Athenian government. All men that were citizens were able to participate in an assembly , hold office , vote , and serve on a jury. Slaves could not do any of these things because they were not counted as citizens . The Athenian government was as similar as the American government today (Meigas 32). Unlike the government of Athens the government of Sparta flourished as an aristocracy . This type of government is when a place is ruled by a small number of people from the upper class . There was a Council of Elders , an assembly , and the five ephors. The Council of Elders was made up of two kings and 28 men over the age of 60. This council decided on making laws. The assembly was made out of all male citizens over 30. The assembly did many things. It elected government workers and voted on laws that were introduced by the Council of Elders. The ephors were selected by the assembly. The ephors were overseers. They controlled slaves , conducted business with foreign countries , and negotiated with the kings (Hornblower 35). The men of ancient Athens were very educated. From their childhood until the ages of six or seven the men were taught home by their mother or a male slave. After the age of seven they attended a normal day school. At school they learned drama, public speaking, reading, writing, and mathematics . When they reached the age of fourteen they attended a higher school for four more years. At the higher school they learned more math , more science , and things about the government. When the men reached the age of 18 the were required to attend military school for 2 more years. The Athenian men were skilled architects , poets , and artists. From them is where we get great works known as The Odyssey and The Iliad by the writer known as Homer (Meigas 123). The men of ancient Sparta were very cunning , slick , and strong. During their childhood the Spartan men were taken away from their parents. Being taken away at the age of seven , they were sent to military school. If a child was not strong , he/she was left on a cliff to die of exposure. In the military school they lived in barracks. They were taught survival skills , the endurance of pain , discipline , and toughness at the school. They were given little food and were encouraged to steal. If they were caught stealing they would get a beating. They were also beaten up by older children in fights , so they could become tough and strong. At the age of 20 the Spartan men finally became soldiers. Once they got married , they were only allowed to live in their own homes with their family at the age of 30. At this age they were considered equals. The military service for the Spartan men ended at the age of 60 (Connolly 230). The Athenian women were very literate and educated. The women were not counted as citizens and they were not allowed to hold property. The women received the same education as the Athenian men did. Although the education was the same, the women were not allowed to leave the household. They did not go shopping or to run errands. Their husband did most of these things. The main job of the women was to run the household. She managed the family†s money , the children , and the slaves. She also spun wool and created artistic pottery (Hornblower 145). In Sparta the lives of women were unlike the lives of any other Greek polis. The Spartan state didn't take the academic education of a female seriously. The physical education that the women had was very tough and grueling. They learned gymnastics and aerobics. They also had more freedom then women of other city-states. They were able to move from place to place , do the shopping , and control the house. They also had a lot of freedom from their husbands because their husbands lived in barracks. Most of the time the Spartan women worked on fields and were medics to the injured Spartan soldiers. They were considered as mothers to all Spartan soldiers (Connolly 260). This is how the culture and the government of the Greek city-states of Sparta and Athens was different. Each state had a different type of education and a different momentum of how the government wanted their polis to be. These city-states again were very diverse and different. In my writing you saw how different they were.

How Do Gangs Affect Adolescent Behavior?

Since the early 1920s, researchers have closely studied the relations between the street gangs and violent crime froma variety of perspectives: criminological, sociological and psychological (Thomas, 2008). Whatever the underlying causes for gang membership, the resuls seems clear; members of street gangs admit to a far greater rate of serious crime, and to far more severe acts of of the same age, race, and socioeconomic background (Penly Hall, Thornberry & Lizotte, 2006) than non-gang members of the same age, race, and socioeconomic background (Battin-Pearson, Thornberry, Hawkins & Krohn, 1998).According to the Web site safetyouth. org (n. d. ) gang violence is certainly a cause for concern: Gang members are responsible for much of the serious violence in the United States . . . Teens that are gang members are much more likely than other teens to commit serious and violence crimes. For example, a survey in Denver found that while only 14% of teens were gang members, they were respon sible for committing 89% of the serious violent crimes. (n. p. ) Many researchers have come to the conclusion that gangs necessarily cause violence and deviant behavior.As a matter of policy then, it seems clear that the solution of a number of social ills is to break up, disrupt, or prevent the formations of gangs (Battin-Pearson, et al. , 1998). Yet, is this the solution? As George Thomas (2008) states, â€Å"The problem is complex, so the solutions cannot be complex† (p. 88). So what is the solution? According to the U. S. Department of Education (n. d. ), all factors of age, race, and socioeconomic background must be taken into consideration . . .

Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 10

Ethics - Essay Example Therefore, it is by nature that virtues arise in human beings as human beings are adapted by nature to get them and are made naturally by nature. In nature, human beings acquire the potential and later exhibit the activity. On the other hand, we had the sense of hearing seeing and smelling before we used them, but these virtues are acquired by exercise and practice. For the things that we have to learn before they are done, one must practice good deeds in order to be good. Virtue is a quality of character and is expressed by how a person behaves. Virtue can be taught only if it is the knowledge of something. Virtue is a good value. Anybody possessing something of good character can only benefit from it rather than acquire it. Therefore, any quality of virtue not guided by understanding can be harmful and of no use to anybody. For example, a person’s beauty can harm him or her physically if the beauty is used foolishly; it is of no benefit to that person. Virtue being a quality of character benefits the person who possesses it and it can be argued that knowledge is part of virtue. In accordance with age, children do not act out of virtue as compared to adults and this explains further that virtue does not emerge from that part of our character rather than nature itself. Knowledge therefore, is not a natural innate but is an acquired trait. Those who acquire virtue get it from learning and exercising its values. If virtue can be acquired by learning, then people can be taught virtue by trained professionals. Sophists ar e teachers of virtue who teach arts of persuasions and rhetoric and on the other hand, they are not concerned with the result of what they teach regardless of the skills. People who are virtuous such as elders are best skilled and experienced to teach virtue to others by examples, advice, and explanations as they were taught by other elders during their time. These

Heat Exhaustion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Heat Exhaustion - Essay Example Sunburns, heat cramps, heat stress, heat stroke and heat exhausting are some of the heat related disorders. While the symptoms and treatment may differ, in each case there is overexposure to heat or the person has over exercised for his/her age and physical condition in the existing thermal environment. Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of salt and water from the body usually through excessive sweating (SJA, 2007). Severe debilitation occurs due to extreme body heat. Excessive heat and dehydration cause the body temperature to rise above 102 degrees (Alonzo, 2003). While the causes of heat exhaustion can be many, there are various ways in which people can protect themselves from the effects of prolonged exposure to extreme heat. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include paleness, nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, or even vomiting, fainting and cool and clammy skin (Alonzo). The treatment and prevention are issues which should be known to every individual. If the victim is out in the sun, he/she should be brought out of the sun and made to lie down after loosening the clothes preferably in an air conditioned room. Wet cloth should be applied and urged to take frequent sips of water. If this causes nausea then water sips have to be discontinued. Medical attention may be required if vomiting persists. There are various ways in which the people themselves or the organizations can reduce or even prevent heat exhaustion. First and foremost the body should be allowed to acclimatize to the difference in temperature especially for those who are not used to working in hot environment (Dresser). They have to get accustomed to working in the heat which normally takes a week or two to get used to. Reducing the physical demands of the job for a week or two allows a worker to acclimatize. Cool shady environments are prerequisites for prevention of heat exhaustion. Secondly, the body has to be well hydrated and this means

Watch video, answer question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2

Watch video, answer question - Essay Example Once humans possessed the fertile places, they opted to settle at the expense of nomadic life. According to Guilaine, the hunter-gatherers had to fight to defend the territories that had plenty of fish, animals, and plants (Treetrunks). The defending of the territory depicted signs of sedentary life. Competition for the best territories sparked fights. Similarly, Bar-Yosef points out the restriction of movement, especially in Asia prompted humans to adopt a sedentary life. The Fertile Crescent influenced humans to adopt a sedentary life because of its fertility. Notably, the strip was fertile and barley, as well as, wheat grew naturally (Treetrunks). The nomadic hunter-gatherers realized the place offered a permanent settlement, and thus decided to settle. Evidently, the presence of the stonewalled huts indicated that people had opted to live in the Fertile Crescent and start domesticating crops and animals. Hence, the strip was habitable, and supported the construction of permanent residences. Villages started to grow, and humans adopted sedentary life. The first villages comprised of the hunter-gatherers who had advanced skills. Guilaine argues that people living in the first villages demonstrated a shift in thinking and spirited desire to embrace change (Treetrunks). In effect, the high intellectual capacities compelled the people to change their way of life. The villages are important because historians contend that they were the hubs of agriculture after the discovery of seeds. Agriculture promoted sedentary life, and the villages planted barley and wheat as sources of food. Bar-Yosef argues that the villagers exploited the wheat and barley and developed techniques for making bread (Treetrunks). Hence, the first villages were significant in promoting the domestication of

A wireless solution for a sporting goods company Research Paper

A wireless solution for a sporting goods company - Research Paper Example Retrieved December 05, 2012, from http://www.att.com/network/ 22 Executive Summary At the present, the majority of organizations use computers to carry out their day to day tasks. In this scenario, they use computers to collect, process, and store business and customer related data and information. However, when the size of business increases they need many people to carry out these tasks simultaneously. For this purpose, they build a network of computers in the firm. In a computer network, computers are connected with each other. They can share data and resources with each other. There are different ways and technologies that can be adopted to implement a computer network. In this scenario, wireless networks is a latest form of networking. Some of the other categories of wireless networking are: WLAN, 3G, 4G, WiFi, WiMax and various other standards and tools. They offer wonderful services and facilities to personal life and business areas. Hence, seeing these advantages of wireless networks the management of the Athlete’s Shack (TAS) has decided to implement new Wireless technology based WLAN. The major aim of the Athlete’s Shack (TAS) is to enhance overall corporate credibility and develop better performance based arrangement at a corporation. Introduction I have been hired as a technology consultant at Wireless Technology Company (WTC). WTC Company helps organizations and businesses resolve issues regarding network planning and design. I have been asked to write a report to propose a wireless networking solution for the Athlete’s Shack. In this report, I will present a detailed analysis of WLAN architecture for the Athlete’s Shack (TAS). This project (the implementation of the WLAN at Athlete’s Shack (TAS)) will involve implementing a wireless technology that will connect all of its stores through wireless broadband service, installing WLANs at each store, and providing its employees with iPads for better customer service. Additionally, TAS is unsure how to start this process. Thus, they have hired the services of our firm for completing this project. This report will discuss various aspects of wireless network design and its implementation. This report will also discuss the issues involved in this project. Problem Situation The Athlete’s Shack (TAS) runs its business through a chain of sporting goods stores. In the past few years, TAS has got massive popularity and now it has 10 stores in the area. Before, TAS was running its business through manual and traditional means. Additionally, the technology based systems and tools were used at a very small level. In this scenario, all the stores of the Athlete’s Shack were completely disconnected from each other. Hence, they required a solution that can better support and facilitate the corporate operations and dealings. TAS was facing the following problems through traditional ways: Lack of communication Lack of data security Redundancy of da ta Complex management of business operations Less hold/control of management Long term processing cycle Difficult order processing cycle No centralized

Marks and Spencer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marks and Spencer - Essay Example Its strategies in UK revolved around a) supply management b) brand power c) customer orientation and d) empowerment of employees. As it moved into the 90s, M&S needed to overcome the challenges identified above (Montgomery, 1994, HBS Case study # 9-391-089). Tools Value chain concept: The case highlights M&S emphasis on ‘value chain’ concept as a strategy for economizing on operations, maintaining long-term supplier/buyer relations and for quality control. Popularized by Porter as a competitive advantage tool, value chain concept dovetails the different operations of a buyer and his supplier(s) in order to achieve maximum efficiencies for cost control for both parties (Porter, 2004, Ch.2, pp.33-61 & 107). Using this strategy, M&S attained a strong reputation and position in UK market, where its net profit (your last name) 2 margin was around 10 to 11% in the 80s. In contrast, its overseas operations yielded just around 6% net profit due to external factors like tariffs a nd local competition. Differentiation: The case highlights the differences between the French, Canadian and UK markets. France is a high margin market and although the few customers who accessed M&S products are well satisfied, many others, especially the younger generation, preferred other brands.

The Canadian Dollar and the Effects of the Foreign Exchange on the Research Paper

The Canadian Dollar and the Effects of the Foreign Exchange on the Country's Macro - Research Paper Example Tracing the Relationship between the Canadian and American Dollar Canada in 1841 adopted a Canadian pound equivalent to 4 U.S dollars. The country in 1850 faced challenges of adopting a solitary currency for the four provinces. The country also faced challenges of whether to adopt a U.S based monetary system or the sterling monetary system. The local population, because of trading and influx into Canada by the neighbouring Americans, preferred the American dollar as their sole currency (Bordo, & Schembri, 2010). However, the colonising authority in London preferred the sterling pound, as the sole currency in all its colonies or empires. The Canadian Legislative Council in 1851 introduced the sterling pound and the American dollar as the two currencies for Canada. The idea was to correlate the Canadian monetary to the American fractional coinage. In 1853, the Gold Standard was introduced, followed by the demonetization of all other currencies. The creation of Dominion of Canada led to the unification of the different currencies in Canada; dominion currency system based on the American dollar (Bordo, & Schembri, 2010). ... The bank observes analysis and highlights the domestic and global financial trends, which enable it to advise the government on the nation’s financial goals (Bailliu, & King, 2009). The Canadian government influences the value of the Canadian dollar. The government intervenes regularly in the exchange market; to influence supply or demand of the Canadian currency. The Canadian government policy on its currency (monetary policy), prefers the currency not to have a fixed price, but flow with international trends. The policies prefer a moderate and slow foreign exchange to an extreme and drastic change. The government also prefers the Canadian dollar not to be too strong or weak to the U.S dollar (Kozak, & Staskow, 2011). Trade is another influential factor in the association between the two nation’s currencies. Canada’s main international trading partner is the United States. This is favoured by the fact that the two nations neighbour each other. The foreign exchan ge rate plays a vital role in this trade. Therefore, it is crucial for the Canadian dollar to maintain its stability to the U.S dollar so that it does have an effect on the trading activities. A higher Canadian dollar means that Canadian producers can produce at lower prices favouring its competitiveness. A lower rate of the Canadian currency to the United States dollar increases production cost disadvantaging Canadian producer’s competitiveness. The Canadian currency is commonly referred to as petro-dollar because of the influence that oil prices have on the currency. Most nations prefer to trade using the Canadian dollar; because of its ease on the international, foreign exchange, and its relationship with the United States dollar (Kozak, & Staskow, 2011). Effects of the Foreign Exchange

Public sector services should be managed just like the private sector Essay

Public sector services should be managed just like the private sector. Discuss this statement using examples from contemporary management practices - Essay Example The public services are not usually sold to people to gain profit and are not withheld from the people who can not afford them (Flynn 2007). This difference though always not applicable to all public services, significantly affects the management practices in private and public sector. The private service is marketing oriented. Different services are provided to people paying different prices. The services and strategies are designed to offer customized and good services to attract people to the private service. The public services on the other hand are aimed to provide protection, education, care and help without taking into account the profitability. That is why the public services often face the problems with rationing and pricing as they treat all service users equally. As the need for marketing services or attracting people is minimal the profitability is often lowered too. While distinguishing the public and private services, it can be said that the public sector needs to provide services for public good where the market fails to do so. These services include those, which cannot exclude any individual, and a collective payment is needed for those services. The services, which are paid through taxes rather than through direct payment, are considered as public services. The armed forces, judiciary and police, civil services, local governments, essential infrastructure like road, welfare state like health, education, social security, housing, etc are generally considered as public services. Ownership of services also makes them public or private. But it is often seen that people are not much concerned with the ownership of the services they receive except when they consider employment. Public sector employments are often considered to be much secured but with low wage though there are jobs, which get better security and wage in private sector. There are certain practical arguments in support of the public services. There are services like armed forces

Plato Essay Example for Free

Plato Essay Socrates gets Laches to agree to a new definition of courage by arguing that not all cases of courage are a sort of endurance. He asks Laches if he would consider courage to be noble to which Laches replies he would. Socrates then asks him would he consider foolish endurance to be seen as hurtful,to which Laches also agrees. With this in mind Laches agrees to a new definition of courage to include only wise endurance. 2/5 2. They conclude that knowledge of a virtue such as courage isnt seen as being normal in the way hat it is,but being the kind of thing that is known consciously and spoken. Somebody who can talk about the subject of courage but dont do well in battle,would have no real insight into what most people would consider courage. 0/5 3. Socrates argues for this conclusion by saying there could be some objection to the claim that courage is both foolish and wise. Firstly,wise courage gives you the belief that you are doing the right thing,but dont have to,but by believing you have wise courage,it is the best thing to stay and fight. However,knowing you havnt the resources for battle,but are considered brave enough to stay and fight anyway,surely this can be seen as both foolish and wise courage. 2/5 4. Socrates asks Laches if he knows the nature of virtue and would they tell others of it. Laches agrees to both questions allowing Socrates to test Laches own knowledge of virtue. He asks him about the part of virtue that is relevant to the art of fighting in armour – courage. Socrates then asks Laches to take into account the actions of the Sythian cavalry who fought bravely whilst running way. These examples are of a courageous nature but do not fit Laches example of courage. Socrates then asks Laches about the nature of courage of the soldiers who man there posts,but adds also about the courage of people in general,wether in battle,politics. poverty or fear. He reinforces his argument by using the example of â€Å"quickness which may be found in running, speaking or playing the lyre. In this case Socrates states that the definition as the quality that does a lot in very little time. Laches has to come up with an idea of courage that takes into account all ideas in which a person might be courageous. One objection that might be made to one of Socrates arguments is that it may only seem like he wants to impress upon Laches that it is possible to have any sort of knowledge of courage at all because Socrates says that the only genuine piece of knowledge he can have is that he knows nothing in the first place. But,as there isnt anybody that knows enough about courage to speak f it,maybe we should take into account Laches continuing courageous behaviour as a kind of knowledge,rather than it being known concsiously and spoken,courage may be the only thing to be considered as an example. Someone who speaks for hours about courage but is cowardly during battle,would have little knowledge of courage. This example is about spoken knowledge and is amplified again by Socrates when he asks Laches to try and embody the very courage and endurance he is looking for in his quest. 18/35

What Is The Great Famine History Essay

What Is The Great Famine History Essay The Great Famine is one of the seminal moments in Irish history. Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century was a colony of Britain its people mostly tenant farmers. When the potato crop failed in 1845 and failed again for five years in a row a tragedy of enormous proportions played out, there was a cascade of death, but also a cascade of bad decision making, self-serving opportunism, and moral sanctimony a tragedy that is still having its effects today. There are three predominant lenses through which the ideology behind British response to the Famine is largely interpreted the traditional Irish nationalist lens, the revisionist lens, and the post-revisionist lens. The nationalist lens perceives the Famine as a symbol of British misrule in Ireland and comparisons to genocide are frequently made fears of fuelling IRA violence have often led historians of the famine to be accused of self-censorship or political correctness. Whilst the revisionists attempt to place the Famine in the con text of the time arguing the British Government did all they could have done they are frequently criticised of playing down the Famine by marginalizing, minimizing or sanitizing it. Lastly, post-revisionism endeavours to implement new economic and statistical techniques in an attempt to understand the Famine in a new light they challenge revisionism and do not accept the nationalist interpretation either. There were three fundamental ideologies that largely determined the British governments response (or lack of) to the Famine: the economic doctrines of the Famine period, the protestant belief in providentialism, and the deep-rooted ethnic prejudice against the Catholic Irish. Whilst the British indifference to the Famine cannot rightly be called genocide, the nationalist interpretation of the ideology is the most strongly evidenced. Recent famine historiography has largely been dominated by revisionist scholarship. Kinealy reverses this trend and makes a strong antirevisionist case for genocide by arguing against traditional orthodoxies. Kinealy convincingly argues that the British Government knew what was going on in Ireland and had the ability to provide relief to many of the people. However, for various political and ideological reasons they chose not to do so. She posits that the Famine and social policy essentially became a tool with which the British Government could use to ensure that modernization took place in Ireland. The British Governments response to the Famine was heavily influenced by providentialism the doctrine that human affairs are regulated by divine agency for human good.  [1]  Ultra-Protestants typically interpreted the blight as vengeance against Irish Catholicism  [2]  . Gray argues that it would be wrong and too simplistic to say that the British Government was a direct cause of the Famine, its responsibility lies more in its inaction its failure to grasp the growing and tremendous problems within Ireland in the early nineteenth century. It is evident that the British Government saw there was a problem a growing crisis of poverty and unemployment, however not enough was done to address the massive problems of poverty and inequality in pre-famine Ireland. When this great, sudden, unforeseen shock of the potato blight comes and the flimsy underpinnings of rural Irish society collapse the Government was not prepared they had no plan or solution. They fell back on methods wi th which they had used to deal with previous much smaller crises, when those failed there was a tendency to see the Famine as an opportunity and also a necessity of rebuilding Irish society from scratch. For those who are genuine believers in divine providence the blight was interpreted as a catalyst for implementing these fundamental changes in Ireland  [3]  and to alleviate Irelands need for continued private financial dependence on England. This notion of Providentialism was inextricably linked to the classical economic doctrine of lasses-faire. Donnellys post-revisionist interpretation, along with Kinealy and Gray is careful to emphasize the British governments reliance on the economic doctrine of laissez faire (prevailing economic theorem of the day) singling out Trevelyans devotion to this economic ideology of allowing industry to be essentially free of government interference that led (what Donnelly illustrates) to Trevelyans greatest blunder his refusal to prohibit food exports. Donnelly points out that the relief efforts provided by the British Government were deliberately spread over a period of time rather than simultaneously in order to prevent a culture of dependence. He states that since economy in public expenditure being one of the gods that Trevelyan worshipped  [4]  , Trevelyan and his contemporaries certainly were not forthcoming with funds and cut corners. This aversion to charity was implemented to avert, as they believed, an Irish population that could potentially become solely dependent on government assistance as opposed to contributing to their own prosperity. Kinealy and Ó Grà ¡da both reflect that the government placed the economy above humanitarian relief efforts during the Famine period  [5]  . The impact of the economic doctrine of laissez-faire can be seen as the ideology behind the British Governments (under Whig leadership) decision to end the Temporary Relief Act or Soup Kitchen Act in September 1847 only six months after it was established. The British Government also decided that strict adherence to the principals of political economy'  [6]  regardless of, or because of its consequences: the decision to allow the export of large quantities of grain and livestock to Britain during the height of the crisis; the sale of relief supplies at market prices; and frivolent expenditure on unproductive public works. These disastrous decisions certainly lend some weight to John Mitchels case for genocide. However, as Donnelly illustrates in reality Irish grain exports decreased significantly throughout the Famine period and imports ultimately increased substantially. Although we cannot dismiss Mitchels perspective completely, by halting grain exports during the period after the catastrophic harvest of 1846 and before the importation of large supplies of foreign grain early in 1847, could possibly (as many Nationalists since the Famine have argued) have prevented or at minimum slowed the onset of mass starvation and disease. Ki nealy is of the opinion that had grain exports been stopped, the effects of the Famine could have been minimised. She puts forward the notion that the Famine was due to inadequate food distribution as opposed to an actual lack of food potatoes were only responsible for 20 percent of Irelands agricultural production  [7]  . Kinealy points towards the British governments reluctance to intervene and upset the merchant classes due to the forthcoming election  [8]  . Conversely, Ó Grà ¡da, along with Gray does not believe there would have been adequate food supplies, regardless of whether food was exported or not  [9]  . Sir Charles Trevelyan, who was a key British official for public relief and oversaw the entire relief process during the whole period of the Famine (he served under the Tory and Whig governments), has been fairly targeted by Nationalist historians and thoroughly demonized as ..Trevelyan a strong proponent of providentialism described the Famine in 1848 as a direct stroke of an all-wise and all-merciful Providence, which laid bare the deep and inveterate root of social evil; the Famine, he avowed, was the sharp but effectual remedy by which the cure is likely to be effected. God grant that the generation to which this opportunity has been offered may rightly perform its part  [10]  With statements like this it is not hard to label Trevelyan as an evangelical providentialist (interpreting the Famine as part of Gods divine plan for Ireland). In contrast to many Nationalist historians, the revisionist Haines controversially attempts to put up a defence for Trevelyan (merely a civil s ervant) suggesting that the possibility that Trevelyan could have influenced the government policy on famine relief measures was unlikely  [11]  . Haines states Phytophthora Infestans [the potato blight], not Trevelyan, was the tyrant who brought death and suffering to Ireland on a scale never before witnessed.  [12]  She is correct in asserting that the cause of the Famine was undeniably due to the potato blight, however the distinction between the blight and the Famine is best surmised in John Mitchels famous phrase: The Almighty, indeed, sent the potato blight, but the English created the Famine.  [13]   The revisionist Peter Gray views the manifestation of burgeoning British public opinion in parliament as an explanation behind British ideology and consequently British policies towards Ireland (during the Famine period). He sees The Panic of 1847 (the British financial crisis) as a plausible justification for the catalyst which inspired, awakened and gave voice to an assertive middle-class political opinion  [14]  . British hostility towards the Irish was further The Panic of 1847 (British financial crisis) is often viewed as a plausible justification to the British Governments response to the Famine. Peter Gray states in the conditions of the later 1840s [government policy] amounted to a sentence of death on many thousands (93 Moralism unsurprisingly trails behind providentialism in the deplorable belief that the Catholic Irish were morally bankrupt, physically and mentally inferior they were viewed as biologically inferior according to those in the British government. Members of parliament were abundantly clear in making such statements on the floor of the House of Commons. Kinealy, along with Donnelly develops this notion that the British government held a set of ethnic prejudices towards the Catholic Irish. These prejudices, Kinealy argues, had an impact of leading British officials (ministers, civil servants, politician and representatives) that to led widespread discrimination and the formation of attitudes which in turn justified the inadequate aid and relief policies by the British government. These racist attitudes had the effect of spreading, as Donnelly states, famine fatigue in Britain. This blunted or perhaps even eliminated any potential sympathies that could have sustained political will to alleviate the Famine. De Nie has argues the British government used the Famine as an opportunity to promote and reinforce and portrayal of the Irish as subhuman and fundamentally a foreign race.  [15]  He points out that it was the Times that set the precedent of racism even in the earliest years of the Famine. De Nie argues that by implementing racism the British people succeeded in self-justification this was accomplished by projecting the blame for the Irish suffering onto the Irish themselves This essay has examined the three prevalent lenses through which the British ideology is viewed. The nationalist view of British ideology is the most well evidenced. However, as historians we must refrain judging the actions of individuals against contemporary morals and ideals. There is some merit to revisionist and post-revisionist arguments and they must not be dismissed entirely. All three lenses must be viewed within the context of the time without impediment by personal or national agenda. It is evident that the Great Famine was arguably one event in a long process of colonial disregard and exploitation of segments of the Irish people by the British Government for its own purposes and benefits. The psychological damage of the Famine was predated by several hundred years of policies by the British government which were specifically designed to undermine the spirit of the Irish people, remove them from their lands, destroy the structure of Irish society, and in general reduce the segments of the Irish population to poverty and insignificance. The Famine came along during the tail end of previous three-hundred years of discrimination to weaken the people who are weakened already in many ways by the institutions of the Church. This caused widespread devastation through disease, starvation, death and emigration. Approximately twenty-five percent of people left Ireland or died over a ten year period. The psychological history of the Famine continues to live on particularly within the Irish Catholic population. Maybe the deepest price the Irish have paid for the famine was the shame not the shame of those who let it happen, but the shame of those to whom it was done and which they have found it so very hard to speak. It is important in this academic analysis not to lose sight of the scope and significance of the Famine. It would be a great travesty for an event of such magnitude to be relegated to the pages of revisionist historiography. Nationalist outrage has been stifled by the weight of revisionist historiography.

Privilege And Justice :: essays research papers

Privilege & Justice Privilege, like a beautiful gift, comes in many shapes and sizes. The value of a privilege is infinite depending on who the recipient is. The privilege of luxury bestowed upon a wealthy person may not be as greatly cherished as the privilege of health insurance given to a person of a lower economic class. In our world today, privilege is dispersed in many forms and among many social classes. However, privilege seems to favor the wealthy as they seem to promote from within their own groups. Social and economical privileges are necessary among the elite to maintain their status among the Jones’; where as a privilege granted to the poor, simply allows a more stable existence. Two examples of privilege that are not material, but are equally as important, are justice and piece of mind. Unfortunately, these two privileges are likely to be less attainable to the lower class. Wealth and privilege seem to go hand in hand in today’s society; great advantages come with being wealthy. For example, material items are abundant for people with money. Wealth allows people to own anything they desire, from finest clothes and furnishings to the automobile of their dream. Those who posses these items are already at an advantage, they have what the latest magazines say you need and what everybody else wants. I find it a bit discerning that these material items dictate the social order, but the fact is, they do. Along with material items, beauty also determines your place in society. Once again, money allows for people to make necessary adjustment to become beautiful if they were not born â€Å"beautiful†. It not only cost money to make physical changes in order to stay beautiful, but it also takes money to keep your wardrobe up to date with the ever changing fashion world. It is my opinion that the greatest advantage of wealth would be the opportunity for educational and technological enrichment. Being blessed with the finest education and most up to date technology only solidifies the foundation for growth and further advancement in life. Nearly everything that exists on the planet can now be researched through a web site; that literally puts the world at your fingertips if you are lucky enough to have a computer. In addition, high school and college students are being prepared for professional career situations where it is likely they will be tested on their computer knowledge. Privilege And Justice :: essays research papers Privilege & Justice Privilege, like a beautiful gift, comes in many shapes and sizes. The value of a privilege is infinite depending on who the recipient is. The privilege of luxury bestowed upon a wealthy person may not be as greatly cherished as the privilege of health insurance given to a person of a lower economic class. In our world today, privilege is dispersed in many forms and among many social classes. However, privilege seems to favor the wealthy as they seem to promote from within their own groups. Social and economical privileges are necessary among the elite to maintain their status among the Jones’; where as a privilege granted to the poor, simply allows a more stable existence. Two examples of privilege that are not material, but are equally as important, are justice and piece of mind. Unfortunately, these two privileges are likely to be less attainable to the lower class. Wealth and privilege seem to go hand in hand in today’s society; great advantages come with being wealthy. For example, material items are abundant for people with money. Wealth allows people to own anything they desire, from finest clothes and furnishings to the automobile of their dream. Those who posses these items are already at an advantage, they have what the latest magazines say you need and what everybody else wants. I find it a bit discerning that these material items dictate the social order, but the fact is, they do. Along with material items, beauty also determines your place in society. Once again, money allows for people to make necessary adjustment to become beautiful if they were not born â€Å"beautiful†. It not only cost money to make physical changes in order to stay beautiful, but it also takes money to keep your wardrobe up to date with the ever changing fashion world. It is my opinion that the greatest advantage of wealth would be the opportunity for educational and technological enrichment. Being blessed with the finest education and most up to date technology only solidifies the foundation for growth and further advancement in life. Nearly everything that exists on the planet can now be researched through a web site; that literally puts the world at your fingertips if you are lucky enough to have a computer. In addition, high school and college students are being prepared for professional career situations where it is likely they will be tested on their computer knowledge.

The Death of Creativity in Brave New World :: Brave New World

The Death of Creativity in Brave New World      Ã‚  Ã‚   Aldous Huxley, in his distopian novel,Brave New World, presents a horrifying view of a possible future in which society has become a prisoner of the very technology it hoped would save us.   In Brave New World Huxley's distortion of technology, religion, and family values, is much more effective than his use of literary realism found in his depiction of a savage reservation. Through his use of distortion Huxley tells a classic tale with the theme of, be careful what you wish for, because it may not truly be what you wanted.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Huxley effectively uses distortion in -Brave New World through his depiction of social values of the future. For example, when Barnard Marx hears somebody talking about Lenina in the locker room, he becomes upset. Leaving the building, everyone he passes recommends soma for his bad mood. Huxley shows the reader that drug use is becoming more and more an acceptable way out for a weak society.   He is showing society that we are becoming emotionally incapable of dealing with pain and hurt. Furthermore, the students, while speaking with the director of the London Hatchery, are told at one time people were viviparous, and were disgusted and outraged. Huxley is trying to warn society that its lack of commitment and endurance will eventually be its downfall.   Lack of the experience of pregnancy severs the emotional ties of the woman and her child.   An emotionless society feels no guilt.   In addition, Lenina, when accused of lack of promiscuity by Fanny while in the locker room, religiously denies it. Monogamy requires commitment, pain, and work.   Huxley is predicting humans progressing to a society of people who are unable to focus on anything but pleasure; unable to handle the work of a commitment.   He knew the road we were on would lead the wrong way.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Huxley also uses distortion to open peoples eyes to the world of religion.   For example, Bernard Marx hurries and frets about being late to his orgy-porgy session because he is running behind.   Huxley's prediction of the church moving away from God and towards man is becoming evident even sixty-three years after his book appeared.   Church figures, such as, Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggert, have appeared numerous times on the news and in the papers for using the church for money and sex.   Furthermore, when Bernard and Lenina visit the reservation they are appalled at the practice of a cross of Christianity and Hinduism.  Ã‚   A warning that lack of religious tolerance could be one of the greatest downfalls of our time.

Much Ado About Nothing Essay -- essays research papers

	Much Ado About Nothing is a play that centers around the question and battle between deception and reality. One first notices of the image of deception as we witness the masking and unmasking at the masquerade. In the play, most overhear discussions are deceptions. It is through eavesdropping that we see the true battle between deception and reality as we look at the subplots of Benedick and Beatrice, Hero and Claudio, as well as the comedy of Dogberry and his crew. 	 The relationship between Benedick and Beatrice is one manufactured completely through deception on the behalf of their friends. Though the plot to unite them was planned, many of the problems that arose were because of things that were overheard accidentally or on purpose. In Act II, Scene 3 Benedick is deceived into thinking that Beatrice loves him because of the speech in the garden between Leonato, Claudio, and Don Pedro. Beatrice is sent to fetch Benedick for dinner, and Benedick notes "some marks of love in her," and he decides to take pity upon her and return her love. In Act III, Scene 1 Beatrice is deceived as she overhears Hero and Ursula talk of Benedick's affection for her. Beatrice then decides to allow herself to be tamed by Benedick's "loving hand," and return his love. Beatrice and Benedick re made to fall in love through the deception of those around them, and ironically find happiness more readily than Claudio and Hero. 	The relationship between Clau...

Into the Wild Essay

In writing â€Å"Into the Wild,† Krakauer’s intention was to uncover the facts (or at least get as close to the facts as possible) surrounding Christopher McCandless’ journey â€Å"into the wild. † Krakauer discusses and presents theories and explanations about McCandless’ reasons for going off into a potentially fatal journey, and also presents investigations into how McCandless came to such a state in his life. Krakauer gives us some idea of the direct cause of McCandless’ death, and his reasons for doing what he did. Krakauer aims to give readers with invaluable insight into the mind of McCandless—how McCandless came about the idea of going to the Alaskan wilderness, what his motivations were, how he planned and managed to survive the grueling trek, and most importantly, â€Å"why? † The author seeks to understand what happened to McCandless in the wild, and to explain why someone so full of promise, who seems to have such an ideal life and much of all that he could ask for, could do what McCandless did. However, Krakauer does not presume to be certain about McCandless reasons, but he presents some very good explanations and allows us to understand McCandless’ mind even more. By revealing many things about the reasons behind McCandless’ death, Krakauer shows us that McCandless was far more than a simple and reckless fool who wasted his life. McCandless, who was an intelligent young man, went off into the Alaskan woods to â€Å"find himself† and to reunite with nature. He was heavily influenced by the literature he had read, to such an extent that he became, most of all, a man in search of himself and of a purpose in life. In order to really â€Å"find† himself, he felt it necessary to cut all ties from society, from his family, and reinvent himself as Alexander Supertramp, thus cutting his ties with his old identity. Whether or not he found what he was looking for in the wild is open to speculation, however Krakauer describes McCandless’s psychological terrain by including anecdotes and quotations from people who were in a similar state of mind as McCandless, as well as drawing parallels with his own life as a mountaineer and adventurer. Each chapter presents different tales from others who have been in the same road as McCandless, people who have also sought the solitude of the wild. Krakauer also interviewed people who have come in contact with McCandless during his journey. By the end of â€Å"Into the Wild,† the readers gains significant understanding of McCandless’ personality. Whether McCandless was brave or foolish, his journey of self-discovery is something that almost everyone can relate with and understand on some level. However, while the book is accessible to anyone who could have some interest in the controversial life and death of Christopher McCandless, it is most geared towards those who have sentiments similar to those that McCandless held regarding society, nature, and how to live. â€Å"Into the Wild† helps us understand McCandless’ character, although by the end of the book, it is still up to the reader to decide if McCandless was â€Å"right† or â€Å"wrong† in having done what he did – whether he was courageoeus or merely foolish.

The Indigo Spell Chapter Three

TRUE TO HIS WORD, Adrian made no other mention of the relationship – or lack thereof – between us. Every once in a while, though, I could swear I saw something in his eyes, something that brought back an echo of his proclamation about continuing to love me. Or maybe it was just his typical impertinence. A connecting flight and an hour-long car ride later, it was night by the time we finally reached the small resort town in the Pocono Mountains. Getting out of the car was a shock. December in Pennsylvania was very, very different from December in Palm Springs. Crisp, frigid air hit me, the kind that freezes your mouth and nose. A layer of fresh snow covered everything, glittering in the light of the same full moon that Ms. Terwilliger and I had worked magic by. The stars were out here in just as much force as the stark desert, though the cold air made them glitter in a sharper way. Adrian stayed in our hired car but leaned out as the driver handed me my small suitcase. â€Å"Need any help with that?† Adrian asked. His breath made a frosty cloud in the air. It was an uncharacteristic offer from him. â€Å"I'll be fine. Thanks, though. I take it you aren't staying here?† I nodded toward the bed-and-breakfast the car had stopped at. Adrian pointed down the road, toward a large, lit-up hotel perched on a hill. â€Å"Up there. That's where all the parties will be, if you're interested. They're probably just getting started.† I shivered, and it had nothing to do with the cold. Moroi normally ran on a nocturnal schedule, starting their days around sunset. Those living among humans – like Adrian – had to adapt to a daytime schedule. But here, in a small town that must be bursting with Moroi guests, he'd have the chance to return to what was for him a more natural schedule. â€Å"Noted,† I said. A moment of awkwardness followed, but the temperature gave me an excuse for escape. â€Å"Well. I'd better get in where it's warm. Nice, uh, traveling with you.† He smiled. â€Å"You too, Sage. See you tomorrow.† The car door closed, and I suddenly felt lonely without him. They drove off toward the towering hotel. My bed-and-breakfast seemed tiny by comparison, but it was cute and in good shape. The Alchemists had booked me here precisely because they knew the Moroi guests would have other accommodations. Well, most of them. â€Å"Are you here for the wedding, dear?† asked the innkeeper as she checked me in. â€Å"We have some other guests staying with us as well.† I nodded as I signed my credit card slip. It was no surprise that there'd be overflow to this inn, but there'd be a lot less here than the other hotel. I'd make sure to lock my door. I trusted my friends in Palm Springs, but all other Moroi and dhampirs were questionable. Towns like this, and the inns within them, always seemed intended for couples on romantic getaways. My room was no exception. It had a California-king-size bed draped in a gauzy canopy, along with a heart-shaped Jacuzzi by the fireplace. It screamed love and romance, which brought Adrian back to my mind. I ignored it all as best I could and jotted out a quick text to Donna Stanton, a higher-ranking Alchemist who oversaw my assignment in Palm Springs. Arrived in Pocono Hollow. Checked into inn. Her response came quickly: Excellent. See you tomorrow. A second text followed a moment later: Lock your door. Stanton and one other Alchemist were invited to the wedding as well. But they were already on the East Coast and could simply travel here tomorrow. I envied them. Despite my uneasiness, I slept surprisingly well and dared to emerge for breakfast in the morning. I had no need to worry about Moroi, though. I was the only person eating in the sundrenched dining room. â€Å"How strange,† remarked the innkeeper as she delivered my coffee and eggs. â€Å"I know many of the guests were out late, but I thought at least a few might be here to eat.† Then, to emphasize the oddness of it all, she added, â€Å"After all, breakfast is complimentary.† The nocturnal Moroi, who were all still in bed, emboldened me to explore the town a little that day. Even though I'd prepared with boots and a heavy coat, the weather change was still a bit shocking. Palm Springs had made me soft. I soon called it an early day and spent the rest of the afternoon reading Ms. Terwilliger's book by the fire. I flew through the first section and even went on to the advanced one she'd told me to skip. Maybe it was the fact that it was forbidden, but I couldn't stop reading. The scope of what the book described was so gripping and consuming that I nearly jumped a foot in the air when I heard a knock at the door. I froze, wondering if some confused Moroi had mistaken my room for a friend's. Or, worse, for a feeder's. My phone suddenly chimed with a text message from Stanton: We're at your door. Sure enough, when I opened it, I found Stanton standing there – with Ian Jansen, an Alchemist the same age as me. His presence was a surprise. I hadn't seen Ian since he, Stanton, and I had been detained by Moroi for questioning in the escape of a dhampir fugitive. Back then, Ian had had an unwelcome crush on me. Judging from the dopey smile on his face when he saw me, things hadn't changed. I gestured them inside, making sure to lock the door when I closed it. Like me, both Alchemists had golden lily tattoos on their left cheeks. It was the sign of our order, tattoos infused with vampire blood that gave us quick healing and were magically designed to stop us from discussing Alchemist affairs with those who didn't know about them. Stanton arched an eyebrow at the heart-shaped tub and then settled into a chair by the fire. â€Å"No trouble getting here?† Aside from traveling with a good-looking vampire who thinks he's in love with me? â€Å"None,† I replied. I regarded Ian with a frown. â€Å"I didn't expect you to be here. I mean, I'm glad you are, but after last time . . .† I paused as something hit me. I looked around. â€Å"It's all of us. All of us that were, uh, under house arrest.† Stanton nodded. â€Å"It was decided that if we're going to foster good relations between our groups, the Moroi would start by making amends to the three of us specifically.† Ian scowled and crossed his arms, leaning against a wall. He had brown eyes, with matching brown hair that he wore in a neat haircut. â€Å"I don't want any ‘amends' from those monsters after what they did to us this summer. I can't even believe we're here! This place is crawling with them. Who knows what'll happen if one of them drinks too much champagne tonight and goes looking for a snack? Here we are, fresh humans.† I wanted to tell him that was ridiculous, but by Alchemist reasoning, it was a very legitimate concern. And, reminding myself that I didn't know most of the Moroi here, I realized perhaps his fears weren't that unfounded. â€Å"I guess we'll have to stick together,† I said. That was the wrong word choice, judging from Ian's happy smile. The Alchemists rarely had social time, and this was no exception. Stanton soon got us down to business, going over our plans for the wedding and what our purpose was here. A file folder provided background on Sonya and Mikhail, as though I knew nothing about them. My mission and history with Sonya were secret from other Alchemists, so, for Ian's sake, I had to nod along with everything as if it was as new to me as it was to him. â€Å"Festivities will probably last until almost sunrise,† said Stanton, gathering up her papers once she'd finished the briefing. â€Å"Ian and I will be departing then and will drop you off at the airport on our way out. You won't have to spend another night here.† Ian's face grew darkly protective. â€Å"You shouldn't have stayed here alone last night. You should have had someone to look after you.† â€Å"I can look after myself,† I snapped, a bit more harshly than I intended. Whether I liked it or not, Ms. Terwilliger's training had empowered me – literally and figuratively. That, and recent self-defense classes had taught me how to watch out for myself and my surroundings. Maybe Ian meant well, but I didn't like the idea of him – or anyone – thinking I needed coddling. â€Å"Miss Sage is quite well as you can see,† said Stanton dryly. Ian's crush had to be obvious to her, and it was equally obvious to me she had no use for such frivolity. Her gaze drifted to the window, which was glowing orange and red with the setting sun. â€Å"Well, then. It's nearly time. Shouldn't you be getting ready?† They had arrived in their dress clothes, but I still needed to prepare. They talked together while I got ready in the bathroom, but each time I emerged – to get a hairbrush or earrings or something else – I'd see Ian watching me with that sappy look. Great. This was not what I needed. The wedding was being held in the town's claim to fame: a huge, indoor garden that defied the wintry conditions outside. Sonya was a huge lover of plants and flowers, and this was pretty much her dream location for a wedding. The glass walls that composed the building were steamed from the drastic difference between inner and outer temperatures. The three of us stepped inside, into an entry area that was used to sell tickets during the greenhouse's normal operating hours. Here, at last, we found the Moroi that had been hidden to me in daylight. There were about two dozen of them milling around in this entryway, dressed in rich clothing and eerily beautiful with their slim, pale features. Some were ushers and other attendants, helping organize the event and guide guests into the atrium farther into the building. Most Moroi were simply ordinary guests stopping to sign the guest book or chat with friends and family they hadn't seen in a long time. Around the sides, dhampirs in neat black and white suits stood sentry, watchful for any sign of danger. Their presence reminded me of a far, far greater threat than some drunken Moroi mistaking us for feeders. Holding the event at night meant exposing us to attack by Strigoi. Strigoi were a very different type of vampire – so different, in fact, that I almost felt foolish being unnerved in this group. Strigoi were undead, made immortal by killing their victims, unlike the Moroi, who simply drank enough blood from human volunteers to sustain themselves. Strigoi were vicious, fast, and strong – and only came out at night. The sunlight that Moroi found simply uncomfortable was lethal to Strigoi. Strigoi made most of their kills on unwitting humans, but Moroi and dhampirs were their preferred food. An event like this – Moroi and dhampirs crammed into a small space – was practically like offering up a Strigoi buffet. Eyeing the guardian dhampirs, however, I knew any Strigoi would have a difficult task breaking into this event. Guardians trained hard their entire lives, honing skills to fight Strigoi. Seeing as the Moroi queen was attending this event, I suspected the security I'd seen so far didn't even begin to scratch the surface. A number of those gathered here stopped talking when they saw us. Not all Moroi knew about Alchemists or how we worked with their people. So, the attendance of three non-feeder humans was a bit of an oddity. Even those who knew about Alchemists were probably surprised to see us, given the formality of our relationship. Stanton was too experienced to let her unease show, but Ian openly made the Alchemist sign against evil as Moroi and dhampir eyes studied us. I did a pretty good job of keeping my cool but wished there was at least one familiar face in this crowd. â€Å"Miss Stanton?† A round-cheeked Moroi hurried forward. â€Å"I'm Colleen, the wedding coordinator. We spoke on the phone?† She extended a hand, and even tough Stanton hesitated before shaking it. â€Å"Yes, of course,† said Stanton, voice cool and proper. â€Å"Thank you for inviting us.† She introduced Ian and me. Colleen waved us toward the atrium's entry. â€Å"Come, come. We have your seats reserved. I'll take you there myself.† She swept us past the curious onlookers. As we entered the atrium, I stopped and momentarily forgot the vampires around us. The main greenhouse was magnificent. The ceiling was high and vaulted, made of that same steamed glass. A central area had been cleared and set with seats draped in flowers, very much like what you'd see at a human wedding. A dais at the front of the seating area was covered in more flowers and was obviously where the couple would take their vows. But it was the rest of the room that took my breath away. It was like we'd stepped into some tropical jungle. Trees and other plants heavy with brightly colored flowers lined the sides, filling the humid air with a perfume that was almost dizzying. Since there was no sunlight to light up the greenhouse, torches and candles had been cleverly placed throughout the greenery, casting a mysterious – yet still romantic – light on everything. I felt as though I'd stepped into some secret Amazonian ritual space. And of course, nearly hidden among the trees and bushes, black-clad guardians paced and kept watch on everything. Colleen led us to three seats on the right side of the seating area, marked with a RESERVED sign. They were about halfway back – not as esteemed a spot as family would get, of course, but enough to show that the Moroi thought highly of us and really were trying to undo the strained relationship caused by our detainment. â€Å"Can I get you anything?† Colleen asked. I realized now her exuberant energy was partially nervousness. We made her almost – but certainly not quite – as uneasy as she and the others made us. â€Å"Anything at all?† â€Å"We're fine,† said Stanton, speaking for all of us. â€Å"Thank you.† Colleen nodded eagerly. â€Å"Well, if you need anything – no matter how small – don't hesitate to ask. Simply grab one of the ushers, and they'll find me immediately.† She stood there a moment longer, wringing her hands. â€Å"I'd best check on the others. Remember – call if you need anything.† â€Å"What I need is to get out of here,† muttered Ian once she was gone. I said nothing, not trusting any response. If I reassured him we were safe, I'd be regarded with suspicion. Yet if I acted like our lives were in danger, I'd be lying. My views were somewhere in the middle of those extremes. Someone handed me a program, and Ian leaned a bit more closely than I would've liked in order to read over my shoulder. The program detailed a list of songs and readings as well as the members of the wedding party. I could tell from Ian's face that he was expecting to see â€Å"Unholy Bloodletting† right after the Corinthians reading. His next words affirmed as much. â€Å"They do a good job making it seem so normal, huh?† he asked, not bothering to hide the disgust in his voice. I was a bit surprised at how vicious his attitude was. I didn't remember him being quite this extreme last summer. â€Å"Like it's a real wedding or something.† He also wasn't regulating his volume, and I glanced around anxiously, making sure no one overheard. â€Å"So you're saying it's not a real wedding?† I whispered back. Ian shrugged but at least took the hint and lowered his voice. â€Å"With them? It doesn't matter. They don't have real families or real love. They're monsters.† It was ironic that he mentioned â€Å"real love† just then because at that moment, Adrian and his father were ushered to the opposite side of the atrium. Adrian was always a nice dresser, but I'd never seen him in anything so formal. I hated to admit it, but the look was great on him: a navy suit and vest that was nearly black paired with a pale blue shirt and blue-and-white-striped tie. It stood out from the more somber black and gray suits most men here were wearing, but not in an outlandish or tacky way. As I was studying him, Adrian glanced up and caught my eye. He smiled and gave me a small nod. I almost smiled back, but Stanton snapped me back to reality. I allowed him one last, lingering look, and then I turned away. â€Å"Mr. Jansen,† Stanton said in a stern voice. â€Å"Please keep your opinions to yourself. Regardless of their validity, we are guests here and will behave in a civilized way.† Ian nodded grudgingly, flushing slightly as he glanced in my direction – as if being so openly chastised might ruin his chances with me. He didn't have to worry, seeing as he didn't have any chance to begin with. Colleen sent an usher to check on us, and while he spoke to Stanton, Ian leaned toward me. â€Å"Am I the only one who thinks it's crazy that we're here?† He nodded toward Stanton. â€Å"She thinks this is okay but come on. They held us captive. It's unforgivable. Doesn't that make you mad?† I certainly hadn't liked it at the time, but I'd come to understand why it had happened. â€Å"I hate that they did that,† I lied, hoping it sounded convincing. â€Å"I'm angry every time I think of it.† Ian actually looked relieved enough to drop the topic. We sat in blessed silence as the atrium continued to fill up. By the time the ceremony was about ready to start, there must have been close to two hundred people in the room. I kept looking for familiar faces, but Adrian and his father were the only ones I knew. Then, at the last minute, a brightly clad figure came scurrying in. I groaned at the same time Stanton tsked with disapproval. Abe Mazur had just arrived. Whereas Adrian had made color work with formal wear in a stylish way, Abe used color to offend the sensibilities. To be fair, this was one of the more subdued ensembles I'd ever seen Abe don: a white suit with a bright, kiwi green shirt and paisley ascot. He wore his usual gold earrings, and the sheen of his black hair made me think he'd been hitting some hair oil pretty voraciously. Abe was a dubiously moral Moroi and also the father of my friend – and Adrian's former dhampir love – Rose Hathaway Abe made me nervous because I'd had some secret dealings with him in the past. He made Stanton nervous because he was a Moroi the Alchemists would never be able to control. Abe seated himself in the front row, earning a horrified look from Colleen the coordinator, who was supervising everything from the side of the room. My guess was that wasn't part of her seating chart. I heard a trumpet sound, and those sitting in the back suddenly fell to their knees. Like a wave, those seated in the rest of the rows began following suit. Stanton, Ian, and I all exchanged confused looks. Then I understood. â€Å"The queen,† I whispered. â€Å"The queen is coming.† I could see from Stanton's face that was not something she had considered. She had a split second to decide on protocol for this situation and how to maintain our â€Å"civilized† guest status. â€Å"We don't kneel,† she whispered back. â€Å"Stay where you are.† It was a valid call, seeing as we owed no fealty to the Moroi queen. Still, I felt flustered and conspicuous at being one of the only people in the room not kneeling. A moment later, a ringing voice declared, â€Å"Her Royal Majesty, Queen Vasilisa, first of her name.† Even Ian caught his breath in admiration as she entered. Vasilisa – or Lissa, as Adrian and Rose continually insisted I call her – was a picture of ethereal beauty. It was hard to believe she was the same age as me. She carried herself with a poise and regality that seemed ageless. Her tall, willowy body was graceful even among Moroi, and her platinum blond hair fell around her pale face like some otherworldly veil. Although dressed in a very modern lavender cocktail dress, she managed to wear it as though it were some grand Victorian ball gown. A black-haired guy with piercing blue eyes walked at her side. Her boyfriend, Christian Ozera, was always easy to spot, providing a dark contrast that worked perfectly with her lightness. Once the royal couple was seated in the front row – seeming very surprised to find Abe waiting for them there – the throng returned to their seats. An unseen cellist began to play, and everyone released a collective breath as we fell into the comfortable ritual of a wedding. â€Å"Amazing, isn't it?† Ian murmured in my ear. â€Å"How fragile her throne is. One slip, and they'd fall into chaos.† It was true, and it was why Jill's safety was so important. An old Moroi law said that a monarch had to possess one living family member in order to hold the throne. Jill was the only one left in Lissa's line. Those who opposed Lissa because of her age and beliefs had realized killing Jill would be easier than going after a queen. Many opposed the law and were trying to change it. In the meantime, the political fallout from Jill's assassination would be monumental. The Alchemists, whose job it was to keep the Moroi world hidden and protected , needed to prevent their society from falling into chaos. And on a slightly more personal level, I needed to prevent Jill's death because against all odds, I'd grown to care about her in the short time we'd been together. I shifted my mind from those grim thoughts and focused on the next stage of the wedding. Bridesmaids in deep green satin led the procession, and I wondered if Abe had been attempting to match them with his suit. If so, he'd failed. And there, I spotted my first friendly face, aside from Adrian. Rose Hathaway. It was no surprise she'd be a bridesmaid, seeing as she'd been responsible for the happy couple getting together. She'd inherited her father's dark hair and eyes and was the only dhampir among the bridesmaids. I didn't need to see the surprised looks of some of the guests to know that was pretty unorthodox. If Rose noticed or cared, she didn't show it. She walked proudly on, head held high and face glowing with happiness. With that humanlike dhampir appearance, she was shorter than her Moroi companions and had a more athletic build than the slender, small-chested Moroi. Rose had what was a very normal, very healthy body among humans. Yet when I compared myself to Moroi, I felt enormous. I knew it was ridiculous – especially since I wore a smaller size than Rose – but it was a hard feeling to shake. Adrian had recently had an unwelcome intervention with me, going so far as to claim I was on the verge of an eating disorder. I'd been outraged and told him to mind his own business . . . but ever since then, I'd taken a hard look at my behaviors. I now tried to eat more and had gained exactly one pound, something that had felt torturous and wrong until my friend Trey had recently commented that I was â€Å"looking pretty good these days.† It had reinforced the idea that a few more pounds wouldn't kill me and might actually be good for me. Not that I'd admit any of that to Adrian. We all stood when Sonya entered. She was glorious in ivory silk, with tiny white roses adorning her fiery hair. The queen had been magnificent, but there was a glow about Sonya that dwarfed even Lissa's beauty. Maybe it was just something inherent to brides. There was an air of love around Sonya that made her shine. I was surprised to feel a pang in my chest. Ian was probably disappointed when no bloodletting followed, but the ceremony was sweet and filled with emotion. I couldn't believe how stone-faced my Alchemist companions looked – I was on the verge of tears as the couple recited their vows. Even if Sonya and Mikhail hadn't been through hell to be together, this was the kind of ceremony that couldn't help but pull at the heartstrings. As I listened to them swear they'd love each other forever, I found my gaze drifting to Adrian. He didn't see me looking at him, but I could tell the ceremony was having the same effect on him. He was enraptured. It was a rare and sweet look for him, reminding me of the tortured artist that lived beneath the sarcasm. I liked that about Adrian – not the tortured part, but the way he could feel so deeply and then transform those emotions into art. I had feelings, just like anyone else, but that ability to express them into something creative was an area I would never, ever have expertise in. It wasn't in my nature. I sometimes gave him a hard time about his art, especially his more abstract pieces. Secretly, I regarded his skills with awe and loved the many facets of his personality. Meanwhile, I had to fight to keep my face blank, to look as though I was a normal Alchemist with no concern for unholy vampire events. Neither of my companions questioned me, so apparently I pulled it off. Maybe I had a future in poker. Sonya and Mikhail kissed, and the crowd erupted into cheers. They only got louder when he brazenly kissed her a second time – and then a third. The next stage of the festivities, the reception, was being held in the hotel where Adrian and most of the other Moroi were staying. Sonya and Mikhail left first, followed by the queen and other high-ranking royals. Stanton, Ian, and I waited patiently for our row to be dismissed so that we could line up for the limos that were ferrying guests the half mile to the hotel. It normally wouldn't have been that bad of a walk, even in heels, if not for the freezing temperature. Our turn came, and the three of us got into the back of a limo. â€Å"Now we just have to get through the reception,† said Ian as the driver shut our door. â€Å"At least we've got our own car.† Suddenly, the door opened, and Abe slid in beside me. â€Å"Room for one more?† He beamed at Stanton and me. â€Å"So nice to see you lovely ladies again. And you must be Ian. A pleasure.† Abe extended his hand. At first, it looked as though Ian wouldn't shake it, but a sharp look from Stanton dictated otherwise. Afterward, Ian kept looking at his hand as though he expected it to start smoking. The drive only took about five minutes, but I could tell from the other Alchemists' faces that it felt like five hours for them. â€Å"I think it's wonderful that you three were invited,† said Abe, perfectly at ease. â€Å"Considering how much we work together, we should have more of these pleasant interactions, don't you think? Perhaps you'll invite us to one of your weddings someday.† He winked at me. â€Å"I'm sure you have young men lining up for you.† Even Stanton couldn't keep a straight face. The look of horror in her expression said there were few things more profane than a vampire coming to a human wedding. She looked visibly relieved when we reached the hotel, but we weren't free of Abe yet. Some thoughtful person – probably Colleen – had put us at his table, probably thinking it would be nice to be seated with a Moroi we knew. Abe seemed to take great delight in the awkwardness his presence provided, but I had to admit, it was kind of refreshing to have someone who openly acknowledged the strained relations between us rather than pretending everything was okay. â€Å"There's no blood in that,† Abe told us when dinner was served. The three of us were hesitating over cutting into our chicken marsala, even me. â€Å"The only blood is in the drinks, and you have to actually ask for those at the bar. No one's going to sneak you something, and the feeders are being kept in another room.† Ian and Stanton still looked unconvinced. I decided I would be the brave one and began eating without any more hesitation. Maybe vampires were unnatural creatures, but they certainly had excellent taste in caterers. A moment later, the other Alchemists joined me, and even they had to admit the food was pretty good. When the plates were cleared, Ian bravely left for the bathroom, giving Stanton a brief opportunity to lean toward me for a hushed status report. â€Å"Everything was okay when you left?† Strained relationship or not, our mission to keep the Moroi stable hadn't changed. â€Å"Fine,† I said. â€Å"It's all quiet back there. No sign of trouble.† She didn't need to know about my own interpersonal drama. Keeping my tone casual, I asked, â€Å"Any news about the Warriors? Or Marcus Finch?† Stanton shook her head. â€Å"None. But I'll certainly let you know if we uncover anything.† I answered with a polite smile, seriously doubting her words. I hadn't always liked my Alchemist missions, but I'd spent most of my life following orders without question because I believed my superiors knew what was best and were acting for the greater good. Recent events now made me wonder about that. In thwarting some crazed vampire hunters who called themselves the Warriors of Light, Stanton had withheld information from me, citing that we were on a need-to-know basis. She had brushed it off, praising me for being a good Alchemist who understood such policy, but the incident had made me seethe with anger. I didn't want to be anyone's pawn. I could accept that fighting for a greater cause meant tough decisions, but I refused to be used or endangered because of â€Å"important† lies. I'd given my life over to the Alchemists, always believing what they did and told me was right. I'd thought I was important, that they would always look out for me. Now I didn't know. And yet . . . what could I do? I was sworn and sealed to the Alchemists. Whether I liked what they'd done to me or not, there was no way out, no way to question them. . . . At least, I'd thought that until I learned about Marcus Finch. I'd only found about him recently, after discovering he'd once crossed the Warriors of Light by helping a Moroi named Clarence. Although the Warriors usually only went after Strigoi, a rebel group had once decided to target Clarence. Marcus had stepped up and defended Clarence against the Warriors, convincing them to leave him alone. I'd almost believed Clarence was making up the story until I saw a picture of Marcus. And that was where things got really weird. Marcus seemed to have also crossed the Alchemists. In fact, Clarence and one of the Warriors had hinted that Marcus had at one time been an Alchemist – but was no longer. I hadn't believed it until I saw his picture. He didn't have a golden lily – but a large tribal-looking tattoo done in blue ink that was large enough to cover the golden one, if you were trying to hide it. Seeing that was life changing. I'd had no idea it was possible to tattoo over something so powerful. I certainly hadn't thought anyone could leave the Alchemists or that anyone would even want to, not with the way our purpose was drilled into us practically from birth. How could someone consider abandoning our missions? How could someone go rogue and just walk away from the Alchemists? What had happened that would make him want to do that? Had he had experiences similar to mine? And would they let him go? When I'd asked about him, Stanton claimed the Alchemists had no knowledge of Marcus, but I knew that was a lie. She didn't know I had his picture. His blue tattoo was big enough to cover a lily, and I'd seen metallic hints of one underneath, proving he had indeed once been one of us. And if he'd had the Alchemist mark, then they most certainly knew about him. They were covering him up, and that just intrigued me further. In fact, I was a little obsessed with him. Some instinct told me he was the key to my problems, that he could help me uncover the secrets and lies the Alchemists were telling me. Unfortunately, I had no clue how to find him. â€Å"It's important no one here knows what you're doing, so remember to be discreet,† Stanton added, like I needed to be reminded. A small crease appeared between her eyebrows. â€Å"I was particularly worried about that Ivashkov boy coming to this wedding. We can't let anyone know you two have more than a passing acquaintance. Little things like that could compromise our mission.† â€Å"Oh, no,† I said quickly. â€Å"You don't need to worry about Adrian. He understands how important our work is. He'd never do anything to compromise it.† Ian returned, and our discussion ended there. Dinner soon gave way to dancing. With the atmosphere more relaxed, a number of Moroi came over to introduce themselves to us. I felt nearly as popular as the bride and groom. Ian shook so many hands that he eventually became immune to it. And as uncomfortable as it was for my companions, I could tell this event was actually accomplishing its goal of smoothing relations between Alchemists and Moroi. Stanton and Ian were by no means ready to be best friends with any of them, but it was clear they were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and benign most of the guests seemed. â€Å"I'm glad we got this chance to be together,† Ian told me during a lull in our public relations. â€Å"It's so hard with our jobs, you know? I'm in St. Louis now, in the facility archives. Where do they have you?† Secrecy was key in Jill's protection. â€Å"I'm in the field, but I can't say where. You know how it is.† â€Å"Right, right. But you know, if you ever wanted to visit . . . I'd show you around.† His desperation was almost cute. â€Å"Like for a vacation?† â€Å"Well, yeah. Er, no.† He knew as well as I did that Alchemists didn't get vacations easily. â€Å"But, I mean, they're doing all the holiday services, you know. If you decide to come to one, well, let me know.† Alchemist priests always conducted special services around Christmas in our main facilities. Some Alchemist families made a point of going to them every year. I hadn't been to any in a while, not with the way my missions kept jumping around. â€Å"I'll keep that in mind.† There was a long pause, and his next words came haltingly. â€Å"I'd ask you to dance, you know. Except it wouldn't be right in this kind of unholy setting.† I gave him a stiff smile. â€Å"Of course. That, and we're here on business. We've got to focus on building good relationships with them.† Ian had started to respond when a familiar voice interrupted us. â€Å"Miss Sage?† We looked up and found Adrian standing above us, dashing in his shades of blue. His face was the picture of perfect politeness and restraint, meaning something disastrous was probably about to happen. â€Å"It's so nice to see you again,† he said. He spoke as though it had been a while, and I nodded in agreement. As I'd assured Stanton, Adrian knew too much familiarity between us might create a trail back to Jill. â€Å"Did I just hear you two talking about building good relationships?† I was tongue-tied, so Ian answered. â€Å"That's right. We're here to make things friendlier between our people.† His voice, however, was most decidedly unfriendly. Adrian nodded with all seriousness, like he hadn't noticed Ian's hostility. â€Å"I think it's a great idea. And I thought of something that would be an excellent gesture of our future together.† Adrian's expression was innocent, but there was a mischievous sparkle in his eye that I knew all too well. He held out his hand to me. â€Å"Would you like to dance?†

Italian Migrants to Australia

History Assignment- Extended Response Describe the experiences of the Italian migrants from their arrival after WW2, through to the multicultural period in the 1970s The experiences of the Italian Migrants have changed from the time of their arrival after WW2 to the present day. The Italian migrants were forced to leave Italy after the war due to the fact that many of them were displaced as a result of sheer destruction that some areas had undergone. What was once a home, was now no more than a pile of rubbish.Also, with many loved ones dead, leaving and making a new start was very tempting. When they first arrived in Australia, the Italians experienced considerable cultural shock. They found that Australia was insensitive to their culture and traditions and therefore expected them to change. The Italians were mainly like the â€Å"black sheep† of the population. The feud between the Italian migrants and the Australians got to a point were the Italians had to go out in groups in fear for their own safety. It also appeared that the Australian government was not well prepared to accept them.However, after their work on the Snowy Mountains Scheme and other enterprises, life changed for the better. The Italians overcame the resentment and social isolation to achieve a better future for themselves and their children. Australia was a country for white people. The migrants had to be white and from the British Isles of English speaking parts of the empire. However, after the bombing attack, Australia realised that their population was not big enough to defend itself and therefore, they must â€Å"Populate or perish†. Immigration was the only answer.On the border of Australia, the Italians had to pass a medical examination and if they passed they were allowed to live in Australia. If not, they were sent back. However, by this time Australia was 99%(most of the population being british) white, and the Australian public wanted to keep it that way. The Austra lian population reacted badly to the Italians and the minister was attacked by vicious criticism. When the Italians arrived in Australia, they were confronted with new and unfamiliar things, and were expected to change to match the â€Å"Australian way†.This was known as the policy of assimilation; think white act white. The Italians were allowed to migrate to Australia only if they left all their customs and traditions behind and lived the Australian way. Shortly after this was replaced by the policy of Integration. This policy allowed the Italians to practice their traditions and culture in the privacy of their own home, but still had to act Australian in public. Culturally based organisations were formed to help provide welfare and support for migrants.When the Italian migrants began to look for work, they had to travel to find jobs. The Italian Prisoners of War were barely seen as a danger and often worked on farms without guards. Most of the early Italian migrants were u nskilled and came from the poorer parts of Italy. Even those who did have skills, their qualifications were not recognised in Australia. As a result the Italians were forced to do tough, labouring work. One of the huge employment schemes such as the ‘Snowy Mountain Scheme’ contributed greatly to the multiculturalism of Australia.The work was hard and the conditions were tough however the Italians were attracted by the relatively high wages. Due to ninety-eight percent of the project being underground, there was a lot of tunneling, often through solid granite rock. Work conditions in the tunnels were dirty, wet, noisy, smelly and sometimes dangerous. More than 120 workers died in the projects twenty-five year period. Even though work was difficult and sometimes dangerous, it developed, on its workers, a sense of community and companionship. The ‘Snowy Mountains Scheme’ was the first real experience of multiculturalism in Australia.It gave the chance for peop le from many countries around the world to communicate, accept and understand the culture and background of others without judging. It also encouraged all these people to work together as a team and put aside all their differences as there was no room for racial prejudice. Multiculturalism accepts the notion that Australia is a nation of many different cultures but that, as Australians, we all live together as one people. The policy of multiculturalism was introduced by the 21st Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam.The Whitlam government keenly supported multiculturalism. Grants were made to ethnic organisations to promote their culture. Legislation was introduced to end discrimination and it was now illegal to discriminate people on the basis of their racial background. Some Australians did not want to see the British culture be diluted by other cultures. They had a fear of ‘invasion’ and that the Italians would take jobs from existing Australians. However, a maj ority of Australians were open minded to the new policy and began to look at the Italians form another perspective.Overall the experiences of the Italian migrants when they first arrived in Australia were difficult. They felt very much out of place and little was done to help them. They were not part of the Australian community. However their involvement in areas like the Snowy Mountains Scheme played an important part in helping the Italians because it gave them a decent wage, and also because it allowed them to work and bond alongside people of other races which made them work as a community and helped racism to greatly minimise. Italians nowadays have had a great impact on Australia.Italian migrants have made an enormous contribution to cultural and economical life. They introduced new foods and ingredients and their restaurants continue to be very popular. Their music is continued to be enjoyed by many Australians. Their contribution to building and construction is crucial. The italian migrants have made an economical effect on Australia by creating employment be opening large and small businesses. Also, they have had a large contribution in incorporating Italian teachings into the school curriculum.

Performance and Participation in games Essay

Read through the following notes and then answer the questions at the end of each section. Please answer each set of questions on a different sheet using a new heading each time. Please write your answers fully in sentences. Consider how many marks each question is worth as to how much you need to write. The questions should be finished and handed in on Tuesday the 7th November along with your coursework (all sections). School – Questions. 1. Explain how your experiences in PE can have both a negative or a positive effect on your participation in sport later in life (2). Name 5 different roles that a pupil could take within a PE lesson (5) 3. For key stage three PE explain what areas of activity are covered and the aims of PE at this level (7) 4. For key stage four PE explain what areas of activity are covered and the aims of PE at this level (4) 5. Explain what benefits can be sought from extra- curricular PE i. On a representational basis and ii. On a recreational basis (4) 6. Name one benefit of examination courses for i. The image of PE and ii. Pupils who have an interest in PE. 7. Explain what benefits links with sports clubs can have and why this is necessary (3) 8. Explain why cross- curricular links are important for pupils (2). 9. Name and explain 3 ways that a school could cover the cost of its sporting activities (3). 10. Explain how curriculum constraints can have a negative effect on how much time is available for PE (2). 11. Explain how tradition can affect the opportunities pupils may have within PE (2) 12. Explain how the environment can affect the opportunities that pupils may have within PE (both positive and negative) (2). Changing Attitudes. What effects do attitudes of society have on participation in games? 1. What is leisure (2) 2. How has leisure time increased (1) 3. Give some of the reasons for this increase and explain why these effects do actually increase opportunities (5) 4. Explain the aim of private leisure providers and name three different types of leisure opportunities they provide (4) 5. Explain the aim of public leisure providers and name three different types of leisure opportunities they provide (4) 6. Name some of the target groups that public providers make provisions for, explain what provisions they make and why this is useful. (5)

Consumer Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Consumer Law - Essay Example Since D-I-Y is in the business of selling home improvement products, there is an implied condition that the varnish supplied is of satisfactory quality, especially since it is an in-house product. Was the varnish of satisfactory quality? There are two factors that would appear to indicate that it was not. Firstly, goods are deemed to be satisfactory if â€Å"they meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as satisfactory†¦.taking into account all other relevant circumstances.†2 In the case of â€Å"Dà ©cor Shine† the instructions on the tins indicate that the product is suitable for use on all types of wood. But this is not the case – the product is not suitable for use on very old wood since it causes shrinkage. Therefore the description that has been used for the product is false and akin to misrepresentation3 and cannot be said to be the kind of goods that Alf intended to buy. In the case of Reardon Smith v Hansen Tangen4, Lord Diplock clearly highlighted grounds that could exist for breach of contract through lack of identification of the goods being purchased: Alf intends to buy varnish for treating old wood, Dà ©cor Shine is not suitable for use on old wood, yet the label implies that it is, therefore the description of the product is inaccurate – they are not fit for the purpose for which Alf intends to use them.6 The statutory test to determine the merchantable quality of goods is that they are fit for the purpose that they are to be used8. Secondly, there is another factor impacting upon the satisfactory nature of the product - it contains no instructions that it should be used in well ventilated conditions, a statutory warning that would normally be included with these types of products and which a buyer has a right to expect. Since Dà ©cor Shine is in the business of supplying building products, there is an implied condition that the goods being supplied are of â€Å"satisfactory

Why the musliem girls wear scarf Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Why the musliem girls wear scarf - Essay Example Similarly, there are many cultural, religious, and personal reasons that make a Muslim girl wear a hijab. There are different types of headscarves in the Islamic culture. Hijab is the general word used to refer to the headscarf, veil, or the verb to cover (Aldridge 15). It also describes a veil that covers the neck and the hair but leaves the face open. The Niqab veils the head and the face leaving the eyes uncovered and is adorned alongside an abaya, which is a loose black garment, the covers from the head to the feet. The Burka is a veil that covers up the woman’s body as a whole including the eyes; one sees through a grille or mesh window put across the face (Aldridge 15). The Dupatta is a commonly used by people in south Asia (Aldridge 16). Is consists of a long loose scarf draping across the head and shoulders worn with other matching clothes. Finally, the chador is common among Iranian women. It is full length cloak which covers the woman’s head and body and is held closed at its front by the woman’s hands (Aldridge 17). Religion is the main reason cited as a reason for Muslim girls wearing a hijab. The Quran talks extensively about the requirement of a woman to wear a headscarf. In Surah 24 verses 30 t0 31, Prophet Muhammad informs women that God ordered them to wear a headscarf. The message is similar in Surah 33 verse 59 (Rodwell 86). According to the Quran, Muhammad says that a veil maintains a woman modesty, which is God’s, will. The main argument against the veil is that modesty can be upheld in many different ways. For some people modesty entails wearing loose clothing, which does not enhance or flaunt their body parts. In other people’s opinion, modesty simply entails not wearing skirts that are above the knees or clothes that show ones belly button. People that question wearing the hijab based on the definition of modesty need to realize that the Quran provides and

According to the question Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

According to the question - Assignment Example ording to information obtained from (http://christojeanneclaude.net/projects/the-umbrellas#.VBAu-kDuPMw), â€Å"The Umbrellas project was supposed to cover an area of six to eight miles and a total of 3.000 Umbrellas with a height 12 feet and diameter 18 Feet were to be erected. Though the project was supposed to be temporary, it required the efforts of many people who would erect the umbrellas. This was quite an ambitious project given that it was huge and expensive but surprisingly, it was carried over a short period of time. A lot of money was injected in this project. The other fascinating thing about the project is that the umbrellas were meant to illuminate the inland valleys in a bid to establish the nature of relationship that existed between the people and the environment around them. The artists used space in which the umbrellas were exhibited in both countries as a way of trying to show the similarities and differences with regards to land use in different countries. In both countries for instance, the project became an instant hit with tourists since they attracted a lot of visitors from different walks of life. This project revealed that leisure is part of life of different citizens of the two countries where the project was exhibited. The other important element about the place where the project was exhibited is that recreational parks as well as open spaces can be converted for better use such as attracting visitors and this in turn helps to generate revenue. In other words, this project was inspirational in that it created employment for more than one thousand people and it helped to generate a lot of revenue. The other idea behind the project is that the exhibitors wanted to prove to the targeted people that certain pieces of land that are often viewed as idle can be converted for commercial purposes over a very short period of time. The artists were mainly concerned about showing that there is a close relationship between the people and the